You may have already got a good suggestion of which smartphone you need to be your subsequent one. However there are extra stable choices accessible now than ever earlier than, making the choice not as cut-and-dry because it was once. Whereas the choice is a bit simpler if you recognize you need an iPhone, there’s even sufficient variation between these new fashions that you will have to consider it longer than you anticipated. When you’re an Android particular person, you’ve gotten much more choices to select from — together with foldables — and extra inquiries to reply earlier than you spend any cash.
At Engadget, we assessment telephones usually and have examined dozens over time. Whether or not you’ve had your eye on one in all our present prime picks, one in all Samsung’s Galaxy S25 telephones, a cheap phone or one other system, we’re right here that can assist you determine which is the very best telephone to purchase this yr.
Android or iOS?
While you’re trying to find the very best smartphone, it turns into clear that every OS has its execs and cons. Apple’s tight-knit ecosystem makes it tremendous straightforward to share knowledge between iPhones, iPads and Macs or seamlessly hand-off telephone calls or music from one system to a different. On the similar time, you’re successfully locked in, as providers like Apple Messages aren’t accessible on different platforms.
As for Android, there’s a a lot wider vary of handsets from firms like Google, Samsung, Sony and extra. Nevertheless, Android telephones don’t take pleasure in that very same size of software program help and sometimes have decrease trade-in values. In brief, there’s no unsuitable reply. Nevertheless, you’ll want to contemplate how your telephone will slot in with the remainder of your units. So until you’re actually fed up with one OS and keen to be taught one other, it in all probability doesn’t make loads of sense to change from an iPhone to an Android telephone (or vice versa) – particularly if everybody else in your family is utilizing the identical platform.
Cameras
Since your mobile phone typically pulls double obligation as your main digital camera, determining what sort of photograph instruments you need is vital. These days, virtually each cell phone can take a terrific image in brilliant gentle. However in order for you an extended optical zoom, you’ll in all probability must improve to a dearer system.
Mid-range phones typically solely have two rear cameras (a main wide-angle lens and a secondary ultra-wide digital camera) and might generally wrestle in low-light conditions. Every telephone maker additionally has numerous options that is likely to be a greater match in your type, with Apple providing 4 totally different colour presets on the most recent iPhones, whereas Google’s Pixel 9 Professional comes with neat instruments like devoted lengthy publicity and Motion Pan modes.
Will you get mmWave 5G or Wi-Fi 7?
The excellent news is that in 2025, most telephones have at the least Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6e and help for some type of 5G connectivity. Nevertheless, in order for you the quickest wi-fi speeds attainable, it’s going to value you a little bit additional. For instance, on sure networks, mmWave 5G provides as much as gigabit obtain speeds, much less latency and higher bandwidth. However mmWave 5G additionally requires extra refined (and pricier) modems, which suggests help for it’s typically lacking on cheaper units.
On the brilliant facet, mmWave 5G isn’t as broadly accessible as different variations of 5G, so relying on the place you reside and what community you’re on, you will not be lacking out on a lot proper now when you purchase a telephone that doesn’t help it. It’s an identical state of affairs for Wi-Fi 7, which is obtainable on some high-end handsets just like the Galaxy S25, however more durable to search out on cheaper units. Wi-Fi 7 additionally requires you to have a compatible router, so until you recognize you want it or have a particular use case in thoughts, the shortage of help for mmWave 5G or Wi-Fi 7 shouldn’t be a dealbreaker when searching for a brand new telephone.
Different options to think about
As a result of not everybody agrees on what makes the very best telephone, you need to take into consideration some other specs that is likely to be additional essential for you. Cellular avid gamers will virtually actually admire the 120Hz refresh charges you get on telephones just like the Samsung Galaxy S25 or the Apple iPhone 16 Professional. Alternatively, if lengthy battery life is essential, you’ll in all probability need to go together with a bigger iPhone or an Android telephone with a battery that’s between 4,000 and 5,000 mAh in dimension. In the meantime, if you end up juggling loads of units, it may be very nice to have a telephone that helps reverse wi-fi charging, which on Samsung telephones even helps you to recharge the corporate’s Galaxy Watches.
Picture by Cherlynn Low / Engadget
Learn our full iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max review
Display dimension: 6.3-inch | Storage capability: As much as 1TB | SIM help: Twin eSim | Battery Life: About at some point
Identical to final yr, in order for you the very best iPhone expertise, you need to get an iPhone 16 Pro or iPhone 16 Professional Max. Not solely is there not a lot of a leap between the 2 on the subject of digital camera array or common efficiency, however these handsets will get the entire advantages of Apple Intelligence — on prime of the useful customizations that comes with iOS 18.
