The Best Phones: Our top tested picks
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Which is the best phone to buy right now, in 2025? Should you get the latest iPhone 16 Pro Max, Google's Pixel 9 Pro XL or the new Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra a better choice? Or... is there some low-key great smartphone that you might not even know about?
We have made this list of the best phones on the market in an effort to help you find the phone for your specific needs. Some people may want an all-out premium smartphone, whilst others want a more compact device. Some might be picky about camera quality and battery life. Below, you will find the best new phones across these different categories and we will explain why we think our nominees stand out.
Best smartphones of 2025 at a glance:
Also read:
iPhone 16 Pro Max
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is the best iPhone you can get at the moment | Image by PhoneArena
Key iPhone 16 Pro Max specs:
- Display: 6.9-inch 120Hz screen
- Processor: Apple A18 Pro
- Cameras: 48MP main + 48MP ultra + 12MP telephoto (5x zoom), 12MP front-facing
- Battery: 4,685 mAh, 20W charging
- Storage versions: 8/128GB, 8/256GB, 8/512GB, 8GB RAM + 1TB storage
- iPhone 16 Pro Max full specifications
Why We Picked It
If you are looking for the most premium and newest iPhone with the biggest screen and best battery life, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is the one to get.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max keeps the signature features of the previous 15 Pro Max model – it has the same titanium material and 5X "tetraprism" camera – but improves in a few important areas.
The screen on the iPhone 16 Pro Max grows extra large to 6.9 inches, and the borders around it are now even slimmer. The new A18 Pro chipset is again faster, but the best improvement might just be the longer battery life.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max battery life is an hour longer than the previous generation and we estimate a use time of around 8 hours and a half in our PhoneArena Battery Score. It has the longest battery life around.
Unfortunately, we did not spot any major changes in the camera department, and despite a brand new 48MP ultrawide camera, the iPhone 16 Pro Max camera system overall ranks similarly to the previous model. Well, at least you get a new Camera Control button!
Apple has not improved charging speeds via a cable in the 16 Pro Max, but MagSafe wireless charging is now much faster at 25 watts, so basically wireless charging is now as fast as wired top-ups. You do need to buy a new MagSafe charging puck, though, to benefit from this.
Who’s It For
The iPhone 16 Pro Max caters to Apple users who are invested in the ecosystem and also prefer big phones with big screens. It's hard not to recommend this model, as it covers everything you might want from a candy bar phone, except for some very niche and specific cases.
Even for Android users who are planning on switching to iOS, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is a great choice. This is especially true if you're coming from an Android flagship such as the Galaxy S24 Ultra or even the S25 Ultra.
Even for Android users who are planning on switching to iOS, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is a great choice. This is especially true if you're coming from an Android flagship such as the Galaxy S24 Ultra or even the S25 Ultra.
Who Should Avoid This Phone
If you don't like big phones and prefer models that are more suited for one-handed use, the iPhone 16 Pro Max might be too big for you. Another reason to avoid the iPhone 16 Pro Max is if you prefer foldable devices – Apple is yet to announce such a model, so iPhone users are limited to non-folding phones.
If you want the fastest charging possible, iPhones still lag behind on that front, especially compared to Chinese models such as OnePlus, Honor, and Motorola. Finally, if you're looking for something on the affordable side, you should probably look elsewhere, as the iPhone 16 Pro Max carries quite a premium price tag.
For alternatives, you are not losing out too much with the previous generation iPhone 15 Pro Max, so if you find it at a good price, it's definitely a good buy. Those who want to save up should consider the $900 iPhone 16 Plus, which also has a big screen and solid battery life, but lacks the ProMotion tech and the zoom camera.
To dig deeper into the differences between iPhones, read our best iPhones breakdown.
