Top 10 Best Phones 2025: is it iPhones or Samsungs?

Apple or Samsung? These two mega-brands have long been the most popular names in mobile, revolutionizing the industry and retaining consumer loyalty for years. iOS and Android dominate global market share, yet, over the past decade, more companies have broken into the arena with devices that challenge the giants. In this article, we present our best phones list, an updated roundup of the best phones 2025 that deserve your attention.

1. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra arrived in early 2025 as the company’s powerhouse device and arguably the best phone of the year. A brighter 6.9-inch display, an upgraded 200 MP camera with new periscope zoom, and a suite of Galaxy AI tools enhance photography and daily tasks. Its large battery, rapid charging, and built-in S Pen make it ideal for productivity. Seven years of software updates guarantee long-term relevance.

• Price: $1,299 USD
• Chip / RAM / Storage: Exynos 2500 or Snapdragon 8 Gen 4; up to 16 GB RAM & 1 TB
• Display: 6.9-in Dynamic AMOLED 3K, 1–144 Hz LTPO, 2,600 nits peak
• Cameras: 200 MP main | 50 MP 5× periscope | 10 MP 3× zoom | 50 MP ultrawide; 8K 30 fps video
• Battery / Charging: 5,500 mAh; 65 W wired, 25 W wireless
• Why it’s among the best: unrivaled 10×/100× Space Zoom, S Pen note-taking
• Best suited for: power users, mobile photographers, note-takers

2. Apple iPhone 16 Plus

The iPhone 16 Plus quickly claimed a spot among the best phones thanks to its A18 chip, huge 6.7-inch screen, and battery endurance. Apple’s new Camera Control and Action buttons streamline shooting and shortcuts, while the tightly integrated iOS ecosystem keeps everything smooth. Add Dolby-Vision video and satellite SOS, and you have a device built for reliability.

• Price: $1,129 USD
• Chip / RAM / Storage: A18 Pro; 8 GB RAM; 128 GB–1 TB NVMe
• Display: 6.7-in Super Retina XDR 120 Hz, 2,000 nits peak HDR
• Cameras: 48 MP main | 12 MP ultrawide | 12 MP front; 4K 60 HDR & ProRes Log
• Battery / Charging: 4,700 mAh; 30 W USB-C; 20 W MagSafe
• Why it’s among the best: Dolby Vision video, iOS 19 longevity, satellite SOS
• Best suited for: iOS fans, content creators, two-day battery seekers

3. OnePlus 13 (Hasselblad)

Unveiled internationally in 2025, the OnePlus 13 earned praise as one of the year’s best phones for its stellar performance and lightning-fast charging. A soft vegan-microfiber back adds grip, while a 6,000 mAh battery delivers record-breaking life. Its Hasselblad-tuned cameras and OxygenOS 15 make everyday use a pleasure.

• Price: $899 USD
• Chip / RAM / Storage: Snapdragon 8 Gen 4; up to 16 GB LPDDR5X; 512 GB UFS 4
• Display: 6.74-in 1.5K LTPO OLED 120 Hz, 4,500 nits peak
• Cameras: 50 MP main | 50 MP 3× tele | 50 MP ultrawide; 8K 30
• Battery / Charging: 5,500 mAh; 120 W wired, 50 W wireless (<25 min full)
• Why it’s among the best: lightning-fast OxygenOS 15, affordable flagship price
• Best suited for: Android tinkerers, speed addicts, portrait shooter

4. Google Pixel 9 Pro

Google’s Pixel 9 Pro showcases intelligent software, pairing the new Tensor G4 with top-tier camera hardware. Its refined design, seven years of updates, and Pixel Call Assist cement its place among 2025’s best phones.

• Price: $999 USD
• Chip / RAM / Storage: Tensor G4; 12 GB; 128–512 GB
• Display: 6.8-in LTPO OLED 120 Hz, 2,400 nits HDR
• Cameras: 50 MP main | 48 MP 5× periscope | 48 MP ultrawide; “Video Boost” night video
• Battery / Charging: 5,200 mAh; 45 W wired; 23 W Qi2
• Why it’s among the best: point-and-shoot excellence, extended support, Pixel Call Assist
• Best suited for: social sharers, AI photo editors, stock-Android lovers

5. Xiaomi 15 Ultra

Expected globally in early 2025, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra raises the bar for camera hardware with three 50 MP lenses and a 200 MP periscope. Leica colour profiles and ultra-fast charging help it compete in the best camera phones 2025 conversation.

