Best Phones in 2025: 15 Top-Rated Smartphones Right Now

Best Smartphones in 2025 are faster, smarter, and more camera-focused than ever. Whether you’re a power user chasing the best performance, a photographer who wants DSLR-level shots in your pocket, or someone who just needs a great best phones at a great price, this guide breaks down the 15 best phones right now — with deep insights, expert analysis, and real-world battery expectations.

This list is based on:

• performance benchmarks
• camera quality in real-world conditions
• battery life (screen-on time + endurance estimates)
• software support
• durability
• value for money
• US + UK pricing
• our expert testing experience

We’ve organized this guide using a hybrid format — category-based sections + detailed breakdowns for every single phone.

Recommended Read: Best Budget Smartphones Under $500 in 2025

FLAGSHIP KINGS

For users who want the absolute best cameras, performance, displays, battery, and AI features.

1. iPhone 16 Pro Max — The Best Overall Phone of 2025

US Price: From $1,199
UK Price: From £1,199
Best For: Photographers, creators, videographers, travelers, professionals
Battery Life: 9–10 hrs SOT / 1.5–2 days mixed use

The iPhone 16 Pro Max is the most complete smartphone you can currently buy. Apple’s A18 Pro chip is the fastest mobile processor of 2025, and the new 48MP Quad-Pixel Ultra Wide and improved 5× tetraprism telephoto give this phone unmatched versatility.

Apple doubled down on computational photography this year, especially in low light and portrait detection. Add in Smart HDR 3, Dolby Vision video, and 2,000-nit peak outdoor brightness, and this phone just wins — everywhere.

Key Specs

• Screen: 6.9″ Super Retina XDR LTPO / up to 120Hz
• Chip: A18 Pro
• Cameras:
  • 48MP Main
  • 48MP Ultra-Wide
  • 12MP 5× Telephoto
• Battery: 4,855 mAh
• Storage: 256GB–1TB
• Software: iOS 18 + Apple Intelligence

Pros

• Best smartphone camera for both photo + video
• Brightest and most color-accurate display
• Longest battery life of any iPhone ever
• Best build quality (Titanium)
• Elite software support (6+ years)

Cons

• Expensive
• Heavier than previous Pro Max models

2. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra — Best Phone

US Price: From $1,299
UK Price: From £1,249
Best For: Android power users, stylus lovers, zoom photographers, productivity
Battery Life: 10–11 hrs SOT / 2-day battery

Samsung refined everything with the S25 Ultra — especially the camera system and battery endurance. The new 200MP HP3 sensor delivers insane detail, and the updated quad-telephoto setup (3× + 5× + 10× hybrid range) comfortably beats every Android phone at long-range zoom.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 variant (US) + Exynos 2500 (Europe) are both strong, but the US Snapdragon still leads in raw GPU performance.

Key Specs

• Screen: 6.8″ QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X / 1–120Hz
• Chip: Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 / Exynos 2500
• Cameras:
  • 200MP Main
  • 50MP 3×
  • 50MP 5×
  • 10MP Ultra-Wide
• Battery: 5,500 mAh
• S Pen: Included
• Software: One UI 7 / Android 15

Pros

• Best zoom camera of any phone in 2025
• Huge battery life boost
• S Pen continues to be unrivaled
• Strong AI features
• Premium titanium design

Cons

• Pricey
• One UI can feel heavy

3. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL — Best Smartphone Camera for AI & Smart Photography

US Price: From $1,099
UK Price: From £1,049
Best For: AI photography, editing, casual shooters, everyday users
Battery Life: 8–9 hrs SOT / All-day battery

The Pixel 9 Pro XL is the AI king. Google’s Tensor G4 chip brings massive improvements to thermals, power efficiency, and camera processing.

Where it truly shines:

• Best portrait mode in 2025
• Top-tier low-light performance
• Magic Editor 2.0
• Best on-device AI background removal & smart retouching

The 50MP main + 48MP 5× telephoto combo is extremely reliable, especially for natural color profiles.

Key Specs

• Screen: 6.8″ LTPO OLED / 120Hz
• Chip: Google Tensor G4
• Cameras:
  • 50MP Main
  • 48MP Ultra-Wide
  • 48MP 5× Telephoto
• Battery: 5,200 mAh
• Software: Android 15 + Pixel AI
• Support: 7-year OS updates

Pros

• Best AI tools on any phone
• Extremely consistent camera results
• Clean software
• Long software support

Cons

• Not the fastest chip
• Battery is good, not great

4. iPhone 16 — Best iPhone for Most People

US Price: From $799
UK Price: From £799
Best For: Everyday users, students, light creators, iPhone upgraders
Battery Life: 7–8 hrs SOT / All-day

If you don’t need the Pro Max, the iPhone 16 delivers 80% of the flagship experience for hundreds less.

