My shortlist of the best flagship Android smartphones puts the OnePlus 15 first for its current-generation processor, generous memory, large battery and broad camera setup. The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is the camera-and-stylus alternative, while the Galaxy S23 FE offers a more manageable size and a newer-feeling feature mix in a renewed phone. The Moto Edge 2021 rounds out the group with the most storage among the older renewed options and an unlocked design.
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These phones sit at very different points on the flagship spectrum. The OnePlus is the only new-generation device here, while the three Samsung and Motorola models are renewed and come with greater uncertainty around battery wear and cosmetic condition. My ranking weighs the stated hardware, everyday flexibility, age, carrier fit and the compromises buyers will need to accept. A large display or a high camera resolution alone does not make a phone the right pick: condition, software generation, water resistance and how you use the device matter just as much.
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Key Takeaways
- The OnePlus 15 is the strongest all-around flagship pick here, with a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, 16GB RAM, 512GB storage and a 7,300 mAh battery.
- The Galaxy S21 Ultra has the most explicit long-range camera and S Pen appeal, but its renewed condition and unspecified battery life call for caution.
- The Galaxy S23 FE is the most compact option in this group with a 6.4-inch 120Hz OLED screen, though this listing is renewed and tied to AT&T.
- The Moto Edge 2021 offers 256GB storage and a 5,000 mAh battery in an unlocked package, but its age and lack of water resistance make it a narrower choice.
- For renewed phones, I would verify carrier compatibility, return coverage, battery expectations and the device’s exact condition before committing.
| OnePlus 15 Unlocked Dual-SIM Smartphone, 16GB RAM, 512GB Storage, Ultra Violet |  | Best Overall | Operating system: Android 16 | Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | RAM and storage: 16GB RAM; 512GB storage | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, US Version, 128GB, Phantom Black – Unlocked (Renewed) |  | Best for Zoom and S Pen Support | Display: 6.8-inch AMOLED | Refresh rate: 120 Hz | Main camera: 108 MP | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Samsung Galaxy S23 FE 5G, 128GB, Graphite, AT&T (Renewed) |  | Best Compact Samsung Pick | Condition: Renewed | Carrier: AT&T | Display: 6.4-inch OLED, 1080 × 2340 pixels | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Motorola Moto Edge 2021, 256GB, 8GB RAM, Nebula Blue, Unlocked (Renewed) |  | Best Storage in a Renewed Unlocked Phone | Condition: Renewed; professionally inspected and tested, as listed | Network: Unlocked | RAM and storage: 8GB RAM; 256GB storage | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| flagship Android smartphone | RAM and storage | Display | Refresh rate | Battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OnePlus 15 Unlocked Dual-SIM S | 16GB RAM; 512GB storage | 6.78-inch AMOLED, 2772 × 1272 pixels | 165 Hz | 7,300 mAh |
| Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | — | 6.8-inch AMOLED | 120 Hz | — |
| Samsung Galaxy S23 FE 5G | 8GB RAM; 128GB storage | 6.4-inch OLED, 1080 × 2340 pixels | 120 Hz | 4,500 mAh |
| Motorola Moto Edge 2021 | 8GB RAM; 256GB storage | — | — | 5,000 mAh |
More Details on Our Top Picks
OnePlus 15 Unlocked Dual-SIM Smartphone, 16GB RAM, 512GB Storage, Ultra Violet
The OnePlus 15 is the clearest choice for a buyer who wants a modern flagship foundation rather than an older premium phone at a lower tier. Its Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage give it the strongest stated performance and capacity combination in this roundup. That extra headroom suits heavy multitasking, demanding games and keeping a large offline library without quickly running into storage limits. Its 6.78-inch 165Hz AMOLED display also leads this group on refresh rate, which can make scrolling and supported animations feel especially fluid.
Battery capacity is another major differentiator: at 7,300 mAh, it has the largest listed cell here by a wide margin. Capacity alone cannot predict real-world endurance, but it gives the OnePlus the most promising starting point for long days away from a charger. The three 50MP rear cameras and 32MP front camera make for a versatile stated camera set; the S21 Ultra, however, is the more explicit pick for long-range zoom and S Pen use. The OnePlus has broad unlocked carrier compatibility and several water and dust resistance ratings, unlike the Moto Edge 2021, which has no stated water resistance.
