An in-depth review of the best android phones of 2023

Your Guide to the Greatest Android Phones of 2023

11 September 2023

As the imminent release of the iPhone 15 and the upcoming launch of Google Pixel 8 phones capture the tech world’s attention, it’s the perfect moment to look back and uncover the G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Tech) Android smartphones available in the market. With enticing deals currently available, these devices are more compelling than ever. Prepare to explore the best of Android technology, where innovation meets exceptional performance. So, sit back, relax, and join us on this journey through the world of top-tier smartphones.

Before we begin, a quick note: Prices and availability may vary, so be sure to check with your local vendors.

1. SAMSUNG GALAXY S23: The Standard Marvel

Tech Specs:

Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
Display: 6.1-inch Full HD+ Dynamic 2X AMOLED (120Hz)
Battery Life: Up to 13:09 hours (60Hz)
Camera: 200MP main, 12MP ultrawide, two 10MP telephoto (3x and 10x optical zoom)
Build: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, Armor Aluminum frame

Pros:

Photography at Its Peak: The S23 Ultra boasts a 200MP main camera, setting a new bar for smartphone photography. The standard S23 follows closely.
Durable Design: Both models sport Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and Armor Aluminum for robust build quality.
Adaptive Display: The S23 Ultra’s adaptive refresh rate offers buttery-smooth visuals without compromising battery life.

Cons:

Pricey Proposition: The S23 Ultra’s high price tag may make your wallet bleat.
Curved Screen Quirks: The S23 Ultra’s curved display can be a bit too “edgy” for some users.

2. SAMSUNG GALAXY S23 ULTRA: The Photography Powerhouse

Tech Specs:

Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
Display: 6.8-inch Quad HD+ Dynamic AMOLED (adaptive refresh rate)
Battery Life: Up to 13:09 hours (adaptive mode)
Camera: 200MP main, 12MP ultrawide, two 10MP telephoto (3x and 10x optical zoom)
Build: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, Armor Aluminum frame

Pros:

Photography at Its Peak: The S23 Ultra boasts a 200MP main camera, setting a new bar for smartphone photography.
Durable Design: It features Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and Armor Aluminum for robust build quality.
Adaptive Display: The S23 Ultra’s adaptive refresh rate offers buttery-smooth visuals without compromising battery life.

Cons:

Pricey Proposition: The S23 Ultra comes with a high price tag.
Curved Screen Quirks: The curved display design may not be suitable for all users.

3. GOOGLE PIXEL 7: The Compact Contender

Tech Specs:

Processor: Google Tensor G2
Display: 6.3-inch OLED (Full HD+)
Battery Life: Variable, reports of overheating and battery drain
Camera: 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and more
Build: IP68-certified for dust and water resistance

Pros:

Photography Prowess: Pixel devices are renowned for their camera excellence.
Tensor Power: Google’s Tensor G2 chip ensures snappy performance and AI magic.
Stylish Selection: Available in multiple colors with sleek designs.

Cons:

Heat Waves: Some users have reported overheating and battery drain issues.
Pixel 7’s Missing Telephoto: Lacks a telephoto lens for closer shots.
Pro Connectivity: Connectivity improvements could enhance the overall experience.

4. GOOGLE PIXEL 7 PRO: The Prodigy Performer

Tech Specs:

Processor: Google Tensor G2
Display: 6.7-inch OLED (Quad HD+)
Battery Life: Variable, reports of overheating and battery drain
Camera: 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 48MP telephoto, and more
Build: IP68-certified for dust and water resistance

Pros:

Photography Powerhouse: The Pixel 7 Pro features a versatile camera setup for stunning photos.
Tensor Muscle: Google’s Tensor G2 chip ensures top-notch performance and AI capabilities.
Stylish and Resilient: Offers an IP68 rating for durability, along with a premium design.

Cons:

Heat Management: Some users have reported overheating and battery drain issues.
Pricing Consideration: The Pixel 7 Pro is relatively expensive.
Connectivity Improvements Needed: Enhancements in connectivity could elevate the user experience.

