Top Smartphones to Watch in 2025

If you're on the hunt for a smartphone that delivers bang for your buck, the choices can feel overwhelming. After all, not everyone needs—or can afford—the latest high-end models. That's why we've rounded up the best smartphones based on their value proposition. From budget-friendly picks to premium flagships, these devices deliver performance, features, and reliability that make them worth every penny.

TL;DR – These Are the Best Smartphones:

Our top pick### Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

1See it at Amazon### Google Pixel 9 Pro

2See it at AmazonSee it at Best Buy### Apple iPhone 16 Pro

4See it at Best BuySee it at Apple### Google Pixel 8

0See it at Amazon### Poco X5 5G

1See it at Amazon### RedMagic 10 Pro

1See it at AmazonSee it at RedMagic### Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6

0See it at AmazonOf course, what you value in a smartphone depends on your priorities. Some users prioritize top-tier cameras, while others crave performance for gaming or want a stunning display for streaming. Fortunately, we’ve curated phones that cater to various needs, from Android flagships to iPhone alternatives. Each phone strikes a balance between performance and price, ensuring no compromises are made to cut costs.

Here’s a closer look at the best smartphones across different categories.

1. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Best Smartphone

Our top pick### Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

1Enjoy a massive 6.8-inch AMOLED screen on a phone packing a processor with enough brawn to run multiple apps, edit videos, game, and power the stunning cameras.See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen size6.8 inchesRear cameras4Front cameras1ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 8 (third generation)Battery life5,000mAhStorage256GB, 512GB, 1TBStarting price$1,299.99PROSIncredible performanceExceptional camera systemCONSTitanium makes the device big and heavyThe Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is a powerhouse that excels in nearly every category. With its Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, this phone handles everything from gaming to video editing with ease. The display is equally impressive, featuring a 6.8-inch Super AMOLED panel with adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz, providing smooth visuals and vibrant colors.

Its camera system is nothing short of remarkable. Equipped with a 200MP wide sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide, a 10MP 3x telephoto, and a 50MP 5x telephoto sensor, the S24 Ultra captures stunning photos in any lighting condition. However, the phone’s large size and weight might not appeal to everyone. Still, it’s a robust device with a titanium frame and excellent durability.

2. Google Pixel 9 Pro

Best Camera Phone

### Google Pixel 9 Pro

2An elegant design, exceptional cameras, a quality display, and extensive software support make the Pixel 9 Pro a champ among smartphones. See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuyProduct SpecificationsScreen6.3-inch OLED, 1280x2856, 495 ppi, 120Hz refresh rateProcessorTensor G4Camera50-Megapixel Wide, 48-Megapixel Ultrawide, 48-Megapixel Telephoto, 42-Megapixel SelfieBattery4,700mAhWeight199g (0.44lb)dPROSElegant and compact designExcellent camera systemLong-term software supportCONSGaming performance lags behindBase storage could be biggerThe Google Pixel 9 Pro is a standout device for photography enthusiasts. Its triple-camera system captures stunning photos with incredible detail and dynamic range. Whether you're shooting landscapes or portraits, the Pixel 9 Pro delivers crisp and vibrant images.

The phone itself is sleek and compact, making it easy to carry around. It’s powered by the Tensor G4 chip, which handles daily tasks efficiently but may not match the performance of top-tier processors in demanding games. Nevertheless, the Pixel 9 Pro remains a solid choice thanks to its long-term software support and elegant design.

3. Apple iPhone 16 Pro

Best iPhone

### Apple iPhone 16 Pro

4The iPhone 16 Pro brings a lower starting price than the Pro Max and more compact form factor but still gets all the camera capabilities and potent performance. See it at Best BuySee it at AppleProduct SpecificationsScreen6.3-inch OLED, 1206x2622, 460 ppi, 120Hz refresh rateProcessorA18 ProCamera48-Megapixel Wide, 48-Megapixel Ultrawide, 12-Megapixel Telephoto, 12-Megapixel SelfieBattery3,582mAhWeight199g (0.44lb)PROSPowerful performanceElegant designRobust camera systemCONSCamera settings could use some tweaksApple’s iPhone 16 Pro is a well-rounded powerhouse starting off at $999. It features the A18 Pro chip, which ensures smooth performance for everyday tasks and gaming. The camera system is robust, with 48MP wide and ultrawide sensors delivering excellent image quality.

Despite its compact size, the iPhone 16 Pro offers a 6.3-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing a seamless viewing experience. While the base storage of 128GB might feel limiting for some users, the iPhone 16 Pro supports USB 3.0 Type-C for faster file transfers, helping you manage your storage more efficiently.

4. Google Pixel 8

Best Mid-Range Smartphone

### Google Pixel 8

0Running on a G3 Tensor chip, you’ll enjoy solid cameras, smart AI functions, and a bright, beautiful OLED display for an affordable price.See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsScreen6.2-inch OLED, 1080x2400, 428 ppi, 120Hz refresh rateProcessorTensor G3 Camera50-megapixel wide, 12-megapixel ultrawide, 10.5-megapixel selfieBattery4,575 mAhWeight187g (0.41lb)PROSWonderfully responsive screenSeven years of updates and OS supportImpressive cameraCONSRAM upgrade reserved for Pro modelThe Google Pixel 8 is an excellent mid-range option, offering a lot of value for its price. Powered by the Tensor G3 chip, it provides solid performance and AI-driven features. The