Different Telephones to Think about
We take a look at a ton of Android telephones. We like those under, however you will be higher off with one of many choices above. If you have not but executed so, try our Best Cheap Phones and Best Folding Phones guides for extra.
Google Pixel 9 for $699: The Pixel 9 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is a good smartphone, however between the Pixel 9a and the Pixel 9 Professional sequence, it struggles to face out. It shares many options with its pricier siblings, however you may get a very comparable expertise with the Pixel 9a, all whereas saving a whole lot of {dollars}. Should you love the design and wish the brand new sensible software program options, do not let me cease you!
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge for $1,100 : Samsung’s newest innovation is to slim down the smartphone to an amazingly skinny 5.8 mm. That is not as spectacular as telephones from the previous, however the Galaxy S25 Edge (6/10, WIRED Recommends) remains to be spectacular if you maintain this light-weight 6.7-inch telephone in your hand. It maintains a number of options from the Galaxy S25 Extremely, besides there is no S Pen stylus, no telephoto cameras in any respect, and battery life isn’t good in any respect for a telephone of this dimension and value. I routinely needed to maintain it topped up all through the day. However if you happen to’re a mean to mild consumer, you could discover it ample, and possibly you can admire the skinny and lightweight dimension much more.
{Photograph}: Julian Chokkattu
Nothing Phone (3a) for $379 and Phone (3a) Pro for $459: Here is one other well-rounded smartphone that does not have an exorbitant value. The Nothing Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro (8/10, WIRED Recommends) are sub-$500 Android telephones, and they’re each improbable. They’re similar in each means besides the cameras, the place the Professional mannequin has a slight benefit in zoom and low-light capabilities. I believe the Telephone (3a) appears to be like nicer and is a greater worth. Run by way of the listing of specs and you will be hard-pressed to seek out fault with the {hardware}. The show is splendidly clean with its 120-Hz refresh fee, and it is no wrestle to see within the solar. Efficiency is snappy, battery life is dependable, and the digital camera high quality is respectable for the cash. There are some drawbacks—these telephones are solely IP64-rated, so do not drop them within the pool. There isn’t any wi-fi charging, and connectivity is not seamless. Whereas it’s going to work greatest on T-Cell, you will solely get 4G on Verizon and AT&T till you ask the carriers to whitelist the machine for 5G entry. That course of is certain to be irritating.
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE for $650: Samsung’s Galaxy S24 FE is a greater purchase now that the flagship Galaxy S24 sequence is tougher to seek out on the market. It is a completely succesful smartphone with a triple-camera array (together with a 3X telephoto digital camera), and it delivers good efficiency. It has wi-fi charging, is IP68 water-proof, and has strong day-long battery life. It is a disgrace the design’s a bit drab. Alternatively, you’ll be able to attempt to discover the flagship Galaxy S24 series on sale: the Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24+, and Galaxy S24 Ultra are nonetheless wonderful gadgets, however be sure to do not spend anyplace close to their MSRP.
Motorola Moto G Power 2025 for $300: The brand new Moto G Power (7/10, WIRED Recommends) is not as nice as its predecessor, and that comes down to at least one motive: Resulting from a lesser chipset, there is a slight hit in efficiency, and it feels a bit extra sluggish to make use of. Nevertheless, the efficiency is sweet sufficient that you just received’t really feel annoyed. Outdoors of this, it is a exceptional $300 telephone. The inexperienced fake leather-based again exudes luxurious, and it is good and slim. The cameras are strong, and the 6.8-inch LCD display has a 120-Hz display refresh fee and will get a lot brilliant. Better of all, the corporate retained the wi-fi charging it debuted in final yr’s mannequin, making it one of many solely sub-$300 telephones with this comfort. One other space of enchancment? It is IP68/69-rated, so you will not should child this telephone close to a pool; it might deal with a dip simply fantastic. Motorola has additionally prolonged software program updates on the Moto G sequence, promising two Android OS upgrades, with the identical 3 years of safety updates. There is a truthful quantity of bloatware, however you’ll be able to take away most of those preinstalled apps.