Galaxy S25 Ultra
The Galaxy S25 Ultra is the best Android phone and it also features a built-in stylus | Image by PhoneArena
Key Galaxy S25 Ultra specs:
- Display: 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 1440 x 3120 pixels, 120Hz
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm)
- Cameras: 200MP main + 50MP ultra + 10MP 3X Zoom + 50MP 5X, 12MP front-facing
- Battery: 5000 mAh, 45W charging
- Versions: 12/256GB, 12/512GB, 12GB RAM + 1TB storage
- Galaxy S25 Ultra full specifications
Why We Picked It
The Galaxy S25 Ultra is an iterative upgrade, but it still feels like the best premium Android phone.
The new Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset flies through tasks, but the real highlight are the optimizations with One UI 7 and the more pleasing esthetic of the new software. You still have the S Pen on board too, for those who care.
Samsung keeps the four cameras on the back, with two zoom cameras for an industry leading zoom performance. The new 50MP ultra-wide camera captures more detailed photos and macro captures are also crisper.
The UI is also improved in subtle ways – switching cameras happens smoother, and you have welcome new controls like a dial for smooth zooming in video. Pros will also be happy to see the option for LOG video recording.
The anti-reflective Gorilla Armor screen, our favorite Galaxy Ultra feature, is back on the S25 Ultra in its second iteration with durability improvements. This makes the S25 Ultra easily the best phone for using outdoors.
With 45-watt charging speeds, the S25 Ultra tops up fully in just over an hour, which is decent, but not the fastest around.
Who's It For
The Galaxy S25 Ultra is perfect for Android users who prefer big-screen phones and also like the option to use the built-in S Pen stylus. It's a feature unique to Android phones, and no other flagships come with a built-in stylus.
If you're familiar with the Samsung ecosystem and enjoy the One UI interface, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is an obvious choice. Just like the iPhone 16 Pro Max, this phone is a great option if you want to switch camps and you're coming from an Apple flagship.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra is a real powerhouse and covers almost all use scenarios, but there are specific cases where you might want to look elsewhere.
If you're familiar with the Samsung ecosystem and enjoy the One UI interface, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is an obvious choice. Just like the iPhone 16 Pro Max, this phone is a great option if you want to switch camps and you're coming from an Apple flagship.
The Galaxy S25 Ultra is a real powerhouse and covers almost all use scenarios, but there are specific cases where you might want to look elsewhere.
Who Should Avoid This Phone
If you're not a fan of big phones, or you just don't have the need to use a stylus, there are other options to consider. The Galaxy S series has smaller models without an S Pen, and there are flagships from other brands that also deserve your attention, if you want to go smaller.
The price can be a factor as well. The Galaxy S25 Ultra sits at the top of the Android food chain and thus comes with a premium price tag attached. If you want a more affordable option, you should scroll down and check out our Value Flagship entry, as well as the best sub-$500 phone.
If you want to learn even more, check out our detailed guide to the best Android phones around, and don't forget that we have the best current Galaxy S25 series deals too.
Best Value Flagship
Galaxy S24 FE
The Galaxy S24 FE comes with flagship specs but at a bargain price | Image by PhoneArena
Key Galaxy S24 FE specs:
- Display: 6.7-inch AMOLED main screen, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Samsung Exynos 2400e
- Cameras: 50MP main + 12MP ultra + 8MP 3X zoom, 10MP front
- Battery: 4,700 mAh, 25W charging
- Versions: 8/128GB, 8/256GB
- Galaxy S24 FE full specifications
Why We Picked It
Samsung's Galaxy S24 FE is the closest you come to a flagship experience at a mid-range price, and it's one of the best Samsung phones on a budget. This might not be the best phone to buy in 2025 overall, but it sure is a good cell phone for the price.
The S24 FE comes with a big, 6.7-inch AMOLED screen with 120Hz fast refresh rate, it's got three cameras on the back including a capable 3X zoom camera, and the battery capacity at 4,700 mAh is quite good.
Who's It For
If you're budget-oriented but don't want to compromise on the important things when getting a smartphone, the Galaxy S24 FE might be just what you're looking for.
Equipped with a top-notch Samsung processor, this affordable phone is almost as fast as the Galaxy S24 Plus, but it has a much lower retail price of $650 (and you can easily find it on sale for around $500).
