‘Best Android Phones 2023’ — fiddled on keyboards already a million times, popped up on screens at least a zillion times, until your eyes spotted it again here. From mobile buffs, who tend to change their smartphones almost every now and then, to the ones who are not-so possessed with the sheer passion for the device — this keyword has been on endless search histories and if checked minutely, we will see that it appears time and again.
We are approaching almost the fag end of the first quarter of the ‘new’ year and the debate rages on for the ‘Best Android Phone of the Year 2023’. Though it seems quite impossible (and unfair too) to mention a single phone that can be awarded with the silverware, we can always list a couple of them, which manage to edge past the ‘tons’ of mobiles available in stores (both offline and online).
See, for most of us, smartphones are not something which we change too often (budget remains one of the main roadblockers in this regard). Hence, we need to be fully sure before locking any option, if it ticks all our necessary boxes.
Keeping all these factors in mind, Technowize has crafted this list of Best Android Phones 2023, after weighing way too many options. In our opinion, these are the best in the business, at the moment and some of them can even go to the extent of asking a question or two to iPhones, arguably the elite-most range of smartphones since the last decade.
Therefore, without much ado, let’s start this amazing journey of discovering the best you can have at present, in the Android segment of smartphones. Here you goooo!
Best Android Phones 2023
Let the truth be told, iPhones are still way ahead than the Android smartphones out there. It’s not about features, it’s about the whole experience that an iPhone unravels for an user. It’s about the values and benefits the device goes on to add to one’s life. That’s the reason Apple’s campaign line reads ‘Shot on iPhone’ and the images focus on the actual end product, instead of talking about the megapixels and stuff.
Last year, Apple rolled out its epoch-making Emergency SOS via Satellite feature, something which can actually save lives. Come March 28, Apple Music Classical will go live, a new dedicated app for unboxing classical music experience like never before, stretching the gap even further.
But firstly, Apple phones are a bit pricey and there are people who don’t like Apple. For them Android phones are the safest bet (Windows didn’t manage to sustain for long, in the smartphone market). After assessing a wide range of parameters we have curated this list of ‘2023 Best Android Phones’.
It was not a cakewalk to pick up four smartphones from the hundreds of Android smartphones on offer, right now. Thanks to their own set of USPs, these four supercool devices managed to make the cut. These are Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, Asus Zenfone 9, OnePlus 11 and OPPO Find X5 Pro.
These are the best in the business, at the moment and some of them can even go to the extent of asking a question or two to iPhones, arguably the elite-most range of smartphones since the last decade.
We sincerely hope that there’s something for everyone in this list and you too, would be able to find the one that immediately strikes a chord with your heart. Let’s unfold these top-notch devices one by one. Come along!
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
This was one of the most-awaited Android smartphones of the year in the flagship segment. It was unveiled through a high-voltage gala event named Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2023, where president and head of Samsung’s mobile experience business, TM Roh introduced this dream smartphone to the entire tech-world.
Samsung, which has managed to regain its top-spot in the world in terms of overall smartphone sales, looks to consolidate its lead over its close competitors in the Android category of flagship smartphones with this all-new Galaxy S23 Ultra. Rolled out in February this year, the Galaxy S23 Ultra has been one of the hottest properties in the Android flagship segment, globally, so far as the sales figures are concerned.
Let’s have a close look at its pros and cons to get an overview about this stunning device. Here we go!
Hits
- Packs a jaw-dropping 200MP camera
- Comes with the S Pen
- Brilliant screen
- Has a superb battery
- Bolstered with the Super fast Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip
- Software updates up to five years
- A massive 256GB of base storage
Misses
- The price-tag is quite steep
- Fast-charging still doesn’t go beyond 45W
- Not lightweight enough
But we need to look closely at the detailed specifications of the latest Android flagship from the Seoul-headquartered company, in order to have a crystal clear idea about the device.
Galaxy S23 Ultra Specifications
Display Size and Resolution: 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED, QHD+ Edge Screen, 500ppi
Display Brightness, Refresh Rate: 1,750 nits, 120Hz Adaptive Refresh Rate
Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform for Galaxy
RAM: 8GB, 12GB
Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
Rear Cameras: 200MP (f/1.7) main, 12MP (f/2.2) ultrawide, 10MP (f/2.4) telephoto (3x optical zoom), 10MP (f/4.9) telephoto (10x optical zoom, 100x Space zoom)
Video: 8K at 30fps, 4K at 60fps and Full HD at 120fps
Front Camera: 12MP f2.2, 4K video at 60 fps
Battery Size: 5,000 mAh
Charging Speed: 45W
Size: 3.07 x 6.43 x 0.35 inches
Weight: 8.25 ounces
Colors: Phantom Black, Cream, Green, Lavender
Starting Price: US $1,199, UK £1,249
If you want to make most of the array of opportunities that open up with the stylus (S Pen) then there’s probably no better option available in the market at the moment. The gigantic 200MP camera is certainly another grab-collar. Moreover, in a nutshell, the Galaxy S23 Ultra appears to be a massive upgrade over its immediate predecessor, the Galaxy S22 Ultra, which also remains another good option for best Android phones 2023.
