Choosing among these four Android phones means weighing current flagship hardware against older or more limited alternatives. The OnePlus 15 is the strongest all-round pick on the supplied specifications, pairing a fast display and processor with a large battery and generous storage. The Galaxy S21 Ultra remains appealing for its zoom cameras and S Pen support, while the Galaxy S23 FE offers a smaller screen and familiar Samsung features. The Nothing Phone (4a) Pro brings a distinctive design and bright, high-refresh display, though its listing has camera and processor conflicts.
Get the latest gadgets delivered free — and shop member deals
- Fast, free delivery on millions of items
- Access to Prime Big Deal Days deals on October 6–7
- Prime Video, Amazon Music and more included
I rank these models by how convincingly they fit a flagship buying brief: performance, display, camera flexibility, battery, durability, software details, and practical availability. The tradeoffs matter as much as the headline specs. Two Samsung options are renewed, the S23 FE is tied to AT&T, and Nothing says Verizon use is not recommended. I also treat the Nothing listing’s inconsistent specifications as a real limitation, not a detail to gloss over.
Complete the kit
Key Takeaways
- The OnePlus 15 leads this lineup for buyers who want the newest listed processor, 512GB storage, a 165Hz display and a 7,300mAh battery in one unlocked phone.
- The Galaxy S21 Ultra is the camera-and-stylus pick, with a 108MP main camera, up to 100x zoom and S Pen support, but its renewed condition calls for tolerance of prior use.
- The Nothing Phone (4a) Pro has a bright 144Hz AMOLED screen and Glyph Matrix design, but conflicting camera and chipset details make the listing harder to trust.
- The Galaxy S23 FE is the smaller-screen Samsung option, yet its AT&T designation and renewed status make it less flexible than the unlocked OnePlus and S21 Ultra.
- For a flagship decision, check carrier compatibility and condition before comparing headline specifications; those practical details can outweigh a refresh-rate or camera advantage.
| OnePlus 15 Unlocked Smartphone, 16GB RAM, 512GB Storage, Dual SIM, Ultra Violet |  | Best Overall | Operating system: Android 16 | Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | Memory 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 Photography and S Pen Support | Display: 6.8-inch AMOLED | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Main camera: 108MP | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Nothing Phone (4a) Pro Unlocked Smartphone, 12GB RAM, 256GB Storage |  | Best for Distinctive Design and a Bright, Fast Display | Operating system: Android 16, Nothing OS 4.1 | Processor: Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 or 7+ Gen 4 listed | Memory and storage: 12GB RAM, 256GB storage | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Samsung Galaxy S23 FE 5G, 128GB, Graphite, AT&T (Renewed) |  | Best for a Smaller Samsung Screen | Display: 6.4-inch OLED, 1080 × 2340 | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Memory and storage: 8GB RAM, 128GB storage | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| flagship Android smartphone | Display | Refresh rate | Memory and storage | Operating system |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OnePlus 15 Unlocked Smartphone | 6.78-inch AMOLED, 2772 × 1272 pixels | 165Hz | 16GB RAM, 512GB storage | Android 16 |
| Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | 6.8-inch AMOLED | 120Hz | — | — |
| Nothing Phone | 6.83-inch 1.5K AMOLED, up to 5,000 nits stated | 144Hz adaptive | 12GB RAM, 256GB storage | Android 16, Nothing OS 4.1 |
| Samsung Galaxy S23 FE 5G | 6.4-inch OLED, 1080 × 2340 | 120Hz | 8GB RAM, 128GB storage | — |
More Details on Our Top Picks
OnePlus 15 Unlocked Smartphone, 16GB RAM, 512GB Storage, Dual SIM, Ultra Violet
The OnePlus 15 earns the top spot because it combines the broadest set of flagship-grade specifications here without a listed carrier lock. Its Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor and 16GB of RAM give it the clearest case for intensive multitasking and demanding apps, while 512GB storage leaves more room for offline media and large photo libraries than the 128GB Samsung models. The 6.78-inch AMOLED panel refreshes at 165Hz, a step above the 120Hz S21 Ultra and S23 FE and the 144Hz Nothing listing. That difference is most relevant to buyers who value especially fluid scrolling and compatible high-frame-rate content.
Its other standout is the 7,300mAh battery, which is the largest stated capacity in this group. Capacity alone cannot promise a particular runtime, but it gives this model more headroom on paper than the 5,080mAh Nothing or 4,500mAh S23 FE. The triple 50MP rear cameras, wireless charging and multiple dust-and-water-resistance ratings round out a package that is more balanced than a phone defined mainly by one camera feature or a distinctive interface.
