Each year, new smartphones enter the consumer market and make tech fanatics go crazy. With attractive designs and features to meet the digital lifestyle, new Android smartphones are giving Apple’s flagship phones a good fight.
Whilst Apple’s iPhone 13 is rumoured to make an appearance this year, Android mobile phone users probably are not interested. Many of the features the tech giant is promoting in its phones already exist in the latest Android phones soaring onto the market.
In this post, we introduce you to our top favourite Android smartphones available in the UK.
Samsung Smartphones: The Best Android Phone on the Market
The nemesis of the iOS phones in terms of features and pricing, Samsung has consistently put forth the best smartphone with every new release. If your heart is set on one of these, then consider choosing a perfect original Samsung cover or case to enhance its durability.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2: Top Android Phone for its Screen Size
Mobile phones have evolved from tiny screens to Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2’s foldable screen. This trendy phone is the latest design upgrade that smartphones are undergoing. If you enjoy watching movies on your mobile device, then the 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen with a 120Hz refresh rate will not disappoint.
Whilst we wait to see the capabilities of the new Galaxy Z Fold3, this phone’s triple camera system with Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS, 2x optical zoom will still allow you to take amazing photos and videos. Pair this phone with a stylus pen, and you can edit your snaps right away. And with 5G connectivity, your social media will stay fresh.
Features that make this Android the smart choice:
- This smartphone comes with a 4500mAh built-in lithium polymer battery to keep it running all day long.
- You also get to enjoy wireless fast charging and can use the Galaxy Z Fold2’s reverse charging to charge other devices.
- Experience amazing sound quality on its ‘tuned by AKG’ stereo speakers, and active noise cancellation with the dedicated mic.
- In addition to the standard sensors, it comes with a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra: The Best Camera Smartphone to Make a Statement
The Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is a sophisticated smartphone that comes with a pleasing edge-to-edge infinity display. And with its 8-core processor and massive 12GB RAM, you can use it as a gaming phone that will give you a smooth experience.
When it comes to photography the 108MP camera with OIS and 5x optical zoom is unbeatable. Whether it is low-light photography or taking videos of a strange figure at a distance, the triple camera set-up will do it all.
Features that make this Android the smart choice:
- The Galaxy Note20 ultra comes with a sleek and improved S pen that can be turned into a wireless controller too.
- The gorgeous phone features Gorilla Glass Victus front and back with a stainless steel frame.
- In addition to the fast Qi/PMA wireless charging, this smartphone also comes with a reverse wireless charging (9W) feature.
- It comes with an under the display, ultrasonic fingerprint and supports NFC.
Samsung Galaxy S21+: Stylish Android Phone with Water and Dust Resistance
With an IP68 rating, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 5G has dust resistance as well as water resistance for up to 1.5m for 30 minutes. This elegant device also features Gorilla Glass front and back panels to give it a premium look and feel.
Enjoy the services on your Nano-SIM and/or eSIM, dual standby feature with its 5G connectivity support. Along with support for NFC, you can also take advantage of the Samsung Pay feature (available only in France, Italy, Switzerland, Sweden, and the United Kingdom) for cashless transactions.
Features that make this Android the smart choice:
- The Always-on display comes with a 120Hz refresh rate and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus protection.
- The phone features a triple camera system with Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS, 1.1x optical zoom, and 3x hybrid zoom, among other features.
- Enjoy excellent performance with its Exynos 2100 (5 nm) chipset, octa-core CPU, and 8GB RAM.
- Its 4800mAh lithium polymer battery supports Fast charging (25W), Fast Qi/PMA wireless charging (15W), and Reverse wireless charging (4.5W).
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE: The Best Android Phone Under £500
If you want a budget-friendly Samsung smartphone that delivers everything, then the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE is the right choice. This little gadget features a memory card slot and ‘tuned by AKG’ stereo speakers that allow you to get the best experience whilst watching your favourite movies or listening to music.
Its 4500mAH battery ensures you have the power to last the entire day. You also get to take advantage of fast charging via a wire or your wireless charger. And when your other gadget needs a boost, you can use its reverse wireless charging (4.5W) feature.
