The Best Smartphones for 2025

Smartphones might not seem like the most thrilling purchase, but they're essential for everyday tasks like messaging, watching videos, and capturing moments. While the latest models can be pricey, we've carefully selected the best smartphones that offer great value for your money.

TL;DR – These Are the Best Smartphones:

Our top pick### Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

1See it at Amazon### Google Pixel 9 Pro

2See it at AmazonSee it at Best Buy### Apple iPhone 16 Pro

4See it at Best BuySee it at Apple### Google Pixel 8

0See it at Amazon### PocoX5 5G

1See it at Amazon### RedMagic10 Pro

1See it at AmazonSee it at RedMagic### SamsungGalaxy Z Fold 6

0See it at AmazonEveryone values different aspects of their smartphones. Whether you prioritize stunning photography, high-performance gaming, or a vibrant display for media consumption, our selection covers all bases. We've included top Android phones, iPhone alternatives, and the latest from Apple, ensuring you get a device that meets your needs without compromising quality or affordability. We've also considered older models that, thanks to price reductions, offer incredible value, often undercutting their newer counterparts.

Contributions by Jacqueline Thomas, Callum Bains, and Danielle Abraham

1. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Best Smartphone

Our top pick### Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

1Experience the power of a 6.8-inch AMOLED screen on a device equipped with a robust processor capable of multitasking, video editing, gaming, and powering its exceptional cameras. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen size6.8 inchesRear cameras4Front cameras1ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 8 (third generation)Battery life5,000mAhStorage256GB, 512GB, 1TBStarting price$1,299.99PROSIncredible performanceExceptional camera systemCONSTitanium makes the device big and heavyThe Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is the ultimate all-around smartphone, excelling in every category. Our Galaxy S24 Ultra review praised its powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, which effortlessly handles the latest games, including maintaining a steady 60fps in Genshin Impact at max settings. Its ample memory ensures smooth multitasking, allowing you to switch between apps without losing performance.

The S24 Ultra's 6.8-inch Super AMOLED display boasts a 1-120Hz refresh rate, delivering stunning visuals and smooth motion. The new anti-glare finish enhances visibility in bright conditions. While the large display contributes to the phone's size and weight, the titanium frame adds durability and style. The expansive screen is perfect for using the S Pen stylus for note-taking, drawing, and more.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra – Photos

5 ImagesIts camera system is equally impressive, featuring a 200MP wide sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide, a 10MP 3x telephoto, and a 50MP 5x telephoto lens. This setup ensures versatile and high-quality photography, with the 12MP front-facing camera delivering excellent selfies. Despite its premium price, the S24 Ultra offers unmatched value and performance.

2. Google Pixel 9 Pro

Best Camera Phone

### Google Pixel 9 Pro

2An elegant design, top-notch cameras, a quality display, and robust software support make the Pixel 9 Pro a standout smartphone. See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuyProduct SpecificationsScreen6.3-inch OLED, 1280x2856, 495 ppi, 120Hz refresh rateProcessorTensor G4Camera50-Megapixel Wide, 48-Megapixel Ultrawide, 48-Megapixel Telephoto, 42-Megapixel SelfieBattery4,700mAhWeight199g (0.44lb)PROSElegant and compact designExcellent camera systemLong-term software supportCONSGaming performance lags behindBase storage could be biggerThe Google Pixel 9 Pro excels in photography with its versatile triple-camera system, capturing high-quality images across various scenarios. The 50MP wide, 48MP ultrawide, and 48MP telephoto lenses, along with the 42MP selfie camera, ensure vibrant and sharp photos.

Pixel 9 Pro – Main Camera Samples

22 ImagesIts design is refined, featuring aluminum and glass for an elegant look. The 6.3-inch OLED display is bright and smooth, with thin bezels that keep the phone compact. While the Tensor G4 chip may not match the performance of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or Apple's A18 Pro, it's efficient for daily use and AI applications, with decent gaming capabilities. Google's commitment to long-term software support adds to its appeal.

3. Apple iPhone 16 Pro

Best iPhone

### Apple iPhone 16 Pro

4The iPhone 16 Pro offers a more compact form factor than the Pro Max, yet retains all the camera capabilities and powerful performance. See it at Best BuySee it at AppleProduct SpecificationsScreen6.3-inch OLED, 1206x2622, 460 ppi, 120Hz refresh rateProcessorA18 ProCamera48-Megapixel Wide, 48-Megapixel Ultrawide, 12-Megapixel Telephoto, 12-Megapixel SelfieBattery3,582mAhWeight199g (0.44lb)PROSPowerful performanceElegant designRobust camera systemCONSCamera settings could use some tweaksThe iPhone 16 Pro, starting at $999, shares many features with the Google Pixel 9 Pro, including display size, camera count, and weight. While the Pixel 9 Pro's cameras may be more reliable, the iPhone 16 Pro delivers excellent quality with some adjustments, particularly for the ultra-wide and selfie sensors.

This year, the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max share the same camera system, making the Pro a great choice for those who prefer a smaller device. Its 6.3-inch display, thanks to slim bezels, offers a large viewing area in a manageable size. The A18 Pro chip ensures smooth performance, even with demanding games like Wuthering Waves, enhanced by the 120Hz OLED display.

While the base model's 128GB storage might be limiting, the USB 3.0 Type-C port allows for quick backups to free up space.