The iPhone 16 Professional and 16 Professional Max have barely totally different sizes this time round: 6.3 inches and 6.9 inches, respectively. Apart from that that means you’ll must shell out cash for a brand new case when you improve, it gained’t make an excessive amount of of a distinction in common use. The largest {hardware} variations that you simply’ll completely discover are the Digital camera Management button and the Fusion Digital camera. The previous is a brand new facet button that has contact and strain sensors, making it simpler to not solely launch the Digital camera app however management issues like publicity whenever you’re really taking images. As we found in our testing for the iPhone 16 Professional assessment, it’ll take a little bit of getting used to at first. However general, the Digital camera Management button is a internet optimistic that shutterbugs will admire.
The brand new Fusion Digital camera sports activities a quicker quad-pixel sensor, amongst different enhancements, and permits for 4K video at 120 fps in Dolby Imaginative and prescient and “zero shutter lag.” The latter means you’ll have the ability to really seize the second whenever you press the button, fairly than the second proper after it. The Fusion Digital camera additionally helps new options like Photographic Kinds, that are enjoyable enhancements which might be much more customizable than common filters.
Elsewhere, the brand new A18 Professional chipset offers wonderful efficiency for each the iPhone 16 Professional and 16 Professional Max, plus help for Apple Intelligence. Whereas in years previous, there would have been a big distinction within the Professional and Professional Max digital camera arrays, this yr that hole isn’t as noticeable. The place you will note main beneficial properties with the Professional Max is battery life — it’ll final two days (like its 15 predecessor), whereas the usual 16 Professional has simply full-day battery life. Solely you possibly can determine if that’s price ponying up the additional $200 for the Max, however regardless, each the Professional and Professional Max handsets supply stellar efficiency, wonderful pictures chops, enhanced customization with iOS 18 and (quickly) the complete host of Apple Intelligence options. — Valentina Palladino, Deputy Editor
- Quick digital camera with top quality video seize
- Photographic types are efficient and fairly
- Good customizations accessible all through
- Comparatively brief battery life
- Digital camera Management is not good
Learn our full Google Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL review
(Pixel 9 Professional) Display dimension: 6.3-inch | Storage capability: As much as 1TB | SIM help: 1x nano SIM, 1x eSim | Battery Life: 24+ hours
Lastly, a smaller Pixel Professional. Google’s Pixel collection has lengthy been probably the greatest Android telephones round, with the Professional mannequin being the superior model. But it surely was at all times a little bit too large and too cumbersome for these of us who’ve smaller arms or need our telephones to slot in our pockets. Cue the Pixel 9 Pro, which is the littler model of the Pixel 9 Professional XL. As an alternative of a comparatively massive 6.8-inch display screen like that on its larger sibling, the usual Professional has a 6.3-inch show that’s straightforward to maneuver. No extra worrying about dropping your Pixel Professional simply since you fumbled whereas attempting to achieve the highest of the display screen!
Higher but, with the Pixel 9 Professional, Google hasn’t sacrificed any key function to get to the smaller dimension, that means you may discover the identical digital camera setup and efficiency in each handsets. The one actual variations are the display screen dimension, battery and charging speeds, because the non-XL mannequin recharges at a barely slower charge. However the Pixel 9 Professional can also be a lot longer-lasting than the XL, notching virtually 25 hours on our battery take a look at.
These distinctions apart, the Pixel 9 Professional lineup is our favourite Android telephone due to its top-notch digital camera efficiency, intriguing AI options and a common grown-up vibe. Whereas earlier Pixel flagships had a colourful, blocky design that felt contemporary, this yr’s units really feel stable and refined. And, dare we are saying it, virtually like iPhones. With out the digital camera bars, they’d be fairly laborious to inform aside from Apple’s telephones.
Probably as a result of it is grown up a lot over time, however the Pixel telephones now value the identical as iPhones. The Pixel 9 Professional and iPhone 16 Professional each begin at $999, and although a few of us have come to consider Google’s handsets because the extra competitively priced choice, this yr’s mannequin is likely to be adequate to justify a premium worth. When you nonetheless need one thing from the Pixel 9 household however do not need to pay $1,000, the bottom Pixel 9 continues to be a stable handset for most individuals. However because it stands, the Pixel 9 Professional is the very best Android handset cash should buy. — Cherlynn Low, Managing Editor
- Nice digital camera options and improved telephoto digital camera
- A yr of Gemini Superior without cost
- Unbelievable battery life
- A gorgeous, brilliant display screen that’s straightforward to make use of outdoor
- Tensor G4 runs cooler than its predecessor
- Slower charging speeds than the XL
- Not the very best telephone for gaming
Cherlynn Low for Engadget
Learn our full iPhone 16e review
Display dimension: 6.1-inch | Storage capability: As much as 512GB | SIM help: Twin eSim | Battery Life: Greater than 24 hours
The iPhone 16e is nearer in specs to the iPhone 16 than the iPhone SE was to the iPhone 13. And that makes selecting which iPhone to purchase more durable than ever. Must you save $200 and quit a twin digital camera, Dynamic Island, Digital camera Management and MagSafe? That relies upon largely in your priorities and price range.
