The best Android phones feature bright and sharp displays, all-day battery life, a reliable camera, and unique hardware features - all at a reasonable price point.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | Best Android phone overall
Best Android phone overall
Samsung Galaxy S25 UltraSamsung's Ultra phone is the most complete handset on the market.
Nothing Phone 3a Pro | Best budget Android phone
Best budget Android phone
Nothing Phone 3a ProLondon-based Nothing thinks outside the box with its transparent designs.
OnePlus 13 | Best fast-charging Android phone
Best fast-charging Android phone
OnePlus 13The fastest charging phone you can buy in the U.S., at a competitive price.
Google Pixel 9 Pro | Best camera Android phone
Best camera Android phone
Google Pixel 9 ProGoogle's latest flagship features a refined design, better cameras, and new AI features.
Buy a Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, get $200 store credit
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold | Best foldable Android phone
Best foldable Android phone
Google Pixel 9 Pro FoldA big-screen foldable phone that nails the ergonomics and software.
Buy a Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, get $350 store credit
Motorola Razr Plus (2024) | Best compact Android phone
Best compact Android phone
Motorola Razr Plus (2024)Motorola's clamshell foldable is more durable and delightful to use than ever.
Asus ROG Phone 9 series | Best gaming Android phone
Best gaming Android phone
Asus ROG Phone 9 seriesGamers will be delighted by Asus's high performance, cooling, and versatility.
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The best Android phones in 2025 consist of outstanding models from various brands. That's the beauty of the current phone market, which spans from the best foldable phones, like the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, that challenge the status quo, to cheap phones, like the CMF Phone 1 and Google Pixel 9a, that cater to consumers on a budget. Of all the top handsets we've tried and tested at ZDNET, the best Android phones offer a robust hardware-software package with just enough innovation to keep the user excited.
What is the best Android phone right now?
I thoroughly test every Android phone that makes its way onto my desk, spending at least two weeks (and up to months) with each device before deciding whether it fits within ZDNET's buying guide. My pick for the best Android phone overall is the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra for $1,299, which features the company's flagship features and capabilities, including an S Pen stylus for precision inputs, AI features for productivity and creativity, a 200MP camera system, and the most durable display on any Galaxy phone yet.
The Nothing Phone 3a Pro is another frontrunner for its sheer value. It sells for $459 yet offers premium features like a 120Hz OLED display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chip, and capable cameras backed by a new telephoto lens.
Sorted by
All Value, Performance, Battery life, Camera quality & Display
Best Android phones in 2025
View now at Best Buy. View at Samsung. View at Amazon
Value 7%
Performance 10%
Battery life 10%
Camera quality 9%
Display 9%
Pros: AI-centric Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset. Improved ultrawide rear camera. One of the brightest, glare-free displays on the market
Cons: On the pricier side for a non-foldable phone. No Qi2 wireless charging. S Pen no longer supports Bluetooth gestures
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Best Android phone overall4.5 / 5 SCORE
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is the best handset you can buy of all Android phones. The new Galaxy AI embedded in the device brings many generative AI capabilities, including real-time phone call translations, multi-app AI voice prompts, enhanced photo editing, and a new AI Select tool that offers contextual shortcuts based on what you hover over. Notably, I've found that most of these features outperform AI tools offered by competing Android phones regarding speed, reliability, and practicality.
Like its predecessor, the S24 Ultra, the S25 Ultra is built with a large 6.9-inch AMOLED and a reliable 5,000mAh battery. Although the price is still fairly inaccessible at $1,299, the phone's upgrades make it well worth it for users holding onto three to four-year-old devices. It helps that the S25 Ultra is made of a lightweight yet durable titanium frame and features Corning's new Gorilla Armor 2, which is ideal for users who worry about damaging or scuffing up their devices.
The S25 Ultra retains last year's anti-reflection screen, which, when paired with the larger cooling chamber, makes it a fantastic multimedia device -- whether gaming or watching movies. Under the hood, the S25 Ultra includes an upgraded Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset for improved graphics and AI features, and 12GB of RAM.
