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Android Security Checkup: 18 Steps To A Safer Phone
HomeBlogsAndroid IntelligenceAndroid security checkup: 18 steps to a safer phone
by JR Raphael Contributing Editor
Credit: JR Raphael/Google/OpenClipart-Vectors Android security is always a hot topic on these here Nets of Inter — and almost always for the wrong reason.
As we've discussed ad nauseam over the years, most of the missives you read about this-or-that super-scary malware/virus/brain-eating-boogey-monster are overly sensationalized accounts tied to theoretical threats with practically zero chance of actually affecting you in the real world. If you look closely, in fact, you'll start to notice that the vast majority of those stories stem from companies that — gasp! — make their money selling malware protection programs for Android phones. (Pure coincidence, of course.)
The reality is that Google has some pretty advanced methods of protection in place for Android, and as long as you take advantage of those and maintain a teensy shred of common sense, you'll almost certainly be fine (yes, even when the Play Store guards slip up and let the occasional bad app into the gates). The biggest threat you should be thinking about is your own security surrounding your devices and accounts — and all it takes is about 20 minutes a year to make sure your setup is sound.
Take the time now to go through this checkup, then rest easy over the next 12 months with the knowledge that you're in good shape — and that the mean ol' Android malware monster won't be bangin' down your virtual door anytime soon.
[Psst: Want even more advanced Android knowledge? Check out my free Android Shortcut Supercourse to learn tons of time-saving tricks for your phone.]
Part I: App and web intelligence Android security step #1: Look over all the apps and services connected to your accountYou've probably granted countless apps access to parts of your Google account over time — which is no big deal in general, but with any apps you're no longer using, it's a smart idea to close the connections.
Visit this page in Google's security settings to see a list of everything that's authorized and what exactly it can access. If you encounter anything you don't recognize or that you no longer use, click it and then click the "Delete all connections" option to give it the boot.
App connections are forever — unless you take the time to remove 'em once they're no longer needed.JR Raphael, IDG
While you're at it, take two minutes to look through the list of apps on your phone and uninstall anything you're no longer actively using. That'll eliminate unnecessary windows to different areas of your data — and as an added bonus, it'll free up space and cut down on potentially phone-slowing resource use, too.
Android security step #2: Revisit your Android app permissionsSpeaking of dusty old skeletons on your device, it's all too easy to grant an app access to some sort of information without giving it much thought during that initial setup process. That's why it's well worth checking in periodically to remind yourself what permissions the apps on your phone possess — and to see if any of 'em go beyond what seems reasonable or necessary.
With recent Android versions, you can just open up the Security & Privacy section of your system settings and look for a line that says "Permission manager." Depending on your specific software and device, you might have to first tap a line that says "Privacy" before you see it. (If you don't see anything like that, try searching your system settings for the word permissions to find the closest equivalent.)
Whatever it's called and however you get there, you should ultimately end up facing a collection of categories for all the types of permissions you've granted to apps on your device over time. Take a peek through 'em all and see what you find. If you see anything that raises an eyebrow, all you've gotta do is tap it to revoke the access.
Android's permissions manager makes it easy to see and control exactly what permissions different apps have been granted.JR Raphael, IDG
For even more insight, look for the "Privacy dashboard" option within that same section of your system settings (or "Permissions used in last 24 hours," in Samsung's vernacular). That'll let you see exactly which apps have actually accessed different permission-requiring areas over the past 24 hours.
And remember, too: With Android 10 and higher, you can go a step further when it comes to location and allow an app to access that only when you're actively using it. With Android 11 and up, you can get even more nuanced and grant apps only temporary, case-by-case permissions to access your location, camera, and microphone. And as of Android 12, you can fine-tune an app's location access to make it only approximate instead of precise, if you like.
You'll find all those options within any relevant app's settings, once you dig into one of those related permissions:
You can now get incredibly nuanced with certain Android app permissions to control exactly how and when an app is able to access them.JR Raphael, IDG
Critically, in all of those cases, it's up to you to go through your settings and make the associated changes — especially when it comes to apps you had on your device before the relevant Android upgrade reached you and the latest options for permission control became available.
