Here are the best Snapdragon 888 phones you can buy

Snapdragon 888 chip is one of Qualcomm’s high-end chips. At launch, the chip promised a significant boost in machine learning, photography, and more. It delivered, and devices sporting this chipset are still stunning performers. How do you get one for yourself? The list of devices is getting shorter as we move on to the newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, but there are still some great Snapdragon 888 options around. Let’s go over them.

Who needs a Snapdragon 888 phone, anyway?

Just because it’s an amazingly powerful chipset, it doesn’t mean the Snapdragon 888 is the right fit for everyone. Consider the power and speed you need when considering which chipset should be under your phone’s hood.

A Snapdragon 888 phone is a good option for you if you’re a power user. These devices are usually paired with loads of RAM (as much as 18GB), meaning they can handle just about any task you throw at them. SD888 phones are also great options for gamers, as they have enough power to run even the most demanding Android games.

On the other hand, if you’re a casual user who sticks to basic tasks like taking pictures, checking email, and scrolling through social media, a Snapdragon 888 phone may be overkill. At least in terms of raw power. A mid-range device like the Samsung Galaxy A53 with Exynos 1280 chipset should handle all those simple tasks with ease, and the phone still offers a camera that matches or exceeds those found on phones powered by the Snapdragon 888 chipset.

It’s not all about the chipset, though. If you’re a basic user, but there are other features you want that only flagships powered by the Snapdragon 888 have, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t get a phone like that. You’ll have to pay up, though, since most SD 888 phones cost a pretty penny. Luckily, many of these phones are starting to get older, and their price tags are also coming down.

More: The very best Android devices you can buy

The best Snapdragon 888 phones

Editor’s note: We’ll update it as great new Snapdragon 888 phones come around. Also, remember that it includes a few handsets powered by the Snapdragon 888 Plus, which offers clock speed improvement and faster AI capabilities compared to the standard version of the SoC.

Samsung Galaxy S21 series

Samsung wasn’t the first to announce a Snapdragon 888 device, but it’s one of your best options to get the powerful chip in your pocket. The Galaxy S21 series includes the Galaxy S21, S21 Plus, and S21 Ultra. You get top-of-the-line specs across the board, and the S21 Ultra has finally grown into its lofty title.

No matter which device you choose, you’ll get at least three rear-mounted cameras and Samsung’s colorful phantom finishes. However, if you purchase the US version, you’ll only find a Snapdragon 888 chip on your new Galaxy S21. International variants come with Samsung’s in-house Exynos 2100 processor instead. In either case, these phones will all be powerful and offer a great experience.

Additionally, Samsung has more recently released the Galaxy S21 FE. This phone offers most of the best Galaxy S21 features while keeping the design simpler. This helps the device keep a lower price tag, making it one of the best value-per-dollar propositions in the Galaxy S21 series.

Samsung Galaxy S21 specs:

Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus specs:

Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra specs:

Samsung Galaxy S21 FE specs:

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 and Z Fold 3

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 continues the clamshell model of the Flip line, but it’s far more refined. The build quality is excellent, the exterior finish looks fantastic, and you get a much better 6.7-inch internal display. The external display gets a necessary boost as well. It’s larger, more vivid, and makes managing your notifications much easier. Performance isn’t an issue either, with the Snapdragon 888 and 8GB of RAM keeping everything running smoothly. You don’t get as much storage as other Samsung flagships, but up to 256GB should be enough for most.

If you want a true performer and a larger screen, you need to look no further than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3. This is definitely among the best Snapdragon 888 phones if you want a foldable device that can turn into a tablet. The Galaxy Z Fold comes with 12GB of RAM, as much as 512GB of storage, and a 4,400mAh battery. The internal screen is larger than pretty much every smartphone out there, coming in at 7.6 inches. It also has a stunning Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with a 120Hz refresh rate.

Not only are these powerful devices, but they have very unique form factors made possible by foldable screens. These are still novelty phones, so there’s a “wow factor” attached to them. That intangible experience makes them special, as well as some of the best Snapdragon 888 phones.

