10 Best New Android Phones 2026 in the United States

The Samsung Galaxy A35 5G is a solid choice for anyone looking for a mid-range Android phone with a bright and clear AMOLED display. Its 6.6-inch screen offers a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and adapts well to different lighting conditions, making it great for watching videos or browsing outdoors. The battery is strong with a 5000mAh capacity, typically giving about 10 hours of talk time, so it should last you through a full day of normal use without worry. The camera setup is a highlight, featuring an advanced triple-lens system that takes sharp photos and steady videos. It also shines in low-light situations thanks to its Nightography feature, which brightens night shots better than many phones in this price range.

Powered by the Exynos 1380 processor and 6GB of RAM, the phone runs Android 14 with Samsung's One UI 6.0 smoothly for everyday tasks and moderate multitasking. Storage at 128GB is generous, and the option to expand with a microSD card up to 1TB means you won't run out of space for photos, apps, or videos anytime soon. The design is rugged and water-resistant, adding durability, while the phone remains fairly lightweight at 209 grams. Being unlocked, it works with all carriers in the US, giving flexibility.

While suitable for general use, this phone might not satisfy heavy gamers or those wanting the absolute top camera performance. It relies on Samsung's Exynos chip, which may perform slightly less powerfully compared to some competitors using Snapdragon processors in the same price segment. Nevertheless, users seeking a reliable, feature-packed Android phone with good battery life, a bright screen, and versatile cameras will find the Galaxy A35 5G offers a compelling package.

The Google Pixel 8 stands out as a solid choice for anyone looking for a new Android phone. Its 6.2-inch Actua display is particularly sharp and vibrant, with a 120 Hz refresh rate that makes everything look smooth, whether you're gaming or just scrolling through apps. The battery life is impressive as well, with a standard 24-hour duration and an even longer life when using the Extreme Battery Saver mode, which can stretch up to 72 hours. It also comes with fast charging capabilities which is a significant plus.

The camera quality is another major highlight. The advanced image processing delivers vivid colors and details, and the addition of Macro Focus allows for impressive close-up shots. The Pixel 8 uses Google's custom Tensor G3 chip, which enhances the phone's AI capabilities, providing a seamless and smart user experience. The phone also offers ample storage with 256 GB, and 8 GB of RAM ensures smooth multitasking.

The operating system is the latest Android 13, ensuring you get the most up-to-date features and security updates. From a design perspective, the Pixel 8 is both stylish and practical, with a robust build quality. As an unlocked phone, it provides the flexibility to choose from various carriers, which is convenient for users who may want to switch networks. For the average user, this phone offers a balance of high-quality features and everyday usability.

The Google Pixel 8a offers a sleek and compact design with a 6.1-inch Actua display that promises vibrant and bright visuals, making it ideal for multimedia consumption and smooth app navigation. The build quality feels premium and lightweight at 6.7 ounces, which is comfortable for extended use.

Powered by a 2.5 GHz A-Series processor and 8 GB of RAM, the Pixel 8a ensures smooth performance for everyday tasks and multitasking. However, for heavy gaming or intensive apps, it might not be as powerful as flagship models with higher-end processors. The 128 GB of storage should suffice for most users, but it lacks expandable storage options, which could be a limitation for those needing extra space for media and apps.

The advanced Pixel Camera, equipped with Google AI features like Best Take and Photo Unblur, delivers impressive photo and video quality, making it a great choice for photography enthusiasts. Its 24-hour battery life, supported by a 4300 mAh battery, allows for a full day of use, though actual performance can vary based on usage patterns. The phone runs on the latest Android OS with guaranteed updates, ensuring you have access to the newest features and security improvements. Being unlocked, it provides the flexibility to choose or change carriers, working seamlessly with major providers like Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T.