Android security step #3: Verify that you're using Android's app-scanning systemAndroid has long had the ability to monitor your device for harmful code or suspicious activity — no third-party apps or add-ons required. And while the system is now automatically enabled on any reasonably recent device, it's a good idea to occasionally confirm that everything's turned on and working the way it should, if for no other reason than to remind yourself that such a system is present and working on your behalf.
So mosey back over to the Security & Privacy section of your system settings, tap the line labeled "App security," then tap "Google Play Protect" and take a peek at the system's latest activity. You can also tap the gear icon in the upper-right corner of the screen to confirm that all available toggles are on and active.
You rarely have to think about Google Play Protect, but it's well worth being aware of its presence.JR Raphael, IDG
That'll allow Android's app verification system to keep an eye on all apps on your device, even after they're installed, and make sure they don't do anything dangerous. The scanning will run silently in the background and won't ever bother you unless something suspicious is found.
Odds are, you'll never even know it's there. But it's a valuable piece of protection and peace of mind to have, and it's a good idea to keep it in the back of your mind that it's present.
Android security step #4: Fight phishingEven the savviest tech user can fall prey to a well-hatched phishing scheme — an effort by some ne'er-do-well to trick you into willingly giving up sensitive info, usually by making an email, text, or other digital request look like it's from some official source that needs to confirm an account number or something else along those lines.
Suffice it to say, any extra layer of protection from such tactics can only be a good thing. And if you've got a Google Pixel phone, good news: There's a relatively new option available to you that watches out for any known deceptive patterns and warns you about 'em before they're able to manage any damage.
On any current Pixel device, head into the Security & Privacy section of your system settings, tap "More security & privacy," then scroll down and tap "Scanning for deceptive apps."
The relatively new phishing protection system is presently available on Google's own Pixel devices.JR Raphael, IDG
Make sure the toggle on the screen that comes up next is in the on and active position, then breathe easy with the assurance that Google's got your back when it comes to any phishing attempts cast in your direction.
Android security step #5: Weave a stronger web safety netAlong with phishing, one of the most likely threats to your Android security is your own lapse in judgment whilst wading around these ever-murky web waters of ours. (Sensing a theme here yet?)
Provided you're using Google's Chrome Android browser, though, there's an easy way to create an extra layer protection in that arena as well.
Just tap the three-dot menu icon in Chrome's upper-right corner, then select "Settings" followed by "Privacy and security" and "Safe Browsing." Now, consider which level of protection seems most sensible for you:
Pick the path you feel most comfortable pursuing, and know that your web adventures now have that extra safety net around 'em.
Android security step #6: Appraise your app-downloading IQIf you're reading this column, I probably don't need to tell you this — but I will, anyway: While we're thinking about the subject of Android security, take on a teensy bit of responsibility and commit to letting common sense guide your app-downloading decisions.
Let's not kid ourselves: Google's security mechanisms are invariably gonna fail on occasion. There's no getting around that. But even when a shady app makes its way into the Play Store, all it typically takes is the tiniest shred of awareness to avoid having it affect you.
Just as you do when browsing the web from a computer, look at something before you download it. Look at the number of downloads and the overall reviews. Think about what permissions the app wants and whether you're comfortable with the level of access it requires. Click the name of the developer, if you still aren't sure, and see what else they've created. And unless you really know what you're doing, don't download apps from random websites or other unestablished third-party sources. Such apps will still be scanned by Google's on-device security system before they're installed, but your odds of encountering something shady are significantly greater out in the wild than within the Play Store.
(Your Android device won't let you download apps from unknown sources by default, by the way, so if you ever try — even inadvertently — you'll be warned and prompted to authorize that specific form of non-Play-Store download. Apps on Android will never magically install themselves without your explicit authorization, nor will they ever be able to access any sensitive sensors or areas of data unless you grant 'em the associated permission.)
By and large, all it takes is a 10-second glance to size something up and see if it's worth installing. With all due respect to the dodos of the world, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to stick with reputable-looking software and avoid questionable creations.