The big upgrade for the new camera system is a 50MP ultrawide lens that produces greater detail and vividness when capturing landscape and macro shots. With the S25 Ultra, you'll just have to live with the fact that the S Pen no longer supports Bluetooth gestures, which previously allowed users to snap with a click of the stylus key. And if you're tight on budget or not a fan of the Ultra model's boxier footprint, I'd recommend a lower-tier S25 model or check out the OnePlus 13. Both options offer similar features but for less money.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra specs:
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | Display size: 6.9 inches | Storage options: Up to 1TB | Rear cameras: 200MP main, 50MP ultrawide, 50MP telephoto with 5x zoom, 10MP telephoto with 3x zoom | Front camera: 12MP | Battery: 5,000mAh | Price: Starting at $1,299
View now at Nothing
Value 9%
Performance 7%
Battery life 9%
Camera quality 7%
Display 8%
Pros: Undercuts the Pixel 9a and iPhone 16e at $459. Bright and smooth 120Hz OLED display. Unique design with transparent backing and Glyph lights. Cleaner user interface than Samsung and Motorola
Cons: Ultrawide lens leaves a bit to be desired. Four-year software update policy falls behind Google and Samsung's seven-year.. No wireless charging
Nothing Phone 3a Pro
Best budget Android phone4 / 5 SCORE
If bang for your buck is what you're after, consider the Nothing Phone 3a Pro. There are three key reasons why you should buy the latest Nothing phone over any other mid-range phone: For $459, you get a decent-sized 6.77-inch AMOLED that ramps up to a 120Hz refresh rate, a reliable 50MP camera system, and a charming design (both hardware and software) that's rare in this price range.
Compared to the latest Google Pixel 9a and Apple iPhone 16e, the Nothing Phone 3a Pro fields a transparent glass backing that's decorated with screws and data ribbons underneath. This is all accented with the brand's popular Glyph interface, an array of LEDs that shine and sparkle depending on incoming notifications, calls, timers, and more. It's a hardware package that makes other mid-range phones look outdated and should appeal to fashion-forward users or folks who value innovation above all else.
Review: Nothing Phone 3a Pro
The Nothing Phone 3a Pro is rather competitive in specs, too, with a 6.77-inch 120Hz display that's larger and brighter (up to 3,000 nits) than its closest competitors. While it's only a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset powering the system -- meaning it won't breeze past Fortnite runs at max graphics -- I've found the processor good enough for daily browsing, social media consumption, and streaming movies.
Of course, some limitations are expected from a phone in this price range, such as a less-capable camera system that can be inconsistent in contrast levels and color (e.g., making the sky appear muted or not having much depth between the subject and background). There's also no wireless charging support, a typical omission in this price range, but still an annoyance for users who have adopted the technology. If that's a feature you require, I'd recommend the Google Pixel 9a instead.
The last thing to note is that the Nothing Phone 3a Pro is only available through the company's Beta Program, at least here in the US. It's free to join but requires you to sign up on its website to buy the phone, meaning the Phone 3a Pro is unavailable at your local retailer or carrier store.
Nothing Phone 3a Pro tech specs:
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 | Display size: 6.77 inches | Storage options: 256GB | Rear cameras: 50MP main, 50MP telephoto, 8MP ultrawide | Front camera: 50MP | Battery: 5,000mAh | Price: $459
View now at OnePlus. View at Best Buy
Value 8%
Performance 9%
Battery life 10%
Camera quality 7%
Display 8%
ProsPerforms well in benchmark tests, with reliable graphics processing throughout.. 80W fast-charging (and 50W wireless) with charger in the boxPremium build quality with an aluminum frame and Ceramic Guard displayIP69 rating to sustain harsher conditions
Cons: Curved glass/frame design can be slippery for someVideo recording and AI tuning are not the best. Still not available at carrier stores
OnePlus 13
Best fast-charging Android phone4.2 / 5 SCORE
OnePlus has had its ups and downs over the past four years, pivoting from value-driven smartphones to ultra-premium and back. In 2025, the company is doubling down on the high-end market with the OnePlus 13, all while undercutting the likes of Apple and Samsung.
