You would possibly have already got a good suggestion of which smartphone you need to be your subsequent one. However there are extra strong choices out there now than ever earlier than, making the choice not as cut-and-dry because it was once. Whereas the choice is a bit simpler if you understand you need an iPhone, there’s even sufficient variation between these new fashions that you will have to consider it longer than you anticipated. If you happen to’re an Android individual, you have got 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 commonly and have examined dozens over time. Whether or not you’ve had your eye on one in all our present high picks, one in all Samsung’s Galaxy S25 telephones, a cheap phone or one other machine, we’re right here that can assist you resolve which is the perfect telephone to purchase this yr.
Android or iOS?
Once you’re looking for the perfect smartphone, it turns into clear that every OS has its professionals and cons. Apple’s tight-knit ecosystem makes it tremendous straightforward to share information between iPhones, iPads and Macs or seamlessly hand-off telephone calls or music from one machine 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 firms like Google, Samsung, Sony and extra. Nonetheless, Android telephones don’t take pleasure in that very same size of software program assist and sometimes have decrease trade-in values. Briefly, there’s no improper reply. Nonetheless, it would be best to contemplate 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 most likely doesn’t make plenty of sense to modify 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 mobile phone usually pulls double responsibility as your major digital camera, determining what sort of picture instruments you need is essential. These days, virtually each cell phone can take a terrific image in shiny mild. However in order for you an extended optical zoom, you’ll most likely need to improve to a costlier machine.
Mid-range phones usually solely have two rear cameras (a major wide-angle lens and a secondary ultra-wide digital camera) and might generally wrestle in low-light conditions. Every telephone maker additionally has varied options that may be a greater match on your type, with Apple providing 4 completely different shade 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. Nonetheless, in order for you the quickest wi-fi speeds attainable, it’s going to value you slightly further. 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 cheaper 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 is probably not lacking out on a lot proper now when you purchase a telephone that doesn’t assist it. It’s an identical state of affairs for Wi-Fi 7, which is on the market on some high-end handsets just like the Galaxy S25, however tougher to search out on cheaper gadgets. Wi-Fi 7 additionally requires you to have a compatible router, so until you understand you want it or have a selected use case in thoughts, the shortage 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 think about
As a result of not everybody agrees on what makes the perfect telephone, you must take into consideration every other specs that may be further essential for you. Cellular players will virtually actually admire 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 most likely need 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 plenty of gadgets, it may be very nice to have a telephone that helps reverse wi-fi charging, which on Samsung telephones even permits you to recharge the corporate’s Galaxy Watches.
Photograph by Cherlynn Low / Engadget
Learn our full iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max review
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 perfect iPhone expertise, you must get an iPhone 16 Pro or iPhone 16 Professional Max. Not solely is there not a lot of a leap between the 2 in terms of digital camera array or common efficiency, however these handsets will get all the advantages of Apple Intelligence — on high of the useful 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 when you improve, it gained’t make an excessive amount of of a distinction in common use. The largest {hardware} variations that you just’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 really taking pictures. 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 total, the Digital camera Management button is a web constructive that shutterbugs will admire.
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 really seize the second while you press the button, reasonably than the second proper after it. The Fusion Digital camera additionally helps new options like Photographic Types, that are enjoyable enhancements which are much more customizable than common filters.
Elsewhere, the brand new A18 Professional chipset supplies 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 big distinction within the Professional and Professional Max digital camera arrays, this yr that hole isn’t as noticeable. The place you will note main positive factors 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 pictures chops, enhanced customization with iOS 18 and (quickly) the complete host of Apple Intelligence options. — Valentina Palladino, Deputy Editor
- Quick digital camera with prime quality video seize
- Photographic kinds are efficient and fairly
- Good customizations out there all through
- Comparatively brief battery life
- Digital camera Management is not good
Learn our full Google Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL review
(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 the most effective Android telephones round, with the Professional mannequin being the superior model. But it surely was at all times slightly too massive and too cumbersome for these of us who’ve smaller fingers or need our telephones to slot in our pockets. Cue the Pixel 9 Pro, which is the littler model of the Pixel 9 Professional XL. As a substitute of a comparatively giant 6.8-inch display screen like that on its greater sibling, the usual Professional has a 6.3-inch show that’s straightforward 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 screen!
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 digital camera setup and efficiency in each handsets. The one actual variations are the display screen measurement, battery and charging speeds, because the non-XL mannequin recharges at a barely slower price. However the Pixel 9 Professional can be a lot longer-lasting than the XL, notching virtually 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 digital camera efficiency, intriguing AI options and a common grown-up vibe. Whereas earlier Pixel flagships had a colourful, blocky design that felt contemporary, this yr’s gadgets really feel strong and refined. And, dare we are saying it, virtually like iPhones. With out the digital camera bars, they might be fairly exhausting to inform aside from Apple’s telephones.
