The best smartphones in 2025 in comparison
Editor’s Choice
The best iPhone
Best camera phone
Best mid-range
Best Foldable
Best compact foldable
Product
Image
Review
Galaxy S24 Ultra review
iPhone 16 Pro review
Pixel 9 Pro review
Pixel 7a review
OnePlus Open review
Galaxy Z Flip 6 review
Display
6.8-inch LTPO OLED
3088 x 1440 pixels
120 Hz
6.3-inch LTPO OLED
2662 x 1206 pixels
1 ~ 120 Hz
6.33-inch LTPO OLED
2856 x 1280 pixels
1 ~ 120 Hz
6.1-inch OLED
2400 × 1080 pixels
90 Hz
Internal: 7.82-inch OLED | 2440 x 2268 pixels | 1 ~ 120 Hz
External: 6.31-inch OLED | 2484 x 1116 pixels | 10 ~ 120 Hz
Internal: 6.67-inch OLED | 2640 x 1080 pixels | 120 Hz
External: 3.4-inch OLED | 720 x 748 pixels | 60 Hz
Performance
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
12 GB LPDDR5X RAM
256 / 512 / 1024 GB UFS 4.0 storage
No storage expansion
Apple A18 Pro
8 GB RAM
256 / 512 / 1024 GB storage
No storage expansion
Google Tensor G4
16 GB RAM
128 / 256 / 512 / 1024 GB storage
No storage expansion
Google Tensor G2
8 GB RAM
128 GB storage
No storage expansion
Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
16 GB RAM
512 GB storage
No storage expansion
Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
8 GB RAM
256 / 512 GB storage
No storage expansion
Camera
Main: 200 MP, f/1.7, OIS
Ultra-wide: 12 MP, f/2.2
Telephoto 3x: 10 MP, f/2.4
Telephoto 5x: 50 MP, f/3.4
Selfie: 12 MP, f/2.2
Main: 48 MP, f/1.78, OIS
Ultra-wide: 48 MP, f/2.2
5x telephoto: 12 MP, f/2.8, OIS
Selfie: 12 MP, f/1.9
Main: 50 MP, f/1.68, OIS
Ultra-wide + macro: 48 MP, f/1.7
5x telephoto: 48 MP, f/2.8, OIS
Selfie: 42 MP, f/2.2
Main : 64 MP, f/1.89, OIS
Ultra-wide angle: 13 MP, f/2.2
Selfie: 13 MP, f/2.2
Main: 48 MP, f/1.7, OIS
Ultra-wide angle: 48 MP, f/2.2
Telephoto: 64 MP, f/2.6. OIS
Internal selfie: 20 MP, f/2.2
External selfie: 32 MP, f/2.4
Main: 12 MP, f/1.8, OIS
Ultra-wide angle: 12 MP, f/2.2
Selfie: 10 MP, f/2.2
Offer*
When you choose a high-end smartphone, you can usually be sure that you’ll get the best screen, the best performance, or even the best camera. In the last few years, high-end smartphones have grown more and more into luxury devices, be it in terms of design, internal components, or the increasingly higher price.
Speaking of it: The foldable phones, which tend to be high-priced, are becoming more and more popular, which is why we now also list two different categories in the best list: One for the flip phones in the compact form factor and the other for the larger models in the “butterfly” format.
For this buying guide, we have divided smartphones into different categories to accommodate different budgets and types of use. For example, you will not find the latest 200 MP image sensor or the most powerful SoC in a mid-range smartphone. That’s why we have picked out some of the most important features that you should consider when buying a smartphone.
Table of Contents:
nextpit recommends: These are the best smartphones in 2025
Want to know more about the different smartphones? In the following paragraphs, we briefly present our favorites and go into the advantages and disadvantages. Because depending on the user type, a different smartphone is the perfect choice.
The best smartphone of 2024: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
In terms of design, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra’s camera module is the same as last year’s. / © nextpit
The king is dead, long live the king—that’s the motto for the best smartphone of the still young year. Last year’s S23 Ultra from Samsung’s flagship series is now being replaced by the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Currently, this is perhaps the best smartphone ever, but in our opinion, it is at least the best smartphone with Android.
