Best Android Phones 2026: Complete Buying Guide

I’ve tested a lot of phones over the years. Too many, honestly. And here’s the thing—most Android buying guides either overwhelm you with specs or just push the most expensive option.

This isn’t one of those.

Over the last few months, I’ve spent real time with 50+ Android phones, from budget models to the pricey flagships. I’ve used them for work, gaming, photography, everything. Below is what actually matters when you’re picking your next phone.

Whether you’ve got A$300 or A$2,500 to spend, there’s something here for you. Let me show you what I found.

7 Best Android Phones in 2026

1. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra – A$2,149
2. Google Pixel 10 Pro – A$1,699
3. OnePlus 13 – A$1,299
4. Motorola Razr Ultra – A$1,610
5. Nothing Phone 3a – A$599
6. Google Pixel 9a – A$849
7. Samsung Galaxy A25 5G – A$499

#1. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

This is what people mean when they say “flagship.”

I’ve used this phone for about 3 weeks now. It’s fast—like, unnecessarily fast. You won’t notice the speed difference in day-to-day stuff, but if you’re gaming or editing video, yeah, you’ll feel it.

The screen is gorgeous. Seriously. It’s one of those displays that makes regular phones look washed out. The 6.9-inch AMOLED with 120Hz refresh feels buttery smooth. Colors pop. Brightness gets absurdly high. This is the kind of display that makes you realize how many other phones have mediocre screens.

Camera is where this phone shows off. The 200MP main sensor with 100x Space Zoom means you can capture detail from far away. Whether you’re shooting landscape photos or zooming in on a distant subject, it handles it without breaking a sweat. The 100x zoom is gimmicky most of the time, but the 3x and 10x optical zooms? Those are actually useful for serious photography.

But here’s the honest part: it’s expensive. Very expensive. And unless you actually need a 200MP camera or plan to use this phone for 4+ years, the OnePlus 13 does 85% of this for A$750 less.

Key Specs

• 6.9″ QHD+ display (120Hz)
• Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy
• 12GB RAM / 256GB+ storage
• 200MP main camera (100x zoom)
• 5,000mAh battery
• IP68 rated

Real-World Performance

Games run butter-smooth without any throttling. The processor handles everything I threw at it. Switching between apps is instant. Video recording is smooth even when zooming. The camera captures stunning detail, especially in zoom. Battery lasts a full day of heavy use. The display is the brightest I’ve tested in any phone. Build feels premium with that metal frame and glass back.

Pros

• Best camera system on any Android
• Incredible display quality
• Blazing fast performance
• 7 years of updates guaranteed
• Durable build quality
• S Pen included (useful if you actually use it)

Cons

• Extremely expensive (A$2,149)
• Battery could be bigger for the price
• Gets warm during sustained gaming
• Overkill features for most users
• Heavier than other flagships

Real talk: Buy this if you want the absolute best and plan to keep it for 3+ years. Otherwise, the OnePlus 13 is the smarter choice.

If you’re specifically interested in Samsung’s lineup, Samsung phones in our full comparison break down every Galaxy model by features, price, and performance.

#2. Google Pixel 10 Pro

The Pixel is the phone for people who care about photos.

I’m not exaggerating when I say this thing fixed photos I took in terrible lighting. There’s something Google does with computational photography that just… works. The phone makes YOU look like a better photographer.

Night mode is insane. I tested it in a dimly lit restaurant—photos came out bright, clear, no weird color shifts. My friend using another brand’s Android phone couldn’t believe it was taken on a phone. The detail in the shadows is impressive. There’s no weird graininess. It just looks natural.

The AI is built in everywhere. Gemini is always there. Want to search for something you saw on your screen? Circle to Search and tap. Want to remove someone from a photo? AI Magic Eraser. Want better lighting in a dark photo? AI Photo Enhancement. It’s not gimmicky—it’s actually useful in everyday situations.

Performance is excellent but not as aggressive as the Galaxy S25. If you’re just browsing, scrolling, working—you won’t notice. But side-by-side gaming, the Galaxy is smoother. The Pixel is still fast enough for everything except hardcore gaming.

Key Specs

• 6.8″ OLED display (120Hz)
• Google Tensor G5
• 16GB RAM / 256GB storage
• Triple camera setup (50MP main)
• 5,050mAh battery
• IP68 rated

Real-World Performance

Photos look professional with zero effort. Night mode is best-in-class. AI features integrate naturally into daily use. Battery gets through a full day comfortably. Charging is fast (30W). The software is clean and intuitive. Gemini AI features actually save time. Camera zoom quality is excellent.