It now includes a 48MP main sensor, Action Button, and the new Capture Button, making it the most camera-focused standard iPhone ever.

Key Specs

• Screen: 6.1″ Super Retina XDR / 60–120Hz LTPO (finally!)
• Chip: A18
• Camera: 48MP Main + 12MP Ultra-Wide
• Battery: 3,930 mAh
• Software: iOS 18

Pros

• Bright and smooth LTPO screen
• Great main camera
• Excellent performance
• Lower price than Pro models

Cons

• No telephoto
• Smaller battery

5. OnePlus 13 — Best Performance Phone for the Price

US Price: From $899
UK Price: From £849
Best For: Gamers, speed lovers, performance-first users, multitaskers
Battery Life: 9–10 hrs SOT / 1.5 days

OnePlus continues to dominate the “speed champ” category. The OnePlus 13 uses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, making it one of the fastest Android phones of 2025. The updated cooling system keeps temperatures low during gaming and heavy workloads.

Its Hasselblad camera tuning is much improved, making this the most color-accurate OnePlus camera to date.

Key Specs

• Screen: 6.82″ LTPO OLED / 1–120Hz
• Chip: Snapdragon 8 Gen 4
• Cameras:
  • 50MP Main
  • 48MP Ultra-Wide
  • 64MP 3× Telephoto
• Battery: 5,400 mAh + 100W charging
• Software: OxygenOS 15

Pros

• Fastest-feeling Android UI
• Big battery + super-fast charging
• Improved cameras
• Great value

Cons

• No long-range telephoto
• Limited carrier availability in the US

PREMIUM MID-RANGE PICKS

These phones deliver flagship-level performance for hundreds less. Perfect for buyers who want something premium but not ultra-expensive.

6. Xiaomi 15 Pro — Best Value Flagship in 2025

US Price (Import): ~$899
UK Price: ~£849
Best For: Camera lovers, power users, budget-flagship buyers
Battery Life: 9–10 hrs SOT / 1.5 days

The Xiaomi 15 Pro is one of the most underrated premium phones of 2025. Its Leica-tuned 50MP triple-camera system is among the most natural and film-like you’ll find on any phone — especially in portraits and low light.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 ensures incredible performance, and the display rivals Samsung’s best with its 1,800-nit brightness and smooth LTPO refresh.

Key Specs

• Screen: 6.7″ AMOLED LTPO / 1–120Hz
• Chip: Snapdragon 8 Gen 4
• Cameras:
  • 50MP Main (1-inch sensor)
  • 50MP Ultra-Wide
  • 50MP 3.2× Telephoto
• Battery: 5,100 mAh + 120W fast charging
• Software: HyperOS

Pros

• Stunning Leica camera colors
• Flagship display
• Super-fast charging
• Excellent value vs competitors

Cons

• Not officially sold in the US
• MIUI/HyperOS isn’t for everyone

7. Samsung Galaxy S25 — The Best Android Phone for Most People

US Price: From $899
UK Price: From £849
Best For: Everyday users, casual photographers, all-round buyers
Battery Life: 8–9 hrs SOT / All-day

The Galaxy S25 brings a perfect blend of performance, clean design, great cameras, and excellent software support. You get many Ultra-level features without paying Ultra-level prices.

Its triple-camera system is reliable in most lighting conditions, and the new flatter design with slimmer bezels makes this the most “premium-feeling” non-Ultra Samsung phone yet.

Key Specs

• Screen: 6.3″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X / 1–120Hz
• Chip: Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 (US) / Exynos 2500 (Global)
• Cameras:
  • 50MP Main
  • 12MP Ultra-Wide
  • 10MP 3× Telephoto
• Battery: 4,500 mAh
• Software: Android 15 + One UI 7

Pros

• Compact and lightweight
• Excellent camera performance
• Great display quality
• Long-term updates

Cons

• Telephoto is good, not great
• Battery is decent, not huge

8. Google Pixel 9 — Best Photography Phone Under $1,000

US Price: From $899
UK Price: From £849
Best For: AI photography, everyday shooters, casual users
Battery Life: 8 hrs SOT / All-day

The smaller sibling to the Pixel 9 Pro XL still benefits from Google’s incredible computational photography and Pixel AI tools. You get Magic Editor 2, Best Take, Audio Eraser, and Real-Tone 2.0, making the Pixel 9 the most fun and beginner-friendly camera phone in the mid-range category.

