The most effective 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 once. 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 will have to consider it longer than you anticipated. In case you’re an Android particular person, you’ve gotten 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 considered one of our present prime picks, considered one of Samsung’s Galaxy S25 telephones, a cheap phone or one other gadget, we’re right here that will help you determine which is the very best telephone to purchase this 12 months.

Desk of contents

Greatest smartphones for 2025

Sam Rutherford for Engadget

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

Display screen 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 great methods. Not solely do each gadgets now assist full high-res portrait pictures, 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, greater batteries, brighter shows and correct Qi2 magnetic charging (the primary from a significant Android telephone maker) by way of Pixelsnap and you’ve got really good gadgets that makes choosing the rest appear type of dumb. — Sam Rutherford, Senior Reporter

Execs

• 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 pictures is a bit sluggish
• Pixel 10 line is eSIM solely within the US

$999 at Amazon

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

Whereas I believe that anybody who can afford the value distinction ought to go for the iPhone 17 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 largest 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. In case you’re coming from an iPhone 11 or newer, it is best to think about whether or not the improved digicam sensor is price giving up an ultrawide digicam for. Whether it is, and if you happen to can stay with out snapping portraits of objects and faceless objects, the iPhone 16e’s digicam might be satisfying.

There are different elements to think about, like whether or not you frequently use MagSafe equipment or wi-fi charging. In case 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 16 or iPhone 17 (however there’s no repair for this). — Cherlynn Low, Managing Editor

Execs

• Strong efficiency
• Lengthy battery life
• Clear, sturdy design
• Vibrant, 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 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 does not have any particular options that are not already accessible on its costlier siblings. In reality, 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 telephone with a stable design, a pleasant display, wonderful cameras and powerful battery life, the Pixel 9a is basically arduous to beat. So whereas it is not tremendous fancy, the telephone has all of its most necessary bases coated (after which some). However most significantly, beginning at simply $499, this telephone appears like an unbelievable deal that punches nicely above its value. — S.R.

Execs

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

Cons

• Charging might be sooner
• 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 (fundamental) 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 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 fundamental digicam, 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 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 contemporary gadget design. — S.R.

Execs

• Exquisitely skinny design
• Sleeker hinge
• Large 200MP fundamental digicam
• Bigger shows
• Prime-tier efficiency

Cons

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

$1,820 at Amazon

Mat Smith for Engadget

Learn our full Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 review

Display screen dimension: 6.9-inch (fundamental) 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 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 embrace the Now Bar and Gemini Stay 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 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
• Higher battery life
• Slimmer design

Cons

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

$1,220 at Amazon

Different smartphones we have examined

iPhone Air

At simply 5.6mm, the iPhone Air is the thinnest iPhone ever made. But it surely’s a lot greater than that. It’s fantastically crafted and due to a titanium body, Ceramic Defend 2 display and an IP68 ranking for mud and water resistance, it’s surprisingly sturdy too. The Air additionally has a beautiful 6.5-inch show with ProMotion assist and an A19 Professional processor, so it delivers practically the identical efficiency as you get from the iPhone 17 Professional line. And regardless of its tremendous skinny chassis not leaving a ton of room for an enormous energy cell, battery life isn’t a difficulty. Briefly, that is the iPhone design that everybody desires. Nonetheless, with the Air solely having a single rear digicam, the query it’s good to reply is if you happen to’re keen to surrender some additional lenses to get probably the most exquisitely engineered iPhone and all of its type and sleekness. — S.R.

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 very best methods. That’s as a result of as a substitute 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 unbelievable peak brightness of as much as 4,500 nits. The OP13 additionally gives 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 an enormous 6,000 mAh battery that’s greater than what you get in virtually all of its opponents.

OnePlus didn’t skimp on the telephone’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 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.

What to search for in a smartphone

Android or iOS?

Once you’re looking for 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 telephone calls or music from one gadget to a different. On the identical time, you’re successfully locked in, as companies 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. Nonetheless, Android telephones don’t take pleasure in that very same size of software program assist and infrequently have decrease trade-in values. Briefly, there’s no unsuitable reply. Nonetheless, it would be best to think about how your telephone will slot in with the remainder of your gadgets. So except you’re actually fed up with one OS and keen to be taught one other, it most likely doesn’t make a number of sense to change 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 mobile 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 a fantastic image in vibrant mild. However if you’d like a protracted optical zoom, you’ll most likely need to improve to a costlier gadget.

Mid-range phones typically 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 telephone maker additionally has varied options that is likely to be a greater match to your type, with Apple providing 4 completely different shade 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 no less than Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6e and assist for some type of 5G connectivity. Nonetheless, if you’d like the quickest wi-fi speeds potential, it’s going to price you somewhat additional. 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 subtle (and pricier) modems, which implies assist for it’s typically lacking on inexpensive gadgets.

On the intense facet, mmWave 5G isn’t as broadly 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 if you happen to purchase a telephone 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 seek out on cheaper gadgets. Wi-Fi 7 additionally requires you to have a compatible router, so except you recognize 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 searching for a brand new telephone.

Different options to think about

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 additional necessary for you. Cellular players will nearly definitely respect the 120Hz refresh charges you get on telephones just like the Samsung Galaxy S25 or the Apple iPhone 17 Professional. Alternatively, if lengthy battery life is necessary, you’ll most likely wish to go together 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 permits you to recharge the corporate’s Galaxy Watches.

Smartphone 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 intend on utilizing the gadget. All the greatest telephones accessible 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, it’s possible you’ll wish to think about 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 can final for a few years. In case you don’t use your telephone for every 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 most effective funds telephones accessible now will often compromise on general efficiency, design, digicam prowess and further options to maintain prices down. On the flip facet, the costliest telephones could 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 extensive value vary — we’ve discovered that a lot of the greatest smartphones accessible 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 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 due to their high-quality, built-in shooters, and the truth that most smartphones in the present day 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 elements 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 frequently.

Current updates

September 2025: Up to date to incorporate the iPhone 17 Professional.

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.