Part II: Passwords and authentication Android security step #7: Double-check your digital sentinelsA quick no-brainer that's important to mention: If you aren't using biometric security and/or a PIN, pattern, or password on any of your devices, start doing it. Now.
Talk to any security expert, and you'll hear the same thing: The most likely cause of a security failure is simply a failure on your behalf to secure your stuff. You are the weakest link, as the cool kids said 20 to 47 years ago.
Embarrassingly dated pop culture references aside, think about it: If your phone has no passcode protecting it, all of your data is just out there and waiting for the taking anytime you leave the device unattended (intentionally or otherwise). That includes your work and personal email, work and personal documents, work and personal social media accounts, and any and all photos associated your phone (yes, even those photos — hey, I'm not here to judge).
The best part: Android makes it hassle-free as can be to keep your devices secure. The software's Smart Lock function (which is curiously in the midst of being rebranded to Extend Unlock, for reasons I can't even begin to fathom) allows you to automatically leave your phone unlocked in a variety of preapproved "safe" conditions — like when you're at home or the office, when a specific trusted Bluetooth device is connected, or even when the phone is being carried in your pocket. That means the extra security shows up only when it's really needed, and you don't have to mess with it the rest of the time.
You can typically find and set up Smart Lock/Extend Unlock in the Security section of your system settings, typically tucked away behind an "More security & privacy" option — or, on Samsung devices, within the Lock Screen section of the system settings. If all else fails, just search your system settings for Smart Lock or Extend Unlock to turn up the available options.
Extend Unlock — formerly and sometimes still known as Smart Lock — creates a smart balance of security and usability.JR Raphael, IDG
Plain and simple, there's no excuse to leave your stuff unprotected. Head into your device's settings to get started this second, if you haven't already.
Android security step #8: Peek in on your saved passwordsOne of the less frequently discussed parts of Google's security system is its ability to save passwords for websites and apps accessed via your mobile devices, as part of what's now known as Google Password Manager. So as part of your annual checkup, glance over the list of saved passwords Google has for your account to remind yourself what's there and see what, if any, of your credentials have been compromised (which Google will plainly warn you about at the top of that very same screen).
While you're at it, take a few seconds to remove any dated items that are no longer needed and don't belong. Your future self will thank you.
Android security step #9: Assess your password management systemGoogle's password manager is better than nothing, but you'll get stronger security assurances, more advanced and useful features, and broader support for in-app password filling by using a dedicated password management service.
We've got some commendable Android password manager choices, too, with my own current recommendations revolving around 1Password for most people and Bitwarden for anyone who needs a free path or prefers a self-hosted setup. Both services work equally well on the desktop front and even on iOS, with the main differences revolving around cost, extra features, interfaces, and the resulting overall user experiences.
If you aren't using one of those services, now's the time to start. And if you are already using such a service, take a few minutes now to peek into the app's settings and make sure you're taking advantage of all the on-device protection it offers. With 1Password, for example, you should confirm that the app is set to be protected by either biometric security or a password and that it's configured to automatically lock within a few minutes after you stop using it. The app can also automatically clear your system clipboard of any passwords you copy after 90 seconds, which is a smart pinch of added protection to have. (All of those options are in the Security section of 1Password's settings.)
Like Google, most good password managers also now provide an option to analyze all of your passwords and identify any that would be advisable to change — ones that are duplicated or otherwise not as strong as they could be. That's another smart thing to check up on as part of this annual audit.
Android security step #10: Evaluate your two-factor authentication situationA single password isn't enough to protect an important account these days — especially one as wide-reaching and valuable as your Google account. Two-factor authentication makes it so that you have to either confirm the sign-in on an approved physical device or put in a special time-sensitive code in addition to your password anytime you try to sign in. That significantly increases your level of security and decreases the odds of anyone ever being able to break in and access your personal data, since they'd need both knowledge of your password and the physical presence of your key-like device to do it.