Keep in mind that both the Z Fold 4 and Z Flip 4 have already been announced, but they are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 chipset.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 specs:

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 specs:

Xiaomi Mi 11 series

Xiaomi edged out the Galaxy S21 family as the first Snapdragon 888 phone. However, it took a few months for the Xiaomi Mi 11 to launch outside China. Even though Samsung had a slight head start, the Mi 11 packs an impressive spec sheet of its own and an impressive price tag to match.

You’re looking at a large, 6.81-inch display, a powerful 4,600mAh battery, and a blistering 55W fast charging. Xiaomi also chose a triple camera array to lead the charge, topped off with a 108MP primary sensor. You’ll find a 20MP lens on the front for your selfie-shooting needs.

If you’re hoping to take your Xiaomi flagship even further, now is your chance. The company has pulled back the curtains on its Mi 11 Ultra, Mi 11 Pro, and Mi 11i, all of which pack Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 888. Xiaomi’s Mi 11 Ultra is the first in the company’s portfolio to feature an IP68 rating out of the box, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

You’ll immediately notice the massive camera bump if you decide to grab the premium Mi 11 Ultra. It houses a 50MP primary shooter and two 48MP lenses, and the camera bump even offers a small 1.1-inch secondary display. You can also check out the Mi 11 Pro, which looks nearly identical to the base model in many ways. It also has an IP68 rating, and the 6.81-inch display matches the Mi 11. However, the Mi 11 Pro packs 67W wired and wireless charging, so you’re looking at a full boost in just over half an hour.

Keep in mind that Xiaomi has already released the 12 and 12 Pro handsets, which are powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset.

Xiaomi Mi 11 specs:

Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro specs:

Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra specs:

ASUS Zenfone 8 series

ASUS decided to cover all of its bases with the Zenfone 8 series, offering versions with and without a pop-up selfie camera. Regardless of which way you go, you’ll get the powerful Snapdragon 888 SoC to keep you moving at top speed. Beyond the processor, there are many differences between the Zenfone 8 and Zenfone 8 Flip that can significantly impact your experience.

The more traditional Zenfone 8 packs a punch hole selfie camera, a smaller 5.9-inch AMOLED display, and creature comforts like a 3.5mm headphone jack. On the other hand, the Zenfone 8 Flip jumps to a 6.67-inch Gorilla Glass 6 display and a larger 5,000mAh battery. You also get the all-important pop-up camera, which packs a 64MP lens backed by 12MP and 8MP options.

Remember that of these two Snapdragon 888 phones, the true flagship is the smaller one. Also note that the Zenfone 9 has already launched but is powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 chipset.

ASUS Zenfone 8 specs:

ASUS Zenfone 8 Flip specs:

vivo X70 Pro Plus

The vivo X70 Pro Plus is the best you can get from the company at the moment. This Snapdragon 888 phone offers excellent cameras, a vivid display, and flagship-level features like an IP68 rating and wireless charging.

It’s a big boy, with its display measuring 6.78 inches. The battery comes in at 4,500mAh and supports 55W charging that will get it from 0 to 100% in around 55 minutes. You’ll find four cameras at the back, and one at the front, all of which should be more than good enough for most people.

The vivo X70 Pro Plus issue is available, as it’s only available in India and China right now. In our opinion, there’s also too much bloatware that comes with vivo’s Android skin. Also, its successor — X80 Pro — has already been announced but is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 chipset.

vivo X70 Pro Plus specs:

ASUS ROG Phone 5 and 5s series

If you wanted more proof of the close relationship between gaming phones and the Snapdragon 888, the ASUS ROG Phone 5 series is perfect. The fifth iteration of the powerful gaming device now includes three models, which means that ASUS has taken a step beyond the “Pro” name.

No matter which way you go, all three of ASUS’s new devices pack the Snapdragon 888, and their spec sheets are nearly identical. You’re looking at a 6.78-inch display, a triple rear camera system, and massive 6,000mAh batteries. However, the differences come in terms of RAM and storage.

If you splurge for the premium ROG Phone 5 Ultimate, you’ll get 18GB of RAM with 512GB of storage. On the other hand, the ROG Phone 5 Pro tops out at 16GB of RAM with the same storage amount. The final option is your basic ROG Phone 5 with 8GB, 12GB, or 16GB of memory and up to 256GB of storage.