Its compact size also makes it a rare find in today’s giant-phone world.

Key Specs

• Screen: 6.2″ OLED / 120Hz
• Chip: Tensor G4
• Cameras:
  • 50MP Main
  • 12MP Ultra-Wide
• Battery: 4,550 mAh
• Software: Android 15

Pros

• Best AI tools for photography
• Compact and lightweight
• Accurate colors
• Great price

Cons

• No telephoto
• Tensor chip still trails Snapdragon

9. iPhone 16 Plus — Best Battery Life Under $1,000

US Price: From $899
UK Price: From £899
Best For: Battery-focused users, students, iPhone upgraders
Battery Life: 10–12 hrs SOT / 2-day battery champion

The iPhone 16 Plus is the battery king of the non-Pro lineup. With a huge 4,900 mAh cell and extremely efficient A18 chip, this iPhone outlasts even some Android flagships.

It’s ideal for users who want a large screen but don’t need Pro-level cameras or price tags.

Key Specs

• Screen: 6.7″ Super Retina XDR / 60–120Hz
• Chip: A18
• Cameras:
  • 48MP Main
  • 12MP Ultra-Wide
• Battery: 4,900 mAh
• Software: iOS 18

Pros

• Longest battery life of any standard iPhone
• Large, bright display
• Strong performance
• Great longevity

Cons

• No telephoto
• Display isn’t as bright as Pro models

Recommended Read: What Upgrades Matter Most in iPhone 17: Display, Chip, Camera — What I’d Choose

10. Nothing Phone (3) — Best Phone for Style + Clean Software

US Price: ~$699
UK Price: £599–£649
Best For: Minimalists, design lovers, casual users, clean-OS fans
Battery Life: 8–9 hrs SOT / 1–1.5 days

The Nothing Phone (3) continues the brand’s mission of clean software and standout transparent hardware. The Glyph interface is now much more functional, offering quick-view notifications, progress bars, and contextual lighting.

It’s not the most powerful phone here, but it delivers great value and a unique experience.

Key Specs

• Screen: 6.7″ OLED / 120Hz
• Chip: Snapdragon 8s Gen 3
• Cameras:
  • 50MP Main
  • 50MP Ultra-Wide
  • 32MP Front
• Battery: 5,000 mAh
• Software: Nothing OS 3

Pros

• Cleanest Android software
• Unique transparent design
• Strong battery life
• Great value

Cons

• Not flagship performance
• Camera is good, not class-leading

BUDGET, FOLDABLE & SPECIALITY BEST PHONES

11. Google Pixel 9A — Best Value Android Phone of 2025

US Price: $499
UK Price: £449
Best For: Budget buyers, students, casual camera users
Battery Life: 8–9 hrs SOT / 1–1.5 days

The Pixel 9A is the best budget Android phone in 2025 — no question. It delivers the same iconic Pixel photography in a compact body and keeps all the essential AI features people love the brand for.

Though it lacks the speed of pricier flagships, it remains the best phone under $500 for most people.

Key Specs

• Screen: 6.1″ OLED / 90Hz
• Chip: Tensor G4 Lite
• Cameras:
  • 50MP Main
  • 12MP Ultra-Wide
• Battery: 4,400 mAh
• Software: Android 15

Pros

• Best camera in the price range
• Clean Google software
• Great compact size
• Strong AI photo features

Cons

• Mid-range processor
• No telephoto lens

12. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 — Best Foldable Phone for Power Users

US Price: From $1,899
UK Price: From £1,849
Best For: Multitaskers, productivity users, creators
Battery Life: 7–8 hrs SOT / All-day

The Galaxy Z Fold 7 refines Samsung’s foldable formula with a lighter hinge, thinner chassis, brighter display, and improved crease-free technology. This is the foldable to buy if you want the most mature, reliable, and productivity-focused big-screen phone.

It also remains the best for stylus users and multitaskers thanks to Samsung’s One UI foldable optimizations.

Key Specs

• Outer Screen: 6.3″ AMOLED / 120Hz
• Inner Screen: 7.9″ Dynamic AMOLED / 1–120Hz
• Chip: Snapdragon 8 Gen 4
• Cameras:
  • 50MP Main
  • 12MP Ultra-Wide
  • 10MP 3× Telephoto
• Battery: 4,800 mAh
• Software: Android 15 / One UI 7

Pros

• Best multitasking experience on any phone
• Improved hinge durability
• Bright, almost crease-free main screen
• Excellent for productivity

Cons

• Expensive
• Camera still trails the S25 Ultra

13. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 — Best Compact Flip Phone

US Price: From $1,099
UK Price: From £1,049
Best For: Fashion lovers, casual users, compact phone fans
Battery Life: 6–7 hrs SOT / All-day light use

The Galaxy Z Flip 7 delivers dependable flip-phone performance, much-improved cameras, and a larger cover display. It’s perfect for buyers who value pocketability and style above everything else.

