I mean my answer is "Galaxy Note 9", last year's Note, by default.

BUT I'm also in the field, so here's my recommendations:

mid-range:

Google Pixel 3a - pros: updates before everyone else, for 3 years from manufacture. no glass back so you might could go caseless, better battery than the premium Pixel, non-XL starts under $400 MSRP, no WACK notch on the XL model. Same great camera (and software) as Pixel 3, which means you get Night Sight AND Call Screening. No bloatware, better power management, a HEADPHONE JACK, works on every carrier and well internationally, using Google Fi. cons: only 64GB period (but may not be a "con" if you mostly stream and don't take a lot of photos), only 4GB RAM (see above, YMMV) no expandable storage, no wireless charging or IP rating, no unlimited original quality Google Photos uploads (which is also true of the newly released Pixel 4).


Nokia 7.2 - pros: Great screen, which is FLAT and only has the "teardrop" notch. In Android One program, so software is much like the Pixel and comes directly from Google with 2 years of promised updates, no bloatware. 128GB internal storage with microSD expansion to well above that. Quality of build on par with flagships. No bloatware. Usable on most carriers (except Sprint and its MVNOs). Has both a standard and ultra wide camera lens + depth camera at the rear. Also has a HEADPHONE JACK. cons: the audio on this (speaker wise) is a little bush-league. with the previous model (7.1), there were quite a few reports of the USB charging point breaking or not working. Camera software ain't on par with Google's. No wireless charging or IP rating.

Samsung A50 - pros: much like the Nokia 7.2. Big ass screen that is FLAT with a teardrop notch. 64GB BUT with expandable microSD storage. Samsung Pay compatible. Not made out of glass. Available unlocked, but is also being sold at many carriers. Runs Android 9 with OneUI like the S10 and Note 10. Multi-cameras at the rear like Nokia 7.2. 25 watt fast charger like more expensive Galaxy phones. A HEADPHONE JACK. A cheap Galaxy phone that doesn't feel "cheap". cons: no IP rating, no wireless charge, updates will come slower than Google by far, even more than Samsung flagships. The A70 is even better than this (larger screen and 128GB base storage), but Samsung ain't selling it officially in the USA. a US-compatible unlocked model is available at Amazon and B&H, only it doesn't officially work at all US carriers.

OnePlus 7T - pros: Best screen out of the bunch, which refreshes at 90Hz, and like the others listed here is FLAT. Amazingly fast software, which is light and more or less bloatware free. Updates not as fast as Google, but are close behind. 8GBs of RAM, 128GB base storage. Finally sold at one US carrier (T-Mobile); unlocked version works on all other US carriers (perhaps not Sprint, need to check). cons: customer service is assjuice (actually true of most of these listed here, except Samsung), have to get all accessories online, no expandable storage or IP rating (OnePlus says it is splashproof). Most expensive of mid-range phones listed here.

flagships:

Samsung Galaxy S-line (S10e, S10, S10+) - pros: WELL supported with 3rd party accessories. There will be a version for each carrier. Display is in top-tier of all smartphones, OneUI >>>>> TouchWiz. S10/S10+ can come in some INSANE storage/RAM configurations, but all models START at an expandable 128GB of storage. S10e does not have ultra-wide camera or in-screen fingerprint reader, but all have regular and telephoto lenses. ALL have a headphone jack. Cons: you see the articles regarding the in-screen fingerprint reader on the S10/S10+. Updates come much slower than Google, but Samsung tends to support their products for 2 years for major OS upgrades, and sometimes even longer for security updates (Note 4 was supported well into 2018 in this regard).

Samsung Galaxy Note line (Note 10, Note 10+). pros: See above with the S10, only the base storage is 256GB. Huge screen. cons: no expandable storage and downgraded screen on Note 10, the price is too GOTDAMN HIGH across the board.

OnePlus 7 Pro: pros: See OnePlus 7T, only there is a 256GB internal storage option. NO NOTCH but a popup camera cons: best versions can only be had online, accessories also. No headphone jack, no wireless charging or IP rating. The screen is curved like an S7 Edge. Camera software is far from getting to Samsung or Google's level.

Sony Xperia 1: pros: 128GB expandable storage, great build quality. Finally an improved camera. Optimized for media consumption (the display ratio is tall af, but the phone itself is more narrow making it easier to hold). Comes in a kickass purple color. Cons: Price is too GOTDAMN high. Can be used at pretty much any carrier (except Sprint) but can be found at NO carriers. Unlocked only.

I don't have much comment on the Google Pixel 4 only that I think they really dropped the ball in a number of ways.

Google Pixel 3s are being discounted, so see what I wrote about the 3a, only add IP rating, wireless charging, a NOTCH on the XL model, and remove the headphone jack. At a reduced price it's still pretty good. You get a 128GB option for storage.

A lot of the midrange can pass for flagship levels and can be had for less than $600 total, especially that OnePlus.

Samsung S line has already seen a price drop which makes one want to give them a second look.


Of course I like the Note 10+ (except the not having a headphone jack part).

But my favorites of the ones listed here:

OnePlus 7 Pro, Pixel 3a, Nokia 7.2

Yes, I'm mad. Let's move on.

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