This year has been a significant one for Android, with nearly every major manufacturer entering the foldable phone market and making substantial improvements to their longstanding models. We've also seen a surge in AI integration across devices, a trend that is expected to continue into 2024. Over the past year, I've tested and reviewed a multitude of Android phones, ranging from those with light-up back covers to those that fold in half, and even those small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. My experience spans both ends of the budget spectrum, from the $300 Moto G Stylus 5G to the $1,799 Google Pixel Fold. To help you navigate the best Android options, especially during the holiday and Black Friday shopping season, I've compiled a list of standout devices. Leading the pack in 2023 is the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. Read on for more insights, including expert opinions and analysis.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra features: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy | Display size: 6.8 inches | Storage options: 256GB/512GB/1TB | Rear cameras: 200MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP 10x optical, 10MP 3x optical | Front camera: 12MP The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra was crowned the best overall Android phone last year, and its successor, the Galaxy S23 Ultra, is poised to secure back-to-back titles for the Korean tech giant in 2023. From my testing, it's evident that Samsung continues to adopt the "everything but the kitchen sink" approach with its new Ultra flagship, and it's a strategy that continues to pay off. The device boasts arguably the best display on the market, featuring high brightness for outdoor use and a less curved glass finish than previous models. This contributes to an immersive, visually appealing, and practical user experience. The quad-camera setup on the rear, headlined by a high-resolution 200MP camera, is another standout feature. While a 200MP main lens may seem excessive to some, the additional detail captured results in vibrant, sharp photos, even in low-light conditions. Plus, the Galaxy S23 Ultra retains the integrated S Pen stylus for note-taking, sketching, and remote camera controls. There are also some subtle upgrades to this year's S23 Ultra, including storage configurations starting at 256GB (up from last year's 128GB), a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chipset that's among the most performant mobile platforms I've tested, and a boxier form factor that makes the phone easier to hold and write on. Of course, a larger square might be less wieldy if you're transitioning from a smaller handset, but that's a trade-off worth considering.
