When it comes to choosing the right Android smartphone to suit your needs, the task can be pretty daunting at times. More and more Android devices are coming to market every day, making the choice next to impossible unless someone is pointing you in the right direction. If you’re in the market for a new smartphone on U.S. Cellular and are considering Android as your OS of choice, look no further. We’re here to round up the best Android phones you can buy on the nation’s fifth-largest mobile carrier.
Don’t miss: Best Android phones (February 2016)
When making this list, we’ve taken into account pricing, specifications, build quality and much more for each smartphone. Below you’ll find three categories – the best phones you can buy above $150, below $150 and below $50. Keep in mind that these are on-contract prices through U.S. Cellular, though we’ve also attached installment plan pricing for your convenience.
Samsung Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy S6 Edge+
The Galaxy Note series is often referred to as the true Samsung flagships, and this year the Korean manufacturer didn’t disappoint. Not only is the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 an awesome device, but they also released the Galaxy S6 Edge+ for those who like curves on their super-sized screens. These are hands-down some of the best Samsung smartphones around right now.
These handsets are from affordable, but definitely worth it if you care about screen size and performance. Not to mention, the Galaxy Note 5 has all those additional S Pen features for productivity buffs. You will also enjoy Samsung’s new design language and build quality, which is a much needed improvement over previous Note devices. The Note 5 is priced at $199.99 with a two-year contract over at U.S. Cellular’s website, or for $27.75 per month with a 24-month payment plan. The Galaxy S6 Edge+ goes for $299.99 with a two-year contract, or for $32 per month for 24 months.
Specs
- 5.7-inch Super AMOLED display with 1440 x 2560 resolution, 518ppi
- Samsung Exynos 7420 processor
- 4GB of RAM
- 32/64GB of on-board storage, no microSD card expansion
- 16MP rear camera, 5MP front camera
- Non-removable 3000mAh battery
- Android 5.1.1 Lollipop
- 153.2 x 76.1 x 7.6mm, 171g (Note 5), 154.4 x 75.8 x 6.9mm, 153g (S6 Edge+)
Read more
- Samsung Galaxy Note 5 review
- Samsung Galaxy Note 5 tips and tricks
- Best Samsung Galaxy Note 5 cases
- Samsung Galaxy Note 5 vs iPhone 6S Plus
- Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+ review
- Best Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+ cases
- Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+ vs Galaxy S6 Edge quick look
Samsung Galaxy S6 & Galaxy S6 Edge
Samsung really hit the ball out of the park with its new Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge devices. These were the first to adopt a better design language and build quality, something that proved to be a success under most reviewers’ eyes.
These are essentially the same device, with the only difference being the obvious curved screen on the Galaxy S6 Edge. Aside from a few software enhancements on the Edge (and 50mAh of battery), there are barely any other differences. Both are sleek, powerful, fast and well built. We must also mention the display and camera, which are among the best in the market!
While not as pricey as their larger brothers, the Samsung Galaxy S6 series is still up there. You can purchase the Galaxy S6 from U.S. Cellular for $99.99 with a two-year contract, or for $20 per month with a 24-month payment plan. The Galaxy S6 Edge can be yours for $199.99 with a two-year contract, or for $25.50 per month with a 24-month payment plan.
Specs
- 5.1-inch Super AMOLED with 2560 x 1440 resolution, 577ppi
- Samsung Exynos 7420 processor
- 3GB of RAM
- 32/64/128GB of on-board storage, no microSD card expansion
- 16MP rear camera, 5MP front camera
- Non-removable 2550mAh battery (S6), 2600mAh battery (S6 Edge)
- Android 5.1.1 Lollipop
- 143.4 x 70.5 x 6.8mm, 138g
Read more
- Samsung Galaxy S6 review
- Best Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge cases
- Samsung Galaxy S6 vs iPhone 6S Plus
- OnePlus 2 vs Samsung Galaxy S6
- Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge review
- LG G4 vs Samsung Galaxy S6/S6 Edge – camera shootout
LG G4
The LG G4 enters the market promising pristine performance, a design that will have any crowd turning heads, insane battery life and customization like we no longer see in modern smartphones. In an industry where most manufacturers sacrifice battery life for thinness, LG manages to stand out from the crowd by offering a massive 3000mAh battery. It also happens to be removable, so you can easily swap batteries at will. Furthermore, it supports expandable memory, which also happens to be a feature under risk of extinction.
Oh, and this phone looks good! You can switch your back plates, but I am sure you won’t want to once you put that genuine leather back in there. Add in the fact that the phone comes with one of the best smartphone cameras in the market and you have a true winner. It does have some slight issues that need fixing, though, which is really why it didn’t make it higher up the list. Of course, you can read our LG G4 review to see what this phone is all about before you fork out your hard-earned cash.