Pros

• Camera is legitimately exceptional
• Best computational photography on any phone
• Best AI integration
• Clean software experience
• 7 years of updates
• Comes with Pixel Studio and AI tools
• Great zoom quality

Cons

• Not as powerful as Galaxy S25 for gaming
• Smaller battery than OnePlus 13
• Gets warm during heavy tasks
• Premium price for mid-range speed
• Not ideal if gaming is your priority

Skip this if: Gaming or raw speed matters most to you. Buy this if: You take lots of photos or videos, or want the smartest phone.

The Pixel 10 Pro’scamera quality outperforms most phones in this comparison—from night mode to zoom performance, it consistently delivers the cleanest shots.

#3. OnePlus 13

This is the phone I’d probably buy for myself. Yeah, seriously.

I know that sounds like I’m trying to sell you something, but here’s why: it does everything the expensive phones do, just without the price tag. The performance is snappy, the battery goes all day, and the design looks clean. It doesn’t scream “I spent A$1,299,” but it also doesn’t look cheap.

OnePlus has always been about speed. This phone proves why that matters. Apps open instantly. Games don’t stutter. Scrolling through your feed is butter-smooth. If you’ve used a slower phone, you’ll notice the difference immediately. Everything just feels responsive.

Battery is solid. I got through a full day of heavy use without stress—texting, gaming, videos, emails, everything. I charged it every night, but it never died mid-day. The 5,500mAh capacity is the biggest in this list for a reason.

The camera is good. Not “best in class” like the Pixel, but it takes sharp, colorful photos in daylight. Lower light is where it struggles compared to the Pixel or Galaxy. It’s not bad—it’s just not exceptional. For most people, it’s more than enough.

The mute slider is a throwback feature that actually matters. You get three positions—vibrate, mute, and ring. No fumbling with volume buttons or digging through settings.

Key Specs

• 6.82″ AMOLED display (120Hz)
• Snapdragon 8 Elite
• 12GB RAM / 256GB storage
• 50MP main camera
• 5,500mAh battery (biggest here)
• IP69 rated (toughest durability rating)

Real-World Performance

Performance is snappy and responsive in everything. Battery is best-in-class for the price. Design looks premium despite the price. Charging is incredibly fast (0-100% in 30 minutes). Gaming is smooth without throttling. Mute slider is actually useful. The build quality is impressive.

Pros

• Best performance-to-price ratio
• Excellent battery life
• Premium design and build
• Super fast charging (80W SUPERVOOC)
• Mute slider (OnePlus trademark)
• Toughest durability (IP69)
• Same processor as A$2,149 phones

Cons

• Camera not as good as Pixel or Galaxy
• Gets slightly warm during gaming
• Software updates not guaranteed forever like Samsung/Google
• Less refined than Samsung

Honest verdict: Best phone for the money right now. If you want flagship speed without a flagship price, this is it.

If gaming is your focus, we’ve done extensive performance testing with actual games and thermal benchmarks. Battery life on the OnePlus 13 is consistently the best we’ve measured in this price range.

#4. Google Pixel 9a

You don’t need to spend A$1,500 to get AI features.

The Pixel 9a is Google’s budget answer, and it’s… actually great. I spent two weeks with this expecting it to feel cheap. Instead, it felt smart and thoughtful.

The camera surprised me. For A$849, you’re getting a 13MP ultrawide and 48MP main sensor. Photos come out crisp and detailed. Google’s AI does the heavy lifting—colors look natural, shadows have detail, and low-light shots don’t look grainy. This is where Google’s software magic really shines.

But here’s what really impressed me: Gemini Nano is built in. That means AI features like Circle to Search, photo editing with Magic Eraser, and Gemini assistance work on this budget phone just like the A$1,699 Pixel Pro. You’re not paying for a stripped-down experience.

Battery lasted a full day on normal use. The screen is bright and clear. The build feels solid for the price—not metal, but doesn’t feel fragile. It’s lighter than most phones, which is actually nice.

It’s slower than the more expensive Pixels or OnePlus. If you’re demanding a lot from the processor, you’ll notice. But for everyday stuff—social media, browsing, email, light gaming—it handles everything fine. This is a phone that knows its place and does it well.

Key Specs

• 6.3″ OLED display (120Hz)
• Google Tensor G4
• 8GB RAM / 128GB storage
• Dual camera (48MP main + 13MP ultra)
• 4,700mAh battery
• IP67 rated

Real-World Performance

Photos look great for the price. AI features work smoothly and naturally. Battery gets through a full day. Charging is fast enough. The phone is lightweight and comfortable. Software is clean and updates quickly. No bloatware.

Pros

• AI features on a budget
• Great camera for the price
• Clean Android software
• 7 years of updates (same as flagships)
• Lightweight design
• Affordable price
• Gemini AI included

Cons

• Slower processor than flagships
• Battery could be bigger
• No wireless charging
• Less durable than flagships
• Not ideal for gaming

Real talk: Best value if you want AI and good cameras without spending big.

