What's in the best Android smartphone? In 2018, this question has somewhat gone on to a different albeit welcoming direction. We've seen numerous iterations touting various breakthroughs in mobile technology. We have witnessed the launch of the OPPO Find X, the Vivo NEX S, down to the glaring Samsung Galaxy A8s, and even the Xiaomi Mi MIX 3 – all touting new and top-grade features that are no longer mere gimmickries.

And so, has the parameters of a great smartphone also changed down the line? Intrinsically, no. The grounds to call a handset as such have not but leveled up, as expected.

Today, we'll look into how these parameters have leveled up in 2018 by bringing you the best Android smartphones that were launched in a year that was heavily dubbed to be an important timeline for mobile advancements.

Here now are the best Android smartphones in the Philippines in 2018.

OnePlus 6T

Flashback to 2018, this OnePlus variant now doesn't have a headphone jack. And while that may disappoint some of those hardcore audiophiles out there, this doesn't change the fact that the OnePlus 6T is still a powerhouse in everything that it offers – down from its on-screen fingerprint sensor all the way to its beefed-up battery capacity.

The OnePlus 6T also now banks on its large OLED display alongside a more capable rear-dual-camera setup. To say that its overall performance is to die for is simply a shameless understatement.

And when you add in the series' familiar pricing strategy, the OnePlus 6T is certainly a no-brainer purchase, especially when you're on the hunt for an outright performer of a smartphone.

Display Size	6.41 inches
Resolution	AMOLED 2280 x 1080 pixels Aspect ratio 19.5:9
OS ver	OxygenOS based on Android 9.0 Pie
CPU	Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 (10nm) Octa-core
CPU Speed	4x 2.8GHz Kryo 385 Gold & 4x 1.7GHz Kryo 385 Silver
Storage	128GB, 256GB
External Storage	no
RAM	6GB, 8GB
Main Camera	20MP + 16MP
Front Camera	16MP
Battery	Non-removable 3700mAh Fast Charging 5V/4A
Dimensions	157.5 x 74.8 x 8.2 mm
Weight	185 g
Color	Mirror Black, Midnight Black, Thunder Puple

HUAWEI Mate 20 Pro

Inarguably one of the heavy giants in the flagship segment in 2018, the HUAWEI Mate 20 Pro is the brand's ultimate ticket to a premium mobile experience.

And its main takeaway? Unexpectedly, it's still the device's camera offerings, without a doubt. The HUAWEI Mate 20 Pro features a Leica-backed rear-triple-camera setup, courtesy of a huge 40MP primary camera sensor, flanked by equally efficient 20MP and 8MP support sensors. On its notch, the device relies on a 24MP camera sensor.

Other noteworthy inclusions are the highly-efficient HiSilicon Kirin 980 chipset, an in-display fingerprint sensor, fast and wireless battery charging, and a huge 4,200mAh battery.

The HUAWEI Mate 20 Pro was launched alongside the vanilla HUAWEI Mate 20 back in October 2018.

Display Size	6.39 inches
Resolution	2K+ 3120 x 1440, 538 PPI
OS ver	EMUI 9.0 (Android P)
CPU	Kirin 980 octa-core
CPU Speed	2 x Cortex A76 2.6 GHz + 2 x Cortex A76 1.92 GHz + 4 x Cortex A55 1.8 GHz
Storage	128GB, 256GB
External Storage	Up to 256GB
RAM	6GB, 8GB
Main Camera	40MP + 20MP + 8MP
Front Camera	24MP
Battery	4200mAh SuperCharge Wireless Quick Charge
Dimensions	157.8 x 72.3 x 8.6mm
Weight	189g
Color	Black, Pink, Emerald Green, Midnight Blue, Twilight

HUAWEI P20 Pro

Another camera monster in the flagship arena is HUAWEI's prime iteration from its famed lineup, the HUAWEI P20 Pro. A clear rival of the Samsung Galaxy S9 and the iPhone X, the device shines in where it should – the camera department.

Touted to be among the very first to feature a legit triple-camera setup with a proper set of distinctive offerings, the HUAWEI P20 Pro's main camera setup features a magnificent set of 40MP + 20MP + 8MP camera sensors. All of which are Leica-assisted and bank on the very much sought-after Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) which some of its compatriots have neglected to offer.

The HUAWEI P20 Pro boasts of a 6.1-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1,080 x 2,240 pixels and a high 82.0% screen-to-body ratio. Powered by Kirin 970 and consisting of 6GB/8GB RAM tiers, the device is now upgradable to Android 9.0 Pie, too.

