You would possibly have already got a good suggestion of which smartphone you wish 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. Whereas the choice is a bit simpler if you already know you need an iPhone, there’s even sufficient variation between these new fashions that you’ll have to consider it longer than you anticipated. In case you’re an Android individual, you might have much more choices to select from — together with foldables — and extra inquiries to reply earlier than you spend any cash.
At Engadget, we evaluate telephones often and have examined dozens over time. Whether or not you’ve had your eye on one in every of our present high picks, one in every of Samsung’s Galaxy S25 telephones, a cheap phone or one other system, we’re right here that will help you determine which is the very best cellphone to purchase this 12 months.
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 simple to share information between iPhones, iPads and Macs or seamlessly hand-off cellphone 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 assist and infrequently have decrease trade-in values. In brief, there’s no unsuitable reply. Nevertheless, you’ll want to take into account how your cellphone will slot in with the remainder of your gadgets. So except you’re actually fed up with one OS and prepared to be taught one other, it in all probability doesn’t make lots of sense to change from an iPhone to an Android cellphone (or vice versa) – particularly if everybody else in your family is utilizing the identical platform.
Cameras
Since your mobile phone usually pulls double responsibility as your main digicam, determining what sort of photograph instruments you need is vital. These days, virtually each cell phone can take an amazing image in vibrant gentle. However in order for you a protracted optical zoom, you’ll in all probability need to improve to a dearer system.
Mid-range phones usually solely have two rear cameras (a main wide-angle lens and a secondary ultra-wide digicam) and may generally wrestle in low-light conditions. Every cellphone maker additionally has numerous options that is likely to be a greater match on your type, with Apple providing 4 completely different colour presets on the newest 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 very least Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6e and assist for some sort of 5G connectivity. Nevertheless, in order for you the quickest wi-fi speeds attainable, it’s going to price you a bit of additional. For instance, on sure networks, mmWave 5G presents as much as gigabit obtain speeds, much less latency and higher bandwidth. However mmWave 5G additionally requires extra refined (and pricier) modems, which implies assist for it’s usually lacking on inexpensive gadgets.
On the intense 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 in the event you purchase a cellphone that doesn’t assist it. It’s the same scenario for Wi-Fi 7, which is offered on some high-end handsets just like the Galaxy S25, however tougher to search out on cheaper gadgets. Wi-Fi 7 additionally requires you to have a compatible router, so except you already know you want it or have a selected use case in thoughts, the dearth of assist for mmWave 5G or Wi-Fi 7 shouldn’t be a dealbreaker when in search of a brand new cellphone.
Different options to contemplate
As a result of not everybody agrees on what makes the very best cellphone, it is best to take into consideration another specs that is likely to be additional necessary for you. Cellular players will nearly actually respect 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 necessary, you’ll in all probability wish to go along with a bigger iPhone or an Android cellphone with a battery that’s between 4,000 and 5,000 mAh in measurement. In the meantime, if you end up juggling lots of gadgets, it may be very nice to have a cellphone that helps reverse wi-fi charging, which on Samsung telephones even permits you to recharge the corporate’s Galaxy Watches.
Photograph by Cherlynn Low / Engadget
Learn our full iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max review
Display screen measurement: 6.3-inch | Storage capability: As much as 1TB | SIM assist: Twin eSim | Battery Life: About at some point
Identical to final 12 months, in order for you the very best iPhone expertise, it is best to get an iPhone 16 Pro or iPhone 16 Professional Max. Not solely is there not a lot of a leap between the 2 with regards to digicam array or normal efficiency, however these handsets will get all the advantages of Apple Intelligence — on high of the useful customizations that comes with iOS 18.
The iPhone 16 Professional and 16 Professional Max have barely completely different sizes this time round: 6.3 inches and 6.9 inches, respectively. Apart from that that means you’ll need to shell out cash for a brand new case in the event you improve, it gained’t make an excessive amount of of a distinction in common use. The most important {hardware} variations that you just’ll completely discover are the Digicam Management button and the Fusion Digicam. The previous is a brand new facet button that has contact and strain sensors, making it simpler to not solely launch the Digicam app however management issues like publicity whenever you’re truly taking photographs. As we found in our testing for the iPhone 16 Professional evaluate, it’ll take a little bit of getting used to at first. However general, the Digicam Management button is a web optimistic that shutterbugs will respect.
