What’s the best Android phone under $700 to buy?

[scorpio vega]

I can’t believe I’m even having to ask this lol. But I need some help. My boyfriend’s mother is looking for a new android phone. I have been trying to get her to make the smart choice and join iPhones but she refuses to do so. I genuinely don’t understand why but I’m still trying. She’s literally the only one in our circle who still uses android. Lmao.

That being said what are some good unde $700 or so android phones to get?

Currently she uses a pixel 6a and her battery life has been terrible and now she is having issues with text messages not coming through, not being able to open certain apps and just random glitches expected of lagdroid.

I’m looking at
1. Moto razr (base or plus)- but idk how good Motorola is these days.

2. Samsung s24

3. Oneplus 12- I saw it on Amazon. Does this model have the correct bands for Us?

Are there any others I’m missing and what do you all recommend? I’ve given up android after a decade so idk what is “good” for android aka doesn’t lag much these days that is not too expensive.

I know Moto G series suck and Samsung A series is mid.

 

[tbayrgs]

Honestly, I’d just get another Pixel. The Pixel 9 is currently $799 but may very well be on sale for Black Friday. Otherwise get her a Pixel 8 or a Pixel 8A.

The 9 series Pixels are arguably the best phones Google’s ever made. I really like my Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

 

[scorpio vega]

Honestly, I just get another Pixel. The Pixel 9 is currently $799 but may very well be on sale for Black Friday. Otherwise get her a Pixel 8 or a Pixel 8A.

She doesn’t want another pixel. I mentioned it after trying to push the iPhone and she said “not another google” lol. I think she equates the issues she is having with pixels. I told her it’s probably an android thing because the issues shes describing I’ve had in the past with my androids and i never had any issue where apps weren’t loading or crashing on my iPhone and slowness shes been complaining about.

 

[tbayrgs]

She doesn’t want another pixel. I mentioned it after trying to push the iPhone and she said “not another google” lol. I think she equates the issues she is having with pixels. I told her it’s probably an android thing because the issues shes describing I’ve had in the past with my androids and i never had any issue where apps weren’t loading or crashing on my iPhone and slowness shes been complaining about.

Then Samsung is probably your best bet. I think the S24 is presently $699 at Best Buy.

 

[scorpio vega]

Then Samsung is probably your best bet. I think the S24 is presently $699 at Best Buy.

If I can’t manipulate her into an iPhone 14 I was considering that. I’ve heard good things about moto. Shes been fascinated with the flip/foldables but I know she isn’t going to want to spend $2000 for a fold. Plus honestly she is so careless with phones I don’t think she really needs to have a super expensive phone.

 

[MarkX]

S24

 

[velocityg4]

Motorola is great. If she doesn’t want a Pixel. A Motorola has a near vanilla Android OS. The few junk apps they include are removable. So, you can get a pretty pure Google experience. I think there’s some Motorola background process leftover. But doesn’t affect anything.

I’ve got a 2024 Motorola GPlay as a backup line and phone. It’s quite nice and very cheap (unlocked). If she doesn’t need a ton of performance. It’s great for email, web and basic work stuff. Photo quality isn’t great. Good enough if you aren’t fussy. But not if she wants a bunch of nice family photos. Battery life is phenomenal.

 

[skriefal]

For a parent or family member where I'm providing support, I'd want something that provides timely security updates. That rules out Motorola and Oneplus. Unfortunately there aren't many choices in North America other than Google, Motorola, Oneplus, and Samsung.

I'd recommend the Samsung S24.

 

[cuzo]

https://slickdeals.net/f/17907312-548-98-128-gb-google-pixel-9-at-amazon?src=frontpage_recombee&prop=rcmid-9af055031d54e39e19f2cd5c07c9a307

pixel 9 550 new

 

[h.gilbert]

Boyfriend's mother doesn't seem techy so I'd prioritise reliability and security, so another vote for S24.

 

[Harthag]

If I can’t manipulate her into an iPhone 14 I was considering that. I’ve heard good things about moto. Shes been fascinated with the flip/foldables but I know she isn’t going to want to spend $2000 for a fold. Plus honestly she is so careless with phones I don’t think she really needs to have a super expensive phone.

