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9.20/10
1.
Premium pick:
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
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8.00/10
2.
Editors choice:
Asus ROG Phone 5
-
8.20/10
3.
Best value:
Motorola Edge
-
9.00/10
4.
Sony Xperia 1 II
-
9.20/10
5.
Google Pixel 5
-
9.20/10
6.
Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G
-
8.00/10
7.
OnePlus 9 Pro
If you want a top-of-the-line, flagship Android smartphone, there’s a chance you’re going to shell out a thousand dollars or more. So if you’re going to invest your hard-earned money, you must ensure you get the device that fits your needs exactly.
However, with all the options out there, choosing the right one for you can be confusing. To help you pick the best for you, we’ve rounded up the best high-performance Android smartphones you can find.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is an all-around high-performance Android smartphone. It doesn’t skimp on any feature or specification. It has a buttery-smooth 120Hz Quad HD display, a four-camera system with a 240mm 10x optical zoom lens, crisp sound with AKG tuning, and a powerful Snapdragon 888 5G chip.
This phone has almost everything most users want—an excellent camera system, a beautiful and lag-free display, top-notch speakers, advanced processors, and a long battery life. You also have a choice between Phantom Black and Phantom Silver.
Although this phone drops the external microSD support, its smallest 128GB storage size should be enough for most users. And if you need larger space, you could opt for the 512GB model.
The phone also has a 25W fast charging capability. You can get up to a 50 percent charge from empty in as little as 30 minutes. You could get a fully charged battery in a little over an hour.
There’s only one major drawback—it’s expensive. But at that price, this smartphone will do everything you ask it to, and then some.
- Powerful Snapdragon 888 5G chip
- 10x optical zoom camera
- IP68-rated for dust and water resistance
- Brand: Samsung
- Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB
- CPU: Snapdragon 888 5G
- Memory: 12GB
- Operating System: Android 11
- Battery: 5,000mAh
- Ports: USB-C 3.2
- Camera (Rear, Front): 108MP, 40MP
- Display (Size, Resolution): 6.8-inch, 1440×3200
- Excellent, professional grade cameras
- 5G-compatible
- Offers one of the best displays available on a phone
- No microSD slot
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
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Many think the Asus ROG Phone 5 is reserved for gamers. However, its specifications, toned-down design, and overall execution make it a well-rounded device. It sports the latest, most powerful Snapdragon 888 5G and pairs it with 16GB RAM, ample 256GB storage, and a massive 6,000mAh battery.
These specifications are primarily designed for gaming. However, it also provides excellent performance for everyday use. For example, the phone has two charging ports—one on the bottom and another on the side. The purpose is to allow gamers to charge the smartphone or to attach accessories while playing. But you could also use it to power the phone while watching a movie.
In some tests, the ROG Phone 5’s performance is even better than flagship devices from Samsung. It has the usual premium features, like an under-display fingerprint sensor, DTS:X stereo speakers, Gorilla Glass all around the phone, and wireless charging. Better yet, it can maintain that performance through heavy use with its impressive cooling abilities.
This phone does have one major downside: its camera system is at least a generation behind other flagship phones. It does well under daylight conditions. But photos in low light and other similar situations are compromised.
If you want a smartphone that focuses on raw power, then you should go for this. It offers the best bang-for-the-buck when it comes to entertainment. But if photo and video are essential for you, you should consider other options.
- Shoulder buttons designed for gaming
- Dual USB ports for comfortable use while charging
- Excellent screen with a 144Hz refresh rate
- Brand: Asus
- Storage: 256GB
- CPU: Snapdragon 888 5G
- Memory: 16GB
- Operating System: Android 11
- Battery: 6,000mAh
- Ports: 1x USB-C 3.1, 1x USB-C 2.0, 1x 3.5mm jack
- Camera (Rear, Front): 64MP, 24MP
- Display (Size, Resolution): 6.78-inch, 1080×2448
- Ultrafast 65W charging brick included
- Loud and crisp stereo speakers
- Snapdragon 888 chip with excellent cooling avoids thermal throttling
- Subpar camera performance
Asus ROG Phone 5
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If you’re on a budget but still want to have a premium phone, you cannot go wrong with the Motorola Edge. At less than half the price of several flagship devices, you will still get hardware that can give you a great experience.
This smartphone features a 90Hz OLED display, 256GB of storage with 6GB of RAM, a triple camera system with a TOF sensor, and a respectable Snapdragon 765 chip. It also has an under-display optical fingerprint sensor and fast wireless charging.
