You may actually have a good idea about the smartphone you want to be your next. But there are more solid options now more than ever, which makes the decision not reduced and dry as it was. Although the decision is a little easier if you know that you want the iPhone, there is sufficient contrast between those new models that you may have to think for a longer period than you expected. If you are an Android, you have more options to choose from – including folds – and more questions to be answered before spending any money.
In Engadget, we review the phones regularly and we have tested dozens over the years. Whether you have watched one of our best shots, one of the Galaxy S25 phones from Samsung, a cheap phone or another device, we are here to help you determine the best phone to buy this year.
Android or iOS?
When you look for the best smartphone, it becomes clear that each operating system has the pros and cons. The Apple Ecological System makes it easy to share data between iPhone, iPad and MacS, phone calls or music smoothly from one device to another. At the same time, you are effectively closed, because services like Apple messages are not available on other platforms.
For Android, there is a wide range of phones from companies like Google, Samsung, Sony and more. However, Android phones do not have the same length of software support and often have less traditional values. In short, there is no wrong answer. However, you will want to think about how your phone is suitable with the rest of your devices. So, unless you have truly tired of one operating system and ready to learn another person, it is likely that it is not logical to switch from the iPhone to the Android (or vice versa) – especially if each other is in your home using the same basic system.
Cameras
Since your cell phone often pulls the double service as a basic camera, knowing the type of image tools you want is the key. Nowadays, each mobile phone can take a great image in a bright light. But if you want a long visual enlargement, you may have to upgrade to a more expensive device.
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Medium -range phones often contain only two rear cameras (a first -angle primary lens and a wide secondary camera) and may sometimes struggle in low light situations. Each phone maker also has many features that may be suitable for your style, as Apple offers four different colors on the latest iPhone devices, while Google Pixel 9 Pro comes with great tools such as long exposure and general movement methods.
Will you get MMWAVE 5G or Wi-Fi 7?
The good news is that in 2025, most phones have at least Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E and support a type of 5G connection. However, if you want the fastest possible wireless speed, it will cost you a little additional. For example, on some networks, MMWAVE 5G offers Gigabit download speeds, less cumin and best frequency range. But MMWAVE 5G also requires a more sophisticated modem (and PRICER), which means that support for it is often missing on the lowest devices.
On the bright side, MMWAVE 5G is not widely available as other 5G versions, so based on where you live and the network you are on, you may not lose much now if you buy a phone that it does not do ‘support. It is a similar position for Wi-Fi 7, which has some high-end phones such as Galaxy S25, but it is difficult to find them on the cheapest devices. Wi-Fi 7 also requires you to have a compatible router, so unless you know that you need it or have a specific use in mind, the lack of support for MMWAVE 5G or Wi-Fi 7 should not be a clap when searching for a phone new.
Other features must be taken into account
Since everyone does not agree on what makes the best phone, you should consider any other specifications that may be very important for you. Certainly, mobile players will estimate the 120 Hz updates you get on phones like Samsung Galaxy S25 or Apple iPhone 16 Pro. Instead, if the long battery life is important, you may want to go with the largest iPhone or Android phone with a battery ranging between 4000 and 5000 mAh per hour. Meanwhile, if you find yourself wandering in a lot of devices, it may be really good to have a phone that supports reverse wireless charging, which allows you to recharge the company’s Galaxy watches.
Other smartphones that we tested
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Like its predecessor, the S25 Ultra is an incredibly multi -use phone. It is one of the few phones that come with a pen and distinct features such as a great 6.9 -inch AMOLED screen, titanium frame and 5X phone camera. It also has an excellent performance and a strong battery life. The problem is that, regardless of improving artificial intelligence, this year’s phone does not provide much more than the previous model (or the model before), and with the start of prices from $ 1,300, we feel that it needs to do more to earn the summit choose a spot.
OnePlus 12
Although OnePlus 12 was not able to exclude the latest pixel, it is worth noting that it provides strong specifications for money. It features a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Speedy chip, a 6.8 -inch OLED screen, 120 Hz and the best battery life we have seen on any phone so far. OnePlus also supported wireless charging for the first time in several generations, along with a good IP65 classification (but not large) to resist dust and water. Although its huge camera unit seems somewhat unavailable, its images are amazing. But the best thing is that, with a starting price of $ 800, OnePlus 12 costs $ 200 less than its largest competitors.
Common questions
How do I know which smartphone is the best for me?
While choosing the best smartphone can be a challenge, it is often due to how to plan to use the device. All the best phones now you get the basics properly – you will be able to make calls and text on the Internet and access the Internet without many hiccups. If your smartphone is the most used tool, you may want to consider paying the price of a cute -price device. This will make you best performance in general, high -quality cameras and a phone that lasts for many years. If you don’t use your phone for everything, you may be able to settle for performance, additional privileges and less spending on a phone that is still able.
How much is a smartphone?
The price of smartphones ranges from $ 300 to more than $ 1500. The best budget phones now will usually work on total performance, design, camera ingenuity and additional features to maintain low costs. On the other hand, the most expensive phones will have strong processors, triple camera matrices and even designs or fold. Most people will find a phone that suits their needs somewhere in the middle of this wide price range – we have found that most of the best smartphones available ranged between $ 500 and $ 1,000.
What can you do on a smartphone?
Smartphones are basically small portable computers that allow you to do things such as verifying email, browsing social media, follow the map directions, and do not contact payments and more. This is all at the top of the basics, such as making phone calls and text messages, which we expect in all modern mobile phones. Smartphones have also replaced the cameras mostly thanks to the high -quality and integrated archers, and the fact that most smartphones today are with the same amount of mobile, if not more than that, as compact cameras.
How long does smartphones continue?
Smartphones can past years and people Adhere to their phones Now longer than ever. Program updates and battery life are one of the biggest factors that can affect the longevity of the phone. Apple is a five -year software update for the latest iPhone devices, and Google does its skills on pixel phones. Samsung phones will receive Android updates, which are four years of launch. For charging speeds and battery life, your phone can deteriorate over time while using and recharge your phone regularly.
Recent updates
January 2025: It is updated to include details about the latest Samsung phones from Galaxy S-Series.
September 2024: It is updated to include the latest iPhone 16 and the new Mediterranean IPHONE.
September 2024: It was updated to include a editor note about the latest iPhone and the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold in the section “The Best Folding Phone for Multiple Tasks”.
This article was originally appeared on Engadget on https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphons/best-smartphons-140004900.html?