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 strong 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 realize 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 the event you’re an Android individual, 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 evaluate telephones usually and have examined dozens over time. 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 system, we’re right here that can assist you determine which is the most effective telephone to purchase this 12 months.

Android or iOS?

Once you’re looking for the most effective 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 telephone calls or music from one system to a different. On the identical time, you’re successfully locked in, as providers like Apple Messages aren’t obtainable on different platforms.

As for Android, there’s a a lot wider vary of handsets from firms like Google, Samsung, Sony and extra. Nonetheless, Android telephones don’t get pleasure from 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 take into account how your telephone will slot in with the remainder of your gadgets. So except you’re actually fed up with one OS and prepared 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 cellular phone typically pulls double responsibility as your major digicam, determining what sort of photograph instruments you need is vital. These days, virtually each cell phone can take an excellent image in shiny mild. However if you would like a protracted optical zoom, you’ll most likely should improve to a dearer system.

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

Mid-range phones typically solely have two rear cameras (a major wide-angle lens and a secondary ultra-wide digicam) and might typically battle in low-light conditions. Every telephone maker additionally has numerous options that may be a greater match to your model, with Apple providing 4 completely different shade 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 very least Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6e and assist for some sort of 5G connectivity. Nonetheless, if you would like the quickest wi-fi speeds doable, it’s going to price you slightly further. For instance, on sure networks, mmWave 5G presents 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 gadgets.

On the intense facet, mmWave 5G isn’t as extensively 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 assist it. It’s the same state of affairs for Wi-Fi 7, which is accessible on some high-end handsets just like the Galaxy S25, however tougher to search out on cheaper gadgets. Wi-Fi 7 additionally requires you to have a compatible router, so except you realize you want it or have a selected use case in thoughts, the shortage of assist 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 most effective telephone, you must take into consideration another specs that may be further vital for you. Cellular players will virtually actually respect 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 vital, you’ll most likely 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 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.

Picture by Cherlynn Low / Engadget

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

Display screen measurement: 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 would like the most effective iPhone expertise, you must get an iPhone 16 Pro or iPhone 16 Professional Max. Not solely is there not a lot of a leap between the 2 relating to digicam array or normal 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. Except for 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 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 whenever you’re truly taking images. As we found in our testing for the iPhone 16 Professional evaluate, it’ll take a little bit of getting used to at first. However general, the Digicam Management button is a web optimistic that shutterbugs will respect.

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 truly seize the second whenever 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 offers 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 big 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’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, 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 types 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 measurement: 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 among the best Android telephones round, with the Professional mannequin being the superior model. However it was all the time slightly too large and too cumbersome for these of us who’ve smaller fingers 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 giant 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 making an attempt 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 measurement, which means you may 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 fee. 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 digicam efficiency, intriguing AI options and a normal grown-up vibe. Whereas earlier Pixel flagships had a colourful, blocky design that felt recent, this 12 months’s gadgets really feel strong and refined. And, dare we are saying it, virtually like iPhones. With out the digicam bars, they’d 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 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 may be ok to justify a premium value. In the event 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 strong handset for most individuals. However because it stands, the Pixel 9 Professional is the most effective Android handset cash should buy. — Cherlynn Low, Managing Editor

Execs

Nice digicam options and improved telephoto digicam
A 12 months of Gemini Superior at no cost
Unimaginable battery life
An exquisite, shiny display screen that’s straightforward to make use of open air
Tensor G4 runs cooler than its predecessor

Cons

Slower charging speeds than the XL
Not the most effective telephone for gaming

$999 at Google

Cherlynn Low for Engadget

Learn our full iPhone 16e review

Display screen measurement: 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. 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 value 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 to this point. It has an Motion button, USB-C, a bigger, brighter display screen 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 pictures 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 must take into account 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 shall be satisfying.

There are different components to think about, like whether or not you usually 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 will 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 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.

Execs

Stable efficiency
Lengthy battery life
Clear, sturdy design
Vibrant, 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 measurement: 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 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 needs a easy telephone with a strong design, a pleasant display screen, wonderful cameras and powerful battery life, the Pixel 9a is absolutely laborious to beat. So whereas it isn’t tremendous fancy, the telephone has all of its most vital bases lined (after which some). However most significantly, beginning at simply $499, this telephone seems like an unbelievable deal that punches effectively above its value. — Sam Rutherford, Senior Reporter

Execs

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

Cons

Charging could possibly 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 measurement: 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 greatest points with foldable telephones is the added measurement 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 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 many who need 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 foremost digicam
Bigger shows
Prime-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 measurement: 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 strong 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 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 slightly 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 major 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 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 powerful battery life. The difficulty is that, other than 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 fundamental 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 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 presents 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 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, 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 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 will be difficult, it principally comes right down to how you intend on utilizing the system. 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 could need to take into account 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. In the event you don’t use your telephone for the whole lot, 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 price range telephones obtainable now will normally compromise on general 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 telephone that matches their wants someplace in the midst of that large value vary — we’ve discovered that many of the greatest smartphones obtainable proper now price 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 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 telephone calls and texting, which we’ve come to count on 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 right this moment 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 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.