Best Android smartphones 2021: Samsung, Google, Nokia and more

The iPhone may have kickstarted the age of the internet in your pocket, but nowadays it’s certainly not your only choice. Android has overtaken iOS to become the world’s most popular smartphone platform, with users flocking to its open ecosystem and huge variety of handsets.

The question is, with so many phones to choose from, which is right for you? Whether you need a phone for business or pleasure, there are so many options out there, offering different levels of performance, display quality, camera specs and more, that the task of choosing the best one can seem daunting indeed.

Here’s our selection of the greatest Android smartphones on the market, along with our guide to each one’s distinguishing features. So if you’re not sold on Apple, read on to find the handset that’s perfect for you.

Sony Xperia 5II

The Sony Xperia 5II is the budget version of the Xperia 1II and there's very little to dislike about it. Sony has managed to build a budget version that is arguably better than the original and will save you a lot of money at the same time.

It can also stand up to rival smartphones with the sheer number of features it offers, including the unparalleled video and photography modes, and the battery handles the 120Hz display well. Clearly one of the best in 2020, there's still a lot to like about this device.

Price when reviewed: £599 exc VAT

Read our full Sony Xperia 5II review for more information.

Nokia 5.3

The Nokia 5.3 represents a fairly surprising package, especially when considering its decent camera configuration, fairly attractive chassis, and £108 price tag. However, compromises are to be expected if you compare it to mid-tier devices, especially when it comes down to battery life, display quality, and raw output.

Despite this, the Nokia 5.3 could be one of the best smartphones you can buy at this price point. For cash-strapped users, it's hard not to recommend.

Price when reviewed: £108 (exc VAT)

Read our full Nokia 5.3 review for more information.

Google Pixel 4a

The Pixel 4a is not only one of the best-value smartphone experiences around, but also one of the most pleasant overall. There are a couple of downsides, such as the lack of wireless charging or the display's HDR support, but that's not worth complaining about when you consider its sub-£300 price tag.

This could well be the perfect package of a quality camera, intuitive user interface, and great battery; all offered at an amazing price.

Price when reviewed: £291 exc VAT

Read our full Google Pixel 4a review for more information.

Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G

The Samsung Galaxy S20 found itself in a tough spot when it launched in February 2020. A very high price tag and, thanks to the pandemic, a turbulent market, made it a difficult sell. Despite this, not only did it prove to be the best phone Samsung has ever produced but also the best Android phone available when our review was published in September 2020.

There can be no doubt that this device is very expensive, but myriad extras provide plenty of reasons to upgrade.

Price when reviewed: £1,119 exc VAT

Read our full Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G review​​​​​​​ for more information.

Oppo Find X2 Pro

For those seeking a premium 5G-ready device, the Oppo Find X2 Pro might be just what you're looking for. Its hardware is on par with Apple and Samsung flagships and, thanks to the 120Hz refresh rate, the display is a pleasure to use.

This is certainly an impressive device but because of its sheer size, it does render it impractical at times. If that doesn't bother you, then this is definitely one of the best 5G-ready units currently available on the market today.

Price when reviewed: £916 exc VAT

Read our full Oppo Find X2 Pro review​​​​​​​ for more information.