Best Android Phones – June 2017

June is already shaping up to be an interesting month, as there has already been a number of new smartphones announced, and more will likely be announced before the month is out. Some of those new arrivals are already showing up on this list, which does mean that our picks for the best Android smartphones is now looking quite different to how it did last month. In either case, there are now even more smartphones to choose from, and for those looking for a new smartphone, here are own best Android smartphone picks for June, 2017.

10. Lenovo Moto Z Force

Starting off the list this week is a device from last year. However, in spite of its age, it is one which still manages to hold its own against the rest. This month has already seen Moto introduce its successor to the Moto Z Play, the Moto Z2 Play, although on the spec front, the Moto Z Force remains a better overall device. Although both the Moto Z Force and the new Moto Z2 Play offer customers a more unique user experience, due to the Moto Z line’s ability to interact and engage with modules (Mods). Which is not something you will find with most of the other smartphones on this list. So if you are looking for something a little different with your next smartphone purchase, then the Moto Z Force is still one worth considering.

As for the specs, the Moto Z Force features a 5.5-inch display as well as a 2560 x 1440 resolution. Inside, the Moto Z Force is loaded with 4GB RAM, 64GB internal storage, and is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 SoC. On the camera side of things, the Moto Z Force comes packed with a 21-megapixel rear camera, in addition to the 5-megapixel front-facing camera. While additional features include a 3,500 mAh battery, USB Type-C connectivity, and more.

9. Moto G5 Plus

A list such as this often include the best-in-class smartphones, which by association, are typically the most expensive smartphones. However, there are a number of lower-priced and budget options now available that can give you a really great Android experience, as well as good build quality and design. Just ask Lenovo and Moto about their Moto G5 Plus. This is a smartphone designed to be affordable, and over the generations has progressively evolved, to the point where the Moto G5 Plus now sets the tone for other low-priced options. Speaking of which, the price is also further customizable by choosing a model with specs to match your budget. So this really is a great option for those looking to spend less, but buy something good.

As for those specs, the Moto G5 Plus comes with a 5.2-inch display which makes use of 1920 x 1080 resolution. Inside, the Moto G5 Plus comes equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 SoC, a 12-megapixel rear camera, a 5-megapixel front-facing camera, a 3,000 mAh battery, and Android 7.0 (Nougat). Where the models do differ is on the RAM and storage. The more expensive option comes with 4GB RAM and 64GB internal storage, while the more affordable option comes with 2GB RAM and 32GB internal storage.

8. Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge

With a number of new arrivals this month, the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge is starting to drift down the list a little. In spite of that drifting though, this is a smartphone that was largely ahead of the pack last year – which means it is still a highly competent and worthwhile option. If anything, now you can expect to get the Galaxy S7 Edge at a much better price than ever before. Which unlike some of the other options, now further adds to its appeal. Either way, this is a smartphone that adopts Samsung’s now-trademark sloping edges and provides Edge-specific functionality.

As for the main specs, the Galaxy S7 Edge features a 5.5-inch display along with a 2560 x 1440 resolution. Inside, the Galaxy S7 Edge is loaded with 4GB RAM, 32GB (or 64GB) internal storage, and is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 (US customers) or an Exynos 8890 SoC (international customers). Cameras consist of a 16-megapixel rear camera, along with a 5-megapixel front-facing camera, and additional features include a 3,600 mAh battery, a whole host of Samsung-specific features and supports, and Android Android 7.0 (Nougat) – after updating.

7: BlackBerry KEYone

The BlackBerry KEYone marks the first of a number of new entries on the list this month. And while it is slightly lower down the list than some of the others, don’t let that fool you. While there are some aspects here which will not appeal to everyone (like the display size), generally speaking, this is already seeming like a great option to consider and in particular, for those who are of the old BlackBerry persuasion. This is due to the KEYone coming loaded with a real physical keyboard and one which has seen a number of improvements compared to the keyboard found on the BlackBerry PRIV, including a number of neat navigational tricks. With this being the only smartphone on the list to sport an actual physical keyboard, if that is the sort of feature you are looking for on a new smartphone – this is the phone for you.

