The perfect smartphones to purchase in 2025

You would possibly have already got a good suggestion of which smartphone you wish to be your subsequent one. However there are extra stable choices accessible now than ever earlier than, making the choice not as cut-and-dry because it was once. Whereas the choice is a bit simpler if you need an iPhone, there’s even sufficient variation between these new fashions that you could have to consider it longer than you anticipated. When you’re an Android individual, you might have 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 usually and have examined dozens through the years. Whether or not you’ve had your eye on one in all our present high picks, one in all Samsung’s Galaxy S25 telephones, a cheap phone or one other system, we’re right here that can assist you determine which is the perfect telephone to purchase this 12 months.

Android or iOS?

If 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 simple to share knowledge between iPhones, iPads and Macs or seamlessly hand-off telephone 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 accessible on different platforms.

As for Android, there’s a a lot wider vary of handsets from firms like Google, Samsung, Sony and extra. Nonetheless, 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 fallacious reply. Nonetheless, you’ll want to think about how your telephone will slot in with the remainder of your units. So except you’re actually fed up with one OS and prepared to be taught one other, it in all probability doesn’t make loads of sense to change from an iPhone to an Android telephone (or vice versa) – particularly if everybody else in your family is utilizing the identical platform.

Cameras

Since your cellphone typically pulls double obligation as your main digicam, determining what sort of picture instruments you need is vital. These days, virtually each cell phone can take an excellent image in brilliant mild. However if you would like an extended optical zoom, you’ll in all probability should improve to a costlier system.

Close up of the Pixel 6 Pro's camera bump. — Cherlynn Low / Engadget

Mid-range phones typically solely have two rear cameras (a main wide-angle lens and a secondary ultra-wide digicam) and may generally battle in low-light conditions. Every telephone maker additionally has varied options that may be a greater match on your fashion, with Apple providing 4 totally different coloration 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 sort of 5G connectivity. Nonetheless, if you would like the quickest wi-fi speeds doable, it’s going to value you slightly further. For instance, on sure networks, mmWave 5G affords 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 cheaper units.

On the brilliant aspect, mmWave 5G isn’t as broadly accessible 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 telephone that doesn’t assist it. It’s the same scenario for Wi-Fi 7, which is out there 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 except you want it or have a particular use case in thoughts, the dearth of assist for mmWave 5G or Wi-Fi 7 shouldn’t be a dealbreaker when on the lookout for a brand new telephone.

Different options to think about

As a result of not everybody agrees on what makes the perfect telephone, it is best to take into consideration every other specs that may be further essential for you. Cellular avid gamers will nearly definitely respect the 120Hz refresh charges you get on telephones just like the Samsung Galaxy S25 or the Apple iPhone 16 Professional. Alternatively, if lengthy battery life is essential, you’ll in all probability wish to go along with a bigger iPhone or an Android telephone with a battery that’s between 4,000 and 5,000 mAh in dimension. In the meantime, if you end up juggling loads of units, it may be very nice to have a telephone that helps reverse wi-fi charging, which on Samsung telephones even enables you to recharge the corporate’s Galaxy Watches.

Photograph by Cherlynn Low / Engadget

Learn our full iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max review

Display dimension: 6.3-inch | Storage capability: As much as 1TB | SIM assist: Twin eSim | Battery Life: About someday

Identical to final 12 months, if you would like the perfect iPhone expertise, it is best to get an iPhone 16 Pro or iPhone 16 Professional Max. Not solely is there not a lot of a leap between the 2 with regards to digicam array or common efficiency, however these handsets will get all the advantages of Apple Intelligence — on high of the useful customizations that comes with iOS 18.

The iPhone 16 Professional and 16 Professional Max have barely totally different sizes this time round: 6.3 inches and 6.9 inches, respectively. Apart from that which means you’ll should shell out cash for a brand new case should you improve, it received’t make an excessive amount of of a distinction in common use. The largest {hardware} variations that you just’ll completely discover are the Digicam Management button and the Fusion Digicam. The previous is a brand new aspect button that has contact and stress sensors, making it simpler to not solely launch the Digicam app however management issues like publicity whenever you’re really taking photographs. As we found in our testing for the iPhone 16 Professional evaluate, it’ll take a little bit of getting used to at first. However total, the Digicam Management button is a web constructive that shutterbugs will respect.

The brand new Fusion Digicam sports activities a quicker quad-pixel sensor, amongst different enhancements, and permits for 4K video at 120 fps in Dolby Imaginative and prescient and “zero shutter lag.” The latter means you’ll be capable of really seize the second whenever you press the button, reasonably than the second proper after it. The Fusion Digicam additionally helps new options like Photographic Types, that are enjoyable enhancements which can be much more customizable than common filters.

