One of the best smartphones to purchase in 2025

You may have already got a good suggestion of which smartphone you wish to be your subsequent one. However there are extra stable choices accessible now than ever earlier than, making the choice not as cut-and-dry because it was once. Whereas the choice is a bit simpler if you understand you need an iPhone, there’s even sufficient variation between these new fashions that you could have to consider it longer than you anticipated. In the event you’re an Android particular person, you will have much more choices to select from — together with foldables — and extra inquiries to reply earlier than you spend any cash.

At Engadget, we assessment telephones frequently and have examined dozens through the years. Whether or not you’ve had your eye on one in all our present prime picks, one in all Samsung’s Galaxy S25 telephones, a cheap phone or one other system, we’re right here that will help you determine which is the very best cellphone to purchase this 12 months.

Android or iOS?

Whenever you’re trying to find the very best smartphone, it turns into clear that every OS has its execs and cons. Apple’s tight-knit ecosystem makes it tremendous simple to share knowledge between iPhones, iPads and Macs or seamlessly hand-off cellphone calls or music from one system to a different. On the similar time, you’re successfully locked in, as providers like Apple Messages aren’t accessible on different platforms.

As for Android, there’s a a lot wider vary of handsets from corporations like Google, Samsung, Sony and extra. Nevertheless, Android telephones don’t get pleasure from that very same size of software program help and infrequently have decrease trade-in values. In brief, there’s no unsuitable reply. Nevertheless, it would be best to contemplate how your cellphone will slot in with the remainder of your gadgets. So until you’re actually fed up with one OS and keen to study one other, it most likely doesn’t make lots of sense to change from an iPhone to an Android cellphone (or vice versa) – particularly if everybody else in your family is utilizing the identical platform.

Cameras

Since your mobile phone typically pulls double responsibility as your major digital camera, determining what sort of picture instruments you need is vital. These days, virtually each cell phone can take an incredible image in shiny mild. However if you’d like a protracted optical zoom, you’ll most likely should improve to a costlier system.

Close up of the Pixel 6 Pro's camera bump. — Cherlynn Low / Engadget

Mid-range phones typically solely have two rear cameras (a major wide-angle lens and a secondary ultra-wide digital camera) and might typically battle in low-light conditions. Every cellphone maker additionally has varied options that is likely to be a greater match on your model, with Apple providing 4 completely different colour presets on the newest iPhones, whereas Google’s Pixel 9 Professional comes with neat instruments like devoted lengthy publicity and Motion Pan modes.

Will you get mmWave 5G or Wi-Fi 7?

The excellent news is that in 2025, most telephones have not less than Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6e and help for some form of 5G connectivity. Nevertheless, if you’d like the quickest wi-fi speeds potential, it’s going to value you a bit further. For instance, on sure networks, mmWave 5G presents as much as gigabit obtain speeds, much less latency and higher bandwidth. However mmWave 5G additionally requires extra refined (and pricier) modems, which suggests help for it’s typically lacking on inexpensive gadgets.

On the brilliant facet, mmWave 5G isn’t as extensively accessible as different variations of 5G, so relying on the place you reside and what community you’re on, you will not be lacking out on a lot proper now in case you purchase a cellphone that doesn’t help it. It’s the same state of affairs for Wi-Fi 7, which is on the market on some high-end handsets just like the Galaxy S25, however tougher to seek out on cheaper gadgets. Wi-Fi 7 additionally requires you to have a compatible router, so until you understand you want it or have a selected use case in thoughts, the dearth of help for mmWave 5G or Wi-Fi 7 shouldn’t be a dealbreaker when in search of a brand new cellphone.

Different options to think about

As a result of not everybody agrees on what makes the very best cellphone, you must take into consideration every other specs that is likely to be further necessary for you. Cell avid gamers will virtually definitely respect the 120Hz refresh charges you get on telephones just like the Samsung Galaxy S25 or the Apple iPhone 16 Professional. Alternatively, if lengthy battery life is necessary, you’ll most likely wish to go together with a bigger iPhone or an Android cellphone with a battery that’s between 4,000 and 5,000 mAh in dimension. In the meantime, if you end up juggling lots of gadgets, it may be very nice to have a cellphone that helps reverse wi-fi charging, which on Samsung telephones even permits you to recharge the corporate’s Galaxy Watches.

Photograph by Cherlynn Low / Engadget

Learn our full iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max review

Display screen dimension: 6.3-inch | Storage capability: As much as 1TB | SIM help: Twin eSim | Battery Life: About someday

Similar to final 12 months, if you’d like the very best iPhone expertise, you must get an iPhone 16 Pro or iPhone 16 Professional Max. Not solely is there not a lot of a leap between the 2 relating to digital camera array or normal efficiency, however these handsets will get all the advantages of Apple Intelligence — on prime of the useful customizations that comes with iOS 18.

