Top Smartphones to Watch in 2025

Smartphones might seem like just another glass rectangle, but they're indispensable for everyday tasks like messaging friends, watching YouTube, scrolling through social media, and taking photos. However, the latest and greatest models can be quite pricey. That's why we've carefully selected the best smartphones by balancing their value against their cost.

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### Poco X5 5G

1See it at Amazon### RedMagic 10 Pro

1See it at AmazonSee it at RedMagic### Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6

0See it at AmazonEveryone has different needs when it comes to smartphones. Some prioritize high-quality photography, others seek top-notch gaming performance, and some prefer a screen perfect for watching movies and TV shows. We've tested a range of phones to cover all these bases, ensuring you find a device that meets your specific needs without compromising on quality or making unnecessary sacrifices for a lower price. Our selection includes not just the latest models but also older ones that offer great value due to price reductions.

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 massive 6.8-inch AMOLED screen, driven by a processor robust enough to handle multiple apps, video editing, gaming, and stunning camera capabilities. 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-rounder smartphone, excelling in every category. Our Galaxy S24 Ultra review revealed its prowess, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, which effortlessly runs the latest games at a smooth 60fps in titles like Genshin Impact. Its ample memory ensures seamless 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 vibrant visuals and smooth motion. Its new anti-glare finish enhances visibility in bright conditions, though its large size does make it heavier, even with the titanium frame. The expansive screen is perfect for detailed work with the S Pen stylus, a feature that sets it apart from most other smartphones.

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. This setup ensures exceptional photography across various scenarios, while the 12MP front-facing camera captures stunning selfies. Given its capabilities and refined design, the S24 Ultra justifies its premium price with substantial value.

2. Google Pixel 9 Pro

Best Camera Phone

### Google Pixel 9 Pro

2With its elegant design, outstanding cameras, high-quality display, and extensive software support, the Pixel 9 Pro stands out as a top 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 photos across different focal lengths. The selfie camera also delivers sharp, vibrant images.

Pixel 9 Pro – Main Camera Samples

22 ImagesIts refined design combines aluminum and glass, presenting an elegant yet practical look. The 6.3-inch OLED display is compact yet delivers bright, vivid visuals with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. While the Tensor G4 chip may not match the performance of the latest Snapdragon or Apple processors, it offers robust everyday performance and excels in AI applications. Google's commitment to long-term software support further enhances its appeal.

3. Apple iPhone 16 Pro

Best iPhone

### Apple iPhone 16 Pro

4Offering a more compact form factor than the Pro Max yet retaining all the advanced camera capabilities and powerful performance, the iPhone 16 Pro is a top choice. 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 screen size, camera setup, and weight. While the Pixel 9 Pro's cameras might be more reliable, the iPhone 16 Pro still offers excellent photo quality, particularly after some adjustments to the ultra-wide and selfie sensors.

Like the iPhone 16 Pro Max, it boasts the same camera system, allowing smaller-handed users to enjoy top-tier capabilities in a more manageable size. Despite its smaller dimensions, it maintains a 6.3-inch display thanks to slim bezels, while the Pro Max offers a larger 6.9-inch screen. The A18 Pro chip ensures smooth performance across all tasks, including demanding games like Wuthering Waves, enhanced by a 120Hz OLED display.

The base model's 128GB storage might be limiting for some, but the inclusion of a USB 3.0 Type-C port facilitates 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 G3Camera50-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 modelDespite not being the newest model, the Pixel 8 remains a strong contender in the mid-range category. Its Tensor G3 chip offers improved performance and better thermal management, ensuring longevity. Google's promise of seven years of OS, security, and feature updates adds significant value, especially at its reduced price of $500.

The Pixel 8 features a superior design with Gorilla Glass Victus on both sides, improved water resistance, and enhanced cameras. The 50MP main camera excels in various lighting conditions, while the ultra-wide sensor performs well in daylight. The sharp, wide-angle selfie camera complements the package, making the Pixel 8 a great value proposition.

Poco X5 5G – Photos

9 Images5. Poco X5 5G

Best Budget Smartphone

### Poco X5 5G

1This ultra-affordable 5G phone delivers 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 handGreat-looking displayPhone is fairly snappyCONSWeak camerasSomewhat bloated softwareFor those on a tight budget, the Poco X5 5G offers a compelling package at just $220. It has been updated to Android 14, showcasing commendable support for a budget device. The 6.67-inch Super AMOLED display provides a sharp 1080x2400 resolution and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, offering excellent visual quality for the price.

The Snapdragon 695 5G chip handles everyday tasks and some gaming, supported by a sufficient 6GB base memory. However, the cameras are a weak point, with the main sensor performing decently in bright conditions but the ultra-wide falling short. The selfie camera, though, is reasonably good.

RedMagic 9S Pro – Photos

10 Images6. RedMagic 10 Pro

Best Gaming Smartphone

### RedMagic 10 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 SelfieBattery7,050mAhWeight229g (0.5lb)PROSExcellent gaming performanceGreat displayCONSUnderwhelming camerasShorter software supportThe RedMagic 10 Pro stands out with its focus on gaming, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and enhanced by an active cooling fan. This setup ensures sustained high performance, making it ideal for gaming. My testing showed it achieving some of the fastest results, particularly in gaming benchmarks, supported by its massive 7,050mAh battery.

The 6.85-inch OLED display operates at a 144Hz refresh rate, offering uninterrupted visuals with no selfie camera cutout, thanks to the under-display camera technology. Additional gaming features include enhanced touch responsiveness, remappable shoulder buttons, and support for upscaling and frame interpolation.

While the cameras and network support may not match mainstream phones, the RedMagic 10 Pro's focus on gaming and its $649 price make it a standout choice for gamers.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 – Photos

6 Images7. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6

Best Foldable Phone

### Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6

0The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is incredibly fast and visually stunning, though its unfolded aspect ratio may feel 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 weirdFor those seeking the best foldable smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is a top contender. It features a 6.2-inch AMOLED display when folded and expands to a 7.6-inch AMOLED screen when unfolded, both delivering vibrant visuals. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, it handles any mobile game with ease, showing a significant performance boost over its predecessor.

The camera system, with a 50MP main sensor and 30x digital zoom, captures highly detailed photos, though the front-facing cameras are less impressive. The only drawback is the unusual 4:3 aspect ratio when unfolded, which may affect how content is displayed.

How We Picked the Best Smartphones

The smartphone market often pushes consumers towards the latest models with new features, many of which might not be essential for everyone. We selected smartphones across various budgets that provide the best value for money. These devices are durable, guaranteed to receive ongoing software support, and cater to different needs, whether it's photography, gaming, or entertainment, ensuring you get the most out of your investment.

Best Smartphones FAQ

Is Samsung better than Apple for smartphones?

Not necessarily. Both Samsung and Apple produce high-quality premium smartphones with excellent features, but the choice depends on your familiarity with their operating systems—Android versus iOS.

Are iPhones better than Android phones?

Modern iPhones and premium Android phones are quite similar in terms of features and performance. The choice between them should be based on your familiarity with iOS or Android, and how well they integrate with your other devices.

Which Android phone is the best value for money?

The Google Pixel 8 offers great value at $500, with strong performance, elegant design, and long-term software support, making it a standout choice in the mid-range category.