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If you want to get your hands on the best Android phone in 2020, the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE is for you. It's a device that delivers all of the high-end specs and features you could ask for in a flagship smartphone, all while coming in at a lower price than a lot of its competitors.
That said, if you're in the market for something more affordable with different software, or a more unique design, there are plenty of other options to consider.
However, here are the best 12 Android phones of 2020 as compiled by Android Central.
1. Samsung Galaxy S20 FE
The best Android phone overall
Bottom line: Samsung's Galaxy S20 FE is a solid, affordable 5G phone that offers most of what makes the Galaxy S20+ so good in a cheaper, more colorful package.
Display: 6.5-inch OLED, 2400x1080, 120Hz refresh rate
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865
RAM: 6GB
Storage: 128GB
Cameras: 12MP primary, 8MP telephoto, 12MP ultrawide, 32MP selfie
Charging: 15W wired, Qi wireless charging
Battery: 4,500 mAh
Water Resistance: IP68
Dimensions: 161.6x71.1x9.3mm
Weight: 190g
Pros:
Cons:
Samsung clearly understands that 2020 is a year for people to pare back their expenses because the Galaxy S20 FE is a value flagship that really doesn't skimp. It's based on the successful foundation of the $1,200 Galaxy S20+, featuring a spacious 6.5-inch 1080p AMOLED display with a luxurious 120Hz refresh rate, a Snapdragon 865, 6GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, and an all-day 4,500mAh battery.
Of course, to hit that $700 price point, Samsung needed to make some sacrifices, so it traded the Galaxy S20 series' back glass for colorful plastic, the FE is available in six delicious colours, and cut back on the quality of the triple-camera setup ever-so-slightly.
2. OnePlus 8 Pro
The best premium Android phone
Bottom line: Have a bit more cash to spend? The OnePlus 8 Pro is every bit as good as the S20 FE, though it steps up to better cameras, a nicer design, and faster wireless charging.
Display: 6.78-inch AMOLED, 3168x1440, 120Hz refresh rate
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865
RAM: 8 or 12GB
Storage: 128 or 256GB
Cameras: 48MP primary, 8MP telephoto, 48MP ultra-wide, 5MP color filter
Charging: 30W wired and wireless
Battery: 4,510 mAh
Water Resistance: IP68
Dimensions: 165.3x74.4x8.5mm
Weight: 199g
Pros:
Cons:
The OnePlus 8 Pro is impressive and well-designed as any high-end smartphone can be. If you know anything about OnePlus phones, you'll be happy to know it doesn't upend the traditional OnePlus formula. Instead, it extends it to its logical place in the world of 2020 flagships with more features and a higher price.
The hardware goes toe-to-toe with any phone out there, and it's punctuated by the best display OnePlus has ever used. It's bright, colorful, and has a 120Hz refresh rate. Inside, there are exceptional specs, and that leads to fantastic performance thanks to the super-smooth OxygenOS software, it's just a joy to use.
The 8 Pro also brings the best cameras yet to the OnePlus phone, with a new primary sensor that steps up its game to a true flagship level. The entire camera experience is a small step behind the likes of the Galaxy S20+, but then again, it's also a little less expensive. Rounding out the hardware side of things, the OnePlus 8 Pro delivers great battery life and super-fast charge speeds (including support for both 30W wired and wireless charging).
Overall, the OnePlus 8 Pro earns one of our top commendations because it's just so easy to recommend to anyone looking for a flagship smartphone. It has a beautiful display, incredible performance, very good cameras, and long-lasting battery life. There's no major drawback to any aspect of the phone, making its price tag that much more appealing. It's not quite as good of a deal as the Galaxy S20 FE, but it's a great phone regardless.
3. Google Pixel 4a
The best value Android phone
Bottom line: There are a lot of good smartphone deals out there, but none of them are as amazing as the Pixel 4a. From its flagship-grade camera, fast performance, reliable battery life, and long-term software support, no other phone gives you this much for so little.
