Trending : • Google Pixel 10 Pro review • Sept. 9 iPhone 17 event: What to expect • Best Labor Day sales so far • iPhone 17: All the rumors so far • NordVPN deal: Up to 77 percent off Why you can trust us Engadget has been testing and reviewing consumer tech since 2004. Our stories may include affiliate links; if you buy something through a link, we may earn a commission. Read more about how we evaluate products . Engadget You might already have a good idea of which smartphone you want to be your next one. But there are more solid options available now than ever before, making the decision not as cut-and-dry as it used to be. While the decision is a bit easier if you know you want an iPhone, there's even enough variation between those new models that you may have to think about it longer than you anticipated. If you’re an Android person, you have even more options to choose from — including foldables — and more questions to answer before you spend any money. At Engadget, we review phones regularly and have tested dozens over the years. Whether you’ve had your eye on one of our current top picks, one of Samsung's Galaxy S25 phones, a cheap phone or another device, we’re here to help you decide which is the best phone to buy this year. Quick Overview $999 at Apple Best Android smartphone Google Pixel 10 Pro $999 at Amazon Best midrange iPhone Apple iPhone 16e $599 at Apple Best midrange Android phone Google Pixel 9a More options $499 at Amazon Best foldable phone for multitasking Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 More options $1,780 at Amazon See 1 more Android or iOS? When you're searching for the best smartphone, it becomes clear that each OS has its pros and cons. Apple’s tight-knit ecosystem makes it super easy to share data between iPhones, iPads and Macs or seamlessly hand-off phone calls or music from one device to another. At the same time, you’re effectively locked in, as services like Apple Messages aren’t available on other platforms. As for Android, there’s a much wider range of handsets from companies like Google, Samsung, Sony and more. However, Android phones don’t enjoy that same length of software support and often have lower trade-in values. In short, there’s no wrong answer. However, you will want to consider how your phone will fit in with the rest of your devices. So unless you’re really fed up with one OS and willing to learn another, it probably doesn’t make a lot of sense to switch from an iPhone to an Android phone (or vice versa) – especially if everyone else in your household is using the same platform. Cameras Since your cell phone often pulls double duty as your primary camera, figuring out what kind of photo tools you want is key. Nowadays, practically every mobile phone can take a great picture in bright light. But if you want a long optical zoom, you’ll probably have to upgrade to a more expensive device. Cherlynn Low / Engadget Mid-range phones often only have two rear cameras (a primary wide-angle lens and a secondary ultra-wide camera) and can sometimes struggle in low-light situations. Each phone maker also has various features that might be a better fit for your style, with Apple offering four different color presets on the latest iPhones, while Google’s Pixel 9 Pro comes with neat tools like dedicated long exposure and Action Pan modes. Will you get mmWave 5G or Wi-Fi 7? The good news is that in 2025, most phones have at least Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6e and support for some kind of 5G connectivity. However, if you want the fastest wireless speeds possible, it’s going to cost you a little extra. For example, on certain networks, mmWave 5G offers up to gigabit download speeds, less latency and better bandwidth. But mmWave 5G also requires more sophisticated (and pricier) modems, which means support for it is often missing on less expensive devices. Advertisement On the bright side, mmWave 5G isn’t as widely available as other versions of 5G, so depending on where you live and what network you’re on, you may not be missing out on much right now if you buy a phone that doesn’t support it. It’s a similar situation for Wi-Fi 7, which is available on some high-end handsets like the Galaxy S25, but harder to find on cheaper devices. Wi-Fi 7 also requires you to have a compatible router , so unless you know you need it or have a specific use case in mind, the lack of support for mmWave 5G or Wi-Fi 7 shouldn’t be a dealbreaker when looking for a new phone. Other features to consider Because not everyone agrees on what makes the best phone, you should think about any other specs that might be extra important for you. Mobile gamers will almost certainly appreciate the 120Hz refresh rates you get on phones like the Samsung Galaxy S25 or the Apple iPhone 16 Pro. Alternatively, if long battery life is important, you’ll probably want to go with a larger iPhone or