Asus ROG Phone 9 for $1,000: The ROG phone sequence is for severe players. There are two USB-C ports, so you’ll be able to cost the telephone comfortably even whereas utilizing it in panorama mode for gaming. It has perks like a headphone jack and a bevy of equipment you’ll be able to connect, like a cooler and a cellular controller, to reinforce the gaming expertise. Sadly, different elements of this telephone wrestle to match the excessive value—the software program can really feel clunky, and the cameras are under no circumstances what you’d anticipate at this value degree. I additionally bumped into a number of annoying bugs whereas utilizing the Phone 9 Pro.
Minimal Phone for $399: Having bother curbing your display time? As an alternative of going chilly turkey with one thing just like the Light Phone III, strive the Minimal Phone (6/10, WIRED Review). That is an e-paper Android telephone with a bodily keyboard. The objective is to allow you to entry the standard Android apps, however as a result of the display is ill-suited to movies and most social media, you will naturally be capable to keep away from these distractions. It is profitable on this job, however the fixed display ghosting and plasticky construct dampen the expertise.
Cell Equipment You Would possibly Want
{Photograph}: Julian Chokkattu
We have now case suggestions for a number of widespread gadgets, like Samsung’s Galaxy S25, Galaxy S24, and Galaxy S23, or Google’s Pixel 9 series. It is sensible to slap a case on these glass sandwiches and even a display protector to maintain the show freed from scuffs and scratches. Listed here are a number of different noteworthy equipment, together with charging adapters, which many telephones don’t include anymore. Learn our Best USB-C Cables guide for different suggestions.
Anker 45-Watt Charger for $28: This tiny charger will probably be sufficient for most individuals to cost most smartphones. It is compact, dependable, and low cost, plus the prongs fold up. Extra smartphones than ever can go as much as 45-watt charging speeds, so take benefit with a 45-watt charger.
{Photograph}: Julian Chokkattu
Counterpart Retractable The Charger for $44: It is not the perfect worth, however this design-forward charger has a retractable 4-foot cable that makes it a improbable two-in-one—no must pack a separate charger and cable! It outputs 35 watts, which is a lot to fast-charge most telephones and tablets, and the prongs fold in for journey.
Peak Design Samsung and Pixel Everyday Case for $50: In case you have a Samsung or Pixel telephone and also you incessantly mount your telephone to a motorcycle or scooter, you owe it to your self to snag this case and Peak Design’s bike mount. The case snaps completely into the mount, is useless easy to launch, and has but to fall off after years of driving. Peak Design additionally sells several other accessories you’ll be able to connect to the again of those instances, bringing Android into Apple’s MagSafe ecosystem.
Nimble Champ Portable Charger 10,000 mAh for $60: This transportable battery is sufficiently small to depart in a bag however has sufficient energy to completely recharge your telephone a few times. There is a USB-C and USB-A port; it delivers 18 watts of energy, so it might recharge your pill or telephone, and it is housed in 73 % post-consumer plastic with plastic-free packaging.
Nomad ChargeKey V2 for $25: When your telephone dies, it is virtually at all times if you neglect to deliver a charger or battery pack. The ChargeKey is a nifty resolution—it is like clipping a tiny USB-C charging cable to your keychain. Simply plug one finish into your telephone and the opposite into any form of energy supply (a buddy’s telephone or a charging adapter if you happen to handle to seek out one), and you’ll high up your telephone. Native Union also has a similar item that is cuter however practically as succesful.
Choose a Wireless Charger: Our information to the perfect wi-fi chargers contains dozens of fashions in various colours, shapes, and supplies, and even some designed for particular telephones. Not each Android telephone helps wi-fi charging, nevertheless it’s a luxurious you will wish to reap the benefits of. Take a gander at our information for our favorites.
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