Probably as a result of it is grown up a lot over time, however the Pixel telephones now value the identical as iPhones. The Pixel 9 Professional and iPhone 16 Professional each begin at $999, and although a few of us have come to think about Google’s handsets because the extra competitively priced possibility, this yr’s mannequin may be ok to justify a premium worth. If you happen to nonetheless need one thing from the Pixel 9 household however do not need to pay $1,000, the bottom Pixel 9 continues to be a strong handset for most individuals. However because it stands, the Pixel 9 Professional is the perfect Android handset cash should buy. — Cherlynn Low, Managing Editor
- Nice digital camera options and improved telephoto digital camera
- A yr of Gemini Superior without cost
- Unbelievable battery life
- A ravishing, shiny display screen that’s straightforward to make use of open air
- Tensor G4 runs cooler than its predecessor
- Slower charging speeds than the XL
- Not the perfect telephone for gaming
Cherlynn Low for Engadget
Learn our full iPhone 16e review
Display screen measurement: 6.1-inch | Storage capability: As much as 512GB | SIM assist: Twin eSim | Battery Life: Greater than 24 hours
The iPhone 16e is nearer in specs to the iPhone 16 than the iPhone SE was to the iPhone 13. And that makes selecting which iPhone to purchase tougher than ever. Do you have to save $200 and quit a twin digital camera, Dynamic Island, Digital camera Management and MagSafe? That relies upon largely in your priorities and finances.
Whereas I feel that anybody who can afford the value distinction ought to go for the iPhone 16 over the iPhone 16e, I can’t deny that that is Apple’s finest entry-level iPhone so far. It has an Motion button, USB-C, a bigger, brighter display screen and an A18 chip that allows Apple Intelligence. My largest issues with it are limitations introduced on by its single rear digital camera setup — issues like not having the ability to seize ultrawide photographs or Portrait mode not working if there isn’t a face within the scene. If you happen to’re coming from an iPhone 11 or newer, you must contemplate whether or not the improved digital camera sensor is value giving up an ultrawide digital camera for. Whether it is, and when you can dwell with out snapping portraits of objects and faceless objects, the iPhone 16e’s digital camera can be satisfying.
There are different components to think about, like whether or not you commonly use MagSafe equipment or wi-fi charging. If you happen to do, then the iPhone 16e will frustrate you because it doesn’t work with the magnetic attachment system (you may get a MagSafe case to treatment this) and expenses at a slower pace than the iPhone 15 or iPhone 16 (however there’s no repair for this). You possibly can contemplate the $699 iPhone 15 for a greater digital camera and wi-fi charging expertise, however you’ll be giving up Apple Intelligence and an Motion button. — C.L.
- Strong efficiency
- Lengthy battery life
- Clear, sturdy design
- Vivid, vibrant display screen
- Just one rear digital camera, resulting in many limitations
- Costly in comparison with earlier iPhone SE
- No MagSafe
Sam Rutherford for Engadget
Learn our full Google Pixel 9a review
Display screen measurement: 6.3-inch | Storage capability: As much as 256GB | SIM assist: 1x nano SIM, 1x eSim | Battery Life: As much as 28 hours
The Pixel 9a is not particularly flashy and it would not have any particular options that are not already out there on its costlier siblings. In reality, it really has slower charging and it is lacking assist for a few of Google’s homegrown software program just like the Screenshots app. However for everybody who simply needs a easy telephone with a strong design, a pleasant display screen, glorious cameras and robust battery life, the Pixel 9a is absolutely exhausting to beat. So whereas it is not tremendous fancy, the telephone has all of its most essential bases coated (after which some). However most significantly, beginning at simply $499, this telephone looks like an unbelievable deal that punches nicely above its worth. — Sam Rutherford, Senior Reporter
- Smooth design
- Superior battery life
- Good show
- Nice cameras
- IP68 ranking for mud and water resistance
- Charging could possibly be quicker
- No Pixel Screenshot app
- Macro Focus mode is usually a bit finicky
Sam Rutherford for Engadget
Learn our full Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 review
Display screen measurement: 8-inch (primary) 6.5-inch (folded) | Storage capability: As much as 1TB | SIM assist: 1x nano SIM, 1x eSim | Battery life: As much as 24 hours
One of many largest points with foldable telephones is the added measurement and weight that always comes with the inclusion of a versatile show. Samsung has made {that a} factor of the previous on the Galaxy Z Fold 7, which sports activities bigger screens — each in and out — whereas being 26 % thinner than earlier than. And as if that wasn’t sufficient, the Z Fold 7 additionally options improved sturdiness, elevated efficiency and a brand new 200MP primary digital camera, matching or exceeding what you get from conventional flagship smartphones. The primary downsides are that at $2,000, it is nonetheless removed from inexpensive and for long-time Samsung followers, the lack of S Pen assist could also be a dealbreaker. However for many who need to expertise new heights in foldable telephone design, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is a masterpiece of recent gadget design. — S.R.