If you don't yet have two-factor authentication enabled for your Google account, head over to this site to get started. And don't stop with just Google, either: Look into enabling two-factor authentication on any service that offers it, including your password manager, your social media accounts, and any non-Google cloud storage services that you use.
If you really want to keep your account secure, Google also offers a souped-up option called Advanced Protection. It requires you to purchase physical security keys and then use those anytime you sign into your Google account. It also severely limits the ways in which third-party apps can connect to your account. That sort of elevated and locked-down setup probably won't be sensible for most folks, but if you feel like you need the extra protection, you can learn more and enroll here.
Android security step #11: Optimize your lock screen securityYour lock screen is the guard of your Android device's gate — and there are a few things you can do to beef up its muscle and make sure it's fully prepared for the job.
First, think about the types of notifications you get and how much of that info you want to be visible on your lock screen — since anyone who gets their hands on your phone could easily see all that data. If you tend to get sensitive messages or just want to step up your security and privacy game a notch, head into the Display section of your system settings and select "Lock screen" — or, if you're using a Samsung phone, look in the separate Lock Screen section of your system settings instead.
There, you'll find tools for controlling precisely what will and won't be shown in that pre-authentication area as well as for creating a security-minded message that'll always appear on your lock screen — for instance, something like: "If found, please call Joe T. Schmo at 333-222-1111." You could even consider adding an emergency contact into your settings and then using the lock screen message to direct people to that information.
Android's lock screen security options are well worth your while to explore.JR Raphael, IDG
And finally, provided your phone is running Android 9 or higher, an option called lockdown mode is well worth your while to activate or just remind yourself about. Lockdown mode gives you a fast way to lock your phone down from all biometric and Smart Lock/Extend Unlock security options — meaning only a pattern, PIN, or password could get a person past your lock screen and into your device.
The idea is that if you were ever in a situation where you thought you might be forced to unlock your phone with your fingerprint or face — be it by some sort of law enforcement agent or just by a regular ol' hooligan — you could activate the lockdown mode and know your data couldn't be accessed without your explicit permission. Even notifications won't show up on your lock screen when that mode is activated, and that heightened level of protection will remain in place until you manually unlock your phone (even if the device is restarted).
There's just one catch: On some devices — including Samsung phones — it's up to you to enable the option ahead of time in order for it to be available. But doing so takes only a couple of seconds: Search your system settings for lockdown and then look for the toggle to enable it. (If you don't see any such option at all, odds are, you're using a Google Pixel phone and/or a recent enough Android version that it's just on and enabled by default.)
Then, if the need ever arises, remember this: In your phone's power menu, along with the regular options for restarting and shutting down your device, you'll always find a button to activate that "Lockdown" function. Hopefully, you'll never need it — but now you're ready in case you do.
And with that, guess what? You're more than halfway done with this annual checkup. Not too painful so far, right? Only seven more steps to go…
Part III: Device access Android security step #12: Clean up your list of connected devicesAnytime you sign into a new device with your Google account — be it an Android phone, a Chromebook, or even just the Chrome browser on a regular PC — that device is added to an approved-for-access list and associated with your account.
Click over to this page in Google's security settings and give your list a once-over. If you see any old devices you no longer use, click on 'em and then click the "Sign Out" button that pops up to make sure they no longer have access to your account. And if you see any devices you've never used, remove 'em right away — and then go change your Google account password immediately.
Android security step #13: Clean up your devices in the Play StoreThis one isn't directly related to security, but it's a good bit of housekeeping to perform while you've got your cleaning hat on: Head over to the Google Play Store Devices tab and look at your list of available devices. These are the devices that show up as options every time you install a new app from the Play Store web interface — and also the devices that show up as options in Google's Find My Device utility (more on that in a sec).
Go ahead and uncheck the box next to "Show in menus" for any devices you no longer use. And if you see any devices with cryptic codenames, click the "Edit" button alongside 'em and rename 'em to something you'll recognize.
Some devices have cryptic names like Samsung's "SM-S921U," but you can rename or hide 'em entirely with a couple quick clicks.JR Raphael, IDG
The next time you download an app or remotely locate one of your devices will be a much smoother experience as a result.