As for the specs, to account for the physical keyboard, the display is much smaller than what you will find on the other smartphones, as the KEYone comes equipped with a 4.5-inch display with a 1620 x 1080 resolution. Inside, the KEYone comes loaded with 3GB RAM, 32GB internal storage, and is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 SoC. Cameras come in the form of a 12-megapixel rear camera, along with an 8-megapixel front-facing camera. Additional features include microSD card support, a 3,505 mAh battery, Android 7.1.1 (Nougat), and a security-driven interface.

6. Essential Phone

The Essential Phone has literally just been announced, and while it does make it on to the list this month, it is not quite available to buy yet – although, you can now pre-order the device directly from Essential. While it is a little early to know for sure whether this is one the best devices to buy, early impressions look promising. So if you are someone who prefers to try something new, then the Essential Phone might be the option for you. In many ways, there is nothing overtly standout about this phone, although that seems to be part of its charm. As it is a smartphone that is all about the craftsmanship. So what you should probably expect with this one, is a solid set of hardware running a solid version of Android.

In terms of the specs, the Essential Phone features a 5.71-inch display with a 2460 x 1312 resolution. Inside, the Essential Phone comes loaded with 4GB of RAM, 128GB internal storage, and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 SoC. Cameras consist of a dual rear camera setup (two 13-megapixel cameras), while the front-facing camera is an 8-megapixel otion. Additional features include a 3,040 mAh battery, USB Type-C connectivity, and of course, Android – likely 7.0 (Nougat).

5. OnePlus 3T

If what you are looking for comes down to numbers on paper, then the OnePlus 3T has to be one worth considering. This will tick most of the boxes on a ‘pros’ list, as it is not only priced very aggressively for a flagship, but is in either respect, a flagship device. In fact, in some areas this smartphone will (on paper) offer more for your money than the other higher-priced flagship options. RAM being a prime example, as the OnePlus 3T dwarfs most of the competition with the inclusion of 6GB RAM. While 64GB internal storage and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 SoC make up the rest of the main spec list. The cameras have so far proven to be popular with OnePlus 3T owners, and you can expect to find a 16-megapixel camera on the back, and an 8-megapixel camera on the front.

Additional features on offer include a 3,400 mAh battery, USB Type-C Connectivity, a fingerprint sensor, and Android 7.0 (Nougat) pre-installed. One area where the OnePlus 3T does compromise though (comparatively speaking) is the display. While the display does measure in at 5.5-inches, the resolution is resigned to 1920 x 1080. In spite of that though, this is a great option to consider and especially as it is available for less than $500. However, how long it will be available remains to be seen, as OnePlus does currently seem to be winding down its stock. So if you want a OnePlus 3T, our recommendation would be to get it while you can.

4. HTC U 11

The HTC U 11 is another new arrival on the Android scene and one which does look to break the mold slightly. More accurately, squeeze the mold. As the big selling point with the HTC U 11 is that this is a ‘squeezable phone’. This is due to the HTC U 11 coming equipped with ‘Edge Sensors’ which allow for quick activation of select features by simply squeezing the sides of the device. Perfect for when you’re holding the phone in one hand, and need to quickly take that perfect selfie.

Squeezing aside, the rest of the specs on offer with the HTC U 11 directly compete with the rest of the flagship options. For instance, the display comes in at a 5.5-inch size and boasts a QHD resolution. Inside, the U 11 crams in 4GB RAM, 64GB internal storage, and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 SoC. Cameras are also a point to note here, as the initial impressions of the U 11 is that the rear camera performs extremely well. Speaking of which, the rear camera is a 12-megapixel camera, while the front-facing camera is a 16-megapixel camera. Additional features worth mentioning include a 3,000 mAh capacity battery, support for Quick Charge 3.0, a fingerprint sensor, USB Type-C connectivity, and Android 7.1 (Nougat) – by way of HTC’s Sense UI.