Compared with the S21 Ultra, the OnePlus offers newer listed hardware and much more storage, but it lacks the Samsung’s stated 100x zoom and S Pen support. Against the Nothing, it has a stronger listed processor and a larger battery, while Nothing counters with a high-peak-brightness screen and Glyph Matrix styling. The OnePlus’s main drawback is size: a 6.78-inch device is not a compact choice. The listing also gives no camera sensor or zoom details beyond the triple 50MP setup, so buyers focused on long-range photography should favor the S21 Ultra’s more explicit zoom specification.
I would put the OnePlus first for buyers who want a modern, high-spec Android phone with space to grow and a substantial stated battery. It makes the most sense when performance, storage and display smoothness matter more than a stylus or a particular camera trick.
Pros:- Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor with 16GB RAM
- 512GB storage, more than any other phone in this comparison
- 7,300mAh stated battery capacity and wireless charging
- 165Hz AMOLED display with multiple listed IP ratings
Cons:- Large 6.78-inch screen may be awkward for one-handed use
- Camera listing gives limited detail about sensor roles and zoom
- No supplied information on software-support duration
Best for: Buyers who want current high-end performance, ample built-in storage, a fast large display and a high stated battery capacity in an unlocked phone.
Not ideal for: People who want a compact handset, Samsung S Pen features or clearly documented long-range camera zoom.
- Operating system:Android 16
- Processor:Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
- Memory and storage:16GB RAM, 512GB storage
- Display:6.78-inch AMOLED, 2772 × 1272 pixels
- Refresh rate:165Hz
- Rear cameras:Triple 50MP system
- Battery:7,300mAh
- Durability:IP66/IP68/IP69 and IP19K ratings listed
Our verdict“The OnePlus 15 is my best overall choice for buyers seeking the most complete modern flagship specification set in this group.”
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G, US Version, 128GB, Phantom Black – Unlocked (Renewed)
The Galaxy S21 Ultra stands apart through a camera feature and input option the newer-looking alternatives do not claim: up to 100x zoom and S Pen support. The 6.8-inch AMOLED display runs at 120Hz, and the 108MP main camera gives it a strong specification foundation. For buyers who like framing distant subjects or taking notes and marking up documents with a stylus, those features can matter more than the OnePlus 15’s faster 165Hz panel or greater storage.
It ranks behind the OnePlus because this is a renewed 128GB model, and its processor generation and software-support horizon are not provided in the supplied details. The OnePlus has a newer named chipset, 16GB RAM and four times the stated storage. The S21 Ultra also has no stated battery capacity in this listing, so I cannot compare its endurance on equal terms with OnePlus’s 7,300mAh or Nothing’s 5,080mAh figures. A buyer choosing a renewed phone should be comfortable with possible cosmetic imperfections and should confirm the specific device’s condition and return terms.
Compared with the Galaxy S23 FE, this Ultra model is the more camera-oriented Samsung: the supplied description calls out 108MP and 100x zoom, whereas the FE listing only describes a triple rear camera setup. The S23 FE has a smaller 6.4-inch screen, which may suit people who want a less imposing handset, but its AT&T provider designation limits its appeal for carrier flexibility. The S21 Ultra is listed as unlocked, which broadens its potential fit, though buyers should still verify network bands for their carrier.
This is my specialist pick for an Android buyer who values reach and stylus support over newer listed silicon, larger storage and a fresh-device condition. It remains a compelling feature mix, but the renewed status and unspecified battery details make it a less straightforward everyday flagship purchase than the OnePlus.
Pros:- 108MP main camera and up to 100x zoom listed
- S Pen support for notes and precise input
- 6.8-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate
- Unlocked US version with 5G connectivity
Cons:- Renewed condition may include cosmetic imperfections
- 128GB storage is less than the OnePlus and Nothing models
- Battery capacity and software-support duration are not specified
Best for: Samsung fans and photography-minded buyers who specifically want long-range zoom and S Pen support, and are comfortable with a renewed device.
Not ideal for: Buyers who need the newest listed processor, extensive built-in storage, a compact design or clearly stated battery capacity.
- Display:6.8-inch AMOLED
- Refresh rate:120Hz
- Main camera:108MP
- Zoom:Up to 100x
- Storage:128GB
- Connectivity:5G
- Condition:Renewed
- S Pen:Support listed
Our verdict“Choose the renewed S21 Ultra when zoom range and S Pen support matter more to you than newer hardware and greater storage.”
