Our experts have tested the latest smartphones across Android and iOS to bring you the 10 best phones you can buy right now. Whether you’re chasing the highest performance, best value, or cutting-edge features, these picks have you covered.
1. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra – Best Overall (Android)
Widely praised for its standout AI-driven features, long battery life, elite performance, and stellar camera, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is our top pick for best overall Android device in 2025.
The S25 Ultra looks almost identical to the S24 Ultra, and from a hardware perspective, it is. But this doesn’t stop it from being the best phone you can buy right now, provided money is no object.
There are now even fewer weaknesses than before, with even more processing power, small but noticeable camera improvements and a new anti-reflective screen that puts the 6.9-inch, 120Hz OLED panel in a league of its own. The newly rounded corners make it easier to hold.
You also get the best software experience we’ve ever seen on a Samsung phone (and maybe an Android phone full stop), with an extensive suite of genuinely useful AI features and class-leading seven-year update support.
However, it’s by no means perfect. It’s a shame to see the built-in S Pen downgraded to be without Bluetooth, while such a heavy, bulky phone won’t be for everyone. It’s also still very expensive.
But if you want the best of the best when it comes to smartphones right now, the S25 Ultra is the device to get.
Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra?
You want to go all-out with top specs and features not found elsewhere, like Samsung’s S Pen stylus.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Further Considerations
It’s expensive and might be overkill for some users. Look elsewhere if you’d prefer a lightweight or compact phone.
2. iPhone 16 Pro Max – Best iPhone
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is the largest iPhone Apple has ever made, and it offers the longest ever battery life on an iPhone. It also has the highest starting price tag of any iPhone (it starts at $1,199 and goes up very quickly from there). Some would never consider a Pro Max model because of the size alone; and that was before Apple increased the screen size this year. But for me, after spending a year with a smaller iPhone, I have returned once again to the largest iPhone model and have not looked back.
With a couple of exceptions, I have been using larger phones since the iPhone 6 Plus in 2014. Battery life has always been a prime consideration for me, and I appreciate the bigger speaker and bigger screen for Braille Screen Input (a feature that allows someone who is blind to type in braille on their touchscreen). But I have not always used larger devices; I tried (but sadly returned) an iPhone 13 mini in 2021, and last year, I went with the iPhone 15 Pro instead of the 15 Pro Max. I told myself that I wanted the iPhone 15 Pro because it was smaller and easier to handle, and that battery technology had improved such that I didn’t need a big phone to get through the day. Both of those things were true (I never once drained the battery and, if memory serves correctly, I never went below 20% in a day). Concerns about battery life (either real or imagined) aside, there was a lot I liked about the iPhone 15 Pro.
Apple’s powerhouse delivers top-tier performance, extended battery longevity, and premium photography capabilities—earning its spot as the best iPhone of the year.
3. Google Pixel 9a – Best under $500 (Android)
Not only is the Google Pixel 9 the most attractive and well-presented standard Pixel phone yet, but it’s also one of the best-looking smartphones you can buy today. It’s glorious in a way Pixel phones haven’t always been before, as it gets both the aesthetics and ergonomics right, which oddly seems to be quite a challenge for other manufacturers. I don’t think photos do it justice either, as they can’t convey how excellent the phone feels in your hand or how polished and high-quality the hardware itself is.
The satin-finish metal chassis has precisely the right amount of curve to blend in with the flat Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 rear panel, making it a joy to hold. The size, for me, is spot-on as I can use it with one hand without feeling like I’m going to fumble it, and it can slip mostly unnoticed into my pocket. It’s as durable as you’d hope, with an IP68 dust and water resistance rating and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 over the screen. The Pixel 9 isn’t slippery, though, and it has plenty of grip from the metal frame.
On a budget? The Pixel 9a offers stunning camera quality and AI features at a sub-$500 price—making it an unbeatable value in 2025.
4. Google Pixel 9 Pro – Smartest Phone
The Google Pixel 9 Pro, released in late 2024, is generally considered a strong contender in the smartphone market, particularly for its camera capabilities and AI-powered features. While it offers a premium experience with a great display, solid performance, and a sleek design, it does have some drawbacks, including a relatively high price point and potentially limited raw processing power for demanding gamers.
Boasting powerful AI integration, top-notch camera performance, and a compact build, the Pixel 9 Pro stands out as the smartest phone choice overall.
5. OnePlus 13 – Best Android Flagship Value
Combining flagship specs, robust battery life, and competitive pricing, the OnePlus 13 is the go-to for savvy Android buyers who want elite performance without premium price.
