Review of the Best Phones Released in the First Half of 2025

The smartphone market in 2025 has been nothing short of explosive, with innovation pushing boundaries in AI, camera tech, and battery life. If you're searching for the best phones of 2025 so far, the first half of the year—January through June—brought us a stellar lineup of flagships and mid-range contenders. From Samsung's powerhouse Galaxy S25 Ultra to Google's value-packed Pixel 9a, these devices cater to every budget and need. Whether you're an Android enthusiast eyeing the top Android phones 2025 or an iOS loyalist hunting the best iPhone under $500, we've reviewed the cream of the crop based on hands-on testing, expert benchmarks, and real-world performance. In this comprehensive guide, we'll dive into the key releases, their standout features, and why they deserve a spot in your pocket. Let's break it down.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: The Ultimate Flagship Powerhouse

Released on February 7, 2025, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra arrived with a bang, building on the S24's legacy while introducing refined AI tools and a sleeker design. Priced starting at $1,299, this beast is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, delivering blistering performance for gaming, multitasking, and on-device AI processing. Its 6.9-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED display is a stunner—brighter than ever at 2,600 nits, with anti-reflective coating for outdoor visibility.

Camera-wise, the quad setup shines: a 200MP main sensor captures hyper-detailed shots, while the 50MP ultrawide and dual telephotos (3x and 5x) excel in low light and zoom scenarios. The included S Pen stylus remains a productivity game-changer, perfect for note-taking or creative edits. Battery life is epic, with the 5,000mAh cell lasting up to two days on moderate use, and 45W wired charging gets you to 100% in under an hour.

Pros: Unmatched versatility, top-tier cameras, seven years of updates. Cons: Bulky design, premium price tag.

If you're after the best camera phone 2025, the S25 Ultra is unrivaled, earning it our top flagship pick.

OnePlus 13: Speed Demon with Endurance

Launching internationally on January 7, 2025, the OnePlus 13 redefined value in high-end Androids at $899. Sporting the same Snapdragon 8 Elite as the S25 Ultra, it handles everything from 4K video editing to intensive AR apps without breaking a sweat. The 6.82-inch LTPO AMOLED screen hits 4,500 nits peak brightness, making it ideal for HDR content and sunny-day scrolling.

Photography gets a boost from Hasselblad-tuned cameras: a 50MP triple array delivers natural colors and sharp portraits, with 100W wired charging refueling the 6,000mAh battery in just 26 minutes. OxygenOS 15 is buttery smooth, with customizable multitasking that outpaces competitors. After months of use, it's still hailed as the "finest phone of the year" for its balance of power and polish.

Pros: Insane charging speeds, vibrant display, flagship performance on a budget. Cons: No mmWave 5G in some regions, cameras slightly behind Samsung in zoom.

For power users seeking the best Android phone under $1,000, the OnePlus 13 is a no-brainer.

Google Pixel 9a: Mid-Range Magic at Its Finest

Google's April 10, 2025, release of the Pixel 9a ($499) proves you don't need to splurge for premium features. The Tensor G4 chip powers AI smarts like Magic Editor and Gemini integration, while the 6.1-inch 120Hz OLED display is bright and color-accurate for media consumption.

The star is the camera: a 48MP main sensor with computational photography magic produces flagship-level photos, especially in low light, rivaling pricier Pixels. A 5,100mAh battery lasts all day, and seven years of OS updates ensure longevity. It's compact, eco-friendly with recycled materials, and runs stock Android 15 flawlessly.

Pros: Exceptional value, stellar camera, long software support. Cons: Only 8GB RAM limits heavy multitasking, no telephoto lens.

As the best mid-range phone 2025, the Pixel 9a is perfect for budget-conscious photographers.

Apple iPhone 16e (SE 4): Compact iOS Revival

Apple quietly dropped the iPhone 16e—rebranded from SE 4—on February 19, 2025, starting at $599. This budget iPhone ditches the dated design for a modern 6.1-inch OLED notch-less display and the A18 chip, enabling Apple Intelligence features like enhanced Siri and on-device image generation.

The single 48MP rear camera punches above its weight, delivering vibrant, detailed shots with Cinematic mode for video. Face ID is snappier, and the 3,279mAh battery supports a full day with MagSafe wireless charging. iOS 18's customization options make it feel fresh, bridging the gap to pricier iPhones.

Pros: Seamless iOS ecosystem, powerful chip for the price, compact build. Cons: Single camera limits versatility, no always-on display.

For iPhone fans wanting the best budget iPhone 2025, the 16e is a smart entry point.

Quick Comparison: Which One Wins for You?

In summary, the first half of 2025 redefined smartphone excellence. The Galaxy S25 Ultra leads for pros, while the Pixel 9a steals the show for everyday users. Whichever you choose, these top smartphones first half 2025 promise to elevate your mobile life.