Asus Zenfone 9
Asus, which is widely celebrated across the world for its wide range of powerful laptops and tablets or high-performing smartphones, has another ace up its sleeve — the Asus Zenfone 9. Your love for relatively small and compact smartphones, will surely lead you to this mid-range flagship from the house of Asus.
From multitasking to high-end programming, Asus smartphones are always known for their rare acumen to carry an intense workload on their shoulders. And the Asus Zenfone 9 is no exception. Belonging to the rare breed of Zenfone series, which has already made a name for itself thanks to a scintillating performance over the years, the Asus Zenfone 9 continues to be in huge demand.
In addition to all these, being in sync with the rich tradition of Asus smartphones, this cool device unlocks the right tools for an immersive gaming experience — the dream of any game nerd.
Here’s the pros and cons of the Asus Zenfone 9 to help us develop a fair understanding about this supercool smartphone from the Taiwan-headquartered company. Let’s have a look.
Hits
- You can use it single-handedly
- Very compact in nature
- Brilliant screen and seamless overall performance
- Quite clear navigation tricks
- Offers a 3.5mm headphone jack, something which has turned into a rarity, at present
- Nice built-in speakers
- Top-notch gimbal-like camera stabilization
- Stunning all-day battery life for such a small phone
Misses
- Has compatibility issues with Verizon
- Assures only two years of updates
- The price-tag seems a bit high for such a small-size phone
- Possesses just two rear cameras
- Doesn’t give you the option for wireless charging
- Misses out on the telephoto camera, a feature in vogue, these days
Now, let’s focus on the major salient features of the Asus Zenfone 9 to have a clear idea about what it exactly brings to the table. Here are they —
Asus Zenfone 9 Specifications
SoC: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1
Display: 5.9″ OLED, 2400 x 1080 (20:9) @ 120Hz
Battery: 4,300mAh
Ports: USB 2.0 (Type-C), 3.5mm audio
Operating System: ZenUI 9 w/ Android 12
Front Camera: 12MP f/2.45 Sony IMX663
Rear Cameras: 50MP f/1.9 Sony IMX766 w/ 6-axis stabilization,12MP f/2.2 Sony IMX363 ultrawide (113°)
Connectivity: 5G (Sub-6GHz), LTE (4G), HSPA (3G), Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC
Dimensions: 146.5 x 68.1 x 9.1 mm
Color Options: Midnight Black, Moonlight White, Starry Blue, Sunset Red
Weight: 169 grams
Charging: 30W PD3.0 PPS w/ Quick Charge 4 Adapter
IP Rating: IP68
Price: $700, $750, and $800
RAM and Storage: 8GB LPDDR5 RAM + 128GB UFS3.1 storage / 8GB+256GB / 16GB+256GB
Micro SD Card Support: Not available
In a nutshell, the Asus Zenfone 9 is nothing less than a ‘mini powerhouse’, which comes with an icing on the cake in the form of a minimal design that grabs the eyeballs at the very first glance. The Asus Zenfone 9 costs you $ 606.00 and if price still remains a factor for you, please check out the top mid-range Asus phones.
OnePlus 11
One Plus has been sort of a giant-killer over the last one year. Be it smartphones or smartwatches, the Shenzhen-headquartered company turned out a party spoiler for the big brands out there, time and again. It’s One Plus Nord Watch not only did surprisingly well, but actually went on to run riot across the globe.
Smartphone geeks and tech savvy people in general, were eagerly waiting for this flagship Android from OnePlus to arrive in the market and finally, it was unveiled in February, 2023, in a high-profile event named ‘Cloud 11’.
Last year, OnePlus fared way too good in terms of overall sales, with the OnePlus 10 Pro and the OnePlus 10T being the top performers, making the job look like an easy-peasy one for it. Now, the OnePlus 11 looks to pip both of them thanks to its wide range of over-the-top smart features. No doubt, it’s a massive upgrade over the previous flagships in the Android category churned out by the Shenzhen-based tech player.
Let’s have a walk through its pros and cons to get a rough idea about this gem of a device.
Hits
- Powered by Qualcomm’s latest high-end processor, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
- Unlocks a monstrous performance
- Has a terrific 6.7-inch 120Hz OLED display
- Offers a full 100W charging facility
- Comes with a 3rd Gen Hasselblad Camera
- Coupled with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos
- Promises 4 generations of OxygenOS, over the course of the next four years
- At least 5 years of security updates
Misses
- Doesn’t have any Telephoto Lens, which is certainly a big miss
- The phone’s ‘black hole’-inspired Rear Camera bump has got mixed responses
Here’s the list of its detailed specifications to help us get a clear picture about its acumen. Let’s look minutely.