The OnePlus 13, released in early 2025, has garnered generally positive reviews, with users praising its performance, smooth UI, and long-lasting battery life, often exceeding 9 hours of screen-on time. However, some users have noted that the camera, particularly the video capabilities, could be improved.
Positive Aspects:
Improved Design:While some find the design outdated, many appreciate the comfortable in-hand feel and the alert slider.
Outstanding Battery Life:Many users have reported exceptional battery performance, easily lasting a full day with heavy usage.
Smooth Performance:The phone is lauded for its smooth and responsive user interface, with some users even finding it superior to iOS.
Competitive Pricing:In some regions, like the USA, it’s considered a great value, especially compared to other flagship phones.
6. iPhone 16 – Best iPhone Value
The iPhone 16 brings key Pro-level features at a more accessible price, making it our value pick for the Apple ecosystem.
The iPhone 16 offers a strong balance of features and value, making it a great choice for many users. It boasts a powerful processor, a capable dual-camera system with a new macro mode, and excellent battery life. It also features the new Action button and a camera control button for enhanced functionality. However, it lacks a telephoto lens and always-on display found in the Pro models.
Key Features and Performance:
Software:It runs on iOS 18 and fully supports Apple Intelligence.
Design and Build:The iPhone 16 is praised for its thin, light, and well-designed build. It retains the sturdy build with improved Ceramic Shield glass and an IP68 rating for water resistance.
Display:It features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with good brightness, HDR10, and Dolby Vision.
Processor:The iPhone 16 is equipped with the Apple A18 chip, which offers a powerful processor and advanced graphics.
Camera:The dual-camera system includes a 48MP primary sensor with sensor-shift stabilization and a 2x in-sensor zoom. It also features an upgraded ultrawide camera with autofocus for macro shots.
Battery:The iPhone 16 offers excellent battery life, often lasting a full day on a single charge.
7. Nothing Phone 3a Pro – Best Android Alternative
Nothing Phone 3a Pro review: funky mid-ranger with real zoom camera
London-based Nothing has brought one of the last things setting top-level phones apart from cheaper mid-range models down to a more affordable price: high-quality camera zoom.
Cameras have long been the battleground of the most expensive phones, each vying for better quality, longer reach and multiple lenses. While much of this costly progress has trickled down to cheaper models, optical zoom cameras are few and far between below the £600 mark.
The £449 (€459/$459/A$849) Nothing 3a Pro sets itself apart with the company’s trademark transparent, light-up design and a 50-megapixel 3x telephoto camera on the back that rivals phones costing twice as much.
It builds on the excellent Phone 2a with a similar set of “glyph” LED strips on the back that light up in complex patterns for notifications, calls, timers, charging, the volume and other fun things.
If you want something refreshingly different yet capable, the Nothing Phone 3a Pro offers unique design and strong specs—without breaking the bank.
8. Samsung Galaxy S25 – Most Affordable Samsung Flagship
It boasts a 6.9-inch AMOLED display with a 92.5% screen-to-body ratio, 200MP quad-camera system for professional-grade photography, and a long-lasting 5000mAh …
Get flagship-level AI tools and battery life at a lower price point with the Galaxy S25—an excellent value for Samsung enthusiasts.
9. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 – Best Foldable
Flip into style and performance with Galaxy Z Flip7—featuring a 50MP selfie camera, a sleek, durable design, and the most powerful Galaxy AI tools yet.
Sleek, compact, and stylish, the Z Flip 7 is the most refined foldable you can buy—packed with AI enhancements and strong endurance.
10. Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge – Best Thin Phone
Crafted with style and strength in mind, Galaxy S25 Edge strikes a new balance of premium, pro-level performance in a resilient titanium body only 5.8mm thick.
Looking for slim design without compromising on flagship performance? The Galaxy S25 Edge offers that sleek factor while packing real power.
Quick Overview Table
| Rank | Phone Model | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Galaxy S25 Ultra | Best overall Android experience |
| 2 | iPhone 16 Pro Max | Top-tier iPhone performance |
| 3 | Pixel 9a | Best under $500 option |
| 4 | Pixel 9 Pro | Smartest AI phone |
| 5 | OnePlus 13 | Premium value Android flagship |
| 6 | iPhone 16 | Affordable Apple value |
| 7 | Nothing Phone 3a Pro | Unique design, great specs |
| 8 | Galaxy S25 | Affordable Samsung flagship |
| 9 | Galaxy Z Flip 7 | Best foldable design |
| 10 | Galaxy S25 Edge | Sleekest form factor |
Why These Models Stand Out
From performance and AI innovation to value and versatility, each of these devices offers something unique—whether you’re deeply rooted in Android or iOS.
Let me know if you’d like a comparison article (e.g., Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max), or tailored picks for gaming, photography, or battery life!