Android security step #14: Make sure your device is prepared for the worstSpeaking of remote location, you might not realize it, but Google has its own utility for tracking, finding, and remotely wiping an Android device in case you ever lose it — and the whole system is built right into the operating system.
So what are you waiting for? Make sure all of your phones, tablets, and other associated devices are enrolled now, before it's too late. Just follow my quick 'n' simple Find My Device setup instructions for any device you've got on or around ye.
Now bookmark the web version of Find My Device and/or download the app on a Chromebook or any other Android-compatible device you own. If you ever can't find any of your devices, open the service — and you'll be able to pinpoint precisely where the missing gadget was last seen. You can also force most phones or tablets to ring as well as remotely lock or erase 'em entirely.
Android security step #15: Think about whether you should be using a VPNNo matter how secure your Android phone itself is, someone could theoretically still snoop on your sensitive info if you're transmitting it over an insecure network. That's where virtual private networks, or VPNs, come into play: They encrypt all of your incoming and outgoing data so that no one could intercept it and see what you're doing at the network level.
VPNs aren't something everyone needs to worry about, but if you use your phone for a fair amount of business work or with any other type of sensitive material, it's something you ought to at the very least consider — particularly if you use a lot of open Wi-Fi networks, where snooping can be a genuine concern (at least, in scenarios where a site or service's traffic isn't already encrypted).
So where to start? Well, first, some companies provide their own custom VPN services for employees. If that's the case for you, congratulations! You're already all set.
If you're using the Google Fi wireless service, the answer is similarly simple: Fi now provides an option to automatically encrypt all of your network connections via Google's VPN service. All you've gotta do is activate it.
The same goes for Pixel phones, which come with Google's own VPN service as a free and readily available option.
Otherwise, you'll have to turn to a third-party Android VPN service in order to gain that added level of protection.
Part IV: Big-picture thinking Android security step #16: Make sure you've done your virtual estate planningWe've got one more bit of "what if" preparation to address — and it's slightly unpleasant to think about: If something bad were ever to happen to you, would you want someone else to be able to access your Google account and all the data associated with your devices? With a company-controlled account, it's less of a worry. But if you're using a personal Google account and/or maintaining your own Workspace setup for a small business, you don't want to let that go unaddressed. Take a moment to prepare for the possibility now, and it'll make things infinitely easier for your friends or loved ones in the event that you ever develop a mild case of, erm, death.
It's actually pretty painless to do (the preparation, that is — not the death): Just go to this page and make sure you've set up Google's Inactive Account Manager. That system detects when your account has been inactive for a certain period of time — three months, six months, a year, or a year and a half, depending on your preference — and then notifies a trusted contact of your choosing and provides them with whatever level of access you want. You can even set up an auto-reply to kick in for your Gmail (creepy!), and you can tell Google to delete a personal account altogether after a specific amount of time has passed.
Inactive Account Manager is designed to be extraordinarily cautious, with numerous fail-safes in place — including an option to try to contact you via SMS and email a month before your inactivity plan goes into action.
Google's Inactive Account Manager is an important element of security for any personal Google account.JR Raphael, IDG
Some other services, including 1Password, offer similar systems for setting up emergency access to your account in an extreme situation. There's also a clever free (and open source!) service called WeExpire that lets you create secure dockets of info that can be shared via QR code in a similar sort of way.
It's a strange part of security to consider, but — just like with every other area we've discussed so far — it's something worth thinking about and preparing for before the need arises.
Android security step #17: Perform a general Google security check to round things outTake a deep breath: We're almost done! This next-to-last step will take you through a broad security check that'll look for any remaining weak points in your Google account and Android security and then prompt you to fix 'em right then and there.
Just go to this Google security site and click through any issues it presents. It'll confirm that you've successfully performed some of the actions we've already discussed and then look for any other potential red flags or opportunities for improvement.
Consider it your confirmation that your personal security setup is A-OK.