The tradeoff is size: this is a large phone, and its 6.78-inch panel will not suit someone seeking a one-handed device. The listing’s extensive resistance ratings also do not mean I would treat it as immune to damage, and buyers should check warranty terms for their region. For a buyer who wants current high-end hardware, ample capacity and a substantial battery, it is the most complete option here. Someone mainly seeking compact handling or a renewed phone with a specialized zoom camera may prefer one of the Samsungs.
Pros:- Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor with 16GB RAM
- 512GB storage for apps, media and offline files
- 7,300 mAh battery and 6.78-inch 165Hz AMOLED display
- Unlocked dual-SIM connectivity and three 50MP rear cameras
Cons:- Large 6.78-inch body may be awkward for one-handed use
- Battery capacity does not establish actual endurance
- The listing does not specify how long software updates will be provided
Best for: Buyers who want current high-end performance, abundant storage, a large screen and a very high stated battery capacity in an unlocked Android phone.
Not ideal for: Anyone who prefers a compact handset, needs a modest-sized device, or wants a phone with established long-term battery and software support details in the listing.
- Operating system:Android 16
- Processor:Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
- RAM and storage:16GB RAM; 512GB storage
- Display:6.78-inch AMOLED, 2772 × 1272 pixels
- Refresh rate:165 Hz
- Rear cameras:Three 50MP cameras
- Battery:7,300 mAh
- Network and SIM:Unlocked 5G; dual Nano-SIM
Our verdict“I’d choose the OnePlus 15 for the strongest overall blend of current flagship hardware, storage and battery capacity in this group.”
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, US Version, 128GB, Phantom Black – Unlocked (Renewed)
The Galaxy S21 Ultra remains the most specialized camera pick in this lineup. Its 108MP main camera, stated zoom reaching 100x and S Pen support give it a set of premium-use features that none of the other entries match as directly. A large 6.8-inch 120Hz AMOLED display adds room for editing photos, reading and using a compatible stylus. Compared with the S23 FE, the S21 Ultra is considerably larger and more explicitly focused on camera reach; the FE is easier to handle and has a 6.4-inch screen.
This is also an unlocked 5G renewed phone, so it offers more carrier flexibility than the AT&T-specific S23 FE listing. It has 128GB storage, which is enough for many buyers but half the Moto Edge 2021’s stated capacity and a quarter of the OnePlus 15’s. That distinction matters if you keep lots of high-resolution video or large games locally. The OnePlus is the stronger choice for newer listed processing hardware and battery capacity, while the S21 Ultra makes more sense for someone drawn to Samsung’s zoom-oriented camera setup and stylus compatibility.
Its age and renewed status are the central compromises. The listing notes possible minor cosmetic imperfections and does not specify battery life or battery health; both are meaningful unknowns for a device expected to handle demanding camera use. The quoted 100x zoom is a maximum capability, not a promise that every zoomed image will preserve fine detail. I would choose it for its distinctive camera and S Pen flexibility only after checking condition and return terms. Buyers wanting a newer, more balanced daily phone should look first at the OnePlus 15 or, for a smaller Samsung, the S23 FE.
Pros:- 6.8-inch 120Hz AMOLED display
- 108MP main camera with listed zoom up to 100x
- S Pen support for notes and compatible input
- Unlocked 5G US version
Cons:- Renewed condition may include cosmetic wear
- Battery life and battery health are not specified
- 128GB storage is less than the Moto Edge 2021 and OnePlus 15
Best for: Samsung fans who want a large premium screen, long-range zoom options, S Pen support and unlocked 5G service in a renewed device.
Not ideal for: Buyers who need a compact phone, want a confirmed battery health figure, or prefer a newer platform with larger storage and a clearer hardware runway.
- Display:6.8-inch AMOLED
- Refresh rate:120 Hz
- Main camera:108 MP
- Zoom:Up to 100x, as listed
- Storage:128 GB
- Connectivity:5G; unlocked US version
- Condition:Renewed
- Stylus:S Pen support
Our verdict“I’d pick the S21 Ultra for its zoom and S Pen combination, while accepting the battery and renewed-condition uncertainty.”
