You may have already got a good suggestion of which smartphone you wish to be your subsequent one. However there are extra stable choices out there now than ever earlier than, making the choice not as cut-and-dry because it was. Whereas the choice is a bit simpler if you recognize you need an iPhone, there’s even sufficient variation between these new fashions that you’ll have to consider it longer than you anticipated. For those who’re an Android individual, you’ve much more choices to select from — together with foldables — and extra inquiries to reply earlier than you spend any cash.
At Engadget, we evaluation telephones frequently and have examined dozens through the years. Whether or not you’ve had your eye on one in every of our present high picks, one in every of Samsung’s Galaxy S25 telephones, a low cost telephone or one other gadget, we’re right here that can assist you resolve which is the most effective telephone to purchase this yr.
Android or iOS?
While you’re looking for the most effective smartphone, it turns into clear that every OS has its professionals and cons. Apple’s tight-knit ecosystem makes it tremendous simple to share knowledge between iPhones, iPads and Macs or seamlessly hand-off telephone calls or music from one gadget to a different. On the identical time, you’re successfully locked in, as companies like Apple Messages aren’t out there on different platforms.
As for Android, there’s a a lot wider vary of handsets from corporations like Google, Samsung, Sony and extra. Nevertheless, Android telephones don’t take pleasure in that very same size of software program assist and infrequently have decrease trade-in values. In brief, there’s no fallacious reply. Nevertheless, you’ll want to think about how your telephone will slot in with the remainder of your gadgets. So until you’re actually fed up with one OS and keen to be taught one other, it in all probability doesn’t make loads of sense to change from an iPhone to an Android telephone (or vice versa) – particularly if everybody else in your family is utilizing the identical platform.
Cameras
Since your cellular phone usually pulls double responsibility as your major digicam, determining what sort of photograph instruments you need is vital. These days, virtually each cell phone can take an important image in vibrant mild. However in order for you an extended optical zoom, you’ll in all probability need to improve to a dearer gadget.
Mid-range telephones usually solely have two rear cameras (a major wide-angle lens and a secondary ultra-wide digicam) and may typically wrestle in low-light conditions. Every telephone maker additionally has varied options that may be a greater match on your fashion, with Apple providing 4 completely different coloration presets on the newest iPhones, whereas Google’s Pixel 9 Professional comes with neat instruments like devoted lengthy publicity and Motion Pan modes.
Will you get mmWave 5G or Wi-Fi 7?
The excellent news is that in 2025, most telephones have at the very least Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6e and assist for some form of 5G connectivity. Nevertheless, in order for you the quickest wi-fi speeds attainable, it’s going to price you a bit of additional. For instance, on sure networks, mmWave 5G affords as much as gigabit obtain speeds, much less latency and higher bandwidth. However mmWave 5G additionally requires extra subtle (and pricier) modems, which implies assist for it’s usually lacking on inexpensive gadgets.
On the intense aspect, mmWave 5G isn’t as broadly out there as different variations of 5G, so relying on the place you reside and what community you’re on, you might not be lacking out on a lot proper now in case you purchase a telephone that doesn’t assist it. It’s an analogous state of affairs for Wi-Fi 7, which is accessible on some high-end handsets just like the Galaxy S25, however tougher to seek out on cheaper gadgets. Wi-Fi 7 additionally requires you to have a suitable router, so until you recognize you want it or have a particular use case in thoughts, the dearth of assist for mmWave 5G or Wi-Fi 7 shouldn’t be a dealbreaker when in search of a brand new telephone.
Different options to contemplate
As a result of not everybody agrees on what makes the most effective telephone, you must take into consideration another specs that may be additional essential for you. Cellular players will nearly actually recognize the 120Hz refresh charges you get on telephones just like the Samsung Galaxy S25 or the Apple iPhone 16 Professional. Alternatively, if lengthy battery life is essential, you’ll in all probability wish to go along with a bigger iPhone or an Android telephone with a battery that’s between 4,000 and 5,000 mAh in measurement. In the meantime, if you end up juggling loads of gadgets, it may be very nice to have a telephone that helps reverse wi-fi charging, which on Samsung telephones even helps you to recharge the corporate’s Galaxy Watches.
