Top Smartphones to Watch in 2025

Smartphones might not be the most thrilling gadgets to splurge on, yet they're essential for everyday tasks like messaging friends, watching YouTube, scrolling through social media, and capturing photos. They can be pricey, especially if you're eyeing the latest models. That's why we've meticulously selected the best smartphones by carefully balancing their value against their cost.

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### PocoX5 5G

1See it at Amazon### RedMagic10 Pro

1See it at AmazonSee it at RedMagic### SamsungGalaxy Z Fold 6

0See it at AmazonEveryone values different aspects of their smartphones. Some crave stellar camera performance, while others seek top-notch gaming capabilities. If you're a movie buff watching on your phone, you'll want a device with a stunning display. We've tested smartphones that cater to all these needs, ensuring you find a versatile option that suits your preferences.

Our list includes a range of devices from top Android phones and iPhone alternatives to the latest offerings from Apple. Each phone prioritizes different features, but none compromise quality or functionality for a lower price. We've also included older models that offer exceptional value due to price reductions, providing a cost-effective alternative to the newest releases. Consider what you need most from your phone and 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 6.8-inch AMOLED screen and a robust processor that effortlessly handles multiple apps, video editing, gaming, and powers the stunning cameras. 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 best smartphone overall, excelling in every aspect. Our Galaxy S24 Ultra review highlighted its prowess, driven by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC. This chip effortlessly runs the latest games, maintaining a steady 60fps in titles like Genshin Impact at maximum settings, and supports seamless multitasking.

The S24 Ultra's display is a visual delight, featuring a 6.8-inch Super AMOLED panel with a 1-120Hz refresh rate for stunning visuals and fluid motion. Its new anti-glare finish enhances visibility in bright conditions, though the large screen does increase the phone's size and weight. Despite this, the titanium frame adds durability and elegance, making it a perfect canvas for the S Pen stylus, a feature unmatched by most other phones.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra – Photos

5 ImagesIts camera system is equally impressive, with a 200MP wide sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide, a 10MP 3x telephoto, and a 50MP 5x telephoto lens, offering versatile photography options. The S24 Ultra captures exceptional images and the 12MP front-facing camera ensures high-quality selfies.

Despite its high cost, the S24 Ultra justifies its price with its comprehensive feature set and refined design.

2. Google Pixel 9 Pro

Best Camera Phone

### Google Pixel 9 Pro

2The Pixel 9 Pro combines an elegant design, exceptional cameras, a quality display, and extensive software support, making it a top choice for photography enthusiasts. 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 excels in photography with its triple-camera system, offering flexibility and quality across various scenarios. Whether zooming in on distant subjects or capturing wide landscapes, each sensor delivers impressive results. The selfie camera also captures vibrant, sharp images.

Pixel 9 Pro – Main Camera Samples

22 ImagesIts design continues to impress, with sleek aluminum and glass construction. The 6.3-inch display is both bright and smooth, with thin bezels that enhance the viewing experience. While the Tensor G4 chip may not match the performance of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or Apple's A18 Pro, it's more than sufficient for daily use and AI applications, with solid gaming performance. Google's commitment to long-term software support adds to its appeal.

3. Apple iPhone 16 Pro

Best iPhone

### Apple iPhone 16 Pro

4The iPhone 16 Pro offers a more compact form factor and a lower starting price than the Pro Max, yet retains all the camera capabilities and powerful 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 Apple iPhone 16 Pro, starting at $999, is a powerhouse with significant overlap with the Google Pixel 9 Pro in terms of display size, camera setup, and weight. While the Pixel's cameras might be more reliable, the iPhone 16 Pro delivers excellent quality with minor adjustments, especially for the ultra-wide and selfie sensors.

The iPhone 16 Pro shares its camera system with the iPhone 16 Pro Max, offering the same capabilities in a more manageable size. Its slim bezels allow for a 6.3-inch display, while the Pro Max boasts a larger 6.9-inch screen. The A18 Pro chip ensures smooth performance, handling demanding games like Wuthering Waves with ease, enhanced by the 120Hz OLED display.

The base model's 128GB storage might be limiting, but the USB 3.0 Type-C port facilitates quick backups to free up space.

