The best Android phones to buy in 2025

Why we prefer it: The Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely is one of the best handset of all of the Android telephones we have examined. The brand new Galaxy AI embedded within the system brings a slew of generative AI capabilities, together with real-time telephone name translations, multi-app AI voice prompts, enhanced photograph enhancing, and a brand new AI Choose software that provides contextual shortcuts primarily based on what you hover over. Notably, I’ve discovered that almost all of those options outperform AI instruments supplied by competing Android telephones relating to pace, reliability, and practicality.

Like its predecessor, the S24 Extremely, the S25 Extremely is constructed with a big 6.9-inch AMOLED and a dependable 5,000mAh battery. It helps that the S25 Extremely is manufactured from a light-weight but sturdy titanium body and options Corning’s Gorilla Armor 2, which is good for customers who fear about damaging or scuffing up their units.

Beneath the hood, the S25 Extremely contains an upgraded Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset for improved graphics and AI options and 12GB of RAM. From our testing, the Qualcomm processor not solely yields better day-to-day efficiency but additionally improved energy effectivity for longer endurance (roughly 9 hours of typical use per cost).

Lastly, the large improve for the brand new digicam system is a 50MP ultrawide lens that produces better element and vividness when capturing panorama and macro photographs.

Evaluation: Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely

Who it is for: Though the value of the S25 Extremely remains to be pretty inaccessible at $1,299, the telephone’s upgrades make it properly value it for customers holding onto three to four-year-old units, and need to swap to one thing extra succesful. The S25 Extremely retains final yr’s anti-reflection display which, when paired with the bigger cooling chamber, makes it a improbable multimedia system and simple to make use of when open air. 

If cash is not any object, otherwise you rating a aggressive supply out of your native provider or retailer, then the S25 Extremely is one of the best telephone you should buy at the moment.

Who ought to look elsewhere: With the S25 Extremely, you will need to dwell with the truth that the S Pen not helps Bluetooth gestures, which beforehand allowed customers to snap with a click on of the stylus key. And in the event you’re tight on price range or not a fan of the Extremely mannequin’s boxier footprint, I would advocate a lower-tier S25 mannequin or try the OnePlus 13. Each choices supply comparable options however for much less cash.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | Show measurement: 6.9 inches | Storage choices: As much as 1TB | Rear cameras: 200MP principal, 50MP ultrawide, 50MP telephoto with 5x zoom, 10MP telephoto with 3x zoom  | Entrance digicam: 12MP | Battery: 5,000mAh | Worth: Beginning at $1,299

Why we prefer it: The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is one of the best foldable telephone going into the remainder of 2025, due to its ultra-thin kind issue and market-leading digicam system, which captures extra lifelike photos than competing fashions from OnePlus and Google, primarily based on our exams. 

Samsung took the standard smartphone route when refining the outer show of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, choosing a wider, extra common side ratio panel than final yr’s narrower Galaxy Z Fold 6. That makes a notable distinction in hand-feel and ergonomics, despite the fact that the 2 telephones are solely $100 aside. In comparison with the usual slab-style telephone, you are merely getting extra display with the Z Fold 7, with a bigger 8-inch show when unfolded. For reference, most modern-day telephones vary from 6 to six.8 inches.

Naturally, all of the content material I have been consuming on the telephone, like video streaming, social media feeds, and Google Maps, is portrayed in a extremely consumable method; nothing feels disorienting or cropped out. Whereas the foldable would not match its Extremely sibling spec-for-spec, the Z Fold 7 actually shines and greater than makes up for the “inferior” 200MP digicam system in lengthy publicity photographs and selfies, due to its self-standing nature. 

Evaluation: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7

Who it is for: I usually advocate the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold over different foldables due to Samsung’s feature-rich method to software program. Operating on the OneUI launcher (over Android 16) means you possibly can count on a easy but customizable consumer interface, with assist for as much as seven years of working system and safety updates. I can not say the identical for the OnePlus Open or Motorola Razr.

This ultra-slim kind issue can also be ideally suited for multitaskers and different customers who wish to see as a lot info directly as doable with out reaching for a pill or laptop computer. You merely will not discover a foldable with higher ergonomics proper now than this.

Who ought to look elsewhere: With a beginning price ticket of $1,999, you are largely paying for the innovation issue with this telephone. So in the event you’re extra serious about a secure and dependable handset that is arguably a lot simpler to restore, then I would advocate a conventional slab telephone just like the Samsung Galaxy S25 sequence as an alternative.