The phone has an aluminum frame with glass at the back. Its front display is protected by Gorilla Glass 5 with a water-repellant coating. Unfortunately, this device isn’t IP-rated, so you shouldn’t drop it in water.
However, it doesn’t have the best camera performance, especially in low-light situations. Similarly, it doesn’t offer 4K video recording and has no fast charging. Nevertheless, you will still get a lot of smartphone for the price of the Motorola Edge.
- Fast wireless charging
- Triple-camera layout with a TOF sensor
- Expandable memory
- Brand: Motorola
- Storage: 256GB
- CPU: Snapdragon 765
- Memory: 6GB
- Operating System: Android 10
- Battery: 4,500mAh
- Ports: 1x USB-C 3.1, 1x 3.5mm jack
- Camera (Rear, Front): 64MP, 25MP
- Display (Size, Resolution): 6.7-inch, 1080×2340
- Affordable
- Long battery life
- Full HD video recording at 60fps
- No IP Rating
Motorola Edge
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This phone is Sony’s flagship camera-centric smartphone. The company, which makes the professional Alpha mirrorless cameras, used their camera knowhow for the Xperia 1 II. They then paired it with top-of-the-line Zeiss optics to provide exceptional image quality.
If you look at their camera resolutions, you may be forgiven to think its 12MP and 8MP sensors are underwhelming. After all, the latest flagships have over 100MP sensors.
However, sensor size isn’t the only thing that matters. Sony focuses on the response speed of its camera. This lets you capture images instantly, allowing you to freeze moments in time as you see them. They also have excellent autofocus tracking through Real-time Eye AF. It keeps your subject’s face in focus—whether they’re humans or pets.
Despite the phone being focused on photography, Sony doesn’t skimp on other features. Their phone sports a 4K display, an expandable memory, and even a 3.5mm jack. These latter two are a rarity among flagship devices.
The Sony Xperia 1 II isn’t just an excellent photography smartphone; its specs will give you a wonderful overall experience. This is a viable substitute if you’re tired of the usual offerings from other mainstream brands.
- Quick response camera with Zeiss optics
- Built-in 3.5mm headphone jack
- 4K resolution display
- Brand: Sony
- Storage: 256GB
- CPU: Snapdragon 865
- Memory: 8GB
- Operating System: Android 10
- Battery: 4,000mAh
- Ports: 1x USB-C 3.1, 1x, 3.5mm jack
- Camera (Rear, Front): 12MP, 8MP
- Display (Size, Resolution): 6.5-inch, 1644×3840
- Excellent manual camera mode
- Easily pocketable form factor
- Comes with stock Android 10 with no bloatware
- Slower charging speed versus other flagship brands
Sony Xperia 1 II
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If you value a clean, bloatware-free Android experience, the Google Pixel 5 will give you exactly that. It’s the fifth iteration of Google’s flagship phone, which executes Android the way Google believes it should be.
This phone features the latest Android software and will receive support for up to three years after its launch. This way, you’re guaranteed to receive all software upgrades for most of your device’s life.
Beyond its software, Google equipped its device with respectable hardware. The Pixel 5 has a Snapdragon 765 5G chip, allowing you to enjoy the fastest 5G signals.
The company also included 128GB of storage space and 8GB of RAM. These specifications ensure you that most everyday use of the Pixel 5 will not run into issues.
However, this phone isn’t recommended if you’re into photography and videography. The Google Pixel 5 doesn’t have support for expandable memory. As a result, the 128GB storage space will fill up rather quickly if you take many pictures and videos.
Furthermore, the phone’s camera system only has two cameras. It doesn’t have the telephoto and ToF sensors most new flagships have.
The Google Pixel 5 is specifically designed for the everyday user. If you don’t have a specific purpose, like photography or gaming, this smartphone will cater to your needs.
- Ultra-wide camera
- Excellent battery life
- The best Android experience on a smartphone
- Brand: Google
- Storage: 128GB
- CPU: Snapdragon 765 5G
- Memory: 8GB
- Operating System: Android 11
- Battery: 4,080mAh
- Ports: USB-C 3.1
- Camera (Rear, Front): 16MP, 8MP
- Display (Size, Resolution): 6.0-inch, 1080×2340
- Wireless and reverse wireless charging
- 4K video recording at 60fps
- Compact and pocketable form factor
- Mid-range 765 5G chip
Google Pixel 5
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The Samsung Note20 Ultra 5G is the company’s offering for professionals. Its iconic S-Pen and pressure-sensitive screen let users enjoy the full functionality of its stylus.
