Most secure Android phone 2024

When it comes to choosing the most secure Android phone, the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is the best pick. Google builds its phones with security in mind from the start, and its monthly patches guarantee you won't be left behind on future exploits. Samsung's S24 series of smartphones are just as secure though, promising years of regular software updates and the brand's propriety Knox security.

Aside from Google and Samsung's best, there are quite a few others that fall under the designation of being the most secure Android phones available. Pick one of these excellent Android phones to keep your mind at ease while staying safely connected.

At a glance

Best overall

The Pixel 9 Pro XL is a phenomenal device that highlights the best that Google has to offer right now, including the new Google Tensor G4 processor. The phone has a gorgeous design and comes with upgraded hardware that excels at AI-based workloads that Google is increasingly adding to its devices, and you get standout cameras and a large battery with wireless charging and other extras.

A big selling point for the Pixel 9 Pro XL is that it is constantly updated directly from Google with the latest version of Android. Outside of any new features that may come with it, the device security model has been updated and strengthened by a dedicated team that regularly audits and enhances the code used to build Android.

Equally necessary but often overlooked is transparency. You shouldn't have to trust a company when it says something is secure or updated, and the Android code for both the platform version and all updates is available for anyone to take a look at. Plenty of people do, and despite any opinions to the contrary, Android, as written, has proven to be a very secure platform.

With Google rolling out monthly security updates along with quarterly content updates that introduce new features to the Pixel 9 Pro XL, this is the ideal device if you want to safeguard your security.

Best budget

Barely a year old, the Samsung Galaxy A54 5G is a great overall choice if you're in the market for value. The hardware is pretty decent, the design holds up just fine, and the cameras are really great. While the 120Hz AMOLED screen isn't the same as that on the S24, it gets plenty bright enough and the battery life is phenomenal. 

Samsung nailed the fundamentals here, and the fact that the A54 5G will get four Android OS updates — the same as the previous generation Galaxy S23 series — makes it a stellar choice if you want to maximize value. Since the device comes with Android 13 pre-installed, you'll be good all the way up until Android 17.

Let's also not forget that the Samsung Galaxy A54 5G is extremely affordable. An Android phone of such caliber and with Samsung Knox security doesn't usually cost this less. This is one of the many reasons why the Galaxy A54 5G is one of the best budget phones for anyone.

Best premium

Samsung used to have a poor reputation regarding Android security, but the company has done a complete turn-around and is now regularly updating and patching its phones. What's that much more interesting is that the brand now guarantees seven Android OS and security updates.

That makes devices like the Galaxy S24 Ultra that much more enticing. The phone has all the features you need in a flagship, including a sublime 120Hz AMOLED screen that's outstanding for streaming videos, powerful internal hardware, strong cameras at the back that take standout photos in challenging situations along with tons of AI camera features, and a huge battery with fast wired and wireless charging.

The Galaxy S24 Ultra launched at the start of 2024 with Android 14 out of the box along with One UI 6.1. Samsung is now the brand to beat for software updates on Android, and with seven guaranteed Android OS updates, the Galaxy S24 Ultra will make the switch to Android 21.

The phone also has Samsung Knox, which adds an extra layer of security that can separate business and personal data and allow you to hide sensitive information behind a password. This can mean the difference between personal and corporate security.

Best mid-range

Google transformed the mid-range category with the Pixel 8a, delivering outstanding hardware combined with great cameras and a clean software with zero bloatware. While earlier launches in the Pixel A series had a lot to offer, they didn't measure up on the hardware front.

That's changing with the Google Pixel 8a, with the phone featuring the same great Tensor G3 platform as the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, allowing it to handle demanding games and multitask with ease. Then there are other flagship features to consider, such as wireless charging and a 120Hz AMOLED display.

The software situation is just as enticing as the Pixel 8 series, with the Pixel 8a slated to pick up three guaranteed Android OS updates along with monthly security updates for five years. The phone launched with Android 14 and is slated to get as far as Android 17 in the future. Google has done a magnificent job ensuring the software is clean and without any bloat.

You can't talk about a Pixel without mentioning the cameras, and the Pixel 8a takes fabulous photos on par with the Pixel 8 series in any scenario. Honestly, for what you're paying here, the Pixel 8a is the best choice by a long margin.

Best small

The Google Pixel 9 Pro is a fabulous small phone. Google did a magnificent job shrinking the phone without removing any of the features, and as a result, the Pixel
9 Pro offers virtually the same calibre of hardware as the Pixel 9 Pro XL and other high-end phones.

You also get stellar cameras, clean software that's a delight to use, a vibrant 120Hz AMOLED screen, and a battery that somehow manages to last a full day without breaking a sweat. It even comes with fast wireless charging capabilities. But the best thing about the Pixel 9 Pro is the size; it is ideally suited for one-handed use, and I can't say that for most other smartphones I've used.

Most of the other small Android phones with such beefy internals are budget buys like the Pixel 8a or lacking in some areas. The Pixel 9 Pro is a fully capable mid-range device without such troubles. Plus, you get plenty of software and security updates along with features like VPN by Google One included at no cost, Tensor security core, Titan M2 security chip, anti-malware and anti-phishing protection, automatic security checks, and more - features included in all of Google's latest devices.

Best alternative

If you're looking for something different, the OnePlus Nord 4 won't disappoint. Along with the stunning design that includes an ultra-bright AMOLED screen, metal chassis, and a lovely curved design, it's a powerhouse of a phone.

While it isn't as durable as others with only an IP65 dust and water resistance rating, the phone is a sight to behold and so fun and intuitive to use. It's a larger device but if you appreciate that for things like video calls, gaming, and watching movies and TV shows, this will be a huge benefit. 

It can last as long as two days, even with heavy use. Plus, it recharges ultra-quickly thanks to SuperVOOC charging. It even charges quickly wirelessly, so you'll be up and running again in no time. The cameras, meanwhile, developed in partnership with Hasselblad, yield wonderful results in just about any shooting condition.

Equipped with a powerful processor, plenty of RAM, and the option for up to 256GB storage, the phone is also stable and secure with years of Android OS and security updates.

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How to choose

What secure phone should you buy?

If you need the absolute best phone that money can buy, then you should get the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Google nailed the feature-set and the cameras here, with the phone able to take fantastic photos unerringly. But it's best trait is the software; there's no other phone that will get updates as fast.

If you want a lot of features, then the Galaxy S24 Ultra may be the ideal phone for you. It combines gorgeous design with the best set of hardware features you'll find today. There's also the fact that Samsung will roll out plenty of updates to the S24 Ultra, making it a clear winner. 

Looking for the best value? The Pixel 8a is the way to go here. The phone has reliable hardware, takes amazing shots in any situation, and you get a clean software experience. 

I'll also have to mention the Pixel 9 Pro here. Google deserves a lot of credit for making their pro model as small as their base mode, and the fact that you get such light and smooth software with zero bloatware and stellar cameras makes the Pixel 9 Pro a brilliant overall package.

But don't count out the OnePlus Nord 4, a fabulous phone if you want something different. It looks as good as it performs, and OnePlus promises plenty of software and security updates so it will remain current, secure, and protected for many years to come.