Display: 5.81-inch OLED, 2340x1080, 60Hz refresh rate
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G
RAM: 6GB
Storage: 128GB
Cameras: 12.2MP primary
Charging: 18W wired
Battery: 3,140 mAh
Water Resistance: Nil
Dimensions: 144x69.4x8.2mm
Weight: 143g
The Pixel 4a is the best phone value available today, period. Google's packed most of what makes the Pixel 4 series good into a smartphone that costs over 50% less. You also get a compact device that, despite its size, excels in the battery life department. Seriously, this phone lasts all day and then some.
Perhaps the most impressive part of the 4a is its camera, which is nearly on par with the Pixel 4. The main camera shoots exceptional photos in all lighting conditions, with Night Sight really showing its strength in poor lighting. Google even added Astrophotography mode this time around and improved the already-impressive Portrait Mode. The front-facing camera is also tack-sharp and focuses more quickly than on the Pixel 3a from last year. Both front and back, you're getting flagship-level camera quality out of a phone that's a fraction of the price. Google's also improved the video quality this year, thanks to an improved Snapdragon 730 SoC and 6GB of RAM standard.
So what do you lose by spending three hundred and fifty dollars instead of eight hundred or a thousand? Well, the Pixel 4a is made of plastic and lacks both water resistance and wireless charging, features you can take for granted at a higher price point. It also only comes in one size, a 5.8-inch variant, and one color, black. There are no storage size options, you can only get 128GB of internal memory, which should be plenty for most people, but a lack of microSD expansion may be a problem for the content collectors out there. It should go without saying that the Pixel 4a lacks 5G support, but Google has unveiled the Pixel 4a 5G, which launched on November 19 for just under $500 with 5G support, a larger battery, an ultrawide camera, and more.
All of these limitations shouldn't impede your desire to buy the Pixel 4a, which has been one of the best smartphone surprises of 2020 so far, even if it did launch a few months late. From the size to the performance to the battery life and camera quality, Google's latest budget phone is a winner.
4. Moto G Power
The best Android phone on a budget
Bottom line: The Moto G Power doesn't have the best specs or design, but for people that are shopping with a tight budget, it delivers a thoroughly enjoyable Android experience for a shockingly small amount of money.
Display: 6.4-inch LCD, 2300x1080, 60Hz refresh rate
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 665
RAM: 4GB
Storage: 64GB
Cameras: 16MP primary, 8MP ultra-wide, 2MP macro
Charging: 10W wired
Battery: 5,000 mAh
Water Resistance: Water-repellant coating
Dimensions: 159.9x75.8x9.6mm
Weight: 199g
While a lot of this list focuses on high-end Android phones, the "best" you can buy doesn't necessarily mean the most expensive or most premium. For a lot of people, the best Android phone is the one that runs all of their apps and games, keeps them connected with loved ones, and does so while costing as little as possible. If that's the kind of phone you're shopping for, you'd like to steer your attention towards the Moto G Power.
Compared to the OnePlus 8 Pro and Galaxy S20+, the Moto G Power isn't nearly as impressive. It has an LCD that's only 60Hz, it features a plastic construction that scratches fairly easily, and the cameras won't blow you away any time soon. Here's the thing, though, none of that stuff matters. If you want a phone that'll work the way you want it to and not make you want to tear your hair out, the Moto G Power fits the bill perfectly.
Despite its lower specs, there's nothing about the Moto G Power that's a deal-breaker. The display looks more than good enough given the phone's low price, it can handle just about any app or game without serious issues, and the cameras (while not amazing) are perfectly fine for sharing quick pictures on Twitter and Instagram. There's also the gigantic 5,000 mAh battery, which can get you through two or three days of full use on a single charge.
The lack of NFC for Google Pay is disappointing, as is the fact that Android 11 is the only major update the Moto G Power will ever see. If those two things don't matter to you, however, this is one of the best cheap Android phones you can buy right now.
5. Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra
The best ultra premium Android phone
Bottom line: The Note 20 Ultra is a phone that was made to do it all. It has top-of-the-line performance, a huge display that looks outstanding, and an ultra-powerful S Pen that can be used for drawing, note-taking, and so much more.
Display: 6.9-inch AMOLED, 3088x1440, 120Hz refresh rate
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+
RAM: 12GB
Storage: 128 or 512GB
Cameras: 108MP primary, 12MP telephoto, 12MP ultra-wide
Charging: 25W wired and 15W wireless
Battery: 4,500 mAh
Water Resistance: IP68
Dimensions: 164.8x77.2x8.1mm
Weight: 208g
The world turns, seasons change, and Samsung updates its Note lineup. It's an annual constant, and yet Samsung went and made some massive changes to the Note lineup this year. The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is an imposing and beautiful object, arrayed in a matte glass back finish with a massive camera bump located in the top left corner. The camera, which has three lenses, is one of the most impressive updates to this Note 10+ successor, but the real story starts, as always, with the display.
The 6.9-inch AMOLED display on the Note 20 Ultra is absolutely stunning, among the brightest, most colorful, and accurate ever made. It's also the canvas for the new-and-improved S Pen, which now boasts latency three times less than the previous generation Note. That means text, sketches, and other S Pen-related activities feel more like real paper than ever. The Snapdragon 865+ SoC and 12GB of RAM inside the phone attempt to justify the imposing price tag, but Samsung's cut absolutely no corners here. The 4,500mAh battery lasts all day (most of the time), and the dual speakers are just as impressive as ever.
Getting back to the cameras, here's where the Note 20 Ultra really tries to differentiate itself from previous Note phones. The main 108MP sensor is just huge, physically, and artistically, allowing you to take beautiful portraits and close-ups with shallow depth of field. Samsung's also fixed the autofocus issues that plagued the Galaxy S20 Ultra, too, so this is easily the company's best camera ever. Even better, you get a true 5x telephoto camera that cuts no corners thanks to an engineering marvel in the form of a prism.
Samsung's also cleaned up its software game in the form of One UI 2.5. It's still based on Android 10, but the company's made some subtle tweaks to the way everything coheres, and it finally feels like Samsung has a unified approach to software. Plus, Samsung's promised three years of software updates, so it's likely the Note 20 Ultra will get Android 13 sometime in 2022 or 2023. How cool is that?
The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra isn't cheap, but it could be the best premium phone in the market right now. It's still a bit too pricey to be our top pick, but if you want the phone with the least compromises, this is the one to get.
6. Google Pixel 5
The best Android camera
Bottom line: They say that the best camera you have is the one with you, so make sure it's the best it can be. Google's Pixel 5 takes incredible photos in virtually any setting, and thanks to the company's top-notch image processing, you don't even have to be a pro photographer to get impressive shots.
READ MORE: 10 Latest Infinix Phones And Prices In Nigeria This 2020
Display: 6.0-inch OLED, 2340x1080, 90Hz refresh rate
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 128GB
Cameras: 12.2MP primary, 16MP ultra-wide
Charging: 18W wired, 15W wireless, 5W reverse wireless
Battery: 4,080 mAh
Water Resistance: IP68
Dimensions: 144.7x70.4x8.0mm
Weight: 151g
The Pixel 5 is Google's latest flagship smartphone that you can buy, and compared to past releases, it's a huge departure. Rather than trying to have the absolute best specs possible, the Pixel 5 focuses on offering a great all-around user experience at a competitive price. And, in just about every regard, it succeeds.
First things first, we have to talk about the Pixel 5's camera performance. Simply put, if camera quality is a key priority for you, the Pixel 5 should be at the very top of your shopping list. The 12.2MP primary and 16MP ultra-wide cameras may not look all that impressive on paper, but combined with Google's unmatched image processing, they kick out truly incredible results. The detail is sharp, colors are true-to-life, and the Pixel 5 handles low-light environments without a hitch. The best part? The Pixel 5 does all of these more reliably than any other smartphone.
