The perfect 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 once. Whereas the choice is a bit simpler if you need an iPhone, there’s even sufficient variation between these new fashions that you’ll have to consider it longer than you anticipated. When you’re an Android individual, 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 evaluation telephones commonly and have examined dozens over time. Whether or not you’ve had your eye on one in all our present high picks, one in all Samsung’s Galaxy S25 telephones, a cheap phone or one other machine, we’re right here that can assist you determine which is the most effective cellphone to purchase this 12 months.

Android or iOS?

If you’re trying to find the most effective smartphone, it turns into clear that every OS has its execs and cons. Apple’s tight-knit ecosystem makes it tremendous simple 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. Nevertheless, Android telephones don’t get pleasure from that very same size of software program assist and sometimes have decrease trade-in values. In brief, there’s no incorrect reply. Nevertheless, you’ll want to contemplate how your cellphone will slot in with the remainder of your units. So except you’re actually fed up with one OS and prepared to be taught one other, it most likely doesn’t make a variety 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 cellular phone typically 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 an awesome image in vivid mild. However if you’d like an extended optical zoom, you’ll most likely should improve to a dearer machine.

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

Mid-range phones typically solely have two rear cameras (a main wide-angle lens and a secondary ultra-wide digicam) and may generally battle in low-light conditions. Every cellphone maker additionally has varied options that is likely to be a greater match on your type, with Apple providing 4 totally 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. Nevertheless, if you’d like the quickest wi-fi speeds potential, it’s going to price you a little bit further. For instance, on sure networks, mmWave 5G affords as much as gigabit obtain speeds, much less latency and higher bandwidth. However mmWave 5G additionally requires extra refined (and pricier) modems, which suggests assist for it’s typically lacking on inexpensive units.

On the brilliant 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 is probably not lacking out on a lot proper now if you happen to purchase a cellphone that doesn’t assist it. It’s an analogous state of affairs 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 units. Wi-Fi 7 additionally requires you to have a compatible router, so except 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 searching for a brand new cellphone.

Different options to think about

As a result of not everybody agrees on what makes the most effective cellphone, it is best to take into consideration every other specs that is likely to be further necessary for you. Cellular players will nearly actually recognize 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 need to go along 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 a variety 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.

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 assist: Twin eSim | Battery Life: About at some point

Similar to final 12 months, if you’d like the most effective 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 with regards to digicam array or common efficiency, however these handsets will get the entire advantages of Apple Intelligence — on high 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. Apart from that which means you’ll should shell out cash for a brand new case if you happen to improve, it gained’t make an excessive amount of of a distinction in common use. The most important {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 while you’re truly taking photographs. As we found in our testing for the iPhone 16 Professional evaluation, it’ll take a little bit of getting used to at first. However total, the Digicam Management button is a internet constructive that shutterbugs will recognize.

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 of truly seize the second while you press the button, slightly 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 gives wonderful 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 digicam arrays, this 12 months that hole isn’t as noticeable. The place you will notice 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 may 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 images chops, enhanced customization with iOS 18 and (quickly) the total host of Apple Intelligence options. — Valentina Palladino, Deputy Editor

Execs

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

Cons

Comparatively brief 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 screen 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 collection has lengthy been the most effective Android telephones round, with the Professional mannequin being the superior model. But it surely was all the time a little bit too massive and too cumbersome for these of us who’ve smaller palms 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 screen like that on its greater 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 achieve 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, which means you may discover the identical digicam 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 charge. However the Pixel 9 Professional can be a lot longer-lasting than the XL, notching nearly 25 hours on our battery take a look at.

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

Probably as a result of it is grown up a lot over time, however the Pixel telephones now price 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 worth. When you nonetheless need one thing from the Pixel 9 household however do not need 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 most effective Android handset cash can purchase. — Cherlynn Low, Managing Editor

Execs

Nice digicam options and improved telephoto digicam
A 12 months of Gemini Superior without cost
Unbelievable battery life
A phenomenal, vivid display screen that’s simple to make use of outdoor
Tensor G4 runs cooler than its predecessor

Cons

Slower charging speeds than the XL
Not the most effective 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 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. Do you have to save $200 and quit a twin digicam, Dynamic Island, Digicam Management and MagSafe? That relies upon largely in your priorities and finances.

Whereas I feel 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 thus far. It has an Motion button, USB-C, a bigger, brighter display screen and an A18 chip that permits Apple Intelligence. My greatest considerations with it are limitations introduced on by its single rear digicam 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. When you’re coming from an iPhone 11 or newer, it is best to contemplate whether or not the improved digicam sensor is value giving up an ultrawide digicam for. Whether it is, and if you happen to can dwell with out snapping portraits of objects and faceless objects, the iPhone 16e’s digicam might be satisfying.

There are different components to think about, like whether or not you commonly use MagSafe equipment or wi-fi charging. When 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 velocity than the iPhone 15 or iPhone 16 (however there’s no repair for this). You may contemplate 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.

Execs

Strong efficiency
Lengthy battery life
Clear, sturdy design
Vivid, vibrant display screen

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 screen 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 obtainable on its dearer siblings. In actual fact, 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 needs a easy cellphone with a stable design, a pleasant display screen, wonderful 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 appears like an unbelievable deal that punches effectively above its worth. — Sam Rutherford, Senior Reporter

Execs

Glossy 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 could be a bit finicky

$499 at Amazon

Sam Rutherford for Engadget

Learn our full Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 review

Display screen dimension: 8-inch (primary) 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 inside and outside — 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 primary 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 many who need 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
Huge 200MP primary digicam
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 screen dimension: 6.9-inch (primary) 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 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 fees, though it runs a little bit sizzling with heavy apps, duties and video games.

Software program additions embrace the Now Bar and Gemini Reside 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 capturing 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 velocity

$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 stunning 6.9-inch AMOLED show, titanium body and a 5x telephoto digicam. It additionally has wonderful efficiency and powerful 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 high 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 school flagship in all the most effective 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 affords wonderful efficiency due to 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 a large 6,000 mAh battery that’s greater than what you get in virtually all of its rivals.

OnePlus didn’t skimp on the cellphone’s design both, because the OP13 nonetheless comes with the corporate’s signature Alert Slider. Plus, if you happen to 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 most effective 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 most effective for me?

Whereas selecting the most effective smartphone may be difficult, it largely comes right down to how you intend on utilizing the machine. All the greatest telephones obtainable now get the fundamentals proper — you’ll be capable of 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 contemplate 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. When you don’t use your cellphone for every 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 worth from $300 to over $1,500. The perfect finances telephones obtainable now will normally 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 vast worth vary — we’ve discovered that a lot of the greatest smartphones obtainable proper now price between $500 and $1,000.

What are you able to do on a smartphone?

Smartphones are basically 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 high 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 due to their high-quality, built-in shooters, and the truth that most smartphones as we speak as simply as moveable, 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 components 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 employ and recharge your cellphone regularly.