The most effective Android telephones in 2025 consist of assorted fashions from numerous manufacturers. That is the fantastic thing about the present panorama, which spans from the best foldable phones, just like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Google Pixel 9 Professional Fold, that problem the established order, to cheap phones, just like the CMF Telephone 2 Professional and Google Pixel 9a, that cater to customers on a funds. Simply this month, Samsung kicked off sizzling foldable summer time with two new releases, and I count on different telephone makers to observe go well with in 2025.
Of all of the top handsets we have tried and examined at ZDNET, the very best Android telephones supply a strong hardware-software bundle with simply sufficient innovation to maintain the person excited.
What’s the finest Android telephone proper now?
I thoroughly test every Android phone that makes its approach onto my desk, spending at the very least two weeks (and as much as months) with every machine earlier than deciding whether or not it suits inside ZDNET’s shopping for information. My decide for the very best Android telephone general is the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra for $1,299, which options the corporate’s flagship options and capabilities, together with an S Pen stylus for precision inputs, AI options for productiveness and creativity, a 200MP digital camera system, and essentially the most sturdy show on any Galaxy telephone but.
The Nothing Phone 3a Pro is one other frontrunner for its sheer worth. It sells for $459 but provides premium options like a 120Hz OLED show, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chip, and succesful cameras backed by a brand new telephoto lens.
Additionally: The best cheap phones in 2025: Expert tested and reviewed
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Why we prefer it: The Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely is the very best handset of all of the Android telephones we have examined. The brand new Galaxy AI embedded within the machine brings a slew of generative AI capabilities, together with real-time telephone name translations, multi-app AI voice prompts, enhanced picture modifying, and a brand new AI Choose software that provides contextual shortcuts based mostly on what you hover over. Notably, I’ve discovered that the majority 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 right for customers who fear about damaging or scuffing up their gadgets.
Below 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 higher day-to-day efficiency but in addition improved energy effectivity for longer endurance (roughly 9 hours of typical use per cost).
Lastly, the massive improve for the brand new digital camera system is a 50MP ultrawide lens that produces higher element and vividness when capturing panorama and macro pictures.
Overview: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Who it is for: Though the worth of the S25 Extremely continues to be pretty inaccessible at $1,299, the telephone’s upgrades make it nicely price it for customers holding onto three to four-year-old gadgets, and want to change to one thing extra succesful. The S25 Extremely retains final 12 months’s anti-reflection display screen which, when paired with the bigger cooling chamber, makes it a improbable multimedia machine and simple to make use of when outside.
If cash is not any object, otherwise you rating a aggressive supply out of your native service or retailer, then the S25 Extremely is the very best telephone you should buy at this time.
Who ought to look elsewhere: With the S25 Extremely, you will must reside 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 funds 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 related options however for much less cash.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | Show dimension: 6.9 inches | Storage choices: As much as 1TB | Rear cameras: 200MP essential, 50MP ultrawide, 50MP telephoto with 5x zoom, 10MP telephoto with 3x zoom | Entrance digital camera: 12MP | Battery: 5,000mAh | Worth: Beginning at $1,299
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Why we prefer it: The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is the very best foldable telephone going into the remainder of 2025, because of its ultra-thin type issue and market-leading digital camera system, which captures extra lifelike pictures than competing fashions from OnePlus and Google, based mostly on our assessments.
Samsung took the standard smartphone route when refining the outer show of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, choosing a wider, extra common facet ratio panel than final 12 months’s narrower Galaxy Z Fold 6. That makes a notable distinction in hand-feel and ergonomics, although the 2 telephones are solely $100 aside. In comparison with the usual slab-style telephone, you are merely getting extra display screen 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 does not match its Extremely sibling spec-for-spec, the Z Fold 7 actually shines and greater than makes up for the “inferior” 200MP digital camera system in lengthy publicity pictures and selfies, because of its self-standing nature.
Overview: 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 person interface, with assist for as much as seven years of working system and safety updates. I am unable to say the identical for the OnePlus Open or Motorola Razr.