OnePlus 11 Specifications
Screen Size: 6.7-inch AMOLED (3216 x 1440)
Refresh Rate: 1Hz – 120Hz
CPU: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
RAM: 12GB, 16GB
Storage: 256GB, 512GB
Rear Cameras: 50MP main, 48MP ultrawide, 32MP 2x portrait
Front Camera: 16MP
Battery Size: 5,000 mAh
Charging Speed: 100W wired
The OnePlus 11 remains one of the most-discussed smartphones of the year in the Android flagship category. Till date, the response around the world is extremely positive and the sales figures have also spiked in the last few weeks. For the crown of the ‘Best Android Flagship’ at the moment, it can surely lock horns with the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.
OPPO Find X5 Pro
OPPO is widely celebrated for churning out dashing handsets with enviable camera setups and the latest flagship from the Dongguan-headquartered company is no exception. Rated as a key player in the budget and mid-range category of Android smartphones, OPPO has been desperately trying to find a distinct voice in the flagship segment too. And when it comes to the OPPO Find X5 Pro, it seems that the smartphone-giant has managed to raise the bar and now it can pose a serious challenge to the big guns of this domain.
The most-important fact[or] that stands out and makes this cool, trendy device a clear standout amidst the sea of easily-available options in the market, is its sky-high value-for-money quotient. For, if we take every single aspect into our consideration, we will realize that the device is none but an absolute bargain — too good features and other perks at such a pocket-friendly price.
Let’s go through the pros and cons of the OPPO Find X5 Pro to have a sketch of this hot smartphone.
Hits
- Has a stunning design
- Offers super-fast charging facility
- Comes with a top-notch AMOLED screen
- Scintillating camera setup
- Boasts of IP68 dust and water resistance
- Allows plenty of room for software customization
Misses
- Its ceramic back has slippery tendencies
- The zoom camera appears below par
- The wide-angle lens lack consistency
- Does not offer any MicroSD card slots
- Macro lens from the earlier Find X3 has been done away with
- You may encounter some software bugs, at times
- Just too many pre-installed apps
Here follows the major specifications of the OPPO Find X5 Pro to help us understand what exactly is on offer. Let’s look minutely.
OPPO Find X5 Pro Specifications
Dimensions: 163.7mm × 73.9mm × 8.5mm
Weight: 218g
Materials: Ceramic
IP Rating (dust & water resistance): IP68
Color Options: Ceramic White, Glaze Black
Screen: 6.7-inch AMOLED, 120Hz refresh (LTPO), WQHD+ (144 x 3216, 525ppi), 10-bit color, 97% NTSC, 100% DCI-P3, 500 nits (default), Gorilla Glass Victus
OS: Android 12 + ColorOS 12.1
Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
Imaging NPU: MariSilicon X
RAM: 12GB
Internal Storage: 256GB
MicroSD Card Slot Option: No
Rear Cameras: 50MP f/1.7 wide angle (80°), dual-OIS 5-axis stabilization • 50MP f/2.2 ultra-wide angle (110°, 4cm macro support) • 13MP f/2.4 telephoto (45°)
Front Camera: 32MP f/2.4 wide angle (90°)
Battery Capacity: 5000mAh
Wired Charging: 80W SuperVOOC (50% charge in 12 mins)
Wireless Charging: 50W AirVOOC (100% charge in 47 mins), 10W reverse wireless charging
Cooling System: Graphene film + vapor chamber
Wired Connection: USB-C
3.5mm Headphone Jack Availability: No
Speakers: Stereo
Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
Bluetooth: 5.2
Networks: 5G (SA, NSA), 4G LTE, 3G UMTS, 2G GSM
SIMs: 2x Nano SIM, eSIM
Sensors: geomagnetic, proximity, ambient light, color temperature, accelerometer, gravity, multi-spectral, gyroscope, pedometer
NFC: Yes
Geolocation: GPS, A-GPS, BeiDou, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS
Biometrics: Fingerprint (in-screen), face recognition
In the Box: phone, charger, USB data cable, SIM ejector tool, safety guide, quick-start guide, protective case, USB dongle (Type-A to Type-C), exclusive service card
Price: $ 625.00
By and large, the OPPO Find X5 Pro is a great buy as it allows you to lay your hands on a flagship Android smartphone at the cost of a mid-range one. It seems to be an offer you can’t refuse. Undoubtedly, one of the 2023 best Android phones at the moment. Probably, the tech deal of the year so far, at least, in the Android smartphone category.
To sum up, all of these best Android phones 2023 are dazzling beauties, in their own right. They are the ones which have managed to win accolades from tech pundits, the hearts of customers spread across the globe and generate huge sales — all within a very short span of time. This certainly speaks volumes about their quality and uniqueness.
If you are planning to buy an Android smartphone, you are good to go for any of them. But if the budget remains a constraint for you, just worry. Because as always, we at Technowize have got you covered. Check out the Samsung Galaxy A23 or the OPPO A78 5G — both of them are too good options to be ignored in the budget category of Android smartphones.
Stay tuned with us. We will get back to you soon with more tech reviews and exclusive updates from the world of tech.
