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If you’re a smartphone lover or planning your next upgrade, 2025 is going to be a huge year for flagship and mid-range devices. From Apple’s latest innovation to powerful Android flagships, here are the top 10 upcoming smartphones in 2025 you need to watch out for!
📱 1️⃣ iPhone 17 Pro Max
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Launch: September 2025
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Features: Slimmer titanium design, 48MP ultra-wide camera, A19 Pro chip, under-display Face ID
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Why Excited: Major design refresh and next-gen AI-powered features.
📱 2️⃣ Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
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Launch: February 2025
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Features: Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, 200MP quad cameras, improved S-Pen support, brighter AMOLED display
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Why Excited: Expected to lead the Android flagship category with insane camera upgrades.
📱 3️⃣ Google Pixel 10 Pro
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Launch: October 2025
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Features: Tensor G5 chip, new AI camera modes, ultra-lightweight design
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Why Excited: Google’s Pixel phones are getting smarter with every release.
📱 4️⃣ OnePlus 13 Pro
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Launch: Q1 2025
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Features: Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, 2K AMOLED display, 100W fast charging
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Why Excited: OnePlus always delivers flagship specs at competitive prices.
📱 5️⃣ Xiaomi 15 Ultra
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Launch: March 2025
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Features: 200MP Leica-powered camera, Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, 90W wireless charging
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Why Excited: Known for powerful cameras and battery tech.
📱 6️⃣ Vivo X200 Pro
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Launch: April 2025
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Features: Dimensity 9400 chip, gimbal camera stabilization, curved OLED display
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Why Excited: Vivo continues to lead in mobile photography innovation.
📱 7️⃣ ASUS ROG Phone 9
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Launch: July 2025
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Features: Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, 165Hz AMOLED, advanced cooling system
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Why Excited: The ultimate smartphone for mobile gamers.
📱 8️⃣ Realme GT Neo 6 Pro
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Launch: Early 2025
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Features: Dimensity 9400, 144Hz AMOLED, 150W charging
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Why Excited: Flagship killer with aggressive pricing.
📱 9️⃣ Motorola Edge 50 Ultra
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Launch: March 2025
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Features: Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, curved AMOLED, 125W fast charging
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Why Excited: Motorola’s premium comeback device.
📱 🔟 Oppo Find X8 Pro
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Launch: May 2025
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Features: Dimensity 9400, advanced periscope zoom camera, sleek foldable variant expected
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Why Excited: Oppo’s camera and design innovation continues to impress.
📅 Final Thoughts
2025 is going to be an exciting year for smartphone enthusiasts with flagship launches, camera upgrades, AI-driven processors, and ultra-fast charging. Whether you’re an iPhone fan or an Android lover, there’s something epic waiting for you.
Need a new phone? You’ve come to the right place.
With new handsets launching left, right and centre, it can be difficult to keep track of what’s worth buying. Your decision is easier if you want an iPhone – Apple only releases a few handsets each year, meaning your options are relatively limited. Your choice of Samsung Galaxy phones is more widespread, though it makes things more straightforward if you’re set on Samsung.
But what if you’re considering any phone, including all Android phones? Your decision gets a lot more difficult, which is where this guide comes in.
We review every phone that’s worth buying – that’s over a hundred every year – but only the absolute best make the grade here. If you’re looking for something more affordable, see our best budget phones and best mid-range phone guides instead.
We can easily recommend all the phones below, but each model stands out for individual reasons. Whether you’re looking for a phone with AI features, great cameras, brilliant gaming performance, superb battery life, a folding screen or simply value for money, there’s something here that will appeal to you.
Nokia, Realme, Asus, Huawei, Honor, Vivo and Sony miss out, but you will find them in other phone buying guides. At the bottom of this article, you’ll also find detailed buying advice, helping you to pick the perfect phone for your personal needs.
For more information and advice, see our full guide to the best phone deals, plus dedicated round-ups of the best Samsung Galaxy deals and best Google Pixel deals.
Best phone 2025
1. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra – Best overall
Pros
- Top-tier performance
- Impressive cameras
- Gorgeous anti-reflective screen
- The most advanced AI around
- Slick software experience
Cons
- Very similar to S24 Ultra
- S Pen has no Bluetooth
- Expensive
Buy a Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra from EE with unlimited data for £31/month, from £30 upfront and a free Galaxy Watch 7
The S25 Ultra looks almost identical to the S24 Ultra, and from a hardware perspective, it is. But this doesn’t stop it from being the best phone you can buy right now, provided money is no object.
There are now even fewer weaknesses than before, with even more processing power, small but noticeable camera improvements and a new anti-reflective screen that puts the 6.9-inch, 120Hz OLED panel in a league of its own. The newly rounded corners make it easier to hold.
You also get the best software experience we’ve ever seen on a Samsung phone (and maybe an Android phone full stop), with an extensive suite of genuinely useful AI features and class-leading seven-year update support.
However, it’s by no means perfect. It’s a shame to see the built-in S Pen downgraded to be without Bluetooth, while such a heavy, bulky phone won’t be for everyone. It’s also still very expensive.
But if you want the best of the best when it comes to smartphones right now, the S25 Ultra is the device to get.
