You would possibly have already got a good suggestion of which smartphone you wish 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 already know you need an iPhone, there’s even sufficient variation between these new fashions that you could have to consider it longer than you anticipated. If you happen to’re an Android particular person, you might have much more choices to select from — together with foldables — and extra inquiries to reply earlier than you spend any cash.
At Engadget, we overview telephones commonly 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 cheap phone or one other gadget, we’re right here that will help you resolve which is the most effective cellphone to purchase this yr.
Android or iOS?
Once you’re looking for the most effective smartphone, it turns into clear that every OS has its execs and cons. Apple’s tight-knit ecosystem makes it tremendous straightforward to share information between iPhones, iPads and Macs or seamlessly hand-off cellphone calls or music from one gadget to a different. On the similar time, you’re successfully locked in, as providers 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 get pleasure from that very same size of software program assist and infrequently have decrease trade-in values. In brief, there’s no improper reply. Nonetheless, it would be best to take into account how your cellphone will slot in with the remainder of your units. So until you’re actually fed up with one OS and keen to study one other, it most likely doesn’t make lots of sense to change from an iPhone to an Android cellphone (or vice versa) – particularly if everybody else in your family is utilizing the identical platform.
Cameras
Since your cellphone typically pulls double obligation as your main digicam, determining what sort of photograph instruments you need is vital. These days, virtually each cell phone can take an awesome image in brilliant gentle. However if you’d like a protracted optical zoom, you’ll most likely should improve to a dearer gadget.
Mid-range phones typically solely have two rear cameras (a main wide-angle lens and a secondary ultra-wide digicam) and might typically battle in low-light conditions. Every cellphone maker additionally has varied options that is likely to be a greater match in your fashion, with Apple providing 4 completely different colour presets on the most recent 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 not less than Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6e and assist for some type of 5G connectivity. Nonetheless, if you’d like the quickest wi-fi speeds doable, it’s going to price you just a little additional. For instance, on sure networks, mmWave 5G gives as much as gigabit obtain speeds, much less latency and higher bandwidth. However mmWave 5G additionally requires extra refined (and pricier) modems, which suggests assist for it’s typically lacking on inexpensive units.
On the brilliant facet, mmWave 5G isn’t as extensively out there as different variations of 5G, so relying on the place you reside and what community you’re on, you will not be lacking out on a lot proper now for those who purchase a cellphone that doesn’t assist it. It’s an analogous state of affairs for Wi-Fi 7, which is obtainable on some high-end handsets just like the Galaxy S25, however tougher to search out on cheaper units. Wi-Fi 7 additionally requires you to have a compatible router, so until you already know you want it or have a selected 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 cellphone.
Different options to contemplate
As a result of not everybody agrees on what makes the most effective cellphone, it’s best to take into consideration another specs that is likely to be additional necessary for you. Cellular players will virtually actually respect 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 necessary, you’ll most likely wish to go along with a bigger iPhone or an Android cellphone with a battery that’s between 4,000 and 5,000 mAh in measurement. In the meantime, if you end up juggling lots of units, it may be very nice to have a cellphone 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 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max review
Display measurement: 6.3-inch | Storage capability: As much as 1TB | SIM assist: Twin eSim | Battery Life: About at some point
Identical to final yr, if you’d like the most effective iPhone expertise, it’s best to get an iPhone 16 Pro or iPhone 16 Professional Max. Not solely is there not a lot of a leap between the 2 in the case of digicam array or basic 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 that means you’ll should shell out cash for a brand new case for those who 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 Digicam Management button and the Fusion Digicam. The previous is a brand new facet button that has contact and strain sensors, making it simpler to not solely launch the Digicam app however management issues like publicity whenever you’re really taking pictures. As we found in our testing for the iPhone 16 Professional overview, it’ll take a little bit of getting used to at first. However total, the Digicam Management button is a internet constructive that shutterbugs will respect.
The brand new Fusion Digicam 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 have the ability to really seize the second whenever you press the button, moderately than the second proper after it. The Fusion Digicam additionally helps new options like Photographic Kinds, that are enjoyable enhancements which are 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 good points 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 price 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 prime quality video seize
- Photographic kinds are efficient and fairly
- Good customizations out there all through
- Comparatively quick battery life
- Digicam Management is not good
Learn our full Google Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL review
(Pixel 9 Professional) Display 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 collection has lengthy been top-of-the-line Android telephones round, with the Professional mannequin being the superior model. Nevertheless it was at all times just a little too massive and too cumbersome for these of us who’ve smaller arms 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 an alternative of a comparatively massive 6.8-inch display screen like that on its larger 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 attempting 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, that means you will discover the identical digicam 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 also 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 cellphone 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 units really feel strong and refined. And, dare we are saying it, virtually like iPhones. With out the digicam bars, they’d be fairly laborious to inform other than Apple’s telephones.
