The very best smartphones to purchase in 2025

[ad_1] 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 recognize you need an iPhone, there's even sufficient variation between these new fashions that you could have to consider it longer than you anticipated. Should 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 evaluate telephones commonly 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, an affordable cellphone or one other gadget, we’re right here that can assist you resolve which is the perfect cellphone to purchase this yr.

Android or iOS? While you're trying to find the perfect smartphone, it turns into clear that every OS has its professionals 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 gadget to a different. On the similar 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. Nevertheless, Android telephones don’t take pleasure in that very same size of software program assist and sometimes have decrease trade-in values. In brief, there’s no flawed 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 study one other, it most likely doesn’t make a number of sense to modify 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 mobile phone usually pulls double responsibility as your main digicam, determining what sort of photograph instruments you need is essential. These days, virtually each cell phone can take an incredible image in vivid mild. However if you'd like an extended optical zoom, you’ll most likely must improve to a dearer gadget.

Cherlynn Low / Engadget

Mid-range telephones usually solely have two rear cameras (a main wide-angle lens and a secondary ultra-wide digicam) and might generally wrestle in low-light conditions. Every cellphone maker additionally has numerous options that is likely to be a greater match in your fashion, 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 at the very least Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6e and assist for some form of 5G connectivity. Nevertheless, if you'd like the quickest wi-fi speeds doable, it’s going to value you somewhat 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 implies assist for it's usually lacking on inexpensive units.

On the brilliant 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 might not be 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 out there on some high-end handsets just like the Galaxy S25, however tougher to seek out on cheaper units. Wi-Fi 7 additionally requires you to have a appropriate 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 cellphone.

Different options to contemplate As a result of not everybody agrees on what makes the perfect cellphone, you must take into consideration another specs that is likely to be further necessary for you. Cell players will nearly 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 most likely wish to go together with a bigger iPhone or an Android cellphone 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 units, it may be very nice to have a cellphone that helps reverse wi-fi charging, which on Samsung telephones even allows you to recharge the corporate’s Galaxy Watches.

<img alt="Image for the large product module" class="mx-auto my-0 size-full bg-white @xl/p:transition-transform @xl/p:duration-300 @xl/p:ease-in-out @xl/p:group-hover:scale-110 @xl/p:motion-reduce:group-hover:transition-none object-cover" src="https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/DmWOb9WkaU3Z2Z6Iq_Y9yA--~B/Zmk9c3RyaW07aD03MjA7dz0xMjgwO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-09/ef92eef0-7a6e-11ef-a9b5-d5fcb5dbc882" loading="lazy" height="720" width="1280"/> Picture by Cherlynn Low / Engadget

Learn our full iPhone 16 Professional and iPhone 16 Professional Max evaluate

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

Identical to final yr, if you'd like the perfect iPhone expertise, you must get an iPhone 16 Professional or iPhone 16 Professional Max. Not solely is there not a lot of a leap between the 2 in the case of digicam array or basic 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 completely different sizes this time round: 6.3 inches and 6.9 inches, respectively. Except for that that means you’ll must 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 just’ll completely discover are the Digital camera Management button and the Fusion Digital camera. The previous is a brand new facet button that has contact and stress sensors, making it simpler to not solely launch the Digital camera app however management issues like publicity once you’re truly taking photographs. 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 total, the Digital camera Management button is a internet constructive that shutterbugs will admire.

The brand new Fusion Digital camera sports activities a sooner 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 once you press the button, quite than the second proper after it. The Fusion Digital camera 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 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 big distinction within the Professional and Professional Max digicam arrays, this yr that hole isn’t as noticeable. The place you will notice 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 resolve 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 digicam with prime quality video capturePhotographic kinds are efficient and prettyNice customizations accessible all through Cons Comparatively quick battery lifeCamera Management is not excellent $999 at Apple <img alt="Image for the large product module" class="mx-auto my-0 size-full bg-white @xl/p:transition-transform @xl/p:duration-300 @xl/p:ease-in-out @xl/p:group-hover:scale-110 @xl/p:motion-reduce:group-hover:transition-none object-cover" src="https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/kSpYcreXhrYo_GFwZ0sD9A--~B/aD00MDU7dz03MjA7YXBwaWQ9eXRhY2h5b24-/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-08/22616950-5fea-11ef-b8ff-06daa0065be4" loading="lazy" height="405" width="720"/> Google

Learn our full Google Pixel 9 Professional and Pixel 9 Professional XL evaluate

(Pixel 9 Professional) Display 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 top-of-the-line Android telephones round, with the Professional mannequin being the superior model. But it surely was all the time somewhat too huge and too cumbersome for these of us who've smaller fingers or need our telephones to slot in our pockets. Cue the Pixel 9 Professional, which is the littler model of the Pixel 9 Professional XL. As a substitute of a comparatively giant 6.8-inch display screen like that on its larger 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 attempting to achieve the highest of the display screen!