The iPhone 16 Professional and 16 Professional Max have barely completely different sizes this time round: 6.3 inches and 6.9 inches, respectively. Except for that that means you’ll should shell out cash for a brand new case in case you improve, it received’t make an excessive amount of of a distinction in common use. The largest {hardware} variations that you just’ll completely discover are the Digicam Management button and the Fusion Digicam. The previous is a brand new facet button that has contact and strain sensors, making it simpler to not solely launch the Digicam app however management issues like publicity if you’re really taking pictures. As we found in our testing for the iPhone 16 Professional assessment, it’ll take a little bit of getting used to at first. However total, the Digicam Management button is a web optimistic that shutterbugs will respect.

The brand new Fusion Digicam sports activities a quicker quad-pixel sensor, amongst different enhancements, and permits for 4K video at 120 fps in Dolby Imaginative and prescient and “zero shutter lag.” The latter means you’ll be capable to really seize the second if you press the button, slightly than the second proper after it. The Fusion Digicam additionally helps new options like Photographic Kinds, that are enjoyable enhancements which are much more customizable than common filters.

Elsewhere, the brand new A18 Professional chipset offers wonderful efficiency for each the iPhone 16 Professional and 16 Professional Max, plus help for Apple Intelligence. Whereas in years previous, there would have been a major distinction within the Professional and Professional Max digital camera arrays, this 12 months that hole isn’t as noticeable. The place you will note main positive aspects with the Professional Max is battery life — it’ll final two days (like its 15 predecessor), whereas the usual 16 Professional has simply full-day battery life. Solely you possibly can determine if that’s value ponying up the additional $200 for the Max, however regardless, each the Professional and Professional Max handsets provide stellar efficiency, wonderful pictures chops, enhanced customization with iOS 18 and (quickly) the total host of Apple Intelligence options. — Valentina Palladino, Deputy Editor

Execs

Quick digital camera with prime quality video seize
Photographic kinds are efficient and fairly
Good customizations accessible all through

Cons

Comparatively brief battery life
Digicam Management is not good

$999 at Apple

Google

Learn our full Google Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL review

(Pixel 9 Professional) Display screen dimension: 6.3-inch | Storage capability: As much as 1TB | SIM help: 1x nano SIM, 1x eSim | Battery Life: 24+ hours

Lastly, a smaller Pixel Professional. Google’s Pixel collection has lengthy been among the best Android telephones round, with the Professional mannequin being the superior model. However it was at all times a bit too large and too cumbersome for these of us who’ve smaller fingers or need our telephones to slot in our pockets. Cue the Pixel 9 Pro, which is the littler model of the Pixel 9 Professional XL. As an alternative of a comparatively massive 6.8-inch display like that on its larger sibling, the usual Professional has a 6.3-inch show that’s simple to maneuver. No extra worrying about dropping your Pixel Professional simply since you fumbled whereas making an attempt to succeed in the highest of the display!

Higher but, with the Pixel 9 Professional, Google hasn’t sacrificed any key characteristic to get to the smaller dimension, that means you may discover the identical digital camera setup and efficiency in each handsets. The one actual variations are the display dimension, battery and charging speeds, because the non-XL mannequin recharges at a barely slower price. However the Pixel 9 Professional can be a lot longer-lasting than the XL, notching virtually 25 hours on our battery check.

These distinctions apart, the Pixel 9 Professional lineup is our favourite Android cellphone due to its top-notch digital camera efficiency, intriguing AI options and a normal grown-up vibe. Whereas earlier Pixel flagships had a colourful, blocky design that felt contemporary, this 12 months’s gadgets really feel stable and refined. And, dare we are saying it, virtually like iPhones. With out the digital camera bars, they might be fairly exhausting to inform aside from Apple’s telephones.

Probably as a result of it is grown up a lot through the years, however the Pixel telephones now value the identical as iPhones. The Pixel 9 Professional and iPhone 16 Professional each begin at $999, and although a few of us have come to consider Google’s handsets because the extra competitively priced possibility, this 12 months’s mannequin is likely to be adequate to justify a premium value. In the event you nonetheless need one thing from the Pixel 9 household however do not wish to pay $1,000, the bottom Pixel 9 continues to be a stable handset for most individuals. However because it stands, the Pixel 9 Professional is the very best Android handset cash can purchase. — Cherlynn Low, Managing Editor

Execs

Nice digital camera options and improved telephoto digital camera
A 12 months of Gemini Superior free of charge
Unimaginable battery life
A fantastic, shiny display that’s simple to make use of outside
Tensor G4 runs cooler than its predecessor

Cons

Slower charging speeds than the XL
Not the very best cellphone for gaming

$999 at Google

Cherlynn Low for Engadget

Learn our full iPhone 16e review

Display screen dimension: 6.1-inch | Storage capability: As much as 512GB | SIM help: Twin eSim | Battery Life: Greater than 24 hours

The iPhone 16e is nearer in specs to the iPhone 16 than the iPhone SE was to the iPhone 13. And that makes selecting which iPhone to purchase tougher than ever. Do you have to save $200 and quit a twin digital camera, Dynamic Island, Digicam Management and MagSafe? That relies upon largely in your priorities and funds.

Whereas I feel that anybody who can afford the value distinction ought to go for the iPhone 16 over the iPhone 16e, I can’t deny that that is Apple’s greatest entry-level iPhone thus far. It has an Motion button, USB-C, a bigger, brighter display and an A18 chip that allows Apple Intelligence. My largest considerations with it are limitations introduced on by its single rear digital camera setup — issues like not with the ability to seize ultrawide pictures or Portrait mode not working if there isn’t a face within the scene. In the event you’re coming from an iPhone 11 or newer, you must contemplate whether or not the improved digital camera sensor is value giving up an ultrawide digital camera for. Whether it is, and in case you can dwell with out snapping portraits of objects and faceless gadgets, the iPhone 16e’s digital camera will likely be satisfying.

There are different elements to think about, like whether or not you frequently use MagSafe equipment or wi-fi charging. In the event you do, then the iPhone 16e will frustrate you because it doesn’t work with the magnetic attachment system (you will get a MagSafe case to treatment this) and fees at a slower pace than the iPhone 15 or iPhone 16 (however there’s no repair for this). You may contemplate the $699 iPhone 15 for a greater digital camera and wi-fi charging expertise, however you’ll be giving up Apple Intelligence and an Motion button. — C.L.

Execs

Strong efficiency
Lengthy battery life
Clear, sturdy design
Brilliant, vibrant display

Cons

Just one rear digital camera, resulting in many limitations
Costly in comparison with earlier iPhone SE
No MagSafe

$599 at Apple

Sam Rutherford for Engadget

Learn our full Google Pixel 9a review

Display screen dimension: 6.3-inch | Storage capability: As much as 256GB | SIM help: 1x nano SIM, 1x eSim | Battery Life: As much as 28 hours

The Pixel 9a is not particularly flashy and it would not have any particular options that are not already accessible on its costlier siblings. The truth is, it really has slower charging and it is lacking help for a few of Google’s homegrown software program just like the Screenshots app. However for everybody who simply desires a easy cellphone with a stable design, a pleasant display, wonderful cameras and robust battery life, the Pixel 9a is de facto exhausting to beat. So whereas it isn’t tremendous fancy, the cellphone has all of its most necessary bases lined (after which some). However most significantly, beginning at simply $499, this cellphone appears like an unimaginable deal that punches nicely above its value. — Sam Rutherford, Senior Reporter

Execs

Glossy design
Superior battery life
Good show
Nice cameras
IP68 ranking for mud and water resistance

Cons

Charging may very well be quicker
No Pixel Screenshot app
Macro Focus mode generally is a bit finicky

$499 at Amazon

Sam Rutherford for Engadget

Learn our full Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 review

Display screen dimension: 8-inch (important) 6.5-inch (folded) | Storage capability: As much as 1TB | SIM help: 1x nano SIM, 1x eSim | Battery life: As much as 24 hours

One of many largest points with foldable telephones is the added dimension and weight that usually comes with the inclusion of a versatile show. Samsung has made {that a} factor of the previous on the Galaxy Z Fold 7, which sports activities bigger screens — each in and out — whereas being 26 % thinner than earlier than. And as if that wasn’t sufficient, the Z Fold 7 additionally options improved sturdiness, elevated efficiency and a brand new 200MP important digital camera, matching or exceeding what you get from conventional flagship smartphones. The primary downsides are that at $2,000, it is nonetheless removed from reasonably priced and for long-time Samsung followers, the lack of S Pen help could also be a dealbreaker. However for individuals who wish to expertise new heights in foldable cellphone design, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is a masterpiece of contemporary gadget design. — S.R.

Execs

Exquisitely skinny design
Sleeker hinge
Massive 200MP important digital camera
Bigger shows
High-tier efficiency

Cons

Very costly
No S Pen help
Mediocre charging speeds

$2,120 at Amazon

Mat Smith for Engadget

Learn our full Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 review

Display screen dimension: 6.9-inch (important) 4.1-inch (entrance) | Storage capability: As much as 512GB | SIM help: 1x nano SIM, 1x eSim | Battery life: As much as 31 hours

The Galaxy Z Flip 7 has a slimmer design and considerably improved battery life. With a bigger, brighter entrance show, it’s simpler to make use of and the hinge mechanism has additionally been strengthened for a extra stable really feel.

