If the phone launches during the first half of 2025 are anything to go by, we're in for a wild ride to end the year. The OnePlus 13 set the tone early, followed by the Galaxy S25 series and, more recently, the Motorola Razr foldable phone lineup. Going into July, the big question mark is how Samsung will succeed last year's foldable phones with its new Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7. We'll learn the answer really soon.
Fact of the matter is, there are tons of phones shouting for your attention. When you're picking one, really think about what you need day-to-day. The best options on the market feature displays that can beat the outdoor sun, cameras that capture great photos in the most difficult lighting environments, and software features that truly enhance your communication and productivity.
What is the best smartphone right now?
After extensive testing of dozens of devices, our pick for the best phone overall is the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, thanks to its immersive and vibrant display, reliable battery life, and wealth of special features, some of which are powered by the company's latest generative artificial intelligence (AI) model.
It's not cheap at a starting price of $1,299, but our testing found it to be worth the money, especially if you can snag a carrier deal or trade-in promotion. Apple's iPhone 16 Pro Max is a close second, with a thinner and larger design, a Camera Control key for precision capturing, and a suite of ever-improving Apple Intelligence features.
Of course, our pick for the best phone overall may not be the best for you. No matter which option on this list you decide to invest in, expect it to be high performing, have a display that gets bright enough to use outdoors, and field a camera system that will fulfill your photography needs.
Also: The best Android phones to buy in 2025
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Best phones of 2025
Show less View now at Amazon View now at Samsung View now at Walmart Why we like it: The Galaxy S25 Ultra stands out as the premier handset so far in 2025 with its sophisticated integration of Galaxy AI and arsenal of hardware features. The latest Galaxy AI suite brings practical and useful features like real-time call translation, voice commands that work across multiple apps, and photo editing capabilities. Real-world testing suggests these AI functions surpass those on competing Android devices in speed, dependability, and overall usefulness. Beyond the AI, the phone has impressed us with its large 6.9-inch, anti-reflective, AMOLED display and robust 5,000mAh battery. Performance is bolstered by the upgraded Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset and 12GB of RAM, further enhanced by a larger cooling chamber ideal for multimedia and gaming. The smartphone also excels in durability with its lightweight titanium frame and new resilient Corning Gorilla Armor 2 glass. Furthermore, the camera system is significantly upgraded with a 50MP ultrawide lens that captures landscape and macro shots with greater detail and vibrancy. We've run several camera tests between the S25 Ultra and competing phones like the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and found the Samsung model to deliver the sharpest and vibrant imagery. Review: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Who it's for: The Galaxy S25 Ultra is primarily targeted towards users who demand the best smartphone experience Samsung can provide and are keen to explore the latest consumer-facing AI features. It represents a particularly compelling upgrade for individuals holding onto three to four-year-old devices, offering significant advancements across the board. The strong build makes it an excellent choice for those who prioritize device protection against everyday mishaps. Multimedia enthusiasts will appreciate the large, anti-reflective, 6.9-inch screen combined with enhanced cooling technology. Additionally, photography lovers looking for improved detail and color in wide-angle and close-up macro shots will find the new 50MP ultrawide camera valuable. Who should look elsewhere: Despite its strengths, the Galaxy S25 Ultra's $1,300 price point makes it out of reach for budget-conscious consumers. In addition, users who frequently utilize the S Pen's Bluetooth gestures for actions like remotely triggering the camera may be disappointed, as the functionality has been removed. Furthermore, individuals who prefer a less angular or "boxy" phone design might find the standard Galaxy S25 or S25 Plus models more aesthetically pleasing and comfortable to hold. If you prefer a less bloated software experience, consider the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL or OnePlus 13, both of which also cost less than the Ultra. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | Display size: 6.9 inches | Storage options: Up to 1TB | Rear cameras: 200MP main, 50MP ultrawide, 50MP telephoto with 5x zoom, 10MP telephoto with 3x zoom | Front camera: 12MP | Battery: 5,000mAh | Price: Starting at $1,300 Value 7 Performance 10 Battery life 10 Camera quality 9 Display 9 Pros AI-centric Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset
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