The 9 best Android phones of 2026, tested and reviewed

Other phones to consider

We test a large number of Android phones. We like the options below, but you’ll be better off using one of the above. If you haven’t yet, check out our guides to the best cheap phones and best foldable phones for more.

Samsung Galaxy S25 FE

Photo: Julian Chocato

Samsung Galaxy S25 FE at $650: If you don’t like Google’s Pixel 10, you can get a really great Samsung phone for around $500 (it’s often on sale at that price!). The Galaxy S25 FE looks like a “Lite” version of the flagship Galaxy S25, with a larger 6.7-inch screen, a larger battery, and a triple camera system that includes a 3X optical zoom lens. Performance is not like Fine, but I never had any issues (you may not be able to play the most demanding games at the highest graphical settings). The screen is sharp, bright, and smooth, and this phone is Qi2 ready if you use a compatible magnetic case. I wouldn’t recommend buying it at its MSRP, but when it’s often priced at $500, it’s a smart choice. It’s also worth considering the standard Galaxy S25 series if you can find it on sale.

Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold

Photo: Julian Chocato

Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold, priced at $1,799: I think Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold7 takes the cake as the best foldable phone designed like a book in 2025, but if you prefer Google Pixel phones, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold (7/10, WIRED Review) isn’t a bad option. It’s nowhere near as thin, but it is He does It has a built-in Qi2 magnet, which means you can attach it to various magnetic accessories, such as car charging docks and phone chargers, or connect magnetic wallets or power banks to your phone. It’s also one of the only foldable phones with an IP68 dust and water resistance rating for your peace of mind. The displays look great, the battery life is solid, and the camera system is reliable. It’s easy to get into split-screen mode, but I think there’s more that Google can do to improve the multitasking experience.

Google Pixel 9 series

Photo: Julian Chocato

Google Pixel 9 series for $570 and up: The Pixel 9 series (9/10, WIRED recommends) from 2024 is still a great option to buy if you can find it on sale. The Pixel 9 is similar to the Pixel 9a but with better build quality and larger camera sensors. The Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL have a 5X optical camera and vapor chamber cooling, among other perks. The key is to make sure you avoid paying MSRP. Their prices have dropped quite a bit during sale events, and now that the stock has been liquidated, you can probably find a killer deal if it holds up.

Galaxy Z Flip 7

Photo: Julian Chocato

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 at $1,056: Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip7 (7/10, WIRED recommends) got some nice upgrades over its predecessor, but it wasn’t enough to dethrone the Razr Ultra 2025 as the best foldable phone. Still, it’s worth considering if you’re shopping for a foldable phone in this category, because the cameras are solid, the displays are excellent and larger than ever, and the Cover Display is a bit more useful (although not as versatile as on a Motorola phone). Battery life is worse here on the Fold7, so grab a power bank while you’re at it.

Minimum phone

Photo: Julian Chocato

Minimum phone for $450: Having trouble limiting screen time? Instead of giving up on something like the Light Phone III, try the Minimal Phone (6/10, WIRED Review). This is an e-paper Android phone with a physical keyboard. The goal is to let you access your usual Android apps, but since the screen isn’t suitable for videos and most social media, you’ll naturally be able to avoid those distractions. It succeeds in this task, but the screen’s persistent shadows and plastic construction dampen the experience.

Mobile phone accessories you may need

Arc Pulse Bumpers for Pixel 10 Pro XL

Photo: Julian Chocato

We have case recommendations for a few popular devices, like Samsung’s Galaxy S25, Galaxy S24, and Galaxy S23, or Google’s Pixel 10 series. It’s smart to put a cover over these glass sandwiches and even a screen protector to keep the screen scratch-free. Here are some other noteworthy accessories, including charging adapters, which many phones no longer include. Read our guide to the best USB-C cables for other recommendations.

Nomad 65W Slim Power Adapter for $55: There are a lot of great options if you want a small, cheap charger these days, but why not spend a little more on something more versatile? This ultra-slim charger from Nomad is easy to travel with, especially thanks to its foldable prongs, and it has enough power to recharge a MacBook, not to mention your phone. There are two USB-C ports for booting.

Photo: Julian Chocato

Retractable charger for $44: It’s not the best value, but this advancedly designed charger has a 4-foot retractable cable making it a great two-in-one device – no need to pack a separate charger and cable! It produces 35 watts, which is enough to quickly charge most phones and tablets, and the prongs fold up for travel.

Peak Design Samsung and Pixel Everyday Case for $50: If you have a Samsung or Pixel phone and frequently mount your phone on a bike or scooter, you owe it to yourself to snag this bike case and mount from Peak Design. The case fits perfectly into the rack, is easy to release, and has not fallen out after years of riding. Peak Design also sells several other accessories that you can attach to the back of these cases, bringing Android into Apple’s MagSafe ecosystem.

Nimble Champ 10,000mAh Portable Charger, $60: This portable battery is small enough to fit in a bag but has enough capacity to fully recharge your phone once or twice. There is a USB-C and USB-A port; It delivers 18 watts of power, so it can recharge your tablet or phone, and is contained in 73 percent post-consumer plastic with plastic-free packaging.

Nomad ChargeKey V2 for $29: When your phone dies, you often forget to bring a charger or battery. ChargeKey is a neat solution, it’s like attaching a small USB-C charging cable to your keychain. Simply connect one end to your phone and the other end to any type of power source (a friend’s phone or a charging adapter if you can find one), and you can charge your phone. Native Union also has a similar item that is nice but just as effective.

Choose a wireless charger: Our guide to the best wireless chargers includes dozens of models in different colors, shapes, and materials, and even some designed for specific phones. Not every Android phone supports wireless charging, but it’s a luxury you’ll want to take advantage of. Take a look at our guide to our favorites.

Enjoy unlimited access to Wired. Get best-in-class reporting and exclusive subscriber content that’s too important to ignore. Subscribe today.