The OnePlus 13 starts at $899, which is cheaper than its closest (current) competitors, the $999 Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus and Google Pixel 9 Pro. Here's everything you get for the price: a large 6.8-inch, 120Hz AMOLED, a 6,000mAh battery, a triple camera setup with a competent 50MP main lens at the helm, the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, and more. Again: $899, and that's before the $100 discount when you trade in any phone in any condition to OnePlus. Take advantage of that.
Review: OnePlus 13
Putting the value aspect aside, the OnePlus 13 shines with its charging speed; it's something I've learned to not take for granted, as competing Android flagships tend to require hours longer to top up. From my tests, the phone's 80W wired charging can power it from 0% to 50% within 10 minutes, with a full charge taking less than 30 minutes. That's compared to the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus, for example, which takes more than an hour to fully charge with its 45W standard. OnePlus also includes the 80W charger in the box, a free bonus that will benefit users who don't want to spend any more on accessories and are always on the go.
Just as impressive is the OnePlus 13's IP69 rating, which surpasses that of its predecessor, the OnePlus 12, in water resistance. By IP69 standards, the new phone can withstand high-pressure, high-temperature water jets and humidity changes. In other words, leaving the device in a washer and dryer, or even dropping it in a pot of boiling soup, won't damage it.
While the OnePlus 13 is a near-perfect phone from our testing, alternatives like the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus are more readily available at carrier stores and promise longer software support, both of which are ideal for users looking for a device they can hold onto for the next 5+ years.
OnePlus 13 tech specs:
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite | Display size: 6.8 inches | Storage options: 256GB/512GB | Rear cameras: 50MP main, 50MP ultrawide, and 50MP telephoto | Front camera: 32MP | Battery: 6,000mAh | Price: Starting at $899
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Value 8%
Performance 8%
Battery life 8%
Camera quality 9%
Display 8%
Pros: Quality cameras all across the board. Plenty of useful AI features. Up to 5,060mAh battery with LTPO displayArguably the best front-facing camera on any phone
Cons: Stock Android can feel too minimal. Capped at 45W fast charging. Costs $100 more than last year's model
Google Pixel 9 Pro
Best camera Android phone4.1 / 5 SCORE
When it comes to camera performance, I've been equally impressed with the output from the big three (Apple, Samsung, and Google). But more often than not, Google's Pixel camera system takes the cake, with the latest Pixel 9 Pro models outpacing the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro when it comes to shutter speed (to capture fast-moving subjects like cars and sports), post-processing, and color accuracy.
It certainly helps that the Google Pixel 9 Pro series, which includes the $899 Pro and $1,099 Pro XL, undercut Apple and Samsung's flagship phones. (That's not counting the occasional deals we've seen during major holiday and commerce events.) For reference, the iPhone 16 Pro Max costs $1,199, and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra costs $1,299.
Both the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL feature a reliable triple lens setup, with a 50MP primary lens, a 48MP ultrawide, and a 48MP 5x telephoto lens that's great for users looking to capture distant subjects like statues and buildings. They're backed by useful software features like Google's Super Res Zoom (for up to 30x zoom photos), 8K video upscaling, and a new Add Me feature that lets you snap and merge two photos -- useful for family photos and during times when you don't have a spare cameraman.
Again, real-time capturing is only half the battle with mobile photography; there's also post-processing and the flexibility of devices with editing and tweaking subjects. In that regard, the Pixel 9 Pro, powered by a new Tensor G4 chipset, may just have the most flexible and creative photo toolbox on the market, with AI features like Magic Editor, Photo Unblur, and Best Take that can turn any bad photo into a good one.
The Pixel 9 Pro has one of the most versatile camera systems on the market, with an output that's balanced in color and generally satisfying to look at. If you're looking for a phone camera specializing more in video-capturing and less so in photos, I'd recommend the iPhone 16 Pro Max, which has better image stabilization and motion-smoothening.