The brand new Fusion Digicam 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 truly seize the second whenever you press the button, slightly than the second proper after it. The Fusion Digicam 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 glorious efficiency for each the iPhone 16 Professional and 16 Professional Max, plus assist for Apple Intelligence. Whereas in years previous, there would have been a big distinction within the Professional and Professional Max digicam arrays, this 12 months that hole isn’t as noticeable. The place you will notice main features 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’ll be able to determine if that’s value ponying up the additional $200 for the Max, however regardless, each the Professional and Professional Max handsets provide stellar efficiency, glorious images chops, enhanced customization with iOS 18 and (quickly) the total host of Apple Intelligence options. — Valentina Palladino, Deputy Editor
- Quick digicam with prime quality video seize
- Photographic kinds are efficient and fairly
- Good customizations accessible all through
- Comparatively brief battery life
- Digicam Management is not good
Sam Rutherford for Engadget
Learn our full Google Pixel 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL review
Display screen measurement: 6.3-inch | Storage capability: As much as 1TB | SIM assist: 1x eSim | Battery Life: 24+ hours
With the Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro, Google has as soon as once more refined its smartphone {hardware} whereas pushing its AI-powered software program in new and fantastic methods. Not solely do each gadgets now assist full high-res portrait pictures, its 100x Professional Res Zoom captures long-range photographs in ways in which lenses and megapixels alone merely can’t. Then you definitely add in noticeably higher efficiency, larger batteries, brighter shows and correct Qi2 magnetic charging (the primary from a significant Android cellphone maker) through Pixelsnap and you’ve got really good gadgets that makes selecting anything appear sort of dumb. — Sam Rutherford, Senior Reporter
- Longer battery life
- Brighter shows
- 100x Professional Res Zoom provides main magnification
- Pixelsnap charging (aka Qi2 assist)
- Magic Cue is tremendous useful (when it really works)
- No extra wi-fi powersharing
- Processing full-res pictures is a bit sluggish
- Pixel 10 line is eSIM solely within the US
Cherlynn Low for Engadget
Learn our full iPhone 16e review
Display screen measurement: 6.1-inch | Storage capability: As much as 512GB | SIM assist: 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 tougher than ever. Must you save $200 and quit a twin digicam, Dynamic Island, Digicam Management and MagSafe? That relies upon largely in your priorities and funds.
Whereas I feel that anybody who can afford the value 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 so far. It has an Motion button, USB-C, a bigger, brighter display and an A18 chip that permits Apple Intelligence. My greatest issues with it are limitations introduced on by its single rear digicam setup — issues like not having the ability to seize ultrawide pictures or Portrait mode not working if there isn’t a face within the scene. In case you’re coming from an iPhone 11 or newer, it is best to take into account whether or not the improved digicam sensor is value giving up an ultrawide digicam for. Whether it is, and in the event you can dwell with out snapping portraits of objects and faceless gadgets, the iPhone 16e’s digicam shall be satisfying.
There are different elements to contemplate, like whether or not you often use MagSafe equipment or wi-fi charging. In case 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 velocity than the iPhone 15 or iPhone 16 (however there’s no repair for this). You possibly can take into account the $699 iPhone 15 for a greater digicam and wi-fi charging expertise, however you’ll be giving up Apple Intelligence and an Motion button. — C.L.
- Stable efficiency
- Lengthy battery life
- Clear, sturdy design
- Shiny, vibrant display
- Just one rear digicam, 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 screen measurement: 6.3-inch | Storage capability: As much as 256GB | SIM assist: 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. In truth, it truly has slower charging and it is lacking assist for a few of Google’s homegrown software program just like the Screenshots app. However for everybody who simply needs a easy cellphone with a stable design, a pleasant display, glorious cameras and robust battery life, the Pixel 9a is de facto laborious to beat. So whereas it is not tremendous fancy, the cellphone has all of its most necessary bases lined (after which some). However most significantly, beginning at simply $499, this cellphone looks like an unbelievable deal that punches effectively above its worth. — S.R.