Picture by Cherlynn Low / Engadget
Learn our full iPhone 16 Professional and iPhone 16 Professional Max evaluation
Display screen measurement: 6.3-inch | Storage capability: As much as 1TB | SIM assist: Twin eSim | Battery Life: About in the future
Similar to final yr, in order for you the most effective iPhone expertise, you must get an iPhone 16 Professional or iPhone 16 Professional Max. Not solely is there not a lot of a leap between the 2 in terms of digicam array or basic efficiency, however these handsets will get all the advantages of Apple Intelligence — on high of the helpful customizations that comes with iOS 18.
The iPhone 16 Professional and 16 Professional Max have barely completely different sizes this time round: 6.3 inches and 6.9 inches, respectively. Apart from that which means you’ll need to shell out cash for a brand new case in case you improve, it gained’t make an excessive amount of of a distinction in common use. The most important {hardware} variations that you simply’ll completely discover are the Digital camera Management button and the Fusion Digital camera. The previous is a brand new aspect button that has contact and stress sensors, making it simpler to not solely launch the Digital camera app however management issues like publicity while you’re truly taking images. As we found in our testing for the iPhone 16 Professional evaluation, it’ll take a little bit of getting used to at first. However general, the Digital camera Management button is a web optimistic that shutterbugs will recognize.
The brand new Fusion Digital camera sports activities a quicker quad-pixel sensor, amongst different enhancements, and permits for 4K video at 120 fps in Dolby Imaginative and prescient and “zero shutter lag.” The latter means you’ll be capable of truly seize the second while you press the button, relatively than the second proper after it. The Fusion Digital camera additionally helps new options like Photographic Kinds, that are enjoyable enhancements which can be much more customizable than common filters.
Elsewhere, the brand new A18 Professional chipset offers glorious efficiency for each the iPhone 16 Professional and 16 Professional Max, plus assist for Apple Intelligence. Whereas in years previous, there would have been a major distinction within the Professional and Professional Max digicam arrays, this yr that hole isn’t as noticeable. The place you will note main features with the Professional Max is battery life — it’ll final two days (like its 15 predecessor), whereas the usual 16 Professional has simply full-day battery life. Solely you possibly can resolve if that’s value ponying up the additional $200 for the Max, however regardless, each the Professional and Professional Max handsets supply stellar efficiency, glorious images chops, enhanced customization with iOS 18 and (quickly) the complete host of Apple Intelligence options. — Valentina Palladino, Deputy Editor
- Quick digicam with top quality video seize
- Photographic kinds are efficient and fairly
- Good customizations out there all through
- Comparatively quick battery life
- Digital camera Management is not excellent
Learn our full Google Pixel 9 Professional and Pixel 9 Professional XL evaluation
(Pixel 9 Professional) Display screen measurement: 6.3-inch | Storage capability: As much as 1TB | SIM assist: 1x nano SIM, 1x eSim | Battery Life: 24+ hours
Lastly, a smaller Pixel Professional. Google’s Pixel sequence has lengthy been among the finest Android telephones round, with the Professional mannequin being the superior model. But it surely was all the time a bit of too large and too cumbersome for these of us who’ve smaller palms or need our telephones to slot in our pockets. Cue the Pixel 9 Professional, which is the littler model of the Pixel 9 Professional XL. As a substitute of a comparatively giant 6.8-inch display like that on its greater sibling, the usual Professional has a 6.3-inch show that’s simple to maneuver. No extra worrying about dropping your Pixel Professional simply since you fumbled whereas making an attempt to succeed in the highest of the display!