Hardly anything has changed on the outside. The design is almost identical, but Samsung now uses titanium for the frame, just like its competitor Apple. The comparison between the Galaxy S24 Ultra and S23 Ultra doesn’t reveal many other differences at first glance. But don’t let the almost identical spec sheet put you off!
The 6.8-inch LTPO OLED display appears unchanged at first glance but shines even brighter than its predecessor. This top smartphone is now powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and the operating system is the new One UI 6 interface based on Android 14.
The absolute cracker: Samsung promises us a whopping seven years of Android and security updates! Thanks to Galaxy AI, artificial intelligence is supposed to give the Galaxy S24 Ultra an extra boost, but our tester Antoine is not yet completely convinced.
The camera setup also looks almost unchanged, although the telephoto camera with 10x optical zoom has been replaced by a camera with 5x zoom, which now boasts 50 MP.
The battery life is also absolutely convincing, as the benchmark test attests the S24 Ultra an outstanding 19 hours. We’ll keep quiet about the fact that it still only charges at 45 W and that this charger is not included in the box.
If you want to secure this top-of-the-range box, you will have to pay at least $1300. But for that you also get the best that is currently available in the Android camp.
Summary
Buy
Good
Premium titanium design
Flat 120 Hz screen, more ergonomic, and as bright as ever
Top performance and battery life
Efficient and (slightly) less versatile camera module
Integrated S Pen
7 Android updates & 7 years of security updates
Bad
Expensive
Galaxy AI functions are still too gimmicky
Charging speed is far too slow
Go to review
The best iPhone 2024: Apple iPhone 16 Pro
Would you have recognized it right away? On the left is the iPhone 15 Pro and on the right, the iPhone 16 Pro. © nextpit
The iPhone 16 Pro remains virtually unchanged in terms of design. © nextpit
The iPhone 16 Pro’s display has grown slightly and the bezels have become narrower. © nextpit
The iPhone 16 Pro will once again feature a notch and the Dynamic Island in 2024. © nextpit
Under the hood is the A18 Pro processor, which can offer more power, especially for AI applications. However, none of this will be available outside of the US for now. © nextpit
Sure, the Apple iPhone 16 Pro is a fabulously powerful smartphone despite all the justified criticism. © nextpit
Yes: The iPhone 16 Pro has, like its predecessor, a USB-C port at the bottom. © nextpit
The iPhone 16 Pro is available in four colors. Here is what Natural Titanium looks like. © nextpit
Contrary to Apple Intelligence, however, we can already look forward to the improved camera on the iPhone 16 Pro. © nextpit
We compared the iPhone 16 Pro in detail with its predecessor, the iPhone 15 Pro – and arrive at a clear conclusion. © nextpit
There is a new feature in the camera: the telephoto lens now has a native 5x magnification instead of 3x. © nextpit
However, the new 5x lens does not only have advantages, as our review discovered. © nextpit
The new Camera Control button on the iPhone 16 Pro was designed to make photo-taking faster and more intuitive. © nextpit
The Camera Control button on the iPhone 16 Pro seen in detail again. © nextpit
Compared to its predecessor, the ultra wide-angle camera also takes a step forward and now offers 48 megapixels resolution. © nextpit
Here is how the new Camera Control button on the iPhone 16 Pro looks like. © nextpit
The Camera Control button as seen in detail. © nextpit
Phone design has pretty much settled in the past 8 years since the launch of the iPhone X (or the Essential Phone if you are a smartphone database). To distinguish the 2024 iPhone 16 Pro from its predecessors, Apple added a multi-function button, the Camera Control, that serves as a shortcut not only for the camera app but also to the app’s settings. Opinions on its usefulness vary wildly, but at least Apple is trying.
The other new feature for the iPhone 16 range is “Apple Intelligence” a suite of AI features that are gradually rolling out. But those are also available on the 15 Pro phones. Buzzwords aside, the iPhone 16 Pro also comes with a more efficient processor and a generous amount of RAM, plus (slightly) better battery life and a bigger display that keeps the same maximum brightness, but can be dimmed darker for night use.
