The Top 20 Phones of 2025 Reviewed & Ranked
In the fast-evolving world of smartphones, 2025 has delivered a lineup that's more innovative than ever. From AI-powered cameras that rival professional setups to foldables that feel like pocket-sized tablets, the best phones of 2025 blend cutting-edge performance, stunning displays, and all-day battery life into sleek designs. Whether you're a photography enthusiast eyeing the Google Pixel 10's telephoto magic or a multitasking pro craving the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7's expansive screen, there's a device here for every need and budget.
We've scoured expert reviews from TechRadar, CNET, Tom's Guide, PCMag, and more to rank the top 20 phones of 2025. Our rankings prioritize real-world performance, camera quality, battery endurance, software support, and value—because the "best" phone isn't just about specs; it's about how it fits your life. Let's dive in and find your next upgrade.
Our Ranking Methodology
To create this list, we aggregated insights from over a dozen trusted sources, including hands-on tests for battery life (aiming for 10+ hours of mixed use), camera versatility (from low-light shots to 8K video), and AI features that actually enhance daily tasks. Premium flagships dominate the top spots, but we've included mid-rangers and foldables for balance. Prices start around $300 for budget picks and climb to $2,000 for ultra-premium models.
1. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra – The Ultimate Powerhouse
The Galaxy S25 Ultra isn't just a phone; it's a productivity beast. At $1,299, it boasts a 200MP main camera with dual telephoto lenses (3x and 5x zoom) for unparalleled detail, even in low light. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, it handles gaming and AI editing like a dream—think real-time call translation via Galaxy AI. Battery life lasts up to 18 hours, and the 6.9-inch AMOLED display hits 2,600 nits for outdoor visibility. Drawbacks? It's bulky at 233g. If you want the best Android all-rounder, this is it.
Key Specs: 6.9-inch QHD+ 120Hz display, 12GB RAM, 256GB+ storage, IP68 rating. Pros: Exceptional cameras, S Pen stylus included, 7 years of updates. Cons: High price, no major design refresh. Best For: Creatives and power users.
2. Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max – iOS Perfection Redefined
Apple's flagship ($1,199) shakes up the formula with an aluminum unibody frame in bold colors and a massive 48MP ultrawide camera. The A18 Pro chip delivers buttery-smooth performance, while the 6.9-inch OLED screen supports 120Hz ProMotion and peaks at 3,000 nits. Battery squeezes two days from heavy use, and new dual video recording (front + rear) is a videographer's delight. iOS 19's Apple Intelligence feels intuitive, not gimmicky. Minor gripe: No 8K video yet.
Key Specs: 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR, 12GB RAM, 256GB+ storage, IP68. Pros: Seamless ecosystem integration, top-tier video stabilization. Cons: Charger not included, ecosystem lock-in. Best For: Apple loyalists and filmmakers.
3. Google Pixel 10 Pro XL – AI Camera Maestro
For $1,199, the Pixel 10 Pro XL ($1,199) sets the bar for smartphone photography with a 50MP main sensor, 48MP ultrawide, and 48MP 5x telephoto. Tensor G5 chip powers Gemini AI for magic like automatic photo edits and real-time summaries. The 6.8-inch 120Hz OLED is vibrant, and 5,200mAh battery with 45W charging lasts 19 hours. It's the most "trustworthy" Android camera per Bloomberg. Downside: Base storage at 128GB feels stingy.
Key Specs: 6.8-inch LTPO OLED, 16GB RAM, 128GB+ storage, IP68. Pros: Best-in-class AI photo tools, 7 years of updates. Cons: Slower charging than rivals, heavier build. Best For: Photographers and AI enthusiasts.
4. OnePlus 13 – Speed Demon with Endurance
At $899, the OnePlus 13 punches above its weight with Snapdragon 8 Elite, delivering 40% faster performance than last year. The 50MP Hasselblad-tuned triple camera excels in portraits, and the 6.82-inch 120Hz AMOLED hits 4,500 nits—brightest tested. A 6,000mAh battery with 100W charging refuels in 30 minutes, lasting two days. OxygenOS 15 is clean and customizable. Quirk: Eco-leather back attracts lint.
Key Specs: 6.82-inch BOE display, 12/16GB RAM, 256GB+ storage, IP68/69. Pros: Insane battery, value-packed specs. Cons: Shorter software support (4 years OS). Best For: Gamers and battery hogs.
5. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 – Foldable Productivity King
Samsung's $1,999 foldable unfolds to an 8-inch inner screen for tablet-like multitasking. The 200MP main camera rivals slabs, and Snapdragon 8 Elite ensures no lag. Thinner at 5mm unfolded, it has a 4,400mAh battery for all-day use. Galaxy AI shines for note-taking. It's pricey, but the best foldable yet.
Key Specs: 8-inch inner/6.5-inch outer AMOLED, 12GB RAM, 256GB+ storage, IP48. Pros: Massive screen real estate, S Pen support. Cons: Battery could be bigger, high cost. Best For: Multitaskers and foldable fans.
6. Apple iPhone 17 – Best Value iPhone
The $799 iPhone 17 bridges the gap to Pro models with a 120Hz display and 48MP main camera. A18 chip handles everything effortlessly, and battery lasts 18 hours. Great for iOS newcomers.
Key Specs: 6.3-inch OLED, 8GB RAM, 128GB+ storage, IP68. Pros: Pro features at base price, vibrant screen. Cons: No telephoto lens. Best For: Budget Apple switchers.
7. Google Pixel 10 – AI on a (Relative) Budget
Google's $799 entry ups the ante with a 5x telephoto and Tensor G5. Cameras are stellar, and Gemini AI edits photos seamlessly. 4,700mAh battery with Qi2 magnets is a win.