OnePlus 12 has all necessary bands except mmwave, which isn't really important to most people. The Pixel 9 series is very different from older Pixels, I've owned them all, subjectively it's the best Pixel to date. I'd stick with S24 or that Pixel 9 deal posted above for $550. Those are the only brands that will provide up to date security updates. Motorola is trash, in my opinion. Updates take forever. If I'm spending $700+ on an Android phone, it had better have monthly security updates and timely full version updates.

 

[Flamingdeathbolts]

S24 vote

I have one for work and it’s a nice phone. Lighter than my personal 14 iPhone Pro, and depending on lighting it actually even takes better photos than my iPhone. Battery lasts all day using for call, text, email, some internet browsing. No lag between apps.

 

[wyliej]

Samsung Galaxy Xcover 6 Pro. It has a user-removable battery, headphone jack, SD card, and five years' worth of software updates. It is also durable enough to not need a case and IP68 rated. It is really a great phone.

 

[scorpio vega]

S24 vote

I have one for work and it’s a nice phone. Lighter than my personal 14 iPhone Pro, and depending on lighting it actually even takes better photos than my iPhone. Battery lasts all day using for call, text, email, some internet browsing. No lag between apps.

Yeah that’s definitely not true for me. I had an s24 and that camera was average at best lol.

Samsung Galaxy Xcover 6 Pro. It has a user-removable battery, headphone jack, SD card, and five years' worth of software updates. It is also durable enough to not need a case and IP68 rated. It is really a great phone.

I can hear her saying “that’s ugly” but she’d need something like that.

Boyfriend's mother doesn't seem techy so I'd prioritise reliability and security, so another vote for S24.

She isn’t that techy. Hence why I think iPhones will be better because shes always confused why her android isn’t working or various features.

I may have to 🤢 let her borrow my iPhone for a week and use my old s24 that’s locked away while she does 🤮 I immediately started itching at the thought.

For a parent or family member where I'm providing support, I'd want something that provides timely security updates. That rules out Motorola and Oneplus. Unfortunately there aren't many choices in North America other than Google, Motorola, Oneplus, and Samsung.

I'd recommend the Samsung S24.

Updates really aren’t that important. I doubt she even realizes the features she has and the version she is on.

I mainly want her to get on iPhone for this very reason. It’s annoying having to troubleshoot her phones when I do f actively use her phone os so I have to then read up on it for hours lmao

Samsung is running some good prices on their s24.

 

[h.gilbert]

She isn’t that techy. Hence why I think iPhones will be better because shes always confused why her android isn’t working or various features.

Oh for sure, I'd try my hardest to persuade her to get iPhone. But if not, Samsung. Only because you said she doesn't want Pixel lol. Pixel is just simpler and easier than Samsung.

 

[M5RahuL]

S24.. Now, if she's okay with a larger device.. the S23 Ultra ( one of the best Ultras IMO )

 

[AppliedMicro]

If I can’t manipulate her into an iPhone 14

If you can, she seems quite likely to blame you for anything she doesn’t like (or got accustomed to) about her new iPhone.

You can either get her a loaner iPhone and see how she likes it- or wait until she‘s so fed up with Android to become receptive trying anything different. But it doesn’t sound that she‘s reached that point yet.

 

[scorpio vega]

If you can, she seems quite likely to blame you for anything she doesn’t like (or got accustomed to) about her new iPhone.

You can either get her a loaner iPhone and see how she likes it- or wait until she‘s so fed up with Android to become receptive trying anything different. But it doesn’t sound that she‘s reached that point yet.

Right now she is torn between the fold 6 and the s24 models.

we took her to Best Buy and she was slightly put off bc it looked “smaller” than she remembered. Plus she keeps worrying about the price (1800 bucks) but that’s the Phone she wants.

But she also was looking at the galaxy s models. I said it isn’t a foldable but they are essentially just as good plus the ultra has a better camera I believe.

