The Best Android Phones for 2019
Switching from Apple's iPhone or simply not a fan of iOS? Get a Google-powered alternative. Here's how to find the right device for you, along with the best Android phones we've tested.
Featured in This Roundup:
Pros: New gesture controls change navigation. Distinctively Google visual style. Smart notification and volume control improvements. Auto-rotation tweaks.
Cons: Screen addiction controls and other major features not included at launch. Design flourishes only seen occasionally.
Bottom Line: The latest update to Android (9.0 Pie) brings visual tweaks and smart quality-of-life improvements that really work, but key new features like screen addiction controls aren't included at launch.
Read Review
Pros: Dark Theme. Improved privacy controls. Under-the-hood security improvements. Better on-device Assistant functions. Faster security updates. Support for foldable screens.
Cons: May not be available, depending on device. Still not a leader in privacy. Few visual improvements. Uneven gesture experience.
Bottom Line: The latest version of Google's Android mobile operating system brings a slew of security and privacy improvements. It's currently available as a public beta.
Pros: Best-in-class camera. Gorgeous OLED display. Solid performance. Excellent battery life.
Cons: Not waterproof. No microSD slot.
Bottom Line: Google's well-rounded Pixel 3a is quite simply the best Android phone you can buy for $399.
Read Review
Pros: Attractive design. 90Hz display.Solid battery life. Excellent cameras. Live Caption and Recorder are excellent accessibility additions.
Cons: Not enough storage options.
Bottom Line: The Google Pixel 4 offers powerful hardware, innovative software that actually makes your life easier, and the best cameras you'll find on a smartphone.
Read Review
Pros: Great value for money. Fastest Android phone available. Smooth software. Notchless screen. Lots of camera options.
Cons: Camera photos are slightly undersaturated. No 802.11ax Wi-Fi. Still no headphone jack.
Bottom Line: The OnePlus 7 Pro is by far the best value for a premium smartphone on the market today, giving you the features of a $1,000 phone for $300 less.
Pros: Amazing screen color and clarity. Industry-leading processor and modem. Wide-angle camera. Headphone jack. Just the right size for most hands.
Cons: Low-light camera performance not as good as the Google Pixel 3. Fingerprint sensor could be more accurate.
Bottom Line: The Samsung Galaxy S10e has the best overall price, performance, and size for a flagship smartphone today.
Pros: Solid performance. Powerful audio. Gorgeous display.
Cons: Steep learning curve for Air Motion gestures. Unpredictable software update cycle. Relatively expensive.
Bottom Line: The LG G8 ThinQ is a top-notch Android flagship that faces stiff competition from less expensive alternatives like the Samsung Galaxy S10e.
Pros: Excellent battery life. Solid performance. Sleek design. Ships with Android 9.0 Pie.
Cons: Not waterproof. Mediocre camera. No NFC.
Bottom Line: The Motorola Moto G7 Power offers excellent performance, two-day battery life, and an attractive design for a budget-friendly price.
Pros: High-end design. Excellent performance for the price. Guaranteed software updates through Android One Program.
Cons: No wireless charging. Not waterproof.
Bottom Line: The Nokia 7.1 offers a winning combination of great performance, killer looks, and up-to-date Android software for a reasonable price.
Pros: Useful S Pen stylus. Top-notch performance. Long battery life.
Cons: Expensive. Huge. No headphone jack. Confusing 5G situation.
Bottom Line: The Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ is a big, powerful phone that's good for artists and note-takers.
Read Review