4. Google Pixel 8

Best Mid-Range Smartphone

### Google Pixel 8

0The Pixel 8 offers solid cameras, smart AI functions, and a bright, beautiful OLED display at a mid-range price, powered by the G3 Tensor chip. 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 newest model, but it offers substantial value. The Tensor G3 chip improves performance and thermals, enhancing the device's longevity. Google's promise of seven years of OS, security, and feature updates ensures a long lifespan, and its reduced price of $500 makes it an attractive mid-range option.

Compared to the Pixel 8a, the full Pixel 8 offers superior design elements like Gorilla Glass Victus and better water resistance, along with enhanced cameras. The 50MP main camera excels in various lighting conditions, while the ultra-wide and selfie cameras perform well in daylight.

Poco X5 5G – Photos

9 Images5. Poco X5 5G

Best Budget Smartphone

### PocoX5 5G

1The Poco X5 5G offers a budget-friendly option with 5G connectivity, smooth performance, and a crisp display, though its cameras and gaming capabilities 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 softwareFor those on a tight budget, the Poco X5 5G is a compelling choice at just $220. Launched in 2023, it continues to receive updates, including Android 14, which is unusual for budget devices. Its 6.67-inch Super AMOLED display boasts a 1080x2400 resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, offering excellent visuals for the price.

The Snapdragon 695 5G chip handles daily tasks and some gaming, like Call of Duty Mobile, while the 6GB base memory supports multitasking. However, the cameras are a weak point, with the main sensor performing adequately in bright light but the ultra-wide struggling. The selfie camera is decent.

RedMagic 9S Pro – Photos

10 Images6. RedMagic 10 Pro

Best Gaming Smartphone

### RedMagic10 Pro

1The RedMagic 10 Pro delivers exceptional 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 stands out with its gaming prowess, thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and an active cooling fan that minimizes thermal throttling. It achieved top scores in my benchmarks, particularly in gaming scenarios, with its large 7,050mAh battery ensuring long gaming sessions.

The 6.85-inch OLED display offers a high-resolution and 144Hz refresh rate, with no selfie camera cutout to obstruct the view. The phone also features enhanced touch responsiveness, remappable shoulder buttons, and supports upscaling and frame interpolation for select games, enhancing the gaming experience.

While the cameras are not the best, and software support is shorter, the RedMagic 10 Pro's focus on gaming is unparalleled, especially at its $649 price point.

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 is a powerful and visually stunning foldable smartphone, though its unique aspect ratio can be a challenge. 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 weirdFor those seeking the best foldable smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is a top contender. It offers a 6.2-inch AMOLED cover display and a 7.6-inch main display when unfolded, both delivering vibrant colors and deep blacks.

Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, it handles any mobile game with ease, showing a significant performance boost over its predecessor. The camera system, featuring a 50MP main sensor and 30x digital zoom, captures detailed photos, though the front-facing cameras are less impressive.

The main drawback is the 4:3 aspect ratio when unfolded, which can affect content display, potentially cropping or leaving blank spaces around the edges.

How We Picked the Best Smartphones

The smartphone market often pushes consumers to upgrade to the latest and greatest, emphasizing the allure of new features found in Pro or Max models. While these features can be beneficial, many go unused by the average user. Our selection process focused on finding the best value smartphones across different budgets, ensuring they are durable, offer long-term software support, and meet various user needs without unnecessary frills.

Best Smartphones FAQ

Is Samsung better than Apple for smartphones?

Not necessarily. Both Samsung and Apple produce premium smartphones with high-quality features, though at a premium price. The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max are fast, sleek, with excellent cameras and guaranteed updates. The choice often comes down to familiarity with their respective operating systems: Android or iOS.

Are iPhones better than Android phones?

The perception of iPhones as superior has diminished as Android phones have caught up in quality and features. Both operating systems function similarly and receive yearly updates. The choice between them largely depends on your current ecosystem; iPhones integrate better with other Apple devices, while Android phones work seamlessly with Windows.

Which Android phone is the best value for money?

The Google Pixel 8 offers excellent value at $500. Despite being an older model, it provides robust performance, a sleek design, and long-term software support, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious buyers.