We have until Saturday. As far as iPhone goes, I wasn’t able to switch her sadly BUT she is allowing her 11 year old their first cellphone and I was able to save him from the pains of owning an android lmao. She was going to get him a moto edge but I talked her into getting him an iPhone 15 so that makes me happy at least

 

[skriefal]

Now you may be on the hook for providing all tech support for her son's iPhone. Might have been better to let him get the Moto Edge, for which his mother could have provided basic support. I've been in the family tech support role for about 30 years and wouldn't mind leaving that task to others...

 

[scorpio vega]

Now you may be on the hook for providing all tech support for her son's iPhone. Might have been better to let him get the Moto Edge, for which his mother could have provided basic support. I've been in the family tech support role for about 30 years and wouldn't mind leaving that task to others...

Oh no the kid is flying on his iPhone lol. He actually showed me that I can actually just press on QR code and the context menu shows up to add e sim for example.

I would always use someone else’s phone to use my phone to scan the code on their screen.

He’s adapting very well and I’m glad he’s on iPhone and not using android. Plus his friends have it so he’s happy.


And getting her to provide basic support and she can barely understand her on phone is a funny thought lol Love her tho.

 

[skriefal]

Ah - you're helping to create a new family tech support member. That is good. Hoping that my nieces might assume the tech support role soon...

 

[russell_314]

I've been in the family tech support role for about 30 years and wouldn't mind leaving that task to others...

I had this role but quickly dropped it for the most part. I get annoyed when people who don’t know what they’re doing don’t listen because they think I’m telling them the wrong thing after they asked for advice. It’s usually older people in my family.

I vote for Samsung because if you’re in the USA it’s the brand everyone buys. She’ll being able to find someone with the exact same phone to ask for help.

 

[scorpio vega]

She ended up getting the ultra today. I actually like it but it’s marred by the fact it’s android.

Ah - you're helping to create a new family tech support member. That is good. Hoping that my nieces might assume the tech support role soon...

Ha it would be nice. If it isn’t my boyfriend playing free tech support it’s me lol. Apparently I know how to fix anything electronic.

Translation: I know how to YouTube lol.

I had this role but quickly dropped it for the most part. I get annoyed when people who don’t know what they’re doing don’t listen because they think I’m telling them the wrong thing after they asked for advice. It’s usually older people in my family.

It’s even more hilarious that ppl assume bc I’m intelligent and know tech that means I know everything. About everything.

She got mad because I couldn’t figure out android settings lol. I’m like girl I use iPhone. Just google the question lmao.

 

[russell_314]

She ended up getting the ultra today. I actually like it but it’s marred by the fact it’s android.

Well, hopefully she likes it. It would be nice if phone companies handed out loaner phones so people can try the operating system. I think more people would try android or iOS if they didn’t have to make a commitment.

It’s even more hilarious that ppl assume bc I’m intelligent and know tech that means I know everything. About everything.

She got mad because I couldn’t figure out android settings lol. I’m like girl I use iPhone. Just google the question lmao.

Even paid tech support uses Google to figure out solutions to problems. Someone can know a lot, but they can’t know everything.

 

[Vegastouch]

I can’t believe I’m even having to ask this lol. But I need some help. My boyfriend’s mother is looking for a new android phone. I have been trying to get her to make the smart choice and join iPhones but she refuses to do so. I genuinely don’t understand why but I’m still trying. She’s literally the only one in our circle who still uses android. Lmao.

That being said what are some good unde $700 or so android phones to get?

Currently she uses a pixel 6a and her battery life has been terrible and now she is having issues with text messages not coming through, not being able to open certain apps and just random glitches expected of lagdroid.

I’m looking at
1. Moto razr (base or plus)- but idk how good Motorola is these days.

2. Samsung s24

3. Oneplus 12- I saw it on Amazon. Does this model have the correct bands for Us?

Are there any others I’m missing and what do you all recommend? I’ve given up android after a decade so idk what is “good” for android aka doesn’t lag much these days that is not too expensive.

I know Moto G series suck and Samsung A series is mid.

Yeah but you can still text her and vice versa. The color of the texts are iirelevent. My Daughter has an iPhone and the only one of us and she never complains about the color of them not being blue.

The newest Moto flip might be during these holidays.