Finder's expert team has tested and reviewed dozens of phones to come up with our list of the best Android smartphones. During testing, we consider the performance, battery life, cameras, design and overall value for money.
Our editorial team selected the phones on this list based on their overall quality and value compared to other phones on the market. The selection and order are not based on review scores. If you are willing to consider an Apple iPhone, you can also compare our full list of the best phones of 2022.
Read more detail on our methodology below.
Handpicked deals, direct to your inbox
Subscribe to the Finder Shopping newsletter for the latest shopping and travel deals
Error placeholder Click here to sign in
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Best overall
Image: Supplied/Finder
Finder Score:
Pros
- Great gaming performance
- Nobody else can offer the S Pen
- Battery life improved over prior years
Cons
- Expensive!
- No particular design changes
- Space Zoom is still mostly garbage
Buy now
If you want the best in overall Android performance, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is the phone to buy, particularly if you enjoy mobile gaming.
It's powered by an overclocked Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor with a top speed of 3.36GHz. In our benchmarks, it beat every other phone for graphics performance, meaning it will handle any app you throw at it without crashing.
For photography buffs it boasts a 200MP camera, which can not only produce poster-size prints but will let you crop and reframe shots in great detail. If you want to take selfies, you'll be able to do so with a 12MP front camera.
The S23 Ultra comes equipped with a 5,000mAh battery that purports to last 13 hours between charges. In our tests, we typically got through a full day with 30% battery life remaining, which is a solid result.
What really sets the Galaxy S23 Ultra apart from other Androids is the Galaxy S Pen. This is an inbuilt stylus that can be used with a host of writing and drawing applications. For creative types and certain professionals, this is an extremely handy tool to have.
More than 40,000 customers on Amazon, Google reviews, The Good Guys, Product Review and JB Hi-Fi gave the phone a perfect rating of 5 stars. This result is hardly surprising given the features listed above.
Despite launching in February 2023, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is still incredibly expensive. You're looking at a street price of around $2,000 for the 256GB model, although it does regularly go on sale.
Image: Supplied/Finder
Pros
- Impact-absorbing frame
- Sleek design
Cons
- Heavy users may require frequent recharging
- Camera system is a bit lacking
Buy now
The Nokia XR21 doesn't come with the fancy perks of other phones on this list. In fact, it even lacks a few basics such as wireless charging and USB-C.
What the phone does offer is ultra-sturdy construction. With a polymer composite back and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus front, the Nokia XR21 is one of the toughest phones on the market.
It's resistant to scratching, drops, water and dust, making it a great choice for people who lead adventurous lifestyles (or are just exceptionally clumsy).
Nokia claims its phone is able to withstand drops of up to 1.8 metres onto hard surfaces. The IP68 waterproof rating means it can survive 60 minutes at depths of up to 1.5 metres.
It will continue to work in temperatures between -21 and 55 degrees Celsius which covers most of the inhabited world.
Other noteworthy features include robust dual speakers, a 64-megapixel AI camera, ongoing monthly security updates and an impressive 2-day battery life.
It also comes with a 3-year warranty in the unlikely event you manage to break this phone.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Best Android camera phone
Image: Supplied/Finder
Finder Score:
Pros
- Great gaming performance
- Nobody else can offer the S Pen
- Battery life improved over prior years
Cons
- Expensive!
- No particular design changes
- Space Zoom is still mostly garbage
Buy now
If photography is important to you, it is hard to look past the Samsung Galaxy S23 series, of which the S23 Ultra is the pick of the bunch.
It boasts a massive 200MP primary camera which far exceeds any of its competitors. This allows you to take crispy images, no matter the light. The high megapixel count is particularly useful for post-shot editing – you can crop to your heart's content with minimal loss in picture quality.
Adding to this is an AI-enhanced Nightography mode, which allows you to capture 30fps 8K video at night without compromise. There is a marked improvement in low-light photography compared to the S22 Ultra.
Alongside the primary wide 200MP sensor, the Galaxy S23 Ultra also features a 12MP front-facing selfie camera, 12MP ultra-wide and dual 10MP telephoto lenses at 3x and 10x optical zoom respectively.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has the added bonus of a 100x zoom meaning you'll be able to capture all of life's moments regardless of how far away you are.