You can purchase the LG G4 from U.S. Cellular starting at $49.99 with a two-year contract, or for $10.00 per month with an installment plan.
Specs
- 5.5-inch LCD Quantum Dot display with 1440 x 2560 resolution, 538ppi
- Hexa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor
- 3GB of RAM
- 32GB of on-board storage, microSD expansion up to 128GB
- 16MP rear camera, 8MP front camera
- Removable 3000mAh battery
- Android 6.0 Marshmallow
- 149.8 x 76.2 x 6.3-9.8mm, 155g
Read more
Samsung Galaxy S5
Even though Samsung’s Galaxy S6 has been out for some time, the Galaxy S5 is still a decent option for those who aren’t looking to break the bank. This phone also packed some of the most impressive specs of its time, featuring a Snapdragon 801 processor, 2GB of RAM, 32 GB of internal storage, a great 16MP camera and a gorgeous 5.1-inch 1080p Super AMOLED display.
It was a beast, and though it’s no longer at the top of the smartphone pyramid, it is still a great smartphone. Especially considering that nifty price that now hangs from it. You can purchase the Galaxy S5 from U.S. Cellular starting at $0.01 with a two-year contract, or for $18.00 per month with an installment plan.
Specs
- 5.1-inch Super AMOLED display with 1080 x 1920 resolution, 432ppi
- 2.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor
- 2GB of RAM
- 16/32GB of on-board storage, microSD expansion up to 128GB
- 16MP rear camera, 2.1MP front camera
- Removable 2800Ah battery
- Android 5.1.1 Lollipop
- 142 x 72.5 x 8.1mm, 145g
Read more
- Samsung Galaxy S5 review
- Looking back at the Samsung Galaxy S5
- LG G3 vs Samsung Galaxy S5
- Samsung Galaxy S5 tips & tricks
Honorable mentions
Motorola Moto X Pure Edition (Moto X Style)
All of the other devices on this list are available directly through U.S. Cellular, but the latest flagship from Motorola is not. You’ll only be able to purchase the Moto X Pure Edition (aka Style) from Motorola or Amazon meaning you’ll have to pay full price for the handset. Ask anyone who owns one of these bad boys, though – the extra upfront cost is definitely worth it.
It boasts a big 5.7-inch Quad HD display, a powerful Snapdragon 808 processor, a really good 21MP rear camera and a big 3000mAh battery. You can also customize this device through Moto Maker, allowing you to choose whichever back plate, front plate and accent colors you’d like. Interested? The Moto X Pure Edition can be yours starting at just $399.99.
Specs
- 5.7-inch display with QHD 2560 x 1440 resolution, 520ppi
- 1.8GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor
- 3GB of RAM
- 16/32/64GB of on-board storage, microSD expansion up to 128GB
- 21MP rear camera, 5MP front camera
- Non-removable 3000mAh battery
- Android 6.0 Marshmallow
- 153.9 x 76.2 x 11.06 mm, 179g
Read more
- Motorola Moto X Style (aka Pure Edition) Review
- Best cases for the Moto X Style/Pure Edition
- Moto X Style (aka Pure Edition) – second opinion
- Moto X Style (aka Pure Edition) vs Samsung Galaxy S6
- Nexus 5X vs Moto X Style (aka Pure Edition)
- Moto X Style (aka Pure Edition) vs iPhone 6S Plus
Motorola Moto G (2015)
Although it didn’t specifically make our list as one of the best smartphones you can buy from U.S. Cellular, the third-generation Moto G is still one heck of a smartphone. Especially taking the low price point into account, this device’s 5.0-inch LCD display, Snapdragon 410 processor and 2470mAh battery make for a great all around Android experience.
You can purchase the third-generation Moto G from U.S. Cellular starting at $0.01 with a two-year contract or for $7.49 per month with an installment plan.
Specs
- 5.0-inch LCD display with 720 x 1280 resolution, 294ppi
- 1.4GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 processor
- 1GB of RAM
- 8GB of on-board storage, microSD expansion up to 32GB
- 13MP rear camera, 5MP front camera
- Non-removable 2470mAh battery
- Android 5.1.1 Lollipop
- 142.1 x 72.4 x 11.6mm, 155g
Read more
- Motorola Moto G 2015 review
- Motorola Moto G (2015) hands-on and first impressions
- Motorola Moto G (2015) officially announced: what you need to know
Wondering what some of the other major U.S. carriers have to offer? Check out our other best lists: