Looking for the best smartphone in 2025? Whether you’re after cutting-edge flagships, sleek foldables, or a powerful phone that won’t break the bank, this is your one-stop guide. The smartphone landscape has evolved rapidly this year, with top brands like Samsung, Apple, Google, OnePlus, and Xiaomi pushing the envelope on design, AI integration, battery life, and performance. We’ve tested and reviewed the standout models across all categories so you can make the right choice—no matter your budget or needs.
From the best camera phones to foldables with real durability, we break down the best smartphones of 2025 by price range, feature set, and overall user experience.
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Titanium – The Pinnacle of Premium
Apple’s flagship gets tougher, smarter, and sleeker with its titanium frame and upgraded A18 Pro chip. The iPhone 16 Pro Max offers unbeatable performance, a brighter ProMotion XDR display, and next-gen AI features baked into iOS. It’s the iPhone reimagined for the AI age, setting a new bar for premium smartphones.
Highlights:
- Titanium build: durable yet lightweight
- A18 Pro chip: power-efficient AI processing
- 48MP main camera with ultra-low-light performance
- 7 years of iOS updates
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra – The Ultimate Android Powerhouse
Samsung’s top-tier flagship brings a 200MP camera, S Pen, and AI-driven performance improvements. With a Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chip and the best AMOLED display in the game, it’s built for productivity and pro-grade photography. It’s the go-to choice for Android lovers who want zero compromises.
Highlights:
- 200MP AI-enhanced camera
- S Pen integration
- 6.8″ AMOLED 2X with 1440p resolution
- One UI 7 based on Android 15
OnePlus 13 – Fast, Fluid, and Focused
OnePlus returns with a flagship that prioritizes speed, clean design, and Hasselblad imaging. It delivers top-tier performance without the bloat, and lightning-fast charging seals the deal. This is the phone for Android purists who demand elegance and speed.
Highlights:
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 4
- 100W SuperVOOC charging
- 120Hz LTPO OLED display
- Hasselblad triple-camera system
Google Pixel 8a – Best Budget Camera Phone
Affordable meets smart with the Pixel 8a. Featuring Google’s Tensor G3 chip and class-leading computational photography, this phone punches well above its price. If you’re on a budget but love clean Android and smart features, this is your pick.
Highlights:
- Tensor G3 chip
- 64MP camera with Night Sight and Magic Editor
- 7 years of Android updates
- Pixel-exclusive AI features
Motorola razr+ 2024 – Foldable Flair With Flagship Features
The razr+ brings a massive outer display and stylish design. Motorola has refined the hinge, added better cameras, and integrated multitasking for foldable fans. It’s where fashion meets functionality in the world of foldables.
Highlights:
- 4” external pOLED display
- Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2
- Flex View mode
- 30W fast charging
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 – The Productivity Foldable
The Z Fold 6 boasts a lighter build, wider cover screen, and enhanced multitasking tools. It’s the best foldable for professionals who want a tablet and phone in one. Multitasking, content creation, and power-use have never been this seamless.
Highlights:
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 4
- Durable folding hinge
- 7.6” AMOLED main display
- One UI Fold Edition
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 – Compact and Capable
With improved battery life, a refined hinge, and expanded outer screen functionality, the Z Flip 6 brings style and function in a compact foldable form. It’s the most fashionable flip phone with serious everyday power.
Highlights:
- Larger 3.9” cover screen
- AI-powered camera improvements
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 4
- 25W fast charging
Xiaomi 14 Ultra 512GB – Photography Beast
Xiaomi continues to impress with a Leica-powered quad-camera setup and massive storage. It’s a media creation machine with flagship-tier internals. For photographers and power users, this is a phone that does it all.
Highlights:
- 50MP quad-camera with Leica optics
- 512GB UFS 4.0 storage
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
- 90W wired + 50W wireless charging
Google Pixel 9 – Google’s Smartest Yet
Pixel 9 refines everything the Pixel line is known for: AI integration, stellar photography, and a clean Android experience. It’s the Android to beat for smart features and intuitive design.
Highlights:
- Tensor G4 chip
- 50MP main sensor with Real Tone 2
- Gemini Nano AI features
- Matte glass design
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra – Still a Stunner
Still a 2025 favorite, the S24 Ultra offers incredible camera versatility, S Pen utility, and a polished design that holds its own. It remains one of the most well-rounded Android flagships you can buy.