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE 5G, 128GB, Graphite, AT&T (Renewed)
Among these four, the Galaxy S23 FE is the easiest recommendation for someone who wants a less oversized phone without giving up a fast OLED screen. Its 6.4-inch panel is smaller than the 6.78-inch OnePlus 15 and 6.8-inch S21 Ultra, while retaining a 120Hz refresh rate. That balance makes it the more manageable Samsung option for everyday browsing and video, especially for buyers who find the Ultra’s large footprint excessive. The three-camera rear setup with HDR and slow-motion modes also gives it more stated camera variety than the Moto Edge 2021 description provides.
The rest of the listed hardware is practical rather than class-leading: 8GB RAM, 128GB storage, 5G and a 4,500 mAh battery. The S21 Ultra offers the more ambitious zoom and S Pen story, while the OnePlus has far more memory, storage and battery capacity. Compared with both, the FE’s appeal is a smaller, balanced feature set rather than outright performance or camera reach. It also lists water resistance, a useful safeguard absent from the Moto specification sheet.
The biggest catch is service compatibility: this particular listing specifies AT&T, so I would confirm that it meets the buyer’s carrier and activation needs before purchase. It is renewed, and may show signs of prior use; the listing does not state battery health. The 128GB capacity can also feel limiting for buyers who store extensive video or games. I’d choose it for a familiar Samsung-style experience in a relatively compact package, but skip it if an unlocked phone or a verified new condition matters more.
Pros:- 6.4-inch OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate
- Triple rear cameras with HDR and slow-motion modes
- 8GB RAM, 128GB storage and 5G connectivity
- Water resistance is listed
Cons:- Renewed condition may show prior use
- AT&T-specific listing requires carrier compatibility checks
- No headphone jack and battery health is not specified
Best for: Buyers who want a 6.4-inch 120Hz OLED phone with 5G, multiple rear cameras and water resistance, and who can use the listed AT&T configuration.
Not ideal for: People who need an unlocked device, want maximum storage or battery capacity, or do not want to accept renewed-device condition uncertainty.
- Condition:Renewed
- Carrier:AT&T
- Display:6.4-inch OLED, 1080 × 2340 pixels
- Refresh rate:120 Hz
- RAM and storage:8GB RAM; 128GB storage
- Rear cameras:Three; HDR and slow-motion modes listed
- Battery:4,500 mAh
- Connectivity:5G, Wi-Fi; dual Nano-SIM
Our verdict“I’d choose the S23 FE for a more manageable Samsung phone with a fast OLED display, provided its AT&T configuration fits.”
Motorola Moto Edge 2021, 256GB, 8GB RAM, Nebula Blue, Unlocked (Renewed)
The Moto Edge 2021 is the capacity-conscious pick among the renewed models. Its 256GB storage doubles what the S21 Ultra and S23 FE list, and its unlocked status avoids the AT&T limitation attached to the S23 FE listing. Add 8GB of RAM and a 5,000 mAh battery, and the basic package can suit someone who wants room for apps and media without moving to the OnePlus 15’s much larger and newer device. The 108MP rear camera is another attention-getting spec, though the description does not give zoom range or camera details comparable to the S21 Ultra’s.
It is a large-display-era phone from 2021, but the supplied listing omits display size, resolution and refresh rate, making it harder to compare as a flagship-screen choice. The OnePlus 15 is the much stronger choice for current processor details, display rate and overall listed camera coverage. Against the S23 FE, the Moto provides more storage and an unlocked configuration, while the Samsung gives clearer screen specifications and stated water resistance. The Moto listing specifically says not water resistant, a notable everyday limitation for a phone that may be carried everywhere.
The listing describes professional inspection and testing, and the Amazon Renewed Guarantee as covering replacement or refund eligibility; buyers should review the terms that apply to this specific offer. Still, renewed means pre-owned or refurbished, and it does not tell me the remaining battery condition. The lack of a headphone jack also rules out direct wired listening without an adapter. I’d see it as a practical storage-and-unlocked pick, rather than the most convincing flagship overall. Buyers who prioritize protection from water or newer hardware should step up to the OnePlus or consider the S23 FE.