• Price: $899 USD
• Chip / RAM / Storage: Snapdragon 8 Gen 4; 16 GB; 1 TB
• Display: 6.73-in 2K 120 Hz C8 OLED, 3,000 nits
• Cameras: 50 MP main 1-in | 50 MP ultrawide | 50 MP 3× | 50 MP 5×; 8K 60 LOG
• Battery / Charging: 5,300 mAh; 120 W wired, 80 W wireless
• Why it’s among the best: Leica colour modes, optional camera-grip case, RAW 14-bit
• Best suited for: manual shooters, travelers needing peak zoom

6. Samsung Galaxy S25

The compact Galaxy S25 retains flagship power and seven-year support, proving you don’t need Ultra pricing to own one of the best phones 2025.

• Price: $1,200 USD
• Display: 6.2-in FHD+ 120 Hz AMOLED
• Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Elite + 12 GB RAM
• Cameras: 50 MP main | 10 MP 3× telephoto | 12 MP ultrawide; 12 MP front
• Battery / Charging: 4,000 mAh; 25 W wired, 15 W wireless
• Software / Extras: Android 15 / One UI 7, IP68, DeX, ultrasonic fingerprint

7. Google Pixel 9a

Priced at just $499, Pixel 9a delivers Tensor G4 power, stellar photos, and seven-year updates—making it unbeatable value on our best phones list.

• Price: $499 USD
• Chip / RAM / Storage: Tensor G3; 8 GB; 128 GB
• Display: 6.1-in OLED 90 Hz
• Cameras: 64 MP main | 13 MP ultrawide; 4K 30/60
• Battery / Charging: 4,600 mAh; 27 W wired
• Why it’s among the best: top photo quality for price, long support
• Best suited for: students, casual shooters, Google Fi users

8. Nothing Phone (3a) Pro (unreleased)

Nothing’s third-gen retains its transparent design and Glyph LEDs while adding a triple-camera system—an eye-catching entry on the best phones 2025 radar.

• Price: TBA
• Chip / RAM / Storage: Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3; 12 GB; 256 GB
• Display: 6.7-in LTPO OLED 120 Hz
• Cameras: 50 MP main | 50 MP ultrawide; RAW capture
• Battery / Charging: 5,000 mAh; 45 W wired, 15 W Qi
• Why it’s among the best: fun Glyph UI, bloat-free software, aggressive pricing
• Best suited for: design lovers, indie-brand fans, selfie-light users

9. Motorola Razr 50 Ultra (Razr+ 2024)

Motorola’s flip foldable boasts a 4-inch outer screen and virtually crease-free 6.9-inch inner display, offering the most practical foldable experience among the best phones today.

• Price: $999 USD
• Chip / RAM / Storage: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3; 12 GB; 512 GB
• Display: 6.9-in LTPO OLED 165 Hz + 4-in outer pOLED 144 Hz
• Cameras: 50 MP main | 50 MP 2× tele; 4K 60
• Battery / Charging: 4,000 mAh; 45 W wired; 15 W wireless
• Why it’s among the best: pocketable flip with full apps outside, IPX8 durability
• Best suited for: foldable newcomers, fashion crowd, vloggers

10. Apple iPhone 16e

The iPhone 16e brings the latest A18 power and a big OLED screen to a lower price tier, ensuring it deserves a spot among our best phones 2025.

• Price: $599 USD
• Chip / RAM / Storage: A18; 6 GB; 128–512 GB
• Display: 6.1-in 90 Hz OLED
• Cameras: 48 MP main | 12 MP ultrawide; 4K 60 HDR
• Battery / Charging: 3,900 mAh; 30 W USB-C; Qi wireless
• Why it’s among the best: iOS smoothness, long updates, strong resale
• Best suited for: first-time iPhone buyers, budget-minded iOS fans

FAQ

Which models are considered the absolute best phones 2025 for most users?

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, Apple iPhone 16 Plus, and Google Pixel 9 Pro top expert lists thanks to their balanced mix of power, camera quality, and long-term software support.

Are foldables reliable enough to rank among today’s best phones?

Yes. Devices like Motorola Razr 50 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 use tougher hinges, improved ultrathin glass, and IP-rated water resistance, making them sturdy for everyday use.

Which phone offers the longest software-update commitment?

Samsung’s Galaxy S25 line and Google’s Pixel 9 series each guarantee seven years of Android version and security updates, leading the industry.

What’s the best budget phone that still delivers flagship-level photos?

Google Pixel 9a costs $499 yet includes Tensor G4 processing, top-tier image software, and seven years of updates—unmatched value for photography fans.

iOS or Android: Which platform performs better in battery life for 2025 flagships?

Apple’s iPhone 16 Plus edges ahead with two-day endurance, but Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and OnePlus 13 closely follow thanks to efficient 3 nm chips and larger batteries.

How much RAM and storage do the latest best phones actually need?

For smooth multitasking and future-proofing, 8 GB RAM and 256 GB storage suit most users; power users or gamers may prefer 12–16 GB RAM and up to 1 TB storage found in top flagships.