Smartphones in 2025 have moved beyond being simple communication tools, becoming powerful devices that combine performance, design, and intelligence in ways that shape everyday life. From AI-powered photography to foldable displays, the latest generation of devices is built to handle work, entertainment, and creativity with ease. Features like faster charging, brighter screens, and more efficient processors now come as standard, making the smartphone a central hub for both productivity and leisure.
This year’s flagships also highlight how much the industry has matured. Innovations focus not only on raw power but also on user experience, with attention to sustainability, durability, and seamless integration across ecosystems. Whether it’s immersive displays, versatile cameras, or smarter software, the best smartphones of 2025 reflect a balance between cutting-edge technology and practical usability, offering something for every type of user.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is the brand’s most advanced flagship, built for those who demand cutting-edge performance, powerful cameras, and all-day productivity. Its 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display delivers Quad HD+ resolution with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, making everything from gaming to video streaming sharper and more immersive. With support for the S Pen, the Ultra is also a versatile productivity tool, ideal for note-taking, sketching, and quick edits on the go.
Under the hood, the S25 Ultra runs on Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, combining speeds up to 4.47GHz with AI enhancements for faster performance and efficiency. The massive 5,000mAh battery offers up to 31 hours of video playback, while storage options go up to 1TB, ensuring there’s space for apps, photos, and 8K videos. Together with Samsung’s One UI 7 and seven years of updates, the S25 Ultra is built to last as much as it is built to impress.
Key features and benefits
- Quad-camera system: A 200MP main camera is paired with 50MP telephoto, 50MP ultrawide, and 10MP support lenses, offering 3x, 5x, and up to 100x zoom. The 12MP front camera delivers crisp selfies and supports UHD 4K recording.
- Immersive display and S Pen: A 6.9-inch Quad HD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen with 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth visuals, with S Pen support for precision productivity.
- Powerful performance: An octa-core processor clocked up to 4.47GHz handles gaming, multitasking, and AI-driven features with ease, backed by 12GB RAM and up to 1TB storage.
- Durability and connectivity: IP68 rating protects against dust and water, while advanced connectivity includes 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, and Ultra-Wideband support.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is Apple’s most advanced smartphone to date, combining a premium design with unmatched ecosystem integration. Built with a forged aluminium unibody, it delivers durability alongside a sleek, refined look. The device introduces significant performance upgrades, powered by Apple’s latest silicon, offering up to 40% faster CPU performance compared to earlier models. This ensures smoother multitasking, faster app launches, and responsive gaming.
Battery life has also seen a notable improvement, with up to eight additional hours of video playback on the Pro Max compared to the iPhone 14 Pro Max. The 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR display supports Dolby Vision and high refresh rates, making content playback sharper and more immersive. On the camera front, Apple’s 48MP rear system with advanced Camera Control and an 18MP front camera with Center Stage provide professional-level photography and video capabilities, including 4K 120fps Dolby Vision recording.
Key features and benefits
- Forged aluminium unibody design: Durable, lightweight, and premium construction ensures both strength and a refined aesthetic.
- Extended battery life: Up to 8 more hours of video playback compared to older Pro Max models, making it ideal for heavy daily use.
- Professional camera system: 48MP rear cameras with Camera Control and an 18MP front camera with Center Stage, designed for both photography and video recording in 4K Dolby Vision.
- Next-level performance: Powered by Apple’s latest processor, delivering up to 40% faster CPU performance for demanding tasks, gaming, and future-proof software support.
Google Pixel 10 Pro
The Pixel 10 Pro is Google’s most advanced flagship yet, built around the new Tensor G5 processor and Android 16. Designed for speed, security, and AI-driven experiences, it offers smooth multitasking with 16GB RAM and up to 1TB storage. Its 6.3-inch Super Actua LTPO OLED display reaches up to 3,300 nits peak brightness, delivering vivid colours, sharp details, and excellent outdoor visibility. Protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2, the screen supports a 1–120Hz adaptive refresh rate for buttery-smooth scrolling.
The camera system continues to be Pixel’s strongest selling point. A triple-lens array includes a 50MP wide, 48MP ultrawide, and 48MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom, supported by Pro Res Zoom up to 100x. On the front, a 42MP ultrawide selfie camera provides detailed shots and 4K video with autofocus. Combined with Google’s advanced AI photography tools, the Pixel 10 Pro excels in low light, portraits, and zoom versatility. The 4,870mAh battery lasts over 24 hours and supports both fast wired charging (55% in 30 minutes) and Qi2-certified wireless charging.
