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Best Android Phone of 2023

The Galaxy S23, Pixel 7 Pro and others made our list.

There’s certainly no shortage of choice when it comes to Android phones, whether you prefer Samsung, Google or OnePlus. Android devices come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes and prices, meaning there’s something for everyone. But having so many options also means the buying decision can be difficult. If you aren’t sure where to start, you’re in the right place: We’ve tested and researched all the best Android phones you can buy in 2023.

A great phone should have high-quality cameras, long battery life, compelling software features and 5G support. We considered these factors when putting together our list of the best Android phones in 2023, which you can check out below. CNET’s team updates this list periodically as we review new products. 

What is the best Android phone?

The Google Pixel 7 Pro sits at the top of our list of best Android phones, largely because it has some of the best cameras found on any phone sold today and represents one of the best values for your dollar on this list. The Pixel 7 Pro also packs a number of convenient features that are unique to it. There are calling tools like the ability to wait on hold and notify you when a representative becomes available. You can also sharpen old photos that are out of focus to make the subject look clearer. And then there’s the ability to automatically caption videos, podcasts, phone calls and more.

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There are plenty of other excellent choices out there, however, even though the Pixel 7 Pro is our current favorite.

Best Android phones of 2023

Pixel 7 Pro face down on a wooden table next to a cup of coffee Pixel 7 Pro face down on a wooden table next to a cup of coffee

Google

Like:

• Refreshed design looks great
• Superb cameras
• Clean and enjoyable interface

Don’t like:

• Battery life could be better

Google’s latest flagship phone, the Pixel 7 Pro, isn’t a huge overhaul from the already excellent Pixel 6 Pro Google launched last year. But it’s taken that winning formula and made some key tweaks to almost every element, resulting in a superb phone that’s bliss to use. The refreshed camera can take stunning images too, earning its spot among the best flagship phones around. It typically sells for $899, but Google currently has it on sale for $150 off.

Read our Google Pixel 7 Pro review.

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Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

James Martin/CNET

Like:

  • Fast performance
  • Excellent main camera
  • Bright screen
  • Included stylus
  • Double the storage in the base model
  • Four generations of Android OS updates

Don’t like:

  • High price
  • Photos don’t always look natural
  • No improvements to fast charging

The Galaxy S23 is a lot, but in a good way. It’s more than most people need in a phone, but that doesn’t make it any less impressive. Samsung made improvements to the camera’s resolution (200 megapixels compared with 108 megapixels), color tones and dynamic range, while retaining the same edgy design and massive 6.8-inch screen as its predecessor. There’s also a new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor that’s been optimized specifically for Samsung’s phones, which brings faster performance compared with the Galaxy S22 Ultra. 

It may be an understatement to call this phone expensive: It starts at $1,200. But people willing to pay more for a giant screen and a high-quality, versatile camera won’t be disappointed. Read our Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra review.

Google's Pixel 7A phone Google's Pixel 7A phone

James Martin/CNET

Like:

  • Excellent camera
  • Many of the same features as the Pixel 7 at a cheaper price
  • Attractive design
  • Gains wireless charging, face unlock and high refresh rate

Don’t like:

  • Screen still looks dim outdoors
  • Higher price compared with Pixel 6A at launch
  • Only three generations of Android OS updates compared with Samsung’s four-generation pledge

Google’s budget phone took a leap forward in 2023 with the Pixel 7A, which offers many of the same benefits as the Pixel 7 but at a cheaper price. Like the Pixel 7, the Pixel 7A runs on Google’s Tensor G2 processor, meaning it has many of the same photo editing and language translation features as its pricier sibling. The Pixel 7A’s 64-megapixel camera also takes excellent photos that rival the Pixel 7’s in quality. 

While we still like the Pixel 7, the Pixel 7A’s lower price makes it a better deal for most people. Only opt for the Pixel 7 if you really want a slightly larger screen and are willing to pay the extra $100 for it. Otherwise, the main differences between the Pixel 7 and 7A come down to the former’s more durable build, slightly faster charging and its ability to wirelessly charge compatible accessories. The Pixel 7 also has a larger camera sensor that’s more sensitive to light, according to Google, but CNET’s Lisa Eadicicco didn’t notice much of a difference.

