If you\u2019re undecided between iOS and Android, we have a breakdown of the Apple iPhone 13 Pro vs Google Pixel 6 Pro<\/a>\u00a0and check out our best iPhone<\/a> round-up.<\/p>\n Jump to:<\/strong><\/p>\n A few years ago, we might have advised that you should be careful about the brand of Android smartphone you bought. Some makers used software skins that, frankly, weren\u2019t that good. But today, companies like Oppo and Xiaomi<\/a> make some of the best phones<\/a> around, regardless of price. That old creakiness has gone.<\/p>\n Our cheapest option here costs a little over \u00a3300, and that\u2019s enough to get you flagship-grade performance, 5G and a slick design. You\u2019ll need to spend a bit more to get a world-class camera setup, one that can take great zoomed images and super-detailed ultra-wide ones as well as what we might call \u2018normal\u2019 photos.<\/p>\n You don\u2019t have to spend much to get an excellent screen, and there\u2019s now very little correlation between the price of the handset and overall battery life. Spending more money is about getting a phone that takes better pictures, feels and looks more expensive, and is more likely to still feel slick and quick years after you buy it.<\/p>\n Price:<\/strong> From \u00a3849.<\/p>\n Google decided to shake things up with the release of the Pixel 6 Pro this year. With a unique new camera design focused on the camera module, a stunning, high-resolution display and silky-smooth performance due to the new \u201cTensor\u201d chipset, it emerged as one of the best alternatives to the Apple iPhone. As we detailed in our Google Pixel 6 Pro review<\/a>, it\u2019s more than just a visual overhaul.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The 6 Pro feels premium. While it\u2019s large to hold \u2013 and has a bigger price tag than any other Pixel to date \u2013 we were impressed. Its camera remains one of the best on the market, and the adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz meant all app scrolling was buttery smooth. It\u2019s our pick of the best Android you can buy so far in 2021.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n Buy the Google Pixel 6 Pro:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n The Pixel 6 Pro is priced from \u00a3849 and is available to buy via multiple UK retailers, including Google,\u00a0Currys,\u00a0<\/a>Amazon<\/a>,\u00a0Vodafone (contract)<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0EE (contract)<\/a>.<\/p>\n Price:<\/strong> \u00a31,149<\/p>\n Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n If the best times you have with your phone are when you take it out to shoot photos, pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra. It excels not just at capturing ordinary pictures but performs incredibly well at the extremes. Its ultra-wide camera is great, and it has not one but two zoom cameras. The second has a mind-blowing 10x zoom lens.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Whenever you stand, there\u2019s always an interesting image to shoot. This kind of tech does not come cheap, and if you\u2019re willing to take a hit on the camera, you can step down happily to the (slightly) more affordable Galaxy S21 Plus.<\/span><\/p>\n However, the S21 Ultra is also the only one in this family of smartphones that has an eye-catching curved glass front and support for Samsung\u2019s own S-Pen stylus. The pencil is great for digital doodling and artwork, which is surely one of the few things you can do on your phone that is almost certainly good for your mental health.<\/span><\/p>\n Read our full<\/span> Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra review<\/span><\/a>. Not sure which Samsung Galaxy S21 to get? Read our<\/span> Samsung Galaxy S21 vs Plus vs Ultra<\/span><\/a> guide.<\/span><\/p>\n Buy the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra:<\/strong><\/p>\n Price:<\/strong> \u00a3499 (RRP)<\/p>\n Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n While this list is mostly focused on higher-end flagship smartphones \u2013 the best of the best \u2013 we would be neglectful, not to mention the Google Pixel 4a 5G.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n It remains on the 2021 line-up alongside the Pixel 6 series and represents fantastic value for money if you are looking for a top camera setup without having to pay out premium pricing. There\u2019s a lot to like here over the (now discontinued Pixel 5), such as the 5G connectivity, minimalistic aesthetic and pure Android OS experience.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As we wrote in our Pixel 4a 5G review<\/a>: \u201cIt takes excellent photos, is powerful enough for most people, isn\u2019t too large or heavy and has a bigger screen than the Pixel 5 or Pixel 4a.\u201d If you want an affordable alternative to the Pixel 6, look no further. <\/span><\/p>\n Read our Google Pixel 5 review<\/a> and check out this Pixel 5 vs 4a 5G vs 4a<\/a>\u00a0guide.<\/p>\n Buy the Google Pixel 4a 5G:<\/strong><\/p>\n Price:<\/strong> \u00a3769<\/p>\n Pros:<\/strong><\/p>\n Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n Samsung fans who will appreciate a large screen should buy a Galaxy S21+ or the Galaxy S21 Ultra. But if you don\u2019t play games or stream video a lot, you may prefer the cheaper Galaxy S21. We think it\u2019s actually the best-looking one of the trio, even if it does have a plastic back rather than a snazzy glass one.<\/span><\/p>\n It\u2019s a pocket-friendly phone with a good processor and three solid cameras, including a decent zoom. The S21\u2019s screen is ultra-bright too, handy for use outdoors. Battery life is not the longest on this list, but this should only be an issue for real phone addicts. While the Ultra has a 6.8-inch display, the base model is 6.2-inches. <\/span><\/p>\n Buy the Samsung Galaxy S21:<\/strong><\/p>\nHow to choose the best Android phone<\/strong><\/h2>\n
How much should you spend on a new Android phone?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Best Android phones at a glance<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Best Android phones to buy in 2021<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Best overall Android: Google Pixel 6 Pro\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\nBest for photographers: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Best photos at a mid-range price: Pixel 4a 5G<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\nLatest deals<\/h5>
Best for fans of smaller phones: Samsung Galaxy S21\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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