Read Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra review
Oppo A17
Best budget Android phone (under $300)
Image: Supplied/Finder
Pros
- Only $229
- Long battery life and decent camera
Cons
- Lacking in premium features
- Slow to charge
Buy now
For those who are on a bit more of a budget you can't go past the Oppo A17. With over 8,000 positive reviews across Google reviews, Product Review and Amazon, this phone offers plenty of value to customers.
The Oppo A17 provides excellent bang for buck, with an original RRP of just $259. You can now find it even cheaper, with most stores selling the device for $229 or under.
So what do you get for your 200-odd dollarydoos? Quite a lot, as it turns out.
The phone's 720p, 60Hz display is surprisingly good, as is the overall build quality. We especially like the look and feel of the pleather back, which is not something you typically see on a budget phone.
Featuring a 50MP rear camera, you'll be able to capture high-quality images, even in dark areas. Just don't expect flagship-level results – this is a budget camera, after all.
Another handy perk of the Oppo A 17 is its long battery life. You can expect around 20 hours on a full charge, which should easily get you through a day of heavy usage.
Google Pixel 8 Pro
Best Google phone
Image: Supplied/Finder
Pros
- Useful AI photo editing tool
- Cheaper than other leading flagships
Cons
- Shorter battery life than predecessor
- Obtrusive camera bar
Buy now
The latest-generation Pixel boasts a powerful Google Tensor G3 processor and an AMOLED display with a 1–120Hz refresh rate making it the brightest screen in a smartphone yet.
Google also had a big focus on its camera this year, with a 50MP main camera, 48MP ultra-wide and 48MP 5x telephoto packed into the rear of the camera. Naturally, there's also a 10.5MP selfie camera, offering 21% more light sensitivity than its predecessor.
But where the camera system really shines is with its editing software, which uses generative AI to help you bring your photos to life. Photos will be especially enamoured by the Magic Editor tool which allows you to remove people and objects, adjust lighting and merge photos at the stroke of a finger.
For the first time ever in a Pixel phone, Google has also added a thermometer feature so you can quickly get the temperature of things by scanning them.
The Pixel 8 Pro boasts 72-hour battery life with Extreme Battery Saver enabled, or around 24 hours in its normal mode. In practice, you can expect it to get through a full day of heavy usage between charges.
If you prefer to hold onto the same phone for as long as possible, the Pixel 8 Pro is your best option. As of 2023, Google is committing to 7 years of full software support, including ongoing OS and security updates. That's better than any other phone on the market.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Best Samsung Phone
Image: Supplied/Finder
Finder Score:
Pros
- Great gaming performance
- Nobody else can offer the S Pen
- Battery life improved over prior years
Cons
- Expensive!
- No particular design changes
- Space Zoom is still mostly garbage
Buy now
Unsurprisingly, the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra was also chosen as the best Samsung phone.
The flagship Samsung phone is a hit with its customers based on a number of cool features. Firstly it has a 200MP camera, meaning you'll be able to take and print poster-size photos.
It also makes gaming easier, with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Galaxy processor, meaning faster speeds for the phone.
Finally, it has a number of user-friendly features such as the mighty S pen, a 6.8-inch screen and an ultra display that is bright even in sunlight meaning you can use your phone pretty much anywhere.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra has over 40,000 positive customer reviews on popular websites such as Google reviews, Product Review, JB Hi-Fi and Amazon.
Oppo Find X5 Pro
Best Oppo phone
Image: Supplied/Finder
Finder Score:
Pros
- Good camera quality (mostly)
- Good battery life
- Nice design
Cons
- Expensive
- Poor zoom camera
- Limited colour choices
Buy now
With its striking design, gorgeous QHD+ display and one of the market's top cameras, it should come as no surprise that the Find X5 Pro is our pick for best Oppo phone.
Having originally launched in 2022, the Oppo Find X5 Pro is beginning to show its age. However, there's a very good reason we didn't choose the newer X6 Pro – it's a Chinese-only model with no English software support.
The Find X5 Pro is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset that originally debuted back in 2021. While playing the latest AAA games might cause lag issues, for most apps the CPU continues to hold up well.
