Best phones to buy in 2025 reviewed and ranked

Thinking about upgrading your phone? You’ve come to the right place. With so many models to choose from, it can be tricky to know which one’s worth your money. That’s why we’ve put together this guide, highlighting our top picks based on the things that matter most day to day. Whether you’re drawn to a big-screen Android or Apple’s latest iPhone, these are the handsets we think stand out.

We don’t just look at spec sheets – we test phones in real life. That means streaming shows to see how long the battery lasts, snapping hundreds of photos in different conditions to judge the cameras, and firing up demanding games to push the processors. We also pay close attention to the display, design, durability, and software to see how each device actually feels to use.

Only the strongest performers make the cut. So, whether you want the sharpest screen, the best camera setup, lightning-fast speed, or a phone that can comfortably last all day (and beyond), our rankings will point you in the right direction.

Why you can trust Stuff: Our team of experts rigorously test each product and provide honest, unbiased reviews to help you make informed decisions. For more details, read how we test and rate products.

Quick list: what’s the best phone?

The best smartphones you can buy today:

6. Google Pixel 10 Pro XL

Google Pixel 10 Pro XL specs
Screen	6.8in, 2992×1344 OLED w/ 1-120Hz
Processor	Google Tensor G5
RAM	16GB RAM
Storage	128/256/512GB/1TB
Software	Android 16
Cameras	50MP + 48MP telephoto + 48MP ultrawide rear 42MP front
Battery	5200mAh w/ 45W wired, Pixelsnap Qi2 25W wireless charging
Dimensions	163x77x8.5 mm / 6.42 × 3.03 × 0.33 in
Weight	232g / 8.18 oz

The Pixel 10 Pro XL might look familiar, but it’s a refinement in all the right ways. Google’s flagship feels more mature this year, a polished mix of superb design, a class-leading screen, excellent cameras, and thoughtful upgrades that make it easier to live with day-to-day.

The new Moonstone finish looks stunning, Qi2 wireless charging finally brings Android into MagSafe territory, and the 6.8in OLED display is an absolute treat – sharp, fluid, and ridiculously bright, hitting up to 3300 nits.

Performance is strong, too. The Tensor G5 chip may not break benchmark records, but it’s fast, consistent, and cool-running. Paired with 16GB of RAM, multitasking feels effortless. The 5200mAh battery comfortably lasts a full day, and with 45W wired or 25W Qi2 wireless charging, topping up never feels like a chore. Sound quality has had a big step up, too, with upgraded speakers delivering a fuller, more balanced tone that suits both gaming and video.

As for the cameras, they’re every bit as good as you’d expect from Google. The trio – 50MP main, 48MP ultrawide, and 48MP telephoto – deliver beautifully detailed shots with natural tones and crisp contrast. Night Sight continues to lead the pack, while the AI-assisted 100x Pro Res zoom is fun to play with, even if it occasionally leans into generative territory.

But what really surprised us this year was the AI. Gemini’s smarter, more context-aware features are genuinely helpful, not gimmicky. Magic Cue brings up useful prompts mid-conversation – flight details when you call your airline, addresses when messaging friends – and it feels organic, not intrusive. Live Highlights and the new journalling app still need refinement, but they point in an interesting direction for Google’s software future.

The real breakthrough, though, is Camera Coach. This early preview feature analyses your framing in real time and suggests better angles or modes to improve your shot – complete with generative previews of what the change could look like. It’s simple, intuitive, and honestly, the first AI tool that’s made us want to use AI more, not less.

• Read more: Google Pixel 10 Pro XL review

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7. OnePlus 13

OnePlus 13 specs
Screen	6.82in 3168×1440 120Hz OLED
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite
RAM	16GB
Storage	256/512GB
Software	Android 15 with OxygenOS
Cameras	50+50+50MP rear, 32MP front
Battery	6000mAh w/ 100W wired, 50W wireless charging
Dimensions	163x77x8.5mm / 6.42 × 3.03 × 0.33 in
Weight	213g / 7.51 oz

Delivering killer specs at a competitive price point, we think the OnePlus 13 hits another home run. This year’s model doens’t move the game along so much in terms of design, but adds s simply massive battery, the fastest Snapdragon silicon going and a balanced trio of rear cameras. Given the price, it’s hard to argue with.

