101 gadgets: Stuff’s pick of brilliant smartphones from 2025
Smartphones have never been smarter. Or speedier. Or snappier. Here’s the ultimate kit for swiping, playing, and doomscrolling without a second thought
The best new smartphones are redefining what we expect from our pocket-sized companions. This year’s crop of cutting-edge mobiles boasts jaw-dropping features that will leave even the most tech-savvy users impressed.
We’ve rounded up the latest and greatest smartphones below (including some yet to hit the shelves). There’s a bit of everything —from cameraphones that rival dedicated snappers, to handsets designed for those seeking a digital detox. Whatever your preference, we’ve got you covered.
Minimal Phone
There’s a delicious irony in the fact that a phone without bells and whistles like high-end cameras or a pixel-packed screen is one of the most exciting releases of the year. But if you’ve been thinking about cutting back on screen time, the Minimal Phone – with its Blackberry-esque keypad and E Ink screen – could be the answer to your hyperfixation prayers. Powered by Android 14, it’ll give you all the apps you need, when you need them, but you won’t enjoy endlessly scrolling through reels of brainrot videos for hours on end, which is entirely the point. With up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, it’s smooth and responsive, yet intentionally restrained. For those who want a phone they control (and not the other way around).
Xiaomi 15 Ultra
A photography flagship that constantly reminds you of its snapping prowess with a tasteful Leica logo, its versatile four-lens setup makes for one of the best cameraphones we’ve ever tested. A beautifully vibrant AMOLED screen makes your pics pop, while an IP68 rating should keep things ticking along, even in the splash zone.
Apple iPhone 16e
Want an iPhone without forking out for the full Apple Tax price tag? Enter the charming 16e. With iOS polish, reliable cameras, speedy performance, and a compact, palm–friendly frame, it’s a brilliant buy for anyone who wants the full Apple experience without forking out the big bucks for the privilege.
Samsung Galaxy A56 5G
The Galaxy A56 proves you don’t have to spend Galaxy S money for greatness. Its sharp AMOLED screen, handsome design, and reliable camera setup all hit the sweet spot, with enough battery life and performance to make for a rather tempting proposition for fans of Samsung’s style.
Honor Magic7 RSR Porsche Design
Styled by the speed merchants at Porsche Design, the Honor Magic7 RSR oozes luxury. Expect gorgeous curves, ridiculously fast performance, a bright and buttery 120Hz screen, and a whopper of a camera setup – all crammed into one seriously slick chassis you’ll want to wrap your mitts around.
Nubia Z70S Ultra
The Nubia Z70S Ultra hides its selfie camera under the screen, leaving an uninterrupted slab of OLED goodness without any distractions. With bona fide flagship power, superb battery life, and impressive cooling tech, this stylish all–screen wonder is an excellent choice for movie lovers, gamers and hardcore social scrollers alike.
Huawei Mate XT
The Mate XT’s flexible OLED screen unfolds into a glorious 7.85in tablet – ideal for bingeing, sketching or multitasking on the move. Solid cameras, smooth performance and premium build make it a brilliant choice for users who live large – as long as the lack of Google Play services isn’t a dealbreaker.
Google Pixel 9a
The Pixel 9a is a smart choice. Clean Android software, AI–boosted photography, smart battery life management, and regular updates combine to create a fast, fun phone that punches above its price. It’s not the flashiest option around – but for practical tech lovers, it’s perfect as a reliable daily driver.
Poco F7 Ultra
Fast, flashy and gloriously affordable, the Poco F7 Ultra crams a flagship–rival Snapdragon chip, a gorgeous 120Hz AMOLED screen, and strong battery stamina into a package that punches well above its price. Ideal if you want all–day gaming grunt and vibrant streaming experiences without blowing your budget.
Nothing Phone 3a
Nothing’s flashy LED Glyph party trick still turns heads, but the Phone 3a goes beyond razzle and dazzle. Beneath its semi–transparent shell beats a properly quick Android phone with a sharp screen, snappy cameras and a bloat–free UI that feels refreshingly different. Built for fans of affordable cool.
- Read more: These are the best mid-range phones
Esat Dedezade
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