8 Android Brands We Wish Would Come To The US

The U.S. smartphone market might seem dominated by names like Apple, Samsung, and Motorola, with brands like OnePlus, Kyocera, and TCL also making appearances through major carriers like Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T. However, there is a whole world of Android brands out there that many Americans have never heard of, and some of them have got some serious chops. These are seriously cool companies pushing the boundaries of design and technology. And while you might stumble across a few of these models through online retailers, they aren't quite mainstream in the U.S. yet.

Brands like Xiaomi, Oppo, or Vivo are absolutely massive in Asia and other parts of the world, and they are starting to make inroads here. We are talking about flagship level specs, innovative features like crazy fast charging and under display cameras, and prices that often undercut the big guys by a significant margin.

So, why are some of the coolest Android phones not sold in the U.S.? Well, a few reasons. Brand recognition is a big one — most Americans just aren't familiar with these names. There is also the issue of carrier support and warranty service, which can be a bit trickier compared to buying a phone directly from Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T. But who knows, by shedding light on these lesser known brands, we might just create enough buzz to entice them to make a grand entrance into the U.S. market.

Xiaomi is a name that often pops up in tech circles, and for good reason. The brand's like the "value king" of smartphones in Asian and European markets. It consistently produces phones with top-notch specs, innovative features such as flagship-level processors, gorgeous displays, and multi lens camera systems — and all for a fraction of what you would pay for the big names. Yet, despite its popularity overseas, Xiaomi phones are not sold in the U.S.

The Mi 11 Ultra, for instance, has a massive camera sensor and a secondary display on the back for selfies. The brand's Redmi Note series is famous for offering insane value for the price. Xiaomi isn't afraid to try new things either, like under-display cameras or super-fast charging that juices up your phone in minutes.

Getting a Xiaomi phone in the U.S. isn't impossible, but it does require some effort. Online retailers and import services can help, but you might miss out on some features like full carrier compatibility and certain network bands. This means you might not get the same seamless experience you would with a phone designed specifically for the U.S. market.

Here's a name you might recognize, but probably not for the right reasons. Huawei is the Chinese tech giant and used to be a major player in the global smartphone market. It made some seriously impressive phones, with sleek designs, Leica-branded cameras that took stunning photos, and innovative features like reverse wireless charging.

Huawei's P series and Mate series phones are renowned for their photography capabilities. They feature multiple lenses, impressive zoom functions, and advanced image processing. Huawei's smartphones were giving Samsung and Apple a run for their money, but then things got complicated. U.S. trade restrictions basically cut Huawei off from using Google services on its phones. That means no Google Play Store, no Gmail, no Google Maps, and a whole bunch of other apps that we rely on every day.

It is a bummer because Huawei was pushing the boundaries of smartphone technology, and it still is in other parts of the world. Its phones are still available in some countries, and it has even developed its own app store and ecosystem to replace Google's. Who knows, maybe one day the situation will change, and we will see Huawei phones making a comeback in the U.S.

Oppo is a brand that has been making a name for itself in other parts of the world but hasn't yet made a significant entry into the U.S. It has a reputation for sleek designs and innovative features. Oppo offers a range of smartphones that cater to different tastes and budgets — from the high-end Find series to the more affordable A series. Many Americans would probably love to see the brand more readily available.

One of the best things about Oppo smartphones is its camera technology. The brand is known for pushing the envelope with camera capabilities with its advanced sensors and unique features like periscope zoom lenses. A partnership with Hasselblad for camera tuning has also helped to up its photography game, and made Oppo a favorite among mobile photography enthusiasts.

While it is possible to import Oppo phones to the U.S., doing so can come with some challenges. Imported devices might not support all U.S. network bands, leading to potential connectivity issues. Moreover, buying from overseas markets means you may miss out on local warranty support and customer service, which can be a hassle if something goes wrong with your device.

In spite of these potential hurdles, Oppo's innovation and quality make it a brand worth considering. If Oppo ever decides to enter the U.S. market officially, it would certainly add an exciting option to the current lineup of Android smartphones available to customers.

Vivo has been quietly making waves in the global smartphone scene for a while now — especially in Asia and Europe. It is known for its innovation and stylish designs that cater to different preferences and budgets. However, in spite of its growing popularity elsewhere, Vivo has not yet made a significant push into the U.S. market. This leaves many American customers curious about what they are missing out on.