Higher but, with the Pixel 9 Professional, Google hasn’t sacrificed any key characteristic to get to the smaller measurement, which means you will discover the identical digicam setup and efficiency in each handsets. The one actual variations are the display measurement, battery and charging speeds, because the non-XL mannequin recharges at a barely slower fee. However the Pixel 9 Professional can be a lot longer-lasting than the XL, notching nearly 25 hours on our battery take a look at.
These distinctions apart, the Pixel 9 Professional lineup is our favourite Android telephone due to its top-notch digicam efficiency, intriguing AI options and a basic grown-up vibe. Whereas earlier Pixel flagships had a colourful, blocky design that felt contemporary, this yr’s gadgets really feel stable and refined. And, dare we are saying it, nearly like iPhones. With out the digicam bars, they might be fairly onerous to inform aside from Apple’s telephones.
Presumably as a result of it is grown up a lot through the years, however the Pixel telephones now price the identical as iPhones. The Pixel 9 Professional and iPhone 15 Professional each begin at $999, and although a few of us have come to think about Google’s handsets because the extra competitively priced choice, this yr’s mannequin may be adequate to justify a premium value. For those who nonetheless need one thing from the Pixel 9 household however do not wish to pay $1,000, the bottom Pixel 9 remains to be a stable handset for most individuals. However because it stands, the Pixel 9 Professional is the most effective Android handset cash should purchase. — Cherlynn Low, Deputy Editor
- Nice digicam options and improved telephoto digicam
- A yr of Gemini Superior without cost
- Unimaginable battery life
- A fantastic, vibrant display that’s simple to make use of outdoor
- Tensor G4 runs cooler than its predecessor
- Slower charging speeds than the XL
- Not the most effective telephone for gaming
Picture by Billy Steele / Engadget
Learn our full iPhone 15 evaluation
Display screen measurement: 6.1-inch | Storage capability: As much as 512GB | SIM assist: Twin eSim | Battery Life: As much as in the future
Our earlier choose right here was the iPhone 13, however that mannequin is not being bought at Apple. Now, in case you’re seeking to save a bit of (just a bit) money and nonetheless get an iPhone, your greatest guess is the iPhone 15. Sure, the iPhone 14 remains to be hanging on within the lineup, nevertheless it depends on a Lightning port for wired charging. It’s 2025, and we advocate your subsequent telephone — no matter how a lot you spend — have a USB-C port.
We known as the iPhone 15 the “most substantial replace to the common iPhone in years” in our iPhone 15 evaluation. Whereas the general design and show have been acquainted, the most important upgrades got here within the digicam array and the adoption of the Dynamic Island. You’ll get a 48-megapixel fundamental shooter with a quad-pixel sensor that’s able to taking higher pictures in dim lighting. You can too apply portrait mode settings after taking images with this technique, as an alternative of getting to decide on it earlier than taking a shot. We noticed noticeable enhancements in images taken on the iPhone 15 when in comparison with these taken on the iPhone 14, significantly in low-lighting situations, so that you’re getting a greater digicam system general. As for the Dynamic Island, it’s a carry-over characteristic from Professional-level iPhones that’s genuinely helpful right here.
The iPhone 15 runs on Apple’s A16 Bionic chipset, and efficiency is as we anticipated — stable, with only a few cases of operating heat throughout every day use. The smartphone has Apple’s signature “all day” battery life, and we’ve seen it final a bit of longer than that in our testing. Whereas we perceive that $700 isn’t precisely a “midrange” value, we imagine the iPhone 14 and iPhone SE, which are available in at $600 and $429, respectively, current too many compromises to be value the associated fee. For those who’re dead-set on getting an iPhone however wish to spend as little as attainable, future you can be grateful that you simply spent the additional cash on the iPhone 15. — V.P.
