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. 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. Should you’re an Android particular person, you might have much more choices to select from — together with foldables — and extra inquiries to reply earlier than you spend any cash.
At Engadget, we evaluation telephones recurrently and have examined dozens over time. Whether or not you’ve had your eye on one in all our present prime picks, one in all 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 yr.
Desk of contents
Greatest smartphones for 2025
Learn our full iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro Max review
Display dimension: 6.3-inch or 6.9-inch | Storage capability: As much as 2TB | SIM assist: Twin eSim | Battery Life: As much as 39 hours
If you need the very best, most full iPhone expertise, you must go along with the iPhone 17 Pro or Pro Max. They’re principally the identical telephone other than slight variations in display screen dimension (6.3 inches vs 6.9 inches) and battery life, and each handsets embrace all the most superior {hardware} and software program options Apple has to supply.
The Professional household could not look as flashy because the iPhone Air, however they’re additional sturdy and tremendous modern, that includes steel unibody designs and a customized thermal administration system inside that permits wonderful efficiency whereas retaining warmth at bay. Each smartphones are powered by the A19 Professional chipset and iOS 26, the latter of which you’ll expertise in all of its Liquid Glass and Apple Intelligence glory. Each telephones may even final all day after which some on a single cost, and so they assist Qi2 wi-fi charging as much as 25W.
Arguably the largest design change you possibly can see is the huge digicam plateau on the iPhone 17 Professional collection’ backs, which features a trio of 48MP lenses. Whereas the leap in photograph and video high quality from, say, the iPhone 16 Professional collection isn’t all that huge, these with an iPhone 14 Professional or earlier will see huge enhancements of their images and videography. Even the selfie digicam received an improve: the Middle Stage digicam now encompasses a 24MP sensor that merchandise 18MP pictures and may robotically maintain you in the midst of the body once you’re making FaceTime calls.
With the introduction of the iPhone Air and the continual enhancements Apple has made to its base iPhone 17 lineup, the iPhone 17 Professional and Professional Max actually really feel like probably the most skilled variations of an iPhone you may get. Some may not want all that energy or the additional perks that include it, but it surely’s nonetheless the most suitable choice if you wish to need to have the newest and best in Apple smartphone know-how. — Valentina Palladino, Deputy Editor
- Modern and helpful Middle Stage selfie digicam
- Versatile triple-sensor system for rear cameras
- Aluminum unibody feels sturdy and scratch-resistant
- Improved AI and thermal efficiency
Sam Rutherford for Engadget
Learn our full Google Pixel 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL review
Display 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 fantastic methods. Not solely do each units now assist full high-res portrait photographs, its 100x Professional Res Zoom captures long-range pictures in ways in which lenses and megapixels alone merely can’t. Then you definately add in noticeably higher efficiency, larger batteries, brighter shows and correct Qi2 magnetic charging (the primary from a serious Android telephone maker) through Pixelsnap and you’ve got really good units that makes selecting the rest appear type of dumb. — Sam Rutherford, Senior Reporter
- 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)
- No extra wi-fi powersharing
- Processing full-res pictures is a bit sluggish
- Pixel 10 line is eSIM solely within the US
Cherlynn Low for Engadget
Learn our full iPhone 16e review
Display 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 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 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. Should you’re coming from an iPhone 11 or newer, you must think about 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 objects, the iPhone 16e’s digicam will probably be satisfying.
There are different components to think about, like whether or not you recurrently 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 may get a MagSafe case to treatment this) and expenses at a slower pace than the iPhone 16 or iPhone 17 (however there’s no repair for this). — Cherlynn Low, Managing Editor
- Stable efficiency
- Lengthy battery life
- Clear, sturdy design
- Vivid, vibrant display screen
- Just one rear digicam, resulting in many limitations
- Costly in comparison with earlier iPhone SE
- No MagSafe
Sam Rutherford for Engadget
Learn our full Google Pixel 9a review
Display 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 would not have any particular options that are not already obtainable on its dearer siblings. The truth is, it really 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 basically exhausting to beat. So whereas it is not tremendous fancy, the telephone has all of its most vital 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.
- Modern design
- Superior battery life
- Good show
- Nice cameras
- IP68 score for mud and water resistance
- Charging could possibly be quicker
- No Pixel Screenshot app
- Macro Focus mode generally is a bit finicky
Sam Rutherford for Engadget
Learn our full Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 review
Display dimension: 8-inch (essential) 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 essential digicam, matching or exceeding what you get from conventional flagship smartphones. The principle 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 many who need to expertise new heights in foldable telephone design, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is a masterpiece of recent gadget design. — S.R.
