The best phones of 2025 have fast processors, a battery that can make it a full day on a single charge and vibrant screens for Netflix and TikTok. They can also take gorgeous photos. The problem is that there is a menagerie of options for 2025 like Samsung’s new Galaxy S25 line reviews, Apple’s iPhone 16 series or Google’s Pixel 9 family. Then there are phones, like the foldable Motorola Razr Plus (2024), that offer you about as much fun as you can find in a phone today.
Budget-friendly phones like the Pixel 8A also make this list and have smooth performance at a more wallet-friendly price. With so many options, figuring out which one is best for your needs can be tough. To help, we’ve rounded up our top picks.Best Smartphones 2025
Mobile World Congress, the annual conference all about phones and mobile gadgets, is here and should be one of the most exciting tech events of 2025. Samsung, Xiaomi, Honor and other phone manufacturers will be in attendance. You can follow all the major MWC 2025 announcements here.
What is the best phone for most people?
The best phone for most people in 2025 will likely be a balance of performance, camera quality, battery life, and price. Based on current trends, these are the top choices:
Apple iPhone 16 Pro (Best Overall for Most People)
- Why? Great balance of power, camera, and software updates.
- A18 Bionic Chip for smooth performance
- 6.7-inch OLED ProMotion display (120Hz)
- 48MP Camera with AI enhancements
- iOS updates for 5+ years
- Strong build quality with titanium frame
Samsung Galaxy S25 (Best Android Choice)
- Why? Flagship Android experience with top-tier features.
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 processor
- 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED display (120Hz)
- 50MP Main Camera + AI improvements
- 5000mAh battery with 45W fast charging
- One UI 7 with long software support
Google Pixel 9 (Best for AI & Software Updates)
- Why? Best AI-powered phone with pure Android experience.
- Google Tensor G4 chip
- 6.5-inch OLED display
- 50MP AI-powered camera
- Android 15 with 7 years of updates
- Affordable price compared to other flagships
OnePlus 13 (Best Value for Money)
- Why? Premium features at a lower price.
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 processor
- 6.7-inch 120Hz AMOLED display
- 108MP Hasselblad camera
- 5500mAh battery with 120W charging
- OxygenOS 15 for smooth UI
Which One Should You Buy?
- For iPhone users → iPhone 16 Pro
- For Android lovers → Samsung Galaxy S25
- For best AI features & updates → Google Pixel 9
- For best value → OnePlus 13
Top Smartphones of 2025: Detailed Overview
With smartphone technology advancing rapidly, 2025 brings some of the most powerful and feature-packed smartphones ever. Whether you are looking for flagship performance, top-tier cameras, or gaming powerhouses, this year’s lineup has something for everyone. Here’s a detailed look at the best smartphones of 2025.
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max – The Ultimate Flagship
Apple continues to dominate the smartphone market with its iPhone 16 Pro Max, featuring the powerful A18 Bionic Chip, a 6.9-inch ProMotion OLED Display, and an upgraded 50MP triple-camera system with AI enhancements. With iOS 19, users get a more personalized Siri and advanced privacy features. The titanium frame ensures durability, and with long software support, it’s an ideal choice for those who prefer Apple’s ecosystem.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra – Best Android Flagship
Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra is designed for power users, boasting a Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 (or Exynos 2500, region-based) processor, a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display (144Hz refresh rate), and a groundbreaking 200MP main camera with periscope zoom. The S-Pen integration enhances productivity, while the 6000mAh battery with 65W fast charging ensures all-day performance. If you want an Android powerhouse with cutting-edge camera technology, the S25 Ultra is a top pick.
Google Pixel 9 Pro – Best for AI & Camera
Google’s Pixel 9 Pro is the perfect choice for AI lovers and photography enthusiasts. Powered by the Google Tensor G4 chip, it offers a 6.7-inch LTPO OLED display and a 64MP AI-powered camera system with enhanced Night Sight and Magic Eraser features. Running stock Android 15, the Pixel 9 Pro guarantees smooth performance with 7 years of software updates. The Titan M3 security chip also ensures robust security and privacy, making it an ideal phone for those who value longevity and AI-driven features.
OnePlus 13 Pro – The Flagship Killer
OnePlus continues its legacy of offering flagship specs at competitive prices with the OnePlus 13 Pro. It features the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 processor, a 6.9-inch 2K Fluid AMOLED display, and a 108MP Hasselblad camera system for superior photography. The 120W fast charging with a 5500mAh battery ensures quick top-ups, and OxygenOS 15 provides a smooth and bloat-free Android experience. For those who want premium features without spending too much, OnePlus 13 Pro is an excellent option.
Xiaomi 15 Ultra – Best for Budget Flagship Seekers
Xiaomi continues to push boundaries with the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, featuring a Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 processor, a 6.8-inch QHD+ AMOLED display, and an industry-leading 200MP Leica camera with HyperOIS stabilization. The phone packs 16GB RAM and up to 1TB storage, making it a beast for multitasking. With a 5000mAh battery and 120W fast charging, users can expect exceptional battery life and quick recharges. If you’re looking for a flagship experience at a lower price, Xiaomi 15 Ultra is a strong contender.