Read our Google Pixel 7A review.

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back of Samsung Galaxy S23 phone, held up in front of a plant back of Samsung Galaxy S23 phone, held up in front of a plant

James Martin/CNET

Like:

  • Longer battery life
  • Attractive design
  • Four generations of Android OS updates
  • Fast performance

Don’t like:

  • Cameras are basically the same as last year
  • Expensive
  • No improvements to fast charging
  • No upgrade to base storage

Android fans looking for a petite phone don’t have much to choose from. But the 6.1-inch Galaxy S23 provides a compelling option for those who want a phone that feels compact but still provides enough screen space. The Galaxy S23 comes with routine upgrades like a fresh processor (a version of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 that’s been optimized for Samsung’s phones), a slightly new design and a higher-resolution selfie camera. But it’s the Galaxy S23’s larger battery that makes it worth recommending. Read our Samsung Galaxy S23 review.

The back of Google's Pixel 6A phone The back of Google's Pixel 6A phone

Lisa Eadicicco/CNET

Like:

  • Nice screen
  • Speedy performance
  • IP67 water-resistant
  • Affordable price

Don’t like:

  • No wireless charging

The Pixel 6A is a solid choice if you want 5G and a great camera on the cheap, especially at its new $349 price. This Pixel phone has the same Tensor chip that powers the Pixel 6, great rear cameras with many of Google’s shooting and editing tools, a 6.1-inch display and average battery life. At this price, it’s the best value you can get from an Android phone right now. 

Read our Google Pixel 6A review.

Like:

  • Incredible performance for gaming
  • Slick, refreshed design
  • Hyper-fast charging
  • Five years of security support

Don’t like:

  • Cameras are good but not great
  • Better waterproofing on rivals

The $700 OnePlus 11 is a powerful phone that’s well equipped to handle gaming, video streaming and other common tasks. In typical OnePlus fashion, this phone is also cheaper than the $800 Galaxy S23 and $900 Pixel 7 Pro. The cameras aren’t the best, but they’re fine for casual photographers who just want to capture their next vacation or a night out. What sets the OnePlus 11 apart from many of its rivals is its blazing 100-watt fast charging, which can replenish the battery in just 25 minutes. (The US version only supports 80-watt charging, but that’s still an improvement over the Galaxy S23 Ultra’s 45-watt charging). Overall, the OnePlus 11 is ideal for people who want a powerful phone that charges quickly and won’t break the bank. Read our full review of the OnePlus 11.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 in burgundy unfolded displaying wallpaper Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 in burgundy unfolded displaying wallpaper

Sarah Tew/CNET

Like:

  • 120Hz cover screen
  • Water resistance
  • Enhanced tablet experience
  • Software improvements for multitasking and Flex Mode

Don’t like:

  • $1,800 is still expensive

Foldable phones haven’t really hit the mainstream, remaining instead only in the reach of those willing to spend top dollar on the latest in mobile innovation. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 4 is the best folding phone around, offering top-notch performance, a great camera setup and a variety of tweaks to its folding technology that make this Android smartphone more desirable than its predecessor. Just keep in mind that Google will be launching the Pixel Fold shortly, and Samsung typically releases new foldable phones around the August timeframe. 

The Galaxy Z Flip 4 in Flex Mode in someone's palm The Galaxy Z Flip 4 in Flex Mode in someone's palm

Patrick Holland/CNET

Like: 

  • Fun, foldable design
  • High refresh-rate screen looks good
  • Main camera takes good photos in medium and low light

Don’t like:

  • Cover screen needs more functionality
  • Battery barely gets through a day
  • Ultrawide and selfie cameras are just average
  • Price is high

Samsung’s $1,000 Galaxy Z Flip 4 is the most portable and fun phone CNET’s Patrick Holland reviewed last year. It inherits the best parts of the Z Flip 3, like its pocketable flip phone-inspired design and Flex Mode, which makes it easier to use the phone when it’s propped open halfway. The Z Flip 4 also has a new image sensor, which improves image quality compared to the Flip 3, along with a bigger battery and newer processor. 