Pros:- 256GB storage and 8GB RAM
- Unlocked dual-SIM configuration
- 5,000 mAh stated battery capacity
- 108MP rear camera
Cons:- Not water resistant
- Renewed pre-owned or refurbished condition
- No headphone jack, and the listing omits display details
Best for: Buyers seeking an unlocked renewed Android phone with 256GB storage, 8GB RAM and a 5,000 mAh listed battery.
Not ideal for: People who need water resistance, want clearly stated modern display and processor details, or prefer a new device with known battery condition.
- Condition:Renewed; professionally inspected and tested, as listed
- Network:Unlocked
- RAM and storage:8GB RAM; 256GB storage
- Processor:Snapdragon series; listing states 1.9 GHz
- Rear camera:108 MP
- Battery:5,000 mAh
- SIM:Dual Nano-SIM
- Water resistance:Not water resistant
Our verdict“I’d consider the Moto Edge 2021 when unlocked service and 256GB storage matter more than water resistance or current flagship hardware.”
How We Picked
I ranked these four phones by how convincingly each fits the flagship Android promise today. I considered the processor and memory details provided, display quality and refresh rate, camera versatility, battery capacity, storage, carrier flexibility, condition and protective features. The OnePlus 15 leads because its listed hardware is the most current and complete, with unusually large battery and storage figures for this comparison. The S21 Ultra follows for its premium camera reach and S Pen support, even though it is an older renewed device. I put the S23 FE ahead of the Moto Edge 2021 because its 120Hz OLED screen, water resistance and more recent positioning create a more balanced everyday package; the Moto is better for buyers who specifically want unlocked service and 256GB on an older phone.
I treated supplied specifications as claims in the listing, not as results from hands-on testing. The renewed listings do not give a battery health figure, and the available descriptions do not establish how long each model will receive software updates. I also did not treat camera megapixels as proof of better photos: sensor processing, zoom implementation and software can affect results, and the listings provide limited detail on those areas. These limits shape the ranking. Buyers who put condition certainty or long-term support first should compare current seller and manufacturer terms before choosing any of the renewed models.
| flagship Android smartphone | Processor | Rear cameras | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| OnePlus 15 Unlocked Dual-SIM S | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | Three 50MP cameras | — |
| Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | — | — | Renewed |
| Samsung Galaxy S23 FE 5G | — | Three; HDR and slow-motion modes listed | Renewed |
| Motorola Moto Edge 2021 | Snapdragon series; listing states 1.9 GHz | — | Renewed; professionally inspected and tested, as listed |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Best Flagship Android Smartphones
Flagship phones earn their place through a mix of performance, screen quality, camera flexibility and everyday reliability. I would start by deciding which of those matters most, then check the listing details that can change the experience after purchase. That is especially true here because three of the four options are renewed devices.
Choose between current hardware and renewed value
The OnePlus 15 is the clear hardware leader in this group: its listed Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, 16GB RAM and 512GB storage are substantially ahead of the older renewed phones’ stated configurations. That makes it the better fit for demanding games, heavier multitasking and keeping a large app or media library. The S21 Ultra and S23 FE still offer premium-style displays and camera features, but renewed condition brings uncertainty around wear and battery health. If you choose a renewed model, check what inspection means for the specific seller, the applicable return or replacement policy, and whether the listing describes battery condition.
Match screen size and refresh rate to how you hold a phone
The S23 FE has the smallest stated screen at 6.4 inches, which makes it the most promising fit for buyers who want a more manageable handset. The S21 Ultra’s 6.8-inch panel and the OnePlus 15’s 6.78-inch screen provide more room for video, games and split attention, but they make for large phones. The OnePlus leads on listed refresh rate at 165Hz; both Samsung options list 120Hz. Higher refresh rates can make supported motion appear smoother, but they are only one part of the display experience. The Moto listing does not provide screen size or refresh rate, so I would not choose it based on display expectations without checking the full product details.
Read camera specifications as clues, not guarantees
The S21 Ultra is the camera pick for buyers who value a stated zoom range up to 100x and S Pen support. That zoom figure describes a maximum capability and should not be treated as a promise of detailed images at every distance. The S23 FE provides three rear cameras and lists HDR and slow-motion modes, while the OnePlus 15 specifies three 50MP rear cameras and a 32MP front camera. The Moto Edge 2021 lists a 108MP rear camera but provides less information about lens roles or zoom. A megapixel count does not by itself determine photo quality, so consider the camera features you will actually use and seek sample images if photography is central to your choice.