The Pixel 9a might not be the absolute best phone you can buy right now, but it is the easiest to recommend. If you’ve got around £500/$500 to spend and want a solid all-rounder that will last, this is the phone for you.
It’s not like the Pixel 9a doesn’t have any standout features, either. The 6.3-inch P-OLED display is excellent, while the main 48Mp rear camera is one of the very best – including on flagships. You can also expect solid performance and strong battery life from the 5100mAh cell.
But it’s software where the phone really shines. Android 15 is at its best on the Pixel, while even the pared-down AI experience (compared to the flagship Pixel 9 series phones) can still be very useful. Alongside timely updates and seven years of software support, the Pixel 9a is a mid-range phone that’s hard to beat.
The 10 best phones available now, and how to choose the right one
Best phone 2025
1. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra – Best overall
Pros
- Top-tier performance
- Impressive cameras
- Gorgeous anti-reflective screen
- The most advanced AI around
- Slick software experience
Cons
- Very similar to S24 Ultra
- S Pen has no Bluetooth
- Expensive
The S25 Ultra looks almost identical to the S24 Ultra, and from a hardware perspective, it is. But this doesn’t stop it from being the best phone you can buy right now, provided money is no object.
There are now even fewer weaknesses than before, with even more processing power, small but noticeable camera improvements and a new anti-reflective screen that puts the 6.9-inch, 120Hz OLED panel in a league of its own. The newly rounded corners make it easier to hold.
You also get the best software experience we’ve ever seen on a Samsung phone (and maybe an Android phone full stop), with an extensive suite of genuinely useful AI features and class-leading seven-year update support.
However, it’s by no means perfect. It’s a shame to see the built-in S Pen downgraded to be without Bluetooth, while such a heavy, bulky phone won’t be for everyone. It’s also still very expensive.
But if you want the best of the best when it comes to smartphones right now, the S25 Ultra is the device to get.
2. OnePlus 13 – Superb all-rounder
Pros
- Stellar performance
- Great user experience with nice AI additions
- Incredible battery life
- Super-fast charging
Cons
- Some camera niggles
- Magnetic accessories only work with case
The OnePlus 13 takes what made the OnePlus 12 so great and makes it even better. This is the best phone OnePlus has ever made, and up there with the finest around right now.
What makes it so good? It’s a brilliant combination of top-class hardware, slick software and extensive support, meaning the phone could be your main phone for many years to come.
Highlights include the stellar Snapdragon 8 Elite performance, a gorgeous 6.82-inch OLED screen and incredible battery life with 100W charging support. Those factors alone are enough to make it worth considering.
But the OnePlus 13 is equally impressive on the software side, with Oxygen OS one of the best Android skins around and lots of useful AI features. Four years of OS updates and six years of security updates aren’t class-leading, but plenty good enough for most people.
With all that in mind, and a price tag that significantly undercuts many rivals, why wouldn’t you buy it? Unfortunately, while good enough for most people, the cameras are a clear step down from the best around, which will be a dealbreaker for many.
If you can look beyond that and the fact that a case is required for MagSafe-style magnetic charging accessories, the OnePlus 13 will serve you very well.
3. Xiaomi 15 Ultra – Best cameras
Pros
- Incredible camera performance
- Excellent screen
- Solid battery life & fast charging
- Silky performance
Cons
- Some design backsteps
- Not the best Android skin
- Mixed bag of AI features
- Not available in the US
If photography is your top priority, there’s no better phone than the Xiaomi 15 Ultra right now. When it comes to stills, the handset is in a league of its own.
Alongside a trio of 50Mp lenses (main, ultrawide and 3x telephoto), you also now get a 200Mp periscope with 4.3x optical zoom. That enables some of the best zoom shots you’ll find on any phone, though the loss of variable aperture on the main lens makes it slightly less flexible when the subject is closer.
Still, with the optional Photography Kit accessory, it comes closer to replacing a DSLR than any other handset. A very capable 32Mp selfie camera is the icing on the cake.
However, you won’t be taking photos all the time, so it’s good to know that the Xiaomi 15 Ultra boasts top-tier performance, a gorgeous display and strong battery life (plus 90W fast charging), all with a durable yet chunky design.
Its main drawback is on the software side, where Xiaomi’s HyperOS 2 skin doesn’t feel particularly intuitive, and AI features aren’t always flawless.
Given the high price tag, there are better options out there if you’re happy with photos that are just ‘very good’. But if you want the absolute best photography experience out there, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is the phone for you.
However, it’s also worth considering the regular Xiaomi 15, which is more compact and affordable.
4. Oppo Find X8 Pro – Superb all-rounder
Pros
- Awesome camera system
- Great battery life
- Super powerful
- New camera control button
- Useful AI features
Cons
- Smaller sensors than the Find X7 Ultra
- No autofocus on the selfie camera
- Magnetic charging only works with case
After Oppo decided not to release its Find X6 and Find X7 series flagships outside China, the Find X8 series marks a triumphant return to Europe.
Both the Find X8 and Find X8 Pro are excellent phones, but the latter has a slight upper hand. It’s powerful, good-looking, offers amazing battery life and has plenty of software perks.