ASUS ROG Phone 9 – Best for Gaming
Gamers will love the ASUS ROG Phone 9, which is built for high-performance gaming. With a Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 processor, a 165Hz AMOLED display, and AirTrigger shoulder buttons, this phone provides an unmatched gaming experience. The 6000mAh battery ensures extended play sessions, while RGB lighting and an advanced cooling system keep temperatures under control. If mobile gaming is your priority, the ROG Phone 9 is the best choice in 2025.
Best Android Phone for Most People in 2025
The best Android phone for most users in 2025 should offer strong performance, a high-quality display, excellent cameras, long battery life, and reliable software updates. The Samsung Galaxy S25 stands out as the best overall choice.
Samsung Galaxy S25 – Best Overall Android Phone
This smartphone delivers a great combination of power, design, and features. It is equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 (or Exynos 2500 depending on the region), ensuring smooth multitasking and gaming. The 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate provides a sharp and fluid viewing experience.
The 50MP main camera with AI enhancements captures high-quality photos and videos, making it ideal for photography enthusiasts. It also features a 5000mAh battery with 45W fast charging, ensuring all-day usage without frequent recharges. Running on One UI 7 based on Android 15, it guarantees long-term software support with at least four years of major updates.Samsung Galaxy S25
The Galaxy S25’s biggest flex is that it shares many of the same attributes as its pricier counterparts, the
Best premium iPhone
Apple iPhone 16 Pro
iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max: Ultimate Guide
Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are the most advanced smartphones in the lineup, offering top-tier performance, stunning displays, and powerful camera systems. Both models feature the A18 Bionic chip, ensuring faster processing speeds, improved power efficiency, and seamless multitasking. The iPhone 16 Pro comes with a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max offers a larger 6.9-inch screen, both supporting a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and gaming.
The camera systems on these models are designed for professionals and photography enthusiasts. They include a new 50MP main sensor with improved low-light capabilities, advanced AI-powered image processing, and an enhanced periscope zoom lens for high-quality telephoto shots. Video recording is upgraded with better stabilization and cinematic mode improvements, making both models ideal for content creators.
Battery life is another strong point, with both models featuring larger capacities and optimized power management for all-day usage. The titanium frame enhances durability while keeping the devices lightweight. Both models run on iOS 19, offering new AI-driven features, privacy enhancements, and long-term software support. The iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max set a new standard for premium smartphones, making them the best choices for users who want cutting-edge technology and longevity.
Best Premium Android Phone Guide
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
The best premium Android phone of 2025 offers top-tier performance, an exceptional display, advanced camera technology, and long-lasting battery life. Among the leading choices, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra stands out with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 processor, a 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, and a 200MP main camera with periscope zoom for high-quality photography. The device supports S Pen functionality, making it ideal for productivity and creativity. The battery capacity ensures all-day usage with fast charging capabilities, while the refined design with a titanium frame adds durability and elegance.
Other strong contenders include the Google Pixel 9 Pro, known for its AI-driven camera enhancements and pure Android experience, and the OnePlus 13 Pro, which delivers flagship performance with a smooth OxygenOS interface and ultra-fast charging. Xiaomi 15 Ultra is another excellent choice, offering cutting-edge specifications at a competitive price. Premium Android phones in 2025 push the boundaries of innovation with powerful chipsets, immersive displays, and software optimizations that provide seamless user experiences. With long-term software support and superior build quality, these devices are designed for those who demand the best in technology and performance.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra which
Best iPhone Under $700 Guide
For those looking for the best iPhone under seven hundred dollars, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 14 Pro are among the top choices. The iPhone 15 offers a modern design with a Dynamic Island display, a powerful A16 Bionic chip, and an upgraded camera system with improved low-light performance. Its battery life is optimized for all-day usage, and the device receives long-term iOS updates, ensuring longevity and security. The iPhone 14 Pro, often available at discounted prices, features a ProMotion display with a one hundred twenty hertz refresh rate, a premium stainless steel design, and a high-end camera system with a telephoto lens for better zoom capabilities.
Both models deliver excellent performance, smooth software experience, and reliable build quality, making them ideal options for users seeking a premium iPhone experience without exceeding their budget.iPhone 15
With the Dynamic Island, a USB-C port for more convenient charging and an upgr
Best Phone Under $300
Finding a great smartphone under three hundred dollars requires balancing performance, display quality, battery life, and software support. The Samsung Galaxy A25 and the Google Pixel 6a are among the best choices in this price range. The Galaxy A25 features a vibrant AMOLED display, a reliable Exynos processor, and a long-lasting battery, making it ideal for everyday use. The Pixel 6a offers a clean Android experience with the Tensor chip, ensuring smooth performance and AI-enhanced photography. Both devices receive regular software updates, providing security and new features over time. Other options, such as the Motorola Moto G Stylus and the OnePlus Nord CE, offer solid alternatives with large displays, decent cameras, and good battery life. These smartphones prove that users can still get a smooth and enjoyable experience without spending a premium price.
