Android smartphones

Android is an operating system for mobile phones, tablets and smartwatches from Google. It is currently the most popular platform by market share and is used by many manufacturers such as Samsung, OnePlus and Xiaomi.

Choice help: What type of phone are you looking for?

The range of Android smartphones on offer is huge. To make the choice easier for you, we have divided the devices into four clear categories. See which profile suits you:

1. The photographer & creator

Want to take the best photos and videos for social media or your private archive? Then check out the 'flagship' models. In 2025, it's no longer just about megapixels, but about smart AI software and zoom lenses.

• What to watch out for: Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS), night mode and AI editing tools.
• Advocates: Google Pixel Pro series and Galaxy S Ultra series

2. The price-conscious voter (Best Buy)

You're looking for a smooth phone with a good screen, but you don't need the latest of the latest. In the segment between €300 and €500, you often find the best value for money.

• What to look out for: Update policy (will it get updates for a long time?) and an AMOLED screen.
• Advocates: Samsung Galaxy A Series and Xiaomi Redmi Series

3. The budget caller (up to €250)

Do you use your phone mainly for WhatsApp, calling, banking and news? Then a budget model is often more than enough. These days, even these phones have fine cameras and large batteries.

• What to look out for: Sufficient storage (at least 128GB is recommended) and battery life.
• Advocates: Motorola Moto G Series and Oppo A Series

4. The Power User and Gamer

For you, only one thing matters: performance. You want to play heavy games, multitask or watch movies on the very best screen.

• What to look out for: Processor (Snapdragon 8 Elite series), at least 12GB of working memory (RAM) and fast charging (100W+).
• Recommendations: OnePlus flagships and Asus ROG phones

Which Android brand suits you?

Android offers freedom of choice. Whereas Apple offers one flavour, Android manufacturers each have their own speciality. Here are the top brands at the moment:

Samsung Galaxy: The undisputed market leader. Samsung has a suitable smartphone for everyone. From the affordable Galaxy A Series to the high-end Galaxy S Series and the foldable Z models.

• Characteristics::Often the best screens, very long update policy (up to 7 years), feature-rich One UI software and huge choice of accessories.
• Choose Samsung if:You're looking for a reliable all-rounder that works perfectly with other devices such as Windows PC.
• View all Samsung Galaxy phones

here

Google Pixel: The smartest kid in the class. Smartphones made by the makers of Android. Pixel phones are known for their clean software, fast rollout of new Android versions and unprecedented AI capabilities.

• Features: Unbeatable camera performance, smart AI features (including Magic Editor) and always first to get the latest Android versions and updates.
• Choose Pixel if: You want the purest Android experience and take lots of photos.
• View all Google Pixel phones

here

OnePlus: Speed above all else. Once started as a flagship killer but now also operating in the premium segment with a focus still on performance.

• Features: Powerful performance, extremely fast charging and high-end specs.
• Choose OnePlus if: You hate waiting and are looking for a fast, smooth phone.
• View all OnePlus phones

here

Xiaomi and Motorola: Best value for money. These brands are strong in the budget and mid-range segments.

• Characteristics: Often better specifications (such as more storage and a bigger battery) for the same money as their major competitors. Motorola stands out here for its clean and quieter software and stylish looks.
• Choose this if: Price/quality ratio is the deciding factor for you.
• View all Xiaomi phones
• View all Motorola phones

here

What to look out for when comparing

Before making your final choice in our comparator, it's smart to filter on the following technical points:

Battery life and fast charging: A 5000mAh battery is the standard these days. The big difference is in charging. Chinese brands (OnePlus, Xiaomi, Oppo) often charge extremely fast (up to 120W), giving you another day's worth of power in 15 minutes. Samsung and Google charge slower (25W-45W), but focus more on wireless charging.

A new trend to consider are Silicon-Carbon batteries. These have capacities above 6,000 mAh to even 10,000 mAh(!) Big brands don't use them (yet), but some Chinese brands do and so they have an advantage on them.

Software policy: Who doesn't want to last a long time with a phone? Then pay close attention to the promised update policy.

• Excellent: Fairphone, Samsung and Google (7 to 8 years of updates)
• Good: Xiaomi (4 to 5 years)
• Average: Most other brands (2 to 4 years)

Switching from iPhone to Android

Are you hesitating to make the switch? It's easier than ever. With the standard built-in migration tools, you can transfer all your photos, contacts, calendars and even your WhatsApp history from iOS to Android during installation. All you need is a cable or a good wifi connection.

History of Android versions

Google has been releasing a new version of Android practically every year since its release in 2008. In the beginning, these versions were named after a sweet dish, but as of 2019, Google only uses a number. Internally, a code name is still used.

About the Android mascot

Ever since the beginning, Google has accompanied its logo with a robot-like figure; aka a mascot. This one was given the name bugdroid. Bugdroid was first a complete puppet with a head, torso, arms and legs. Later, only the head was used. Some changes were also made in terms of colour.

The first version was black, but it soon turned green in colour. In 2023, Bugdroid was updated and given a 3D appearance. The name has also changed since 2024, when it was shortened to 'The Bot'.