These improvements address some of the Z Flip 3’s biggest shortcomings, even though Samsung didn’t give us everything we wanted (like a larger cover screen). But all told, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 is a great choice for those who want a phone that’s more portable than almost anything else you’ll find on the market. 

Samsung also lowered Z Flip 3’s price when introducing the Z Flip 4 last year. For that reason, we previously recommended the Z Flip 3 over the Z Flip 4 since they share many similarities. But now that the Z Flip 3 is almost two years old, it’s a wise idea to invest in newer technology that will last longer if possible. That’s especially true if you can score a good trade-in deal on the Z Flip 4.

Read our Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 review.

The Sony Xperia Pro The Sony Xperia Pro

Patrick Holland/CNET

Like:

  • Professional level video monitor features
  • Robust utilitarian build
  • Live broadcast streaming over 5G
  • As a phone, it’s essentially the Sony Xperia 1 II

Don’t like:

  • Price is high, limiting its narrow appeal
  • 2020 specs and Android 10
  • Can’t record video via HDMI input

At a whopping $1,800 list price, the Sony Xperia Pro isn’t for everyone. But if you’re a photographer or videographer looking for professional-level camera phone features, you can’t go wrong. The Xperia Pro is essentially four products in one: a phone, a camera monitor, a speedy photo file transfer device and a 5G machine suitable for broadcasting and livestreaming.

Read our Sony Xperia Pro review.

Nothing Phone 1 with LEDs turned on Nothing Phone 1 with LEDs turned on

Andrew Lanxon/CNET

Like:

• Flashing design
• Solid performance
• Affordable price

Don’t like:

• Cameras are only OK
• Not widely available in the US

The Nothing Phone 1’s affordable price, solid performance and good-enough camera setup already make it a solid option to consider if you’re looking for an Android phone on a budget. But this phone takes the pizzazz up a notch with its suite of flashing LED lights on the rear, which certainly make it stand out against its competitors. 

It’s a great phone, which we enjoyed reviewing, but there is a downside: As of right now, there aren’t any plans to launch the phone widely in the US. You can get it unlocked on Amazon, but it’s GSM-only so it won’t work on Verizon. The company’s next phone, the Nothing Phone 2, will be coming to the US later this year. 

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How we test phones

Every phone on this list has been thoroughly tested by CNET’s expert reviews team. We actually use the phone, test the features, play games and take photos. We assess any marketing promises that a company makes about its phones. And if we find something we don’t like, be it battery life or build quality, we tell you all about it. 

We examine every aspect of a phone during testing:

  • Display
  • Design and feel
  • Processor performance
  • Battery life
  • Camera quality
  • Features

We test all of a phone’s cameras (both front and back) in a variety of conditions: from outdoors under sunlight to dimmer indoor locales and night time scenes (for any available night modes). We also compare our findings against similarly priced models. We have a series of real-world battery tests to see how long a phone lasts under everyday use.

We take into account additional phone features like 5G, fingerprint and face readers, styluses, fast charging, foldable displays and other useful extras. And we weigh all of our experiences and testing against the price so you know whether a phone represents good value or not.

Read more: How We Test Phones

Phone FAQs

How reliable is an Android phone?

Android phones come in all shapes and sizes. Prices range from just a couple hundred dollars for a basic smartphone to $1,800 for state-of-the-art foldable phones. All the phones on this list are durable, have an IP rating for water and dust resistance and years of software support.

How long does an Android phone last?

While every phone on this list varies in how many years of software support you get and how long you can extend the warranty, most should last you a few years if not more.

More phone and Android recommendations

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Technologies

How the Federal Reserve Actually Affects Mortgage Rates

Experts predict the Fed won’t start cutting rates until the fall at the earliest. That means we’re not likely to see mortgage rates drop below 6.5% for a while.