Who Should Avoid This Phone
In fact, we had to really nit-pick to find the little differences between the S24 FE and the S24 Plus. The S24 FE has less RAM on board (8GB), but that is still enough for Galaxy AI features.
It uses an optical fingerprint reader rather than an ultrasonic one, its screen does not get quite as bright, charging is a bit slower and the zoom camera has slightly lower resolution. If these things are important to you, the S24 FE might not cut it.
It uses an optical fingerprint reader rather than an ultrasonic one, its screen does not get quite as bright, charging is a bit slower and the zoom camera has slightly lower resolution. If these things are important to you, the S24 FE might not cut it.
And if the price is still too high for you, check out our best sub-$500 pick further down this article or our dedicated Best budget and affordable phones pick.
Best Camera Phone
Galaxy S25 Ultra
The S25 Ultra gets a new 50MP ultra-wide camera with faster aperture
Key Galaxy S25 Ultra Camera specs:
- 200MP main camera, 23mm lens, f/1.7 aperture
- 50MP, 13mm, f/1.9 ultra-wide
- 10MP 3X zoom, f/2.4
- 50MP 5X zoom, f/3.4
- 12MP front camera
Why We Picked It
The Galaxy S25 Ultra is taking over as our new best camera phone, taking the place of the outgoing S24 Ultra.
Most of the camera hardware is the same, with the only bigger new addition being the new 50MP ultra-wide camera that now comes with a faster, f/1.9 aperture (upgrade from the 12MP f/2.2 camera on the previous Ultra). The main camera and the two zoom cameras (3X and 5X) remain unchanged.
Check out our full ranking of the best camera phones for all the detail and camera scores for each individual camera.
So what are the key advantages of the Galaxy S25 Ultra's camera? Well, the combination of two zoom cameras remains a rarity, beating the Pixel and iPhones, so you get cleaner photos across a wider zoom range. The Galaxy also has improved skin tones and still-incredible separation for portrait mode photos too.
Previous camera issues are now largely resolved. For example, older models captured shots with excessive sharpening, which could look really bad when viewed on a larger screen.
In video, we now have less noise thanks to a new Spatio-Temporal Filter, a complex name for a technology that is able to distinguish between moving and still subjects, and reduce the noise for the still ones.
Check out our full ranking of the best camera phones for all the detail and camera scores for each individual camera.
So what are the key advantages of the Galaxy S25 Ultra's camera? Well, the combination of two zoom cameras remains a rarity, beating the Pixel and iPhones, so you get cleaner photos across a wider zoom range. The Galaxy also has improved skin tones and still-incredible separation for portrait mode photos too.
Previous camera issues are now largely resolved. For example, older models captured shots with excessive sharpening, which could look really bad when viewed on a larger screen.
In video, we now have less noise thanks to a new Spatio-Temporal Filter, a complex name for a technology that is able to distinguish between moving and still subjects, and reduce the noise for the still ones.
Who's It For
Photography and videography enthusiasts of all kinds who prefer the Android platform. No matter if you're into wildlife photography, portraits, landscapes or you like to vlog, the Galaxy S25 Ultra covers it all with its flexible camera system.
Who Should Avoid This Phone
If you're not that much into photography and you don't need four dedicated cameras on your smartphone, getting the Galaxy S25 Ultra might be overkill. There are other flagship models with simpler camera systems that will get the job done and save you some money in the process.
Best Foldable Phone
Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Google's second iteration of the foldable flagship ticks all the boxes | Image by PhoneArena
Key Pixel 9 Pro Fold specs:
- Displays: 8.0-inch main screen, 2152 x 2076 pixels + 6.3-inch front screen, 1080p
- Processor: Tensor G4
- Cameras: 48MP main + 48MP ultra + 64MP 3X zoom
- Battery: 4800mAh, 67W charging
- Versions: 16/256GB, 16/512GB
- Pixel 9 Pro Fold full specifications
Why We Picked It
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold takes over as the best foldable phone you can buy so far in 2025, beating the Galaxy Z Fold series and the OnePlus Open.
