Which Android Phone is Best For You?

The global smartphone market is set to reach a value of $795.3 billion by 2027. It's safe to say a lot of that is thanks to Android phones, as more than 2.8 billion people choose it over the iPhone alternatives. But because there are so many manufacturers of Android phones, it can get pretty difficult to find the right one for you.

So, how do you find the right Android phone for your needs? Well, the first thing people tend to do is look up lists of the best Android phones, instead of the types of Androids available on the market.

You're better off pinpointing the features that make each device stand out most. After that, all that's left is to find the one that matches your smartphone feature priorities. 

Different Types of Androids

What sets the Android operating system apart from iPhones is the fact that a wide variety of companies produce the devices it runs on. This, of course, has its pros and cons. 

On one hand, it allows more variety in the final product. Some phones can focus more on providing users with a better camera and audio recording capabilities, while others might offer more storage space and a dual sim port for people that want to use two numbers on one device. 

On the other hand, this comes with certain cons that can really drag Android phones down. Newcomers to the scene might not understand how all this works and can freak out when they compare their device with an iPhone. 

For example, one model that runs Android might have an excellent camera but can also lack the comparably crisp visual quality of an iPhone. 

So, what's the answer regarding finding the right type of Android? Well, that depends entirely on the buyer's needs. 

Finding a well-rounded Android phone that gets the job done on all fronts is pretty difficult. But, with enough research, you can find a device that does what you want better than any other. 

Looking at the Best 2022 Android Phones

You might be experiencing some of the signs that you're ready for a new phone. Luckily, 2022 Android phones offer a "variety pack" of unique features and updates that can renew your mobile phone experience. Many flagship devices are the typical run-of-the-mill releases; they're updated versions of previous generations. 

However, some devices this year are really impressive and stand out quite a bit. Samsung, Motorola, Asus, and Google, have all really stepped up their game to offer features that were previously considered unnecessary or difficult to implement. 

Without going much further, you can take a look at the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3. While previous iterations do exist, this one sets a new standard for flip smartphones. It's big and essentially unfolds into a comfortable tablet, 7.6 inches diagonally, for casual use.

Android does fall behind in one area though: updates. It seems that most devices coming out this year that run the Android OS are going to have limited updates in the coming years. It seems that they start with Android 11 and are allowed an update to 12. 

It's unknown if these will receive 13 and above. However, the importance of OS updates depends on each user, and what each update may provide. 

If you're ready to find the Android device that's best for you, and you're tired of finding ways to make your phone last longer, be it for selfies, videos, or Netflix, you'll want to read the list ahead. 

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3

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In a similar fashion to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip, this device can fold and unfold for all types of creative uses. The phone can fit comfortably in your pocket while folded, and open up for more use when you need to. It's one of the latest Samsung phones in the market, and it's making some serious noise. 

It has a foldable dynamic AMOLED 2X screen, meaning a better display of contrast and darker tones and more battery time. And the viewing experience is like no other. It backs this up with stereo speakers that are quite crisp.

The cameras, which are wide, ultrawide, and telephoto, aren't anything too impressive, as it has three on the back that all sit at 12 MP. The selfie and cover cameras sit at 4 MP and 10 MP, respectively.

However, it can record 4K video at 60fps. The only additional on-phone camera features are HDR, panorama shots, and a LED flash.

Who It's For

This is absolutely one of the more innovative smartphones. Will it hold up? Well, it definitely will corner part of the market. 

However, its innovative design might prove uncomfortable for some users. In fact, more people prefer a phone that fits comfortably in their hands. And that's something the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 doesn't provide too well. It's a phone meant for comfortable home use and viable for use on the go. 

Google Pixel 6 Pro

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The Google Pixel 6 Pro is the latest flagship device from Google. It outperforms the Google Pixel 6 in almost every way while maintaining a comparably smaller size. It doesn't come with the impressive screen quality that Samsung offers, nor the battery storage that you'd find on a Motorola device. So, what makes it special?

Well, it stands out thanks to the myriad of features and power packed into it. This, of course, isn't referencing the OS, which is a very basic iteration of the original Android operating system. A quick look, though, at the specifications shows that it rushes into the competition with 12GB of RAM and up to 512GB of storage space.

