Best Mobile Phones for Creatives: Editing & Design Reviewed

In today’s fast-paced digital world, creatives need mobile phones that can keep up with their demanding workflows. Whether you’re a graphic designer, video editor, photographer, or content creator, having a smartphone optimized for editing and design is essential. The best mobile phones for creatives combine powerful performance, stunning displays, and versatile tools to fuel your creativity on the go. In this SEO-friendly blog post, we review the top mobile phones for creatives in 2025, focusing on their editing and design capabilities.

Why Creatives Need Specialized Mobile Phones

Creatives require smartphones with high-resolution displays, robust processing power, and compatibility with professional-grade apps like Adobe Photoshop, Premiere Pro, or Procreate. A phone’s ability to handle resource-intensive tasks, offer precise color accuracy, and support stylus input can make all the difference. Additionally, long battery life and ample storage ensure uninterrupted workflows, whether you’re editing a 4K video or sketching a digital masterpiece.

Below, we’ve curated a list of the best mobile phones for creatives, highlighting their key features for editing and design tasks.

Top Mobile Phones for Creatives in 2025

1. Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max

Best for Video Editing and Photography

The iPhone 16 Pro Max is a powerhouse for creatives, boasting a 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion technology (120Hz refresh rate) for smooth scrolling and precise visuals. Its A18 Pro chip delivers unmatched performance, making it ideal for editing 4K videos in apps like Final Cut Pro or Adobe Premiere Rush.

• Key Features:

  • 48MP Fusion camera with advanced computational photography for professional-grade photos and videos.
  • Support for Apple Pencil 2 (with compatible cases) for sketching and design in apps like Procreate.
  • 1TB storage option for large project files.
  • iOS ecosystem with seamless integration to Mac for cross-device workflows.

• Why Creatives Love It: The iPhone 16 Pro Max offers exceptional color accuracy (100% DCI-P3) and robust multitasking, perfect for video editors and photographers who need precision and speed.

2. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

Best for Stylus-Based Design

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is a favorite among illustrators and designers, thanks to its included S Pen and vibrant 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, it handles graphic-intensive apps like Adobe Fresco and Clip Studio Paint with ease.

• Key Features:

  • S Pen with low latency for precise sketching and note-taking.
  • 200MP main camera for high-resolution photography, ideal for creating visual assets.
  • 12GB RAM and up to 1TB storage for multitasking and large files.
  • Samsung DeX mode for a desktop-like experience when connected to a monitor.

• Why Creatives Love It: The S Pen and large, color-accurate display make it a top choice for digital artists who prioritize stylus-based workflows.

3. Google Pixel 10 Pro

Best for AI-Powered Editing

Google’s Pixel 10 Pro leverages AI to streamline creative tasks, from photo editing to video enhancement. Its 6.7-inch OLED display with HDR10+ support ensures vibrant colors, while the Tensor G5 chip optimizes AI-driven tools like Google Photos’ Magic Editor.

• Key Features:

  • AI-powered editing tools for quick photo and video enhancements.
  • 50MP triple-camera system with advanced low-light performance.
  • Clean Android interface with fast updates for the latest creative apps.
  • 512GB storage option for storing high-res media.

• Why Creatives Love It: The Pixel 10 Pro’s AI tools simplify complex editing tasks, making it ideal for content creators who need quick, professional results.

4. OnePlus 13

Best Budget-Friendly Option for Creatives

For creatives on a budget, the OnePlus 13 offers flagship-level performance at a lower price point. Its 6.8-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate delivers smooth visuals, and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 ensures lag-free performance for editing apps.

• Key Features:

  • 50MP Hasselblad-tuned camera for vibrant, accurate colors.
  • 16GB RAM for seamless multitasking.
  • 6000mAh battery for all-day creative sessions.
  • OxygenOS with customizable workflows for productivity.

• Why Creatives Love It: The OnePlus 13 combines affordability with high-end specs, making it a great choice for freelance creatives.

5. Sony Xperia 1 VII

Best for Cinematic Video Editing

Sony’s Xperia 1 VII is tailored for filmmakers and video editors, featuring a 6.5-inch 4K HDR OLED display with a 21:9 aspect ratio. Its Creator Mode ensures cinema-grade color accuracy, while the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 powers intensive editing tasks.

• Key Features:

  • Pro-level camera controls with Sony Alpha integration.
  • 4K 120fps video recording for cinematic footage.
  • Dedicated Photography Pro and Videography Pro apps.
  • Expandable storage via microSD for large video files.

• Why Creatives Love It: The Xperia 1 VII’s cinematic display and pro-grade camera tools make it a go-to for video-focused creatives.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Phone for Creative Work

1. Display Quality: Look for OLED or AMOLED displays with high resolution (2K or 4K) and wide color gamut (DCI-P3) for accurate visuals.
2. Processing Power: A powerful chip (e.g., Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 or A18 Pro) ensures smooth performance for resource-heavy apps.
3. Camera Capabilities: High-resolution cameras with manual controls are essential for photographers and videographers.
4. Stylus Support: For illustrators, a stylus like the S Pen or Apple Pencil enhances precision in design apps.
5. Battery Life: Long-lasting batteries (4500mAh+) support extended creative sessions.
6. Storage and RAM: Opt for at least 512GB storage and 12GB RAM to handle large files and multitasking.
7. Software Ecosystem: iOS and Android both offer robust creative apps, but iOS excels in cross-device integration, while Android offers more customization.

Tips for Maximizing Your Phone’s Creative Potential

• Use Professional Apps: Download apps like Adobe Lightroom, Canva, or LumaFusion for advanced editing and design.
• Invest in Accessories: A stylus, external lenses, or a tripod can enhance your phone’s creative capabilities.
• Cloud Storage: Use services like Google Drive or iCloud to back up and access large project files.
• Optimize Settings: Adjust display settings for color accuracy and enable performance modes for faster processing.

The best mobile phones for creatives in 2025 offer a blend of powerful hardware, vibrant displays, and versatile software to support editing and design tasks. Whether you prioritize stylus support (Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra), AI-powered editing (Google Pixel 10 Pro), or cinematic video tools (Sony Xperia 1 VII), there’s a phone tailored to your creative needs. Consider your workflow, budget, and preferred apps when choosing the perfect device.