Key features and benefits
- Pro-level camera system: Triple rear setup with 50MP wide, 48MP ultrawide, and 48MP telephoto lenses, plus a 42MP ultrawide front camera, with Pro Res Zoom up to 100x.
- Bright and smooth display: 6.3-inch LTPO OLED with 120Hz refresh rate and up to 3,300 nits peak brightness, ideal for both media and outdoor use.
- Tensor G5 performance: Google’s latest in-house processor with Titan M2 security chip, 16GB RAM, and AI optimisation for photography, multitasking, and security.
- Long-lasting battery: 4,870mAh capacity with up to 100 hours on Extreme Battery Saver, fast charging to 55% in 30 minutes, and 15W Qi2 wireless charging.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is designed for those who want flagship performance without the bulk of the Ultra. With a slim 5.8mm profile and weighing just 163g, it’s one of the thinnest premium smartphones available. Yet, it retains Samsung’s signature Dynamic AMOLED 2X display at Quad HD+ resolution and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Available in Titanium Silver, Jet Black, and Icy Blue, the S25 Edge combines style with substance, making it an appealing choice for users who prefer a more compact design.
Despite its smaller form, the S25 Edge doesn’t compromise on power. It runs on the same octa-core processor as the Ultra, offering top-tier performance for multitasking, gaming, and AI-driven applications. The dual-camera system includes a 200MP primary sensor and a 12MP ultrawide, supported by Samsung’s Adaptive Pixel zoom for sharp details up to 10x. A 12MP front camera handles selfies and 4K video, while the 3,900mAh battery delivers up to 24 hours of video playback with fast wired and wireless charging options.
Key features and benefits
- Slim and lightweight design: At just 5.8mm thick and 163g, the S25 Edge is one of the thinnest flagships, making it highly portable without sacrificing build quality.
- Vivid Quad HD+ display: A 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with 120Hz refresh rate offers vibrant colours, high brightness, and smooth scrolling.
- High-resolution camera system: 200MP wide + 12MP ultrawide dual setup delivers sharp, versatile photos, while the 12MP front camera supports 4K recording.
- All-day battery life: A 3,900mAh battery provides up to 24 hours of video playback, with both fast wired and wireless charging for convenience.
OnePlus 13
The OnePlus 13 continues the brand’s tradition of delivering high-end performance with strong value. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite platform and OxygenOS 15, it offers lightning-fast speeds with up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. Its 6.82-inch ProXDR LTPO 4.1 display supports QHD+ resolution, a dynamic 1–120Hz refresh rate, and peak brightness up to 4,500 nits, making it one of the brightest and most colour-accurate screens available. The ceramic guard glass adds durability while keeping the design sleek and premium, available in Midnight Ocean, Arctic Dawn, and Black Eclipse finishes.
Battery life is another standout, with a massive 6,000mAh dual-cell setup supporting 100W SUPERVOOC fast charging and 50W AIRVOOC wireless charging. On the camera front, the triple 50MP system (wide, telephoto, and ultrawide) ensures versatility across scenarios, with up to 120x digital zoom and 8K video recording. Combined with Dolby Vision, advanced stabilisation, and features like Nightscape and Master mode, the OnePlus 13 provides creative flexibility for both casual users and enthusiasts.
Key features and benefits
- ProXDR LTPO 4.1 display: A 6.82-inch QHD+ panel with dynamic 1–120Hz refresh rate, 10-bit colour depth, and peak brightness of 4,500 nits.
- Triple 50MP cameras: Wide, telephoto with 3x optical zoom, and ultrawide sensors deliver sharp results, with support for 8K recording and up to 120x digital zoom.
- Powerful performance: Snapdragon 8 Elite CPU with Adreno 830 GPU, paired with up to 16GB RAM and OxygenOS 15 based on Android 15.
- Long-lasting 6,000mAh battery: Dual-cell battery with 100W wired SUPERVOOC and 50W AIRVOOC wireless charging ensures all-day use and rapid recharging.
OPPO Find N5
The OPPO Find N5 is a next-generation foldable designed for users who want both productivity and portability. With an 8.12-inch AMOLED inner display and a 6.62-inch cover display, it offers the flexibility of a tablet and the convenience of a smartphone in one sleek package. Both screens support 120Hz refresh rates, HDR, and peak brightness levels above 2,000 nits, ensuring vibrant visuals indoors and outdoors. The slim foldable design, at just 4.2mm when open, keeps it lightweight at 229g while still maintaining durability with an advanced hinge and nanocrystal glass technology.
