The most effective 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 out there 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 realize you need an iPhone, there’s even sufficient variation between these new fashions that you’ll have to consider it longer than you anticipated. When you’re an Android individual, you’ve 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 repeatedly and have examined dozens through the years. Whether or not you’ve had your eye on one in every of our present high picks, one in every of Samsung’s Galaxy S25 telephones, a cheap phone or one other system, we’re right here that will help you determine which is the very best cellphone to purchase this 12 months.

Desk of contents

Finest smartphones for 2025

Sam Rutherford for Engadget

Learn our full iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro Max review

Display screen measurement: 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’d like the very best, most full iPhone expertise, you need to go together with the iPhone 17 Pro or Pro Max. They’re largely the identical cellphone other than slight variations in display screen measurement (6.3 inches vs 6.9 inches) and battery life, and each handsets embody the entire most superior {hardware} and software program options Apple has to supply.

The Professional household might not look as flashy because the iPhone Air, however they’re further sturdy and tremendous glossy, that includes steel unibody designs and a customized thermal administration system inside that permits glorious 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 can 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 most important design change you possibly can see is the vast 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 massive, these with an iPhone 14 Professional or earlier will see massive enhancements of their pictures and videography. Even the selfie digicam received an improve: the Middle Stage digicam now contains a 24MP sensor that merchandise 18MP photographs and might routinely preserve you in the course 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 essentially 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 best choice if you wish to need to have the newest and best in Apple smartphone expertise. — Valentina Palladino, Deputy Editor

Execs

Progressive 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

$1,099 at Apple

Sam Rutherford for Engadget

Learn our full Google Pixel 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL review

Display screen measurement: 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 pictures, its 100x Professional Res Zoom captures long-range photographs in ways in which lenses and megapixels alone merely can’t. You then add in noticeably higher efficiency, larger batteries, brighter shows and correct Qi2 magnetic charging (the primary from a serious Android cellphone maker) through Pixelsnap and you’ve got actually good units that makes choosing anything appear type of dumb. — Sam Rutherford, Senior Reporter

Execs

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)

Cons

No extra wi-fi powersharing
Processing full-res photographs is a bit sluggish
Pixel 10 line is eSIM solely within the US

$999 at Amazon

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

Whereas I feel 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 with the ability to seize ultrawide pictures or Portrait mode not working if there isn’t a face within the scene. When you’re coming from an iPhone 11 or newer, you need to think about whether or not the improved digicam sensor is price giving up an ultrawide digicam for. Whether it is, and when you can dwell 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 repeatedly use MagSafe equipment or wi-fi charging. When 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 costs at a slower pace than the iPhone 16 or iPhone 17 (however there’s no repair for this). — Cherlynn Low, Managing Editor

Execs

Strong 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 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 does not have any particular options that are not already out there on its costlier siblings. In reality, 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 strong design, a pleasant display screen, glorious cameras and powerful battery life, the Pixel 9a is admittedly onerous 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 looks like an unbelievable deal that punches nicely above its worth. — S.R.

Execs

Modern 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 generally is 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 largest 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 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 foremost 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 assist could also be a dealbreaker. However for many who need to expertise new heights in foldable cellphone design, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is a masterpiece of recent gadget design. — S.R.

Execs

Exquisitely skinny design
Sleeker hinge
Large 200MP foremost digicam
Bigger shows
High-tier efficiency

Cons

Very costly
No S Pen assist
Mediocre charging speeds

$1,850 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 larger and introduced it nearer to the normal 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 costs, though it runs a bit of scorching with heavy apps, duties and video games.

Software program additions embody the Now Bar and Gemini Reside 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 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

Larger entrance display screen
Higher battery life
Slimmer design

Cons

Cameras are dated
Entrance display screen utility continues to be restricted
Sluggish cost pace

$970 at Amazon

Different smartphones we have examined

iPhone Air

At simply 5.6mm, the iPhone Air is the thinnest iPhone ever made. But it surely’s a lot greater than that. It’s superbly crafted and because of a titanium body, Ceramic Defend 2 display screen and an IP68 ranking 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 an enormous energy cell, battery life isn’t a problem. In brief, that is the iPhone design that everybody desires. Nevertheless, with the Air solely having a single rear digicam, the query you could reply is when you’re prepared to surrender some further lenses to get essentially 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. Positive, it’s larger and bulkier, but it surely nonetheless has the very best cameras on any foldable cellphone together with higher software program and a bigger battery. However maybe most significantly, it now has a correct IP68 ranking for mud and water resistance — one thing you gained’t discover on any of its rivals. This might save the cellphone from an early demise and forestall lots of complications when you frequent the seashore or just about wherever with little particles that would threaten the insides of your system. — 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 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 cellphone 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 glorious 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 cellphone’s design both, because the OP13 nonetheless comes with the corporate’s signature Alert Slider. Plus, when you 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 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?

While you’re looking for the very best smartphone, it turns into clear that every OS has its execs and cons. Apple’s tight-knit ecosystem makes it tremendous straightforward to share information between iPhones, iPads and Macs or seamlessly hand-off cellphone calls or music from one system to a different. On the similar time, you’re successfully locked in, as companies like Apple Messages aren’t out there 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 infrequently have decrease trade-in values. In brief, there’s no mistaken reply. Nevertheless, it would be best to think about how your cellphone 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 lots 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 cellphone typically pulls double responsibility as your major digicam, determining what sort of photograph instruments you need is essential. These days, virtually each cell phone can take a terrific image in brilliant mild. However in order for you an extended optical zoom, you’ll in all probability must improve to a costlier system.

Mid-range phones typically solely have two rear cameras (a major wide-angle lens and a secondary ultra-wide digicam) and might typically wrestle in low-light conditions. Every cellphone maker additionally has varied options that is perhaps a greater match on your type, with Apple providing 4 totally 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 least Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6e and assist for some type of 5G connectivity. Nevertheless, in order for you the quickest wi-fi speeds doable, it’s going to price you a bit of further. 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 assist for it’s typically lacking on inexpensive units.

On the brilliant aspect, mmWave 5G isn’t as broadly out there 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 when you purchase a cellphone that doesn’t assist it. It’s the same scenario for Wi-Fi 7, which is accessible on some high-end handsets just like the Galaxy S25, however more durable to search out on cheaper units. Wi-Fi 7 additionally requires you to have a compatible router, so until you realize 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 very best cellphone, you need to take into consideration every other specs that is perhaps further necessary for you. Cellular players will nearly actually recognize 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 necessary, you’ll in all probability need 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 lots of units, it may be very nice to have a cellphone that helps reverse wi-fi charging, which on Samsung telephones even permits 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 may be difficult, it largely comes all the way down to how you propose on utilizing the system. The entire finest telephones out there 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 might 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 cellphone that may final for a few years. When you don’t use your cellphone for every little thing, you could possibly 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. The most effective price range telephones out there now will often compromise on general efficiency, design, digicam prowess and further options to maintain prices down. On the flip aspect, the most costly telephones could 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 vast worth vary — we’ve discovered that a lot of the finest smartphones out there proper now price between $500 and $1,000.

What are you able to do on a smartphone?

Smartphones are basically 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 cellphone calls and texting, which we’ve come to count on in all fashionable cell telephones. Smartphones have additionally largely changed compact cameras because of their high-quality, built-in shooters, and the truth that most smartphones right now 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 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.