Nothing Phone (4a) Pro Unlocked Smartphone, 12GB RAM, 256GB Storage
Nothing’s phone is the most visually distinctive option in this comparison. Its Glyph Matrix notification display gives it a recognizable way to show status information, and its 6.83-inch AMOLED panel is listed at 144Hz adaptive refresh with a striking peak-brightness claim of up to 5,000 nits. It also has a slimmer stated thickness of 7.9mm, an aluminum frame and IP65 protection. For buyers who want a phone that feels visually different from the Samsung and OnePlus designs, the combination is appealing.
The headline screen and design do not make this the safest hardware recommendation. The supplied listing conflicts on the processor, naming both Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 and Snapdragon 7+ Gen 4, and it says the camera specifications conflict with the product description. The specs list a 50MP main camera with OIS, a 50MP periscope telephoto with 3.5x optical zoom and an 8MP ultra-wide, but that inconsistency makes the camera package harder to judge confidently. The OnePlus has a clearly named higher-tier processor and triple 50MP rear cameras; the S21 Ultra, despite being older and renewed, gives a more coherent zoom claim.
Battery capacity is listed at 5,080mAh with 50W fast charging, which is a reasonable stated capacity for this group but below the OnePlus’s 7,300mAh figure. Nothing has 12GB RAM and 256GB storage, placing it between the OnePlus and the two 128GB Samsung models on capacity. Its carrier warning matters: bands vary, and Verizon use is not recommended, so buyers should check compatibility before ordering. The OnePlus is the more versatile recommendation for carrier flexibility based on its unlocked listing, and it leads on processor and battery claims.
I would choose the Phone (4a) Pro for its design language, display specification and Glyph Matrix—not as the default pick for camera certainty or raw processing power. Buyers should verify the exact chipset, camera configuration and carrier support in the live listing before committing.
Pros:- 6.83-inch AMOLED display with adaptive 144Hz refresh rate
- Glyph Matrix offers a distinctive notification and status display
- 5,080mAh battery with 50W fast charging listed
- Aluminum frame, 256GB storage and IP65 rating
Cons:- Processor details conflict within the supplied listing
- Camera description and specifications are inconsistent
- Verizon use is not recommended and carrier bands vary
Best for: Buyers who prioritize a distinctive phone design, a high-refresh AMOLED display, and Nothing’s Glyph Matrix interface, and whose carrier is confirmed compatible.
Not ideal for: Verizon customers, camera buyers who need unambiguous specifications, or people seeking the strongest listed processor and battery capacity.
- Operating system:Android 16, Nothing OS 4.1
- Processor:Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 or 7+ Gen 4 listed
- Memory and storage:12GB RAM, 256GB storage
- Display:6.83-inch 1.5K AMOLED, up to 5,000 nits stated
- Refresh rate:144Hz adaptive
- Cameras:50MP main, 50MP periscope and 8MP ultra-wide listed; listing conflicts
- Battery and charging:5,080mAh, 50W fast charging
- Durability and compatibility:IP65; Verizon use not recommended
Our verdict“The Nothing Phone (4a) Pro is a design-led alternative with a strong screen claim, but its conflicting specs and carrier caveat keep it below the clearer flagship choices.”
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE 5G, 128GB, Graphite, AT&T (Renewed)
The Galaxy S23 FE is the most manageable Samsung choice here by screen size: its 6.4-inch OLED display is smaller than the S21 Ultra’s 6.8-inch panel and Nothing’s 6.83-inch screen. It still offers a 120Hz refresh rate, so buyers do not have to give up smooth scrolling to get a less expansive display. Its triple rear camera setup, fingerprint recognition, 5G and 4,500mAh battery make it a familiar all-purpose Samsung configuration.
Its place at the bottom of this flagship ranking comes from practical limitations in the supplied listing. This is a renewed AT&T model, not an unlocked device, and it has 128GB storage with 8GB RAM. That makes it less flexible than the unlocked S21 Ultra and OnePlus 15, and less spacious than the 256GB Nothing. The OnePlus also offers a higher listed display refresh rate, a newer named processor and a much larger stated battery. The S23 FE’s advantage is its more compact screen size, not its headline hardware.
Compared with the S21 Ultra, the S23 FE is easier to consider if a 6.8-inch phone feels too large, but the Ultra listing has more explicit camera strengths, including 108MP and up to 100x zoom. The FE description mentions HDR and slow motion, with 1080p video capture at up to 60fps in the specifications, but does not identify detailed camera sensor capabilities. Buyers who depend on a different carrier should investigate the AT&T designation closely. Its renewed condition also means the particular device may show signs of prior use.