This trio is your best bet for a gaming Snapdragon 888 phone, no matter which way you turn. You can also check the new ASUS ROG Phone 5s series for an updated punch. They pack similar specs to the ROG Phone 5, but with a Snapdragon 888 Plus onboard.

This isn’t the latest phone in ASUS’ gaming series, though. The ROG Phone 6 series has already been announced and is powered by the newer Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 chipset.

ASUS ROG Phone 5 specs:

ASUS ROG Phone 5 Pro specs:

ASUS ROG Phone 5 Ultimate specs:

ASUS ROG Phone 5s specs:

ASUS ROG Phone 5s Pro specs:

OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro

The OnePlus 9 series comes carrying Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 888 processor. However, they’ve gone from flagship killers to killer flagships in many ways. We can’t complain about the boosted specs or the crisp displays, but the OnePlus 9 Pro now carries a true flagship price.

Of course, we can’t get into the company’s latest devices without mentioning the Hasselblad cameras. They’re the pair’s biggest draw, as they add quite a bit to the camera bump. Both devices offer powerful 50MP and 48MP main shooters, while only the OnePlus 9 Pro carries an 8MP telephoto lens.

Inside, you’ll find the Snapdragon 888 humming away, backed by either 8GB or 12GB of RAM and up to 256GB of storage. Some of the other devices on this list may be tough to track down, but you should have no problem getting your hands on this OnePlus device.

The OnePlus 10 series is already on sale but is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset.

OnePlus 9 specs:

OnePlus 9 Pro specs:

OPPO Find X5

We’ve come to expect unique features on OPPO’s Find series of devices, and we’re happy to report that the Find X5 lives up to expectations among the best Snapdragon 888 phones. It packs the now familiar space-age style and a camera bump that seems to melt into the device.

OPPO also selected a brilliant 6.55-inch Full HD+ display that seems to draw you in while it wows you with a Snapdragon 888 chip. You should be pleased with the 8-12GB of RAM and up to 256GB of storage as well. The 4,800mAh battery is solid too, and 80W charging is tough to top.

The Find X5 even comes with an impressive triple-camera array, though we can only really praise part of it. The 50MP shooters are crisp and achieve good results, but the telephoto and macro lenses leave something to be desired. You shouldn’t have any problems with the latest version of Color OS, which means that at least OPPO is doing something right.

OPPO Find X5 specs:

Sony Xperia 1 III and Xperia 5 III

The Xperia 1 III and Xperia 5 III brought Sony firmly into 2021. You get a Snapdragon 888 processor on both devices, as well as three 12MP lenses and a headphone jack. However, the Xperia 1 III is the larger of the pair at 6.5 inches. The Xperia 5 III measures just 6.1 inches, so it’s your best bet to fit in a tight pocket. Either way, you’ll get a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and the 4,500mAh battery is standard.

However, there are a few fundamental changes to help you decide. The Xperia 1 III takes the lead on RAM and memory, with up to 12GB and 512GB. It also has the edge with fast wireless and reverse wireless charging, while the Xperia 5 III only offers wired charging. Check out the spec sheets below to see exactly how the two stack up against each other.

If you need a pro-grade camera experience on top of the basic Sony package, you can also look at the Xperia Pro-I. It boasts a 1-inch primary camera sensor as the highlight of its 12MP trio, along with the Snapdragon 888 onboard.

Please note that the new Xperia flagship series is already o sale — the Xperia I IV and Xperia 5 IV.

Sony Xperia 1 III specs:

Sony Xperia 5 III specs:

Motorola Edge 30 Fusion

Motorola is mainly known for its budget phones, but it also makes great premium handsets. Among them is the Motorola Edge 30 Fusion, which is definitely one of the best Snapdragon 888 Plus phones around. It’s also one of the newest ones.

Aside from the powerful SoC, the handset comes with up to 12GB of RAM and as much as 512GB of storage. It also sports a 4,400mAh battery and a large 6.55-inch screen. It also helps that the phone is actually quite good-looking.

Motorola Edge 30 Fusion specs:

Are you still looking to get a new high-end phone? Take a look at our list of the very best Android phones available today. If you think Snapdragon 888 phones are too much, we also have a guide with the best budget phones around. Take a look at both and see if you still want one of the best Snapdragon 888 phones.