Best Smartphones for 2025: Top Picks and What to Consider

Choosing a new smartphone in 2025 is trickier than ever — there are more solid options across price ranges, new foldables, and faster wireless standards. Leading choices right now include the ultra-thin iPhone Air, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold (which now carries an IP68 rating), and the value-focused OnePlus 13.

Below are quick highlights of notable models and what they bring to the table:

• iPhone Air — At just 5.6mm, it’s the thinnest iPhone to date with a titanium frame, Ceramic Shield 2, IP68 rating, a 6.5-inch ProMotion display and A19 Pro-class performance. It sacrifices extra rear cameras for a refined design and premium build.
• Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold — A bulkier foldable but strong in cameras, software, and battery life; now offers a proper IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, which improves durability versus earlier foldables.
• OnePlus 13 — A hardware-first flagship with a 6.8″ OLED (up to 4,500 nits), Snapdragon 8 Elite, up to 16GB RAM, triple 50MP cameras and a massive 6,000 mAh battery — positioned as a value alternative to pricier rivals.
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 — Still a top foldable pick for design and performance (included in several recent best-of lists), ideal if you want the most polished large-fold experience.

Key buying considerations for 2025:

• Platform — iOS offers tight ecosystem integration and longer software continuity; Android delivers broader device choice and customization. Switching platforms can be disruptive if you rely on platform-specific services.
• Cameras — Most phones shoot great in daylight; choose higher-end models for long optical zoom or advanced software modes (long exposure, Action Pan, etc.).
• Connectivity — Wi‑Fi 7 and mmWave 5G appear on premium models (e.g., some Galaxy S25 variants). Unless you need the absolute fastest wireless speeds today, you can often skip those extras without major compromise.
• Battery & Performance — Gamers and heavy users should prioritize high refresh rates (120Hz+), larger batteries (4,000–6,000 mAh), and top-tier SoCs for longevity and smoothness.

For more details and continuous updates on recent additions to best-of lists, see the full guide and update notes linked below.

Useful links:

• Apple iPhone official page
• OnePlus official site
• Google Pixel phones
• Samsung phones
• Original updated guide (source)

Summary: 2025’s smartphone market blends premium craftsmanship (see the iPhone Air), better foldable durability (Pixel 10 Pro Fold’s IP68), and strong value flagships (OnePlus 13). Most buyers will find a model that fits their priorities — whether that’s camera tech, battery life, or new form factors.

Discussion: Which feature or model would make you upgrade this year — camera, battery, foldable design, or something else? Let us know below.