an Android phone with a battery that’s between 4,000 and 5,000 mAh in size. Meanwhile, if you find yourself juggling a lot of devices, it can be really nice to have a phone that supports reverse wireless charging, which on Samsung phones even lets you recharge the company’s Galaxy Watches. Photo by Cherlynn Low / Engadget Best iOS smartphone Apple iPhone 16 Pro Read our full iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max review Screen size: 6.3-inch | Storage capacity: Up to 1TB | SIM support: Dual eSim | Battery Life: About one day Just like last year, if you want the best iPhone experience, you should get an iPhone 16 Pro or iPhone 16 Pro Max. Not only is there not much of a leap between the two when it comes to camera array or general performance, but these handsets will get all of the benefits of Apple Intelligence — on top of the handy customizations that comes with iOS 18. The iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max have slightly different sizes this time around: 6.3 inches and 6.9 inches, respectively. Aside from that meaning you’ll have to shell out money for a new case if you upgrade, it won’t make too much of a difference in regular use. The biggest hardware differences that you’ll absolutely notice are the Camera Control button and the Fusion Camera. The former is a new side button that has touch and pressure sensors, making it easier to not only launch the Camera app but control things like exposure when you’re actually taking photos. As we discovered in our testing for the iPhone 16 Pro review, it’ll take a bit of getting used to at first. But overall, the Camera Control button is a net positive that shutterbugs will appreciate. The new Fusion Camera sports a faster quad-pixel sensor, among other improvements, and allows for 4K video at 120 fps in Dolby Vision and “zero shutter lag.” The latter means you’ll be able to actually capture the moment when you press the button, rather than the moment right after it. The Fusion Camera also supports new features like Photographic Styles, which are fun enhancements that are even more customizable than regular filters. Elsewhere, the new A18 Pro chipset provides excellent performance for both the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max, plus support for Apple Intelligence. Whereas in years past, there would have been a significant difference in the Pro and Pro Max camera arrays, this year that gap isn’t as noticeable. Where you will see major gains with the Pro Max is battery life — it’ll last two days (like its 15 predecessor), while the standard 16 Pro has just full-day battery life. Only you can decide if that’s worth ponying up the extra $200 for the Max, but regardless, both the Pro and Pro Max handsets offer stellar performance, excellent photography chops, enhanced customization with iOS 18 and (soon) the full host of Apple Intelligence features. — Valentina Palladino, Deputy Editor Pros • Fast camera with high quality video capture • Photographic styles are effective and pretty • Nice customizations available throughout Cons • Relatively short battery life • Camera Control isn t perfect $999 at Apple Sam Rutherford for Engadget Best Android smartphone Google Pixel 10 Pro Read our full Google Pixel 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL review Screen size: 6.3-inch | Storage capacity: Up to 1TB | SIM support: 1x eSim | Battery Life: 24+ hours With the Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro , Google has once again refined its smartphone hardware while pushing its AI-powered software in new and wonderful ways. Not only do both devices now support full high-res portrait shots, its 100x Pro Res Zoom captures long-range photos in ways that lenses and megapixels alone simply can’t. Then you add in noticeably better performance, bigger batteries, brighter displays and proper Qi2 magnetic charging (the first from a major Android phone maker) via Pixelsnap and you have truly smart devices that makes picking anything else seem kind of dumb. — Sam Rutherford, Senior Reporter Pros • Longer battery life • Brighter displays • 100x Pro Res Zoom adds major magnification • Pixelsnap charging (aka Qi2 support) • Magic Cue is super helpful (when it works) Cons • No more wireless powersharing • Processing full-res images is a bit slow • Pixel 10 line is eSIM only in the US $999 at Amazon Cherlynn Low for Engadget Best midrange iPhone Apple iPhone 16e Read our full iPhone 16e review Screen size: 6.1-inch | Storage capacity: Up to 512GB | SIM support: Dual eSim | Battery Life: More than 24 hours The iPhone 16e is closer in specs to the iPhone 16 than the iPhone SE was to the iPhone 13. And that makes choosing which iPhone to buy harder than ever. Should you save $200 and give up a dual camera, Dynamic Island, Camera Control and MagSafe? That depends largely on your priorities and budget. While I think that anyone who