Unboxing & Review: The Hottest New Smartphones Released This Month
September 2025 has been a thrilling month for smartphone enthusiasts, with major brands like Apple, Samsung, and Oppo unveiling exciting new devices. From flagship powerhouses to innovative budget options, this month’s releases cater to a wide range of users. In this blog post, we’ll unbox and review three of the hottest smartphones launching this month: the Apple iPhone 17 series, the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE, and the Oppo F31 series. Let’s dive into the details, exploring their design, features, and performance.
Apple iPhone 17 Series: A Sleek Evolution
Apple’s “Awe Dropping” keynote on September 9, 2025, introduced the iPhone 17 series, including the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and the much-anticipated iPhone 17 Air.
Unboxing Experience
The iPhone 17 series arrives in Apple’s signature minimalist packaging: a sleek white box with a high-resolution image of the phone. Inside, you’ll find the phone, a USB-C to USB-C cable, a SIM ejector tool, and the usual Apple stickers. No charger or earbuds, continuing Apple’s eco-conscious approach. The iPhone 17 Air, in particular, stands out with its ultra-thin profile, making the unboxing feel like unwrapping a piece of futuristic tech.
Design and Build
- iPhone 17 and 17 Air: The standard iPhone 17 sports a 6.1-inch 120Hz ProMotion display, a first for Apple’s base model. The iPhone 17 Air, rumored to replace the Plus model, is remarkably thin at around 6mm, with an aluminum back and a horizontal camera layout. Both feel premium, with the Air’s lightweight design stealing the show.
- iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max: These models switch to aluminum frames from titanium, reducing weight without sacrificing durability. The Pro Max boasts a 6.9-inch display and a larger-than-ever 5,000mAh+ battery. The periscope camera with 8x zoom is a highlight for photography enthusiasts.
Performance and Features
Powered by the A19 Pro chip (A19 for the base and Air models), the iPhone 17 series delivers blazing-fast performance. iOS 19 enhances Apple Intelligence with smarter Siri interactions and real-time translation features. The cameras, especially on the Pro models, excel with sharper shots and improved low-light performance, thanks to advanced computational photography. The 120Hz displays across all models ensure smooth scrolling and gaming.
Pros
- Stunning 120Hz displays across the lineup
- Powerful A19/A19 Pro chips
- Sleek, lightweight iPhone 17 Air
- Enhanced camera systems, especially on Pro models
Cons
- No charger included
- High price point for Pro models
- Limited color options for Air
Samsung Galaxy S25 FE: Flagship Vibes on a Budget
Samsung kicked off September with the Galaxy S25 FE, a fan-favorite model that blends premium features with affordability, launching on September 4, 2025.
Unboxing Experience
The Galaxy S25 FE comes in a compact, eco-friendly box containing the phone, a USB-C cable, a SIM tool, and quick-start guides. The vibrant colors—available in Graphite, Mint, and Blue—pop right out of the box, making it a visually exciting unboxing.
Design and Build
The S25 FE features a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering crisp visuals and smooth animations. Its plastic back keeps costs down but feels sturdy, and the rounded edges make it comfortable to hold. The IP68 water resistance adds durability, a rarity in this price range.
Performance and Features
Powered by the Exynos 2400 chip, the S25 FE handles multitasking and gaming with ease. The camera system includes a 50MP main sensor with optical stabilization, a 12MP ultra-wide, and a 10MP 3x telephoto lens. Photos are vibrant, though low-light performance trails behind flagships like the S25 Ultra. The 4,900mAh battery with 45W fast charging ensures all-day usage. Galaxy AI features, like real-time call translation, add practical value.
Pros
- Vibrant AMOLED display
- Solid performance for the price
- Long battery life with fast charging
- Affordable compared to flagship models
Cons
- Plastic back feels less premium
- Camera struggles in low light
- No S Pen support
Oppo F31 Series: Massive Batteries, Bold Designs
Oppo’s F31 series, expected to launch between September 12 and 14, includes the F31, F31 Pro, and F31 Pro+, bringing massive batteries and unique designs to the mid-range market.
Unboxing Experience
The F31 series arrives in a colorful box that reflects Oppo’s bold aesthetic. Inside, you get the phone, a fast charger (a welcome inclusion!), a USB-C cable, a protective case, and a SIM tool. The vibrant finishes, like Sunset Orange and Midnight Black, make the unboxing feel lively.
Design and Build
Each model in the F31 series has a distinct camera island design, with the Pro+ featuring a circular module that stands out. The 6.7-inch AMOLED displays (120Hz) are bright and immersive, though only the Pro+ gets a QHD+ resolution. The lightweight plastic frames keep the phones manageable despite their massive 7,000mAh batteries.
Performance and Features
The F31 series uses a mix of MediaTek and Qualcomm chipsets, with the Pro+ powered by a Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 for robust performance. The 50MP main cameras deliver solid photos, though the ultra-wide and telephoto lenses are less impressive. The 7,000mAh battery with 80W fast charging is a standout, offering nearly two days of use. Oppo’s ColorOS 15 feels snappy and customizable, with AI-driven features like photo enhancement.
Pros
- Massive 7,000mAh battery
- Fast 80W charging
- Vibrant AMOLED displays
- Affordable pricing (starting at ~$250 for the base model)
Cons
- Secondary cameras are average
- Plastic build may not appeal to all
- ColorOS can feel cluttered
September 2025 has delivered an impressive lineup of smartphones catering to different needs and budgets. The iPhone 17 series sets a high bar with its sleek design and cutting-edge performance, especially the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air. The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE offers flagship-like features at a more accessible price, making it a great choice for value seekers. Meanwhile, the Oppo F31 series impresses with its massive battery and bold design, perfect for those prioritizing endurance and affordability.
Which of these smartphones are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments, and stay tuned for more in-depth reviews as we test these devices further!
