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. 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 might have to consider it longer than you anticipated. When you’re an Android individual, you will have much more choices to select from — together with foldables — and extra inquiries to reply earlier than you spend any cash.
At Engadget, we assessment telephones often and have examined dozens over time. Whether or not you’ve had your eye on considered one of our present high picks, considered one of 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 12 months.
Android or iOS?
Whenever you’re looking for the perfect smartphone, it turns into clear that every OS has its execs 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 machine to a different. On the similar 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. Nevertheless, 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 mistaken reply. Nevertheless, you’ll want to take into account how your telephone will slot in with the remainder of your units. So except you’re actually fed up with one OS and prepared to study 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 main digicam, determining what sort of photograph instruments you need is vital. These days, virtually each cell phone can take a terrific image in vivid gentle. However if you would like an extended optical zoom, you’ll most likely need to improve to a dearer machine.
Mid-range phones usually solely have two rear cameras (a main wide-angle lens and a secondary ultra-wide digicam) and might generally wrestle in low-light conditions. Every telephone maker additionally has numerous options that is likely to be a greater match on your type, with Apple providing 4 totally different coloration 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 no less than Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6e and assist for some form of 5G connectivity. Nevertheless, if you would like the quickest wi-fi speeds attainable, it’s going to price you a bit of further. For instance, on sure networks, mmWave 5G presents as much as gigabit obtain speeds, much less latency and higher bandwidth. However mmWave 5G additionally requires extra subtle (and pricier) modems, which suggests assist for it’s usually lacking on cheaper units.
On the intense aspect, 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 is probably not lacking out on a lot proper now for those who purchase a telephone that doesn’t assist it. It’s an identical scenario for Wi-Fi 7, which is accessible on some high-end handsets just like the Galaxy S25, however more durable to seek out on cheaper units. Wi-Fi 7 additionally requires you to have a compatible router, so except 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 on the lookout for a brand new telephone.
Different options to contemplate
As a result of not everybody agrees on what makes the perfect telephone, you need to take into consideration every other specs that is likely to be further vital for you. Cell players will virtually definitely 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 vital, you’ll most likely wish to go together with a bigger iPhone or an Android telephone with a battery that’s between 4,000 and 5,000 mAh in dimension. In the meantime, if you end up juggling plenty of units, it may be very nice to have a telephone that helps reverse wi-fi charging, which on Samsung telephones even enables 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 screen dimension: 6.3-inch | Storage capability: As much as 1TB | SIM assist: Twin eSim | Battery Life: About sooner or later
Similar to final 12 months, if you would like the perfect iPhone expertise, you need 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 normal efficiency, however these handsets will get the entire 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 totally different sizes this time round: 6.3 inches and 6.9 inches, respectively. Except for that which means you’ll need to shell out cash for a brand new case for those who improve, it received’t make an excessive amount of of a distinction in common use. The most important {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 strain sensors, making it simpler to not solely launch the Digital camera app however management issues like publicity while you’re truly taking photographs. As we found in our testing for the iPhone 16 Professional assessment, it’ll take a little bit of getting used to at first. However total, the Digital camera Management button is a web optimistic that shutterbugs will recognize.
