The Coolest Phone Designs of 2025 Reviewed
As we hit the midpoint of 2025, the smartphone world has never felt more exciting—or more innovative when it comes to design. Gone are the days of slab-like uniformity; this year, manufacturers are pushing boundaries with foldables that feel like pocket-sized tablets, ultra-slim profiles that defy physics, and quirky aesthetics that turn heads. From translucent backs with glowing glyphs to titanium frames that scream luxury, 2025's phone designs aren't just about holding up—they're about standing out.
I've spent months hands-on with the year's standout devices, from Apple's featherweight iPhone Air to Samsung's reinvented foldables. In this review, I'll break down the coolest designs that redefined what a phone can be: their build quality, ergonomics, visual flair, and how they feel in daily use. Whether you're a foldable fanatic or just tired of the same old glass sandwich, there's something here that'll make you rethink your next upgrade. Let's dive in.
1. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7: The Slimmed-Down Powerhouse
Samsung's Z Fold series has long been the king of productivity foldables, but the Galaxy Z Fold 7 takes a massive leap in design refinement. At just 4.2mm thick when unfolded (thinner than most traditional phones), it ditches the bulky hinge of yesteryear for a sleeker, more "regular phone" vibe when closed. The new dual-hinge system allows for a trifold-like flexibility without the bulk, making it feel like a high-end notebook in your pocket.
What Makes It Cool: The vegan leather back in Pantone-inspired colors (my favorite: the iridescent "Pearl Shift" that shimmers like abalone shell) adds a tactile luxury that's rare in foldables. IPX8 water resistance means no more babying it around the pool, and the 7.6-inch inner AMOLED display folds flat with zero crease visibility—thanks to an upgraded under-display camera tech. It's playful yet professional, with Galaxy AI optimizing the layout for multitasking that feels intuitive, not gimmicky.
Hands-On Verdict: Weighing in at 215g, it's the lightest Fold yet, solving the "brick in your pocket" complaint. Battery life holds up for a full day of unfolded video editing, but the $1,999 price tag is steep. If you crave a device that transforms from phone to mini-laptop seamlessly, this is peak foldable elegance.
2. Nothing Phone (3a) Pro: Glyphs That Glow with Personality
Nothing's whole schtick is "less is more," but the Phone (3a) Pro cranks the quirk to 11 with an industrial-chic design that's equal parts retro-futuristic and utterly customizable. The transparent back reveals a web of LED glyphs—now up to 200 individually programmable lights—that pulse for notifications, music beats, or even as a makeshift flashlight. It's like having a tiny rave in your pocket, but subtle enough for the office.
What Makes It Cool: Exposed screws and a modular frame let you swap accents (brass, carbon fiber, or glow-in-the-dark silicone) without tools, turning it into a DIY fashion statement. The 6.7-inch LTPO OLED is edge-to-edge with minimal bezels, and at 8.5mm thick, it's got a satisfying heft without feeling cheap. Priced under $600, it's a breath of fresh air in a sea of me-too flagships.
Hands-On Verdict: The glyphs aren't just flashy—they're functional, syncing with apps for discreet alerts that cut down on screen time. Performance is snappy with the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, and the triple-camera array punches above its weight for portraits. Battery drains faster during glyph parties, but 50W charging has you back in minutes. For creators who want a phone as expressive as their vibe, this is pure joy.
3. Apple iPhone Air: Slimmer Than Your Wildest Dreams
Apple's rumored "iPhone Air" (officially the iPhone 17 Air in some markets) finally materialized, and it's a design masterstroke: at 5.9mm thick, it's the thinnest iPhone ever, shaving off nearly 2mm from the Pro models. The aluminum-titanium hybrid frame is featherlight at 155g, with a seamless glass back that curves gently into the sides for a grip that's both premium and pocket-friendly.
What Makes It Cool: No more chunky camera bumps—the lenses are flush-embedded, creating a perfectly flat rear that slides effortlessly into tight jeans. Colors like "Sky Blue" have a pearlescent finish that shifts hues under light, and the 6.1-inch Ceramic Shield display hits 2,000 nits for outdoor visibility that's blindingly good. It's the iPhone for minimalists who want pro features without the bulk.
Hands-On Verdict: The vapor chamber cooling keeps thermals in check during 4K ProRes video, and battery life surprises with 20+ hours of mixed use. MagSafe integration feels more refined than ever, but the single rear speaker setup lacks the spatial audio punch of the Pro Max. Starting at $999, it's a gateway to Apple's ecosystem for design purists—elegant, understated, and unapologetically thin.
4. Motorola Razr Ultra (2025): The Flip That's Fun and Functional
Motorola's Razr Ultra flips the script on compact phones with a 4.0-inch outer display that's now fully app-compatible—run Netflix, reply to texts, or even game without unfolding. The vegan leather wrap and vegan suede hinge come in bold finishes like "Chalk Blue" with metallic flecks, giving it a handbag-like swagger.
What Makes It Cool: At 3.9mm unfolded, it's the thinnest flip phone on the market, with a flexible polymer layer that eliminates the dreaded crease. The 7.0-inch inner pOLED stretches to 165Hz for buttery animations, and IPX8 rating means it's submersible for worry-free beach days. It's playful design done right: fold it for one-handed use, unfold for immersion.
Hands-On Verdict: The external screen is a game-changer for quick glances, reducing unlocks by 40% in my testing. Snapdragon 8 Elite powers through multitasking, and the 4,700mAh battery lasts 18 hours. At $1,299, it's pricier than the Galaxy Z Flip 7, but the larger cover display and unique color options make it the cooler choice for extroverts.
5. Google Pixel 10 Pro XL: The AI-Infused Sculpt
Google's Pixel line has always been about smart software, but the Pixel 10 Pro XL's design finally matches that brain with brawn: a sculpted aluminum body with matte finishes in "Lemongrass" (a subtle green that ages like fine wine) and a raised camera "pill" that's more ergonomic than obtrusive. At 8.2mm thick, it's balanced for all-day carry.
What Makes It Cool: The 6.8-inch Super Actua display is the brightest yet (3,000 nits), with adaptive refresh rates that sip power. Seven years of updates baked in, plus AI-driven features like real-time call screening, make it feel alive. It's not flashy, but the clean lines and IP68 durability scream "thoughtful engineering."
Hands-On Verdict: Cameras are wizard-level, with a 5x telephoto that nails low-light zooms. Battery hits two days light use, and the Tensor G5 chip handles AI without hiccups. For $1,099, it's the best value in premium Android—design that's reliable, not revolutionary, but perfectly tuned for everyday cool.
Wrapping It Up: Design's Big Moment in 2025
2025 has been the year phones stopped being appliances and started being art—thinner, foldier, and way more personal. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 wins for sheer versatility, but if I had to pocket just one, it'd be the Nothing Phone (3a) Pro for its unfiltered fun factor. Budget under $300? Hunt down the CMF Phone 2 Pro—its bolted-together look is a steal. Whatever your style, these designs prove smartphones are evolving beyond specs into extensions of our personalities.
Upgrading soon? Drop a comment: Which 2025 design has you hooked? Stay tuned for more reviews as the trifold rumors heat up.