5. MOTOROLA MOTO EDGE+ (2023): The Underrated Gem

Tech Specs:

Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
Display: 6.7-inch pOLED (Full HD+)
Battery Life: Up to 16 hours and 55 minutes in testing
Camera: 50MP main, 12MP portrait, 50MP ultrawide, 60MP front-facing
Build: Premium materials, IP68-certified for dust and water resistance

Pros:

Long-lasting Battery: Stellar battery life, lasting around two days after a full charge.
Camera Capabilities: Equipped with a versatile triple camera system for photography enthusiasts.
Premium Design: Built with premium materials and an attractive curved screen design.

Cons:

Display Resolution: The display is 1080p, which may not match the highest-end competitors.
Fingerprint Sensor: The fingerprint reader can be finicky in some cases.
Minor Software Quirks: Some users have reported occasional software issues.

6. NOTHING PHONE (2): The Evolving Innovation

Tech Specs:

Processor: Qualcomm SM8475 Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm)
Display: 6.7-inch LTPO OLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1600 nits (HBM), 1600 nits (peak), 1080 x 2412 pixels. It offers a vibrant view with awesome outdoor visibility and silky smooth screentime with refresh rates up to 120 Hz.
Battery Life: Variable, lasting up to around 10 hours with non-stop YouTube streaming and around 12 and a half hours of web browsing.
Camera: Dual 50MP rear cameras, one for standard and one for ultrawide-angle photos. On the other side, you will find a 32MP Quad-Bayer selfie camera.
Build: Unique transparent design with glyph lighting.

Pros:

Performance: The Nothing Phone (2) houses the powerful 4nm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip, also found in Android flagships like the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and the Asus ROG Phone 6. It’s a fast, reliable, and energy-efficient chip nonetheless.
Design and Glyph Interface: The glyph interface on the Nothing Phone (1) was mostly a gimmick, but the company is trying to make it more functional with each new iteration of the device. With the Phone (2), Nothing has added four new features to the glyph interface including a countdown timer, a volume indicator, a Glyph Composer tool that you can use to design your own ringtones, and an indicator for when you receive notifications for an essential app.
Improved Battery Life: Paired with the slightly bigger 4700mAh battery, the more efficient 4nm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip, and the LTPO display with a refresh rate that goes all the way down to 1Hz when inactive, the Nothing Phone (2) will likely deliver noticeably better battery life than its predecessor.

Cons:

Price: The Nothing Phone (2) is more expensive than its predecessor.
User Interface: The user interface requires refinement.
Battery Life: Despite improvements, some users have reported that the battery life does not live up to its “all day” claim that Nothing mentions.

7. SAMSUNG GALAXY A54: Mid-Range Marvel

Tech Specs:

Processor: Samsung Exynos 1380
Display: 6.4-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED (120Hz)
Battery Life: Up to 10 hours and 20 minutes in testing
Camera: 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, and more
Build: Attractive design, available in various colors

Pros:

Balanced Beast: The Galaxy A54 offers a great balance of performance and affordability.
Vibrant Display: A Full HD+ Super AMOLED display offers excellent visuals.
Camera Confidence: Good camera quality for its price range.

Cons:

Wireless Want: Lacks wireless charging, which has become a standard feature in many phones.
Incremental Improvement: Modest performance gains over its predecessor.

Find your Android G.O.A.T.

2023 is shaping up to be a remarkable year for android smartphones. The Samsung Galaxy S23 and S23 Ultra are raising the bar for flagship devices with their stunning displays and exceptional camera capabilities. Google’s Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro continue to impress with their photography prowess, despite some reported heating issues. The Motorola Moto Edge+ is an underrated gem, delivering impressive performance and battery life. The Nothing Phone (2) introduces a unique transparent design but faces some software and availability challenges.

Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, a performance seeker, or simply looking for great value in the mid-range segment, there’s an Android G.O.A.T. for you in 2023. Be sure to consider your priorities, budget, and preferences when choosing the perfect smartphone companion for the year ahead.