Where the Oppo Find X5 Pro really shines is its camera which was created in partnership with Swedish photography giant Hasselblad. It packs in a 50MP wide, 50MP ultra-wide and 13MP telephoto lenses, as well as a 32MP selfie cam.
The main camera excels in dim environments, pulling in as much light as possible and highlighting subjects with little to no graininess. On the downside, you're limited to a 2x optical zoom which is seriously underpowered.
The 6.7-inch 3,216 x 1,440 display boasts an impressive 97% screen-to-body ratio. With a pixel density of 525ppi, a peak brightness of 1,300 nits and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, the Find X5 Pro is one of the best phones on the market when it comes to video playback. The picture is crystal clear and colours really pop.
If you're in the market for an Android and want something other than a Samsung or Pixel, the Oppo Find X5 Pro is a solid option.
Why you should compare the best Android phones in Australia
Google's Android operating system runs more phones than any other, having entirely seen off Windows Phone and taken significant market share from Apple's iOS. It's where we see the most innovation, year in and year out – whether it's in battery capacity, new camera features or consumer-friendly ways to make each Android device your own.
That means it's much more than just a game of comparing specifications, especially as the vast majority of premium phones run off the same OS and mostly the same core processors. Premium Android phones bring features such as improved camera optics, wireless charging, large high-resolution displays and stylish finishes with robust glass.
Here at Finder, we've reviewed all of the flagship smartphones that have launched in Australia, putting them through their paces to see which is best. We've argued long and hard to create this list of 2022's best smartphones, which we update constantly.
Glossary: Key Android phone terms to consider
Save on android phones with these deals and discounts:
Up to 45% off refurbished tech at Phonebot
Save up to 45% on selected smartphones, tablets, laptops and wearable tech from Apple, Samsung, Google Pixel, Motorola and more at Phonebot. Limited time offer and while stocks last. T&Cs, exclusions apply.
Up to 40% off + free shipping on all iPhone 15 models
Don't miss out on this limited-time offer at Kogan. T&Cs apply.
10% off your order at Sennheiser
Enjoy 10% off your order with the promo code at Sennheiser. From headphones to earbuds, upgrade to premium sound that delivers every detail. Shop today and take your listening experience to the next level. Valid for a limited time only. T&Cs apply.
Up to 70% off selected products
Get up to 70% off selected phone cases at Otterbox. Valid while stocks last. T&Cs apply.
Up to 64% off iPhone cases and more
Save up to 64% on selected full-coverage protection combo for iPhone, Samsung Galaxy and more. Hurry, while stocks last. T&Cs apply.
iPhone 12 from just $319
Get a refurbished iPhone 12 for as low as $319 at Green Gadgets. Limited time offer. While stocks last. T&Cs, exclusions apply.
Up to 70% off Otter + Pop Symmetry iPhone cases
Protect your new iPhone with the Otter + Pop Symmetry cases on sale for up to 70% off at OtterBox. Hurry while stocks last. T&Cs apply.
Refurbished iPhones from $199
Buy fully working, Grade A refurbished Apple iPhones from Phonebot for as little as $199. T&Cs apply.
Up to 30% off sale
Benefit from discounted prices on selected headphones, earbuds or other Sennheiser audio products. Shop now for up to 30% off. While stocks last. T&Cs apply.
Up to 25% off Mobile Phones
Discounts applied at checkout. Valid for a limited time only at Temu. Exclusions, T&Cs apply.
$171 off LG 420L Bottom Mount Fridge White
Save $171 off plus take advantage of FREE delivery when you order the LG 420L Bottom Mount Fridge White (GB-455WL) at Appliances Online for only $1,268 (RRP: $1,439). This bottom-mount fridge is designed to fit most kitchens and comes with Smart Diagnosis technology to help you assess the unit using your smartphone. This fridge also features LG’s Door Cooling system and Moist Balance Crisper. Order now and save! Limited-time offer, while stocks last. T&Cs apply.
Up to 60% off Apple iPhone accessories
Get up to 60% off Apple iPhone accessories at CrazySales.com.au while stocks last. T&Cs apply.
Up to 70% off Apple iPhones
Get up to 70% off Apple iPhones for FIRST members at Kogan while stocks last. T&Cs apply.
Apple iPhones from $797
Get Apple iPhones from $797 at The Good Guys while stocks last. T&Cs apply.