Regardless of it being the smaller mannequin of Samsung’s foldable household, the corporate made the first show even larger and introduced it nearer to the standard facet ratios of most conventional smartphones. It’s one other good enchancment that makes the Flip 7 simpler to make use of than its predecessors.

A bigger battery has considerably prolonged how lengthy Samsung’s newest Flip can run for between fees, though it runs a bit sizzling with heavy apps, duties and video games.

Software program additions embrace the Now Bar and Gemini Stay integration for the entrance show, however utilizing most different apps nonetheless requires a widget launcher workaround.

Nevertheless, the cameras stay largely unchanged from the earlier mannequin, with a 50MP major and 12MP ultrawide lens. Sadly there’s nonetheless no devoted telephoto lens, which makes it much less helpful in some taking pictures conditions. Different areas are lengthy due an improve, too, just like the Flip 7’s sluggish charging speeds. — Mat Smith, UK Bureau Chief

Execs

Greater entrance display
Higher battery life
Slimmer design

Cons

Cameras are dated
Entrance display utility continues to be restricted
Sluggish cost pace

$1,190 at Amazon

Different smartphones we have examined

Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely

Like its predecessor, the S25 Ultra is an extremely versatile cellphone. It’s one of many few handsets that include an included stylus and premium options like a beautiful 6.9-inch AMOLED show, titanium body and a 5x telephoto digital camera. It additionally has wonderful efficiency and robust battery life. The problem is that, except for improved AI, this 12 months’s cellphone doesn’t provide that rather more than the earlier mannequin (or the one earlier than that), and with costs beginning at $1,300, we really feel it must do extra to earn a prime choose spot.

OnePlus 13

Whereas the OnePlus 13 options some fundamental AI options like Google’s Circle to Search and Gemini assistant, it’s actually simply an old school flagship in all the very best methods. That’s as a result of as a substitute of specializing in machine studying, OnePlus crammed the cellphone with tons of top-notch {hardware}. It sports activities a 6.8-inch OLED show with an unimaginable peak brightness of as much as 4,500 nits. The OP13 additionally presents wonderful efficiency because of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, together with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. There are additionally three 50-MP rear cameras together with one with a 3x telephoto zoom and an enormous 6,000 mAh battery that’s larger than what you get in virtually all of its opponents.

OnePlus didn’t skimp on the cellphone’s design both, because the OP13 nonetheless comes with the corporate’s signature Alert Slider. Plus, in case you go for the blue or white variants, you’ll get a sturdy and really touchable vegan leather-based again that helps the cellphone stand out amongst all its glass brick rivals. However the very best half is that beginning at $900, it prices lower than an equal Galaxy S25+ too.

FAQs

How do I do know which smartphone is the very best for me?

Whereas selecting the very best smartphone will be difficult, it largely comes all the way down to how you propose on utilizing the system. The entire greatest telephones accessible now get the fundamentals proper — you’ll be capable to make calls, textual content and entry the web with out many hiccups. In case your smartphone is your most used gadget, you could wish to contemplate paying for a tool on the upper finish of the value spectrum. That may get you higher total efficiency, higher-quality cameras and a cellphone that can final for a few years. In the event you don’t use your cellphone for every little thing, you could possibly compromise on efficiency and additional perks and spend much less on a still-capable handset.

How a lot is a smartphone?

Smartphones vary in value from $300 to over $1,500. One of the best funds telephones accessible now will normally compromise on total efficiency, design, digital camera prowess and additional options to maintain prices down. On the flip facet, the most costly telephones may have highly effective processors, triple-camera arrays and even flip or fold designs. Most individuals will discover a cellphone that matches their wants someplace in the course of that huge value vary — we’ve discovered that many of the greatest smartphones accessible proper now value between $500 and $1,000.

What are you able to do on a smartphone?

Smartphones are primarily small, transportable computer systems that allow you to do issues like test electronic mail, browse social media, observe map instructions, make contactless funds and extra. That is all on prime of the fundamentals like making cellphone calls and texting, which we’ve come to anticipate in all trendy cell telephones. Smartphones have additionally largely changed compact cameras because of their high-quality, built-in shooters, and the truth that most smartphones as we speak as simply as transportable, if no more so, as compact cameras.

How lengthy do smartphones final?

Smartphones can final years and individuals are holding on to their phones longer now than ever earlier than. Software program updates and battery life are two of the most important elements that may have an effect on cellphone longevity. Apple guarantees 5 years value of software program updates for its newest iPhones, and Google guarantees the identical for its Pixel telephones. Samsung telephones will get 4 years value of Android updates from the time they launch. As for charging speeds and battery life, your cellphone can deteriorate over time as you utilize and recharge your cellphone frequently.