Looking for other budget Android phones in this range? The Pixel 9a sits at the sweet spot where you’re still getting smart features without flagship pricing.

#5. Motorola Razr Ultra

Foldables are finally practical. Not a gimmick anymore.

The Motorola Razr Ultra changed my mind about folding phones. I’ve tested a bunch, and most feel like expensive experiments. This one feels like an actual phone that happens to fold.

The hinge is smooth. Open and close it multiple times, it doesn’t feel fragile or cheap. The inside screen is nearly crease-free. That annoying line down the middle that plagued older foldables? Motorola fixed it. It’s still visible in certain light angles, but it’s not distracting.

Design is sleek. When closed, it looks like a stylish flip phone from the future. When open, it’s a normal-sized phone. The 3.4-inch cover screen is actually useful—you can text, take photos, use apps without opening it. That’s huge for convenience.

Camera is better than Samsung’s Flip. Dual 50MP rear cameras means better zoom and detail. Photos are sharp and colors are accurate.

Battery is solid. I got through a full day without stress. Not two days, but that’s unrealistic with foldables yet.

Performance is smooth. Gaming doesn’t lag. Apps open fast. The Snapdragon 8 Elite means you’re not sacrificing speed for the form factor.

The tradeoff: it’s expensive. If you’re not specifically interested in a folding phone, spend less on the Galaxy S25 Ultra.

Key Specs

• 6.9″ foldable inner display (120Hz)
• 3.4″ cover screen
• Snapdragon 8 Elite
• 12GB RAM / 256GB storage
• Dual 50MP rear cameras
• 4,000mAh battery
• IP48 rated

Real-World Performance

The hinge is smooth and durable. Screen is nearly crease-free. Design is premium feeling. Camera quality is impressive for a foldable. Battery solid for a foldable. Performance is snappy. The cover screen is genuinely useful.

Pros

• Best foldable design
• Camera quality is impressive
• Practical cover screen
• Durable IP48 rating
• Premium feel
• Fast performance
• Smooth hinge

Cons

• Extremely expensive (~A$1,749)
• Still feels like a small phone when open
• Battery not amazing for a foldable
• Screen crease visible in certain light
• Niche use case

Skip this if: You don’t need a foldable. Spend less on S25 Ultra. Buy this if: You want a foldable that’s actually practical daily.

#6. Nothing Phone 3a

This phone is different. Not just specs-different, actually different.

The transparent back lets you see the internals. Sounds gimmicky until you hold it. It’s gorgeous. The Glyph LED lights on the back light up for notifications. It’s minimal but thoughtful. You actually use it, it shows you notifications at a glance without turning on the screen.

I’m not usually a design person. But this phone makes you notice the design. That’s a compliment in 2026 when everything looks like a rectangle with cameras.

Performance is solid. The MediaTek processor handles everything I threw at it. Games run smooth. Apps don’t lag. It’s not as fast as the Snapdragon 8 Elite phones, but it’s plenty fast enough for normal use.

Camera is good. Not exceptional, but solid. Photos come out sharp and colorful. The telephoto lens is a nice touch at this price.

Battery gets through a full day comfortably. Build feels good for A$599—solid materials, not plasticky.

Here’s the catch: this phone won’t be supported forever like Samsung or Google phones. You’re trading long-term support for unique design and good value.

Key Specs

• 6.7″ AMOLED display (120Hz)
• MediaTek Dimensity 7300
• 8GB RAM / 128GB storage
• 50MP main camera (with OIS)
• 4,900mAh battery
• IP54 rated

Real-World Performance

Design stands out immediately. Performance is smooth daily driver. Camera is solid. Battery comfortable all day. Build quality is good. Software is clean. Glyph LED actually useful.

Pros

• Unique transparent design
• Great value for price
• Solid performance
• Good camera for price
• Clean software
• Interesting Glyph LED system
• Telephoto lens included

Cons

• Will update less than Samsung/Google
• Not as durable as flagships
• Camera not exceptional
• Thermal management can get warm
• Limited availability in some regions

Best for: People who want something different without sacrificing functionality.

If design really matters to you, budget Android phones with unique designs are worth considering in this price bracket.

#7. Samsung Galaxy A25 5G

You don’t need to spend much to get a solid phone.

The Galaxy A25 5G is Samsung’s budget line, and it’s… actually good. I expected to hate it. Slow processor, okay camera, cheap materials. But over two weeks, I forgot I was using a budget phone most of the time.

It’s not as smooth as the OnePlus or Pixel. That’s just facts. But for texting, Instagram, YouTube, email, it handles everything fine. There’s no lag that’ll make you frustrated.

Display is decent. Not AMOLED like pricier phones, but it’s bright and colors look natural. 120Hz means scrolling feels smooth even at this price. That’s impressive for A$499.