Its big advantage over the Galaxy Fold series is a wider front screen, while the Samsung foldable has a narrow front screen, which is hard to type on and is far less functional.
We also love the extra-large 8-inch main screen and the sleeker design on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. While it's not quite the thinnest foldable phone in existence, it is the thinnest one you can get in the US and it still feels very well made. It's a huge improvement from the first Pixel Fold and Google has made a remarkable progress in just one year.
You also get a capable camera system on the 9 Pro Fold, powered by Google's computational photography, and it's nice having a 5X telephoto lens here for longer reach.
We also appreciate the clean software, smooth performance and the overall refinement with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
Who's It For
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold marks an important milestone in foldable phone evolution. If you want to dip your toes into the foldable experience, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a great starting point, as it also comes with all the bells and whistles Google phones have.
Being a Pixel phone, it will get major OS updates for seven long years, and you should also expect new features to drop regularly and make the experience even better with time.
Being a Pixel phone, it will get major OS updates for seven long years, and you should also expect new features to drop regularly and make the experience even better with time.
Who Should Avoid This Phone
If you're not sure about folding phones, or you want to wait out the upcoming Pixel 10 Pro Fold, you probably should hold your horses for just a little while. Alternatively, if you want the thinnest foldable on the market, there is a new movement coming from China aimed at giving you just that – the thinnest possible folding phone. The upcoming Honor Magic V5 is aimed at taking that crown.
Best Flip Phone
Motorola Razr Ultra (2025)
Key Motorola Razr Ultra (2025) specs:
- Display: 7.0-inch OLED main screen (22:9), 4.0-inch front screen
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite
- Cameras: 50MP main + 50MP ultra, 50MP front
- Battery: 4,700mAh, 68W wired charging, 30W wireless
- Versions: 16/512GB
- Motorola Razr Ultra (2025) full specifications
Why We Picked It?
Samsung used to be the only company making modern flip phones, but its comfort was disturbed by challenger Motorola.
And the new Motorola Razr Ultra (2025) takes flip phones to the next level with a more spacious outer screen than the Galaxy Flip 6, as well as a much faster processor and a bigger battery.
It's also notable how Motorola makes stylish and beautiful devices, while Samsung in the past few years has settled for safe and somewhat boring designs.
The new Razr even has an improved camera, almost matching the one on the Galaxy (it's still a bit behind, but not by much). Learn everything about the Motorola Razr Ultra (2025) vs Galaxy Z Flip 6 differences here. And we also have a separate breakdown of all the rest best flip phones on the market.
Also, don't forget that Samsung is preparing its answer to the Razr very soon with the new Galaxy Z Flip 7, which is expected to arrive in mid to late July 2025.
Who's It For
The design is tried and tested and now returning with a futuristic twist, so if this form factor appeals to you, there's no going wrong with the Motorola Razr Ultra (2025).
Who Should Avoid This Phone
There are two reasons to shy away from the Motorola Razr Ultra (2025). The first one is if you're not overly fond of the flip form factor in the first place. If you prefer the conventional candy bar phone or want a big, book-like foldable that unfolds into a tablet, you should skip the Razr.
The second reason has to do with the upcoming Galaxy Z Flip 7 launch. The new model from Samsung is expected to drop in mere days, so if you prefer Samsung's ecosystem and want to check out what the latest iteration of the Z Flip series has to offer, you should wait a little longer.
The second reason has to do with the upcoming Galaxy Z Flip 7 launch. The new model from Samsung is expected to drop in mere days, so if you prefer Samsung's ecosystem and want to check out what the latest iteration of the Z Flip series has to offer, you should wait a little longer.