- Modern design
- Superior battery life
- Good show
- Nice cameras
- IP68 score for mud and water resistance
- Charging could possibly be quicker
- No Pixel Screenshot app
- Macro Focus mode could be a bit finicky
Sam Rutherford for Engadget
Learn our full Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 review
Display screen measurement: 8-inch (most important) 6.5-inch (folded) | Storage capability: As much as 1TB | SIM assist: 1x nano SIM, 1x eSim | Battery life: As much as 24 hours
One of many greatest points with foldable telephones is the added measurement and weight that always 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 % 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 most important digicam, matching or exceeding what you get from conventional flagship smartphones. The principle downsides are that at $2,000, it is nonetheless removed from reasonably priced and for long-time Samsung followers, the lack of S Pen assist could also be a dealbreaker. However for individuals who wish to expertise new heights in foldable cellphone design, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is a masterpiece of recent gadget design. — S.R.
- Exquisitely skinny design
- Sleeker hinge
- Huge 200MP most important digicam
- Bigger shows
- High-tier efficiency
- Very costly
- No S Pen assist
- Mediocre charging speeds
Mat Smith for Engadget
Learn our full Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 review
Display screen measurement: 6.9-inch (most important) 4.1-inch (entrance) | Storage capability: As much as 512GB | SIM assist: 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 facet 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 bit of sizzling with heavy apps, duties and video games.
Software program additions embody the Now Bar and Gemini Reside 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 taking pictures 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
- Higher battery life
- Slimmer design
- Cameras are dated
- Entrance display utility continues to be restricted
- Sluggish cost velocity
Different smartphones we have examined
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 cellphone 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 presents glorious 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 an enormous 6,000 mAh battery that’s larger than what you get in virtually all of its rivals.
OnePlus didn’t skimp on the cellphone’s design both, because the OP13 nonetheless comes with the corporate’s signature Alert Slider. Plus, in the event you go for the blue or white variants, you’ll get a sturdy and really touchable vegan leather-based again that helps the cellphone 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 will be difficult, it largely comes right down to how you propose on utilizing the system. The entire 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 wish to take into account paying for a tool on the upper finish of the value spectrum. That can get you higher general efficiency, higher-quality cameras and a cellphone that can final for a few years. In case you don’t use your cellphone for every part, you could possibly compromise on efficiency and additional 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 perfect funds telephones accessible now will often compromise on general efficiency, design, digicam prowess and additional options to maintain prices down. On the flip facet, the costliest telephones could have highly effective processors, triple-camera arrays and even flip or fold designs. Most individuals will discover a cellphone that matches their wants someplace in the midst of that extensive worth vary — we’ve discovered that many of the finest smartphones accessible proper now price between $500 and $1,000.
What are you able to do on a smartphone?
Smartphones are basically small, moveable computer systems that allow you to do issues like examine e mail, browse social media, observe map instructions, make contactless funds and extra. That is all on high of the fundamentals like making cellphone calls and texting, which we’ve come to count on in all fashionable cell telephones. Smartphones have additionally largely changed compact cameras due to their high-quality, built-in shooters, and the truth that most smartphones immediately as simply as moveable, if no more so, as compact cameras.
How lengthy do smartphones final?
Smartphones can final years and persons are holding on to their phones longer now than ever earlier than. Software program updates and battery life are two of the most important elements that may have an effect on cellphone longevity. Apple guarantees 5 years value of software program updates for its newest iPhones, and Google guarantees the identical for its Pixel telephones. Samsung telephones will get 4 years value of Android updates from the time they launch. As for charging speeds and battery life, your cellphone can deteriorate over time as you employ and recharge your cellphone regularly.
Latest updates
August 2025: Up to date to incorporate the Google Pixel 10 Professional.
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 newest iPhone 16 fashions and a brand new midrange iPhone high choose.
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