3. Google Pixel / Pixel XL

If you are a buyer who prefers a more ‘as Google intended’ version of Android, then the Pixel and the Pixel XL are certainly the devices for you. These are not only smartphones that come with software as Google intended, but also hardware as Google intended. In other words, these two devices are just about as close to a ‘Google Phone’ as you will find. Making the Pixel and the Pixel XL ideal choices for those moving over from the Nexus line, or a similar stock-like Android experience. That said, while these are considered stock Android devices, they do come with a few Pixel tweaks here and there, which only look to further accentuate the overall Android experience. Not forgetting of course, these two smartphones do come equipped with what is arguably one of, if not the best, camera experiences on a smartphone.

As for the differences, the display size, resolution and battery capacity is all that you have to choose between. The standard Google Pixel comes equipped with a 5-inch display, a 1920 x 1080 resolution, and a 2,770 mAh battery. In contrast the Google Pixel XL is equipped with a 5.5-inch display, a 2560 x 1440 resolution, and a 3,450 mAh battery. Otherwise both models come loaded with 4GB RAM, 32GB storage (at a minimum), a Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 SoC, a 12.3-megapixel rear camera, an 8-megapixel front-facing camera, a fingerprint sensor, USB Type-C connectivity, and Android 7.0 (Nougat).

2. LG G6

The LG G6’s predecessor left a lot to be desired when it came to build quality and general design. However, LG has undone the mistakes with the G5 and brought to market a device that is not only stylish, but performs extremely well. If you like the LG way of doing things, then the G6 is certainly a device to consider. This is a smartphone which places a good deal of its focus on its display and its ability to be used in one-handed mode. Which is in spite of its display being larger (taller) than usual. So this is not only a highly-usable device, but also one which leads the way in terms of smartphone design.

As for the actual specs, the LG G6 runs with the best of them, and comes equipped with a 5.7-inch display, making use of a QHD+ resolution. Inside, you can expect to find 4GB RAM, 32GB internal storage, and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 SoC. Cameras are a big deal here, with the LG G6 equipped with a dual rear camera setup (two 13-megapixel rear cameras), as well as a modest but capable 5-megapixel front-facing camera. Additional features on offer include a 3,300 mAh capacity battery, a fingerprint sensor, and Android 7.0 (Nougat).

1. Samsung Galaxy S8 & S8 Plus

If you are in the market for a new smartphone, then once again the Samsung Galaxy S8 and the Galaxy S8 Plus remain our go-to option(s). It is hard to state definitively what makes the Galaxy S8 the best phone on the market, as it is more of a combination of things. For one, the design and build quality on offer with the Galaxy S8 is second to none. Samsung has over the last few years been paving the way when it comes to smartphone displays, and the Galaxy S line has really showcased new and novel ways in which you can interact with the screen. Design aside, the Galaxy S8 comes with all the specs you would expect on a flagship smartphone, and is easily one of the most powerful and performance-capable smartphones available. Likewise, while Samsung’s take on Android software is not to everyone’s taste, it has gone through quite a number of revisions of late, and is now a feature-rich experience with a number of additional and Samsung-specific tweaks that you won’t find on other devices. Overall, these two Galaxy S8 models simply are the best phones of today, and well worth your consideration.

Largely speaking, the two models are identical and mainly only differ in terms of the display size and battery life. While both models make use of curved edges and an ‘infinity display’, the Galaxy S8 comes with a 5.8-inch display, while the S8 Plus comes with a 6.2-inch display. On the battery side, the Galaxy S8 comes packed with a 3,000 mAh battery, and the S8 Plus is equipped with a 3,500 mAh battery. Otherwise, both models come loaded with a QHD+ (2960 x 1440) resolution, 4GB RAM, 64GB internal storage, and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 (US customers), or an Exynos 8895 SoC (international customers), a 12-megapixel rear camera, an 8-megapixel front-facing camera, a fingerprint sensor, an iris scanner, Samsung Pay compatibility, Samsung Bixby, and Android 7.0 (Nougat) pre-installed.