In the fiercely competitive smartphone market, the best Android phones don't just stand their ground; they give Apple's flagship phones a run for their money. If you're seeking an Android phone that not only matches but even surpasses Apple iPhones in some cases, look no further than these exceptional devices in the higher-end and premium segment. With unmatched performance, lightning-fast displays, and top-tier camera systems, these Android powerhouses redefine what a smartphone can do. Their support for HDR and 10/12-bit color spectrums offers a visual experience that's on par with, if not better than, Apple's offerings. From the impressive Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra to the innovative Vivo X90 Pro and value-packed OnePlus 11R, these are the best Android-based smartphones that we recommend across various price segments that you should be considering when in the market for a shiny new phone.
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The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra sets a new standard for premium flagship experiences, surpassing all expectations. It addresses past issues with a cooler device and impressive battery life. Its super powerful chip ensures seamless performance, while the top-notch camera captures stunning shots. Samsung has outshined its competitors, providing the epitome of Android smartphones and a truly well-rounded offering that challenges the Apple iPhone 14. Highly recommended when looking for the best Android phone to buy.
- 2.
If you prioritize an exceptional camera and crave a phone with a premium and distinctive design, the vivo X90 Pro is an absolute game-changer. Its camera setup is unmatched, capturing brilliant images in all lighting conditions with low-light performance that is simply outstanding. The X90 Pro’s ability to shoot in pitch-black environments and deliver portrait shots akin to a mirrorless camera is truly awe-inspiring. While there are minor imperfections, such as a slight color shift when focusing on smaller subjects and slight inconsistency between shots from the primary and wide-angle shooters, they hardly dampen the X90 Pro’s prowess. In the world of smartphone cameras, vivo has undoubtedly aced the game with the X90 Pro, making it the ultimate choice for those who value a top-notch camera experience and a phone that exudes premium appeal.
- 3.
For a flagship-like performance at an unbeatable price, the OnePlus 11R is our top recommendation. With a blazing-fast processor, exceptional camera stack, and an impressive AMOLED display with HDR support and 120Hz refresh rate, it stands out as the best Android offering in its price range. The 100W fast charging and 5000mAh battery pack make it a powerhouse for performance-oriented users. Its lag-free software and clean interface add to the allure. The OnePlus 11R feels premium in hand with a balanced heft, and the iconic Alert Slider makes a welcome return. This tastefully designed device deserves our wholehearted recommendation.
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The Google Pixel 6a delivers nothing short of extraordinary performance, particularly in two critical areas – software and camera. When it comes to the price-to-performance ratio, this device reigns supreme, providing the ultimate software and camera experience at it’s asking price. Its clean and classy design, coupled with the mighty Google Tensor chip and exceptional battery life, makes it a standout contender in the fiercely competitive Indian smartphone market. Sure, like any phone, the Google Pixel 6a isn’t without its shortcomings. You’ll find a dated 60Hz refresh rate panel, slightly chunky bezels, and some occasional heating issues. Additionally, the 18W charging speed may not be the fastest on the market. But even with these minor flaws, Android enthusiasts cannot resist the allure of a Google Pixel device at such a tempting price point. It’s an offer too good to ignore, especially for those who appreciate stunning design and top-notch performance.
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Sticking to the upper mid-range price segment, the iQOO Neo 7 Pro is an absolute beast, defying expectations with its break-neck performance that leaves competitors in the dust. For power users and gamers seeking the utmost performance for their hard-earned money, this phone is an undeniable winner. Let’s not forget to applaud the incredible AMOLED display, which aced our hardware tests, boasting astounding color accuracy with minimal deviation in both S-RGB and DCI-P3 color profiles. The result is a finely calibrated display that’s incredibly accurate. If you crave uncompromising performance and gaming is a constant passion, look no further. The iQOO Neo 7 Pro is the epitome of raw power and precision, making it a must-have for those who demand the best in performance and visual experience. Don’t settle for less when you can have the very best!
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We recommend the newly launched OnePlus Nord 3 5G as balanced choice when looking for an Android smartphone in the lower mid-range segment. It has the very capable MediaTek Dimensity 9000 chipset that generously doles out healthy doses of performance. The display is one of the best in the segment and the phone also pleasantly surprised us with its camera performance. The design however is on the vanilla side and in the age of vegan leatherbacks and curved edges, this one isn’t the most good-looking phone, something to make not of if looks and design are important in your books.
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The Poco F5 is an excellent choice for performance enthusiasts and gamers. Its performance and 12-bit pOLED display are simply mind-blowing. However, if photography is your top priority, you might want to look elsewhere, as it may not meet your expectations in that department. As for the design, it’s a safe and decent choice – it may not be the most exciting, but it won’t disappoint either. All in all, for those seeking powerful performance and a stunning display, the Poco F5 is definitely worth considering.
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The Samsung Galaxy M34 nails the basics with speedy performance, great battery life, and a decent primary camera. Priced below ₹20,000, it offers excellent value for money. Its battery life is unmatched, making it a top choice for power users. However, there are some downsides, like the dynamic range of the primary and ultrawide lens needing improvement, and the absence of HDR support on the display. Preinstalled bloatware and a dated teardrop notch are also drawbacks. Despite these flaws, the Samsung Galaxy M34 remains a strong contender in its price range.
- 9.
The Moto G62 5G makes it to this list of best Android phones, especially recommended when on a tight budget. With impressive performance and clean Android experience. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 SoC and up to 8GB RAM make it a formidable contender. While the 120Hz IPS LCD display is decent, the 50MP triple rear camera setup disappointed in our review. On the bright side, the 5,000mAh battery life is excellent, but charging is slow. Overall, the Moto G62 5G stands out in the sub-₹15,000 category.
- 10.
Looking for the best Android phone on a budget with 5G? Look no further than the Samsung Galaxy M14 5G – it’s our top recommendation. When we’re on a tight budget but refuse to compromise on the experience, this phone is a clear winner. The Galaxy M14 5G boasts an impressive combination of strengths – remarkable battery life, impressive performance, and a reliable camera. It truly offers unbeatable value for your money by providing 5G connectivity without breaking the bank.
