Review of the Most Underrated Phones Released This Year
In the ever-evolving world of smartphones, 2025 has been a banner year for innovation. From blazing-fast processors to AI-powered cameras, the big names like Samsung and Google have dominated headlines with their flagships. But what about the hidden gems? The underrated phones released this year that punch way above their weight without the hype? If you're tired of paying premium prices for marginal upgrades, it's time to shine a light on these overlooked powerhouses.
In this review, we'll dive into five of the most underrated smartphones of 2025. These devices offer flagship-level performance, stunning cameras, and all-day battery life at prices that won't drain your wallet. Whether you're a budget-conscious buyer or just want something fresh, these picks prove you don't need the S25 Ultra or iPhone 17 to get top-tier tech. Let's get into it—your next upgrade might be hiding in plain sight.
1. Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra: The Compact Powerhouse Gamers Forgot
Released in March 2025, the Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra flew under the radar thanks to Asus's niche presence in the mobile market. But don't let that fool you—this phone is a beast for multimedia lovers and gamers alike.
Key Specs at a Glance
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Display | 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED, 144Hz refresh rate, 2,500 nits peak brightness |
Processor | Snapdragon 8 Elite |
Camera | Triple 50MP setup (main, ultra-wide, 3x telephoto) with gimbal stabilization |
Battery | 5,500mAh with 65W wired/15W wireless charging |
Price | Starting at $799 |
Software | Android 15 with 4 years of OS updates |
What makes it underrated? While Samsung and Google battle for AI supremacy, the Zenfone 12 Ultra focuses on what matters: raw power and a clean, bloat-free interface. The Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset delivers buttery-smooth gaming—think Genshin Impact at max settings without a hiccup—and the 144Hz display feels like a mini gaming console in your pocket. Camera-wise, the gimbal-stabilized main sensor shines for video, capturing shake-free 8K footage that's pro-level without the Pro price tag.
Battery life is another win, lasting 12+ hours of heavy use, and the minimalist design (in vegan leather or matte glass) feels premium without the slab-like heft of ultra-wide flagships. Drawbacks? Software support lags behind Pixel's seven years, and it's not as widely available in the US. Still, for $799, it's a steal compared to the $1,200 Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Verdict: If you crave performance over gimmicks, the Zenfone 12 Ultra is 2025's best-kept secret. Score: 9/10.
2. Motorola Edge 50 Pro: Mid-Range Magic with Flagship Flair
Motorola's Edge series has always been the underdog, and the Edge 50 Pro, launched in early 2025, continues that tradition with versatile cameras and a design that's equal parts stylish and practical.
Key Specs at a Glance
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Display | 6.7-inch pOLED, 144Hz, HDR10+ |
Processor | Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 |
Camera | 50MP main (OIS) + 13MP ultra-wide + 10MP telephoto; 50MP front |
Battery | 4,500mAh with 68W turbo charging |
Price | Starting at $599 |
Software | Android 15 with 3 years of updates |
Why it's underrated: In a year flooded with AI hype, the Edge 50 Pro skips the fluff for fundamentals. Its cameras are the star—vibrant, color-accurate shots with excellent low-light performance thanks to Moto's AI enhancements (without the privacy concerns of some competitors). The curved pOLED screen is a joy for media consumption, and at under 8mm thin, it slips into pockets effortlessly.
Charging is lightning-fast—full in 30 minutes—and the vegan leather back adds grip without fingerprints. It's not the most powerful for heavy editing, and update promises are modest, but for everyday users, it's a breath of fresh air. Compared to the overpriced Pixel 9a ($499 but with fewer camera tricks), this feels like better value.
Verdict: The Edge 50 Pro is for those who want flagship vibes on a mid-range budget. Everyday reliability meets eye-popping photos. Score: 8.5/10.
3. Honor Magic6 Pro: Battery Beast from the East
Honor broke free from Huawei's shadow years ago, but the Magic6 Pro (January 2025 release) still struggles for Western buzz. That's a shame—it's a battery titan with cameras that rival the best.
Key Specs at a Glance
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Display | 6.8-inch LTPO OLED, 120Hz, 5,000 nits |
Processor | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
Camera | 50MP main + 180MP periscope telephoto + 50MP ultra-wide |
Battery | 5,600mAh with 80W wired/50W wireless |
Price | Starting at $899 |
Software | Android 15 with MagicOS skin, 4 years of updates |
Underrated factor: Honor's global push is paying off with devices like this, boasting one of the longest-lasting batteries in 2025—up to 18 hours of mixed use. The 180MP telephoto lens delivers insane zoom (up to 100x digital) without the distortion you get on pricier phones, making it a dream for wildlife or sports shooters. The eye-popping display handles HDR content like a champ, and the aluminum frame feels luxurious.
On the flip side, MagicOS has a learning curve with its gesture-heavy interface, and US availability is spotty. But at $899, it undercuts the iPhone 17 ($799 but with shorter battery) while offering more zoom prowess.
Verdict: If endurance and optics are your jam, the Magic6 Pro is the sleeper hit of the year. Score: 9/10.
4. Google Pixel 9a: AI Smarts on a Shoestring
Google's A-series has always been the value king, and the Pixel 9a (May 2025) keeps that crown with mid-range hardware wrapped in flagship software.
Key Specs at a Glance
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Display | 6.1-inch OLED, 120Hz |
Processor | Tensor G4 |
Camera | 48MP main + 13MP ultra-wide; AI magic editor |
Battery | 4,492mAh with 18W charging |
Price | Starting at $499 |
Software | Android 15 with 7 years of updates |
Why underrated? Everyone chases the Pixel 10, but the 9a delivers 90% of the experience for half the price. Google's AI camera tools—like Magic Editor for seamless photo tweaks—are unmatched, turning average snaps into stunners. The compact size is perfect for one-handed use, and seven years of updates mean it'll stay fresh longer than most.
It's not a speed demon for gaming, and charging is pokey, but for photographers and purists, it's unbeatable value over the Samsung A16 ($200 but with weaker cameras).
Verdict: The Pixel 9a is proof that smart software > raw specs. Essential for AI enthusiasts. Score: 8.5/10.
5. Motorola Razr 2025: Foldable Fun Without the Foldable Price
Foldables are hot, but pricey—until the Razr 2025 (June 2025) made them accessible. This flip phone flips the script on boring slabs.
Key Specs at a Glance
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Display | 6.9-inch inner pOLED (120Hz) + 3.6-inch outer |
Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 7400 |
Camera | 50MP main + 13MP ultra-wide |
Battery | 4,200mAh with 30W charging |
Price | Starting at $699 |
Software | Android 15 with 3 years of updates |
Underrated appeal: At $699, it's half the cost of a Galaxy Z Flip7, with a larger cover screen for quick glances and a hinge that feels premium. The foldable form factor adds novelty without sacrificing usability—watch videos unfolded, text folded. Cameras are solid for social media, and the vegan leather finish resists creases.
Hinge durability is improving, but it's not as rugged as non-foldables, and performance is mid-tier. Still, it's a gateway to foldables for iPhone switchers tired of uniformity.
Verdict: The Razr 2025 makes folding phones fun and affordable. Score: 8/10.
Why These Underrated Phones Deserve Your Attention in 2025
2025's smartphone landscape is crowded, but these underrated releases remind us that innovation isn't just for the A-listers. From the Zenfone's gaming chops to the Razr's foldable flair, each offers unique strengths at accessible prices. Skip the hype—grab one of these, and you'll wonder why everyone else is overpaying.