The cameras on the front and back also come with a ton of unique tweaks for optimal captures, like a 20x "Super Res Zoom" and ultrawide for selfies. It's considered the Android phone with the best camera to date. Besides its camera capabilities, it comes with two other huge benefits, including five years of guaranteed security updates, and some of the best performance on the smartphone market. 

Who It's For

The Google Pixel 6 Pro might seem like a well-rounded flagship at first, and it is, but it's best for one type of user. That is, people who are really into photography should consider getting this phone. There's some stiff competition, but it's currently the best Android device in terms of camera capabilities.

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

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Another impressive entry among the latest Samsung phones is the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra. Like the Z Fold 3, it's quite large, sitting at 6.8 inches. However, you can't flip or fold it which, for most users, is probably a good thing. 

The screen is a 1440 x 3088 OLED screen that runs at 120hz, essentially turning anything on its display into eye candy. It doesn't stop there, though. Unlike the Z Fold 3, it has an incredible primary rear camera weighing in at 108 MP that can achieve 10x optical and 100x digital zoom. 

This main camera is accompanied by a 12 MP ultrawide, and two 10 MP telephoto. The camera experience is great but doesn't match the Google Pixel 6 Pro. It only seems to outshine the competition in darker environments while using night mode. You might expect more from the S22 Ultra, even though it does come with an impressive set of hardware. 

Who It's For

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is the flagship from Samsung that has a little for everyone. It is, essentially, the well-rounded high-end phone you'd want if you have no specific use case in mind. With a good camera, incredible screen, and reasonable size, you're sure to see it in the hands of a large number of Samsung fans. 

Motorola Moto G Power

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The Motorola Moto G Power is a bit of a curious addition to this list. It's not a powerhouse, well-known for its camera, or even for its display. In fact, it has a 720p display that, even with a high refresh rate, has noticeable pixelation. So, why would it fit anywhere on this list? 

Well, besides being a well-rounded device for its price, it comes with all the deeper features you'd expect from flagships. That's right, the Moto G Power is the future-proof budget phone. It's prepped and ready for 5G and is set to receive software updates for the foreseeable future that make sure that its 50 MP rear camera, with a pair of 2 MP additional cameras, stay at its best. 

Because of the Moto G Power's mid-range specs, it doesn't use up the battery that fast. You can expect at least two full days of use before having to charge it again. It also has something a lot of newer phones don't have, a headphone jack. You can jam to your favorite tunes - be it wired or wireless. 

Who It's For

The Moto G Power isn't all that impressive in terms of specifications. Its speaker and display are quite sub-par. But, it gets the job done and has a guaranteed line-up of updates that will keep it relevant for years to come. It's a device for people who want a budget phone that they won't have to throw away or replace within a year. 

OnePlus 9 Pro

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The OnePlus 9 Pro is another installment of a well-known line of smartphones. It has a sleek design, donning more than a few lenses on its rear face. Especially when you consider that they've partnered with Hasselblad, a camera company that's famous for quality. This unique phone might offer the best performance for the price at the moment. 

It has a 6.7-inch QHD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, and it can hover as low as 1hz to save battery when idling. It basically runs with the same quality and smoothness as the best of the best from other companies. With a screen like that, you might worry a bit about the battery. That isn't the case here, at all. The battery can survive an entire day of heavy use. But, it gets better. With the 65W charger, it can go from empty to 100% in about 45 minutes.

The OnePlus 9 Pro also comes with 12GB of RAM and, with the Snapdragon 888, is quite a formidable device. It seems to check all the boxes and excels in almost every category. 

Who It's For

The OnePlus 9 Pro is a well-rounded device. It's probably the best pick for people that have busy lives and need a device that can keep up with their routine. Whatever you might need to do, the OnePlus 9 Pro will be there to give you a hand. Its best feature is probably the battery that lasts so long and can charge so fast. 

Asus Zenfone 8

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It's hard to get your hands on a small phone that packs the same kind of power as flagship devices. If you struggle with larger phones, the Asus Zenfone 8 might be for you. It shares quite a few qualities with some of the higher-end phones on the market, while maintaining a relatively manageable size at less than 6 inches, and donning a reasonable price tag. 

