Best Smartphones 2025: Our Expert Picks You’ll Love Using
Looking for a phone that won’t let you down—whether it’s for travel photos, all‑day battery, or buttery‑smooth performance? I test and set up phones for friends, family, and clients every year. Below is the short list I recommend in 2025, with plain‑English reasons to buy, who they’re best for, and one‑tap ways to check price and availability.
Tip for faster decisions: prioritize what you can’t compromise on—camera, battery, or size. You’ll avoid overpaying for features you won’t notice.
Quick Answer: What’s the best smartphone in 2025?
- Best overall flagship: Apple iPhone 16 Pro — elite camera, performance, and long software support.
- Best Android flagship: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra — superb display, S Pen, and versatile 200MP camera.
- Best camera phone: Google Pixel 9 Pro — class‑leading computational photography and reliable portraits.
- Best value flagship: OnePlus 12 — fast, smooth, great battery for the price.
- Best midrange: Samsung Galaxy A55 — balanced performance, dependable battery, premium build.
- Best budget 5G: Google Pixel 8a — clean Android, good camera, frequent updates.
- Best foldable (productivity): Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 — big inner screen for work and split‑screen apps.
Note: Prices vary by region and storage. Prioritize total ownership value: trade‑in offers, warranty, and how long updates last.
iPhone 16 Pro — best overall for most people
If you want a phone that’s consistently fast, shoots excellent photos and video, and holds value well, the iPhone 16 Pro is the safe pick in 2025.
- Why it stands out: pro‑grade cameras, fluid performance, strong battery life, top‑tier app ecosystem.
- Who it’s for: creators, travelers, and anyone who keeps a phone 3–5 years.
- Good to know: iOS updates typically outlast most Android rivals, which helps resale value.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra — best Android flagship display and stylus
The S24 Ultra’s display quality and S Pen productivity make it a favorite for power users and note‑takers.
- Why it stands out: ultra‑sharp screen, versatile camera (zoom + video), S Pen precision.
- Who it’s for: multitaskers, artists, students, and anyone who values a large, bright display.
- Good to know: excellent battery endurance and strong accessory ecosystem.
Google Pixel 9 Pro — best camera phone for point‑and‑shoot ease
If you want great pictures without fiddling with settings, the Pixel 9 Pro nails skin tones, low light, and portraits.
- Why it stands out: industry‑leading computational photography, clean Android, fast security updates.
- Who it’s for: parents, travelers, social‑first shooters, and casual creators.
- Good to know: Google’s AI features are genuinely helpful for photos and transcription.
OnePlus 12 — best value flagship performance
A fluid Android experience with speedy charging and strong battery life—usually at a lower price than Samsungs and iPhones.
- Why it stands out: smooth performance, bright display, great battery/charge speeds.
- Who it’s for: users who value speed and clean design without paying top‑tier prices.
- Good to know: excellent choice for mobile gamers on a budget.
Samsung Galaxy A55 — best midrange for most buyers
The A55 brings premium build and a reliable battery to a friendly price point.
- Why it stands out: solid main camera, good OLED display, long battery life.
- Who it’s for: students and professionals who want flagship feel without the flagship bill.
- Good to know: pair with a 25W+ USB‑C charger for faster top‑ups.
Google Pixel 8a — best budget 5G with a great camera
It’s hard to beat Pixel image quality at this price, plus you get quick updates and useful AI features.
- Why it stands out: camera quality for the money, clean software, frequent updates.
- Who it’s for: budget‑minded buyers who still care about photos and reliability.
- Good to know: excellent pick for gifting; minimal setup headaches.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 — best foldable for productivity
A tablet‑size inner screen turns commutes into work or reading time, and split‑screen apps are genuinely useful.
- Why it stands out: huge inner display, multitasking, premium build.
- Who it’s for: power users, road warriors, and anyone replacing a small tablet.
- Good to know: try it in‑hand first—foldables feel different in pocket and grip.
How to choose: camera, battery, or size?
- Cameras: If portraits and low‑light matter, start with Pixel 9 Pro or iPhone 16 Pro.
- Battery life: Prioritize Galaxy S24 Ultra or OnePlus 12 for long days and faster charging.
- Compact size: Consider standard iPhone 16 or Pixel 9 if you prefer lighter, easier one‑hand use.
- Longevity: iPhone 16 Pro and Pixels get years of OS/security updates; this saves money long‑term.
If you’re curious how 5G helps with streaming and maps, here’s a quick primer on the tech behind it: 5G overview (Wikipedia).
Pro tips from real‑world use
- Don’t overbuy storage: cloud photos + periodic offloads keep 128–256GB sufficient for most.
- Use a 25–45W USB‑C charger: faster charging safely, without leaving it plugged in overnight.
- Back up automatically: set weekly backups so a lost phone is an inconvenience, not a disaster.
- Case + tempered glass: cheap insurance that pays for itself the first time you drop it.
FAQs: quick answers
- Which phone has the best camera right now?
Pixel 9 Pro for point‑and‑shoot simplicity; iPhone 16 Pro for video and third‑party apps. - How long should a flagship last?
Three to five years with normal care and battery health management. - Is midrange worth it in 2025?
Yes—Galaxy A55 and Pixel 8a deliver excellent value and updates without flagship prices. - Should I wait for the next model?
If a launch is a month away, wait. Otherwise, buy when you need it—trade‑in deals offset small gains.
Related reading
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Choosing the right phone is less about specs and more about fit. If you share what you do most—photos, gaming, work, travel—I’m happy to suggest a tighter short list next.