Samsung also strengthened the hinge and added better battery management, addressing two of the biggest criticisms of earlier models.

Key Specs

• Outer Display: 3.9″ Super AMOLED
• Inner Display: 6.7″ AMOLED / 120Hz
• Chip: Snapdragon 8 Gen 4
• Cameras:
  • 50MP Main
  • 12MP Ultra-Wide
• Battery: 4,000 mAh
• Software: Android 15 / One UI 7

Pros

• Best flip phone camera
• Big, functional cover screen
• Lightweight and stylish
• Great for one-handed use

Cons

• Average battery
• Not ideal for heavy gaming

14. Honor Magic 7 Pro — Best Android All-Rounder

US Price: ~$899 (import)
UK Price: £849–£899
Best For: All-around performance, video creators, Android enthusiasts
Battery Life: 9–10 hrs SOT

The Honor Magic 7 Pro brings ultra-fast charging, one of the best displays in the world, and great cameras — all at a lower price than other flagship phones.

Honor’s AI camera features and cinematic portrait modes make this a fantastic phone for everyday photography and videography. It’s not as globally available, but where it sells, it’s one of the most complete phones you can buy.

Key Specs

• Screen: 6.8″ Quad-Curved AMOLED / 120Hz
• Chip: Snapdragon 8 Gen 4
• Cameras:
  • 50MP Main
  • 50MP Ultra-Wide
  • 180MP Periscope
• Battery: 5,100 mAh / 100W charging
• Software: MagicOS 9

Pros

• Stunning curved display
• Powerful zoom camera
• Very fast charging
• Excellent performance

Cons

• Not sold in the US
• Curved screen not for everyone

15. Motorola Razr Ultra — Best Built Flip Phone in 2025

US Price: $999
UK Price: £949
Best For: Flip fans, fashion buyers, compact phone enthusiasts
Battery Life: 7–8 hrs SOT

The Moto Razr Ultra is considered the best-built flip phone thanks to its premium hinge, crease-resistant inner display, and ultra-large external screen.

Its cameras have seen a major upgrade, making it a legitimate competitor to the Galaxy Z Flip 7 — and for some users, even better.

Key Specs

• Outer Screen: 4″ pOLED
• Inner Screen: 6.9″ pOLED / 144Hz
• Chip: Snapdragon 8s Gen 3
• Cameras:
  • 50MP Main
  • 13MP Ultra-Wide
• Battery: 4,200 mAh
• Software: Android 15

Pros

• Best exterior display on any flip
• Strong hinge durability
• Excellent design
• Good value

Cons

• Camera is good but not flagship-tier
• Fast charging could be better

COMPARISON TABLE #1 — Flagship Best Phones (Top 10)

COMPARISON TABLE #2 — Budget + Foldables

BUYING GUIDE — How to Choose the Best Phone in 2025

Choosing the perfect smartphone in 2025 depends on what matters MOST to you. Here’s what to prioritize:

1. Camera Quality

If photography is your priority:

• Best overall cameras: Xiaomi 15 Ultra, Pixel 9 Pro XL
• Best zoom: Galaxy S25 Ultra
• Best action shots: OnePlus 13

Look for larger sensors, optical zoom, and computational photography.

2. Battery Life

For heavy users:

• Best battery: iPhone 16 Plus
• Best Android battery: Xiaomi 15 Pro / Honor Magic 7 Pro
• Avoid: Flip phones if battery is your priority

Aim for 5,000 mAh or higher on Android.

3. Performance

Gamers & creators should prioritize chipset:

• Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 (fastest Android)
• Apple A18 Pro (fastest mobile chip overall)

Budget phones generally use mid-range processors — still fine for daily use.

4. Display Quality

For movies, gaming, and smooth UI:

• AMOLED or OLED
• 120Hz refresh rate
• High brightness (1,500–2,000 nits)

Foldables offer the largest displays but cost more.

5. Software & Updates

The best long-term phones:

• Apple (5–6 years)
• Google (7 years)
• Samsung (7 years)

Budget brands vary widely.

6. Budget

Here’s a quick budget guide:

• Under $500: Pixel 9A
• $700–$900: Nothing Phone 3, Xiaomi 15 Pro
• $900–$1,100: Galaxy S25, iPhone 17, OnePlus 13
• $1,200+: iPhone 17 Pro Max, S25 Ultra, Foldables