Whereas I feel that anybody who can afford the worth distinction ought to go for the iPhone 16 over the iPhone 16e, I can’t deny that that is Apple’s finest entry-level iPhone thus far. It has an Motion button, USB-C, a bigger, brighter display screen and an A18 chip that permits Apple Intelligence. My largest considerations with it are limitations introduced on by its single rear digital camera setup — issues like not with the ability to seize ultrawide pictures or Portrait mode not working if there isn’t a face within the scene. When you’re coming from an iPhone 11 or newer, you need to contemplate whether or not the improved digital camera sensor is price giving up an ultrawide digital camera for. Whether it is, and when you can dwell with out snapping portraits of objects and faceless objects, the iPhone 16e’s digital camera can be satisfying.
There are different components to think about, like whether or not you usually use MagSafe equipment or wi-fi charging. When you do, then the iPhone 16e will frustrate you because it doesn’t work with the magnetic attachment system (you will get a MagSafe case to treatment this) and prices at a slower pace than the iPhone 15 or iPhone 16 (however there’s no repair for this). You may contemplate the $699 iPhone 15 for a greater digital camera and wi-fi charging expertise, however you’ll be giving up Apple Intelligence and an Motion button. — C.L.
- Strong efficiency
- Lengthy battery life
- Clear, sturdy design
- Brilliant, vibrant display screen
- Just one rear digital camera, resulting in many limitations
- Costly in comparison with earlier iPhone SE
- No MagSafe
Sam Rutherford for Engadget
Learn our full Google Pixel 9a review
Display dimension: 6.3-inch | Storage capability: As much as 256GB | SIM help: 1x nano SIM, 1x eSim | Battery Life: As much as 28 hours
The Pixel 9a is not particularly flashy and it does not have any particular options that are not already accessible on its dearer siblings. The truth is, it really has slower charging and it is lacking help for a few of Google’s homegrown software program just like the Screenshots app. However for everybody who simply needs a easy telephone with a stable design, a pleasant display screen, wonderful cameras and powerful battery life, the Pixel 9a is de facto laborious to beat. So whereas it is not tremendous fancy, the telephone has all of its most essential bases lined (after which some). However most significantly, beginning at simply $499, this telephone seems like an unbelievable deal that punches nicely above its worth. — Sam Rutherford, Senior Reporter
- Smooth design
- Superior battery life
- Good show
- Nice cameras
- IP68 score for mud and water resistance
- Charging may very well be quicker
- No Pixel Screenshot app
- Macro Focus mode is usually a bit finicky
Sam Rutherford for Engadget
Learn our full Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 review
Display dimension: 8-inch (foremost) 6.5-inch (folded) | Storage capability: As much as 1TB | SIM help: 1x nano SIM, 1x eSim | Battery life: As much as 24 hours
One of many largest points with foldable telephones is the added dimension and weight that usually comes with the inclusion of a versatile show. Samsung has made {that a} factor of the previous on the Galaxy Z Fold 7, which sports activities bigger screens — each inside and outside — whereas being 26 p.c thinner than earlier than. And as if that wasn’t sufficient, the Z Fold 7 additionally options improved sturdiness, elevated efficiency and a brand new 200MP foremost digital camera, matching or exceeding what you get from conventional flagship smartphones. The primary downsides are that at $2,000, it is nonetheless removed from reasonably priced and for long-time Samsung followers, the lack of S Pen help could also be a dealbreaker. However for many who need to expertise new heights in foldable telephone design, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is a masterpiece of recent gadget design. — S.R.
- Exquisitely skinny design
- Sleeker hinge
- Large 200MP foremost digital camera
- Bigger shows
- Prime-tier efficiency
- Very costly
- No S Pen help
- Mediocre charging speeds
Mat Smith for Engadget
Learn our full Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 review
Display dimension: 6.9-inch (foremost) 4.1-inch (entrance) | Storage capability: As much as 512GB | SIM help: 1x nano SIM, 1x eSim | Battery life: As much as 31 hours
The Galaxy Z Flip 7 has a slimmer design and considerably improved battery life. With a bigger, brighter entrance show, it’s simpler to make use of and the hinge mechanism has additionally been strengthened for a extra stable really feel.
Regardless of it being the smaller mannequin of Samsung’s foldable household, the corporate made the first show even larger and introduced it nearer to the standard side ratios of most conventional smartphones. It’s one other good enchancment that makes the Flip 7 simpler to make use of than its predecessors.
