One of the best smartphones to purchase in 2025

You may have already got a good suggestion of which smartphone you wish 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 need an iPhone, there’s even sufficient variation between these new fashions that you’ll have to consider it longer than you anticipated. In case 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 often and have examined dozens over time. Whether or not you’ve had your eye on certainly one of our present prime picks, certainly one of Samsung’s Galaxy S25 telephones, a cheap phone or one other machine, we’re right here that will help you determine which is the perfect cellphone to purchase this yr.

Desk of contents

Greatest smartphones for 2025

Sam Rutherford for Engadget

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

Display screen 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 gadgets now assist full high-res portrait photographs, its 100x Professional Res Zoom captures long-range photographs in ways in which lenses and megapixels alone merely can’t. Then you definitely add in noticeably higher efficiency, larger batteries, brighter shows and correct Qi2 magnetic charging (the primary from a significant Android cellphone maker) through Pixelsnap and you’ve got really sensible gadgets that makes selecting the rest appear type of dumb. — Sam Rutherford, Senior Reporter

Professionals

• 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 dimension: 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 worth distinction ought to go for the iPhone 17 over the iPhone 16e, I can’t deny that that is Apple’s greatest entry-level iPhone up to now. It has an Motion button, USB-C, a bigger, brighter display screen and an A18 chip that allows Apple Intelligence.

My largest considerations with it are limitations introduced on by its single rear digicam setup — issues like not with the ability to seize ultrawide photographs or Portrait mode not working if there isn’t a face within the scene. In case you’re coming from an iPhone 11 or newer, it is best to think about whether or not the improved digicam sensor is value giving up an ultrawide digicam for. Whether it is, and should you can reside with out snapping portraits of objects and faceless gadgets, the iPhone 16e’s digicam will likely be satisfying.

There are different elements to contemplate, like whether or not you often use MagSafe equipment or wi-fi charging. In case 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 prices at a slower velocity than the iPhone 16 or iPhone 17 (however there’s no repair for this). — Cherlynn Low, Managing Editor

Professionals

• 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 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 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 basically exhausting to beat. So whereas it is not tremendous fancy, the cellphone has all of its most vital bases lined (after which some). However most significantly, beginning at simply $499, this cellphone seems like an unimaginable deal that punches nicely above its value. — S.R.

Professionals

• Glossy design
• Superior battery life
• Good show
• Nice cameras
• IP68 score for mud and water resistance

Cons

• Charging might be quicker
• No Pixel Screenshot app
• Macro Focus mode is usually a bit finicky

$499 at Amazon

Sam Rutherford for Engadget

Learn our full Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 review

Display screen 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 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 essential 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 many who wish to expertise new heights in foldable cellphone design, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is a masterpiece of contemporary gadget design. — S.R.

Professionals

• Exquisitely skinny design
• Sleeker hinge
• Massive 200MP essential digicam
• Bigger shows
• High-tier efficiency

Cons

• Very costly
• No S Pen assist
• Mediocre charging speeds

$1,820 at Amazon

Mat Smith for Engadget

Learn our full Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 review

Display screen 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 normal facet 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 a little bit 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 main 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

Professionals

• Greater entrance display screen
• Higher battery life
• Slimmer design

Cons

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

$1,220 at Amazon

Different smartphones we have examined

iPhone Air

At simply 5.6mm, the iPhone Air is the thinnest iPhone ever made. Nevertheless it’s a lot greater than that. It’s fantastically crafted and because of a titanium body, Ceramic Protect 2 display screen and an IP68 score for mud and water resistance, it’s surprisingly sturdy too. The Air additionally has a beautiful 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 difficulty. Briefly, that is the iPhone design that everybody desires. Nevertheless, with the Air solely having a single rear digicam, the query that you must reply is should you’re prepared to surrender some further lenses to get probably the most exquisitely engineered iPhone and all of its model and sleekness. — 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 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 gives 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, should 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 perfect 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?

Whenever 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 straightforward to share information between iPhones, iPads and Macs or seamlessly hand-off cellphone calls or music from one machine 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 firms 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. Briefly, there’s no flawed reply. Nevertheless, it would be best to think about how your cellphone will slot in with the remainder of your gadgets. So until you’re actually fed up with one OS and prepared to be taught one other, it in all probability doesn’t make lots of sense to change 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 usually pulls double responsibility as your main digicam, determining what sort of picture instruments you need is essential. These days, virtually each cell phone can take an awesome image in brilliant gentle. However if you’d like an extended optical zoom, you’ll in all probability must improve to a dearer machine.

Mid-range phones usually solely have two rear cameras (a main wide-angle lens and a secondary ultra-wide digicam) and might typically wrestle in low-light conditions. Every cellphone maker additionally has numerous options that is likely to be a greater match on your model, with Apple providing 4 totally different colour 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 a minimum of Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6e and assist for some type of 5G connectivity. Nevertheless, if you’d like the quickest wi-fi speeds potential, it’s going to price you a little bit further. For instance, on sure networks, mmWave 5G gives 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 usually 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 might not be lacking out on a lot proper now should you purchase a cellphone that doesn’t assist it. It’s the same state of affairs for Wi-Fi 7, which is offered on some high-end handsets just like the Galaxy S25, however more durable to seek out on cheaper gadgets. Wi-Fi 7 additionally requires you to have a compatible router, so until 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 searching for a brand new cellphone.

Different options to contemplate

As a result of not everybody agrees on what makes the perfect cellphone, it is best to take into consideration every other specs that is likely to be further vital for you. Cell players will virtually 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 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 dimension. In the meantime, if you end up juggling lots of gadgets, it may be very nice to have a cellphone that helps reverse wi-fi charging, which on Samsung telephones even helps you to recharge the corporate’s Galaxy Watches.

Smartphone FAQs

How do I do know which smartphone is the perfect for me?

Whereas selecting the perfect smartphone may be difficult, it largely comes all the way down to how you propose on utilizing the machine. 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, it’s possible you’ll wish to think about 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. In case you don’t use your cellphone 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. One of the best price range telephones obtainable now will normally compromise on total efficiency, design, digicam prowess and additional options to maintain prices down. On the flip facet, the costliest telephones can 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 midst of that huge value vary — we’ve discovered that a lot of the greatest smartphones obtainable 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 electronic mail, browse social media, observe map instructions, make contactless funds and extra. That is all on prime of the fundamentals like making cellphone calls and texting, which we’ve come to count on in all trendy cell telephones. Smartphones have additionally largely changed compact cameras because of their high-quality, built-in shooters, and the truth that most smartphones at this time as simply as transportable, 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 elements that may have an effect on cellphone 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 cellphone can deteriorate over time as you employ and recharge your cellphone regularly.

Current 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.