Android security step #18: Think carefully about third-party security suitesLast but not least: Now that you've made sure your Android security situation is shipshape, think about any third-party security suites you're using (whether you installed 'em yourself or they came preinstalled on your phone or tablet) and what they're actually adding to your device.
You've already verified that your device is protected. Android is actively scanning for threats on several levels, both on the server side at the Play Store and on your phone as new apps arrive (from any source) and continuing over time. Plus, you're exercising basic smarts about what apps you download. The operating system could even be looking out for phishing scams, and the Chrome Android browser is keeping an eye out for web-based threats as well.
Beyond all of that, your devices are all enrolled in a sophisticated cross-platform system for remotely tracking, pinging, and erasing as needed. And all of that is happening on the native platform level.
So given those layers, is the third-party security suite on your phone doing anything that isn't redundant and unnecessary? It's probably eating up system resources and impacting performance for no real reason — and quite likely also costing you money you don't need to be spending — but is it actually accomplishing anything of value that Android itself isn't already handling in a more direct manner?
Unless you're relying on the app for supplementary services like added anti-theft detection and payment protection, the answer is almost certainly no. If having an extra security layer makes you feel safer, hey, do what works for you. But if you've completed every step of this checkup, there's really no reason you need it — and every reason to send it packing. (To be clear, there are plenty of privacy and security apps that could be worth your while; they just aren't the silly, bloated device-scanning suites that are so popular among folks who don't know better.)
And with that, my fellow Android-adoring security-seeker, your checkup is complete. All that's left is to set yourself a reminder to revisit these same steps this time next year. The areas we've just covered are constantly evolving, and giving yourself an annual once-over is the best way to ensure you're always in tip-top shape.
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Related contentBest Android Phone Of 2024
The best Android phones are more than just iPhone alternatives, and most offer things Apple hasn't even thought of yet. For instance, you're not going to find foldable devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 running iOS. Plus, phones like the Google Pixel 7 Pro feature incredible cameras that make taking pictures that much more rewarding. Plus, Android is a lot easier to work with if you want to install third-party apps or change the way the entire UI looks.
So while you won't get that blue bubble when you're texting your friends, Android phones are some of the best smartphones on the market right now. That's true whether you're on a budget or are looking for a top-end flagship that'll make all your friends jealous. Luckily, we review and use dozens of phones each year, and have picked out some of our favorites to share with you.
The Best Smartphone
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6
5
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 is an incredibly powerful smartphone despite its size.
Product Specifications
Display
6.7-inch 2650 x 1080 AMOLED (inner); 3.4-inch 720 x 748 AMOLED (cover screen)
CPU
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
PROS
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is extremely powerful
Gorgeous displays
CONS
Foldable design is a little less durable than a traditional phone
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 is an extremely powerful little smartphone, and marks the first time Samsung hasn't held its littlest foldable back with lackluster specs. This time around, we get a full-fat 50MP Wide lens on the back, along with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, backed up with 12GB of RAM. So, while this phone folds up into a diminuitive size, it doesn't lose any of its power, and has become one of the fastest smartphones we've tested this year.
The chassis has seen a major improvement, too, with a more rigid, squared-off design that's reminiscent of recent iPhones. That does make the Flip 6 seem a little thicker than last year's model, but it's not – it's actually thinner – though not by much. It's surprising, then, that Samsung managed to fit a more robust vapor chamber cooler in the phone, which should help with overheating. Though, the cover screen does get quite warm after long, intense workloads like playing games.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 SamplesLuckily, the odd shape of the phone doesn't stop you from using phone controllers like the Backbone, which should help eliminate the discomfort that the heated back can cause. Most phones get quite warm when you put them through heavy workloads, so really there's nothing new here.
The Galaxy Z Flip 6's camera sees perhaps the biggest improvement over its last-generation counterpart. Now that it has a 50MP Wide lens as its main shooter, the device is able to take much more detailed photos. Couple that with the on-device AI sported by Samsung's recent Android phones, and you can get some incredible pictures when you let the hardware and software work in concert with one another. Even if you've been on the fence about foldables for a while, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 is probably the best Android phone on the market right now, especially if you don't like having a big brick taking up all the space in your pocket or purse.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 Preview 2. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 Best Foldable Android PhoneSamsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
2
Fold this phone open to reveal a large 7.6-inch display that also has excellent cameras and a powerful processor to chew through all your tasks.