And as usual, Apple brought a couple of camera improvements, with support for 120 FPS recording at 4K resolution, a 48-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a farther-reaching 5x zoom lens that adds some versatility but leaves a bit to be desired in intermediate ranges down to the main camera.
Summary
Buy
Good
High-quality workmanship with more robust material
Improved camera, especially at night
Noticeably longer battery life
Camera Control button is really fun
Powerful A18 Pro chipset
Bad
No major changes compared to the iPhone 15 Pro
No Glowtime without Apple Intelligence
Go to review
Best camera phone in 2024: Google Pixel 9 Pro
The Pixel 9 Pro is a compact alternative to the big-screened 9 Pro XL. / © nextpit
The Pixel family was starting to feel predictable in the design department, with rounded corners and a build that didn’t feel premium as its price. It all changed in 2024 with the Pixel 9 family, which also expanded with a small Pro model that mixes the basic model dimensions with the features of the Pro XL.
The Google Pixel 9 Pro is a competitive (if a bit expensive) option for those looking for a relatively compact phone with all the flagship features, including a telephoto lens, long-term software support, and even niche features such as UWB or the quirky thermometer. The phone’s performance is starting to feel lacking, but the Pixel 9 Pro is the best compact camera you can fit in your pockets.
Summary
Buy
Good
Versatile cameras
Excellent display
Good build quality
The best software update policy
Bad
Outdated performance
Slow charging speeds
Go to review
The best mid-range smartphone: Google Pixel 7a
The Pixel 7a is the most versatile mid-range smartphone / © nextpit
Don’t necessarily want a pricey flagship and looking for a budget smartphone that still lets you do everything you want? Then the Pixel 7a is precisely the right choice for you! The best smartphone under $500 in 2025 has no mercy on the competition and offers a pretty strong spec sheet and a very pleasant user experience.
It has a 6.1-inch OLED display, a Tensor-G2 SoC, 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage for the latest games and apps, an impressive 64MP dual camera, and a 4,385-watt battery that can be recharged at 18 watts. The Pixel 7a also has a compact size, good performance, best-in-class photo quality, and wireless charging.
Although the charging speed does not exactly speak for the smartphone and Google does not include the charger, the Pixel 7a is undoubtedly the best mid-range smartphone you can currently buy.
Even though the 7a got a successor in the 8a model, its continued availability coupled with strong discounts make it even more attractive, and that is why we have kept this suggestion instead of replacing it with the Pixel 8a.
Summary
Buy
Good
Compact design
Top-notch performance
Versatile and trustworthy camera
All-day long battery
Wireless charging
Bad
Slow charging time
No power adapter in the box
Go to review
OnePlus Open: The best foldable phone in 2025
The Emerald Dusk color is very elegant, with its matte green derived from glass. / © nextpit
The OnePlus Open has already secured a spot on our list of the best foldable phones, taking the lead as the go-to device for this year. Given its prowess, it’s no surprise to find it on our 2025 top smartphones list as well.
Foldable phones are becoming increasingly popular, aren’t they? We’ve transitioned from viewing them as mere futuristic novelties to practical daily drivers. However, it’s essential to note that not every foldable meets user expectations. Some might be too pricey, while others might present minor setbacks.
However, the OnePlus seems to have nailed it. The phone boasts an appealing design, superior functionality, and here’s the best bit: it’s more “affordable” compared to its rivals. Though it’s initially priced at $1,699, OnePlus Store offers an enticing trade-in deal, potentially lowering the cost to $1,499.
Shifting our focus to its features, the OnePlus Open bears some resemblance to the Galaxy Z Fold 5 (review) in design but stands out with its unique charm. When it comes to charging? It’s like a race car, always leading the pack. Its multitasking capabilities, especially the innovative ‘Recent fold’ and OnePlus Canvas, redefine productivity.
Photography enthusiasts will be thrilled with its Hasselblad 48 MP camera—a real game-changer. While some may think it’s just clever marketing that has us singing its praises, our team has had hands-on experience and the verdict? We’re thoroughly impressed. In short, if a foldable is on your wishlist this year, the OnePlus Open is a top contender. It’s feature-rich, and an absolute pleasure to use.
