The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Smartphones in 2025
A smartphone has become an essential part of modern life, serving as a handheld computer, camera, and communication tool all in one. With fierce competition among leading brands such as Samsung, Google, Apple, and many others, the market for premium smartphones has blossomed. For consumers, this competition translates into a plethora of choices—each smartphone presents various features, software, and prices, sometimes leading to confusion about which phone is right for you.
At Tech Advisor, our dedicated team spends day-in and day-out examining all aspects of mobile phones. We conduct thorough tests on top models from renowned manufacturers like Samsung, Google, Apple, Motorola, OnePlus, Xiaomi, and Oppo. Our expertise will guide you in finding the smartphones that excel in areas such as camera quality, battery life, software experience, and overall performance.
Featured Promotion:
Limited Time Offer: Save $250 on a New Google Pixel 10
$250 Off Pixel 10 + $15/Mo Unlimited Plan with Mint Mobile
- Unlimited Talk & Text
- Coverage on the Nation’s Largest 5G Network
- High-Speed Data
- Free Calling to Mexico, Canada & the UK
- Award-Winning Customer Care
Top 10 Smartphone Recommendations
Here, we present our top 10 recommendations for the best smartphones currently available. Click through the full reviews for more detailed information and buying advice tailored to help you make your decision.
Best Android and iPhone Phone Reviews
1. Google Pixel 10 Pro XL – Best Phone Overall
Pros:
- Beautiful design and stunning display
- Outstanding camera capabilities
- Exceptional Android 16 software with extended support
- Leading wireless charging feature
Cons:
- Size may feel bulky
- The 100x zoom feature does not meet expectations
- Higher price point
Price When Reviewed: From $1,199
Best Prices Today: Available on Amazon
If you’re searching for the top-notch phone with supreme performance, the Pixel 10 Pro XL epitomizes excellence even at a premium price. Its impressive design, camera quality, AI features, and software experience give it an edge over competitors.
Who Should Buy:
Those who want the highest quality smartphone and are willing to pay for it while preferring the Android operating system.
Further Considerations:
Seek alternatives if you prefer faster charging capabilities or smaller devices.
Read our full Google Pixel 10 Pro XL review
2. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra – Best Phone Performance
Pros:
- Unmatched performance
- Impressive camera features
- Gorgeous anti-reflective display
- Advanced AI tools
Cons:
- Incremental upgrades from S24 Ultra
- S Pen lacks Bluetooth
- Pricey
Price When Reviewed: From $1,299.99
Best Prices Today: Available on Amazon starting at $1,048.45.
For consumers seeking the highest performance, the S25 Ultra delivers stellar specifications combined with comprehensive features, making it a powerhouse.
Who Should Buy:
Users inclined towards top-of-the-line specifications along with unique features like the S Pen.
Further Considerations:
This phone may be overkill for some, especially if compactness and lighter options are preferred.
Read our full Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra review
3. OnePlus 13 – Best Value Premium Phone
Pros:
- Exceptional performance
- User-friendly experience with exciting AI enhancements
- Outstanding battery life
- Rapid charging options
Cons:
- Occasional camera limitations
- Magnetic accessories require a specific case
Price When Reviewed: From $899.99
Best Prices Today: Starting price at Fonehouse for £46/month.
The OnePlus 13 also balances price and performance, offering incredible features that rival other premium options without the exorbitant costs.
Who Should Buy:
Individuals seeking an excellent performance phone under $1,000.
Further Considerations:
Camera enthusiasts may want to consider other options for superior photography results.
Read our full OnePlus 13 review
4. Xiaomi 15 Ultra – Best Camera Phone
Pros:
- Impressive camera capabilities
- Brilliant display quality
- Strong battery performance & rapid charging
- Seamless performance
Cons:
- Design may feel less favorable
- Software experience can be inconsistent
Price When Reviewed: $1,250 (Global version)
Best Prices Today: Available with best pricing on Amazon.
Photography enthusiasts will find the Xiaomi 15 Ultra ideal, pushing the boundaries with its camera capabilities and image quality.
Who Should Buy:
Anyone primarily focused on superb photography from their smartphone.
Further Considerations:
Users may want to explore alternatives for a more user-friendly software experience.
Read our full Xiaomi 15 Ultra review
5. Oppo Find X8 Pro – Best Alternative Premium Phone
Pros:
- Excellent camera system
- High battery endurance
- Robust performance
- New camera functionalities
Cons:
- Smaller sensors than its predecessor
- Limited autofocus capabilities for the selfie camera
Best Prices Today: Priced competitively, available from major retailers.
Oppo’s Find X8 Pro is an appealing option for consumers desiring an alternative design and durability without compromising performance.
Who Should Buy:
Consumers seeking versatility in a phone with remarkable photo quality and robust performance.
Further Considerations:
Some users may prefer a simpler Android interface or seek even longer software support.
