Best Android phones (May 2017)

Pure Android. No bloatware or junkware.

No one knows Android better than Google, and as such the Pixel or Pixel XL are well worth taking a look at.

• 5-inch or 5.5-inch high-definition AMOLED display
• Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 package
• Quad-core CPU with two cores running at 2.15GHz and two low-power cores running at 1.6GHz
• Adreno 530 GPU
• 4GB of LPDDR4 RAM
• 12.3-megapixel rear-camera with f2.0 aperture, 1.55-micron pixels, and gyroscope-based video stabilization
• 8-megapixel front-facing camera
• 32GB or 128GB storage
• USB-C connector
• Headphone jack
• Bluetooth 4.2
• Fingerprint sensor
• 2,770 or 3,450 mAh battery (depending on screen size)
• Fast-charge (7 hours of battery life for a 15-minute charge)
• VR ready
• Android Nougat 7.1
• Three finishes: Quite Black, Very Silver and limited edition Really Blue

The Pixel starts at $649 (128GB version costs $749) and is available for preorder today, with the Pixel XL starting at $769 (128GB version costs $869).

A solid, streamlined, water-resistant handset that just doesn't disappoint.

However, be aware if you are a long-time LG fan, as this model does not have a user-replaceable battery.

• 5.7-inch 1440 x 2880 pixels IPS LCD display
• Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 quad-core CPU
• 4GB RAM
• Dual 13-megapixel (f/1.8, OIS, 3-axis, phase detection AF) and 13-megapixel (f/2.4, no AF), with dual-LED flash
• 32/64 GB storage
• SD card slot
• 3300 mAh battery
• IP68 certified

Motorola Moto G5 Plus a robust and well-specced handset for only $230 that features an octa-core processor, 12-megapixel camera, and a beefy battery that offers 6 hours of runtime from a 15 minute charge.

• 5.2-inch 1080 x 1920 pixels display
• Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 octa-core CPU
• 2/4GB RAM
• 12-megapixel, f/1.7 rear-facing camera with dual-LED color-balancing flash
• 32/64 GB storage
• SD card slot
• 3000 mAh battery

The OnePlus 3T has hardware specs similar to high-end smartphones such as the Samsung Galaxy S7 or the latest iPhone, but it comes with a dramatically smaller price tag ($439).

• OxygenOS 4.0.2 based on Android Marshmallow
• 5.5-inch 1080p Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) display
• 16-megapixel rear camera with improved electronic image stabilization, 'Intelligent Pixel Technology'
• 16-megapixel front camera
• Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 quad-core CPU
• 6GB LPDDR4 RAM
• USB-C connector
• 3,400 mAh battery
• Fingerprint reader

OK, the S8 is out, but if your budget doesn't go that far then you can pick up some awesome deals for this handset now.

• Android 6.0 (Marshmallow)
• 5.1-inch quad HD Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 2,560 x 1,440 pixels (576 pixels-per-inch)
• Snapdragon 820 processor (the Samsung Exynos chipset is used in some regions)
• 4GB of RAM
• Non-removable Li-Ion 3,000 mAh battery
• MicroSD card slot
• 12-megapixel rear-facing camera
• 8-megapixel front-facing camera
• Fingerprint sensor
• Wireless charging support
• Water- and dust-resistant to IP68
• Color options: Gold Platinum and Black Onyx