Highlights:
- 200MP camera system
- AI Zoom and Nightography
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy
- Gorilla Armor Glass
Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro – The Gamer’s Dream
Built for gamers, this beast delivers insane refresh rates, RGB flair, and accessories that make mobile gaming elite.
Highlights:
- 165Hz AMOLED display
- AirTriggers + cooling system
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 4
- Monster 6000mAh battery
Samsung Galaxy S24 FE – Flagship Features, Friendlier Price
The FE edition carries forward the S24 DNA at a lower cost. It’s ideal for users who want solid specs without going Ultra.
Highlights:
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
- 50MP primary camera
- 120Hz AMOLED
- 4 years of OS updates
Motorola Razr 2024 – Affordable Foldable Fun
The standard Razr model is more budget-conscious than the plus variant but still delivers a stylish, foldable experience.
Highlights:
- 3.6” external screen
- Snapdragon 7 Gen 3
- Clean Android 14
- Compact and fun design
OnePlus Open – Best Foldable for Power Users
The OnePlus Open brings a surprisingly polished foldable experience with great build quality and multi-app multitasking.
Highlights:
- 7.8” AMOLED inner screen
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
- OxygenOS Fold edition
- Slim, book-style design
Oppo Find X8 Pro – Luxury Meets Performance
With sleek aesthetics, massive RAM/storage, and top-tier camera hardware, Oppo’s Find X8 Pro turns heads.
Highlights:
- 16GB RAM + 512GB storage
- 6.8” QHD+ AMOLED
- Sony LYTIA camera sensor
- Ultra-fast charging
Restored Apple iPhone 12 Pro – Premium Value Buy
Still a great performer in 2025, the restored iPhone 12 Pro offers flagship build quality and iOS updates at a compelling price.
Highlights:
- A14 Bionic chip
- 6.1” Super Retina XDR
- Stainless steel frame
- Affordable and reliable
Summary
Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll find in our Best Smartphones of 2025 roundup:
- Best Flagship Phone of 2025 – Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra delivers unbeatable performance, camera quality, and battery life.
- Top iPhone of 2025 – iPhone 16 Pro Max shines with its improved A18 chip and advanced AI-powered photography.
- Best Foldable Phone – Google Pixel Fold 2 leads the foldable space with an intuitive design and clean Android experience.
- Top Budget Pick – Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G offers premium features like OLED display and 120W charging at a budget price.
- Best Mid-Range Phone – OnePlus 12R hits the sweet spot between price and performance.
- Best Compact Phone – Asus Zenfone 11 stands out for users who prefer smaller phones without compromising on specs.
We also included honorable mentions and helpful buying advice for Android and iOS users.
Conclusion
2025 has raised the bar for smartphones, with innovations in AI, display tech, camera systems, and battery optimization. Whether you want a powerful flagship, a stylish foldable, or a reliable budget device, there’s a perfect phone out there for you. Our comprehensive reviews and comparisons are designed to help you cut through the noise and choose a phone that matches your lifestyle, needs, and budget.
Still undecided? Don’t forget to check out our in-depth reviews and performance tests linked throughout the article. Your next great smartphone is just a scroll away.
FAQ – Best Smartphones of 2025
Q1: What is the best smartphone overall in 2025?
A: The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is currently the best overall smartphone of 2025, offering top-tier performance, camera quality, display, and battery life.
Q2: Which phone has the best camera in 2025?
A: The iPhone 16 Pro Max and Google Pixel 9 Pro are tied for the best camera phone title in 2025, depending on whether you prefer Apple’s or Google’s AI-driven imaging.
Q3: What’s the best foldable phone to buy in 2025?
A: The Google Pixel Fold 2 is the most refined foldable of the year, with a more durable hinge and a true tablet-like experience when unfolded.
Q4: Are budget smartphones in 2025 worth it?
A: Yes, phones like the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ and Poco X6 Pro offer impressive value with premium features like 5G, OLED displays, and fast charging at a low price.
Q5: Is it better to buy a flagship or mid-range phone in 2025?
A: It depends on your usage. If you want the best camera, gaming performance, and long-term updates, go flagship. For everyday tasks and great value, mid-range phones like the OnePlus 12R are ideal.
Q6: Should I choose Android or iOS in 2025?
A: Android gives more customization and variety, while iOS excels in seamless integration and updates. Both ecosystems are strong—choose based on your preferences and other devices you use.