This ultra-slim type issue can be ideally suited for multitaskers and different customers who need to see as a lot data directly as potential 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 fascinated by 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 collection as a substitute.
Customers purchasing 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 12 months’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 broad, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto | Entrance cameras: 10MP entrance | Battery: 4,400mAh | Worth: Beginning at $1,999
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Why we prefer it: There are three key the reason why you can purchase the most recent 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 digital camera system, and a captivating design (each {hardware} and software program) that is uncommon on this value vary.
In comparison with the most recent Google Pixel 9a and Apple iPhone 16e, the Nothing Telephone 3a Professional fields a clear glass backing that is adorned with screws and information ribbons beneath. That is all accented with the model’s well-liked Glyph interface, an array of LEDs that shine and sparkle relying on incoming notifications, calls, timers, and extra. It is a {hardware} bundle that makes different midrange telephones look outdated and may attraction to fashion-forward customers or of us who worth innovation above all else.
The Nothing Telephone 3a Professional is moderately 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 opponents. 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 motion pictures.
Overview: Nothing Phone 3a Pro
Who it is for: If bang on 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 fanatics, trailblazers, and fashion-forward customers. It additionally has a moderately minimal software program expertise that can please customers on the lookout for a bloatware-free interface. Nonetheless, there’s simply sufficient easter eggs throughout widgets, settings, and customization choices to stop you from losing interest.
Who ought to look elsewhere: In fact, some limitations are anticipated from a telephone on this value vary, reminiscent of a less-capable digital camera system that may be inconsistent in distinction ranges and coloration (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 know-how. If that is a characteristic you require, I would advocate the Google Pixel 9a as a substitute.
The very last thing to notice is that the Nothing Telephone 3a Professional is barely accessible by way of the corporate’s Beta Program, at the very 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 service retailer. That could be a dealbreaker for some.
Nothing Telephone 3a Professional tech specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 | Show dimension: 6.77 inches | Storage choices: 256GB | Rear cameras: 50MP essential, 50MP telephoto, 8MP ultrawide | Entrance digital camera: 50MP | Battery: 5,000mAh | Worth: $459
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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 digital camera setup with a reliable 50MP essential lens on the helm, the most recent Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, and extra. For $899, it is very tough to discover a higher flagship telephone deal proper now.
Placing the worth facet apart, the OnePlus 13 shines with its charging pace; it is one thing I’ve discovered to not take with no consideration, as competing Android flagships are inclined to require hours longer to prime up. From my assessments, 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 completely cost with its 45W normal. OnePlus additionally contains the 80W charger within the field, a free bonus that can profit customers who do not need to spend any extra on equipment and are at all times 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 stand up to high-pressure, high-temperature water jets and humidity modifications. In different phrases, leaving the machine in a washer and dryer, and even dropping it in a pot of boiling soup, will not harm it.
Overview: OnePlus 13
Who it is for: The OnePlus 13 begins at $899, which is cheaper than its closest (present) opponents, 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 while not 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 at all times on the go or require as a lot energy as potential in a given time.
Who ought to look elsewhere: Whereas the OnePlus 13 hits nearly each mark from our testing, options just like the Google Pixel 9 Professional XL and Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus are extra available at service 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 in terms of video-recording, with our assessments exposing its inconsistent HDR capturing, coloration processing, and imperfect stabilization. Due to this fact, 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 dimension: 6.8 inches | Storage choices: 256GB/512GB | Rear cameras: 50MP essential, 50MP ultrawide, and 50MP telephoto | Entrance digital camera: 32MP | Battery: 6,000mAh | Worth: Beginning at $899
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Why we prefer it: In relation to digital camera efficiency, I have been equally impressed with the output from the massive three (Apple, Samsung, and Google). However most of the time, Google’s Pixel digital camera system takes the cake, with the most recent Pixel 9 Professional fashions outpacing the Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely and iPhone 16 Professional in terms of shutter pace (to seize fast-moving topics like automobiles and sports activities), post-processing, and coloration accuracy.