Up to 60% off Apple iPhones
Get up to 60% off Apple iPhones at Kogan and experience premium performance for less. Whether you're upgrading or gifting, now's the perfect time to save big on iconic tech. Limited-time offer. T&Cs apply.
Up to 50% off Apple iPhones
Shop and get up to 50% off Apple iPhones at Phonebot while stocks last. T&Cs apply.
Up to 30% off Apple iPhone 14 (refurbished)
Get up to 30% off Apple iPhone 14 (refurbished) at Phonebot while stocks last. T&Cs apply.
$120 off Apple iPhone 14 Pro 5G
Get the Apple iPhone 14 Pro 5G, 1TB, Grade A, now for only $979, down from $1,099 at Phonebot. T&Cs apply.
Up to 20% off iPhone 15 cases: Buy more, save more
Get iPhone 15 cases at eBay and take advantage of great discount when you buy more. Limited time only. T&Cs apply.
Up to 50% off iPhone 15 cases
Score great discount on iPhone 15 cases at Temu. Hurry while stocks last. T&Cs apply.
50% off Magsafe Symmetry Series case for iPhone 14+
Save 50% off on iPhone 14+ cases from Magsafe Symmetry Series at Otterbox. While stocks last. T&Cs apply.
iPhone 15 cases starting at $60
Shop high quality, MagSafe compatible, cute prints iPhone 15 cases at Casetify. Hurry before stock run out. T&Cs apply.
$200 off Apple iPhone 16e 128GB
Ends
9 Mar 2026
Save $200 off the Apple iPhone 16e 128GB at The Good Guys, now priced at $797 (was $997). The iPhone 16e is the latest entry-point into the iPhone 16 lineup, purpose-built for Apple Intelligence to help you get more done effortlessly. Powered by the advanced A18 chip, it delivers smooth performance for productivity and gaming, while the 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with Ceramic Shield ensures a stunning and durable viewing experience. With up to 26 hours of video playback, it’s designed to keep up with your busiest days. T&Cs apply.
41% Off Creative Outlier Free Pro+ at Creative Labs
Dive into freedom with 41% off the Creative Outlier Free Pro+, the ultimate open-ear headphones built for adventure. With premium sound, waterproof durability, and all-day comfort, they’re designed to keep up with your lifestyle at an unbeatable price. Valid for a limited time only. T&Cs apply.
Up to 15% off iPhone 15 cases
Shop cases for your new iPhone 15 at Amazon and grab great savings. Hurry before stocks run out. T&Cs apply.
Up to 28% off Lenovo Tablets and Motorola phones
Save up to 28% on Lenovo tablets and Motorola phones. Enjoy discounts on popular models like the Lenovo Tab M11 and Motorola smartphones. Valid for a limited time only and while stocks last. T&Cs apply.
Extra 15-20% off women's sports tech accessories
Save an extra 15-20% off selected women's sports tech accessories at THE ICONIC. Enjoy extra discounts on headphones, smartwatches, and earbuds from Friendie, Guess, Ted Baker, Nike, and more. T&Cs apply.
Up to $400 off mobile phones
Enjoy great discounts on mobile phones when you shop at The Good Guys. Hurry before stocks run out. T&Cs apply.
Up to 29% off mobile phones & smart phones
Shop up to 29% off mobile phones & smartphones like Apple, Samsung, TCL, Motorola, and more. While stocks last. T&Cs apply.
Up to $150 off selected mobile phones
Shop and save on selected mobile phones from Apple, Samung, Nokia, Google Phones, and more at MyDeal. T&Cs apply.
Up to 50% off mobile phones & smart phones
Shop up to 50% off mobile phones & smartphones like Apple, Samsung, Nokia, Motorola, and more. While stocks last. T&Cs apply.
Up to 50% off phone accessories
Shop up to 50% off phone accessories at Myer while stocks last. T&Cs apply.
FREE Shipping
Enjoy FREE shipping on all Grip2ü orders—no minimum purchase required! Shop your favorite phone cases today and get them delivered straight to your door at no extra cost. T&Cs apply.
Up to 36% off cellphone accessories
Discounts applied at checkout. Valid for a limited time only. Exclusions, T&Cs apply.
