The iPhone 16 Pro, Google Pixel 9 Pro and Samsung's Galaxy S25 Ultra, share many things, from their amazing performance to their incredible camera setups. Throw in their huge, vibrant displays and the host of funky new AI skills and it's no surprise that these flagship phones are all among the best phones you can buy in 2025. It's also no surprise that these fan-favorite phones have something else in common, too: massive prices tags.
Costing $1,000 and more, today's best phones are out of reach for many of us -- or they're simply unnecessary for those of us who just want an everyday all-rounder for keeping in touch with friends or scrolling through Instagram on the bus. Thankfully, there's a huge array of options out there catering to all needs and budgets, whether you're looking for top-end model or a more affordable option, like the Google Pixel 9A.
You'd think the vast number of choices would make shopping simple. But the reality is that sometimes all the options make it more confusing. To help you cut through some of the jargon and spend your money sensibly, I've put together tips for buying a phone.
Oh, and if you're considering buying a new iPhone 16 right before Apple is expected to launch its new iPhone 17, here's why you should wait -- regardless of whether you want Apple's latest handset.
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How to buy a new phone: Top phone-buying tips
Know what you care about most: Is it screen size? Camera quality? Battery life? This will help narrow down your choices. Phones like the iPhone 16 Pro, Galaxy S25 Ultra or Xiaomi 15 Ultra, for example, pack incredible cameras that almost rival the quality you'd get from a mirrorless camera. If you're keen on photography and always want to carry a superb camera for when inspiration strikes, then spending money here is a good idea. If not, you can likely save yourself a bundle.
Is it screen size? Camera quality? Battery life? This will help narrow down your choices. Phones like the iPhone 16 Pro, Galaxy S25 Ultra or Xiaomi 15 Ultra, for example, pack incredible cameras that almost rival the quality you'd get from a mirrorless camera. If you're keen on photography and always want to carry a superb camera for when inspiration strikes, then spending money here is a good idea. If not, you can likely save yourself a bundle. Don't discount the midrange: Features of last year's flagships always trickle down to this year's midrange handsets. You can get a great phone that does almost everything that a premium phone can do for a fraction of the price. Google's Pixel 9 Pro packs a great zoom camera, but the base Pixel 9 has most of the same key specs and comes at a more reasonable price.
Features of last year's flagships always trickle down to this year's midrange handsets. You can get a great phone that does almost everything that a premium phone can do for a fraction of the price. Google's Pixel 9 Pro packs a great zoom camera, but the base Pixel 9 has most of the same key specs and comes at a more reasonable price. Shop the sales: Look for deep discounts and promo deals around major holidays, especially Amazon's Prime Day and Black Friday. And find out what your grace period is in case you need a quick return or exchange.
Look for deep discounts and promo deals around major holidays, especially Amazon's Prime Day and Black Friday. And find out what your grace period is in case you need a quick return or exchange. Consider last year's phones: They can often be a great deal, too. Wait for this year's launch to get last year's phone for less, when stores and carriers may be trying to offload their existing stock. You should also check for used options as these can save you a ton of money, as long as whatever you buy still receives security updates.
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