Outside of killer cameras, the Pixel 5 has a bunch more to offer. We're in love with its design, which is refreshingly compact and is made entirely out of aluminum. The paint job gives it an exceptional in-hand feel, and if you ask us. the Sorta Sage color is one of the best we've ever seen on a phone.
Rounding out the Pixel 5 experience is a 90Hz AMOLED display which has fast performance, thanks to the Snapdragon 765G processor, and long-lasting battery life. For considerably less money than a lot of other flagships, the Pixel 5 is well worth your consideration.
7. Google Pixel 4a 5G
The best 5G value Android phone
Bottom line: If you like what you see with the Pixel 5 but can't stomach its price tag, the Pixel 4a 5G could be the perfect alternative. The core experience is virtually identical since it features the exact same cameras and processor. If you're OK with a cheaper design and lesser display, it's a great pick.
Display: 6.2-inch OLED, 2340x1080, 60Hz refresh rate
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G
RAM: 6GB
Storage: 128GB
Cameras: 12.2MP primary, 16MP ultra-wide
Charging: 18W wired
Battery: 3,800 mAh
Water Resistance: Nil
Dimensions: 153.9x74.0x8.2mm
Weight: 168g
Google crafted something special with the Pixel 5. It's an incredible phone, but what if $700 is just more than you're looking to spend right now? In that case, we'd turn your attention towards the Pixel 4a 5G. It's a very similar phone in more ways than one, but thanks to a couple of smart compromises, it costs considerably less.
So, what's the same? Compared to the Pixel 5, the Pixel 4a 5G has the exact same processor, cameras, and storage. That means it's plenty fast, takes amazing photos, and has more than enough space for all of your apps/games. It also has a very similar battery life (which is to say that it's great), along with an identical software experience that's backed by years of guaranteed updates.
As for how Google was able to cut costs, here's what you don't get with the Pixel 4a 5G: there's no wireless charging, you don't have an IP rating for dust/water resistance, the screen is 60Hz instead of 90Hz, and the phone is made out of plastic instead of aluminum. Those are notable compromises you do need to consider, but if none of those things matter to you, the Pixel 4a 5G is an excellent value that should not go ignored. And, as the name suggests, you're still future-proofing yourself with 5G support.
8. OnePlus 8T
The best Android phone for international buyers
Bottom line: The world of international Android phones is a vast and varied one, and the OnePlus 8T is one of the best you can buy. It has a fantastic AMOLED display, top-notch specs, and is an especially great deal for shoppers outside of the U.S.
Display: 6.55-inch AMOLED, 2400x1080, 120Hz refresh rate
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865
RAM: 12GB
Storage: 256GB
Cameras: 48MP primary, 16MP ultra-wide, 5MP macro, 2MP monochrome
Charging: 65W wired
Battery: 4,500 mAh
Water Resistance: Nil
Dimensions: 160.7x74.1x8.4mm
Weight: 188g
The OnePlus 8T is OnePlus's newest smartphone offering, and all-in-all, it has a lot to offer. The 8 Pro is still the higher-end and more feature-rich OnePlus handset, but if you have a bit less cash to spend and are an international user, the 8T drives a hard bargain.
Powering the phone is Qualcomm's Snapdragon 865 processor, along with a generous 12GB of RAM. That allows for incredible performance no matter what you're doing, and thanks to the 120Hz display, everything moves like butter no matter how hard you're pushing the phone. You also get 256GB of storage for all your local files, in addition to a 4,500 mAh battery that allows for long endurance.
When it comes to time to refuel the OnePlus 8T, it uses the company's new Warp Charge 65 charging standard. This means you can charge the 8T from 0 - 100% in just 39 minutes, making it one of the fastest charging solutions available right now. The lack of wireless charging is a bummer, but this definitely makes up for it.
The OnePlus 8T is a good purchase if you live in the U.S., but thanks to phones like the Galaxy S20 FE and Pixel 5, it's not the same amazing value that past OnePlus phones have been. In other markets, however, the 8T is considerably more affordable. If you live somewhere like India or the U.K., the 8T is a lot more appealing.
