Top Smartphones to Watch in 2025

Smartphones may seem like just another glass rectangle, but they're essential for staying connected, entertained, and productive. Whether you're messaging friends, watching YouTube, scrolling through social media, or snapping photos, the latest models can be pricey. That's why we've carefully selected the best smartphones on the market, balancing value against cost to help you make the best choice.

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 from their smartphone. Whether it's capturing stunning photos, achieving top-notch performance for gaming, or enjoying movies on a vivid display, our list covers all the bases. Here, you'll find a range of options, from the best Android phones to iPhone alternatives and the latest from Apple. We've ensured that no phone is substandard or overly compromised for a lower price. Moreover, we've included older models that offer great value due to price reductions, making them competitive against newer releases. Consider what you need most from a phone as you explore the best options available.

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 that can handle multiple apps, video editing, gaming, and stunning camera performance. 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 stands out as the ultimate smartphone, excelling in every area. Our Galaxy S24 Ultra review highlights its impressive capabilities, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. This chip ensures smooth gameplay, even in demanding titles like Genshin Impact at 60fps with max settings. The phone's ample memory allows seamless multitasking, keeping games running in the background.

The S24 Ultra's 6.8-inch Super AMOLED display boasts a 1-120Hz refresh rate, delivering vivid visuals and smooth motion. Its new anti-glare finish enhances visibility in bright conditions. While the large screen makes the phone sizable and heavy, it's both durable and ideal for using the S Pen for writing and drawing, a feature few other phones offer.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra – Photos

5 ImagesIts camera system is equally impressive, featuring a 200MP wide sensor, 12MP ultra-wide, 10MP 3x telephoto, and 50MP 5x telephoto lens. This setup offers extensive photographic capabilities, capturing exceptional images across various scenarios. The 12MP front camera also delivers solid selfies.

Given its comprehensive features and high-quality build, the S24 Ultra justifies its premium price, offering unmatched value for tech enthusiasts.

2. Google Pixel 9 Pro

Best Camera Phone

### Google Pixel 9 Pro

2With an elegant design, top-notch cameras, a vibrant display, and long-term software support, the Pixel 9 Pro excels in photography. 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 is a photography powerhouse, offering a versatile triple-camera system that captures high-quality images across different focal lengths. The 50MP wide, 48MP ultra-wide, and 48MP telephoto lenses, along with a 42MP selfie camera, ensure you get the best shots in any situation.

Pixel 9 Pro – Main Camera Samples

22 ImagesIts sleek design features slim bezels around a 6.3-inch OLED display, which is bright and offers smooth, vibrant visuals. While the Tensor G4 chip may not match the performance of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or Apple's A18 Pro, it's sufficient for everyday tasks and AI applications, and it handles gaming well enough.

Google's commitment to long-term software support further enhances the Pixel 9 Pro's appeal, ensuring it remains up-to-date and secure for years.

3. Apple iPhone 16 Pro

Best iPhone

### Apple iPhone 16 Pro

4The iPhone 16 Pro offers a lower starting price and a compact form factor without sacrificing camera capabilities or performance. 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, is a powerhouse that shares many features with the Google Pixel 9 Pro, including display size, camera setup, and weight. While the Pixel 9 Pro's cameras are slightly more reliable, the iPhone 16 Pro still delivers excellent photo quality with some adjustments, especially for the ultra-wide and selfie cameras.

This year, the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max share the same camera system, making the Pro a great choice for those who prefer a smaller phone. Despite its compact size, it features a 6.3-inch display thanks to slim bezels. The Pro Max, however, offers a larger 6.9-inch screen.

Powered by the A18 Pro chip, the iPhone 16 Pro handles everyday tasks and demanding games like Wuthering Waves effortlessly. The 120Hz OLED display enhances the gaming experience. However, the base model's 128GB storage might be limiting for those who plan to store many high-resolution files. Fortunately, the USB 3.0 Type-C port allows 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 functions, and a bright OLED display at a budget-friendly price. See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen6.2-inch OLED, 1080x2400, 428 ppi, 120Hz refresh rateProcessorTensor G3 Camera50-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 modelThe Pixel 8 may not be the latest model, but it offers significant value at a mid-range price of $500. The Tensor G3 chip provides improved performance and better thermal management, ensuring longevity. Google's promise of seven years of OS, security, and feature updates means the Pixel 8 will remain relevant for years to come.