In fact, real-time capturing is barely half the battle with cell pictures; there’s additionally post-processing and the pliability of gadgets with modifying and tweaking topics. In that regard, the Pixel 9 Professional, powered by a Tensor G4 chipset, could have essentially the most versatile and inventive picture 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 attain the very best (or most ideally suited) shot.
Each the Pixel 9 Professional and Professional XL characteristic a dependable triple lens setup based mostly on our assessments, with a 50MP main lens, a 48MP ultrawide, and a 48MP 5x telephoto lens that is nice for customers trying 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 pictures), 8K video upscaling, and a brand new Add Me characteristic that allows you to snap and merge two pictures — helpful for household pictures and through instances when you do not have a spare cameraman.
Overview: Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Who it is for: It definitely helps that the Google Pixel 9 Professional collection, which incorporates the $899 Professional and $1,099 Professional XL, undercut Apple and Samsung’s flagship telephones. (That is not counting the occasional deals 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. Due to this fact, we advocate the Pixel to clients who’re aggressively trying to find a great telephone deal.
Customers preferring a much less bloated software program expertise must also think about the Google Pixel 9 Professional collection over its Android opponents 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 be among the many first to obtain the most recent Android software program options, a side that ought to attraction to fanatics and builders.
Who ought to look elsewhere: Whereas the Pixel 9 Professional collection performs nicely for picture capturing, in the event you’re on the lookout for a telephone digital camera 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 dimension: 6.3 and 6.7 inches | Storage choices: 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB | Rear cameras: 50MP essential, 48MP ultrawide, and 48MP telephoto | Entrance digital camera: 42MP | Battery: 4,700mAh/5,060mAh | Worth: Beginning at $999 (Professional) and $1,099 (Professional XL)
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Why we prefer it: Deciding on the very 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 12 months, and was totally 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 online, play video games, scroll TikTok, and do different cell duties with out ever needing to flip open the machine. Samsung’s platform is extra restricted on this regard, which at all times 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 gadgets could be — something with so many shifting components usually are — the improved grip is simple to understand.
Overview: Motorola Razr Ultra (2025)
Who it is for: At $1,299, the Razr Extremely isn’t an inexpensive flip telephone by any means. That is why its extra inexpensive siblings, the Razr and Razr Plus, exist. However if you’d like essentially the most full, sturdy, and visually-stimulating flip telephone available on the market proper now, you will must pay to play with the Razr Extremely.
I applauded Motorola for exploring new coloration and materials finishes with this 12 months’s Razr, and that is one thing fashion-forward customers will doubtless favor too. The battery on this 12 months’s mannequin — 4,700mAh, up from 4,000mAh — can 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 must also 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 a substitute, just like the Samsung Galaxy S25 collection or iPhone 16 Professional collection.
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 broad, 50MP ultrawide | Entrance digital camera: 32MP broad | Battery: 4,700mAh | Worth: $1,299
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Why we prefer it: Whether or not you sport on current 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 collection could be the very best in its class.
Here 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 way of video games and background duties, capacitive aspect triggers which might be mappable to numerous in-game features, an extra LED again panel that one Reddit person says is “screaming my title,” and a 5,800mAh battery maintaining the lights turned on. It is a mouthful, I do know.
The newest mannequin options numerous 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 mechanically carry out duties for you, reminiscent of choosing 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.
Additionally: The best gaming PCs of 2025: Expert tested
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 fanatics.
The software program can be wealthy with gaming-centric settings and customizations, ideally suited for players who prefer to tinker, however not for the on a regular basis shopper who’s simply getting began.
Who ought to look elsewhere: From my testing, the Asus ROG Telephone 9 collection falls brief in terms of digital camera efficiency and software program expertise — each of that are widespread amongst gaming telephones. With all of the concentrate on rendering graphics and processing energy, the 50MP digital camera on the ROG Telephone can produce washed-out and over-sharpened pictures, and due to this fact, I do not advocate it for customers purchasing for a dependable digital camera telephone.