Read our full Oppo Find X8 Pro review
6. Apple iPhone 16 Plus – Best iPhone
Pros:
- Large Super Retina XDR display
- Responsive performance
- Long-lasting battery
- New Camera Control feature
Cons:
- No 120Hz display refresh rate
- AI functionality still developing
- Begins at 128GB storage
Price When Reviewed: $899
Best Prices Today: Affordable options available for contract purchasers.
The iPhone 16 Plus strikes a balance between screen size and price, ideal for users who desire a larger smartphone experience without the ultra-premium model cost.
Who Should Buy:
Anyone looking for an iPhone with a large screen and robust battery life without breaking the bank.
Further Considerations:
Look into newer options like the iPhone 17 series for cutting-edge features soon.
Read our full Apple iPhone 16 Plus review
7. Google Pixel 9a – Best Mid-Range Phone
Pros:
- Attractive display
- Strong camera performance
- Exceptional software experience
- Seven years of updates
Cons:
- No telephoto camera
- Slow charging times
- Design may polarize opinions
Price When Reviewed: From £499
Best Prices Today: Available from popular retailers with subscription options.
The Pixel 9a proves to be an outstanding mid-range choice, providing excellent value with its features tailored for everyday use.
Who Should Buy:
Mid-range buyers wanting a quality smartphone experience without the flagship price.
Further Considerations:
Consider alternative options if additional camera versatility is a must.
Read our full Google Pixel 9a review
8. Nothing Phone (3a) – Best Value Phone
Pros:
- Stylish design
- Competitive pricing
- Smooth software experience
- Decent battery longevity
Cons:
- Ultrawide camera performance lacks strength
- No charger included in the box
Best Prices Today: Highly affordable options available.
With a distinctive appearance and solid specs, Nothing Phone (3a) stands as an excellent value proposition for budget-minded consumers.
Who Should Buy:
Users looking for a unique-designed phone that offers solid functionality at an exceptional price.
Further Considerations:
Those prioritizing photography may prefer other models.
Read our full Nothing Phone (3a) review
9. CMF Phone 2 Pro – Best Budget Phone
Pros:
- Strong camera performance
- Quality display
- Solid performance
- Excellent value
Cons:
- Only IP54 rated
- Limited software support duration
Price When Reviewed: $279
Best Prices Today: Affordable pricing available at several retailers.
The CMF Phone 2 Pro excels in both quality and budget, providing features that cater well to market demands without high expenditure.
Who Should Buy:
Budget-conscious consumers looking for solid performance and decent camera capabilities.
Further Considerations:
Look elsewhere for enhanced durability and longer software updates.
Read our full CMF Phone 2 Pro review
10. Google Pixel 10 – Best Compact Phone
Pros:
- Qi2 magnetic charging
- Premium build quality
- Excellent camera performance
- Helpful AI capabilities
Cons:
- Limited storage in base model
- Variable battery life
Price When Reviewed: From $799
Best Prices Today: Options available for various carrier contracts.
For consumers favoring compact phones, the Pixel 10 offers substantial performance and capabilities at a reasonable price.
Who Should Buy:
Those wanting a compact flagship phone focusing on camera and AI capabilities.
Further Considerations:
Seek alternatives for superior battery life and storage options.
Read our full Google Pixel 10 review
Other Phones Tested
We have reviewed and analyzed thousands of phones, refining our recommendations here to showcase 10 of the finest models on the market. While many exceptional devices didn’t make this list, they still hold value for different users. Explore individual reviews for analysis or to discover if a Pro or Plus model suits your needs better.
Notable Mentions:
- Honor Magic V5 and Magic 7 Pro for their top-notch hardware.
- Nothing Phone (3) for its unique design.
- OnePlus Nord 5 and Huawei P60 Pro, both delivering excellent features.
Recent Phone News
As many smartphones hit the shelves with new models every year, deciding whether to upgrade now or wait can be challenging. Current offerings represent fantastic investments, such as the iPhone 16 Plus. However, with the launch of the iPhone 17 series, considering waiting or seeking a better deal may be worth your time.
Finding Better Phone Deals
Daily updated prices ensure our readers are provided with the best phone deals, accounting for design, performance, and overall value. Seasonal sales around Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day often yield terrific discount opportunities.
How We Test Phones
At Tech Advisor, every phone undergoes an in-depth usage evaluation for at least one week. Our hands-on testing gives insights into real-world performance alongside traditional benchmarks.
Why Trust Tech Advisor?
Smartphones are a flagship focus area since the inception of the iPhone and Android in the late 2000s. Our experienced team tests new products weekly, ensuring we provide informed recommendations and reviews.
Choosing the Right Phone
When selecting a phone, contemplate the following aspects: build quality, design, features, performance, battery life, camera quality, and software preference (Android vs. iOS).
Whether planning to purchase outright or through a contract, be sure to remain aware of specifications and pricing to make an informed and timely decision. For more curated advice, explore our detailed reviews to guide you on your next smartphone purchase.
Note: All images and prices included above are accurate as of the article’s publication date. To stay updated on the newest offerings and detailed reviews, check back frequently or subscribe for the latest information.