Display Size	6.1 inches
Resolution	1080 x 2240 pixels
OS ver	EMUI 8.1 (Android 8.1 (Oreo))
CPU	Hisilicon Kirin 970 Octa-core + Micro core i7, 4 x Cortex A73 2.36 GHz + 4 x Cortex A53 1.8 GHz
CPU Speed	2.36 GHz & 1.8 GHz
Storage	64GB, 128GB, 256GB
External Storage	No
RAM	6GB
Main Camera	40 MP (RGB) + 20 MP (Monochrome) + 8 MP (Telephoto)
Front Camera	24 MP
Battery	4000 mAh
Dimensions	155 x 73.9 x 7.8 mm
Weight	About 180 g
Color	Black, Pearl White, Pink Gold, Midnight Blue, Twilight, Morpho Aurora

LG G7 ThinQ

With the LG G7 ThinQ, the plateauing South Korean smartphone manufacturer has finally learned from the mistakes of its past and released a smartphone that is worthy of the flagship branding. So, just what makes it a standout? For starters, the device which comes from the famed G-series now comes with the latest and most efficient Snapdragon 845 chipset.

The LG G7 ThinQ is also decidedly a trend follower, a feature that is sorely lacking in the series. The highlights being the notched 6.1-inch FullVision display with a 19.5:9 aspect ratio, alongside a bright RGBW matrix, only this premium handset can deftly deliver. Also among its modern features are the utilization of artificial intelligence and the usual suspects, the shock resistance and water-proofing features.

The LG G7 ThinQ boasts of an aluminum frame with Corning Gorilla Glass 5 on both its front and rear. It is also equipped with rear dual cameras with its primary sensor arming a capable OIS.

Display Size	6.1 inches
Resolution	1440 x 2880 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio
OS ver	Android 8.0 (Oreo)
CPU	Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 Octa-core (4x2.7 GHz Kryo 385 Gold & 4x1.7 GHz Kryo 385 Silver)
CPU Speed	2.8GHz & 1.7GHz
Storage	64GB
External Storage	microSD, up to 400GB
RAM	4GB
Main Camera	16MP + 16MP
Front Camera	8MP
Battery	Non-removable Li-Po 3000mAh
Dimensions	153.2 x 71.9 x 7.9mm
Weight	162g
Color	New Aurora Black, New Platinum Gray, Raspberry Rose, New Moroccan Blue

Xiaomi Mi MIX 3

From the series that gave us the legendary Xiaomi Mi MIX, now comes a variant that is bound to shatter expectations not only in its class but ultimately in the rest of the mobile industry as well. And at this force, we can only be awed at what we see.

And this is exactly what the Xiaomi Mi MIX 3 has achieved – a feat that we thought wasn't possible. The device's main attraction is definitely its inclusion of a magnetic slider that effectively houses the handset's front-facing camera setup. Upping its ante, the brand has managed to cram in yet another camera sensor, even more impressive at this point. The mechanical pop-up cameras feature 24MP and 2MP camera sensors, the latter being the dedicated depth sensor.

The Xiaomi Mi MIX 3's legendary slider mechanism has enabled the device to finally offer an expansive 6.39-inch Super AMOLED display with a staggering 85% screen-to-body ratio, display features that seem to have come from the future!

The device is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 and runs on the latest Android 9.0 Pie to boot.

Display Size	6.39 inches
Resolution	FHD+ 2340 x 1080 pixels 19:5:9 aspect ratio
OS ver	MIUI 10 based on Android 9.0 Pie
CPU	Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 (10 nm) Octa-core
CPU Speed	4x 2.8GHz Kryo 385 Gold & 4x 1.7GHz Kryo 385 Silver
Storage	128GB, 256GB
External Storage	no
RAM	6GB, 8GB, 10GB
Main Camera	12MP + 12MP
Front Camera	24MP + 2MP (Sliding)
Battery	3200mAh
Dimensions	157.89 x 74.69 x 8.46 mm
Weight	218 g
Color	Onyx Black, Jade Green, Sapphire Blue, Forbidden City Blue

Razer Phone 2

Now a proper flagship iteration with a legitimate touch of mobile gaming, the Razer Phone 2 is a testament to the idea that when a brand is willing to learn from its mistakes and is more than adamant to follow after what matters most, a handset of such caliber is very much possible.