9. Samsung Galaxy S20+
The best alternative Samsung phone
Bottom line: The higher price of the Galaxy S20+ isn't for everyone, but if you can afford it, you're in for something special. Compared to the OnePlus 8 Pro, you're primarily benefitting from nicer cameras, an even better display, and a ton of extra features that are only available on a Samsung phone.
Display: 6.7-inch AMOLED, 3200x1440, 120Hz refresh rate
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 128 or 512GB
Cameras: 12MP primary, 64MP telephoto, 12MP ultra-wide, 0.3MP depth
Charging: 25W wired and 15W wireless
Battery: 4,500 mAh
Water Resistance: IP68
Dimensions: 161.9x73.7x7.8mm
Weight: 186g
READ MORE: 5 Best 5G Enabled Smartphones For 2020
Before the Galaxy S20 series came out, our top pick here was the Galaxy S10+, and everything Samsung did this year made it easy to recommend the Galaxy S20+. The S20+ makes improvements across the board, starting with the display. It's a 6.7-inch AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, and it's easily one of the very best screens you can get on a smartphone in 2020. We're also happy to see the Snapdragon 865 processor, which allows for breakneck speeds and native 5G support on all U.S. carriers.
Samsung made improvements to other specs, too, with the S20+ offering a large 4,500 mAh battery that has more than enough juice for even the most intense of power-users. There's also plenty of RAM and storage to keep you happy, with Samsung still allowing you to add additional space with a microSD card if you need to.
The huge move up is with the cameras, with a new array both front and back. The new sensors are all larger and let in more light so you can take dramatically better low-light photos. It's not entirely on the level of the Pixel 5, but this is a big step up for Samsung and is no longer a shortcoming of this flagship. You also get capable zooming up to 5 times, while keeping an ultra-wide camera for more shooting variety.
Rounding out the Galaxy S20+ are all of the usual Samsung trimmings you've come to expect. The company's One UI software experience is jam-packed with features, and while it can be a bit overwhelming at times, there's no denying the utility that's added by the software. Samsung Pay also continues to be the best mobile payment service on the market, supporting NFC and MST transactions so you can pay with the S20+ at virtually any business.
10. Sony Xperia 1 II
The best Android phone for video
Bottom line: Lots of phones shoot great-looking video these days, but few offer as many features and settings in this department as the Sony Xperia 1 II. If you consider yourself a videographer and want a phone you can use for creative work, this is what you should get.
Display: 6.5-inch OLED, 3840x1644, 60Hz refresh rate
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 256GB
Cameras: 12MP primary, 12MP telephoto, 12MP ultra-wide, 0.3MP time-of-flight
Charging: 21W wired and 11W wireless
Battery: 4,000 mAh
Water Resistance: IP68
Dimensions: 165.1x71.1x7.6mm
Weight: 181g
Sony is most well-known these days for its cameras, headphones, and the PlayStation, but the company does still make Android phones. They don't get a lot of buzz and are pretty much invisible in the U.S., but that's not to say you should overlook what the company's kicking out. In fact, if you're a fan of shooting video with your smartphone, the Sony Xperia 1 II is an excellent consideration.
The Xperia 1 II comes equipped with Sony's Cinema Pro app, allowing you to have full control over the video that you shoot. There are endless settings and features to adjust, giving you options that a lot of other phones simply don't offer. On the technical side of things, the Xperia 1 II can shoot 4K HDR video at 24, 25, 30, and 60fps. There's also optical and electronic image stabilization, allowing you to keep all of your pans as smooth as can be.
When you're ready to view your footage, the Sony Xperia 1 II touts a seriously impressive screen. It's a 6.5-inch OLED one with a legit 4K resolution and 21:9 aspect ratio. It's one of the most cinematic displays on the market, and while there's no fast refresh rate, that doesn't take away from just how good it looks.
