Best Smartphones to Buy in 2025: Top Picks for Value and Performance

Smartphones are essential tools for daily tasks like messaging, streaming videos, browsing social media, and taking photos, but premium models come with a hefty price tag. We've carefully selected the top smartphones of 2025, balancing performance, features, and cost to ensure you get the best value for your money.

TL;DR – Top Smartphones of 2025:

Our top choice

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

1View at Amazon

Google Pixel 9 Pro

2View at AmazonView at Best Buy

Apple iPhone 16 Pro

4View at Best BuyView at Apple

Google Pixel 8

0View at Amazon

PocoX5 5G

1View at Amazon

RedMagic10 Pro

1View at AmazonView at RedMagic

SamsungGalaxy Z Fold 6

0View at Amazon

Everyone values different features in a smartphone. Some prioritize stellar camera quality for photography, while others need top-tier performance for gaming or a vibrant display for streaming movies. Our team has tested a range of devices to cover all these needs, ensuring there's something for everyone.

From the best Android devices to top iPhone options, our list includes phones that excel in multiple areas without compromising quality for affordability. We also consider older models that offer great value due to price drops, making them competitive with newer releases. Explore our top picks to find the perfect phone for your needs.

Contributions by Jacqueline Thomas, Callum Bains, and Danielle Abraham

1. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Top Smartphone Overall

Our top choice

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

1Experience a stunning 6.8-inch AMOLED display paired with a powerful processor capable of handling multiple apps, video editing, gaming, and exceptional camera performance.View at Amazon

Product SpecificationsScreen size6.8 inchesRear cameras4Front cameras1ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 8 (third generation)Battery life5,000mAhStorage256GB, 512GB, 1TBStarting price$1,299.99

PROSOutstanding performanceTop-notch camera systemCONSTitanium frame adds weight and bulk

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra stands out as the best all-around smartphone, excelling in every key area. Our Galaxy S24 Ultra review highlights its impressive Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, which effortlessly handles demanding tasks like running high-end games such as Genshin Impact at 60fps with max settings. Its ample memory allows seamless multitasking, keeping apps active in the background.

The 6.8-inch Super AMOLED display, with a 1-120Hz refresh rate, delivers vibrant visuals and smooth motion. A new anti-glare coating enhances visibility in bright light. While the titanium frame makes the phone slightly heavy, it’s durable and stylish, and the included S Pen stylus adds unique functionality for note-taking and sketching.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra – Photos

5 Images

The camera system is a highlight, featuring a 200MP wide sensor, 12MP ultra-wide, 10MP 3x telephoto, and 50MP 5x telephoto lens. This setup offers incredible versatility, capturing stunning photos in various conditions, complemented by a reliable 12MP front camera for selfies. Despite its premium price, the Galaxy S24 Ultra delivers unmatched value.

2. Google Pixel 9 Pro

Top Camera Smartphone

Google Pixel 9 Pro

2Sleek design, superior cameras, vibrant display, and long-term software updates make the Pixel 9 Pro a standout choice.View at AmazonView at Best Buy

Product 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)

PROSSleek, compact designSuperior camera systemExtended software supportCONSGaming performance not top-tierLimited base storage

The Google Pixel 9 Pro excels in photography with its versatile triple-camera system, capturing sharp, vibrant images from wide landscapes to zoomed-in details. The 42MP selfie camera also delivers impressive results.

Pixel 9 Pro – Main Camera Samples

22 Images

Its refined design features a sleek aluminum and glass build with a 6.3-inch OLED display, offering vivid colors and smooth 120Hz performance. While the Tensor G4 chip isn’t the fastest, it handles daily tasks and AI features efficiently. Google’s commitment to long-term software updates adds significant value.

The Pixel 9 Pro strikes a balance between compact size and premium features, making it ideal for those who want a manageable phone without sacrificing quality. For larger displays, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is an option.

3. Apple iPhone 16 Pro

Top iPhone Choice

Apple iPhone 16 Pro

4The iPhone 16 Pro offers powerful performance and advanced camera features in a compact, affordable package compared to the Pro Max.View at Best BuyView at Apple

Product 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 performanceSleek designStrong camera systemCONSCamera settings need minor adjustments

Starting at $999, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro delivers flagship features in a compact form. Its camera system matches the iPhone 16 Pro Max, offering excellent photo quality with some fine-tuning. The 6.3-inch OLED display with slim bezels ensures a premium viewing experience, while the A18 Pro chip powers smooth performance for gaming and multitasking.

