S3Corp. Tech Blog

Choosing an iPhone is easy — Apple releases a limited range of models, and picking the latest or a slightly older one is straightforward. Android, however, offers much broader choices. With numerous manufacturers, custom features, running software development, and price ranges, the Android ecosystem can seem overwhelming.

To help you navigate these options, we’ve compiled a guide to the best Android smartphones of 2016, organized by price, features, and user needs. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly phone, the latest flagship, or the best battery life, here’s everything you need to know.

Best Budget Phone Options

Under $100: Blu Advance 5.0

The Blu Advance 5.0 brings essential smartphone features to an ultra-budget price point, retailing for around $70. It has a quad-core processor, 8GB of internal storage, and a 720p HD IPS display. Although limited in storage, it supports microSD cards up to 64GB, giving users more space for apps and media. With an 8MP rear camera, a 2MP front camera, and Android 6.0 Marshmallow, it offers remarkable value at this price.

Under $200: Huawei Honor 5X

Huawei’s Honor 5X is an affordable phone that punches well above its weight. With an aluminum body, 1080p Full HD display, and a fast fingerprint scanner, it feels more premium than the price suggests. Equipped with dual SIM slots and a 13MP rear camera, it’s ideal for those who want solid performance on a budget. Though it runs Android 5.1 Lollipop, it offers a high-end look and solid hardware for under $200.

Under $300: Moto G4 Plus

The Moto G4 Plus offers unbeatable value in the $300 range. The recommended version comes with 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, a Snapdragon 617 processor, and a 16MP rear camera. Its 5MP wide-angle front camera, 3,000mAh battery with TurboCharging, and microSD card support up to 128GB make it a powerful all-rounder. The customizable options via Moto Maker allow buyers to personalize their phones without extra cost, setting it apart as one of the best mid-range options in 2016.

Under $400: OnePlus 3

The OnePlus 3 is the ultimate budget flagship. Boasting 6GB of RAM, a Snapdragon 820 processor, and a 1080p Full HD screen, it rivals premium devices that cost nearly twice as much. The 16MP rear and 8MP front cameras perform well, and its all-metal build feels premium. With USB Type-C, Dash Charging, and the freedom to customize through custom ROMs, the OnePlus 3 is a powerhouse that’s hard to beat at $399.

Best Premium Android Phone: Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge

For those willing to invest in the best Android phone of 2016, the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge stands out. Samsung’s flagship boasts a curved 5.5-inch Super AMOLED display, excellent battery life, and innovative features like water resistance and wireless charging. While Samsung’s TouchWiz interface differs from stock Android, the S7 Edge delivers impressive performance with a 12MP rear camera and one of the most vibrant screens in the market. It’s available unlocked or through major carriers, making it widely accessible.

Best Stock Android Experience: Nexus 6P

Stock Android fans will find their best experience in the Nexus 6P. Built by Huawei, the 6P offers a pure Android experience with no added software. This 5.7-inch device features a high-resolution screen, fast fingerprint scanner, and front-facing speakers. It’s also one of the first devices to receive Android updates, making it a go-to for tech enthusiasts. Though lacking expandable storage, it’s available in 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB versions. The Nexus 6P provides clean, efficient software without any manufacturer add-ons.

Most Unique Phone: LG G5

LG brought something different to the table with the LG G5’s modular design. Its unique camera setup includes a wide-angle rear camera, making it great for scenic photography. Users can also swap out modules to customize the experience, such as attaching a camera grip or audio enhancer. The G5′s metal body and strong internals give it flagship credentials, but the modular capabilities truly set it apart from other premium devices.

Best Battery Life: Blu Energy X LTE

For those focused on battery life, the Blu Energy X LTE is an ideal choice. With a 4,000mAh battery, this phone can easily last through a full day of heavy usage, well above the typical 3,000mAh battery found in most devices. While it may not deliver the fastest performance or highest-quality camera, its battery endurance is unmatched in this price range, making it an ideal option for users needing longevity over high specs.

Honorable Mentions

Obviously, there are way more amazing phones out there than just the ones listed above, but they couldn’t all make the cut.

Asus ZenFone Max

This phone has a whopping 5,000mAh battery, but sadly, it’s not available in the US. If you’re outside the US (or can find a site that will ship here), it looks to be a great phone at a low price.

Huawei Mate 8

Much like the ZenFone Max, the Mate 8 has a huge battery but isn’t available in the US. If you live outside the US, though, definitely look into it.

Galaxy Note 7

This phone didn’t make the list because, well, it’s not out yet! The Note 7 will be the successor to last year’s Note 5 (yeah, we don’t get it either), and should be released this Fall. So it could turn out to be an amazing smartphone for 2016, but we’ll just have to wait and see.

HTC 10

The HTC 10 is a high-end, premium-feeling device with solid specs, but it failed to make the list mostly just because it’s boring. Nothing about it sets it apart from the Galaxy S7 Edge or the LG G5. If simple is your thing, though, it might be worth it.

Which Is Your Favorite?

With so many Android phones out there, it’s difficult to narrow them down to a definitive list. Everyone’s preferences are going to be different, but we hope that this can help you find the right smartphone for you.