If you tracked the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy decisions last year, you might have been puzzled: The Fed’s three interest rate cuts didn’t bring about lower mortgage rates. In fact, the average rate for a 30-year fixed home loan has hovered around 6.8% for the past several months. 

The Fed’s interest rate decisions don’t have a direct or immediate effect on home loan rates. Often, what the central bank says about its future plans can move the market more than its actual rate changes. 

On Wednesday, the Fed is expected to hold off on cutting interest rates for the fifth time this year. While mortgage rates might see some ups and downs, many economists think they’ll stay pretty much the same — between 6.5% and 7% — until the economic outlook is clearer. 

«Prospective homebuyers should know markets are forward-looking, and changes in mortgage rates can happen well in advance if markets can anticipate it,» said Kara Ng, senior economist at Zillow. «While a July cut is unlikely, markets are closely watching for signals about a possible September reduction,» Ng said. 

All eyes will be on Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s post-meeting remarks. If Powell signals concerns about lingering inflation or the chance of fewer cuts, bond yields and mortgage rates are likely to climb. If he expresses optimism about inflation being under control and hints at ongoing policy easing, mortgage rates could dip.

Here’s what you need to know about how the government’s interest rate policy influences your home loan.

What is the Federal Reserve’s relationship to mortgage rates?

The Fed sets and oversees US monetary policy under a dual mandate to maintain price stability and maximum employment. It does this largely by adjusting the federal funds rate, the rate at which banks borrow and lend their money. 

When the economy weakens and unemployment rises, the Fed lowers interest rates to encourage spending and propel growth, as it did during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

It does the opposite when inflation is high. For example, the Fed raised its benchmark interest rate by more than five percentage points between early 2022 and mid-2023, to slow price growth by curbing consumer borrowing and spending.

Changes in the cost of borrowing set off a slow chain reaction that eventually affects mortgage rates and the housing market, as banks pass along the Fed’s rate hikes or cuts to consumers through longer-term loans, including home loans. 

Yet, because mortgage rates respond to several economic factors, it’s not uncommon for the federal funds rate and mortgage rates to move in different directions for some time. 

Why is the Fed postponing interest rate cuts?

After making three interest rate cuts in 2024, the Fed has been in a holding pattern throughout 2025. President Trump’s unpredictable tariff campaign, immigration policies and federal cutbacks threaten to drive up prices and drag on growth. 

Despite the president’s repeated calls for policymakers to cut borrowing rates immediately, economists say the central bank has good reason to pause. 

«Cutting rates prematurely — especially in response to political pressure — could undermine its commitment to controlling inflation,» said Ng. » Ironically, this could cause mortgage rates to rise, not fall, counteracting the intended stimulus.» 

Lowering interest rates could allow inflation to surge, which is bad for mortgage rates. Keeping rates high, however, increases the risk of a job-loss recession that would cause widespread financial hardship. 

Recent data show inflation making slow but steady progress toward the Fed’s annual target rate of 2%, but price growth is expected to tick back up in the coming months as companies pass on the cost of tariffs onto consumers.

What is the forecast for Fed cuts and mortgage rates in 2025? 

While experts now predict an interest rate cut in the fall, Fed Chair Powell remains noncommittal on any specific timeframe.

Inflation could prompt the central bank to forgo one (or both) of its projected rate cuts, which would keep mortgage rates high. 

On the flip side, if unemployment spikes — a real possibility given the slowdown in hiring and the uptick in layoffs — the Fed could be forced to implement interest rate cuts. In that case, mortgage rates should gradually ease, though not dramatically. 

Most housing market forecasts, which already factor in at least two 0.25% Fed cuts, call for 30-year mortgage rates to stay above 6% throughout 2025. 

What factors affect mortgage rates?

Mortgage rates move around for many of the same reasons home prices do: supply, demand, inflation and even the employment rate. 

Personal factors, such as a homebuyer’s credit score, down payment and home loan amount, also determine one’s individual mortgage rate. Different loan types and terms also have varying interest rates. 