Check capacity against your habits
Storage ranges from 128GB on both Samsung models to 256GB on the Moto and 512GB on the OnePlus. People who stream most content and keep only a few large apps may be comfortable with 128GB; those who record video, download games or carry media offline may benefit from more. Listed battery capacity varies too: 4,500 mAh for the S23 FE, 5,000 mAh for the Moto and 7,300 mAh for the OnePlus. The S21 Ultra listing gives no battery figure. Capacity is a useful comparison point, but real endurance also depends on screen use, network conditions, software and battery age. For renewed phones, an unknown battery condition is a particular reason to check seller terms.
Confirm carrier fit and protection
The OnePlus 15 and S21 Ultra listings describe unlocked 5G service, while the S23 FE is specifically listed for AT&T. The Moto is also listed as unlocked. Confirm the exact model’s compatibility with your carrier before buying, especially if you need particular bands, eSIM functionality or dual-SIM behavior. Protection varies as well: the OnePlus lists multiple water and dust resistance ratings, the S23 FE is described as water resistant, and the Moto explicitly lacks water resistance. The S21 Ultra details provided here do not specify a rating. Water resistance can reduce worry around splashes, but it does not make any phone damage-proof; review the manufacturer’s limits and warranty coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone is the best overall flagship Android pick in this comparison?
I rank the OnePlus 15 first because it pairs the newest and strongest listed processor with 16GB RAM, 512GB storage, a 165Hz AMOLED screen, a 7,300 mAh battery and unlocked 5G support. Those specifications give it the broadest high-end foundation here. Its size may not suit everyone, and its listed battery capacity does not establish actual endurance, but it is the most complete option for buyers who want current flagship hardware.
Which option is best for zoom photography and stylus use?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is the clearest fit for those priorities. Its listing calls out a 108MP main camera, zoom up to 100x and S Pen support, features not described for the other phones in the same way. I would weigh that distinctive camera and input flexibility against its renewed condition, 128GB storage and unspecified battery health. Buyers should also treat the maximum zoom figure as a capability rather than a guarantee of detailed results at every distance.
Which phone is easiest to handle?
The Galaxy S23 FE has the smallest stated screen, at 6.4 inches, compared with the OnePlus 15 at 6.78 inches and the Galaxy S21 Ultra at 6.8 inches. That makes it the most plausible choice for someone who wants a less oversized phone while keeping a 120Hz OLED display. Screen size alone does not give the phone’s full dimensions or weight, so check those details if one-handed comfort is a firm requirement.
Should I buy one of the renewed phones?
A renewed phone may be a reasonable choice if you are comfortable with a pre-owned device and the listing’s condition, return and replacement terms meet your needs. In this group, the S23 FE, S21 Ultra and Moto Edge 2021 are renewed, and their descriptions do not establish a specific battery health figure. I would confirm what condition grading applies, verify the carrier configuration and review the seller’s coverage before choosing. If known condition and the most current listed hardware matter most, the OnePlus 15 is the direct alternative.
Which model offers the most storage, and does it matter?
The OnePlus 15 has the most listed storage at 512GB, followed by the Moto Edge 2021 at 256GB; both Samsung models list 128GB. More space is useful if you keep large games, downloaded video, photos or other files on the phone. If you stream most media and manage apps regularly, 128GB may be enough. I would make the choice based on your habits and check whether the exact model supports expandable storage before relying on an assumption.
Conclusion
My recommendation depends on what you want from a flagship. Choose the OnePlus 15 for the strongest current hardware, large storage allowance, high refresh rate and biggest stated battery. Pick the Galaxy S21 Ultra if zoom flexibility and S Pen support matter more than having a newer platform, and you are comfortable checking a renewed phone’s condition carefully. The Galaxy S23 FE is the better match for a smaller Samsung with a 120Hz OLED screen, provided the AT&T listing fits your carrier needs. Choose the Moto Edge 2021 when unlocked service and 256GB capacity are priorities, while accepting its age and lack of water resistance. Before ordering any renewed model, I would verify activation compatibility, condition terms and the coverage that applies to the specific listing.
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