can afford the price difference should opt for the iPhone 16 over the iPhone 16e, I can’t deny that this is Apple’s best entry-level iPhone to date. It has an Action button, USB-C, a larger, brighter screen and an A18 chip that enables Apple Intelligence. My biggest concerns with it are limitations brought on by its single rear camera setup — things like not being able to capture ultrawide shots or Portrait mode not working if there isn’t a face in the scene. If you’re coming from an iPhone 11 or newer, you should consider whether the improved camera sensor is worth giving up an ultrawide camera for. If it is, and if you can live without snapping portraits of objects and faceless items, the iPhone 16e’s camera will be satisfying. There are other factors to consider, like whether you regularly use MagSafe accessories or wireless charging. If you do, then the iPhone 16e will frustrate you as it doesn’t work with the magnetic attachment system (you can get a MagSafe case to remedy this) and charges at a slower speed than the iPhone 15 or iPhone 16 (but there’s no fix for this). You can consider the $699 iPhone 15 for a better camera and wireless charging experience, but you’ll be giving up Apple Intelligence and an Action button. — C.L. Pros • Solid performance • Long battery life • Clean, durable design • Bright, vibrant screen Cons • Only one rear camera, leading to many limitations • Expensive compared to previous iPhone SE • No MagSafe $599 at Apple Sam Rutherford for Engadget Best midrange Android phone Google Pixel 9a Read our full Google Pixel 9a review Screen size: 6.3-inch | Storage capacity: Up to 256GB | SIM support: 1x nano SIM, 1x eSim | Battery Life: Up to 28 hours The Pixel 9a isn't especially flashy and it doesn't have any special features that aren't already available on its more expensive siblings. In fact, it actually has slower charging and it's missing support for some of Google's homegrown software like the Screenshots app. But for everyone who just wants a simple phone with a solid design, a nice screen, excellent cameras and strong battery life, the Pixel 9a is really hard to beat. So while it's not super fancy, the phone has all of its most important bases covered (and then some). But most importantly, starting at just $499, this phone feels like an incredible deal that punches well above its price. — S.R. Pros • Sleek design • Awesome battery life • Nice display • Great cameras • IP68 rating for dust and water resistance Cons • Charging could be faster • No Pixel Screenshot app • Macro Focus mode can be a bit finicky $499 at Amazon Explore More Buying Options $499 at Google Store $499 at Best Buy Best foldable phone for multitasking Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Read our full Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 review Screen size: 8-inch (main) 6.5-inch (folded) | Storage capacity: Up to 1TB | SIM support: 1x nano SIM, 1x eSim | Battery life: Up to 24 hours One of the biggest issues with foldable phones is the added size and weight that often comes with the inclusion of a flexible display. Samsung has made that a thing of the past on the Galaxy Z Fold 7 , which sports larger screens — both inside and out — while being 26 percent thinner than before. And as if that wasn't enough, the Z Fold 7 also features improved durability, increased performance and a new 200MP main camera, matching or exceeding what you get from traditional flagship smartphones. The main downsides are that at $2,000, it's still far from affordable and for long-time Samsung fans, the loss of S Pen support may be a dealbreaker. But for those who want to experience new heights in foldable phone design, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is a masterpiece of modern gadget design. — S.R. Pros • Exquisitely thin design • Sleeker hinge • Big 200MP main camera • Larger displays • Top-tier performance Cons • Very expensive • No S Pen support • Mediocre charging speeds $1,780 at Amazon Explore More Buying Options $1,820 at Best Buy Mat Smith for Engadget Best foldable for selfies Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 Read our full Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 review Screen size: 6.9-inch (main) 4.1-inch (front) | Storage capacity: Up to 512GB | SIM support: 1x nano SIM, 1x eSim | Battery life: Up to 31 hours The Galaxy Z Flip 7 has a slimmer design and significantly improved battery life. With a larger, brighter front display, it’s easier to use and the hinge mechanism has also been strengthened for a more solid feel. Despite it being the smaller model of Samsung’s foldable family, the company made the primary display even bigger and brought it closer to the traditional aspect ratios of most traditional smartphones. It’s another smart improvement that makes the Flip 7 easier to use than its predecessors. A larger battery has substantially extended how long