Best Phone Under $500
Google Pixel 9a
Key Pixel 9a specs:
- Display: 6.3-inch AMOLED, 1080p, 120Hz
- Processor: Google Tensor G4
- Cameras: 48MP main + 13MP ultra, 13MP front-facing
- Battery: 5,100 mAh, 23W wired, 7.5W wireless charging
- Versions: 8/128GB, 8/256GB
- Pixel 9a full specifications
Why We Picked It
The Pixel A series has been our go-to recommendation for a budget Android phone under $500, and we are happy to see the Pixel 9a once again reiterate its strong position.
Google brings a slightly larger screen, a new design and most importantly, a much bigger battery, making for some big changes on the Pixel 9a compared to the Pixel 8a.
The Pixel 9a arrives with a new Tensor G4 chip, one of the fastest in this price class. It also has the familiar Google camera experience, with excellent quality photos from the main camera and very good video recording.
Other strengths include the clean, cool Android interface and an impressive seven years of software updates.
Of course, we have to mention some of the downsides too: that huge bezel simply doesn't belong on a modern smartphone and in a perfect world we would love to see a telephoto camera, too.
Who's It For
The Pixel 9a is a great option for anyone on a budget. With its $499 price tag, it brings a lot to the table, including a flagship processor, a great screen and seven years of updates. If you've never owned a Pixel phone and would love to check out what that feels like, the Pixel 9a will get you there without breaking the bank.
Who Should Avoid This Phone
If you don't like big bezels around the screen of your phone, the Pixel 9a might not be the right choice for you. The phone comes with a substantial bezel and chin, and the overall design is not as premium as the other, more expensive models from the regular Pixel 9 series.
Best Phone for Battery Life
iPhone 16 Pro Max
The iPhone 16 Pro Max wins another category! | Image by PhoneArena
Key iPhone 16 Pro Max battery specs:
- Battery: 4,685 mAh
- Charging: 27W wired, 25W MagSafe wireless
Why We Picked It
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is not only one of the best flagship phones of 2025, but it also has one specific advantage. We knew the iPhone 16 Pro Max would have longer battery life when we saw the bigger battery capacity, but it beat our expectations and also scored higher than all other current flagships in our PhoneArena battery score.
The 16 Pro Max improved its scores on all three of our battery tests compared to the previous generation. It scored 22 hours and 39 minutes on our web browsing test, nearly three hours longer than the 15 Pro Max from last year. It also beat its score for video streaming with nearly 10 hours and a half, and finally for gaming it scored a bit more than 12 hours.
Based on these tests, we estimate that you can expect screen time of around 8 hours and a half on the iPhone 16 Pro Max, nearly an hour more than the previous generation, and that is an awesome upgrade.
In our testing, it also beat other rivals like the Galaxy S24 Ultra, Pixel 9 Pro XL and the OnePlus 12. Out of these three, the OnePlus 12 was closest with a screen time of 8 hours and 9 minutes, while the Pixel and the Galaxy scored around the 7 hour mark.
Who's It For
The iPhone 16 Pro Max already won the "Best iPhone" category, so everything we said applies here as well. It's the perfect flagship for iOS users and people inside the Apple ecosystem. But even if you don't have many Apple gadgets, the iPhone 16 Pro Max will give you that solid battery life to get you through the day easily with plenty to spare.
Who Should Avoid This Phone
The charging situation, sadly, is still a bit slow on all iPhones, and the 16 Pro Max is no exception. If you want to charge your phone in under one hour, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is out of the question.
There are other flagship phones that combine big batteries with super-fast charging, such as the OnePlus 13 and the Motorola Edge 60 Pro. You should also check out our Fastest charging phones article for more information and a deep dive.
Best Compact Phone
iPhone 16 Pro
If you want to go small, the iPhone 16 is your best bet | Image by PhoneArena
Key iPhone 16 Pro specs:
- Display: 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Apple A18 Pro
- Cameras: 48MP main + 48MP ultra + 12MP 5X Zoom, 12MP front-facing
- Battery: 3,582 mAh, 20W charging
- Versions: 8/128GB, 8/256GB, 8/512GB, 8GB RAM + 1TB storage
- iPhone 16 Pro full specifications
Why We Picked It?