Features that make this Android the smart choice:
- The Super AMOLED capacitive touchscreen comes with the protection of Corning Gorilla Glass 3 and displays vibrant 16M colours.
- The triple camera system offers Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom, and 4K videos, amongst other exciting features.
- The device can handle dust and water damage thanks to its IP68 dust/water-resistance.
- The Galaxy S20 FE features an optical fingerprint sensor under the display and supports NFC.
OnePlus Smartphones: The Best Mid-range and Cheap Android Phones
A rising star in the smartphone market amongst Android, the OnePlus phones offer great features as well as looks. You can find a smartphone that fits just about any budget with this brand. However, they are not cheap phones in terms of the tech that they pack.
OnePlus 9 Pro: The Fastest Charging Android Phone
If you want a phone whose battery life does not run out of energy, go for the OnePlus 9 Pro. Its 4500mAh lithium polymer battery can be fast-charged to its full potential in just 20 minutes via wired charging, and in 43 minutes via wireless charging. No more battery woes with this phone.
This phone also boasts a Gorilla Glass 5 front and back in an aluminium frame for the extra deluxe look. Additionally, its IP68 rating makes it dust and water-resistant for even better durability.
Features that make this Android the smart choice:
- This smartphone comes with a quad-camera system delivering the best snaps and shots every time.
- The Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 chipset and octa-core CPU let you experience flawless performance.
- In addition to the accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, and colour spectrum sensors, it also features an under-display optical fingerprint sensor.
- Its 6.7-inch LTPO Fluid2 AMOLED display has 1440 x 3216 pixels, a 20:9 ratio with 120Hz refresh rates.
OnePlus 9: The Premium Smartphone at the Best Cost
The OnePlus 9 offers many of the Pro version’s features at a relatively lower price. This smartphone features flat sides and a plastic body, which look just as premium as any other smartphone. With Gorilla Glass 5 screen protection, this device is a great choice for just about anyone.
The phone also hosts the Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 and comes with the efficient OxygenOS 11 (Android 11). You get to enjoy 5G connectivity, a dual sim feature and NFC on this mobile.
Features that make this Android the smart choice:
- A great budget-friendly option with premium features and a long-lasting battery of 4500mAh.
- The device supports fast charging, just like its predecessor, for all-day use.
- The mobile is water-resistant up to 1.5m for 30 minutes and is also dust resistant, thanks to its IP68 rating.
- It features a triple camera system with Hasselblad Colour Calibration, and omnidirectional PDAF, amongst other features.
OnePlus Nord N10: The Best Android Phone Under £300
Sporting a quad-camera system, the OnePlus Nord N10 is a great choice for those with a tight budget. Despite its small size and price, the phone features a quad camera system that allows you to take great photos and videos.
It also comes with a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor that adds a layer of additional security. When it comes to battery life, the 4300mAh lithium polymer battery will not disappoint.
Features that make this Android the smart choice:
- The Nord N10 supports wired fast charging (30W) to quickly pump up the battery when needed.
- It also comes with a microSD card slot to extend the memory by up to 128GB.
- The device comes with an octa-core CPU, Adreno 619L GPU, and 6GB RAM for great performance.
- You can enjoy 5G connectivity and take advantage of the NFC feature for your everyday needs.
Google Smartphones: The Smartphones with the Best Cameras
The Google smartphones are yet another collection of budget-friendly smartphones that deliver everything a mobile should. Their lightweight design and top-notch features from the labs of Google Inc. make them a sensible purchase.
Google Pixel 4A 5G: The Best 5G Phone Amongst Mid-Range Smartphones
The Google Pixel 4A 5G comes with the stability of a Google-created OS. You can expect regular updates that keep the system moving smoothly. Together with the octa-core CPU and 5G connectivity, this phone is unstoppable.
Of all the smartphones the Pixel 4A 5G’s rear camera delivers fantastic picture quality. The powerful ultra-wide-angle lens allows you to take photos like never before. Even your selfies will stand out from the rest with this phone.