Best Android Phone Under $500
The best Android phone under five hundred dollars offers a balance of performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and battery life. The Google Pixel 7a is one of the top choices, featuring a high-quality OLED display, the Tensor G2 chip for smooth performance, and an advanced camera system with AI-powered enhancements for excellent photography. The Samsung Galaxy A54 is another strong contender, providing a vibrant AMOLED display, a powerful Exynos processor, and long battery life with fast charging support. The OnePlus Nord 3 also stands out with its fluid OxygenOS experience, a high refresh rate display, and reliable performance for gaming and multitasking. These devices receive regular software updates, ensuring security and new features over time. With a combination of great hardware and optimized software, these smartphones deliver a premium experience at an affordable price.
Best Google Has to Offer Guide
Google’s best offering in the smartphone market is the Pixel 9 Pro, which delivers an exceptional combination of hardware, software, and artificial intelligence-driven features. It comes with a high-resolution OLED display that provides vibrant colors and smooth scrolling, powered by the latest Tensor G4 chip for enhanced performance and efficiency. The Pixel 9 Pro stands out with its industry-leading camera system, featuring advanced computational photography that enhances low-light images, sharpens details, and improves portrait mode. Google’s AI integration enhances voice commands, on-device processing, and security features, ensuring a seamless and secure user experience. Battery optimization allows for all-day usage, while the device benefits from long-term software updates, including exclusive Android features before they reach other smartphones. The Pixel 9 Pro is designed for those who value a pure Android experience with cutting-edge AI enhancements and top-tier photography capabilities.
What about AI features?
Artificial intelligence is the talk of the tech world these days, and mobile phones are looking to capitalize on the buzz by adding AI-powered features that either simplify common tasks or help you create new images and documents on the go.
Google’s phones — whether it’s the flagship Pixel 9 models or the budget Pixel 8a — have the most advanced AI, but Samsung has gotten very aggressive with adding Galaxy AI capabilities, whether it’s introducing AI features in new phones or extending those features to older flagships; that said, it’s unclear which Galaxy AI additions arriving with the Galaxy S25 will find their way to other Samsung devices.
Apple trails both its rivals, though it hopes the Apple Intelligence features currently rolling out to the iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 Pro models will close the gap somewhat. The arrival of the iPhone 16e makes those AI features available in a lower-cost model.
Philip Michaels
Philip Michaels is a Managing Editor at Tom’s Guide. He’s been covering personal technology since 1999 and was in the building when Steve Jobs showed off the iPhone for the first time. He’s been evaluating smartphones since that first iPhone debuted in 2007, and he’s been following phone carriers and smartphone plans since 2015. He has strong opinions about Apple, the Oakland Athletics, old movies and proper butchery techniques. Follow him at @PhilipMichaels.
Common FAQs About the Best Android Phones Under $500
What is the best smartphone in 2025?
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, iPhone 16 Pro Max, and Google Pixel 9 Pro are among the best smartphones in 2025, offering top performance, excellent cameras, and long battery life.
Which phone has the best camera in 2025?
The iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra have the best camera systems, with advanced zoom features, AI-powered enhancements, and excellent low-light performance.
What is the best budget smartphone in 2025?
The Google Pixel 7a, Samsung Galaxy A25, and OnePlus Nord 3 are great budget-friendly options that offer good performance at a lower price.
Which phone has the longest battery life?
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max have large batteries and optimized power efficiency, lasting more than a full day on a single charge.
What is the best Android phone in 2025?
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and Google Pixel 9 Pro are the best Android phones, offering powerful hardware, great software experiences, and excellent cameras.
What is the best iPhone in 2025?
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is the best iPhone, featuring the fastest processor, best camera system, and longest software support.
Do all flagship phones support 5G?
Yes, all top smartphones in 2025 come with 5G support for faster internet speeds and better connectivity.
Which phone is best for gaming?
The Asus ROG Phone 9, Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, and iPhone 16 Pro Max offer high refresh rate displays and powerful processors, making them great for gaming.
Are 2025 smartphones durable?
Yes, most flagship phones now come with stronger glass, titanium or aluminum frames, and water resistance for better durability.
Should I upgrade my phone in 2025?
If your phone is more than two or three years old, upgrading to a new model will give you better performance, battery life, and camera quality.
Conclusion
The best smartphones of 2025 bring cutting-edge technology, powerful performance, and advanced cameras to enhance everyday life. Whether you prefer the iPhone 16 Pro Max for its seamless Apple experience, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra for its top-tier Android features, or the Google Pixel 9 Pro for AI-driven photography, there is a perfect phone for everyone. Budget-friendly options like the Pixel 7a and Galaxy A25 also offer great value without compromising quality. With longer battery life, faster processors, and improved durability, 2025 smartphones are smarter and more efficient than ever. Choose the one that fits your needs and enjoy the latest innovations in mobile technology.
