Other Calls to Consider
We test many Android phones. We like the ones below, but you’ll be better off with one of the options above. If you haven’t already, check out ours Best cheap phones and Best Guides for Folding Phones for more.
Samsung Galaxy S25 FE for $650: If Google’s Pixel 10 doesn’t appeal to you, you can get a great Samsung phone for around $500 (they often sell for this price!). The Galaxy S25 FE it’s like a “lite” version of the flagship Galaxy S25, with a larger 6.7-inch screen, a bigger battery and a triple-camera system that includes a 3X optical zoom lens. Performance is not like nice, but I never had any issues (you might not be able to play demanding games at the highest graphics settings). The screen is sharp, bright and smooth, and this phone is beautiful even Qi2 Ready if you use a matching magnetic case. I don’t recommend buying it at its MSRP, but when it’s regularly at $500, it’s a good option. It is also worth considering the regular Galaxy S25 series if you can find them on sale.
Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold for $1,799: I think Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold7 takes the cake as the best foldable phone designed like a book in 2025, but if you prefer Google’s Pixel phones, Pixel 10 Pro Fold (7/10, WIRE Review) not a bad choice. It’s nowhere near as thin, but it is does have built-in Qi2 magnets, meaning you can connect it to a range magnetic materialslike a car dock and phone chargersor attach magnetic wallets or power banks by phone. It’s also one of the foldable phones with an IP68 dust- and waterproof rating for peace of mind. The screens look great, the battery life is solid, and the camera system is reliable. It’s easy to get into split-screen mode, but I think there’s a lot more Google could do to improve the multitasking experience.
Google Pixel 9 Series for $570+: The Pixel 9 Series (9/10, WIRED Recommends) from 2024 is still a good buy if you can find them on sale. The Pixel 9 similar to the Pixel 9a but with better build quality and larger camera sensors. The Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL having a 5X optical camera and vapor chamber cooling, among other benefits. The key is to make sure you avoid paying MSRP. These have dropped many times in price during sales events, and now, as the stock clears, you can get a killer deal if you hold on.
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Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 for $1,056: of Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 (7/10, WIRED Recommends) it got some nice upgrades over its predecessor, but it wasn’t enough to dethrone the Razr Ultra 2025 as my top choice for a flip phone. Still, it’s worth considering if you’re buying a folding phone of this type, because the camera is solid, the display is better and bigger than before, and the cover screen is more useful (although not as simple as on the Motorola phone). Battery life is worse here on the Fold7, so snag a power bank while you are there.
Low phone for $450: Struggling to limit your screen time? Instead of going cold turkey with something like Light Phone IIItry it Small Phone (6/10, WIRE Review). This is a paper Android phone with a physical keyboard. The goal is to give you access to standard Android apps, but because the screen isn’t ideal for videos and most social networks, you’ll usually be able to avoid those distractions. It succeeds in this task, but the constant distortion of the screen and the plastic design reduce the experience.
Phone Accessories You May Need
We have case recommendations for a few popular devices, such as Samsung Galaxy S25, Galaxy S24and Galaxy S23, or Google Pixel 10 series. It is wise to slap a case on these glass sandwiches and even a screen protector so that the display is free from scratches and dents. Here are a few other great accessories, including charging adapters, that most phones don’t include it again. Read our The ultimate guide to USB-C cables for other suggestions.
Nomad 65W Slim Power Adapter for $55: There are a lot of good options if you want a cheap, compact charger these days, but why not spend a little more money on something that can be used differently? This ultra-slim charger from Nomad is easy to travel with, especially thanks to its folding parts, and it’s powerful enough to charge a MacBook, let alone your phone. There are two USB-C ports for charging.
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Photo: Julian Chokkattu
Companion Charger Detachable for $44: It’s not the best value, but this step-up charger has a 4-foot retractable cable that makes it the perfect two-in-one—no need to pack a separate charger and cable! It offers 35 watts, which is plenty to quickly charge most phones and tablets, and the straps fold up for travel.
Samsung’s Ultimate Design and Pixel Everyday Case for $50: If you have a Samsung or Pixel phone and regularly mount your phone on a bike or scooter, you owe it to yourself to get this case and Peak Design mountain bike. The case fits into the mount, is easy to remove, and still hasn’t fallen off after years of driving. Peak Design also sells several other devices you can attach the back of these cases, bring Android inside Apple’s MagSafe ecosystem.
Nimble Champ Portable Charger 10,000 mAh for $60: This portable battery is small enough to leave in a pocket but has enough power to charge your phone once or twice. There is a USB-C and USB-A port; it delivers 18 watts of power, so it can recharge your tablet or phone, and it’s in 73 percent post-consumer plastic and plastic-free packaging.
Nomad ChargeKey V2 for $29: When your phone dies, it’s almost always because you forgot to bring a charger or battery pack. The ChargeKey is a great solution—it’s like clipping a small USB-C charging cable to your keychain. Just plug one end into your phone and the other into any kind of power source (a friend’s phone or a charging adapter if you can find one), and you can charge your phone. Native Union also has something similar that’s better but it comes close to its potential.
Choose a Wireless Charger: Our guide to the best wireless chargers includes several designs in different colors, shapes and materials, and even some designed for specific phones. Not every Android phone supports wireless charging, but it’s a luxury you’ll want to take advantage of. Check out our guide to our favorites.
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