Simple in design, the Asus Zenfone 8 carries two rear camera lenses, one being a 64 MP and the other a 12 MP ultrawide camera, and a single one in the front. For such a small device, even two lenses is quite impressive, especially with the pretty great quality they provide. 

While the speaker quality isn't too impressive, the Zenfone 8 shares a similarity with the Moto G Power. That is, it also has a 3.5mm headphone jack. It's impressive that larger devices skip the headphone jack and claim that it can't fit. Meanwhile, a smaller device like the Zenfone 8 manages to get it in. 

All these useful features that make the phone's overall use quite comfortable come at a cost. The processing power is average and users will notice a few glitches and issues.

Daily performance is more than enough for the average user, though. Also, the camera lenses pop out a bit, so you might want to read about how to prevent scratches on your camera lens. 

Who It's For

The Asus Zenfone 8 is probably the most powerful "small" phone out there at the moment. It's built for people that struggle to handle and navigate larger devices, be it due to smaller hands or otherwise limiting physical factors. The phone is also a good pick for users that just need a decent option for everyday use. 

Oppo Find X3 Pro

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Shifting back to higher-end devices, the Oppo Find X3 Pro is a seemingly often overlooked entry into the top 2022 Android phones. In fact, many users say that it's on par with the performance of the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra. It also shares a somewhat similar price tag. But, it's with good reason. 

The Oppo Find X3 Pro boasts an impressive composition of hardware. In terms of software, it runs on Android 11, but also ships with its own separate operating system. It's easy to use and adheres to the simplistic style of most of the original Android builds. 

The first thing you'll notice with this phone is its design, which entails a glossy and attractive exterior, with Gorilla Glass 5 on both the front and back. The device is also as comfortable as it is appealing. But, it's known for a few other features that make it stand out. 

The first is the exceptional batter duration and charging speeds. Depending on use, some users reported charging it after three days of use. That's beyond impressive. 

Another feature that really sets the Oppo Find X3 Pro apart is its microlens camera capable of 10-bit color shots. If you're not sure what that is, don't worry, as it's the first of its kind. It's built for taking extremely up-close pictures for unique results. 

Finally, this Android phone has some astonishing display quality. It has a 3216x1440 QHD+ resolution and an adaptive refresh rate between 5Hz and 120Hz, depending on usage. The 10-bit color depth is another big plus, offering professional-grade color accuracy.

It's really a sight to behold. But, while the screen might impress, it's missing some of the Samsung Galaxy S22's best features. 

Who It's For

The Oppo Find X3 Pro can satisfy the needs of many niche Android fans. But, it stands as one of the best choices for photographers and screen junkies. If Netflix, YouTube, and snapping pics are your thing, then you might want to take a look at this device. 

Android Phones that Work Best for You

As mentioned before, looking into the types of Androids available on the market is a lot more complicated than picking out an iPhone. With so many manufacturers booting up Android on their hardware, the specifications can vary drastically. This has its pros and cons, of course.

On one hand, you can run into what many consider a "dud" that doesn't work properly. On the other hand, you can find the Android phone that best fits your personal lifestyle. 

Whether you're looking for the best Android phone display, battery life, or camera, there's a device that will fit the bill. Samsung is well-known for its, albeit risky, innovation and incredible screens.

The Google Pixel line offers impressive functionality with a basic version of Android, along with consistent updates. Motorola enjoys adding unique features for a better user experience and offering devices that last, even though they don't always do too well keeping up with Android updates. The Asus Zenfone 8, OnePlus 9 Pro, and Oppo Find X3 are three devices that stand out in their respective line-ups.

And it's with good reason, too. The Zenfone 8 is a comfortable fit for smaller hands and more casual users that want an excellent overall experience. The OnePlus 9 Pro aims to provide a seamless experience and is almost impossible to slow down.

And, finally, the Oppo Find X3 is a surprise in the competition, flaunting an excellent display, a unique camera lens, and a glossy exterior that's quite attractive.