The Razer Phone 2 is now equipped with a modern LED logo, a wireless charging functionality, and an overhauled camera setup – all of which are a welcoming development compared to its predecessor's rather lackluster offerings. The result is a gaming smartphone that can properly fit right into the competition.

The Razer Phone 2 features a 5.72-inch IGZO IPS LCD display with an ultra-high resolution of 1,440 x 2,560 pixels and an impressive 513ppi density. It's powered by the Snapdragon 845, coupled with 8GB of RAM and an expandable 64GB of internal storage. The device works on a 4,000mAh battery and runs on Android 8.1 Oreo.

Display Size	5.72 inches
Resolution	IGZO LCD QHD 1440 x 2560 pixel
OS ver	Android 8.1 Oreo
CPU	Snapdragon 845
CPU Speed	2.8 GHz
Storage	64GB, 128GB
External Storage	microSD up to 1TB
RAM	8GB
Main Camera	12MP + 12MP
Front Camera	8MP
Battery	4000mAh
Dimensions	158.5 x 79 x 8.5mm
Color	Mirror Black, Satin Black

HTC U12+

The beleaguered Taiwanese smartphone manufacturer HTC has risen to the occasion despite its current situation and developed a proper flagship iteration – the HTC U12+.

HTC didn't mince its features and made them even more prominent with changes that are bound to attract more consumers. From its revamped camera setup, courtesy of dual cameras on both its front and rear, the device also now comes with new, customizable gestures and a much larger set of features, thanks to its "Plus" moniker.

Perhaps the more eye-catching feature that everyone is raving about is the U12+'s new LCD 6-inch display that's also benefited HTC's famed Liquid Surface glass – the result is a display that is nothing short of magnificent. The Super LCD 6 display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3 on both its front and rear.

Display Size	6 inches
Resolution	Quad HD+ 2880 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 aspect ratio
OS ver	HTC Sense (Android 8.0 Oreo)
CPU	Qualcomm Snapdragon 845
CPU Speed	up to 2.8GHz
Storage	64GB, 128GB
External Storage	Yes, via microSD
RAM	6GB
Main Camera	12MP + 16MP
Front Camera	8MP + 8MP
Battery	3500mAh
Dimensions	156.66 x 73.9 x 8.7 - 9.7mm
Weight	188g
Color	Ceramic Black, Flame Red, Translucent Blue

Google Pixel 3 / Google Pixel 3 XL

Of course, this list would have been rendered futile if it didn't include the ultimate Android experience that now comes in the forms of the Google Pixel 3 and the Google Pixel 3 XL.

Now more camera-heavy than ever, the duo is now adorned with modern hints that the company is now willing to join the crowd. With its taller aspect ratios and the bigger variant getting a controversial notch, these newest editions are basically the most fun you'd ever get from the stubborn series.

Nevertheless, the Google Pixel 3 and the Google Pixel 3 XL still managed to retain what the lineup is known for since its debut – a seamless Android experience, and one that is most proper at that. This is all thanks to, of course, the minimalist Pixel launcher and the Android 9.0 Pie in its purest form.

Display Size	5.5 inches
Resolution	FHD+ 2160 x 1080 pixels
OS ver	Google Assistant on top of Android 9.0 Pie
CPU	Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 Pixel Visual Core 64-Bit Octa-Core
CPU Speed	2.5 GHz + 1.6GHz
Storage	64GB, 128GB
External Storage	No
RAM	4GB
Main Camera	12.2MP dual-pixel
Front Camera	8MP wide-angle + normal FoV cameras
Battery	Non-removable Li-Ion 2915mAh 18W fast charging
Dimensions	145.6 x 68.2 x 7.9 mm (LxWxH)
Weight	148 g
Color	Just Black, Clearly White, Not Pink

Display Size	6.3 inches
Resolution	QHD+ 2960 x 1440 pixels
OS ver	Google Assistant on top of Android 9.0 Pie
CPU	Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 Pixel Visual Core 64-Bit Octa-Core
CPU Speed	2.5 GHz + 1.6GHz
Storage	64GB, 128GB
External Storage	No
RAM	4GB
Main Camera	12.2MP dual-pixel
Front Camera	8MP wide-angle + normal FoV cameras
Battery	Non-removable Li-Ion 3430mAh 18W fast charging
Dimensions	158 x 76.7 x 7.9 mm (LxWxH)
Weight	184 g
Color	Just Black, Clearly White, Not Pink

Samsung Galaxy Note9

Whenever you're dubious that your chosen smartphone isn't "flagship" enough, there are just those handsets that scream certainty. One of these smartphones in 2018 is the Samsung Galaxy Note9.