The brand new Fusion Digital camera sports activities a sooner 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 to truly seize the second while you press the button, moderately than the second proper after it. The Fusion Digital camera 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 supplies wonderful 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 digicam arrays, this 12 months 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 may resolve if that’s value ponying up the additional $200 for the Max, however regardless, each the Professional and Professional Max handsets provide stellar efficiency, wonderful images chops, enhanced customization with iOS 18 and (quickly) the total 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
- Digital camera Management is not good
Learn our full Google Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL review
(Pixel 9 Professional) Display screen dimension: 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 top-of-the-line Android telephones round, with the Professional mannequin being the superior model. However it was at all times a bit of too huge and too cumbersome for these of us who’ve smaller palms 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 massive 6.8-inch display screen like that on its larger 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 achieve 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 dimension, which means you will discover the identical digicam setup and efficiency in each handsets. The one actual variations are the display screen dimension, battery and charging speeds, because the non-XL mannequin recharges at a barely slower charge. 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 telephone due to its top-notch digicam efficiency, intriguing AI options and a normal grown-up vibe. Whereas earlier Pixel flagships had a colourful, blocky design that felt recent, this 12 months’s units really feel strong and refined. And, dare we are saying it, virtually 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 over time, 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 12 months’s mannequin is likely to be adequate to justify a premium value. When you 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 perfect Android handset cash should buy. — Cherlynn Low, Managing Editor
- Nice digicam options and improved telephoto digicam
- A 12 months of Gemini Superior at no cost
- Unbelievable battery life
- A stupendous, vivid display screen that’s simple 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 dimension: 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 more durable than ever. Must you save $200 and quit a twin digicam, 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 worth 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 thus far. It has an Motion button, USB-C, a bigger, brighter display screen and an A18 chip that allows Apple Intelligence. My greatest issues with it are limitations introduced on by its single rear digicam 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. When you’re coming from an iPhone 11 or newer, you need to take into account whether or not the improved digicam sensor is value giving up an ultrawide digicam for. Whether it is, and for those who can dwell with out snapping portraits of objects and faceless gadgets, the iPhone 16e’s digicam shall be satisfying.
There are different components to contemplate, like whether or not you often use MagSafe equipment or wi-fi charging. When you 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 costs at a slower pace than the iPhone 15 or iPhone 16 (however there’s no repair for this). You possibly can 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
- Brilliant, 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 screen dimension: 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 dearer siblings. In reality, it truly 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 telephone with a strong design, a pleasant display screen, wonderful cameras and powerful battery life, the Pixel 9a is basically onerous to beat. So whereas it is not tremendous fancy, the telephone has all of its most vital bases lined (after which some). However most significantly, beginning at simply $499, this telephone appears like an unimaginable deal that punches nicely above its value. — Sam Rutherford, Senior Reporter
- Smooth design
- Superior battery life
- Good show
- Nice cameras
- IP68 ranking for mud and water resistance
- Charging might be sooner
- 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 dimension: 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 greatest points with foldable telephones is the added dimension 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 inside and outside — 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 essential digicam, matching or exceeding what you get from conventional flagship smartphones. The principle downsides are that at $2,000, it is nonetheless removed from reasonably priced and for long-time Samsung followers, the lack of S Pen assist could also be a dealbreaker. However for individuals who wish to expertise new heights in foldable telephone design, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is a masterpiece of contemporary gadget design. — S.R.
- Exquisitely skinny design
- Sleeker hinge
- Large 200MP essential digicam
- Bigger shows
- Prime-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 dimension: 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 standard side ratios of most conventional smartphones. It’s one other good 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 costs, though it runs a bit of 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.
Nevertheless, 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 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 wonderful efficiency and powerful battery life. The difficulty is that, except for improved AI, this 12 months’s telephone doesn’t provide 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 primary AI options like Google’s Circle to Search and Gemini assistant, it’s actually simply an old school flagship in all the perfect methods. That’s as a result of as a substitute 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 unimaginable peak brightness of as much as 4,500 nits. The OP13 additionally presents wonderful 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 a large 6,000 mAh battery that’s larger 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, 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 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 might be difficult, it principally comes right down to how you intend on utilizing the machine. The entire finest telephones out there now get the fundamentals proper — you’ll be capable to 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 wish to take into account paying for a tool on the upper finish of the worth spectrum. That can get you higher total efficiency, higher-quality cameras and a telephone that may final for a few years. When you don’t use your telephone for every thing, 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. The very best finances telephones out there now will often compromise on total efficiency, design, digicam prowess and additional options to maintain prices down. On the flip aspect, the costliest telephones can 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 value vary — we’ve discovered that many 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 telephone calls and texting, which we’ve come to count on 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 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 phones longer now than ever earlier than. Software program updates and battery life are two of the most important 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 employ and recharge your telephone regularly.
Current 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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