For these causes, I would recommend both the OnePlus 13 or Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely to anybody who needs a handset that is much less polarizing. Each of these fashions are extra able to dealing with day-to-day duties — on prime of cell gaming.
Asus ROG Telephone 9 Professional tech specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite | Show dimension: 6.78 inches | Storage choices: 256GB/512GB/1TB | Rear cameras: 50MP essential,13MP ultrawide, and 5MP macro | Entrance digital camera: 32MP | Battery: 5,800mAh | Worth: Beginning at $999
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All of those telephones run the identical base working system, however the person interfaces vary from inventory Android to extra elaborate choices. First, you should determine which most closely fits your wants.
Digicam efficiency throughout the board is strong for almost each telephone on the checklist, however some are higher than others. For those who plan to seize pictures as your main operate, you need to look to Google, Samsung, and even OnePlus.
For those who plan to spend $1,000 or extra, you may additionally need your telephone to final at the very least a few years. It is best to think about firms with a great monitor file of normal updates, notably Google and Samsung, which at the moment promise seven years of software program assist.
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Select this Android telephone… |
In order for you… |
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Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely |
The general finest with practically no compromises. Purchase this telephone if you’d like a tool that delivers on show and digital camera high quality, AI options, and battery life. It additionally comes with an S Pen stylus for precision inputs. |
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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 |
The most effective foldable telephone available on the market proper now, whether or not you are based mostly within the US or not. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is constructed with consolation in thoughts and includes a much-desired 200MP essential digital camera sensor. |
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Google Pixel 9 Professional |
A clear and minimal software program expertise and a number of other Google-exclusive perks, like Add Me and Video Enhance, distinguish the Pixel 9 Professional from the remainder of the competitors. |
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OnePlus 13 |
A telephone that takes lower than half-hour to fully prime up, with different specs which might be simply as succesful. The most effective is its $899 beginning value, which undercuts its flagship opponents. |
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Nothing Telephone 3a Professional |
Arguably the very best sub-$500 telephone available on the market proper now, with a design that distinguishes itself from competing mid-range handsets. |
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Asus ROG Telephone 9 Professional |
A high-performance bundle that comes with all of the options vital for an pleasurable gaming expertise. That features aspect triggers and a cooling fan add-on. |
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Motorola Razr Extremely (2025) |
A compact telephone that does not compromise on efficiency. It is uncommon to search out such a mix, however that is precisely what you are getting with this clamshell foldable. |
ZDNET’s evaluate crew spends upwards of a 12 months testing the ins and outs of each main Android launch, evaluating the day-to-day efficiency, digital camera high quality, battery life and endurance, and extra. Here is a breakdown of each issue we think about earlier than we make suggestions:
- Design and ergonomics: How good a telephone seems to be and feels performs a giant position in lots of customers’ shopping for journeys, so we think about these features closely when testing.
- Efficiency: A number of elements have an effect on a telephone’s efficiency, together with LTE/5G sign, battery life, and background duties. Due to this fact, we usually start our evaluations with a totally charged handset, with all background duties closed, and with as secure of a cell connection as potential.
- Digicam high quality: ZDNET assessments telephone cameras by capturing a whole lot of pictures and movies of assorted topics and in numerous lighting situations. We additionally evaluate the output to that of older fashions.
- Battery life and charging: It is also vital for us to guage how lengthy telephones final underneath gentle, reasonable, and heavy utilization, how lengthy they take to recharge, and the way they do it (wired, wi-fi, or each).
- Particular options: These options distinguish examined gadgets from a bustling smartphone market and hopefully deliver added worth to customers, not the alternative.
- Pricing and availability: Past funds issues, we additionally notice if a telephone is offered within the US or solely internationally.
For a extra intensive breakdown, try our complete phone testing methodology page.
Customizability stays one of many greatest vantage factors of Android, although Apple has finished a commendable job over the previous two to 3 iOS variations to present its customers extra autonomy. You may as well count on Android telephones to assist essentially the most modern options within the cell trade, like foldable shows and sooner USB-C charging. The caveat of being extra experimental is that Android telephones are usually not as constant and dependable as iPhones.
