One of the best smartphones to purchase in 2025

You would possibly 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 already know you need an iPhone, there’s even sufficient variation between these new fashions that you might have to consider it longer than you anticipated. In case you’re an Android particular person, you’ve got 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 high 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.

Android or iOS?

Whenever you’re looking for 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 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 get pleasure from that very same size of software program help and sometimes have decrease trade-in values. Briefly, there’s no flawed reply. Nonetheless, it would be best to take into account how your telephone will slot in with the remainder of your units. So until you’re actually fed up with one OS and prepared to study one other, it in all probability doesn’t make a variety 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 mobile phone typically pulls double obligation as your main digicam, determining what sort of photograph instruments you need is essential. These days, virtually each cell phone can take an ideal image in brilliant gentle. However if you need a protracted optical zoom, you’ll in all probability need to improve to a costlier gadget.

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 telephone maker additionally has varied options that could be a greater match on your model, with Apple providing 4 completely 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 not less than Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6e and help for some form of 5G connectivity. Nonetheless, if you need the quickest wi-fi speeds doable, it’s going to value you somewhat additional. For instance, on sure networks, mmWave 5G provides as much as gigabit obtain speeds, much less latency and higher bandwidth. However mmWave 5G additionally requires extra subtle (and pricier) modems, which implies help for it’s typically lacking on cheaper units.

On the intense aspect, 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 telephone that doesn’t help it. It’s the same scenario for Wi-Fi 7, which is out there on some high-end handsets just like the Galaxy S25, however more durable to seek out on cheaper units. 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 help for mmWave 5G or Wi-Fi 7 shouldn’t be a dealbreaker when on the lookout 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 some other specs that could be additional 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 along with a bigger iPhone or an Android telephone with a battery that’s between 4,000 and 5,000 mAh in measurement. In the meantime, if you end up juggling a variety of units, 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.

Picture by Cherlynn Low / Engadget

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

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

Identical to final 12 months, if you need 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 on the subject of digicam array or common efficiency, however these handsets will get all the 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 completely different sizes this time round: 6.3 inches and 6.9 inches, respectively. Apart from that which means you’ll need to shell out cash for a brand new case if you happen to improve, it received’t make an excessive amount of of a distinction in common use. The most important {hardware} variations that you simply’ll completely discover are the Digicam Management button and the Fusion Digicam. The previous is a brand new aspect button that has contact and stress sensors, making it simpler to not solely launch the Digicam app however management issues like publicity once 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 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 be capable of really seize the second once you press the button, somewhat than the second proper after it. The Fusion Digicam 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 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 digicam arrays, this 12 months that hole isn’t as noticeable. The place you will note main positive factors 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 supply stellar efficiency, wonderful pictures chops, enhanced customization with iOS 18 and (quickly) the total host of Apple Intelligence options. — Valentina Palladino, Deputy Editor

Professionals

Quick digicam with prime quality video seize
Photographic types are efficient and fairly
Good customizations obtainable 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 measurement: 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 sequence has lengthy been top-of-the-line Android telephones round, with the Professional mannequin being the superior model. However it was at all times somewhat too large 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 larger 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 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 measurement, which means you will discover the identical digicam setup and efficiency in each handsets. The one actual variations are the display screen measurement, 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 take a look at.

These distinctions apart, the Pixel 9 Professional lineup is our favourite Android telephone 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, virtually like iPhones. With out the digicam bars, they’d be fairly laborious to inform other than Apple’s telephones.

Presumably 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 think about Google’s handsets because the extra competitively priced choice, this 12 months’s mannequin could be ok to justify a premium worth. In case you nonetheless need one thing from the Pixel 9 household however do not need 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

Professionals

Nice digicam options and improved telephoto digicam
A 12 months of Gemini Superior without cost
Unimaginable battery life
A wonderful, brilliant display screen that’s straightforward to make use of outdoor
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 measurement: 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 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 price range.

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 allows Apple Intelligence. My largest 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 case you’re coming from an iPhone 11 or newer, it is best to take into account 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 gadgets, the iPhone 16e’s digicam might be satisfying.

There are different components 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 15 or iPhone 16 (however there’s no repair for this). You’ll be able to take into account 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

Stable 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 measurement: 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 obtainable on its costlier siblings. In reality, 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 needs a easy telephone with a stable design, a pleasant display screen, wonderful cameras and robust battery life, the Pixel 9a is de facto laborious 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 looks like an unbelievable deal that punches effectively above its worth. — Sam Rutherford, Senior Reporter

Professionals

Smooth 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 could be a bit finicky

$499 at Amazon

Sam Rutherford for Engadget

Learn our full Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 review

Display measurement: 8-inch (primary) 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 measurement 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 p.c 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 reasonably priced and for long-time Samsung followers, the lack of S Pen help could also be a dealbreaker. However for individuals who need to expertise new heights in foldable telephone design, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is a masterpiece of recent gadget design. — S.R.

Professionals

Exquisitely skinny design
Sleeker hinge
Massive 200MP primary digicam
Bigger shows
Prime-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 measurement: 6.9-inch (primary) 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 normal side 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 prices, though it runs somewhat sizzling with heavy apps, duties and video games.

Software program additions embrace 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 capturing conditions. Different areas are lengthy due an improve, too, just like the Flip 7’s sluggish charging speeds. — Mat Smith, UK Bureau Chief

Professionals

Greater entrance display screen
Higher battery life
Slimmer design

Cons

Cameras are dated
Entrance display screen 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 telephone. 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 digicam. It additionally has wonderful 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 high choose 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 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 provides 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 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.

FAQs

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

Whereas selecting the very best smartphone might be difficult, it principally comes right down to how you propose on utilizing the gadget. The entire 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 could need to take into account paying for a tool on the upper finish of the worth spectrum. That can get you higher total efficiency, higher-quality cameras and a telephone that can final for a few years. In case you don’t use your telephone for all the things, you might be able to compromise on efficiency and further 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. One of the best price range telephones obtainable now will often compromise on total efficiency, design, digicam prowess and further options to maintain prices down. On the flip aspect, the costliest 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 midst of that large worth vary — we’ve discovered that a lot 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 electronic mail, browse social media, observe map instructions, make contactless funds and extra. That is all on high of the fundamentals like making telephone calls and texting, which we’ve come to anticipate in all trendy cell telephones. Smartphones have additionally principally changed compact cameras because of their high-quality, built-in shooters, and the truth that most smartphones at this time 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 components that may have an effect on telephone 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 telephone can deteriorate over time as you utilize and recharge your telephone frequently.