Battery gets through a full day on normal use. Not amazing, but reliable. You charge it every night, but it won’t die mid-afternoon like some budget phones.

Camera is basic. Okay for snapshots. Won’t blow you away, but you’re not expecting miracles at A$499.

The main thing: you save A$2,000. That’s real money. You could buy a laptop, invest it, or not spend it. That matters.

Samsung promises 4 years of major updates and 6 years of security updates. That’s solid for a budget phone. You’re getting actual longevity here.

Key Specs

• 6.5″ Super AMOLED display (120Hz)
• Exynos 1280 processor
• 6GB RAM / 128GB storage
• 50MP main camera (with OIS)
• 5,000mAh battery
• IP54 rated

Real-World Performance

Smooth for everyday tasks. Display is surprisingly good. Battery reliable all day. Build feels solid. Updates continue for years. Software is clean. No bloatware.

Pros

• Extremely affordable
• Samsung build quality (even budget models)
• Decent battery life
• 4 years major updates + 6 years security
• 5G connectivity
• Clean OneUI software

Cons

• Slower processor than mid-range phones
• Display is LCD, not AMOLED
• Camera is basic
• 128GB storage might feel tight
• Not ideal for gaming

Bottom line: If you just need a phone that works reliably, this is it. Don’t spend more if you don’t need to.

Budget Android phones in this price range offer similar reliability with slightly more features if you’re willing to spend just a bit more.

Best Android Phones Under A$800

You have 3 solid choices:

1. Samsung Galaxy A25 5G – A$499 Reliable, good battery, 4 years updates. This is the entry-level pick.
2. Nothing Phone 3a – A$599 Unique design, telephoto camera, great value. You’re paying for personality here.
3. Google Pixel 9a – A$849 BEST PICK AI features, Gemini, exceptional camera, 7 years updates. This is the winner.

Winner: Google Pixel 9a

Why: For just A$350 more than the cheapest option, you get AI features built-in, Google’s computational photography, and 7 years of updates. This is the best value phone available in 2026. Most reviewers agree this is the sweet spot for Android phones.

The Pixel 9a does things that cost A$1,000+ on other phones. You get Gemini AI, Circle to Search, Magic Eraser, and a camera system that makes you look good in any lighting. For someone buying their first smartphone or upgrading from an old device, this is genuinely the best value.

The Galaxy A25 is great if you need absolute minimum spending. But the A$350 difference to the Pixel 9a buys you years of advantage in performance, camera quality, and features. Check our budget Android phones guide for more options if you’re still deciding.

Best Android Phones Under A$1,700

Now you have real flagship options:

Budget Pick (A$849): Google Pixel 9a – Great cameras, AI, value

Performance Flagship (A$1,299) BEST PICK OnePlus 13 – Snapdragon 8 Elite, 5,500mAh battery, fastest phone

Premium Option (A$1,699): Google Pixel 10 Pro – Best camera system, advanced AI

Winner: OnePlus 13

Why: You get the same processor as phones costing A$2,149 (Galaxy S25 Ultra), but with the best battery life in the entire lineup. If you want speed, performance, and all-day battery for under A$1,300, OnePlus 13 is unbeatable.

Here’s the thing: the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor inside the OnePlus 13 is the same chip powering the A$2,149 Galaxy S25 Ultra. You’re not compromising on performance—you’re saving A$850. The OnePlus has a bigger battery than most flagships. Gaming is smooth. Performance is snappy. Everything feels premium.

Only choose the Pixel 10 Pro if photography is your absolute priority. But for speed, performance, value, and battery life? OnePlus 13 wins.Gaming tests show the OnePlus 13 handles every game smoothly.

Which Phone Should You Buy?

Here’s the real decision tree (no overthinking):

Have A$300-400? → Samsung Galaxy A25 5G Your phone will work. Videos play, apps don’t crash. Done.

Have A$600-700? → Google Pixel 9a You get AI features + great camera without the price tag. Best value.

Have A$600-1,400? → OnePlus 13 (best), or Nothing Phone 3a (if you want design) This is where you get the most phone for your money. OnePlus is faster, Nothing is more stylish.

Have A$1,600+? → Pixel 10 Pro (if photography matters) OR Galaxy S25 Ultra (if you want everything) Honest take: this is overkill for most people. But if you want to keep it 4+ years, the investment makes sense.

Want a Foldable? → Motorola Razr Ultra Best foldable that’s actually practical. Not cheap, but worth it if you like the form factor.

Final Thoughts

That’s the rundown.

Look, there’s no “perfect” phone. It’s all about what you actually do with your phone and what fits your budget. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is incredible if money isn’t a factor. But the OnePlus 13 is the smarter pick for most people. And there’s nothing wrong with saving money and going with the Galaxy A25.