Samsung’s latest Flip can run for between charges, although it runs a little hot with heavy apps, tasks and games. Software additions include the Now Bar and Gemini Live integration for the front display, but using most other apps still requires a widget launcher workaround. However, the cameras remain largely unchanged from the previous model, with a 50MP primary and 12MP ultrawide lens. Sadly there’s still no dedicated telephoto lens, which makes it less useful in some shooting situations. Other areas are long due an upgrade, too, like the Flip 7’s sluggish charging speeds. — Mat Smith, UK Bureau Chief Pros • Bigger front screen • Better battery life • Slimmer design Cons • Cameras are dated • Front screen utility is still limited • Sluggish charge speed $1,220 at Amazon Explore More Buying Options $1,220 at Best Buy Other smartphones we've tested OnePlus 13 While the OnePlus 13 features some basic AI features like Google’s Circle to Search and Gemini assistant, it’s really just an old-fashioned flagship in all the best ways. That’s because instead of focusing on machine learning, OnePlus crammed the phone with tons of top-notch hardware. It sports a 6.8-inch OLED display with an incredible peak brightness of up to 4,500 nits. The OP13 also offers excellent performance thanks to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, along with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. There are also three 50-MP rear cameras including one with a 3x telephoto zoom and a massive 6,000 mAh battery that’s bigger than what you get in practically all of its competitors. OnePlus didn’t skimp on the phone’s design either, as the OP13 still comes with the company’s signature Alert Slider. Plus, if you opt for the blue or white variants, you’ll get a durable and very touchable vegan leather back that helps the phone stand out among all its glass brick rivals. But the best part is that starting at $900, it costs less than an equivalent Galaxy S25+ too. FAQs How do I know which smartphone is the best for me? While choosing the best smartphone can be challenging, it mostly comes down to how you plan on using the device. All of the best phones available now get the basics right — you’ll be able to make calls, text and access the internet without many hiccups. If your smartphone is your most used gadget, you may want to consider paying for a device on the higher end of the price spectrum. That will get you better overall performance, higher-quality cameras and a phone that will last for many years. If you don’t use your phone for everything, you may be able to compromise on performance and extra perks and spend less on a still-capable handset. How much is a smartphone? Smartphones range in price from $300 to over $1,500. The best budget phones available now will usually compromise on overall performance, design, camera prowess and extra features to keep costs down. On the flip side, the most expensive phones will have powerful processors, triple-camera arrays and even flip or fold designs. Most people will find a phone that fits their needs somewhere in the middle of that wide price range — we’ve found that most of the best smartphones available right now cost between $500 and $1,000. What can you do on a smartphone? Smartphones are essentially small, portable computers that let you do things like check email, browse social media, follow map directions, make contactless payments and more. This is all on top of the basics like making phone calls and texting, which we’ve come to expect in all modern cell phones. Smartphones have also mostly replaced compact cameras thanks to their high-quality, built-in shooters, and the fact that most smartphones today as just as portable, if not more so, as compact cameras. How long do smartphones last? Smartphones can last years and people are holding on to their phones longer now than ever before. Software updates and battery life are two of the biggest factors that can affect phone longevity. Apple promises five years worth of software updates for its latest iPhones, and Google promises the same for its Pixel phones. Samsung phones will get four years worth of Android updates from the time they launch. As for charging speeds and battery life, your phone can deteriorate over time as you use and recharge your phone on a regular basis. Recent updates August 2025: Updated to include the Google Pixel 10 Pro. Advertisement July 2025: Updated to include the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7. April 2025: Updated to include the Google Pixel 9a. February 2025: Updated to include the iPhone 16e. January 2025: Updated to include details about Samsung's latest Galaxy S-series phones. September 2024: Updated to include the latest iPhone 16 models and a new midrange iPhone top pick. • About our ads

원문: The best smartphones to buy in 2025

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