Features that make this Android the smart choice:
- This phone comes with an Always-on 6.2 inches OLED display with the protection of Corning Gorilla Glass 3.
- You can easily fast-charge its 3885mAh built-in lithium polymer battery for all-day use.
- In addition to the standard features, this phone comes with NFC and a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor.
- The Pixel 4A 5G comes with the best rated dual-camera system.
Google Pixel 4A: The Smartphone for Minimalists
The no-fuss Google Pixel 4A makes for a great choice for those who just want to get to the point. Despite the lack of 5G connectivity, this phone features many of its successor’s features.
The mobile comes with an octa-core CPU and Qualcomm SDM730 Snapdragon 730G chipset supported by the latest Android OS. The small size packs a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyro sensor, proximity sensor, compass, and barometer.
Features that make this Android the smart choice:
- Its OLED capacitive touchscreen comes with 1080 x 2340 pixels for vibrant 16M colours.
- The phone supports a Nano sim and an e-Sim for your communication services.
- Weighing in at just 143g, this is a durable and lightweight mobile for everyday use.
- The 3140mAh supports fast charging to keep you going all day.
New Android Phones: Fresh Screens on the Scene
These two picks of ours are the rising stars in the market. With their feature-rich construction and beautiful designs, you are sure to be impressed with these smartphones.
Asus ROG Phone 5: The Best Gaming Android Smartphone
Hosting 16GB RAM and a Snapdragon 888 5G chipset, the Asus ROG Phone 5 is for the gamer on the go. Make the most of the Gorilla Glass Victus display screen by using a gamepad and enhancing the gaming experience.
This mobile boasts a glass construction with an aluminium frame for a design that is both sturdy and eye-catching. It also comes with a triple camera system for the times when you want to capture the real world.
Features that make this Android the smart choice:
- The mammoth 6000mAh lithium polymer battery gives you all-day power and can also be fast-charged and used for reverse charging.
- This phone features an RGB light panel on the back and pressure-sensitive zones acting as gaming triggers.
- Gaming becomes more fun with its extremely fast UFS 3.1 storage, and 144Hz refresh rate.
- The triple camera system comes with a 64MP camera for high-quality images.
Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite: The Best Affordable Android Phone
A large display and a large battery make the Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite a choice for everyday life. This mobile comes with a 6.55-inch AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate for an uninterrupted viewing experience.
The phone’s triple camera systems will not disappoint you. With a 64MP camera and featuring a dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, and panorama, you can enjoy amazing results. Additionally, it also comes with a shared microSDX card slot.
Features that make this Android the smart choice:
- The Mi 11 Lite comes with a fast-charging 4250mAh lithium polymer battery.
- Its side-mounted fingerprint sensor gives you additional security and ease of use.
- It also comes with a 16MP secondary camera supporting HDR and panorama.
- Enjoy a range of communication connectivity such as NFC and an infrared port with this smartphone.
New for Old: What to Do with Your Old Mobile Phones?
If you have decided to purchase a new smartphone, then it is time to get rid of the old mobile phone. With advancing technology, e-waste is a growing source of pollution. From plastic to harmful chemicals, improper disposal of your mobile device can make you a contributor to the problem. Learn more about the right way to dispose of your mobile in our helpful recycling guide.
But old does not mean useless. Perhaps having an additional mobile phone can be handy in emergencies. So, if it just needs to be repaired, you can trust our mobile phone repair experts to get the work completed the quickest and at the best prices.
You could also sell your phone and make some money with our easy online selling process, where we give you the best price for your device.
What’s Next? Let’s Chat!
Don’t just stop at buying a new handset. To keep your mobile phone new and functional for longer, invest in the right phone case or a colourful phone cover. With improved durability, your phone will survive occasional, accidental bumps and falls.
Also, don’t forget a screen protector to protect your smartphone’s gorgeous screen from smudges, and most importantly from falls.
Your journey to find the best Android smartphone does not have to be a lonely one. Get in touch with us to find out more about the right choice for you and get some great offers!