Policy changes: When the Fed adjusts the federal funds rate, it affects many aspects of the economy, including mortgage rates. The federal funds rate affects how much it costs banks to borrow money, which in turn affects what banks charge consumers to make a profit.

Inflation: Generally, when inflation is high, mortgage rates tend to be high. Because inflation chips away at purchasing power, lenders set higher interest rates on loans to make up for that loss and ensure a profit.

Supply and demand: When demand for mortgages is high, lenders tend to raise interest rates. This is because they have only so much capital to lend in the form of home loans. Conversely, when demand for mortgages is low, lenders tend to slash interest rates to attract borrowers.

Bond market activity: Mortgage lenders peg fixed interest rates, like fixed-rate mortgages, to bond rates. Mortgage bonds, also called mortgage-backed securities, are bundles of mortgages sold to investors and are closely tied to the 10-year Treasury. When bond interest rates are high, the bond has less value on the market where investors buy and sell securities, causing mortgage interest rates to go up.

Other key indicators: Employment patterns and other aspects of the economy that affect investor confidence and consumer spending and borrowing also influence mortgage rates. For instance, a strong jobs report and a robust economy could indicate greater demand for housing, which can put upward pressure on mortgage rates. When the economy slows and unemployment is high, mortgage rates tend to be lower.

Read more: Fact Check: Trump Doesn’t Have the Power to Force Lower Interest Rates

Is now a good time to get a mortgage?

Even though timing is everything in the mortgage market, you can’t control what the Fed does. «Forecasting interest rates is nearly impossible in today’s market,» said Ali Wolf, Zonda and NewHomeSource chief economist. 

Regardless of the economy, the most important thing when shopping for a mortgage is to make sure you can comfortably afford your monthly payments. 

More homebuying advice

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Technologies

Here’s How to Safely Factory Reset Your PS5 or PS4

Selling your PS4 or PS5 without wiping it puts your personal info at risk.

The PS5 might still feel new, but it actually launched back in 2020, which means it’s already well into its life cycle. If you’re not gaming as much or eyeing another console, it may be time to let it go. Whether you’re giving it to a friend or hoping to make some cash by selling it, don’t forget one crucial step before handing it over-erasing your personal data.

Luckily, factory resetting your PS5 or PS4 is straightforward. This step protects your information, removes linked accounts, and ensures the next user starts with a clean slate. It only takes a few minutes and could save you a major headache down the line.

Factory resetting is a crucial step that you should take whenever you’re selling or giving away a piece of technology. Your old PlayStation is no exception. While you might not be storing the same kind of information on your PS4 or PS5 that you would on your laptop or smartphone, this step can save you a great deal of stress by taking care of any leftover information.

Read on for everything you need to know about resetting your PS5 or your PS4. For more, here’s what to know about buying a used iPhone and our picks for the best place to sell your electronics. 

Resetting the PlayStation 5

You have a few options when it comes to factory resetting your PS5. To access these options, navigate to the Home Screen and then select Settings > System > System Software > Reset Options

After selecting Reset Options you will be presented with three options: Clear Learning Dictionary, Restore Default Settings and Reset Your Console. 

  • Clear Learning Dictionary will clear the history of all the terms that you have typed on your PS5. 
  • Restore Default Settings will restore all of the settings on your PS5 to their default setting, but leave your data intact. 
  • Reset Your Console will restore all of the settings to their default options and erase all of the data that has been saved to your PS5. 

If you are looking to factory reset your console before selling it or giving it away, select Reset Your Console to fully wipe all of your data from the device and factory reset the console. 

Resetting the PlayStation 4

The process for factory resetting your console is a bit different for the PS4. First, you will need to navigate to Settings > Initialization. Much like the process for factory resetting the Playstation 5, you will be presented with three options after selecting Initialization: Clear Learning Dictionary, Restore Default Settings and Initialize PS4

Clear Learning Dictionary and Restore Default Settings operate the same as they do on the PS5. Initialize PS4 operates in the same way as the Reset Your Console option does on the PS5. 

If you are looking to factory reset your PS4 before giving it away or selling it, selecting Initialize PS4 will do the trick. 

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