This phone makes sense for someone who wants a smaller-screen Samsung experience and already expects to use AT&T, provided the renewed status is acceptable. It is the least compelling option for a buyer seeking an all-around flagship specification lead, but its size and familiar Samsung feature set give it a distinct audience.
Pros:- 6.4-inch OLED screen is the smallest in this comparison
- 120Hz refresh rate for smooth interface motion
- Triple rear cameras with HDR and slow-motion modes listed
- 5G connectivity and fingerprint recognition
Cons:- AT&T provider designation may limit carrier flexibility
- Renewed condition may show signs of prior use
- 128GB storage and 8GB RAM trail the OnePlus and Nothing
Best for: AT&T customers who want a smaller-screen Samsung phone with a 120Hz OLED display and are comfortable buying renewed.
Not ideal for: Buyers who need an unlocked phone, newer high-end performance, more than 128GB storage or a clearly specified advanced camera system.
- Display:6.4-inch OLED, 1080 × 2340
- Refresh rate:120Hz
- Memory and storage:8GB RAM, 128GB storage
- Rear cameras:Triple camera system with HDR and slow motion
- Video:1080p at up to 60fps listed
- Battery:4,500mAh
- Carrier and connectivity:AT&T, 5G and Wi-Fi
- Condition:Renewed
Our verdict“The Galaxy S23 FE suits AT&T buyers who prefer a smaller Samsung screen, but it is a weaker flagship choice for flexibility and hardware headroom.”
How We Picked
I compared the four phones against the same buying question: which one gives a buyer the most compelling flagship experience, and for whom? I gave weight to processor and memory for demanding apps, display quality and refresh rate for everyday interaction, camera range, battery capacity, durability, storage, and the flexibility to use the phone with a preferred carrier. A high number alone does not decide the ranking; it has to make a clear difference to how the phone suits a buyer.
I also considered the reliability and completeness of the supplied information. The OnePlus 15 has the broadest set of current high-end claims, including Android 16, a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, 16GB RAM, 512GB storage and multiple IP ratings. The S21 Ultra’s strengths are unusually specific—zoom reach and S Pen support—but it is a renewed older model. The S23 FE is also renewed and lists AT&T as its provider. The Nothing listing combines strong display claims with contradictory processor and camera details, so I rank its hardware promise cautiously.
These are recommendations based on the supplied product descriptions and specifications, not first-hand testing. I do not infer missing details such as software-support duration, real-world battery endurance, camera quality, or the exact cosmetic condition of renewed units. Buyers should confirm carrier compatibility, included accessories, return terms and device condition in the current listing before choosing.
| flagship Android smartphone | Operating system | Processor | Rear cameras |
|---|---|---|---|
| OnePlus 15 Unlocked Smartphone | Android 16 | Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | Triple 50MP system |
| Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | — | — | — |
| Nothing Phone | Android 16, Nothing OS 4.1 | Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 or 7+ Gen 4 listed | — |
| Samsung Galaxy S23 FE 5G | — | — | Triple camera system with HDR and slow motion |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Best Flagship Android Smartphones
I would compare these phones by the things that change daily ownership: carrier fit, condition, screen size, battery and storage, then decide which camera or interface features are worth prioritizing.Start with carrier compatibility and condition
The carrier designation is a buying constraint, not a footnote. The S23 FE is identified as an AT&T model, while the S21 Ultra and OnePlus are listed as unlocked. Nothing says carrier bands vary and specifically advises against Verizon use. Check the exact model’s supported bands and activation rules for your carrier before buying. For renewed devices, ask what condition grade applies, what accessories are included, and how returns work. The S21 Ultra and S23 FE can offer appealing hardware, but both involve prior ownership and should be judged accordingly.
Choose the screen size and refresh rate you will enjoy
The S23 FE’s 6.4-inch display is the smallest here and may be easier to manage than the 6.78-inch OnePlus, 6.8-inch S21 Ultra or 6.83-inch Nothing. All four listings state high refresh rates: 120Hz for both Samsung models, 144Hz adaptive for Nothing and 165Hz for OnePlus. Faster refresh can make supported motion feel smoother, but it should not override ergonomics. I would hold screen size above refresh-rate differences if one-handed reach or pocket comfort is a priority. Nothing also states up to 5,000 nits peak brightness; that is a product claim, and real-world visibility depends on conditions and usage.
