Top Smartphones to Watch in 2025

Smartphones may have become essential tools in our daily lives, but they rarely spark excitement—after all, most are sleek glass slabs used for messaging, social media, streaming, and photography. While top-tier models come with premium price tags, not everyone needs the latest bells and whistles. That’s why we’ve curated a list of the best smartphones available, carefully balancing performance, features, and value to help you make a smarter choice.

TL;DR – Top Smartphones of the Year

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 Amazon

Everyone values different features in a smartphone. Some prioritize camera quality, others seek top-tier gaming performance, while many look for a vibrant display for streaming content. We’ve tested and compared devices across categories to bring you phones that excel in real-world use—whether you're after the best Android experience, a powerful iPhone, or a budget-friendly workhorse.

Our list includes both new releases and older models that have dropped in price, offering exceptional value. These aren’t just flashy gadgets—they’re practical, durable, and backed by solid software support. Read on to find the best smartphone that fits your needs and budget.

Contributions by Jacqueline Thomas, Callum Bains, and Danielle Abraham

1. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra – Best Overall Smartphone

Our top pick### Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

1Featuring a massive 6.8-inch AMOLED display, the Galaxy S24 Ultra packs a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, enabling seamless multitasking, high-end gaming, and professional-grade video editing. See it at Amazon

Product Specifications
Screen size: 6.8 inches
Rear cameras: 4
Front cameras: 1
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 (third generation)
Battery life: 5,000mAh
Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
Starting price: $1,299.99

PROS

• Outstanding performance for gaming and productivity
• Exceptional multi-lens camera system with 200MP main sensor
• S Pen integration for note-taking and creative tasks
• Bright, anti-glare display with 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate

CONS

• Heavy and large due to titanium build
• Premium price may not suit all budgets

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra stands at the pinnacle of smartphone excellence. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, it handles demanding games like Genshin Impact at max settings with a steady 60fps. Its 6.8-inch Super AMOLED display delivers stunning visuals with an adaptive 1-120Hz refresh rate and an anti-reflective coating for improved outdoor visibility.

The standout feature? The built-in S Pen. It transforms the S24 Ultra into a digital notebook, ideal for annotating documents, sketching, or jotting down ideas. The camera system is equally impressive: a 200MP wide sensor, 12MP ultra-wide, 10MP 3x telephoto, and 50MP 5x telephoto sensor provide unmatched zoom and detail. The 12MP front camera captures sharp selfies, even in low light.

Despite its size and weight, the S24 Ultra feels premium and durable. It’s a powerhouse that justifies its price with top-tier performance, versatility, and innovation.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra – Photo Samples

5 Images

2. Google Pixel 9 Pro – Best Camera Phone

### Google Pixel 9 Pro

2With a refined design, powerful AI-driven camera system, and long-term software support, the Pixel 9 Pro excels in photography and everyday usability. See it at AmazonSee it at Best Buy

Product Specifications
Screen: 6.3-inch OLED, 1280x2856, 495 ppi, 120Hz refresh rate
Processor: Tensor G4
Camera: 50MP Wide, 48MP Ultrawide, 48MP Telephoto, 42MP Selfie
Battery: 4,700mAh
Weight: 199g (0.44lb)

PROS

• Outstanding photo and video quality across all lenses
• Compact, elegant design with premium finish
• Seven years of guaranteed software updates
• Bright, smooth 120Hz OLED display

CONS

• Gaming performance lags behind Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 devices
• Base storage starts at 128GB, which may not be enough for some

The Google Pixel 9 Pro is a photography powerhouse. Its triple rear camera system—featuring a 50MP main, 48MP ultrawide, and 48MP telephoto—delivers consistent, vibrant, and detailed images in any lighting. The 42MP front camera captures sharp, colorful selfies, making it ideal for content creators.

The 6.3-inch OLED display is bright, punchy, and easy to use one-handed. While the Tensor G4 chip isn’t the fastest on the market, it handles daily tasks and AI features with ease, and gaming performance remains solid for most titles.

Google’s commitment to seven years of OS and security updates ensures the Pixel 9 Pro will stay secure and up-to-date longer than most Android phones. It’s a smart choice for users who prioritize camera quality and long-term reliability.

Pixel 9 Pro – Main Camera Samples

22 Images![](/uploads/9