The perfect smartphones to purchase in 2025

You would possibly 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. Whereas the choice is a bit simpler if you already know you need an iPhone, there’s even sufficient variation between these new fashions that you’ll have to consider it longer than you anticipated. For those who’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 recurrently and have examined dozens over time. Whether or not you’ve had your eye on one among our present prime picks, one among Samsung’s Galaxy S25 telephones, a cheap phone or one other gadget, we’re right here that can assist you determine which is the very best telephone to purchase this 12 months.

Android or iOS?

While you’re trying to find the very 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 knowledge between iPhones, iPads and Macs or seamlessly hand-off telephone calls or music from one gadget 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 firms like Google, Samsung, Sony and extra. Nevertheless, Android telephones don’t get pleasure from that very same size of software program assist and sometimes have decrease trade-in values. Briefly, there’s no flawed reply. Nevertheless, you’ll want to contemplate how your telephone will slot in with the remainder of your gadgets. So until you’re actually fed up with one OS and keen to be taught one other, it in all probability doesn’t make a number of sense to modify from an iPhone to an Android telephone (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 digital camera, determining what sort of picture instruments you need is essential. These days, virtually each cell phone can take an excellent image in vivid mild. However if you’d like a protracted optical zoom, you’ll in all probability must improve to a costlier gadget.

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

Mid-range phones usually solely have two rear cameras (a main wide-angle lens and a secondary ultra-wide digital camera) and may typically wrestle in low-light conditions. Every telephone maker additionally has varied options that is likely to be a greater match in your model, with Apple providing 4 totally different coloration 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 at the least Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6e and assist for some sort 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 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 gadgets.

On the intense 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 is probably not lacking out on a lot proper now when you purchase a telephone that doesn’t assist it. It’s an analogous scenario for Wi-Fi 7, which is offered on some high-end handsets just like the Galaxy S25, however more durable to search out on cheaper gadgets. Wi-Fi 7 additionally requires you to have a compatible router, so until you already know you want it or have a particular use case in thoughts, the shortage of assist for mmWave 5G or Wi-Fi 7 shouldn’t be a dealbreaker when in search of a brand new telephone.

Different options to contemplate

As a result of not everybody agrees on what makes the very best telephone, it is best to take into consideration every other specs that is likely to be further essential for you. Cell avid gamers will virtually actually 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 essential, you’ll in all probability wish to go along with a bigger iPhone or an Android telephone with a battery that’s between 4,000 and 5,000 mAh in dimension. In the meantime, if you end up juggling a number of gadgets, it may be very nice to have a telephone that helps reverse wi-fi charging, which on Samsung telephones even enables 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 dimension: 6.3-inch | Storage capability: As much as 1TB | SIM assist: Twin eSim | Battery Life: About sooner or later

Identical to final 12 months, if you’d like the very best iPhone expertise, it is best 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 terms of digital camera array or basic efficiency, however these handsets will get the entire advantages of Apple Intelligence — on prime of the helpful customizations that comes with iOS 18.

The iPhone 16 Professional and 16 Professional Max have barely totally different sizes this time round: 6.3 inches and 6.9 inches, respectively. Other than that that means you’ll must shell out cash for a brand new case when you improve, it received’t make an excessive amount of of a distinction in common use. The largest {hardware} variations that you simply’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 while you’re really taking images. 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 general, the Digicam Management button is a internet constructive that shutterbugs will admire.

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 have the ability to really seize the second while you press the button, quite than the second proper after it. The Fusion Digicam additionally helps new options like Photographic Types, that are enjoyable enhancements which are much more customizable than common filters.

Elsewhere, the brand new A18 Professional chipset supplies 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 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 good points 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 price ponying up the additional $200 for the Max, however regardless, each the Professional and Professional Max handsets supply stellar efficiency, glorious 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 quick battery life
Digicam Management is not excellent

$999 at Apple

Google

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

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

Lastly, a smaller Pixel Professional. Google’s Pixel sequence has lengthy been among the finest Android telephones round, with the Professional mannequin being the superior model. But it surely was at all times a bit too large and too cumbersome for these of us who’ve smaller arms 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 a substitute of a comparatively massive 6.8-inch display screen like that on its greater sibling, the usual Professional has a 6.3-inch show that’s straightforward to maneuver. No extra worrying about dropping your Pixel Professional simply since you fumbled whereas attempting to succeed in the highest of the display screen!

Higher but, with the Pixel 9 Professional, Google hasn’t sacrificed any key function 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 screen dimension, battery and charging speeds, because the non-XL mannequin recharges at a barely slower price. However the Pixel 9 Professional can also be a lot longer-lasting than the XL, notching virtually 25 hours on our battery take a look at.

These distinctions apart, the Pixel 9 Professional lineup is our favourite Android telephone due to its top-notch digital camera efficiency, intriguing AI options and a basic 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 laborious to inform aside from Apple’s telephones.

