The Google Pixel 5 is the best Android phone when it comes to security. Google builds its phones to be secure from the start, and its monthly security patches guarantee you won’t be left behind on future exploits. Some of the fastest Android phones available to date are on this list to keep your mind at ease while staying safely connected.
Best Overall: Google Pixel 5
The Pixel 5 is 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. On top of this, Google releases updates to the security model at the beginning of every month for the people who make Android phones to apply to its software. These are essential, more important than any other update.
Equally important but often overlooked is transparency. It would be best if you didn’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 look at. Plenty of people do, and despite any opinions to the contrary, Android, as written, has proven to be a very secure platform. A phone like a Pixel 5 is the embodiment of this.
Pros:
- Monthly (or more) security updates
- Guaranteed updates for three years
- Excellent software experience
- Improved battery life
- Great cameras
Cons:
- No headphone jack
- No “XL” model this time
- No Wi-Fi 6 support
Best Overall
Google Pixel 5
At the forefront of Android security
The Pixel 5 will keep you protected from security threats and get updated to keep it that way with its default protections.
Best Alternative: Samsung Galaxy S21
Samsung used to have a poor reputation for Android security, but the company has done a complete turn-around and is now regularly updating and patching its phones. The Galaxy S21 ships with Android 11 and will get regular monthly security patches promptly. It also has Samsung Knox, which adds an extra layer of security that can separate business and personal data and allow you to hide certain information behind a password. This can mean the difference between private and corporate security.
Outside of the security features, the rest of the Galaxy S21 experience is rock solid. It features a gorgeous 120Hz AMOLED display, flagship speed thanks to the Snapdragon 888 processor, and a good 4,000 mAh battery.
You don’t get the official guarantee of updates that you do with Google’s Pixel 5, but Samsung’s recent performance in these regards has made us confident in the S21’s overall security. The factor that, together with the improved processing speed and display over the Pixel 5, stands out as an excellent alternative.
