# The Android phone guide you need before buying > Expert testing reveals which Android phones deserve your money, from budget to flagship. - Title: The Android phone guide you need before buying · WIRED - Summary: Expert testing reveals which Android phones deserve your money, from budget to flagship. Buy an unlocked phone with at least 8GB RAM, 7 years of software… - Keywords: android phones, smartphone buying guide, google pixel, samsung galaxy, motorola, fairphone, flagship phones, budget phones, folding phones, phone specs, software updates, camera quality - Source: WIRED — https://wired.com/gallery/best-android-phones - Author: Julian Chokkattu - Published: 2018-04-24T12:00:00+00:00 - Read time: 4 min - Topics: android phones, smartphone buying guide, google pixel, samsung galaxy, motorola, fairphone, flagship phones, budget phones, folding phones, phone specs, software updates, camera quality ## Now is the time to buy All major smartphone makers have released their 2026 devices. Prices dip during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, making those the best times to upgrade if you're hunting for a bargain. ## Always buy unlocked phones Unlocked phones work on multiple carriers and networks. Carrier-locked phones come with unnecessary accessories and require a hassle to unlock later. Buy from the manufacturer or authorized retailers. ## Display technology matters most Almost every smartphone now uses OLED panels with deep blacks and vibrant colors. Even phones under three hundred dollars offer OLED. Screen size ranges from six point one to six point nine inches for standard phones. ## Processor power and RAM Aim for Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 series or higher, or MediaTek Dimensity 7000 series or higher. Get at least 8GB of RAM, though 12GB is better for juggling multiple apps and running intensive AI tasks. ## Cooling and refresh rates High-performing phones need dedicated cooling systems like heat pipes or vapor chamber cooling to prevent throttling. Most phones now offer 90 to 120 hertz refresh rates, making everything feel smoother and more fluid. ## Battery and charging speeds Look for 4,000 milliampere-hour batteries or higher. New silicon-carbon batteries are denser but thinner. Check charging speeds on product spec pages, but remember most phones no longer include a charging brick. ## Software updates are crucial The gold standard in Android is seven years of updates, thanks to Samsung and Google. Long update policies keep your phone secure and add new features over time, even if you trade it in later. ## Camera specs are misleading A 108-megapixel sensor doesn't guarantee better photos than a 50-megapixel one. Read reviews to compare. The best camera phones offer a primary wide camera, ultrawide, and telephoto zoom, usually 5X. ## Check for extra features Look for NFC for contactless payments, IP67 or IP68 water resistance, wireless charging, microSD card slots, dual-SIM trays, and headphone jacks. Nearly all smartphones support 5G connectivity. ## Switching phones is easy Follow setup prompts when booting your new device and transfer data via cable for speed. Use manufacturer apps like Samsung Smart Switch or Google's Android Switch app to minimize setup work. ## Pixel 10a is the best value The Google Pixel 10a costs four hundred ninety nine dollars and delivers excellent performance, a bright 6.3-inch screen, great dual cameras, and seven years of software updates. It's the most well-rounded package under five hundred dollars. > This is what I think most people should buy, unless you have specific needs, like better performance for demanding mobile games, a big-screen experience, or a telephoto zoom. ## Pixel 11 series adds smart features The Pixel 11 starts at eight hundred ninety nine dollars with double the storage and a 5X optical zoom. The Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL add pro-level camera features like Pro Res Zoom and Video Boost, plus native Qi2 wireless charging. ## Pixel software is the real star Rambler, an advanced voice-to-text feature, accurately types your words even with mistakes and handles multiple languages. Call Screen cuts spam and robocalls. You can even AirDrop with iPhones using Quick Share. ## Samsung Galaxy S26 for performance The Galaxy S26 Ultra costs one thousand three hundred dollars and features the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset for top-tier gaming performance. Its Privacy Display hides screen content from onlookers, and it has a quad-camera system with dual 5X zoom. ## Motorola Moto G Power 2026 At four hundred dollars, the Moto G Power 2026 offers two full days of battery life with average use. It includes a headphone jack, microSD slot, and IP68 water resistance, though it only gets two OS upgrades and three years of security updates. ## Motorola Razr Ultra folds small The Razr Ultra 2026 costs fifteen hundred dollars and folds in half for a super pocketable size. Its 5,000-milliampere-hour silicon-carbon battery lasts two full days. The 4-inch external OLED screen displays useful widgets. ## Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 for media The Galaxy Z Fold8 costs nineteen hundred dollars and features a wider, shorter shape than predecessors. Its 7.6-inch internal display is great for media consumption. It weighs only 201 grams despite the large screen, but lacks a telephoto zoom camera. ## Fairphone is repairable and ethical The Fairphone Gen. 6 Plus costs six hundred fifty dollars and scores a perfect 10 on iFixit's repairability scale. It promises software updates through 2033, includes a five-year warranty, and ensures all components are fairly and ethically sourced. > There are 12 easy-to-replace parts, from the battery to the camera, and it comes with the necessary screwdriver. ## Other solid options to consider The Nothing Phone 4a Pro costs four hundred ninety nine dollars with a distinctive look and good performance. The Samsung Galaxy S26 FE costs seven hundred dollars. The Motorola Edge 2026 costs six hundred dollars and weighs only 160 grams. ## Key takeaway Buy an unlocked phone with at least 8GB RAM, 7 years of software updates, and an OLED display. The Pixel 10a offers the best value for most people.