Match camera features to the photos you take
The S21 Ultra is the clearest choice for buyers who want an explicit long-zoom claim, with up to 100x zoom listed alongside a 108MP main camera. The OnePlus offers three 50MP rear cameras, but the supplied information does not explain focal lengths or zoom reach. Nothing lists a 50MP periscope camera with 3.5x optical zoom, yet its listing also acknowledges conflicts between description and camera specifications. The S23 FE has a triple-camera system and mentions HDR and slow motion without detailed sensor roles. Think about whether you need distant-subject framing, general camera flexibility or simply a camera suite for everyday use, then verify sample images and exact configurations from current product information.
Use battery and storage figures as planning clues
The OnePlus has the largest stated battery at 7,300mAh, followed by Nothing at 5,080mAh and the S23 FE at 4,500mAh. The S21 Ultra listing does not provide a capacity, so it cannot be fairly placed by this measure. These figures do not guarantee screen-on time: processor efficiency, signal strength, brightness and workload all matter. Storage is more straightforward: OnePlus has 512GB, Nothing 256GB, and each Samsung listing 128GB. If you keep videos, offline maps or large games on your phone, that storage gap may matter more over time than small differences in screen refresh rates.
Separate modern flagship performance from specialist features
The OnePlus has the strongest clearly named processor in the supplied material, paired with 16GB RAM. Nothing lists a Snapdragon 7-series chip, but its exact model is inconsistent in the listing. Neither Samsung model includes processor details in the information provided, so buyers should verify the specific variant before making a performance comparison. The S21 Ultra’s S Pen support and zoom reach remain worthwhile specialist features; they simply answer a different need than OnePlus’s storage and newer listed chipset. My overall ranking favors broad capability, but a buyer’s preferred feature can reasonably change the order.
Check durability and ownership details
OnePlus lists several IP ratings: IP66, IP68, IP69 and IP19K. Nothing lists IP65, and the Samsung descriptions use general water-resistance wording or omit a rating. Ratings are based on defined conditions and do not make a device immune to all water or dust damage. Confirm warranty terms, repair availability and software-support commitments with the current seller or manufacturer; the supplied descriptions do not settle those points. A one-year manufacturer warranty is listed for OnePlus, while no comparable warranty detail appears for the other phones in the provided specifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone is the best overall flagship choice in this comparison?
I rank the OnePlus 15 first because it has the clearest combination of a high-end named processor, 16GB RAM, 512GB storage, 165Hz AMOLED display, large stated battery and unlocked status. That makes it the most broadly capable recommendation on the supplied specifications. The S21 Ultra may be a better fit if zoom photography and S Pen support are your priorities, while its renewed condition and unspecified battery capacity are real tradeoffs.
Which model is best for zoom photography?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is the most direct choice for zoom because its listing specifies up to 100x zoom and a 108MP main camera. Nothing lists a periscope telephoto camera with 3.5x optical zoom, but its product information contains camera conflicts. I would verify the exact camera configuration and look for current sample images before deciding, especially if telephoto quality is central to your purchase.
Which phone has the smallest display?
The Galaxy S23 FE has the smallest screen listed at 6.4 inches, compared with 6.78 inches for OnePlus, 6.8 inches for the S21 Ultra and 6.83 inches for Nothing. That makes the FE the natural choice for a buyer who wants a less expansive display in this group. It is still a large-screen smartphone, and its AT&T designation and renewed status should also fit your needs.
Can I use the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro with Verizon?
The supplied description says Verizon use is not recommended and that compatibility and performance are not guaranteed. It also says carrier bands vary, so I would not assume that an unlocked label means full Verizon support. Confirm the exact model number, supported bands, activation eligibility and any carrier restrictions before ordering if you use Verizon.
What should I check before buying either renewed Samsung phone?
Check the condition grade, warranty and return period, battery-health expectations, included accessories and whether the device is tied to a carrier. The S21 Ultra is listed as unlocked and renewed; the S23 FE is both renewed and identified as an AT&T model. Confirm that the exact handset can be activated on your network, then compare its condition and support terms with the current listing before choosing.
Conclusion
I would buy the OnePlus 15 for the strongest all-around specification set: newer listed processing hardware, 512GB storage, a 165Hz display and the largest stated battery. I would choose the Galaxy S21 Ultra if S Pen support and long-range zoom matter more than a newer chipset or fresh-device condition. The Nothing Phone (4a) Pro fits buyers drawn to its Glyph Matrix design and bright, fast display, provided they verify the conflicting specifications and carrier support. For an AT&T buyer who wants a smaller Samsung screen, the renewed S23 FE is the most focused fit. Check compatibility and condition first; those details determine whether each phone’s headline strengths will work for you.
Fall Picks
fall essentials
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