Ample storage, RAM, and battery capacity help to flesh out the rest of the Xperia 1 II experience, and we're pleased to see things like a headphone jack and wireless charging. It isn't the best deal out there, given the high price tag, but if you're serious about video, the Xperia 1 II makes a strong case for itself.
11. Nokia 5.3
The best Android phone under $200
Bottom line: Buying a new smartphone in 2020 is challenging for a lot of people. If you have a max budget of just $200 and aren't sure what to get, check out the Nokia 5.3. Despite having an ultra-low price, it manages to deliver on the fundamentals much better than you'd expect.
Display: 6.55-inch LCD, 1600x720, 60Hz refresh rate
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 665
RAM: 4GB
Storage: 64GB
Cameras: 13MP primary, 5MP ultra-wide, 2MP macro, 2MP depth
Charging: 10W wired
Battery: 4,000 mAh
Water Resistance: Nil
Dimensions: 164.3x76.6x8.5mm
Weight: 185g
Thanks to a multitude of events that have happened throughout the year, it's very likely you don't have a large budget for buying a new phone right now. If that happens to be the case for you, one of the best options to consider is the Nokia 5.3. It obviously isn't the most technically-impressive handset out there, but for its price, you couldn't ask for more.
Starting with its performance, it's powered by the same Snapdragon 665 chipset and 4GB of RAM found in the Moto G Power. That means it can run all of your apps and games just fine, and with 64GB of built-in storage (expandable up to 512GB), you have a good amount of space for storing all of them. There's also a generous 4,000 mAh battery, which Nokia says is big enough to get you through around two days of use on a single charge.
Taking over the front of the Nokia 5.3 is a 6.55-inch LCD display, featuring a resolution of 1600x720. This is far from the sharpest screen we've ever seen, but it looks perfectly fine given the low price. On a more positive note, we're thrilled to see a fingerprint sensor and even NFC for Google Pay payments.
12. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2
The best foldable phone
Bottom line: Folding phones are here, and the Galaxy Z Fold 2 is the best one we've seen yet. It's basically a smartphone and tablet in one device, and while it is outrageously expensive, it's also the best attempt yet we've seen for this form factor.
Cover Display: 6.23-inch AMOLED, 2260x816, 60Hz refresh rate
Inner Display: 7.6-inch AMOLED, 2280x1768, 120Hz refresh rate
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+
RAM: 12GB
Storage: 256GB
Cameras: 12MP primary, 12MP telephoto, 12MP ultra-wide
Charging: 25W wired and 11W wireless
Battery: 4,500 mAh
Water Resistance: Nil
Dimensions: 159.2x128.2x6.9mm (unfolded) and 159.2x68x16.8mm (folded)
Weight: 282g
Just like any piece of technology, smartphones evolve and change as time goes on. We've seen screens get bigger, cameras get a lot more capable, and processors rival those found in computers. The next big thing for phones is the folding form factor, and so far, the best yet in this niche is the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2.
The best way to think about the device is as a phone and tablet in one. When the Z Fold 2 is closed, you're treated to a 6.23-inch AMOLED display that you can use for anything you'd like — checking email, scrolling through Twitter, watching YouTube videos, you name it. Should you find yourself wanting a larger canvas, however, all you need to do is open up the Z Fold 2 up. There, you're treated to a larger 7.6-inch AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate. It's a lot like having an iPad Mini that you can fold up and take with you wherever you want, and if you ask us, that's pretty amazing.
As you might expect for a new technology like a folding phone, the Z Fold 2 does come with some unique dilemmas. The Ultra-Thin Glass for the tablet display is prone to scratches a lot more than traditional glass, the folding design raises questions about long-term durability, and not all apps are properly optimized for that larger display size. There's also the matter of price, with the Galaxy Z Fold 2 costing more than two OnePlus 8 Pros.
This isn't a phone that we recommend everyone go out and buy right now, but as far as folding phones go, the Galaxy Z Fold 2 is the best we've seen to-date. If you're willing to spend the money and put up with those quirks, the Z Fold 2 has a lot to offer.
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