On the flip aspect, iPhones are infamous for his or her stability and ease of use. For those who’re not one to tinker together with your devices, then you definately’ll match proper into the iOS ecosystem. Options like iMessage and FaceTime are additionally key differentiators when evaluating iPhones to Android. These two options alone can dictate your determination.
Kerry Wan’s smartphone recommendation
I’ve used dozens of smartphones previously 12 months alone, studying the ins and outs — the information and tips — to take advantage of out of my handset. Listed here are my three greatest tips on taking good care of your smartphone in 2025:
Rushing up your smartphone
One thing I at all times do when establishing a brand new Android telephone is dialing up animation and transition speeds. You are able to do this by turning on Developer Choices, a backend catalog of system settings meant for builders to entry (however guidelines have been meant to be damaged, proper?).
Additionally: Best phones for battery life: Great battery, even better performance
To activate Developer Choices, go into your About Telephone web page within the settings and search for the Construct Quantity. Faucet on that seven instances, and you need to see a pop-up indicating that Developer Choices has been turned on. Now, the activated tab will seem in the principle settings checklist. From there, scroll down till you discover Home windows, Transition, and Animator length scale. Faucet into every and change from 1x (default) to 0.5x to double the pace of your telephone’s animations.
Optimizing your battery well being
To protect your telephone’s battery life, it is best to cost it between 20% and 80% and by no means let it drop to 0% or cost absolutely to 100%. It’s because the warmth generated from overcharging the telephone can burn (or degrade) the battery, decreasing its variety of cost cycles. This phenomenon is the explanation why you shouldn’t charge your phone overnight or depart it plugged in for an prolonged time period.
When unsure, after a 12 months or two of utilization, think about getting your telephone’s battery swapped to refresh its cost cycles. You may be amazed at how nicely it features once more.
How you can maintain your telephone clear
Except you are invested in a repairs and guarantee plan like Samsung Care, think about suiting your telephone with a protecting case and/or tempered glass display screen protector. Past drop safety, the 2 equipment will forestall the telephone from getting scratches, scuffs, and different blemishes and may drastically cut back the possibility of water harm. For what it is price if a producer claims its telephone is rated IP68, which means the machine can stand up to mud ingress and be submerged in water for as much as half-hour at 1 meter deep.
Whereas the 12 months simply began, we are able to take a look at previous trade developments to grasp when new telephones shall be launched. Under is a listing of anticipated launch dates/timeframe for main telephones in 2025.
- Samsung Galaxy S25 collection: January
- OnePlus 13 collection: January
- Apple iPhone 16e: February
- Google Pixel 9a: March
- Motorola Razr Extremely: Could
- Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge: Could
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7: July
- Google Pixel 10 collection: August
- Apple iPhone 17 collection: September
Google lately confirmed that its subsequent “Made by Google” {hardware} occasion, which showcases the corporate’s newest Pixel, Nest, and different merchandise, will happen on August 20, 2025 in New York.
At this summer time’s product occasion, we’re anticipating the corporate to debut the brand new Pixel 10 Sequence, that includes the usual Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Professional, Pixel 10 Professional XL, and Pixel 10 Professional Fold, alongside new Pixel Watches and earbuds.
The great thing about Android is that you’ve lots of choices. So the reply to “Which model is finest?” is determined by your characteristic, person interface, and design preferences. For those who favor a extra minimalistic method to {hardware} and software program, Google’s Pixel line will serve you finest. In order for you every part however the kitchen sink in a smartphone, go along with Samsung. For extra distinctive worth propositions like ultra-fast charging and a easy interface, give OnePlus telephones a strive.
Price range can be price contemplating, however at this time, each main producer, together with Google and Samsung, provides Android telephones in each value class (funds, mid-range, and premium) so it will not be your greatest decider.