Although this is one generation behind the S21, its features are still nothing to scoff at. It has a 120Hz QHD AMOLED display, a Snapdragon 865 5G+ chip, up to 512GB of storage, and 12GB of RAM.
The triple camera system with a 13mm ultrawide lens and a 120mm 5x optical zoom lens will give you excellent flexibility. Furthermore, you can record up to 8K video at 24fps on the Note20 Ultra.
You can also use the Note20 Ultra for productivity with its wireless DeX capability. This feature allows you to connect to a screen wirelessly, letting you use your phone with a PC-like experience. Pair it with a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, and you have a computer that fits in your pocket.
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G will give you excellent performance. And if you’re a professional, you will appreciate its features like the S-Pen compatibility and wireless Samsung DeX experience.
- Ultra-smooth 1440p 120Hz display
- One of the best camera systems on the market
- Expandable memory via a microSD card
- Brand: Samsung
- Storage: 128GB/512GB
- CPU: Snapdragon 856 5G+
- Memory: 12GB
- Operating System: Android 10
- Battery: 4,500mAh
- Ports: USB-C 3.2
- Camera (Rear, Front): 108MP, 10MP
- Display (Size, Resolution): 6.9-inch, 1440×3088
- All-around Gorilla Glass Victus protection
- Increased versatility with the S-Pen
- Excellent battery life
- Very large camera bump
Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G
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OnePlus is known for offering flagship smartphones at mid-range prices. However, the OnePlus 9 Pro breaks this tradition with its premium features at a premium price.
This smartphone boasts a 120Hz AMOLED QHD screen protected by Gorilla Glass 5. It also sports a quad-camera setup with a 14mm ultrawide lens and up to 3.3x optical zoom. The company also utilized Hasselblad’s expertise to calibrate its camera’s color performance. You have a choice between 128GB or 256GB of storage space, both paired with 8GB RAM.
The phone has a Gorilla Glass 5 rear supported by an aluminum frame. It’s also IP68-rated, so you’re sure it will survive accidental drops in water. It also has other features expected of flagship phones, like under-display fingerprint sensors, Bluetooth 5.2, and fast wireless charging.
Overall, the OnePlus 9 Pro is a good phone. OnePlus gives you all the essentials in a phone, and then they add premium features. This iteration of OnePlus’s top model doesn’t have exciting new tech. Instead, it’s an incremental change to the previous year’s model.
- Crisp and smooth 120Hz HDR10+ AMOLED Display
- Ultra-fast 65W charging
- Hasselblad-branded camera system
- Brand: OnePlus
- Storage: 128GB/256GB
- CPU: Snapdragon 888 5G
- Memory: 12GB
- Operating System: Android 11
- Battery: 4,500mAh
- Ports: USB-C 3.1
- Camera (Rear, Front): 50MP, 16MP
- Display (Size, Resolution): 6.7-inch, 1440×3216
- Distortion-free ultrawide camera
- Loud and clear speakers
- Clean Android 11 install with limited bloatware
- Slightly worse battery life compared to previous model
OnePlus 9 Pro
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FAQ
Q: Are Flagship Phones Better Than Mid-Range Options?
Spec-wise, flagship phones are definitely better than mid-range devices. They offer the latest and most powerful processors, the best camera systems and are generally updated more often.
However, flagship phones also come at a high price point. If you’re looking to save money and want something for daily use only, it’s generally more cost-efficient to go for a mid-range model.
Q: How Long Do Most Flagship Phones Last?
Flagship phones are designed to last at least three years, depending on the company. Both Samsung and Google provide updates to their flagship devices for that long, and sometimes even longer. So, as long as you don’t break your phone, you can expect to keep it for three years.
Q: What Are the Advantages of Android Phones Over iPhones?
While iPhones are more prevalent in the US, Android phones have a more significant market share worldwide. This is because Android phones come in all shapes, sizes, and price points.
You can get an Android device that costs twice the top iPhone model. But at the same time, you can get an Android smartphone that at 10 percent the price of an iPhone 12 Pro Max.
The Android operating system is also significantly more customizable than the iOS. This allows users to tinker with their phones and customize them the way they want to.