4. Google Pixel 8

Best Mid-Range Smartphone

### Google Pixel 8

0Powered by the G3 Tensor chip, the Pixel 8 offers solid cameras, smart AI features, and a vibrant OLED display at an affordable price. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen6.2-inch OLED, 1080x2400, 428 ppi, 120Hz refresh rateProcessorTensor G3 Camera50-megapixel wide, 12-megapixel ultrawide, 10.5-megapixel selfieBattery4,575 mAhWeight187g (0.41lb)PROSWonderfully responsive screenSeven years of updates and OS supportImpressive cameraCONSRAM upgrade reserved for Pro modelThe Pixel 8 may not be the latest model, but it remains a strong contender. The Tensor G3 chip offers improved performance and better thermal management, enhancing the device's longevity. Google's promise of seven years of OS, security, and feature updates ensures long-term value. At a reduced price of $500, the Pixel 8 offers a premium design with Gorilla Glass Victus, improved water resistance, and excellent cameras.

The 50MP main camera performs well in various lighting conditions, while the ultra-wide sensor is best in daylight. The selfie camera is sharp with a wide field of view, making the Pixel 8 a great choice for its price.

Poco X5 5G – Photos

9 Images5. Poco X5 5G

Best Budget Smartphone

### PocoX5 5G

1This ultra-affordable phone offers 5G connectivity, smooth performance, and a crisp display, though its cameras and gaming capabilities are modest. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen6.67-inch Super AMOLED, 1080x2400, 395 ppi, 120Hz refresh rateProcessorSnapdragon 695 5GCamera48-Megapixel Wide, 8-Megapixel Ultrawide, 2-Megapixel Macro, 13-Megapixel SelfieBattery5,000mAhWeight189g (0.42lb)PROSFeels good in the hand Great-looking displayPhone is fairly snappyCONSWeak camerasSomewhat bloated softwareThe Poco X5 5G is a budget-friendly option that still delivers impressive features. Launched in 2023, it's now available for just $220 and has been updated to Android 14. Its 6.67-inch Super AMOLED display offers a sharp resolution and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, providing excellent value.

The Snapdragon 695 5G processor handles everyday tasks and some gaming, like Call of Duty Mobile, with 6GB of base memory ensuring decent multitasking. However, the cameras are a weak point, with the main sensor performing adequately in bright conditions, while the ultra-wide and macro sensors are less impressive. The selfie camera is decent but not exceptional.

RedMagic 9S Pro – Photos

10 Images6. RedMagic 10 Pro

Best Gaming Smartphone

### RedMagic10 Pro

1The RedMagic 10 Pro delivers exceptional gaming performance and sustained power in an impressive package. See it at AmazonSee it at RedMagicProduct SpecificationsScreen6.85-inch OLED, 1216x2688, 431 ppi, 144Hz refresh rateProcessorSnapdragon 8 EliteCamera50-Megapixel Wide, 50-Megapixel Ultrawide, 2-Megapixel Macro, 16-Megapixel SeflieBattery7,050mAhWeight229g (0.5lb)PROSExcellent gaming performanceGreat displayCONSUnderwhelming camerasShorter software supportThe RedMagic 10 Pro stands out for its gaming prowess, thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and an active cooling fan that minimizes thermal throttling. My review found it to be one of the fastest phones for gaming, with sustained performance that outshines competitors. The massive 7,050mAh battery ensures long gaming sessions.

Its 6.85-inch OLED display, with a 144Hz refresh rate, is perfect for gaming, featuring no visible selfie camera cutout. The phone also offers enhanced touch responsiveness, remappable shoulder buttons, and supports upscaling and frame interpolation for select games. While the cameras and network support are not the best, the RedMagic 10 Pro's gaming focus and $649 price make it a compelling choice.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 – Photos

6 Images7. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6

Best Foldable Phone

### SamsungGalaxy Z Fold 6

0The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 offers incredible speed and stunning visuals, though its unfolded aspect ratio can be unusual. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen7.6-inch 2160 x 1856 AMOLED (Main); 6.2-inch 968 x 2376 AMOLED (Cover)ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3Camera50MP Wide, 12MP Ultra Wide, 10MP frontBattery4400mAhWeight239g (0.52 lb)PROSStunning displays, inside and outExtremely powerfulCONSAspect ratios can be weirdThe Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is the top choice for a foldable smartphone that transforms into a tablet. Its 6.2-inch cover display and 7.6-inch main display both feature vibrant AMOLED technology. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, it handles demanding games like Zenless Zone Zero and Wuthering Waves with ease, offering a 22% performance boost over its predecessor.

The camera system, with a 50MP main sensor and 30x digital zoom, captures detailed photos, though the front-facing cameras are less impressive. The unique 4:3 aspect ratio when unfolded can affect content display, but overall, the Z Fold 6 is a powerful and versatile device.

How We Picked the Best Smartphones

The smartphone market often pushes consumers towards the latest and most expensive models, emphasizing the allure of new features. However, many of these features may not be necessary for everyone. We've selected smartphones across various price points that offer the best value for money, focusing on durability, ongoing software support, and features that cater to different needs, whether it's photography, gaming, or media consumption.

Best Smartphones FAQ

Is Samsung better than Apple for smartphones?

Not necessarily. Both Samsung and Apple produce high-quality, feature-rich premium phones. The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max offer similar performance, excellent cameras, and long-term software updates. The choice often comes down to familiarity with their respective operating systems: Android versus iOS.

Are iPhones better than Android phones?

Modern iPhones and premium Android phones are very similar in terms of features and performance. The choice between iOS and Android often depends on which ecosystem you're already comfortable with. iPhones integrate seamlessly with other Apple products, while Android phones work better with Windows devices.

Which Android phone is the best value for money?

The Google Pixel 8 stands out as a great value at $500. Despite being an older model, it offers strong performance, an elegant design, and long-term software support, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious buyers.