The Best Smartphones for 2025

Smartphones aren't exactly cheap thrills. These glass rectangles, essential for daily life, can cost a fortune if you want the latest and greatest. That's why we've curated this list of the best smartphones, prioritizing value for money.

TL;DR – Top Smartphones:

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
See it at Amazon

Google Pixel 9 Pro
See it at Amazon See it at Best Buy

Apple iPhone 16 Pro
See it at Best Buy See it at Apple

Google Pixel 8
See it at Amazon

Poco X5 5G
See it at Amazon

RedMagic 10 Pro
See it at Amazon See it at RedMagic

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
See it at Amazon

Value is subjective. Some prioritize photography, others gaming performance, or stunning displays. We've tested phones across the spectrum.

This list includes top Android and iPhone options, along with some older models offering exceptional value due to price reductions. Consider your needs and explore the best choices available.

Contributions by Jacqueline Thomas, Callum Bains, and Danielle Abraham

1. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Best Smartphone

A 6.8-inch AMOLED screen, powerful processor for multitasking, video editing, and gaming, plus stunning cameras. See it at Amazon

Product Specifications:

• Screen size: 6.8 inches
• Rear cameras: 4
• Front cameras: 1
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 (third generation)
• Battery life: 5,000mAh
• Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
• Starting price: $1,299.99

Pros: Incredible performance, exceptional camera system

Cons: Titanium build makes it large and heavy

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra excels in versatility. Our review highlights its powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, capable of handling demanding games at high frame rates. Its 6.8-inch Super AMOLED display (with anti-glare finish) delivers stunning visuals. While its size and weight are noteworthy, the large screen is ideal for S Pen usage. The impressive camera system, featuring a 200MP main sensor and multiple telephoto lenses, captures exceptional photos and videos.

Despite its high price, the S24 Ultra delivers exceptional value.

2. Google Pixel 9 Pro

Best Camera Phone

Elegant design, exceptional cameras, quality display, and long-term software support. See it at Amazon See it at Best Buy

Product Specifications:

• Screen: 6.3-inch OLED, 1280x2856, 495 ppi, 120Hz refresh rate
• Processor: Tensor G4
• Camera: 50-Megapixel Wide, 48-Megapixel Ultrawide, 48-Megapixel Telephoto, 42-Megapixel Selfie
• Battery: 4,700mAh
• Weight: 199g (0.44lb)

Pros: Elegant and compact design, excellent camera system, long-term software support

Cons: Gaming performance lags behind, base storage could be bigger

The Pixel 9 Pro shines with its camera system. Its triple-camera setup delivers excellent photos across various scenarios. The selfie camera also performs admirably. The phone's elegant design, bright OLED display, and extended software support further enhance its appeal. While its gaming performance isn't top-tier, it's sufficient for everyday use.

3. Apple iPhone 16 Pro

Best iPhone

Lower starting price than the Pro Max, more compact form factor, excellent camera capabilities, and potent performance. See it at Best Buy See it at Apple

4. Google Pixel 8

Best Mid-Range Smartphone

Solid cameras, smart AI functions, and a bright OLED display at an affordable price. See it at Amazon

5. Poco X5 5G

Best Budget Smartphone

Ultra-cheap phone offering 5G, smooth performance, and a crisp display. See it at Amazon

6. RedMagic 10 Pro

Best Gaming Smartphone

Exceptional performance and sustained gaming capabilities. See it at Amazon See it at RedMagic

7. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6

Best Foldable Phone

Incredibly fast and gorgeous smartphone, with stunning displays. See it at Amazon

How We Picked the Best Smartphones

The mobile phone industry heavily relies on upselling. We selected smartphones across various budgets that offer the best value. We prioritized durable phones with guaranteed software support, extending their lifespan.

Best Smartphones FAQ

Is Samsung better than Apple for smartphones?

Both offer high-quality premium phones. The key difference lies in their operating systems: Android vs. iOS. Choose the OS you're most comfortable with.

Are iPhones better than Android phones?

Premium iPhones and Android phones are remarkably similar. The choice depends on your familiarity with iOS or Android and your preference for integration with other Apple or Windows devices.

Which Android phone is the best value for money?

The Google Pixel 8 offers potent performance, elegant design, and long-term software support at a compelling price point.