Its all-screen frontage still fits the modern mould, and the tactile matte back adds a premium feel. The display itself is outstanding, with dynamic refresh rates ranging from 1 to 120Hz, ensuring smooth performance across the board. The trademark alert slider instantly marks it as a OnePlus device, while the Hasselblad branding on the distinctive circular camera bump hints at enhanced photography features.

Performance-wise, the OnePlus 13 is predictably superb, handling everything we threw at it with ease. Battery life was impressively frugal during our tests, and when the 6000mAh cell did run out, the 100W SuperVooc charging had it back to full in just over half an hour. If you’re after a flagship bargain, we believe the OnePlus 13 comfortably undercuts every major big-screen rival.

• Read more: OnePlus 13 review

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How to choose the best smartphone for you

In order to buy the best smartphone for your specific needs, there are several important factors to consider. Luckily, Stuff’s smartphone experts are here to help you compare options and make a final decision.

Operating system: iOS vs Android

Your first big decision is whether you want Apple’s iOS or Google’s Android. Both are great, but they suit different people.

If you’re already deep into Apple’s world, using a MacBook, iPad, or AirPods (even Apple Music and Apple TV), sticking with an iPhone makes life easy thanks to tight ecosystem integration and iCloud sync.

On the other hand, Android phones offer more flexibility, customisation, and choice, with devices from Samsung, Google, OnePlus and others at a wide range of prices. They also work better with Google’s services, such as Google Drive and Docs.

The decision isn’t an easy one, and far more complex than what we can cover in this small section. For example, you should even consider what devices your friends and family use.

Ultimately, whether you choose iOS or Android, you’ll be getting a great operating system.

Display: resolution, refresh rate and brightness

The screen is what you stare at all day, so it matters. A good OLED display delivers rich contrast and true blacks, while LCD panels are usually found in cheaper models and can look slightly flatter.

Higher refresh rates (90Hz, 120Hz or even 144Hz) make scrolling and gaming feel buttery smooth. Also check the peak brightness rating – anything above 1000 nits helps with outdoor visibility.

If you stream films or play games, prioritise an OLED with HDR support for that extra punch.

Camera: quality beyond megapixels

Every phone claims to have a great camera, but the details matter. Don’t just look for a camera with the highest megapixel count, there are other more important things to consider. For example, a larger sensor size captures more light, which means sharper photos and better low-light performance.

Look for phones with optical zoom lenses if you shoot from a distance, and wide-angle cameras if you prefer shooting landscapes.

Now, a great camera phone is more than just the hardware. You’ll want to look for computational photography features like Night Mode or AI image processing to improve everyday snaps.

If photography is your thing, check our guide to the best camera phones, where we go into more depth about colour accuracy, portrait quality, and even video stabilisation.

Battery and charging: real-world testing

Battery life can make or break your daily experience. A big battery (measured in mAh) doesn’t always mean better performance – it’s about efficiency too. You’ll wan to read our full reviews that test real-world battery life, not just lab numbers.

Fast charging (wired or wireless) is another bonus – some phones can now top up 50-percent in under 30 minutes. It can really save the day when you’ve forgotten to put you phone on charge over night.

Reverse charging are also handy if you’ve got earbuds or a smartwatch (although not vital in our opinion).

Performance and hardware: power under the hood

A phone’s chipset and RAM affect everything from multitasking to gaming. Top-end processors like Apple’s A19 or Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 deliver flagship performance, while mid-range chips strike a balance between power and efficiency. Most modern phones, even cheaper models, will now handle general browsing and social media, but will struggle when it comes to gaming and more graphics-intensive tasks.

Storage is worth considering too – 128GB is a safe minimum these days if you take lots of photos or download apps, but we’d recommend 256GB. Some Android phones offer expandable storage, which can save money later on.

Software support and updates

We’re keeping our phones for longer than ever, so a long support period matters. Apple leads the way with around five to seven years of iOS updates, while most Android brands now offer at least three to five years of OS and security patches. This means better performance, fewer bugs, and more security over time.