Probably 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 16 Professional each begin at $999, and although a few of us have come to consider Google’s handsets because the extra competitively priced choice, this yr’s mannequin is likely to be ok to justify a premium value. If you happen to nonetheless need one thing from the Pixel 9 household however do not wish 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 most effective Android handset cash should purchase. — Cherlynn Low, Managing Editor
- Nice digicam options and improved telephoto digicam
- A yr of Gemini Superior totally free
- Unimaginable battery life
- A stupendous, brilliant 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 most effective cellphone for gaming
Cherlynn Low for Engadget
Learn our full iPhone 16e review
Display 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. Must you save $200 and quit a twin digicam, Dynamic Island, Digicam Management and MagSafe? That relies upon largely in your priorities and finances.
Whereas I believe 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 up to now. It has an Motion button, USB-C, a bigger, brighter display screen and an A18 chip that permits Apple Intelligence. My largest issues with it are limitations introduced on by its single rear digicam setup — issues like not having the ability to seize ultrawide pictures 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, it’s best to take into account whether or not the improved digicam sensor is price giving up an ultrawide digicam for. Whether it is, and for those who can reside with out snapping portraits of objects and faceless gadgets, the iPhone 16e’s digicam shall be satisfying.
There are different elements to contemplate, 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 will 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 may take into account the $699 iPhone 15 for a greater digicam and wi-fi charging expertise, however you’ll be giving up Apple Intelligence and an Motion button. — C.L.
- Stable efficiency
- Lengthy battery life
- Clear, sturdy design
- Shiny, vibrant display screen
- Just one rear digicam, 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 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 does not have any particular options that are not already out there on its dearer siblings. In actual fact, 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 desires a easy cellphone with a strong design, a pleasant display screen, glorious cameras and robust battery life, the Pixel 9a is actually laborious to beat. So whereas it is not tremendous fancy, the cellphone has all of its most necessary bases coated (after which some). However most significantly, beginning at simply $499, this cellphone appears like an unimaginable deal that punches properly above its value. — Sam Rutherford, Senior Reporter
- Modern 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 could be a bit finicky
Sam Rutherford for Engadget
Learn our full Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 review
Display measurement: 8-inch (essential) 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 usually 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 inside and outside — whereas being 26 p.c 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 essential digicam, 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 wish to expertise new heights in foldable cellphone design, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is a masterpiece of contemporary gadget design. — S.R.
- Exquisitely skinny design
- Sleeker hinge
- Massive 200MP essential digicam
- 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 measurement: 6.9-inch (essential) 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 larger and introduced it nearer to the normal side 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 just a little sizzling with heavy apps, duties and video games.
Software program additions embody the Now Bar and Gemini Stay 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 main 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
- Larger 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 cellphone. 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 digicam. It additionally has glorious efficiency and robust battery life. The difficulty is that, apart from improved AI, this yr’s cellphone 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 decide 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 most effective methods. That’s as a result of as a substitute of specializing in machine studying, OnePlus crammed the cellphone with tons of top-notch {hardware}. It sports activities a 6.8-inch OLED show with an unimaginable peak brightness of as much as 4,500 nits. The OP13 additionally gives glorious efficiency because of 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 an enormous 6,000 mAh battery that’s larger than what you get in virtually all of its opponents.
OnePlus didn’t skimp on the cellphone’s design both, because the OP13 nonetheless comes with the corporate’s signature Alert Slider. Plus, for those who go for the blue or white variants, you’ll get a sturdy and really touchable vegan leather-based again that helps the cellphone stand out amongst all its glass brick rivals. However the most effective 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 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. The entire finest telephones out there now get the fundamentals proper — you’ll have the ability to make calls, textual content and entry the web with out many hiccups. In case your smartphone is your most used gadget, chances are you’ll wish to take into account paying for a tool on the upper finish of the value spectrum. That can get you higher total efficiency, higher-quality cameras and a cellphone that can final for a few years. If you happen to don’t use your cellphone for all the pieces, you could possibly compromise on efficiency and additional 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. One of the best finances telephones out there now will normally compromise on total efficiency, design, digicam prowess and additional options to maintain prices down. On the flip facet, the most costly telephones may have highly effective processors, triple-camera arrays and even flip or fold designs. Most individuals will discover a cellphone that matches their wants someplace in the course of that huge value vary — we’ve discovered that a lot of the finest 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, observe map instructions, make contactless funds and extra. That is all on high of the fundamentals like making cellphone calls and texting, which we’ve come to anticipate in all trendy cell telephones. Smartphones have additionally principally changed compact cameras because of their high-quality, built-in shooters, and the truth that most smartphones immediately 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 phones longer now than ever earlier than. Software program updates and battery life are two of the largest elements that may have an effect on cellphone longevity. Apple guarantees 5 years price of software program updates for its newest iPhones, and Google guarantees the identical for its Pixel telephones. Samsung telephones will get 4 years price of Android updates from the time they launch. As for charging speeds and battery life, your cellphone can deteriorate over time as you utilize and recharge your cellphone frequently.
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 most recent iPhone 16 fashions and a brand new midrange iPhone high decide.
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