Elsewhere, the brand new A18 Professional chipset gives wonderful efficiency for each the iPhone 16 Professional and 16 Professional Max, plus assist for Apple Intelligence. Whereas in years previous, there would have been a big distinction within the Professional and Professional Max digicam arrays, this 12 months that hole isn’t as noticeable. The place you will notice main beneficial properties with the Professional Max is battery life — it’ll final two days (like its 15 predecessor), whereas the usual 16 Professional has simply full-day battery life. Solely you possibly can determine if that’s value ponying up the additional $200 for the Max, however regardless, each the Professional and Professional Max handsets supply stellar efficiency, wonderful images chops, enhanced customization with iOS 18 and (quickly) the complete host of Apple Intelligence options. — Valentina Palladino, Deputy Editor

Professionals

Quick digicam with prime quality video seize
Photographic types are efficient and fairly
Good customizations accessible all through

Cons

Comparatively brief battery life
Digicam Management is not good

$999 at Apple

Google

Learn our full Google Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL review

(Pixel 9 Professional) Display dimension: 6.3-inch | Storage capability: As much as 1TB | SIM assist: 1x nano SIM, 1x eSim | Battery Life: 24+ hours

Lastly, a smaller Pixel Professional. Google’s Pixel collection has lengthy been probably the greatest Android telephones round, with the Professional mannequin being the superior model. But it surely was at all times slightly too massive and too cumbersome for these of us who’ve smaller palms or need our telephones to slot in our pockets. Cue the Pixel 9 Pro, which is the littler model of the Pixel 9 Professional XL. As an alternative of a comparatively massive 6.8-inch display like that on its greater sibling, the usual Professional has a 6.3-inch show that’s simple to maneuver. No extra worrying about dropping your Pixel Professional simply since you fumbled whereas making an attempt to achieve the highest of the display!

Higher but, with the Pixel 9 Professional, Google hasn’t sacrificed any key function to get to the smaller dimension, which means you will discover the identical digicam setup and efficiency in each handsets. The one actual variations are the display dimension, battery and charging speeds, because the non-XL mannequin recharges at a barely slower fee. However the Pixel 9 Professional can be a lot longer-lasting than the XL, notching nearly 25 hours on our battery check.

These distinctions apart, the Pixel 9 Professional lineup is our favourite Android telephone due to its top-notch digicam efficiency, intriguing AI options and a common grown-up vibe. Whereas earlier Pixel flagships had a colourful, blocky design that felt recent, this 12 months’s units really feel stable and refined. And, dare we are saying it, nearly like iPhones. With out the digicam bars, they might be fairly exhausting to inform aside from Apple’s telephones.

Presumably as a result of it is grown up a lot through the years, however the Pixel telephones now value the identical as iPhones. The Pixel 9 Professional and iPhone 16 Professional each begin at $999, and although a few of us have come to consider Google’s handsets because the extra competitively priced possibility, this 12 months’s mannequin may be ok to justify a premium worth. When you nonetheless need one thing from the Pixel 9 household however do not wish to pay $1,000, the bottom Pixel 9 continues to be a stable handset for most individuals. However because it stands, the Pixel 9 Professional is the perfect Android handset cash should purchase. — Cherlynn Low, Managing Editor

Professionals

Nice digicam options and improved telephoto digicam
A 12 months of Gemini Superior totally free
Unimaginable battery life
A fantastic, brilliant display that’s simple to make use of open air
Tensor G4 runs cooler than its predecessor

Cons

Slower charging speeds than the XL
Not the perfect telephone for gaming

$999 at Google

Cherlynn Low for Engadget

Learn our full iPhone 16e review

Display dimension: 6.1-inch | Storage capability: As much as 512GB | SIM assist: Twin eSim | Battery Life: Greater than 24 hours

The iPhone 16e is nearer in specs to the iPhone 16 than the iPhone SE was to the iPhone 13. And that makes selecting which iPhone to purchase more durable than ever. Must you save $200 and quit a twin digicam, Dynamic Island, Digicam Management and MagSafe? That relies upon largely in your priorities and funds.

Whereas I believe that anybody who can afford the worth distinction ought to go for the iPhone 16 over the iPhone 16e, I can’t deny that that is Apple’s finest entry-level iPhone thus far. It has an Motion button, USB-C, a bigger, brighter display and an A18 chip that permits Apple Intelligence. My largest considerations with it are limitations introduced on by its single rear digicam setup — issues like not having the ability to seize ultrawide photographs or Portrait mode not working if there isn’t a face within the scene. When 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 stay with out snapping portraits of objects and faceless objects, the iPhone 16e’s digicam shall be satisfying.