If you plan to keep your phone for several years, pick a brand known for consistent software updates, like Google, Samsung, or Apple.

Design and ergonomics: feel and durability

The best phone isn’t just about specs, it should also feel premium in your hand as well. Consider size, weight, and materials. Glass looks premium but can be slippery, while aluminium or matte finishes tend to grip better.

An IP rating tells you how water- and dust-resistant the phone is. An IP68 rating, for example, means it can survive a splash or two without stress.

If you prefer a more compact phone then you can read Stuff’s guide to the best small phones, or you might prefer a bigger screen which is better for watching videos and reading.

Special features worth knowing about

Modern smartphones pack clever extras. The foldables bring tablet-sized screens in your pocket, while flip phones offer extreme compactness.

Some models support stylus input for note-taking and sketching, while AI tools are now baked in for smart photo editing, real-time translation, and call screening.

At the high end, features like satellite connectivity are now becoming popular, while the best smartphones for gaming have advanced cooling and custom gaming modes for ultimate performance.

Price and value: finding your sweet spot

Finally, there’s price. Entry-level phones now offer impressive performance for under US$400 / £300, while mid-range models around US$600 / £500 hit a sweet spot of features and design. Flagships cost £1000 and beyond – but they usually deliver the best displays, cameras, and long-term support.

The trick is to balance what matters most to you. If you only browse and stream, you can save hundreds. If you want top-tier photography and longevity, it’s worth stretching your budget.

Once you’ve decided on a budget, you’ll be able to narrow down potential candidates from our best cheap phone guide, best mid-range smartphone guide, and the best premium phones (this guide).

Frequently asked questions

Is a foldable phone worth buying in 2025?

Yes, but it really comes down to what matters most to you. Foldable phones in 2025 have come a long way – hinges are sturdier, and most screens now look almost crease-free.

They’re brilliant if you like having a tablet-sized display that folds into your pocket. Great for multitasking, watching videos, or jotting down quick sketches on the go.

That said, they still cost more than regular flagships, and you’ll usually trade a bit of battery life for that second screen.

If you enjoy experimenting with new tech and need extra screen space, go foldable. If you’d rather stick with something simpler and tougher, a standard phone will serve you better.

How long should a flagship phone last?

A flagship phone should comfortably last between four and six years. Premium models use high-end materials, powerful chipsets, and now get extended software support as well (up to seven years for iPhones and many new Android phones).

Naturally, battery health will decline first, but you can often replace it cheaply.

The main reason to upgrade sooner is for new AI features, not because your old phone stopped working.

How much RAM and storage do I need in a smartphone?

For most people in 2025, 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage still hits the ideal balance. It’s enough to keep everything running smoothly, whether you’re juggling apps, gaming, or keeping photos saved locally.

If you’re the kind who edits video, plays demanding games, or loads your phone with hefty apps, you’ll be happier with 12GB of RAM and at least 256GB of storage.

Those who rely on cloud backups like Google Photos or iCloud can get away with less and spend the savings elsewhere.

Smartphone battery life explained: mAh and charging speed

Battery capacity is measured in milliamp-hours (mAh). It tells you roughly how much energy your phone can store.

A 5000mAh battery usually lasts a day and a half, but real-world endurance depends on screen brightness, refresh rate, and processor efficiency.

Charging speed, measured in watts (W), shows how quickly the battery can refill. Fast chargers rated 45W or higher can often deliver 50% in under 30 minutes.

What is the difference between a mobile phone and a smartphone?

A “mobile phone” is technically any portable device that can make calls and send texts – think old-school feature phones with very limited extras.

A “smartphone” goes much further, combining calling with advanced computing power. Modern smartphones run platforms like iOS or Android, offer app stores, internet access, GPS, cameras, and much more.

So while every smartphone is a mobile phone, the reverse isn’t true.

Recent updates

• 31st October 2025: We’ve added the iPhone 17 Pro Max as the best premium iPhone.
• 27th October 2025: We’ve replaced the iPhone 16 with the newer iPhone 17 as the best phone overall. We also replaced the Google Pixel 9 Pro with the Google Pixel 10, and added the Google Pixel 10 Pro as well.