Customers searching for a foldable telephone ought to think about the Google Pixel 9 Professional Fold if they like a handset with much less bloatware and a stubbier design, or final yr’s Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 if they need S Pen stylus assist, which the Z Fold 7 omits.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 tech specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite | Show sizes: 6.5-inch exterior and 8-inch inside | Storage choices: 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB | Rear cameras: 200MP huge, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto | Entrance cameras: 10MP entrance | Battery: 4,400mAh | Worth: Beginning at $1,999

Why we prefer it: There are three key the explanation why you should purchase the newest Nothing telephone over another mid-range telephone: For $459, you get a decent-sized 6.77-inch AMOLED that ramps as much as a 120Hz refresh fee, a dependable 50MP digicam system, and a captivating design (each {hardware} and software program) that is uncommon on this value vary.

In comparison with the newest Google Pixel 9a and Apple iPhone 16e, the Nothing Telephone 3a Professional fields a clear glass backing that is embellished with screws and knowledge ribbons beneath. That is all accented with the model’s common Glyph interface, an array of LEDs that shine and sparkle relying on incoming notifications, calls, timers, and extra. It is a {hardware} package deal that makes different midrange telephones look outdated and will attraction to fashion-forward customers or people who worth innovation above all else. 

The Nothing Telephone 3a Professional is somewhat aggressive in specs, too, with a 6.77-inch 120Hz show that is bigger and brighter (as much as 3,000 nits) than its closest rivals. Whereas it is solely a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset powering the system — which means it will not breeze previous Fortnite runs at max graphics — I’ve discovered the processor ok for day by day searching, social media consumption, and streaming films.

Evaluation: Nothing Telephone 3a Professional

Who it is for: If bang in your buck is what you are after, think about the Nothing Telephone 3a Professional. It is a great-value handset that is designed to attraction to tech fans, trailblazers, and fashion-forward customers. It additionally has a somewhat minimal software program expertise that may please customers on the lookout for a bloatware-free interface. Nonetheless, there’s simply sufficient easter eggs throughout widgets, settings, and customization choices to forestall you from losing interest.

Who ought to look elsewhere: After all, some limitations are anticipated from a telephone on this value vary, akin to a less-capable digicam system that may be inconsistent in distinction ranges and shade (e.g., making the sky seem muted or not having a lot depth between the topic and background). There’s additionally no wi-fi charging assist, a typical omission on this value vary however nonetheless an annoyance for customers who’ve adopted the expertise. If that is a function you require, I would advocate the Google Pixel 9a as an alternative.

The very last thing to notice is that the Nothing Telephone 3a Professional is simply accessible by the corporate’s Beta Program, at the least right here within the US. It is free to affix however requires you to enroll on its web site to purchase the telephone, which means the Telephone 3a Professional is unavailable at your native retailer or provider retailer. That could be a dealbreaker for some.

Nothing Telephone 3a Professional tech specs: Processor:  Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 | Show measurement: 6.77 inches | Storage choices: 256GB | Rear cameras: 50MP principal, 50MP telephoto, 8MP ultrawide | Entrance digicam: 50MP | Battery: 5,000mAh | Worth: $459  

Why we prefer it: The OnePlus 13 delivers one of many extra well-rounded flagship experiences we have examined, with a big 6.8-inch, 120Hz AMOLED, a 6,000mAh battery, a triple digicam setup with a reliable 50MP principal lens on the helm, the newest Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, and extra. For $899, it’s extremely troublesome to discover a higher flagship telephone deal proper now.

Placing the worth side apart, the OnePlus 13 shines with its charging pace; it is one thing I’ve discovered to not take without any consideration, as competing Android flagships are inclined to require hours longer to high up. From my exams, the telephone’s 80W wired charging can energy it from 0% to 50% inside 10 minutes, with a full cost taking lower than half-hour. 

That is in comparison with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus, for instance, which takes greater than an hour to totally cost with its 45W normal. OnePlus additionally contains the 80W charger within the field, a free bonus that may profit customers who do not wish to spend any extra on equipment and are all the time on the go.

One other vantage level is the OnePlus 13’s IP69 ranking, which laps its predecessor, the OnePlus 12, in water resistance. By IP69 requirements, the telephone can face up to high-pressure, high-temperature water jets and humidity modifications. In different phrases, leaving the system in a washer and dryer, and even dropping it in a pot of boiling soup, will not injury it. 