- Exquisitely skinny design
- Sleeker hinge
- Large 200MP essential digicam
- Bigger shows
- Prime-tier efficiency
- Very costly
- No S Pen assist
- Mediocre charging speeds
Mat Smith for Engadget
Learn our full Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 review
Display dimension: 6.9-inch (essential) 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 larger and introduced it nearer to the standard facet 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 expenses, though it runs a bit sizzling with heavy apps, duties and video games.
Software program additions embrace the Now Bar and Gemini Reside 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
- Larger entrance display screen
- Higher battery life
- Slimmer design
- Cameras are dated
- Entrance display screen utility remains to be restricted
- Sluggish cost pace
Different smartphones we have examined
iPhone Air
At simply 5.6mm, the iPhone Air is the thinnest iPhone ever made. However it’s a lot greater than that. It’s superbly crafted and because of a titanium body, Ceramic Defend 2 display screen and an IP68 score for mud and water resistance, it’s surprisingly sturdy too. The Air additionally has a stunning 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 a giant energy cell, battery life isn’t a problem. In brief, that is the iPhone design that everybody needs. Nonetheless, with the Air solely having a single rear digicam, the query it’s essential 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.
Google Pixel 10 Professional Fold
Whereas the design and efficiency of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is so good that we needed to decide it as our favourite foldable of this era, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold isn’t that far behind. Certain, it’s larger and bulkier, but it surely nonetheless has the very best cameras on any foldable telephone together with higher software program and a bigger battery. However maybe most significantly, it now has a correct IP68 score for mud and water resistance — one thing you received’t discover on any of its rivals. This might save the telephone from an early demise and forestall quite a lot of complications if you happen to frequent the seashore or just about wherever with little particles that might threaten the insides of your gadget. — S.R.
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 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 affords 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 a large 6,000 mAh battery that’s larger 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 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?
If 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 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 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 take pleasure in that very same size of software program assist and infrequently have decrease trade-in values. In brief, there’s no mistaken reply. Nonetheless, it would be best to think about how your telephone will slot in with the remainder of your units. So except you’re actually fed up with one OS and keen to be taught one other, it in all probability doesn’t make quite a lot 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 usually pulls double obligation as your main 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 an extended optical zoom, you’ll in all probability need to improve to a dearer gadget.
Mid-range phones usually 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 numerous options that may be a greater match on your type, with Apple providing 4 totally different coloration 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 would like the quickest wi-fi speeds doable, it’s going to price you a bit additional. For instance, on sure networks, mmWave 5G affords as much as gigabit obtain speeds, much less latency and higher bandwidth. However mmWave 5G additionally requires extra subtle (and pricier) modems, which suggests assist for it’s usually lacking on cheaper units.
On the intense aspect, 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 might 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 scenario for Wi-Fi 7, which is accessible on some high-end handsets just like the Galaxy S25, however tougher to search out on cheaper units. Wi-Fi 7 additionally requires you to have a compatible router, so except you already know you want it or have a particular use case in thoughts, the dearth 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 very best telephone, you must take into consideration some other specs that may be additional vital for you. Cellular players will nearly actually admire 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 vital, 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 dimension. In the meantime, if you end up juggling quite a lot of units, it may be very nice to have a telephone that helps reverse wi-fi charging, which on Samsung telephones even allows 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 principally comes right down to how you intend on utilizing the gadget. All the finest telephones obtainable now get the fundamentals proper — you’ll be capable 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 think about paying for a tool on the upper finish of the value spectrum. That can get you higher general efficiency, higher-quality cameras and a telephone that can final for a few years. Should you don’t use your telephone for all the pieces, 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 value from $300 to over $1,500. The perfect finances telephones obtainable now will often compromise on general efficiency, design, digicam prowess and additional options to maintain prices down. On the flip aspect, the most costly telephones can 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 huge value vary — we’ve discovered that a lot of the finest smartphones obtainable proper now price 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 examine e-mail, browse social media, observe 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 principally changed compact cameras because of 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 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.
Latest 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.
Trending Merchandise
SAMSUNG FT45 Sequence 24-Inch FHD 1...
ASUS RT-AX1800S Dual Band WiFi 6 Ex...