Google Pixel 9 Pro tech specs:
Processor: Google Tensor G4 | Display size: 6.3 and 6.7 inches | Storage options: 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB | Rear cameras: 50MP main, 48MP ultrawide, and 48MP telephoto | Front camera: 42MP | Battery: 4,700mAh/5,060mAh | Price: Starting at $999 (Pro) and $1,099 (Pro XL)
View now at Best Buy
Value 7%
Performance 8%
Battery life 8%
Camera quality 8%
Display 9%
Pros: Lighter (257 grams) and thinner design is very practical to useSmooth and bloatware-free software. Largest display of any foldable phone at 8 inches. Best camera system of any foldable
Cons: No stylus support. The 48MP-led camera system is still inferior to the Pixel 9 Pro's 50MP configuration. Multitasking features are limited
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Best foldable Android phone4 / 5 SCORE
While the OnePlus Open is arguably the better-equipped device, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is the best foldable phone going into the rest of 2025, thanks to its user-friendly form factor and market-leading camera system, which captures more lifelike images than competing models from OnePlus and Samsung.
Google took the traditional smartphone route when refining the outer display of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, opting for a shorter and wider panel than Samsung's taller approach with the Galaxy Z Fold 6. That makes a notable difference in hand-feel and ergonomics, even though the two phones are priced the same at $1,799 to start. Compared to the standard slab-style phone, you're simply getting more screen with the Pixel, with a larger 8-inch display when unfolded. For reference, most modern-day phones range from 6 to 6.8 inches.
Naturally, all the content you're used to consuming, like video streaming and social media, is portrayed familiarly; nothing feels disorienting or cropped out. While the foldable doesn't match its Pixel Pro sibling spec-for-spec, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold truly shines and more than makes up for the "inferior" camera system in long exposure shots and selfies, thanks to its self-standing nature. This unique form factor is ideal for multitaskers and other users who want to see as much information at once as possible without reaching for a tablet or laptop.
Review: Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
I often recommend the Pixel 9 Pro Fold over other foldables because of Google's clean, bloatware-free approach to Android. Running on the Pixel launcher means you can expect a simple yet customizable user interface, with support for up to seven years of operating system and security updates. I can't say the same for the OnePlus Open or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold also succeeds the previous model with a more capable Google Tensor G4 chipset; Google AI features like Pixel Screenshots, Reimagine, and Gemini Live; and a lighter form factor for a more comfortable user experience. All in all, Google modified nearly all the right places with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, enough to make it a sleeper hit that is now at the top of our ranking list.
With a price tag of $1,799, you're mostly paying for the innovation factor with this phone. So if you're more interested in a safe and reliable handset that's arguably much easier to repair, then I'd recommend a traditional slab phone like the Pixel 9 Pro instead.
Google Pixel 9 Fold tech specs:
Processor: Google Tensor G4 | Display sizes: 6.3-inch exterior and 8-inch interior | Storage options: 256GB or 512GB | Rear cameras: 48MP wide, 10.8MP ultrawide, 10.8MP telephoto | Front cameras: 10MP front | Battery: 4,650mAh | Price: Starting at $1,799
View now at Best Buy. View at Amazon. View at Motorola
Value 8%
Performance 8%
Battery life 6%
Camera quality 7%
Display 7%
Pros: 3.6-inch external display for quick interactions. Performant Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 processor. Highly customizable interface with Moto gestures. Telephoto lens on a flip phone
Cons: The battery lasts no more than roughly eight hours. Hinge design is not as sturdy as Samsung's. No ultrawide lens for landscape photos
Motorola Razr Plus (2024)
Best compact Android phone
3.6 / 5 SCORE
Deciding on the best compact phone came down to the wire, with Motorola's Razr Plus (2024) just scraping by Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 6. I went hands-on with both devices last summer and was left impressed by both, but I ultimately sided with the Motorola because it lets you do more with the outer display compared to the Z Flip. (It's also $300 cheaper with its new $699 starting price.)