Evaluation: OnePlus 13

Who it is for: The OnePlus 13 begins at $899, which is cheaper than its closest (present) rivals, the $999 Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus and Google Pixel 9 Professional. The value level alone makes it worthy of recommending to customers on the lookout for a flagship telephone expertise without having to fork up $1,000 or extra. For the cash, you will additionally get the quickest charging speeds on the US market, nice for customers who’re all the time on the go or require as a lot energy as doable in a given time.

Who ought to look elsewhere: Whereas the OnePlus 13 hits virtually each mark from our testing, alternate options just like the Google Pixel 9 Professional XL and Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus are extra available at provider shops and promise longer software program assist, each of which are perfect for customers on the lookout for a tool they’ll maintain onto for the subsequent 5+ years.

The OnePlus 13 additionally falls brief with regards to video-recording, with our exams exposing its inconsistent HDR capturing, shade processing, and imperfect stabilization. Subsequently, customers who could lean heavier on video-recording ought to think about different flagship telephones just like the iPhone 16 Professional.

OnePlus 13 tech specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite | Show measurement: 6.8 inches | Storage choices: 256GB/512GB | Rear cameras: 50MP principal, 50MP ultrawide, and 50MP telephoto | Entrance digicam: 32MP | Battery: 6,000mAh | Worth: Beginning at $899

Why we prefer it: Relating to digicam efficiency, I have been equally impressed with the output from the large three (Apple, Samsung, and Google). However as a rule, Google’s Pixel digicam system takes the cake, with the newest Pixel 9 Professional fashions outpacing the Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely and iPhone 16 Professional with regards to shutter pace (to seize fast-moving topics like vehicles and sports activities), post-processing, and shade accuracy.

After all, real-time capturing is simply half the battle with cell images; there’s additionally post-processing and the flexibleness of units with enhancing and tweaking topics. In that regard, the Pixel 9 Professional, powered by a Tensor G4 chipset, may have essentially the most versatile and artistic photograph toolbox available on the market, with AI options like Magic Editor, Picture Unblur, and Greatest Take that will let you modify the photographs you seize to realize one of the best (or most ideally suited) shot.

Each the Pixel 9 Professional and Professional XL function a dependable triple lens setup primarily based on our exams, with a 50MP major lens, a 48MP ultrawide, and a 48MP 5x telephoto lens that is nice for customers seeking to seize distant topics like statues and buildings. They’re backed by helpful software program options like Google’s Tremendous Res Zoom (for as much as 30x zoom photographs), 8K video upscaling, and a brand new Add Me function that allows you to snap and merge two photographs — helpful for household photographs and through instances when you do not have a spare cameraman.

Evaluation: Google Pixel 9 Professional XL

Who it is for: It actually helps that the Google Pixel 9 Professional sequence, which incorporates the $899 Professional and $1,099 Professional XL, undercut Apple and Samsung’s flagship telephones. (That is not counting the occasional offers we have seen throughout main vacation and commerce occasions.) For reference, the iPhone 16 Professional Max prices $1,199, and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely prices $1,299. Subsequently, we advocate the Pixel to clients who’re aggressively looking for telephone deal.

Customers preferring a much less bloated software program expertise also needs to think about the Google Pixel 9 Professional sequence over its Android rivals just like the Samsung Galaxy S25 and OnePlus 13, as Google’s Pixel launcher is freed from pointless third-party apps. The Google Pixel line can also be among the many first to obtain the newest Android software program options, a facet that ought to attraction to fans and builders.

Who ought to look elsewhere: Whereas the Pixel 9 Professional sequence performs properly for photograph capturing, in the event you’re on the lookout for a telephone digicam that specializes extra in video-capturing (particularly with Professional modes), I would advocate the iPhone 16 Professional Max or Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely, each of which have higher picture stabilization and motion-smoothening.

Google Pixel 9 Professional tech specs: Processor: Google Tensor G4 | Show measurement: 6.3 and 6.7 inches | Storage choices: 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB | Rear cameras: 50MP principal, 48MP ultrawide, and 48MP telephoto | Entrance digicam: 42MP | Battery: 4,700mAh/5,060mAh | Worth: Beginning at $999 (Professional) and $1,099 (Professional XL)

Why we prefer it: Deciding on one of the best compact telephone got here right down to the wire, with Motorola’s Razr Extremely simply scraping by Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 7. I went hands-on with the brand new Razr Extremely mannequin earlier this yr, and was completely impressed by the improved hinge system (learn: the telephone feels sturdier to flip open and shut), in addition to the efficiency, which is underpinned by an up to date Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and 12GB of RAM.