Higher but, with the Pixel 9 Professional, Google hasn't sacrificed any key characteristic to get to the smaller measurement, that 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 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 basic grown-up vibe. Whereas earlier Pixel flagships had a colourful, blocky design that felt recent, this yr'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 exhausting 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 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 yr's mannequin is likely to be ok to justify a premium worth. Should you nonetheless need one thing from the Pixel 9 household however do not wish 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 perfect Android handset cash should purchase. — Cherlynn Low, Managing Editor

Execs Nice digicam options and improved telephoto cameraA yr of Gemini Superior for freeIncredible battery lifeA lovely, vivid display screen that’s simple to make use of outdoorsTensor G4 runs cooler than its predecessor Cons Slower charging speeds than the XLNot the perfect cellphone for gaming $999 at Google <img alt="Image for the large product module" class="mx-auto my-0 size-full bg-white @xl/p:transition-transform @xl/p:duration-300 @xl/p:ease-in-out @xl/p:group-hover:scale-110 @xl/p:motion-reduce:group-hover:transition-none object-cover" src="https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/Gju4Qa02HQSqu5hWEjETeA--~B/Zmk9c3RyaW07aD03MjA7dz0xMjgwO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-02/4c9a68b0-f519-11ef-add8-0a4e9623d07a" loading="lazy" height="720" width="1280"/> Cherlynn Low for Engadget

Learn our full iPhone 16e evaluate

Display 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. Must you save $200 and quit a twin digicam, Dynamic Island, Digital camera 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 finest entry-level iPhone so 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. Should you’re coming from an iPhone 11 or newer, you must contemplate whether or not the improved digicam sensor is price giving up an ultrawide digicam for. Whether it is, and if you happen to can reside with out snapping portraits of objects and faceless objects, the iPhone 16e’s digicam might be satisfying.

There are different elements to contemplate, like whether or not you commonly use MagSafe equipment or wi-fi charging. Should 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 velocity than the iPhone 15 or iPhone 16 (however there’s no repair for this). You'll be able to 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 Stable performanceLong battery lifeClean, sturdy designBright, vibrant display screen Cons Just one rear digicam, resulting in many limitationsExpensive in comparison with earlier iPhone SENo MagSafe $599 at Apple <img alt="Image for the large product module" class="mx-auto my-0 size-full bg-white @xl/p:transition-transform @xl/p:duration-300 @xl/p:ease-in-out @xl/p:group-hover:scale-110 @xl/p:motion-reduce:group-hover:transition-none object-cover" src="https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/BRAjx.CVu0FA7LqKZU2EJw--~B/Zmk9c3RyaW07aD03MjA7dz0xMjgwO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-04/16cf0410-1617-11f0-bffd-f2effd31618a" loading="lazy" height="720" width="1280"/> Sam Rutherford for Engadget

Learn our full Google Pixel 9a evaluate

Display 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 accessible on its dearer siblings. The truth is, 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 cellphone with a stable design, a pleasant display screen, glorious cameras and robust battery life, the Pixel 9a is basically exhausting 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 seems like an unimaginable deal that punches effectively above its worth. — Sam Rutherford, Senior Reporter

Execs Smooth designAwesome battery lifeNice displayGreat camerasIP68 score for mud and water resistance Cons Charging could possibly be fasterNo Pixel Screenshot appMacro Focus mode generally is a bit finicky $499 at Amazon <img alt="Image for the large product module" class="mx-auto my-0 size-full bg-white @xl/p:transition-transform @xl/p:duration-300 @xl/p:ease-in-out @xl/p:group-hover:scale-110 @xl/p:motion-reduce:group-hover:transition-none object-cover" src="https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/6alhB3YOUd8aO3dkouBqAQ--~B/Zmk9c3RyaW07aD03MjA7dz0xMjgwO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-07/10cbb410-630f-11f0-bbf7-7068be8e83b8" loading="lazy" height="720" width="1280"/> Sam Rutherford for Engadget

Learn our full Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 evaluate

Display measurement: 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 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 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 inexpensive 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 cellphone design, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is a masterpiece of contemporary gadget design. — S.R.

Execs Exquisitely skinny designSleeker hingeBig 200MP fundamental cameraLarger displaysTop-tier efficiency Cons Very expensiveNo S Pen supportMediocre charging speeds $2,120 at Amazon <img alt="Image for the large product module" class="mx-auto my-0 size-full bg-white @xl/p:transition-transform @xl/p:duration-300 @xl/p:ease-in-out @xl/p:group-hover:scale-110 @xl/p:motion-reduce:group-hover:transition-none object-cover" src="https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/9jMjRrsh0ECKLklPzqUnWA--~B/Zmk9c3RyaW07aD03MjA7dz0xMjgwO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2025-07/31475cf0-6961-11f0-bfff-79eedede7cce" loading="lazy" height="720" width="1280"/> Mat Smith for Engadget

Learn our full Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 evaluate

Display measurement: 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 larger 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 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 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 Larger entrance screenBetter battery lifeSlimmer design Cons Cameras are datedFront display screen utility continues to be limitedSluggish cost velocity $1,190 at Amazon Different smartphones we have examined Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely Like its predecessor, the S25 Extremely is an extremely versatile cellphone. 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 glorious efficiency and robust battery life. The difficulty is that, other than improved AI, this yr’s cellphone 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 style flagship in all the perfect methods. That’s as a result of as a substitute 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 unimaginable peak brightness of as much as 4,500 nits. The OP13 additionally presents glorious 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 larger than what you get in virtually all of its opponents.

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 perfect 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 perfect for me? Whereas selecting the perfect smartphone will be difficult, it largely comes all the way down to how you propose on utilizing the gadget. The entire finest 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, you could wish 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. Should 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 very best price range telephones accessible now will often compromise on total efficiency, design, digicam prowess and additional options to maintain prices down. On the flip facet, the costliest 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 large worth 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 verify 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 fashionable cell telephones. Smartphones have additionally largely changed compact cameras due to their high-quality, built-in shooters, and the truth that most smartphones at present 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 telephones longer now than ever earlier than. Software program updates and battery life are two of the most important elements that may have an effect on cellphone 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 cellphone can deteriorate over time as you employ and recharge your cellphone regularly.