The Best Phones of 2025: A Practical Guide to Choosing Your Next Smartphone

What makes a great phone in 2025

In 2025, the best phones deliver a balance of performance, longevity, and user experience. Look for fast processors, good cameras, a reliable software update cadence, durable build, and features that fit your needs—such as 5G support, fast charging, and a responsive display. The right pick depends on your priorities more than any single spec.

Top picks

Phones come in several flavors. Here are the categories most people consider.

Best overall

The best overall phone typically blends fast performance, a polished software experience, strong cameras, and long software updates. It’s the choice if you want one device that does almost everything well without compromise.

Best value

Best value phones offer strong performance at a more accessible price. They usually have large displays, good cameras, and decent battery life, with fewer premium features to keep the price down.

Best camera

A top camera phone emphasizes image quality, low-light performance, and advanced software features like portrait modes and video stabilization. If photography is your main use case, this is the category to focus on.

Best battery life

For heavy smartphone users, battery life is king. This pick prioritizes long endurance, reliable charging, and efficient software.

Best compact phone

A compact model packs flagship-grade features into a smaller chassis. Ideal if you prefer one-handed use or want a phone that easily fits in a pocket.

How to choose the right phone for you

• Determine your priorities: camera quality, battery life, performance, or software experience.
• Consider the ecosystem you’re already in (iOS vs. Android) and how it affects app availability and accessories.
• Check screen size, weight, and durability, including water resistance.
• Look at software updates and security patches; longer support means your device stays fresh longer.
• Set a budget and compare total ownership costs, including accessories and charging gear.

Frequently asked questions

• Do I need the latest model to get good performance? Not necessarily. Previous-generation flagships and solid mid-range phones often offer excellent value.
• How long do phones typically receive updates? Most brands provide several years of security updates and major OS updates, with variation by model and price.
• What should I look for in a camera phone? Pay attention to sensor quality, image processing, stabilization, low-light performance, and video features.