- Upgraded digicam
- Stable efficiency
- Dynamic Island is helpful
- USB-C charging
- Total design is getting stale
- No high-refresh fee show
- USB-C is proscribed
- Colours are underwhelming
Picture by Sam Rutherford / Engadget
Learn our full Google Pixel 8a evaluation
Display screen measurement: 6.1-inch | Storage capability: As much as 256GB | SIM assist: 1x nano SIM, 1x eSim | Battery Life: Shut to twenty.5 hours
Google’s A-series Pixels have lengthy been a few of the greatest midrange telephones in the marketplace. However now with the addition of a Tensor G3 chip, the Pixel 8a helps the identical highly effective and versatile AI features you get on Google’s flagship telephones together with glorious cameras, a beautiful 120Hz OLED show and nice battery life. The gadget additionally comes with creature comforts like IP67 mud and water resistance and handy (however gradual) 7.5-watt Qi wi-fi charging. However most significantly, beginning at $499, it may be among the finest offers in the marketplace. — Sam Rutherford, Senior Reporter
- Colourful 120Hz OLED show
- Robust battery life
- Wonderful cameras
- Nice worth
- Gradual wi-fi charging
- Thick bezels
Picture by Sam Rutherford/Engadget
Learn our full Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 evaluation
Display screen measurement: 7.6-inch (fundamental) 6.3-inch (folded) | Storage capability: As much as 1TB | SIM assist: 1x nano SIM, 1x eSim | Battery life: As much as 23 hours
Whereas we’d have preferred to see some extra drastic design adjustments, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6 stays one of the vital versatile and well-rounded examples of a giant, premium foldable telephone. Its new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip delivers robust efficiency and improved vitality effectivity whereas its Enhanced Armor Aluminum chassis is noticeably lighter than earlier than (and a bit extra sturdy too). There’s additionally a brand new ultra-wide angle digicam sensor and a boatload of AI-powered options scattered all through the telephone. Plus, the Z Fold 6 stays one of many few foldables with native stylus assist, although you’ll have to pay additional for one in every of Samsung’s S Pens. Maybe the most important draw back is that Samsung’s newest flagship now prices $100 greater than its predecessor.
For those who do not want issues like stylus assist and care extra about “commonplace” options like digicam high quality, think about the brand new Google Pixel 9 Professional Fold. We think about it to be the greatest foldable telephone general in the marketplace proper now, because of its refined design that is simpler to carry and use, its stable efficiency, outstanding battery life and glorious digicam chops. — S.R.
- Tremendous vibrant and colourful show
- Even lighter chassis
- Nice battery life
- Native stylus assist
- Much more costly than earlier than
- Similar fundamental digicam because the earlier two Z Folds
- S Pen not included
- Charging speeds might be quicker
Picture by Mat Smith / Engadget
Learn our full Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 evaluation
Display screen measurement: 6.7-inch (fundamental) 3.4-inch (entrance) | Storage capability: As much as 1TB | SIM assist: 1x nano SIM, 1x eSim | Battery life: As much as 23 hours
Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 6 has an upgraded digicam and a bigger battery than its predecessor. These two specs alone make the newest Galaxy flip-phone a extra tempting choice, within the face of rival flagship telephones. The leap from a 12-megapixel to 50MP digicam means you possibly can select to seize extra element, or crop in for, successfully, a digital zoom. The entrance display has loads of house for framing your selfie pictures, and a brand new Auto-Zoom characteristic means it will probably even body unsupervised group pictures for you. Images is augmented by Samsung’s improved AI photograph enhancing instruments, which is far simpler to make use of.
The Z Flip 6 now has a strong Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, so it’s simply as highly effective because the S24 Extremely and Z Fold 6. Unfold the primary display and also you’ll discover one which’s brighter than ever (as much as 2,600 nits). Samsung says that is its brightest foldable show but, making it simpler to make use of and skim outdoor.