There are different elements to think about, like whether or not you usually 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 will get a MagSafe case to treatment this) and expenses at a slower pace than the iPhone 15 or iPhone 16 (however there’s no repair for this). You possibly can think about the $699 iPhone 15 for a greater digicam and wi-fi charging expertise, however you’ll be giving up Apple Intelligence and an Motion button. — C.L.

Professionals

Strong efficiency
Lengthy battery life
Clear, sturdy design
Vivid, vibrant display

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 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 accessible on its costlier siblings. The truth is, it really 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 telephone with a stable design, a pleasant display, wonderful cameras and powerful battery life, the Pixel 9a is basically exhausting to beat. So whereas it is not tremendous fancy, the telephone has all of its most essential bases lined (after which some). However most significantly, beginning at simply $499, this telephone looks like an unimaginable deal that punches effectively above its worth. — Sam Rutherford, Senior Reporter

Professionals

Smooth 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 dimension: 8-inch (predominant) 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 predominant 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 individuals who wish to expertise new heights in foldable telephone design, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is a masterpiece of recent gadget design. — S.R.

Professionals

Exquisitely skinny design
Sleeker hinge
Huge 200MP predominant digicam
Bigger shows
Prime-tier efficiency

Cons

Very costly
No S Pen assist
Mediocre charging speeds

$2,000 at Amazon

Photograph by Mat Smith / Engadget

Learn our full Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 review

Display dimension: 6.7-inch (predominant) 3.4-inch (entrance) | Storage capability: As much as 1TB | SIM assist: 1x nano SIM, 1x eSim | Battery life: As much as 23 hours

Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 6 has an upgraded digicam and a bigger battery than its predecessor. These two specs alone make the most recent Galaxy flip-phone a extra tempting possibility, within the face of rival flagship telephones. The leap from a 12-megapixel to 50MP digicam means you possibly can select to seize extra element, or crop in for, successfully, a digital zoom. The entrance display has loads of area for framing your selfie photographs, and a brand new Auto-Zoom function means it will probably even body unsupervised group photographs for you. Images is augmented by Samsung’s improved AI picture modifying instruments, which is far simpler to make use of.

The Z Flip 6 now has a strong Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, so it’s simply as highly effective because the S24 Extremely and Z Fold 6. Unfold the principle display and also you’ll discover one which’s brighter than ever (as much as 2,600 nits). Samsung says that is its brightest foldable show but, making it simpler to make use of and skim open air.

The design hasn’t modified a lot and a give attention to new AI software program and methods comes at the price of restricted cowl display utility, however it’s nonetheless as pocketable as ever and continues to be essentially the most mainstream foldable but. — Mat Smith, Editor, UK Bureau Chief, E-newsletter

Professionals

Higher cameras
Longer battery life
Enjoyable generative AI methods

Cons

Costlier than its predecessor
Design is sort of equivalent to final 12 months
Restricted front-screen utility
Sluggish charging

$900 at Amazon

Different smartphones we have examined

Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely

Like its predecessor, the S25 Ultra is an extremely versatile telephone. It’s one of many few handsets that include an included stylus and premium options like a beautiful 6.9-inch AMOLED show, titanium body and a 5x telephoto digicam. It additionally has wonderful efficiency and powerful battery life. The problem is that, other than improved AI, this 12 months’s telephone doesn’t supply that rather more than the earlier mannequin (or the one earlier than that), and with costs beginning at $1,300, we really feel it must do extra to earn a high choose spot.

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 perfect methods. That’s as a result of as a substitute of specializing in machine studying, OnePlus crammed the telephone 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 affords wonderful 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 greater than what you get in virtually all of its rivals.

OnePlus didn’t skimp on the telephone’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 telephone 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.

FAQs

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

Whereas selecting the perfect smartphone might be difficult, it principally comes right down to how you intend on utilizing the system. The entire finest telephones accessible 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, 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 telephone that can final for a few years. When you don’t use your telephone for all the things, you might be able to 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 perfect funds telephones accessible now will often compromise on total 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 telephone that matches their wants someplace in the course of that vast worth vary — we’ve discovered that many of the finest smartphones accessible proper now value between $500 and $1,000.

What are you able to do on a smartphone?

Smartphones are primarily small, moveable computer systems that allow you to do issues like test e mail, browse social media, observe map instructions, make contactless funds and extra. That is all on high of the fundamentals like making telephone calls and texting, which we’ve come to count on in all trendy cell telephones. Smartphones have additionally principally changed compact cameras because of their high-quality, built-in shooters, and the truth that most smartphones right this moment as simply as moveable, 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 telephone 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 telephone can deteriorate over time as you utilize and recharge your telephone regularly.