The 8 best Android phones to spend your money on (June 2022)

Android has always been the best operating system if you want freedom of choice. There are heaps of great options from tons of OEMs, but sometimes that just makes it harder to choose the best Android phone.

We can’t promise that the decision will be easy. No two phones are exactly alike, but that’s why we love this operating system. Each manufacturer is developing its own hardware and version of Android, so it’s all about what you value in a device. Now, let’s get into our best Android phone picks for 2022.

Buying the best Android phone for your needs

The buying road gets tougher from here, but you’ve already made an important step — choosing an operating system. This page is all about Android phones, so you won’t find the iPhone 13 or any other Apple product among our picks.

Now it’s time to get into the specifics of your new phone. There are so many Android devices on the market, and you can use practically any spec you want to narrow down the options. Maybe you want the best camera phone you can get, or perhaps you need the biggest battery around. You’ll also want to consider how much RAM you want and how much storage you need for your apps, videos, and more.

Locking down Android as your operating system is only the first step.

Another thing to keep in mind is the build quality of your device. Many premium flagship devices are what we call glass sandwiches in 2022 — glass on the front and back with a metal frame to hold it all together. You can save money and go for a plastic device, though it may not feel as sturdy in your hand.

We’ve broken all of our recommendations below into categories to help you figure out just what each phone is best for. If you’re not sold on our top pick, we’ve added some honorable mentions to guide you further.

The best Android phones

• The Google Pixel 6 is the best Android phone overall, with a revamped camera system, Tensor chip, and unbeatable price tag.
• The Asus ROG Phone 5s is our top gaming device thanks to its brilliant display, fast refresh rate, and snappy processor.
• The Samsung Galaxy S22 and S22 Plus offer the best software experience, with plenty of updates and curated features.
• The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 is the best foldable phone you can buy, and it keeps pushing the limits despite its cost.
• The Google Pixel 5a is an excellent way to get 5G speeds on a mid-range phone at just $449.99.
• The OnePlus 10 Pro is our battery king with a 5,000mAh cell and up to 80W wired charging.
• The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is our camera king with a flexible setup and great overall specs.
• The Sony Xperia 1 III is a creator’s dream, and it keeps the headphone jack alive on premium devices in 2021.

Google Pixel 6: The best Android phone right now

Samsung’s premium Galaxy S21 Ultra dominated our list as the best Android phone for much of last year, but there’s a new king in town. The Pixel 6 has taken its place atop the standings, and it’s our Editor’s Choice pick for the best phone of last year. A quick look at our review, and it’s not hard to see why we voted the way we did.

Google created the right mix of speed, price, and camera prowess to retake its place as the best Android phone.

For starters, Google has finally revamped the camera unit to match its powerful image processing chops. The camera bar houses a 50MP primary lens and a 12MP ultrawide shooter, with the Pixel 6 Pro adding a 48MP telephoto option for good measure. However, we’re sticking with the vanilla Pixel 6 as our top pick for its incredible value. At just $599, it’s a tough device to top in the flagship realm, and it doesn’t pull many punches.

You’ll get 8GB of RAM and 128 or 256GB of storage on board, and Google’s brand-new Tensor chip ties the experience together. The standard Pixel 6 offers a 6.4-inch display, or you can jump to the 6.7-inch beast on the Pixel 6 Pro. Both models also carry IP ratings and speedy wireless charging to keep you up and moving.

Honorable mentions: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3, Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra