The very best smartphones to purchase in 2025

You may have already got a good suggestion of which smartphone you need to be your subsequent one. However there are extra stable choices obtainable now than ever earlier than, making the choice not as cut-and-dry because it was. Whereas the choice is a bit simpler if you recognize 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 could 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 repeatedly and have examined dozens through the years. Whether or not you’ve had your eye on considered one of our present prime picks, considered one of Samsung’s Galaxy S25 telephones, a cheap phone or one other machine, we’re right here that can assist you determine which is one of the best cellphone to purchase this yr.

Android or iOS?

Once you’re trying to find one of the best smartphone, it turns into clear that every OS has its professionals and cons. Apple’s tight-knit ecosystem makes it tremendous straightforward to share information between iPhones, iPads and Macs or seamlessly hand-off cellphone calls or music from one machine to a different. On the similar time, you’re successfully locked in, as companies like Apple Messages aren’t obtainable on different platforms.

As for Android, there’s a a lot wider vary of handsets from corporations like Google, Samsung, Sony and extra. Nonetheless, Android telephones don’t take pleasure in that very same size of software program assist and infrequently have decrease trade-in values. In brief, there’s no improper reply. Nonetheless, you’ll want to think about how your cellphone will slot in with the remainder of your units. So until you’re actually fed up with one OS and keen to study one other, it in all probability doesn’t make quite a lot of sense to modify 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 cellphone usually pulls double responsibility as your main digicam, determining what sort of picture instruments you need is essential. These days, virtually each cell phone can take a terrific image in shiny gentle. However if you’d like an extended optical zoom, you’ll in all probability should improve to a dearer machine.

Mid-range phones usually solely have two rear cameras (a main wide-angle lens and a secondary ultra-wide digicam) and may generally wrestle in low-light conditions. Every cellphone maker additionally has numerous options that could be a greater match on your type, with Apple providing 4 completely different colour presets on the most recent 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 no less than Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6e and assist for some sort of 5G connectivity. Nonetheless, if you’d like the quickest wi-fi speeds potential, it’s going to value you somewhat further. For instance, on sure networks, mmWave 5G gives as much as gigabit obtain speeds, much less latency and higher bandwidth. However mmWave 5G additionally requires extra refined (and pricier) modems, which implies assist for it’s usually lacking on cheaper units.

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

Different options to contemplate

As a result of not everybody agrees on what makes one of the best cellphone, you need to take into consideration some other specs that could be further necessary for you. Cell avid gamers will virtually definitely admire 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 in all probability need 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 quite a lot of units, it may be very nice to have a cellphone that helps reverse wi-fi charging, which on Samsung telephones even enables you to recharge the corporate’s Galaxy Watches.

Picture by Cherlynn Low / Engadget

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

Display dimension: 6.3-inch | Storage capability: As much as 1TB | SIM assist: Twin eSim | Battery Life: About at some point

Similar to final yr, if you’d like one of the best iPhone expertise, you need to get an iPhone 16 Pro or iPhone 16 Professional Max. Not solely is there not a lot of a leap between the 2 in relation to digicam array or basic efficiency, however these handsets will get the entire 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 which means you’ll should shell out cash for a brand new case in case you improve, it gained’t make an excessive amount of of a distinction in common use. The largest {hardware} variations that you just’ll completely discover are the Digital camera Management button and the Fusion Digital camera. The previous is a brand new facet button that has contact and stress sensors, making it simpler to not solely launch the Digital camera app however management issues like publicity whenever you’re truly 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 Digital camera Management button is a web constructive that shutterbugs will admire.

The brand new Fusion Digital camera sports activities a sooner 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 have the ability to truly seize the second whenever you press the button, somewhat than the second proper after it. The Fusion Digital camera additionally helps new options like Photographic Types, that are enjoyable enhancements which might be much more customizable than common filters.

Elsewhere, the brand new A18 Professional chipset gives glorious efficiency for each the iPhone 16 Professional and 16 Professional Max, plus assist for Apple Intelligence. Whereas in years previous, there would have been a big distinction within the Professional and Professional Max digicam arrays, this yr that hole isn’t as noticeable. The place you will note main beneficial properties 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’ll be able to 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, glorious pictures chops, enhanced customization with iOS 18 and (quickly) the total host of Apple Intelligence options. — Valentina Palladino, Deputy Editor

Professionals

• Quick digicam with top quality video seize
• Photographic kinds are efficient and fairly
• Good customizations obtainable all through

Cons

• Comparatively quick battery life
• Digital camera Management is not excellent

$999 at Apple

Sam Rutherford for Engadget

Learn our full Google Pixel 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL review

Display dimension: 6.3-inch | Storage capability: As much as 1TB | SIM assist: 1x eSim | Battery Life: 24+ hours

With the Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro, Google has as soon as once more refined its smartphone {hardware} whereas pushing its AI-powered software program in new and fantastic methods. Not solely do each units now assist full high-res portrait photographs, its 100x Professional Res Zoom captures long-range pictures in ways in which lenses and megapixels alone merely can’t. Then you definitely add in noticeably higher efficiency, larger batteries, brighter shows and correct Qi2 magnetic charging (the primary from a serious Android cellphone maker) by way of Pixelsnap and you’ve got actually good units that makes choosing the rest appear sort of dumb. — Sam Rutherford, Senior Reporter

Professionals

• Longer battery life
• Brighter shows
• 100x Professional Res Zoom provides main magnification
• Pixelsnap charging (aka Qi2 assist)
• Magic Cue is tremendous useful (when it really works)

Cons

• No extra wi-fi powersharing
• Processing full-res photos is a bit gradual
• Pixel 10 line is eSIM solely within the US

$999 at Amazon

Cherlynn Low for Engadget

Learn our full iPhone 16e review

Display dimension: 6.1-inch | Storage capability: As much as 512GB | SIM assist: 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. Must you save $200 and quit a twin digicam, Dynamic Island, Digital camera Management and MagSafe? That relies upon largely in your priorities and finances.

Whereas I believe that anybody who can afford the worth 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 so far. It has an Motion button, USB-C, a bigger, brighter display and an A18 chip that allows Apple Intelligence. My greatest issues with it are limitations introduced on by its single rear digicam setup — issues like not having the ability to seize ultrawide photographs 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 need to think about whether or not the improved digicam sensor is value giving up an ultrawide digicam for. Whether it is, and in case you can reside with out snapping portraits of objects and faceless objects, the iPhone 16e’s digicam shall be satisfying.

There are different elements to contemplate, like whether or not you repeatedly 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 may get a MagSafe case to treatment this) and prices at a slower pace than the iPhone 15 or iPhone 16 (however there’s no repair for this). You possibly can think about the $699 iPhone 15 for a greater digicam and wi-fi charging expertise, however you’ll be giving up Apple Intelligence and an Motion button. — C.L.

Professionals

• Strong efficiency
• Lengthy battery life
• Clear, sturdy design
• Shiny, vibrant display

Cons

• Just one rear digicam, 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 dimension: 6.3-inch | Storage capability: As much as 256GB | SIM assist: 1x nano SIM, 1x eSim | Battery Life: As much as 28 hours

The Pixel 9a is not particularly flashy and it does not have any particular options that are not already obtainable on its dearer siblings. In truth, it truly has slower charging and it is lacking assist 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, glorious cameras and powerful battery life, the Pixel 9a is absolutely onerous to beat. So whereas it is not tremendous fancy, the cellphone has all of its most necessary bases lined (after which some). However most significantly, beginning at simply $499, this cellphone seems like an unbelievable deal that punches effectively above its value. — S.R.

Professionals

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

Cons

• Charging may very well be sooner
• 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 dimension: 8-inch (essential) 6.5-inch (folded) | Storage capability: As much as 1TB | SIM assist: 1x nano SIM, 1x eSim | Battery life: As much as 24 hours

One of many greatest 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 essential digicam, matching or exceeding what you get from conventional flagship smartphones. The principle downsides are that at $2,000, it is nonetheless removed from inexpensive and for long-time Samsung followers, the lack of S Pen assist could also be a dealbreaker. However for individuals who need to expertise new heights in foldable cellphone design, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is a masterpiece of contemporary gadget design. — S.R.

Professionals

• Exquisitely skinny design
• Sleeker hinge
• Massive 200MP essential digicam
• Bigger shows
• High-tier efficiency

Cons

• Very costly
• No S Pen assist
• Mediocre charging speeds

$1,780 at Amazon

Mat Smith for Engadget

Learn our full Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 review

Display dimension: 6.9-inch (essential) 4.1-inch (entrance) | Storage capability: As much as 512GB | SIM assist: 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 side 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 prices, though it runs somewhat scorching with heavy apps, duties and video games.

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

Nonetheless, the cameras stay largely unchanged from the earlier mannequin, with a 50MP main 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

Professionals

• Larger entrance display
• Higher battery life
• Slimmer design

Cons

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

$1,220 at Amazon

Different smartphones we have examined

OnePlus 13

Whereas the OnePlus 13 options some primary AI options like Google’s Circle to Search and Gemini assistant, it’s actually simply an old school flagship in all one of the best methods. That’s as a result of as an alternative 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 unbelievable peak brightness of as much as 4,500 nits. The OP13 additionally gives glorious 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 one of the 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 one of the best for me?

Whereas selecting one of the best smartphone may be difficult, it principally comes all the way down to how you propose on utilizing the machine. All the greatest telephones obtainable now get the fundamentals proper — you’ll have the ability to make calls, textual content and entry the web with out many hiccups. In case your smartphone is your most used gadget, you might need to think about paying for a tool on the upper finish of the worth spectrum. That can 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 thing, you might be able to 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. The very best finances telephones obtainable now will often compromise on total efficiency, design, digicam 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 large value vary — we’ve discovered that many of the greatest smartphones obtainable 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 examine e-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 fashionable cell telephones. Smartphones have additionally principally changed compact cameras because of their high-quality, built-in shooters, and the truth that most smartphones immediately 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 largest 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.

Current updates

August 2025: Up to date to incorporate the Google Pixel 10 Professional.

July 2025: Up to date to incorporate the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7.

April 2025: Up to date to incorporate the Google Pixel 9a.

February 2025: Up to date to incorporate the iPhone 16e.

January 2025: Up to date to incorporate particulars about Samsung’s newest Galaxy S-series telephones.

September 2024: Up to date to incorporate the most recent iPhone 16 fashions and a brand new midrange iPhone prime choose.