Within the grand scheme, Apple is essentially the most dependable smartphone model, with the longest, most constant assist of all producers. If we’re Android makers solely, then Samsung would take the crown, with a promise of as much as seven years of software program updates for its newest telephones, expansive service assist throughout the US (and abroad), and one of the crucial dependable restore and insurance coverage infrastructures.
Most Android telephones at this time ought to final at the very least seven years. For instance, the most recent handsets from Google and Samsung include as much as seven years of software program assist, which means they’re going to obtain updates and safety patches for the long run. In fact, this is applicable extra to flagship and a few mid-range telephones, whereas funds gadgets that promote for $300 and fewer are inclined to obtain shorter commitments.
Additionally: How to find out what apps are draining your Android phone’s battery
The way you deal with and use your telephone will even decide its lifespan. It is extremely suggested to not maintain your telephone charged in a single day as that may set off sooner battery degradation. It additionally helps to placed on a case and/or display screen protector to maintain the machine’s {hardware} functioning correctly.
If it ever looks like your telephone is not lasting so long as it as soon as did, think about swapping out its battery earlier than changing it with a brand new machine altogether.
The newest model of Android is 99% of the time additionally the very best model. In the intervening time, that is Android 16.
The newest model of Android is Android 16, which debuted with the Google Pixel collection, has formally launched throughout main Android fashions, together with Samsung and OnePlus.
Android 16 options new instruments like Stay Updates, which show real-time tickers on the notification bar, auto-grouping of alerts, desktop windowing, accessibility enhancements, and higher safety and privateness normally.
The newest model of Android is supported by most smartphone releases in recent times, together with the next:
- Google Pixel 6 collection to Pixel 9 collection (foldables included)
- Samsung Galaxy S22 collection to S25 collection (foldables and A-series fashions included)
- OnePlus 11 to OnePlus 13 collection
- Choose Sony, Motorola, Nothing, Xiaomi, Honor, Vivo, and Oppo fashions
To generalize, most customers shall be selecting between iOS and Android, and between the 2, iOS is the safer working system.
The principle purpose is that the abundance of Android telephones and app makers means there are extra alternatives for hackers and information thieves to entry your private data and/or set up malware. How these assaults are prevented and managed varies throughout producers, with some OEMs like Google doing a greater job than others like Xiaomi.
Whereas iOS on iPhones could really feel extra restrained and restricted in customizations, that leads to a extra protected and safe software program expertise, from app availability on the shop to the way you obtain recordsdata on-line.
Whereas Apple’s iPhone 14 made headlines for its eSIM integration, the digital service additionally works — and has for a while — with Android gadgets, together with the most recent Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy, and OnePlus smartphone. As at all times, it is best apply to seek the advice of together with your native service earlier than converting to eSIM.
Moreover the Motorola Razr Extremely, the Samsung Galaxy S25 is a worthy runner-up, with a 6.2-inch AMOLED, as much as 512GB of storage, and a flat-edge design that makes all of it the simpler to handle with one hand. Throughout ZDNET’s testing, the small-but-mighty Android proved able to dealing with apps and providers usually run on bigger gadgets.
Newest updates
- In our July replace, we changed the Google Pixel 9 Professional with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 for “Greatest foldable Android telephone.” Extra data has additionally been added relating to Google’s upcoming Pixel {hardware} occasion.
- In our June replace, we added details about Android 16, which formally launched with the Google Pixel gadgets.
- In our Could replace, we added data relating to what different telephones customers can count on later this 12 months, together with the Galaxy S25 Edge, Z Flip 7, and Z Fold 7. The Motorola Razr Extremely has changed the Motorola Razr Plus (2024) for “Greatest compact Android telephone.” We additionally added context of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge.
- In our April replace, we added data relating to Cellular World Congress (MWC). The OnePlus Open was additionally changed by the Google Pixel 9 Professional Fold for “finest foldable telephone.”
Are there various smartphones price contemplating?
Exterior of this checklist of wonderful choices, listed here are worthy options that can certainly delight you, together with foldables, funds picks, and extra.
Smartphones Reviewed & In contrast