Summary
Buy
Good
User-friendly when open or closed
Alert Slider onboard
Excellent camera performance
Reliable and consistent performance
All-day battery life
Rapid 67 W SuperVOOC charging
Bad
No room (yet) for exclusive UI customization between displays
Omitted wireless charging for design
Go to review
The best compact foldable: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6
Both Xiaomi and Motorola are catching up fast, but Samsung is still king of the flips. / © nextpit
After a big upgrade in 2023 with a larger external display, Samsung played it conservatively in 2024 with the Galaxy Z Flip 6. Meanwhile, its rivals Motorola and Xiaomi launched flip foldables with even bigger displays, and in the case of the Xiaomi Mix Flip, a powerful battery.
Still, our recommendation goes to the good old Samsung Flip in 2024. Despite the rivals’ improvements (and even leaps over the South Koreans), the Galaxy Z Flip 6 still has a bunch of advantages, like better dust resistance, a better track record of reliability on the foldable display, and an unmatched seven years of security and software updates.
Samsung upgraded the phone with the current highest-performing chip in the Android ecosystem, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 also found in our top pick. The battery was upgraded to a 4000 mAh capacity, and the RAM was increased by 50% (from 8 to 12 GB), the latter probably due to the memory requirements of AI.
Speaking of AI, the Flip 6 packs a bunch of nifty features, including the auto-framing feature when taking pictures, plus all the other stuff covered in Casi Drees’ Galaxy AI review.
The Galaxy Flip price is still high, and there were basically no upgrades when it comes to the displays and charging. Even so, Samsung seems confident that its rivals are still playing catch up, so the main obstacle to great sales for the Z Flip 6 are probably the discounts offered on the previous generation phone.
Summary
Buy
Good
Durable design with IP48 dust resistance
Seven years of software updates
Excellent performance with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
Improved 50MP main camera
All-day battery life
Bad
10% more expensive, starting at $1,099
Difficult one-handed use
The outer display lacks app support
The camera struggles with dynamic range
Slow recharge, no charger included
Go to review
Buying guide: What smartphones will offer in 2025
Every year, smartphone manufacturers try to add exciting new features to their models—from cameras to batteries to the form factor itself. Below are a few tips on what you should look out for when buying a smartphone in 2025.
What features do current flagship smartphones offer?
Form factor: Foldable displays are probably the most exciting development in smartphones in recent years. Thanks to flexible screens, the form factors of the phones themselves are also becoming more flexible. In 2024, you will have the choice between the ultra-compact Galaxy Z Flip 5, the butterfly foldable phone OnePlus Open, or the standard formats from iPhone to Google. You can find a current overview of the foldable smartphones here:
Cameras: The vast majority of upper-class smartphones offer at least three cameras on the back—for ultra-wide angle, standard wide angle and telephoto. Do not be blinded by the resolutions here: The difference between 12 and 108 megapixels is not as big as the numbers suggest. More important are factors like the sensor size or the image processing algorithms. You can read more about this in the respective smartphone tests or in the following article.
Essential for a top smartphone in 2024: A good camera! / © nextpit
Batteries: In 2024, the battery life of flagships is no longer really an issue. Even with intensive use, you can get through the day with the vast majority of models. However, the differences are bigger when it comes to charging: While OnePlus charges its smartphones completely with 67 watts in a few minutes, Apple and Samsung are more conservative. More information about batteries and fast charging can be found in the following article.
Display: First 60, then 90, 120, or 144 hertz: Over the past two years, smartphones have gotten faster and faster displays—and since 2021, finally also the Pro models of the iPhone 13. High refresh rates ensure a smoother display, whether in gaming or in everyday use. However, the high Hertz rates also eat away at the battery, so the manufacturers usually adjust the refresh rates depending on the displayed content. You can read more about screens via the following link.
Processing power & co.: You hardly have to worry about sufficient performance in a premium smartphone in 2024. All the better phones offer more than enough power for current games—and for everyday use anyway. The same applies to 5G, which is now standard on smartphones. However, you should carefully consider how much memory you need before buying. Expansion options via microSD card are almost non-existent in the upper class.
What do you think of this list, and which upcoming smartphone are you looking forward to the most?
This article was updated in February 2025 with updated picks. Existing comments have been kept and may seem out of context.