The definition for what goes as a "compact phone" seems to change almost every year as phones get bigger and bigger.
Currently, we classify compact phones as those with a screen size of around 6.3 inches or less, and it certainly helps if the phone is not too wide.
Of course, some people will protest and name something like the iPhone 13 mini, which had a 5.4-inch display, but we have to face the reality... that phone and those like it are simply not available anymore!
So in our current world, we pick the iPhone 16 Pro as the best of the smaller iPhones.
Despite a slightly bigger, 6.3-inch screen, it gets slimmer borders around that display and overall its size is only slightly larger than that of previous generation iPhones which had 6.1-inch displays.
The iPhone 16 Pro is also a powerful thing, equipped with the Apple A18 Pro chip, a triple camera that now gets the same 5X "tetraprism" zoom as the Pro Max, and all the other bells and whistles, such as ProMotion, long software updates and the iOS ecosystem.
Who's It For
People who prefer small and light phones will feel at home with the iPhone 16 Pro. The tides have shifted in 2025 and you can no longer find sub-6 inch phones, but the iPhone 16 Pro is one of the flagships that have defined the new compact norm.
Who Should Avoid This Phone
There's an alternative to the iPhone 16 Pro, if you don't want to hop onto the Apple bandwagon just on compact merits. You can get the Galaxy S25, which is very similar in size and even more lightweight than the iPhone 16 Pro.
Best AI Features
Pixel 9 Pro XL
The Pixel 9 Pro XL comes with all the AI magic Google has to offer | Image by PhoneArena
Key Pixel 9 Pro XL specs:
- Display: 6.8-inch OLED, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Google Tensor G4 (4nm)
- Cameras: 50MP main + 48MP ultra + 48MP 5X Zoom, 42MP front-facing
- Battery: 5,060 mAh, 37W charging
- Versions: 16/128GB, 16/256GB, 16/512GB, 16GB RAM + 1TB storage
- Pixel 9 Pro XL full specifications
Why We Picked It
Google is at the forefront when it comes to AI, and in 2025 AI is a hot topic. Pixel phones have the innate advantage (much like iPhones) to share hardware and software - in this case Google takes care of it all.
This comes with many advantages, but in terms of software and AI in particular, the Pixel 9 Pro XL excels over its competitors with some AI features tailored specifically for Pixel phones.
From the Pixel Studio app that's an AI-powered image lab, to the call screening and translation options, everything is neatly integrated into Pixel 9 Pro XL's UI. Of course, you also have Gemini, Google's own AI agent, and even though other Android phones rely on the same LLM, Pixel phones feel the most advanced in that area.
Who's It For
Android fans that enjoy all the new and wonderful AI tools and features integrated into their daily smartphone experience will feel right at home with the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Google keeps on updating Gemini's capabilities, so if you opt for the Pixel, there won't be a dull moment for years and years to come.
Gemini and Google aren't the only AI game in town. If you prefer Galaxy AI or you're an iPhone user waiting for Apple Intelligence to catch up, the Pixel 9 Pro XL might not cut it for you. The good news is that Apple is slowly getting there, and with the new iOS 26, the company aims to bring many AI features that we're familiar with on other systems.
Who Should Avoid This Phone
Gemini and Google aren't the only AI game in town. If you prefer Galaxy AI or you're an iPhone user waiting for Apple Intelligence to catch up, the Pixel 9 Pro XL might not cut it for you. The good news is that Apple is slowly getting there, and with the new iOS 26, the company aims to bring many AI features that we're familiar with on other systems.
FAQ
What is the best phone in 2025?
This is a million-dollar question. "Best" can be subjective, and it also depends on your personal preferences – whether you value a great camera system over battery life, for example, or the brightest display over the fastest processor.
But if we want to simplify things and give you an overall best phone pick, you just can't go wrong with either of the flagships in the iOS and Android camp – the iPhone 16 Pro Max and the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
But if we want to simplify things and give you an overall best phone pick, you just can't go wrong with either of the flagships in the iOS and Android camp – the iPhone 16 Pro Max and the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
iPhone or Android - Which is better in 2025?
Both iPhones and Android devices offer great smartphone experiences. It's really hard to say which of these two platforms is "better", as the final choice might be down to personal needs and preferences.
If you're deep into the Apple ecosystem and have various devices such as iPads, MacBooks, and AirPods, going down the iPhone route could offer a polished, secure and seamless experience.
If you're deep into the Apple ecosystem and have various devices such as iPads, MacBooks, and AirPods, going down the iPhone route could offer a polished, secure and seamless experience.
Android phones, on the other hand, are more customizable, and you also have a wider range of options, including dedicated gaming phones and foldable devices.
What features matter most in a phone camera?
There are a lot of variables when we talk about smartphone photography and smartphone cameras, in particular.
In the era of post-processing algorithms and AI, things are even more difficult, but hardware features such as sensor size, pixel size, aperture, and lens quality still matter quite a lot.
Megapixel count can also contribute to the quality of the image, but you shouldn't focus too much on that particular number.
In the era of post-processing algorithms and AI, things are even more difficult, but hardware features such as sensor size, pixel size, aperture, and lens quality still matter quite a lot.
Megapixel count can also contribute to the quality of the image, but you shouldn't focus too much on that particular number.
How can I tell if a phone has good battery life?
Normally, the battery capacity is a good indicator of the overall battery life of a smartphone. This equation is a complex one, and there are a lot of variables in it, but in terms of battery life, more is always better.
Battery technology is evolving all the time, and now we are starting to see phones with 6,000 mAh and even 7,000 mAh batteries. But generally speaking, you should aim at 5,000 mAh or more, and that will almost certainly guarantee you one full day of use.
Battery technology is evolving all the time, and now we are starting to see phones with 6,000 mAh and even 7,000 mAh batteries. But generally speaking, you should aim at 5,000 mAh or more, and that will almost certainly guarantee you one full day of use.
Which phones have the best AI tools in 2025?
AI is a big topic not only on the smartphone scene but in the world in general. Most modern flagship phones, as well as some midrange models, have some sort of an AI system on board.
Samsung launched Galaxy AI in January 2024, and since then, the system has been evolving steadily, offering interesting tools and features. Currently, all the latest Galaxy phones from the S-series are a great choice, and if you want to save some money but still try out the AI on a Samsung phone, there's the lite version called Awesome Intelligence, available on Galaxy A-series phones.
Google Pixel phones are also at the forefront of AI development, both with integrated tools and also with Google's own AI agent – Gemini. Opting for a Pixel also guarantees you seven years of software updates and many more new AI features in the years to come.
Finally, Apple has its own AI system called Apple Intelligence, and even though it's still not on par with what Google and Samsung are offering, we're positive that it will eventually get there. So, if you're in the iPhone camp, getting one of the latest flagships is a good choice.
Google Pixel phones are also at the forefront of AI development, both with integrated tools and also with Google's own AI agent – Gemini. Opting for a Pixel also guarantees you seven years of software updates and many more new AI features in the years to come.
Finally, Apple has its own AI system called Apple Intelligence, and even though it's still not on par with what Google and Samsung are offering, we're positive that it will eventually get there. So, if you're in the iPhone camp, getting one of the latest flagships is a good choice.
How often should I upgrade my smartphone?
Statistics show that most people upgrade their smartphones every 2 to 3 years. However, this is another case of personal preference, and with the push from various companies to offer longer software update cycles, you can easily extend that period to 4 or 5 years.
Google started offering 7 years of major OS updates with the Pixel 8 series, and Samsung followed suit shortly after. Apple, on the other hand, has always supported its models for quite a long time – 5 to 6 years – so if you want software longevity, there are a lot of options in 2025.
Google started offering 7 years of major OS updates with the Pixel 8 series, and Samsung followed suit shortly after. Apple, on the other hand, has always supported its models for quite a long time – 5 to 6 years – so if you want software longevity, there are a lot of options in 2025.