Motorola's outer display supports virtually any app you throw at it, meaning you can browse the web, play games, scroll through TikTok, and do other mobile tasks without ever needing to flip open the device. Samsung's platform is more limited in this regard, which always felt like a missed opportunity when testing. This advantage is ideal for users looking to multitask and/or want the most functional outer display for at-a-glance actions.
It also helps that the Razr Plus has a textured backing, which I've found to be easier to hold and grip than the Samsung, which has an all-glass body that can slip out of pockets and surfaces. Considering how fragile these foldable devices can be -- anything with so many moving parts typically is -- the enhanced grip is easy to appreciate.
The 2024 model's under-the-hood upgrades are meaningful, too, such as the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chip, which is optimized for AI workloads, the 12GB of RAM, which is more than enough for mobile applications, and the larger 4,000mAh battery, which can be charged wired or wirelessly. Considering that this is a $699 phone, you're getting a good deal of power and functionality.
When buying the Razr Plus, you should also consider aspects like Motorola's relatively short software update cadence, which ranges from 2 to 3 years, versus Google and Samsung's 7 years. If you're looking for a phone that's built to last from the inside out, I'd invest in a traditional slab handset instead, like the Pixel 9 or Samsung Galaxy S24 FE.
Motorola Razr Plus (2024) tech specs:
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 | Display sizes: 4-inch exterior and 6.9-inch interior | Storage options: 256GB | Rear cameras: 50MP wide, 50MP telephoto | Front camera: 32MP wide | Battery: 4,000mAh | Price: $699
View now at Amazon. View at Walmart. View at Asus
Value 7%
Performance 9%
Battery life 10%
Camera quality 5%
Display 8%
Pros: 6.78-inch OLED display ramps up to 165Hz5,800mAh battery with 65W charging. Supports a cooling fan accessory that doubles as a subwoofer
Cons: Software experience can feel cluttered. May not support your carrier network. Priced the same as mainstream flagship phones, making the poor camera performance hard to justify
Asus ROG Phone 9 series
Best gaming Android phone
3.9 / 5 SCORE
If there's one area in which Android completely dominates iOS, it's gaming, from fielding the specifications to run various titles at high graphics to keeping systems cool. Whether you game on existing mobile apps or take to the cloud for streaming, Android manufacturers have spent the past decade forging a new category of gaming-tailored smartphones, and the Asus ROG Phone 9 series may just be the best in its class.
Here's a rundown of its key gaming features:
The phone has one of the smoothest 185Hz refresh rate displays I've tested (compared to the 120Hz and 144Hz configurations on competing models like the RedMagic 10 Pro), 16GB of RAM, a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset to power through games and background tasks, capacitive side triggers that are mappable to various in-game functions, an additional LED back panel that one Reddit user says is "screaming my name," and a 5,800mAh battery keeping the lights turned on. It's a mouthful, I know.
Notably, that large-capacity battery bests most high-end phones in the US market, including the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (5,000mAh) and iPhone 16 Pro Max (4,685mAh).
The latest model also features various AI tools, like a wallpaper generator, to suit your theming preferences. For gamers, the phone supports X Sense, which uses AI to learn your in-game patterns so that the phone can automatically perform tasks for you, such as picking up objects as you move around in Genshin Impact. I tested several of these AI features at CES and was impressed with how naturally Asus had embedded them into the phone's software.
From my testing, the Asus ROG Phone 9 series falls short when it comes to camera performance and software experience -- both of which are common among gaming phones. With all the focus on rendering graphics and processing power, the 50MP camera on the ROG Phone can produce washed-out and over-sharpened photos. The software is also rich with gaming-centric settings and customizations, ideal for gamers who like to tinker, but not for the everyday consumer who's just getting started.
For those reasons, I'd recommend either the OnePlus 13 or Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, both of which are more capable of handling day-to-day tasks -- on top of mobile gaming.
Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro tech specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite | Display size: 6.78 inches | Storage options: 256GB/512GB/1TB | Rear cameras: 50MP main,13MP ultrawide, and 5MP macro | Front camera: 32MP | Battery: 5,800mAh | Price: Starting at $999
What is better, an iPhone or an Android?
Kerry Wan's smartphone advice
I've used dozens of smartphones in the past year alone, learning the ins and outs -- the tips and tricks -- to make the most out of my handset.Here are my three biggest pointers on taking care of your smartphone in 2025:
Speeding up your smartphone
Something I always do when setting up a new Android phone is dialing up animation and transition speeds.Optimizing your battery health
To preserve your phone's battery life, it's best to charge it between 20% and 80% and never let it drop to 0% or charge fully to 100%. This is because the heat generated from overcharging the phone can burn (or degrade) the battery, reducing its number of charge cycles.How to keep your phone clean
Unless you're invested in a repairs and warranty plan like Samsung Care, consider suiting your phone with a protective case and/or tempered glass screen protector. Beyond drop protection, the two accessories will prevent the phone from getting scratches, scuffs, and other blemishes and can greatly reduce the chance of water damage.FAQ on smartphones
The beauty of Android is that you have a lot of options. So the answer to "Which brand is best?" depends on your feature, user interface, and design preferences. If you prefer a more minimalistic approach to hardware and software, Google's Pixel line will serve you best. If you want everything but the kitchen sink in a smartphone, go with Samsung.
Budget is also worth considering, but today, every major manufacturer, including Google and Samsung, offers Android phones in every price category (budget, mid-range, and premium,m), so it won't be your biggest decider.
What is the most reliable smartphone brand?
In the grand scheme, Apple is the most reliable smartphone brand, with the longest, most consistent support of all manufacturers.
How long does an Android phone last?
Most Android phones today should last at least seven years.How you handle and use your phone will also determine its lifespan. It's highly advised not to keep your phone charged overnight as that can trigger faster battery degradation. It also helps to put on a case and/or screen protector to keep the device's hardware functioning properly.
If it ever feels like your phone isn't lasting as long as it once did, consider swapping out its battery before replacing it with a new device altogether.
Which Android version is best?
The latest version of Android is 99% of the time also the best version. At the moment, that's Android 15.What is the latest version of Android in 2024?
The latest version of Android is Android 15, which was officially released on October 15, 2024, to Google Pixel phones, and is gradually rolling out to other manufacturers.Which phones get Android 15?
The latest version of Android will be supported by most smartphone releases in recent years, including the following:- Google Pixel 6 series to Pixel 9 series (foldables included)
- Samsung Galaxy S21 series to S25 series (foldables and A-series models included)
- OnePlus 11 to OnePlus 13 series
Which phone OS is most secure?
To generalize, most consumers will be choosing between iOS and Android, and between the two, iOS is the more secure operating system.The main reason is that the abundance of Android phones and app makers means there are more opportunities for hackers and data thieves to access your personal information and/or install malware. How these attacks are prevented and managed varies across manufacturers, with some OEMs like Google doing a better job than others like Xiaomi.
While iOS on iPhones may feel more restrained and limited in customizations, that results in a more protected and secure software experience, from app availability on the store to how you download files online.
Can I use eSIM on an Android phone?
While Apple's iPhone 14 made headlines for its eSIM integration, the digital service also works -- and has for some time -- with Android devices, including the latest Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy, and OnePlus smartphones. As always, it's best practice to consult with your local carrier before converting to eSIM.What is the best small Android phone?
Besides the Motorola Razr Plus, the Samsung Galaxy S25 is a worthy runner-up, with a 6.2-inch AMOLED, up to 512GB of storage, and a flat-edge design that makes it all the easier to manage with one hand. During ZDNET's testing, the small-but-mighty Android proved capable of handling apps and services typically run on larger devices.Are there alternative smartphones worth considering?
Outside of this list of excellent options, here are worthy alternatives that will surely delight you, including foldables, budget picks, and more.Best fast-charging alternative
OnePlus 13R
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