Performance is driven by the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, paired with 16GB of RAM and 512GB UFS 4.0 storage. The 5,600mAh dual-cell battery supports multiple charging speeds, including 80W SUPERVOOC wired and 50W AIRVOOC wireless charging, making it one of the most versatile power systems in a foldable. On the back, the triple-camera system features two 50MP sensors (wide and telephoto) and an 8MP ultrawide, while both the inner and outer screens house 8MP selfie cameras. Together with OIS, EIS, and advanced shooting modes, the Find N5 is a capable photography and video tool that balances innovation with everyday usability.
Key features and benefits
- Dual-display design: 8.12-inch inner QXGA+ screen and 6.62-inch cover screen, both AMOLED with 120Hz refresh rates and peak brightness above 2,000 nits.
- Flagship camera system: Triple rear cameras with 50MP wide, 50MP telephoto, and 8MP ultrawide, plus dual 8MP front cameras for flexible shooting options.
- Powerful performance: Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset with 16GB RAM, 512GB UFS 4.0 storage, and advanced cooling for sustained performance.
- Long-lasting battery with flexible charging: 5,600mAh capacity with 80W wired SUPERVOOC and 50W AIRVOOC wireless fast charging support.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 represents the pinnacle of foldable smartphone technology, offering a seamless blend of productivity and entertainment. With an expansive 8.0-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X inner display and a 6.5-inch cover display, both featuring 120Hz refresh rates, the device is designed for multitasking, gaming, and immersive media experiences. The slimmer design (4.2mm when unfolded) and lightweight build at 215g make it more portable than previous generations while maintaining Samsung’s premium foldable engineering.
Under the hood, the Z Fold 7 runs on an octa-core processor clocked up to 4.47GHz, ensuring flagship performance across applications. The triple rear camera system includes a 200MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom, alongside a 10MP cover camera and a 10MP front camera for video calls. Video recording supports 8K at 60fps, paired with advanced stabilisation and AI-powered enhancements. A 4,400mAh battery delivers up to 24 hours of wireless video playback, backed by Samsung’s fast charging and wireless charging options.
Key features and benefits
- Dual-display experience: 8.0-inch inner QXGA+ foldable screen and 6.5-inch FHD+ cover screen, both Dynamic AMOLED 2X with 120Hz refresh rate.
- Versatile triple-camera system: 200MP wide, 12MP ultrawide, and 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom, plus 10MP cover and front cameras for flexible shooting.
- Powerful performance: Octa-core processor up to 4.47GHz with 12GB RAM and storage options up to 1TB.
- Enhanced portability: Slimmer foldable design at just 4.2mm when open, weighing only 215g.
- All-day battery life: 4,400mAh capacity providing up to 24 hours of video playback with support for fast wired and wireless charging.
Vivo X Fold5
The Vivo X Fold5 is the company’s most refined foldable yet, designed with an ultra-light glass fibre build that makes it slimmer and lighter without sacrificing durability. Weighing just 217g, it folds down to 9.2mm thick and opens to only 4.3mm, making it one of the sleekest large-format foldables available. The main 8.03-inch AMOLED display supports a resolution of 2480 × 2200 with LTPO adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz and peak brightness of 4,500 nits. A 6.53-inch cover display offers the same responsiveness, ensuring seamless use whether folded or unfolded.
Powering the device is the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset paired with 16GB RAM and 512GB of storage, ensuring smooth multitasking and demanding use. A large 6,000mAh dual-cell battery supports 80W dual-cell FlashCharge for rapid wired charging, while connectivity options include Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and full NFC support. Camera performance is equally impressive with a triple 50MP rear system covering wide, ultrawide, and telephoto lenses, alongside dual 20MP front cameras on both the main and cover displays. Co-engineered with ZEISS, the Fold5 offers features like ZEISS portrait styles, advanced night photography, and professional video modes.
Key features and benefits
- Ultra-slim foldable design: At just 217g, the X Fold5 is one of the lightest foldables, built with glass fibre for durability and portability.
- Immersive dual displays: 8.03-inch AMOLED main display with 120Hz LTPO refresh rate and 4,500-nit brightness, complemented by a 6.53-inch cover screen.
- Pro-grade ZEISS imaging system: Triple 50MP rear cameras with wide, ultrawide, and telephoto lenses, plus dual 20MP selfie cameras on both displays.
- Flagship performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor with 16GB LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB UFS 4.1 storage for smooth multitasking.