Like sibling brand Oppo (both are owned by parent company BBK Electronics), one of Vivo's most notable aspects is its focus on camera technology. The brand often incorporates cutting-edge features such as gimbal stabilization for video, high resolution sensors, and advanced software for stunning photos and videos. This makes Vivo phones particularly appealing to those who prioritize mobile photography and videography.

Vivo's innovation and quality make it a brand worth keeping an eye on. With slim profiles, vibrant displays, and premium materials, Vivo phones not only perform well but also look great. For those in the U.S. eager to get their hands on a Vivo phone, importing is currently the main option. This can present challenges such as compatibility issues with U.S. network bands and lack of local warranty support.

Now this is a brand that is not afraid to go bold. Tecno's phones have eye-catching designs and unique features that accommodate different regions and user needs. I have seen some Tecno phones with gradient finishes that shift colors depending on the angle, and others with pop-up selfie cameras that look like they belong on a high-end gadget. For example, the Tecno Phantom X2 Pro smartphone has a retractable rear camera.

But it is not just about looks. Tecno is also known for packing its phones with features that matter to everyday users — like long-lasting batteries, ample storage, and powerful processors. It is not trying to be the most expensive or the most flashy, but it is definitely trying to be the most practical.

Tecno hasn't made its way to the U.S. market yet, and that's a shame. Its approach to smartphone design and features would strike a chord with a lot of people here. It would be cool to see how Tecno would adapt its phones to the U.S. market, and what kind of unique features the brand would come up with.

All right, let's talk about Realme — another company owned by Oppo and Vivo parent BBK Electronics — a brand that's been shaking up the budget phone market. Realme is all about offering a ton of bang for your buck. Its phones come loaded with features you wouldn't expect at their price points — high refresh rate displays, fast charging, multiple cameras, and even some pretty decent processors.

It is not all about the specs, though — it is also about how the phones feel. One of the best things about Realme smartphones is their exterior design. The brand has put some serious effort into design, resulting in devices with eye-catching colors and unique textures. It is not afraid to experiment and try new things, which is always refreshing to see in a market that can sometimes feel a bit stale.

One can only hope that Realme eventually decides to make a proper entrance into the U.S. market. It would definitely shake things up and give the other budget brands a run for their money. Plus, it would be great to see more competition in that segment lead to even better phones.

Lava might not be a household name for most people, but it has been making some interesting moves in the smartphone world lately. This Indian brand is all about offering affordable phones with decent specs and a focus on local needs.

Its Agni series is worth a mention. These phones are designed with gamers in mind and feature powerful processors, high refresh rate displays, and even cooling systems to keep things running smoothly during intense gaming sessions. Lava is not trying to compete with flagship phones from Samsung or Apple, but it is definitely offering something unique for a specific audience.

Another cool thing about Lava is its commitment to using locally sourced components and manufacturing in India. It is great to see a brand supporting local industries and creating jobs. Plus, it gives the phones a certain appeal for those who care about where their products come from.

Maybe one day we will see Lava phones on store shelves in the U.S. It would be interesting to see how it markets itself and what kind of features it prioritizes for the American market. The focus on gaming and affordability could definitely resonate with some American customers.

Another BBK Electronics property, iQoo is a brand that has been gaining traction in the Chinese and Indian smartphone markets. It was originally a sub-brand of Vivo, but now iQoo has established itself as a major player in its own right — known for a focus on high performance and gaming. Its iQoo Neo 6 is definitely one of the best Android phones you've never heard of.

One of iQoo's main draws is its emphasis on performance. The brand's devices are often equipped with the latest processors, ample RAM, and high refresh rate displays, which makes them ideal for gaming and other demanding tasks. For gamers, features like liquid cooling and pressure-sensitive shoulder buttons make iQoo phones particularly appealing. These are not just gimmicks but practical additions that enhance the gaming experience.

Another notable aspect of iQoo phones is its fast charging technology. The brand has gone above and beyond with its rapid charging solutions — often including chargers that can fully power the device in under an hour. This focus on fast charging ensures that users spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time using their phone.