Motorola’s outer show nonetheless helps just about any app you throw at it, which means you possibly can browse the net, play video games, scroll TikTok, and do different cell duties with out ever needing to flip open the system. Samsung’s platform is extra restricted on this regard, which all the time felt like a missed alternative when testing.

It additionally helps that the Razr Extremely has a textured backing, together with new Alcantara and Wooden finishes, which I’ve discovered to be simpler to carry and grip than competing flip telephones. Contemplating how fragile these foldable units may be — something with so many transferring elements sometimes are — the improved grip is straightforward to understand.

Evaluation: Motorola Razr Extremely (2025)

Who it is for: At $1,299, the Razr Extremely just isn’t an inexpensive flip telephone by any means. That is why its extra reasonably priced siblings, the Razr and Razr Plus, exist. However in order for you essentially the most full, sturdy, and visually-stimulating flip telephone available on the market proper now, you will need to pay to play with the Razr Extremely.

I applauded Motorola for exploring new shade and materials finishes with this yr’s Razr, and that is one thing fashion-forward customers will possible favor too. The battery on this yr’s mannequin — 4,700mAh, up from 4,000mAh — can also be a lot bigger, which you’ll by no means actually complain about.

Who ought to look elsewhere: When shopping for the Razr Extremely, you also needs to think about features like Motorola’s comparatively brief software program replace cadence, which ranges from 2 to three years, versus Google and Samsung’s 7 years. For those who’re on the lookout for a telephone that is much more forgiving when dropped, I would spend money on a conventional slab handset as an alternative, just like the Samsung Galaxy S25 sequence or iPhone 16 Professional sequence.

Motorola Razr Extremely (2025) tech specs: Processor:  Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite | Show sizes: 4-inch exterior and 7-inch inside | Storage choices: 512GB, 1TB | Rear cameras: 50MP huge, 50MP ultrawide | Entrance digicam: 32MP huge | Battery: 4,700mAh | Worth: $1,299

Why we prefer it: Whether or not you recreation on present cell apps or take to the cloud for streaming, Android producers have spent the previous decade forging a brand new class of gaming-tailored smartphones, and the Asus ROG Telephone 9 sequence may be one of the best in its class.

This is a rundown of its key gaming options: The telephone has one of many smoothest 185Hz refresh fee shows I’ve examined (in comparison with the 120Hz and 144Hz configurations on competing fashions just like the RedMagic 10 Professional), 16GB of RAM, a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset to energy by video games and background duties, capacitive facet triggers which might be mappable to varied in-game features, a further LED again panel that one Reddit consumer says is “screaming my identify,” and a 5,800mAh battery maintaining the lights turned on. It is a mouthful, I do know.

The most recent mannequin options varied AI instruments, like a wallpaper generator, to fit your theming preferences. For players, the telephone helps X Sense, which makes use of AI to study your in-game patterns in order that the telephone can robotically carry out duties for you, akin to selecting up objects as you progress round in Genshin Influence. I examined a number of of those AI options at CES and was impressed with how naturally Asus had embedded them into the telephone’s software program.

Who it is for: Notably, that large-capacity battery of the Asus ROG Telephone 9 bests most high-end telephones within the US market, together with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely (5,000mAh) and iPhone 16 Professional Max (4,685mAh), making it a improbable decide for energy customers and cell gaming fans.

The software program can also be wealthy with gaming-centric settings and customizations, ideally suited for players who prefer to tinker, however not for the on a regular basis client who’s simply getting began. 

Who ought to look elsewhere: From my testing, the Asus ROG Telephone 9 sequence falls brief with regards to digicam efficiency and software program expertise — each of that are frequent amongst gaming telephones. With all of the concentrate on rendering graphics and processing energy, the 50MP digicam on the ROG Telephone can produce washed-out and over-sharpened photographs, and subsequently, I do not advocate it for customers searching for a dependable digicam telephone.

For these causes, I would recommend both the OnePlus 13 or Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely to anybody who desires a handset that is much less polarizing. Each of these fashions are extra able to dealing with day-to-day duties — on high of cell gaming.

Asus ROG Telephone 9 Professional tech specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite | Show measurement: 6.78 inches | Storage choices: 256GB/512GB/1TB | Rear cameras: 50MP principal,13MP ultrawide, and 5MP macro | Entrance digicam: 32MP | Battery: 5,800mAh | Worth: Beginning at $999