A bigger battery has considerably prolonged how lengthy Samsung’s newest Flip can run for between prices, though it runs a little bit scorching with heavy apps, duties and video games.
Software program additions embrace the Now Bar and Gemini Stay integration for the entrance show, however utilizing most different apps nonetheless requires a widget launcher workaround.
Nevertheless, the cameras stay largely unchanged from the earlier mannequin, with a 50MP main and 12MP ultrawide lens. Sadly there’s nonetheless no devoted telephoto lens, which makes it much less helpful in some capturing conditions. Different areas are lengthy due an improve, too, just like the Flip 7’s sluggish charging speeds. — Mat Smith, UK Bureau Chief
- Larger entrance display screen
- Higher battery life
- Slimmer design
- Cameras are dated
- Entrance display screen utility continues to be restricted
- Sluggish cost pace
Different smartphones we have examined
Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely
Like its predecessor, the S25 Ultra is an extremely versatile telephone. It’s one of many few handsets that include an included stylus and premium options like a stunning 6.9-inch AMOLED show, titanium body and a 5x telephoto digital camera. It additionally has wonderful efficiency and powerful battery life. The difficulty is that, except for improved AI, this yr’s telephone doesn’t supply that rather more than the earlier mannequin (or the one earlier than that), and with costs beginning at $1,300, we really feel it must do extra to earn a prime choose spot.
OnePlus 13
Whereas the OnePlus 13 options some primary AI options like Google’s Circle to Search and Gemini assistant, it’s actually simply an old style flagship in all the very best methods. That’s as a result of as a substitute of specializing in machine studying, OnePlus crammed the telephone with tons of top-notch {hardware}. It sports activities a 6.8-inch OLED show with an unbelievable peak brightness of as much as 4,500 nits. The OP13 additionally provides wonderful efficiency due to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, together with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. There are additionally three 50-MP rear cameras together with one with a 3x telephoto zoom and a large 6,000 mAh battery that’s larger than what you get in virtually all of its opponents.
OnePlus didn’t skimp on the telephone’s design both, because the OP13 nonetheless comes with the corporate’s signature Alert Slider. Plus, when you go for the blue or white variants, you’ll get a sturdy and really touchable vegan leather-based again that helps the telephone stand out amongst all its glass brick rivals. However the very best half is that beginning at $900, it prices lower than an equal Galaxy S25+ too.
FAQs
How do I do know which smartphone is the very best for me?
Whereas selecting the very best smartphone may be difficult, it principally comes right down to how you intend on utilizing the system. All the finest telephones accessible now get the fundamentals proper — you’ll have the ability to make calls, textual content and entry the web with out many hiccups. In case your smartphone is your most used gadget, you could need to contemplate paying for a tool on the upper finish of the worth spectrum. That may get you higher general efficiency, higher-quality cameras and a telephone that can final for a few years. When you don’t use your telephone for every little thing, you could possibly compromise on efficiency and further perks and spend much less on a still-capable handset.
How a lot is a smartphone?
Smartphones vary in worth from $300 to over $1,500. The most effective price range telephones accessible now will often compromise on general efficiency, design, digital camera prowess and further options to maintain prices down. On the flip facet, the most costly telephones may have highly effective processors, triple-camera arrays and even flip or fold designs. Most individuals will discover a telephone that matches their wants someplace in the midst of that broad worth vary — we’ve discovered that many of the finest smartphones accessible proper now value between $500 and $1,000.
What are you able to do on a smartphone?
Smartphones are basically small, transportable computer systems that allow you to do issues like examine e mail, browse social media, comply with map instructions, make contactless funds and extra. That is all on prime of the fundamentals like making telephone calls and texting, which we’ve come to count on in all trendy cell telephones. Smartphones have additionally principally changed compact cameras due to their high-quality, built-in shooters, and the truth that most smartphones as we speak as simply as transportable, if no more so, as compact cameras.
How lengthy do smartphones final?
Smartphones can final years and individuals are holding on to their phones longer now than ever earlier than. Software program updates and battery life are two of the largest components that may have an effect on telephone longevity. Apple guarantees 5 years price of software program updates for its newest iPhones, and Google guarantees the identical for its Pixel telephones. Samsung telephones will get 4 years price of Android updates from the time they launch. As for charging speeds and battery life, your telephone can deteriorate over time as you employ and recharge your telephone frequently.
Latest updates
July 2025: Up to date to incorporate the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7.
April 2025: Up to date to incorporate the Google Pixel 9a.
February 2025: Up to date to incorporate the iPhone 16e.
January 2025: Up to date to incorporate particulars about Samsung’s newest Galaxy S-series telephones.
September 2024: Up to date to incorporate the most recent iPhone 16 fashions and a brand new midrange iPhone prime choose.
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