- Exquisitely skinny design
- Sleeker hinge
- Massive 200MP primary digital camera
- Bigger shows
- High-tier efficiency
- Very costly
- No S Pen assist
- Mediocre charging speeds
Mat Smith for Engadget
Learn our full Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 review
Display screen measurement: 6.9-inch (primary) 4.1-inch (entrance) | Storage capability: As much as 512GB | SIM assist: 1x nano SIM, 1x eSim | Battery life: As much as 31 hours
The Galaxy Z Flip 7 has a slimmer design and considerably improved battery life. With a bigger, brighter entrance show, it’s simpler to make use of and the hinge mechanism has additionally been strengthened for a extra strong really feel.
Regardless of it being the smaller mannequin of Samsung’s foldable household, the corporate made the first show even greater and introduced it nearer to the normal facet ratios of most conventional smartphones. It’s one other sensible enchancment that makes the Flip 7 simpler to make use of than its predecessors.
A bigger battery has considerably prolonged how lengthy Samsung’s newest Flip can run for between expenses, though it runs slightly sizzling with heavy apps, duties and video games.
Software program additions embody the Now Bar and Gemini Reside integration for the entrance show, however utilizing most different apps nonetheless requires a widget launcher workaround.
Nonetheless, the cameras stay largely unchanged from the earlier mannequin, with a 50MP major and 12MP ultrawide lens. Sadly there’s nonetheless no devoted telephoto lens, which makes it much less helpful in some taking pictures conditions. Different areas are lengthy due an improve, too, just like the Flip 7’s sluggish charging speeds. — Mat Smith, UK Bureau Chief
- Greater entrance display screen
- Higher battery life
- Slimmer design
- Cameras are dated
- Entrance display screen utility continues to be restricted
- Sluggish cost pace
Different smartphones we have examined
Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely
Like its predecessor, the S25 Ultra is an extremely versatile telephone. It’s one of many few handsets that include an included stylus and premium options like a stunning 6.9-inch AMOLED show, titanium body and a 5x telephoto digital camera. 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 13
Whereas the OnePlus 13 options some fundamental AI options like Google’s Circle to Search and Gemini assistant, it’s actually simply an old style flagship in all the perfect methods. That’s as a result of as an alternative of specializing in machine studying, OnePlus crammed the telephone with tons of top-notch {hardware}. It sports activities a 6.8-inch OLED show with an unbelievable peak brightness of as much as 4,500 nits. The OP13 additionally affords glorious efficiency due to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, together with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. There are additionally three 50-MP rear cameras together with one with a 3x telephoto zoom and a large 6,000 mAh battery that’s greater than what you get in virtually all of its opponents.
OnePlus didn’t skimp on the telephone’s design both, because the OP13 nonetheless comes with the corporate’s signature Alert Slider. Plus, when you go for the blue or white variants, you’ll get a sturdy and really touchable vegan leather-based again that helps the telephone stand out amongst all its glass brick rivals. However the perfect half is that beginning at $900, it prices lower than an equal Galaxy S25+ too.
FAQs
How do I do know which smartphone is the perfect for me?
Whereas selecting the perfect smartphone may be difficult, it largely comes right down to how you propose on utilizing the machine. All the finest 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, it’s possible you’ll need to contemplate paying for a tool on the upper finish of the value spectrum. That can get you higher total efficiency, higher-quality cameras and a telephone that can final for a few years. If you happen to don’t use your telephone for all the things, 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 worth from $300 to over $1,500. The most effective finances telephones out there now will normally compromise on total efficiency, design, digital camera 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 midst of that vast worth vary — we’ve discovered that a lot of the finest smartphones out there proper now value 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 trendy cell telephones. Smartphones have additionally largely changed compact cameras due to their high-quality, built-in shooters, and the truth that most smartphones at present as simply as moveable, if no more so, as compact cameras.
How lengthy do smartphones final?
Smartphones can final years and individuals are holding on to their phones longer now than ever earlier than. Software program updates and battery life are two of the largest components 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 utilize and recharge your telephone regularly.
Latest updates
July 2025: Up to date to incorporate the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7.
April 2025: Up to date to incorporate the Google Pixel 9a.
February 2025: Up to date to incorporate the iPhone 16e.
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.
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