FREE delivery on all orders
Enjoy FREE delivery on when you shop at Phonebot. Hurry, while stocks last. T&Cs apply
Up to 50% off Headphones accessories
Shop up to 50% off a wide selection of headphone accessories until supplies last at Temu. T&Cs apply.
20% off your second phone case
Offer applies to smartphone cases at OtterBox. Discount will apply to the cheaper of the two and applicable on the 2nd, 4th, 6th cases purchased, and so on. T&Cs apply.
FREE one-on-one virtual consultation
Schedule a free 1-on-1 live video or phone consultation from experts in Noa Home. T&Cs apply.
Extra 5% off your first purchase at Lenovo
Sign up for Lenovo's newsletter and get an extra 5% off your first purchase of computers, tablets, phones and accessories at Lenovo. T&Cs apply.
FREE shipping on all orders
Enjoy FREE shipping on all orders when you shop headphones and speakers at Soundcore. T&Cs apply.
How did we pick this list?
- We've spent thousands of hours testing and reviewing mobile phones.
- Our editorial team has a combined 60+ years of experience writing about tech and reviewing the latest devices.
- The phones on this list are chosen by our editorial team and are not based on commercial relationships.
Why you can trust our picks
For every phone we test, we consider the design, including screen quality, layout, the presence or absence of features like removable storage or headphone jacks and security features like facial ID or fingerprint scanners.
We also test and weigh up all aspects of phone camera performance, including how well any special camera features work and how they each compare to similarly priced phones in terms of capturing harder subjects such as fast-moving objects and shots in low light. Both front and rear cameras are carefully considered.
We use a range of benchmarks and real-world tests to evaluate how the phone's performance compares to other available phones. Benchmarks can give us a comparative picture of where a phone might sit relative to other devices. However, it's only in using a phone to its full capacity, including any device-specific software, and evaluating how well it works for everyday tasks like web browsing or social media, that we can get a fully rounded performance picture. We also look at network features, including call quality and support for network standards like 4G and 5G, when making our evaluations.
Manufacturer battery life claims don't always reflect real-life results. That's why for each phone, we test with a standardised video test in order to get a comparative feel of how each phone handles battery stress as well as using it over multiple days to see how it stands up to regular usage. As part of our battery testing, we also consider charging options, including charging rates for those phones that can take a larger wattage.
Finally, with every other consideration tested and ranked, we also look at the price of the phone relative to other similar devices available at the time of testing. The best phones in the market aren't going to be the cheapest. But with a trend towards ever more expensive handsets, it's never been more vital to ensure that you're getting value for money, which is why we factor in the cost of a phone only after we've considered every other performance aspect. We have consciously included several non-flagship models so there is an option for most budgets.
We value our editorial independence, basing our comparison results, content and reviews on objective analysis without bias. But Finder may receive compensation when you click links on our site. Learn more about how we make money from our partners.
Frequently asked questions
Which brand is best for Android?
The Samsung Galaxy S23 series is the pick of the Android phones, although it is in a hotly contested market. The Galaxy series wins on its powerhouse performance, excellent camera, built-in S pen and stylish design. However, there are a spate of Android phones that offer different features and come in at different costs. As such, you should weigh up what you want in a device and match it to costs.
Which Android phone is closest to iPhone?
Regardless of which Android you choose it won't feel exactly the same, although the Pixel 8 comes pretty close. If you're looking to switch from iOS this is the perfect starter phone.
What is the difference between Android and iOS?
iOS is the operating system specifically designed for Apple devices such as iPhones, MacBooks and iPads. Android is a mobile operating system designed for tablets and smartphones. All companies can use Android on their devices, while iOS is mostly exclusive to Apple products.
Are Android phones safe from hackers?
Because many companies use Android as a mobile operating system, many hackers target these devices. Since it's also easy to customise, Android users can unintentionally create a weakness in their devices that hackers might exploit.
Do you need an antivirus on an Android phone?
Android devices usually have the necessary features to secure your phone from viruses and other security risks. But you can still download and install separate antivirus software for extra protection.
How can you better protect an Android phone?
To better protect your Android phone, use 2-factor authentication and phone locks. Download apps only from the Google Play Store and don't use unknown Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections.
Why you can trust Finder Shopping best guides
We're knowledgeable
We're comprehensive