Despite its age, the Pixel 8's design is superior to its mid-range counterparts, featuring Gorilla Glass Victus and improved water resistance. Its 50MP main camera excels in various lighting conditions, while the ultra-wide and selfie cameras perform well in daylight. At this price point, the Pixel 8 offers a compelling package.

Poco X5 5G – Photos

9 Images5. Poco X5 5G

Best Budget Smartphone

### PocoX5 5G

1For just $220, the Poco X5 5G offers 5G connectivity, smooth performance, and a crisp display, though its cameras and gaming performance 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 hand Great-looking displayPhone is fairly snappyCONSWeak camerasSomewhat bloated softwareThe Poco X5 5G is a surprising gem in the budget category, launched in 2023 and still offering value at $220. It's been updated to Android 14, ensuring continued support. The standout feature is its 6.67-inch Super AMOLED display, which boasts a sharp 1080x2400 resolution and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, delivering vibrant visuals.

Powered by the Snapdragon 695 5G, the Poco X5 5G handles everyday tasks and light gaming well, with enough memory for multitasking. However, its cameras are a weak point, with the main sensor performing adequately in bright conditions, while the ultra-wide and macro lenses struggle. The selfie camera, however, is decent.

RedMagic 9S Pro – Photos

10 Images6. RedMagic 10 Pro

Best Gaming Smartphone

### RedMagic10 Pro

1The RedMagic 10 Pro delivers top-tier 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 SeflieBattery7,050mAhWeight229g (0.5lb)PROSExcellent gaming performanceGreat displayCONSUnderwhelming camerasShorter software supportThe RedMagic 10 Pro is designed for gamers, featuring the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and an active cooling fan that minimizes thermal throttling, allowing for sustained high performance. My review confirmed its exceptional gaming capabilities, with top benchmark results and impressive sustain rates.

The 6.85-inch OLED display runs at a fast 144Hz refresh rate and is uninterrupted by a camera cutout, enhancing the gaming experience. The phone also offers boosted touch responsiveness, remappable shoulder buttons, and supports upscaling and frame interpolation for select games, ensuring smooth and sharp visuals.

Despite its gaming focus, the RedMagic 10 Pro boasts a sturdy design, quality stereo speakers, a headphone jack, and comes with a case. While the cameras and network support may not match mainstream phones, its gaming prowess and $649 price make it a standout choice.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 – Photos

6 Images7. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6

Best Foldable Phone

### SamsungGalaxy Z Fold 6

0The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 offers incredible speed and stunning displays, though its unfolded aspect ratio can be 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 weirdThe Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is the leading foldable smartphone, transforming into a tablet-like device when unfolded. It features a 6.2-inch AMOLED cover display and a 7.6-inch main display, both delivering vibrant colors and deep blacks. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, it handles demanding games like Zenless Zone Zero and Wuthering Waves with ease.

The Z Fold 6's camera system, with a 50MP main sensor and 30x digital zoom, captures detailed photos. However, the front-facing cameras are less impressive. The unique 4:3 aspect ratio of the unfolded screen can make some content appear unusual, potentially affecting the viewing experience.

How We Picked the Best Smartphones

The smartphone market often pushes consumers to upgrade to the latest and greatest models, emphasizing the superiority of Pro or Max versions. While these models do offer advanced features, many users may not need them. Our selection of smartphones spans various budgets, focusing on value for money. We prioritized durability, long-term software support, and suitability for everyday use, ensuring that each phone offers a balanced set of features without unnecessary extras.

Best Smartphones FAQ

Is Samsung better than Apple for smartphones?

Not necessarily. Both Samsung and Apple produce high-quality, feature-rich premium phones. The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max offer similar performance, excellent cameras, and long-term software updates. The choice often depends on your familiarity with Android or iOS operating systems.

Are iPhones better than Android phones?

Modern iPhones and premium Android phones are very similar in functionality and performance. The decision between them often hinges on which operating system you're more accustomed to. iPhones integrate well with other Apple products, while Android phones work better with Windows devices.

Which Android phone is the best value for money?

The Google Pixel 8 stands out as a great value at $500, offering robust performance, an elegant design, and long-term software support. It's challenging to find a better deal at this price point without significant compromises.