What to Consider When Choosing a Phone in 2025?
This is another of those questions that beg the answer, "It depends." Different aspects of the smartphone experience have different importance. But we can outline some important areas that are key.
Battery life is important to be able to go through a day of heavy use without battery anxiety and looking for a charger all the time. A fast and snappy processor can help you get everything done quickly and enjoy a smooth smartphone experience.
Battery life is important to be able to go through a day of heavy use without battery anxiety and looking for a charger all the time. A fast and snappy processor can help you get everything done quickly and enjoy a smooth smartphone experience.
The camera system is also very important, so be sure to see what specific camera the phone you're aiming for comes with and what the image and video quality is.
Last but not least, display quality is also paramount, and even though most phones have great displays nowadays, things like peak brightness and display refresh rate can further enhance your viewing experience.
Finally, the price is also a limiting factor, and you should always weigh everything above versus the price you're going to pay and if it's worth it.
Finally, the price is also a limiting factor, and you should always weigh everything above versus the price you're going to pay and if it's worth it.
How we test phones
We have included the most important results from our in-house benchmarks next to each phone in this ranking. Here is what you should know about these numbers: first, the PhoneArena Review Rating accounts for a dozen different categories, ranked by importance (so battery life has more weight in the final score than other categories like design).
The numbers here are on а 0 to 10 scale, with the best 2025 phones scoring around the 7.5 to 8 mark.
As a reader, you might be wondering: "why such a low score for the top rated smartphones currently around, and don't they deserve a nine or even ten out of ten?". This is a peculiarity of our review rating system, as it looks further into the future.
This way, a phone might score a nine out of ten in a few years, and then you will be able to see the exact evolution and improvements in a much clearer way. Just remember that the best way to interpret the score of a particular phone in this system is in comparison with others in its class, rather than relying on the number alone to guide you.
Second, we have the PhoneArena Battery Score, which aims to give you an approximate number for screen time use. It is calculated based on scores from our web browsing, video streaming and 3D gaming tests. Anything above 7 hours is considered very good here, while a score of around 5 to 6 hours is typical for smaller phones.
Third and last, we have the PhoneArena Camera Score, our comprehensive camera benchmark that looks at each camera separately, assigning scores for both photo and video performance, and averaging them for the final score. The maximum possible score is 200 points, and the best camera phones currently hover around the 150-160 mark.
Found Your Perfect Phone?
There you have it! The best phones you can get in 2025, neatly arranged and organized by category and use case. If you want the best iPhone, there's the iPhone 16 Pro Max waiting for you. If you're in the Android camp, the Galaxy S25 Ultra will not only get the job done but also do it with flying colors.
There are compact choices for people who prefer smaller phones – both the Galaxy S25 and the iPhone 16 Pro are true flagships with a small footprint. And if you want to hop on the foldable train, there are options as well – the rebooted Razr lineup offers a slew of flip models to choose from, with the best one currently being the Razr Ultra (2025).
On the folding front the competition is also heating up; Samsung still holds a big market share, but Google dealt a blow with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, which is the best foldable in this article. The affordable smartphone scene has never been so crowded, but we managed to nominate a favorite – the Google Pixel 9a, featuring most of the flagship specs and features at a very good price.
There are compact choices for people who prefer smaller phones – both the Galaxy S25 and the iPhone 16 Pro are true flagships with a small footprint. And if you want to hop on the foldable train, there are options as well – the rebooted Razr lineup offers a slew of flip models to choose from, with the best one currently being the Razr Ultra (2025).
On the folding front the competition is also heating up; Samsung still holds a big market share, but Google dealt a blow with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, which is the best foldable in this article. The affordable smartphone scene has never been so crowded, but we managed to nominate a favorite – the Google Pixel 9a, featuring most of the flagship specs and features at a very good price.
Be sure to check this piece on a regular basis, as we're constantly updating the list and adding new phones. Exciting times lie ahead!
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