Compared to the larger Pro Max, the iPhone 16 Pro is easier to handle, especially for one-handed use. However, the 128GB base storage may feel limiting for high-resolution media. A USB 3.0 Type-C port aids faster data transfers for file management.

4. Google Pixel 8

Top Mid-Range Smartphone

Google Pixel 8

0Powered by the Tensor G3 chip, the Pixel 8 offers strong cameras, AI features, and a vibrant OLED display at a budget-friendly price.View at Amazon

Product 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)

PROSVivid, responsive displaySeven years of software updatesStrong camera performanceCONSPro model gets RAM upgrade

The Google Pixel 8 remains a compelling choice in 2025, despite not being the latest model. Its Tensor G3 chip offers improved performance and better heat management, enhancing durability. Priced at $500, it’s a great value with seven years of promised OS and security updates.

The 50MP main camera excels in various lighting conditions, though the ultra-wide struggles in low light. The design, featuring Gorilla Glass Victus and improved water resistance, adds premium appeal. Compared to the Pixel 8a, the Pixel 8 offers better cameras and build quality for just $100 more.

Poco X5 5G – Photos

9 Images

5. Poco X5 5G

Top Budget Smartphone

PocoX5 5G

1Affordable 5G phone with smooth performance and a sharp AMOLED display, though cameras and gaming performance are modest.View at Amazon

Product 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)

PROSComfortable designVibrant displayResponsive performanceCONSWeak camera qualitySome software bloat

The Poco X5 5G offers impressive value at $220. Launched in 2023, it still performs well with Android 14 support. Its 6.67-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate delivers crisp, smooth visuals, rivaling pricier models.

The Snapdragon 695 5G chip handles daily tasks and light gaming, supported by 6GB of RAM for multitasking. However, the camera system, particularly the ultra-wide lens, underperforms in low light, though the main sensor is decent in bright conditions.

RedMagic 9S Pro – Photos

10 Images

6. RedMagic 10 Pro

Top Gaming Smartphone

RedMagic10 Pro

1The RedMagic 10 Pro delivers unmatched gaming performance with a robust cooling system and a stunning display.View at AmazonView at RedMagic

Product SpecificationsScreen6.85-inch OLED, 1216x2688, 431 ppi, 144Hz refresh rateProcessorSnapdragon 8 EliteCamera50-Megapixel Wide, 50-Megapixel Ultrawide, 2-Megapixel Macro, 16-Megapixel SelfieBattery7,050mAhWeight229g (0.5lb)

PROSSuperior gaming performanceVivid displayCONSModest camera qualityLimited software support

The RedMagic 10 Pro is a gaming powerhouse, leveraging the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and an active cooling fan to sustain high performance without thermal throttling. Its 7,050mAh battery ensures long gaming sessions.

The 6.85-inch OLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate offers immersive, uninterrupted visuals, thanks to an under-display selfie camera. Features like capacitive shoulder buttons and enhanced touch responsiveness elevate the gaming experience. At $649, it’s a remarkable value for gamers.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 – Photos

6 Images

7. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6

Top Foldable Smartphone

SamsungGalaxy Z Fold 6

0The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 offers blazing speed and stunning displays, though its unfolded aspect ratio may feel unconventional.View at Amazon

Product 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)

PROSGorgeous displaysPowerful performanceCONSUnusual aspect ratios

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is the premier foldable phone, transforming from a narrow 6.2-inch AMOLED display when folded to a 7.6-inch AMOLED tablet-like screen when unfolded. Both displays deliver vibrant colors and deep contrast.

Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, it handles demanding games effortlessly. The 50MP main camera captures detailed photos, though selfies are less impressive. The 4:3 aspect ratio when unfolded may affect some content, but the phone’s versatility makes it a top choice.

How We Selected the Top Smartphones

The smartphone industry often pushes the latest models as must-haves, but not everyone needs every new feature. We chose phones across various price points that deliver the best value, focusing on performance, durability, and long-term software support to ensure lasting reliability.

Best Smartphones FAQ

Is Samsung better than Apple for smartphones?

It depends. Both Samsung and Apple produce premium smartphones with fast performance, sleek designs, and excellent cameras. The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max offer comparable features and long-term updates. Your choice may hinge on familiarity with Android or iOS.

Are iPhones better than Android phones?

Modern iPhones and premium Android phones are highly similar in functionality, with annual updates to iOS and Android. iPhones integrate seamlessly with Apple ecosystems, while Android devices pair better with Windows. Your preference for one OS over the other is key.

Which Android phone offers the best value?

The Google Pixel 8, priced at $500, delivers strong performance, a sleek design, and seven years of software updates. It’s a standout choice for those seeking a balance of quality and affordability in the Android market.