- Large 6,000mAh battery: Dual-cell design with 80W FlashCharge fast charging ensures all-day usage.
HUAWEI Pura 80 Pro
The HUAWEI Pura 80 Pro combines bold design with flagship photography and performance, bringing Huawei’s signature imaging technology to a stylish and durable device. It features a 6.8-inch LTPO OLED display with adaptive refresh rates from 1–120Hz, 1440Hz high-frequency PWM dimming, and up to 300Hz touch sampling, delivering smooth visuals with accurate colour reproduction at 460 ppi. Weighing 219g and measuring 8.3mm thick, the phone strikes a premium balance between size, portability, and durability, thanks to its IP68/IP69 water and dust resistance.
Powered by the Kirin 9020 octa-core processor, the Pura 80 Pro delivers responsive performance on EMUI 15.0. Its quad rear camera system includes a 50MP 1-inch Ultra Lighting main sensor with variable aperture and OIS, a 40MP ultrawide, a 48MP Ultra Lighting Macro Telephoto with OIS, and a 1.5M Spectral Channels Ultra Chroma sensor for enhanced colour accuracy. On the front, a 13MP wide-angle camera supports 4K video and AI-assisted modes. The device supports up to 100W wired HUAWEI SuperCharge and 80W wireless SuperCharge, powered by a 5,170mAh battery for extended daily use.
Key features and benefits
- Immersive OLED display: 6.8-inch LTPO OLED panel with 1–120Hz adaptive refresh rate, 1440Hz PWM dimming, and 460 ppi for vibrant clarity.
- Advanced quad-camera system: 50MP 1-inch Ultra Lighting sensor, 40MP ultrawide, 48MP telephoto with OIS, and a Spectral Channels Ultra Chroma camera, plus 13MP 4K front camera.
- Flagship performance: Kirin 9020 octa-core processor with 12GB RAM and 512GB storage for smooth multitasking.
- Durable and stylish: IP68/IP69 water and dust resistance in Glazed Red, Glazed White, and Glazed Black finishes.
- Super-fast charging: 5,170mAh battery with 100W wired SuperCharge and 80W wireless SuperCharge support.
Nothing Phone (3a) Pro
The Nothing Phone (3a) Pro pushes the brand’s minimalist design language further, pairing its signature transparent aesthetic and Glyph Interface lighting with top-tier hardware. The device features a 6.7-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering smooth scrolling and vibrant visuals. With its slim aluminium frame and Gorilla Glass protection, the 3a Pro balances durability with a striking, futuristic look.
Powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 5G chipset, the phone ensures reliable flagship performance across gaming, multitasking, and AI-driven tasks. It comes with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, providing plenty of room for media and apps. The triple rear camera system includes a 50MP wide sensor with OIS, a 50MP periscope telephoto lens with up to 60x ultra zoom, and an 8MP ultrawide lens. On the front, a 50MP selfie camera captures crisp portraits and supports high-resolution video recording.
The 5,000mAh battery supports 50W fast wired charging, keeping you powered throughout the day. While wireless and reverse wireless charging are not officially confirmed, the phone delivers efficient energy management and long-lasting usage. Running on Nothing OS 3.1, the 3a Pro offers deep customisation, fluid animations, and seamless integration with the Glyph Interface.
Key features and benefits
- Signature design: Transparent aesthetic with enhanced Glyph Interface lighting for notifications and interactive features.
- Immersive display: 6.7-inch OLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support.
- Advanced cameras: 50MP wide with OIS, 50MP periscope telephoto with up to 60x ultra zoom, and 8MP ultrawide lens, plus a 50MP front camera with 4K video recording.
- Flagship performance: Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 5G chipset with up to 12GB RAM and 256GB storage.
- Reliable battery life: 5,000mAh battery with 50W fast wired charging.
What defines the best smartphones in 2025
The smartphone market in 2025 shows how far mobile technology has come, blending cutting-edge hardware with intelligent software features. From displays that adapt to different needs, to cameras capable of handling both everyday shots and professional-level photography, the latest devices are built to match the pace of modern life. Added to this are improvements in battery life, fast charging, and seamless connectivity, ensuring users can stay productive and entertained wherever they are.
Looking ahead, smartphones will continue to push the boundaries of what a handheld device can achieve. With AI integration becoming more central, and designs that balance performance with portability, these devices are evolving into indispensable tools for work, creativity, and personal expression. Choosing the right one ultimately depends on individual priorities, whether that’s power, photography, design, or all-round balance.