Product Specifications
Display
7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED Foldable; 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED Cover
Rear camera
50MP Wide, 12MP Ultrawide, 10MP 3x Telephoto
Front camera
10MP Cover, 4MP Under Display
PROS
Extremely powerful
Large screen makes it seem like a tablet
CONS
Unwieldy when unfolded
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 is a slight twist on the traditional flip phone, so rather than flipping it up, you open it like a book to reveal a beautiful 7.6-inch display, meaning you get a little tablet that'll fold neatly in your pocket. When closed, you still get a 6.2-inch screen to play around with, and sleek design changes from the Galaxy Z Fold 4 bring a thinner, lighter phone alongside a new hinge allowing it to fold flat with no gap to help with longevity.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 Camera SamplesIf you're worried about the quality of that large internal display, the stunning QHD+ AMOLED panel gets plenty bright, hitting up to 1,750 nits, and you'll enjoy silky, smooth frames thanks to a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. But, there's still a crease where the phone folds. Similar to other Samsung flagships, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 packs stunning cameras that capture insane detail and offer incredible zoom. Powering it all is a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and 12GB of RAM, so this device shouldn't have a problem chewing through all your tasks and games.
Right now, I'm using the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, now that I've finished my review of the Z Flip 6, and it is quite a bit better. The same chassis improvements have made their way to the larger foldable, and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is extremely fast. Keep an eye on this page for my full review to go up in the next couple of weeks.
Google Pixel 7a – Photos 3. Google Pixel 7a Best Budget Android PhoneGoogle Pixel 7a
7
A slightly cheaper and toned-down version of the Pixel 7, the Pixel 7a offers the same powerful processor, impressive AI features, and decent cameras.
Product Specifications
Rear Cameras
64MP Wide, 13MP Ultrawide
PROS
Incredible camera for the money
The purest form of Android you can run
CONS
Not the best battery life
Want a new phone with most of the bells and whistles of a flagship device but not the high price tag? The Google Pixel 7a is the budget smartphone for you. For $499, a $50 price hike from last year's Pixel 6a at launch, you get a Google Tensor G2 processor. That's the same chip found in the pricier Pixel 7 Pro and Pixel 7, and when you add in the 8GB RAM, there's plenty of oomph to cruise through games and open multiple apps at once.
The Pixel 7a rocks a bright 6.1-inch OLED display with a solid 90Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling, streaming, and gaming. You also get a 64MP main camera, which has more pixels than the flagship models, though the sensor is smaller. It still takes photos and videos that won't disappoint. However, the 4,385mAh battery isn't the best but should last all day with light to moderate use. Topping the phone up is also simple, thanks to wireless charging support.
Asus ROG Phone 7 – Photos 4. Asus ROG Phone 7 Best Android Phone for GamingAsus ROG Phone 7
6
The Asus ROG Phone 7 is one of the best smartphones on the market, especially if you're after something for gaming.
Product Specifications
CPU
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
Rear cameras
50MP (main), 13MP (ultrawide), 5MP (macro)
PROS
Awesome for gaming
Huge battery
CONS
Looks a little obnoxious
If you're searching for the best Android phone that plays games without screen tearing, lag, or outdated hardware, then the Asus ROG Phone 7 is a solid choice. With hardware-level ray tracing, an all-day battery, and an AMOLED display with a 165Hz refresh rate, there's no wonder this Android phone is a mobile gamer's dream.
The Asus ROG 7 comes with four years worth of security updates, is IP54 certified, and boasts a Gorilla Glass Victus front, so you know it's built to last. You can choose between 12GB or 16GB LPDDR5X RAM, which, when coupled with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, makes this Android phone a real beast when it comes to multitasking and gaming.
5. OnePlus 11 Best Alternative Android Phone<
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