Samsung's premium iteration in the phablet segment, the Samsung Galaxy Note9 evokes a status that is more than luxurious. It truly tells that once a company is very much determined to succeed in standing out, such a device is possible. And with this variant, the South Korean phone-maker managed to tick all the boxes with flying colors.

The Samsung Galaxy Note9 now comes with spec bumps, particularly the more generous 4,000mAh battery, 128GB of internal storage, a large 6.4-inch Super AMOLED "Infinity" display, and a more sophisticated S-Pen.

Display Size	6.4 inches
Resolution	Super AMOLED WQHD+ 1440 x 2960 pixels, 18.5:9 ratio
OS ver	Samsung Experience v9.5 (Android 8.1 Oreo)
CPU	Exynos 9810 Octa-Core Mali-G72 MP18 GPU
CPU Speed	4x2.7 GHz Mongoose M3 & 4x1.8 GHz
Storage	128GB, 512GB
External Storage	microSD, up to 512GB (uses SIM 2 slot) - dual SIM model only
RAM	6GB, 8GB
Main Camera	12MP + 12MP
Front Camera	8MP
Battery	4000mAh
Dimensions	161.9 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm (S Pen: 5.7 x 4.35 x 106.37 mm)
Weight	201 g (S Pen: 3.1 g)
Color	Midnight Black, Ocean Blue, Lavender Purple (Global), Metallic Copper

Samsung Galaxy S9 / S9+

The Samsung Galaxy S9 and the Samsung Galaxy S9+ perfectly exemplify what the golden adage, "you just don't fix on something that isn't broken," means. With these new variants, Samsung has infamously decided not to modify its dimensions but just simply tweaked what needs to be worked on accordingly – the result is unorthodox but still advantageous for the South Korean firm.

The Samsung Galaxy S9 and the Galaxy S9+ shine better right in the camera department. They now come with beefed up camera offerings, courtesy of a variable aperture of f/1.5 to f/2.4. With this, the duo should be able to spearhead the field, whether it's daytime or after dark. Also included are the 4K capability at 60fps video recording, alongside the 960 fps slow-mo clips armed with automatic motion detection.

Other notable inclusions are the Harman-backed stereo speakers, more advanced security features, and more efficient chipsets.

Display Size	5.8 inches
Resolution	Quad HD+ 2960x1440 pixels
OS ver	Android 8.0 Oreo
CPU	Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 Eynos 9810 Octa-core (4x2.8 GHz Mongoose M3 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) Octa-core (4x2.7 GHz Kryo 385 Gold & 4x1.7 GHz Kryo 385 Silver)
CPU Speed	2.7 GHz
Storage	64GB, 256GB
External Storage	Up to 400GB via microSD
RAM	6GB, 4GB
Main Camera	12 MP
Front Camera	8 MP
Battery	3000 mAh
Dimensions	147.7 x 68.7 x 8.5 mm
Weight	163 g
Color	Midnight Black, Titanium Gray, Sunrise Gold, Coral Blue, Lilac Purple

Display Size	6.2 inches
Resolution	2960x1440 pixels
OS ver	Android 8.0 Oreo
CPU	Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 Eynos 9810
Storage	64GB, 128GB, 256GB
External Storage	Single SIM model: up to 400GB Dual SIM model: (Hybrid SIM slot)up to 400GB
RAM	6GB
Main Camera	12 MP + 12 MP
Front Camera	8 MP
Battery	3500mAh
Dimensions	158.1 x 73.8 x 8.5 mm
Weight	189 g
Color	Midnight Black, Titanium Gray, Gold, Coral Blue, Lilac Purple

Conclusion

What's in the best Android smartphone? Look no further as these entries we've collated are more than enough to tell you that the Android world is not only leading the race by a mile but is also expanding in ways that are both highly innovative and relative to the needs of the modern consumers.

And with these 2018 contenders, we can now imagine what the future may bring.

Best Android Phones in the Philippines in 2018

• OnePlus 6T
• HUAWEI Mate 20 Pro
• HUAWEI P20 Pro
• LG G7 ThinQ
• Xiaomi Mi MIX 3
• Razer Phone 2
• HTC U12+
• Google Pixel 3
• Google Pixel 3 XL
• Samsung Galaxy Note9
• Samsung Galaxy S9
• Samsung Galaxy S9+