Key Specs: 6.3-inch 120Hz OLED, 12GB RAM, 128GB+ storage, IP68. Pros: Compact, excellent software. Cons: No UFS 4.0 on base storage. Best For: Everyday AI users.
8. Motorola Razr Ultra (2025) – Stylish Flip Foldable
This $1,099 flip phone has a 7-inch inner display and 4-inch outer for quick glances. Snapdragon 8 Elite and 50MP cameras deliver, with 19-hour battery. Wood finish option is unique.
Key Specs: 7-inch inner/4-inch outer OLED, 12GB RAM, 256GB storage, IP48. Pros: Versatile screens, fun design. Cons: Crease visible. Best For: Compact foldable lovers.
9. Xiaomi 15 Ultra – Zoom Photography Beast
$1,099 gets you a 200MP periscope with 4.3x zoom and Leica optics. Snapdragon 8 Elite and 6.73-inch display shine, with 5,400mAh battery.
Key Specs: 6.73-inch LTPO OLED, 16GB RAM, 256GB+ storage, IP68. Pros: Unmatched zoom, vibrant colors. Cons: Limited US availability. Best For: Telephoto enthusiasts.
10. Samsung Galaxy S25 – Compact Flagship
The $799 S25 mirrors the Ultra's power in a 6.2-inch form. 50MP cameras and AI features impress, with 17-hour battery.
Key Specs: 6.2-inch FHD+ 120Hz, 12GB RAM, 128GB+ storage, IP68. Pros: Small but mighty. Cons: No 5x zoom. Best For: One-handed users.
11. Apple iPhone 17 Air – Ultra-Thin Marvel
Apple's $999 slimline stunner has a 6.1-inch display and A18 chip. Cameras are capable, battery solid at 16 hours.
Key Specs: 6.1-inch OLED, 8GB RAM, 128GB+ storage, IP68. Pros: Lightest iPhone ever. Cons: Smaller battery. Best For: Minimalists.
12. Honor Magic V5 – Slimmest Book Foldable
At $1,700, this 9.8mm foldable has an 8-inch inner screen and Snapdragon 8 Elite. Cameras are strong, battery 5,800mAh.
Key Specs: 8-inch inner/6.4-inch outer, 16GB RAM, 256GB+ storage, IPX8. Pros: Crease-free, thin design. Cons: Pricey. Best For: Foldable minimalists.
13. Google Pixel 10 Pro – Balanced Premium
$999 for 6.3-inch screen, triple cameras, and Tensor G5. AI and 18-hour battery make it a daily driver.
Key Specs: 6.3-inch LTPO OLED, 12GB RAM, 128GB+ storage, IP68. Pros: Pro cameras in compact body. Cons: No XL battery. Best For: Balanced pros.
14. Oppo Find X8 Pro – Versatile Shooter
$1,099 with quad 50MP cameras and variable aperture. Dimensity 9400 chip and 5,700mAh battery excel.
Key Specs: 6.78-inch 120Hz, 16GB RAM, 256GB+ storage, IP68. Pros: Low-light video king. Cons: Software bloat. Best For: Videographers.
15. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 – Pocketable Flip
$1,099 flip with 6.7-inch inner and wider outer screen. 50MP cameras and 4,000mAh battery for flips.
Key Specs: 6.7-inch inner/3.4-inch outer, 12GB RAM, 256GB storage, IPX8. Pros: Improved outer display. Cons: Battery lags slabs. Best For: Flip fans.
16. Motorola Moto G Power (2025) – Budget Battery Champ
$300 gets two-day battery and clean software. 50MP camera is solid for the price.
Key Specs: 6.7-inch 120Hz LCD, 8GB RAM, 128GB storage, IP54. Pros: Affordable endurance. Cons: Slower chip. Best For: Budget buyers.
17. Nothing Phone (3) – Glyph Revival
$799 with unique Glyph lights and Snapdragon 8s Gen 3. 50MP cameras and 5,000mAh battery.
Key Specs: 6.7-inch AMOLED, 12GB RAM, 256GB storage, IP54. Pros: Fun design. Cons: Average cameras. Best For: Style seekers.
18. Sony Xperia 1 VII – AV Purist
$1,399 for 4K 120Hz screen and headphone jack. 48MP cameras tuned for creators.
Key Specs: 6.5-inch 4K OLED, 12GB RAM, 256GB storage, IP68. Pros: Pro audio/video tools. Cons: Overpriced. Best For: Media pros.
19. Samsung Galaxy S25+ – Middle Ground
$999 for 6.7-inch screen and 4,900mAh battery. Balances size and power.
Key Specs: 6.7-inch QHD+ 120Hz, 12GB RAM, 256GB+ storage, IP68. Pros: Great value in S series. Cons: Similar to base. Best For: Big-screen seekers.
20. CMF Phone 2 Pro – Super Budget Gem
$279 with Dimensity 7300 and 50MP cameras. Surprising value at 5,000mAh.
Key Specs: 6.67-inch 120Hz AMOLED, 8GB RAM, 128GB storage, IP52. Pros: Cheap thrills. Cons: Basic build. Best For: First-timers.
How to Choose the Right Phone for You
- Budget Under $500? Go Moto G Power or CMF Phone 2 Pro for basics done right.
- Camera Priority? Pixel 10 series or Xiaomi 15 Ultra.
- Foldable Fan? Galaxy Z Fold 7 or Razr Ultra.
- iOS or Android? iPhone 17 for seamless Apple integration; OnePlus 13 for customizable Android.
2025's phones prove innovation isn't slowing—AI is making them smarter, not just flashier. The Galaxy S25 Ultra edges out as our overall winner for its do-everything vibe, but your perfect match depends on priorities. Upgrading soon? Drop a comment: What's your must-have feature? Stay tuned for more 2025 updates as new releases hit.