Presumably as a result of it is grown up a lot over time, 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 think about Google’s handsets because the extra competitively priced choice, this 12 months’s mannequin is likely to be adequate to justify a premium value. For those who nonetheless need one thing from the Pixel 9 household however do not wish to pay $1,000, the bottom Pixel 9 remains to be a stable handset for most individuals. However because it stands, the Pixel 9 Professional is the very best Android handset cash should buy. — Cherlynn Low, Managing Editor

Execs

Nice digital camera options and improved telephoto digital camera
A 12 months of Gemini Superior without spending a dime
Unimaginable battery life
A ravishing, vivid display screen that’s straightforward to make use of outside
Tensor G4 runs cooler than its predecessor

Cons

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

$999 at Google

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 more durable than ever. Must you save $200 and quit a twin digital camera, Dynamic Island, Digicam Management and MagSafe? That relies upon largely in your priorities and price range.

Whereas I believe 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 finest entry-level iPhone to this point. It has an Motion button, USB-C, a bigger, brighter display screen 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 having the ability to seize ultrawide pictures or Portrait mode not working if there isn’t a face within the scene. For those who’re coming from an iPhone 11 or newer, it is best to contemplate whether or not the improved digital camera sensor is price giving up an ultrawide digital camera for. Whether it is, and when 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 components to contemplate, like whether or not you recurrently use MagSafe equipment or wi-fi charging. For those who 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 costs at a slower pace than the iPhone 15 or iPhone 16 (however there’s no repair for this). You possibly can 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

Stable efficiency
Lengthy battery life
Clear, sturdy design
Shiny, vibrant display screen

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 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 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 assist for a few of Google’s homegrown software program just like the Screenshots app. However for everybody who simply needs a easy telephone with a stable design, a pleasant display screen, glorious cameras and robust battery life, the Pixel 9a is basically laborious to beat. So whereas it is not tremendous fancy, the telephone has all of its most essential bases coated (after which some). However most significantly, beginning at simply $499, this telephone appears like an unimaginable deal that punches nicely above its value. — Sam Rutherford, Senior Reporter

Execs

Smooth design
Superior battery life
Good show
Nice cameras
IP68 score for mud and water resistance

Cons

Charging might be quicker
No Pixel Screenshot app
Macro Focus mode is usually a bit finicky

$499 at Amazon

Sam Rutherford for Engadget

Learn our full Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 review

Display dimension: 8-inch (foremost) 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 largest points with foldable telephones is the added dimension and weight that always 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 foremost digital camera, matching or exceeding what you get from conventional flagship smartphones. The principle downsides are that at $2,000, it is nonetheless removed from reasonably priced and for long-time Samsung followers, the lack of S Pen assist could also be a dealbreaker. However for individuals who wish to expertise new heights in foldable telephone design, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is a masterpiece of recent gadget design. — S.R.

Execs

Exquisitely skinny design
Sleeker hinge
Huge 200MP foremost digital camera
Bigger shows
High-tier efficiency

Cons

Very costly
No S Pen assist
Mediocre charging speeds

$2,120 at Amazon

Mat Smith for Engadget

Learn our full Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 review

Display dimension: 6.9-inch (foremost) 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 greater and introduced it nearer to the normal facet ratios of most conventional smartphones. It’s one other sensible 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 costs, though it runs a bit sizzling with heavy apps, duties and video games.

Software program additions embody 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 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

Execs

Greater entrance display screen
Higher battery life
Slimmer design

Cons

Cameras are dated
Entrance display screen utility remains 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 telephone. It’s one of many few handsets that include an included stylus and premium options like a stunning 6.9-inch AMOLED show, titanium body and a 5x telephoto digital camera. It additionally has glorious efficiency and robust battery life. The problem is that, apart from improved AI, this 12 months’s telephone doesn’t supply 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 decide spot.

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 style flagship in all the very best methods. That’s as a result of as an alternative of specializing in machine studying, OnePlus crammed the telephone 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 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 greater than what you get in virtually all of its rivals.

OnePlus didn’t skimp on the telephone’s design both, because the OP13 nonetheless comes with the corporate’s signature Alert Slider. Plus, when you go for the blue or white variants, you’ll get a sturdy and really touchable vegan leather-based again that helps the telephone 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 right down to how you propose on utilizing the gadget. The entire finest telephones accessible 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, chances are you’ll wish to contemplate paying for a tool on the upper finish of the value spectrum. That may get you higher general efficiency, higher-quality cameras and a telephone that may final for a few years. For those who don’t use your telephone for every little thing, you could possibly compromise on efficiency and further 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 perfect price range telephones accessible now will normally compromise on general efficiency, design, digital camera prowess and further 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 telephone that matches their wants someplace in the course of that broad value vary — we’ve discovered that many of the finest smartphones accessible proper now value between $500 and $1,000.

What are you able to do on a smartphone?

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

How lengthy do smartphones final?

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