The design hasn’t modified a lot and a deal with new AI software program and tips comes at the price of restricted cowl display utility, nevertheless it’s nonetheless as pocketable as ever and remains to be essentially the most mainstream foldable but. — Mat Smith, Editor, UK Bureau Chief, E-newsletter
- Higher cameras
- Longer battery life
- Enjoyable generative AI tips
- Costlier than its predecessor
- Design is sort of equivalent to final yr
- Restricted front-screen utility
- Sluggish charging
Different smartphones we have examined
Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely
Like its predecessor, the S25 Extremely is an extremely versatile telephone. It’s one of many few handsets that include an included stylus and premium options like a beautiful 6.9-inch AMOLED show, titanium body and a 5x telephoto digicam. It additionally has glorious efficiency and robust battery life. The problem is that, apart from improved AI, this yr’s telephone doesn’t supply that rather more than the earlier mannequin (or the one earlier than that), and with costs beginning at $1,300, we really feel it must do extra to earn a high choose spot.
OnePlus 12
Whereas the OnePlus 12 wasn’t in a position to unseat the newest Pixel, it’s value mentioning as a result of it affords highly effective specs for the cash. It includes a speedy Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, a giant and vibrant 6.8-inch, 120Hz OLED display and the most effective battery life we’ve seen on any telephone thus far. OnePlus additionally introduced again assist for wi-fi charging for the primary time in a number of generations, together with an excellent (however not nice) IP65 ranking for mud and water resistance. And regardless that its enormous digicam module seems to be a bit ungainly, its images are surprisingly sharp. However the most effective factor is that, with a beginning value of $800, the OnePlus 12 prices $200 lower than its largest opponents.
FAQs
How do I do know which smartphone is the most effective for me?
Whereas selecting the most effective smartphone may be difficult, it principally comes all the way down to how you propose on utilizing the gadget. All the greatest telephones out there now get the fundamentals proper — you’ll be capable of make calls, textual content and entry the web with out many hiccups. In case your smartphone is your most used gadget, you might wish to think about paying for a tool on the upper finish of the worth spectrum. That can get you higher general efficiency, higher-quality cameras and a telephone that can final for a few years. For those who don’t use your telephone for every little thing, you might be able to compromise on efficiency and further perks and spend much less on a still-capable handset.
How a lot is a smartphone?
Smartphones vary in value from $300 to over $1,500. The very best funds telephones out there now will normally compromise on general efficiency, design, digicam prowess and further options to maintain prices down. On the flip aspect, the costliest telephones could have highly effective processors, triple-camera arrays and even flip or fold designs. Most individuals will discover a telephone that matches their wants someplace in the course of that broad value vary — we’ve discovered that a lot of the greatest smartphones out there proper now price between $500 and $1,000.
What are you able to do on a smartphone?
Smartphones are primarily small, moveable computer systems that allow you to do issues like test e mail, browse social media, comply with map instructions, make contactless funds and extra. That is all on high of the fundamentals like making telephone calls and texting, which we’ve come to count on in all fashionable cell telephones. Smartphones have additionally principally changed compact cameras because of their high-quality, built-in shooters, and the truth that most smartphones at this time as simply as moveable, if no more so, as compact cameras.
How lengthy do smartphones final?
Smartphones can final years and persons are holding on to their telephones longer now than ever earlier than. Software program updates and battery life are two of the most important elements that may have an effect on telephone longevity. Apple guarantees 5 years value of software program updates for its newest iPhones, and Google guarantees the identical for its Pixel telephones. Samsung telephones will get 4 years value of Android updates from the time they launch. As for charging speeds and battery life, your telephone can deteriorate over time as you employ and recharge your telephone frequently.
Latest updates
January 2025: Up to date to incorporate particulars about Samsung’s newest Galaxy S-series telephones.
September 2024: Up to date to incorporate the newest iPhone 16 fashions and a brand new midrange iPhone high choose.
September 2024: Up to date to incorporate an editor’s notice in regards to the newest iPhones and to say the Google Pixel 9 Professional Fold within the “greatest foldable telephone for multitasking” part.