But it’s the cameras that set it apart from rivals, and turn a great phone into a superb one. For pure image quality, it’s probably only the Xiaomi 14 Ultra that can rival it right now for UK buyers.
The phone isn’t without its compromises – there are a couple of small camera downgrades compared to the Find X7 Ultra, while the software takes some getting used to – but there’s no doubt that the Find X8 Pro is up there with the very best phones you can buy right now.
5. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL – A great alternative
Pros
- Impressive cameras
- Superb display
- Some of the best software around
- Seven years of updates
Cons
- Expensive
- Rather generic design
- Battery life could be even better
If none of the options above appeal to you, a Pixel 9 is probably your best bet. And if you want the absolute best experience, the newly-branded Pixel 9 Pro XL is the one to go for.
While not quite the standout phone we saw with the Pixel 8 Pro, the 9 Pro XL still delivers a compelling experience in almost all key areas.
The cameras are the highlight once again, offering vibrant, high-contrast photos while maintaining key details. That includes low-light conditions, even if the brightening is by no means true to life. A quality ultrawide lens and 5x optical zoom from the telephoto make it an impressively versatile camera system, while selfies from the upgraded front lens are excellent.
Elsewhere, the excellent 6.8-inch display is a joy to use, while Google’s Tensor G4 chipset delivers solid performance. And the build quality is higher than ever, even if the move to a more generic design will disappoint some people.
Google continues to ace the software experience, even if the 9 Pro XL runs Android 14 out of the box and AI features are hit-and-miss. Google’s commitment to seven years of both OS and security updates is yet to be beaten on any phone.
Battery life is decent, rather than a key strength, while 37W charging feels slow. Ultimately, whether you buy the 9 Pro XL depends on whether you think the even higher price tag is worth it.
If not, consider the Pixel 9 Pro or regular Pixel 9 instead, though there are downgrades to be aware of.
6. Apple iPhone 16 Plus – Best iPhone
Pros
- Large Super Retina XDR display
- Smooth performance
- Excellent battery life
- Useful Camera Control button
Cons
- No 120Hz refresh rate
- Incomplete AI at launch
- Starts at 128GB storage
From the 2024 line-up, the iPhone 16 Plus is the sweet spot with its combination of size, price and features.
Here, you’re getting a strong all-rounder that’s closer to the Pro Max than usual, considering the Action Button has now trickled down, and the new Camera Control button isn’t exclusive to the Pro models.
And support for Apple Intelligence is a big deal these days, even if the AI features won’t make a big difference to the way you use your phone yet.
The screen isn’t as big or impressive as the Pro Max, and you get a regular A18 chipset instead of A18 Pro, but these will be plenty good enough for most people. You also miss out on a telephoto lens and 1TB storage, but again, a lot of people won’t mind these trade-offs for a more reasonable price.
Unless you’re looking for a more compact model, the 16 Plus strikes a good balance between features and affordability, making it our go-to from Apple’s latest range. However, if you want a more premium experience and are willing to pay more, go for the iPhone 16 Pro Max instead.
7. Google Pixel 9a – Best mid-range phone
Pros
- Attractive display
- Strong main and selfie cameras
- Excellent software
- Seven years of updates
Cons
- No telephoto camera
- Slow charging
- Polarising design
The Pixel 9a might not be the absolute best phone you can buy right now, but it is the easiest to recommend. If you’ve got around £500/$500 to spend and want a solid all-rounder that will last, this is the phone for you.
It’s not like the Pixel 9a doesn’t have any standout features, either. The 6.3-inch P-OLED display is excellent, while the main 48Mp rear camera is one of the very best – including on flagships. You can also expect solid performance and strong battery life from the 5100mAh cell.
But it’s software where the phone really shines. Android 15 is at its best on the Pixel, while even the pared-down AI experience (compared to the flagship Pixel 9 series phones) can still be very useful. Alongside timely updates and seven years of software support, the Pixel 9a is a mid-range phone that’s hard to beat.
The lack of a telephoto lens and slow 23W charging are the big downsides, while some people will be disappointed by the nondescript design, but that doesn’t stop the Pixel 9a from being an excellent choice.
8. Nothing Phone (3a) – Best value phone
Pros
- Incredibly stylish design
- Affordable price point
- Slick and speedy software
- Great battery life
Cons
- Ultrawide camera isn’t great
- No charger in the box
With a starting price of just £329/$379, the Nothing Phone (3a) is one of the most affordable mid-range phones out there. But for most people, there’s no need to spend more.
The Phone (3a) offers an impressive combination of premium, unique design, rapid performance and great battery life. The display is a slick 120Hz OLED, and Nothing’s take on Android 15 is a compelling one, especially with up to seven years of updates.
The main compromise is the cameras, but the 50Mp main, 50Mp telephoto, and 32Mp selfie lenses still outshine many rivals at this price. The 8Mp ultrawide is the big disappointment, but that won’t be solved by paying more for the (3a) Pro.
Overall, the Phone (3a) is an impressively well-rounded phone at a fraction of the price of flagships. Unless you really care about photography, AI features or the absolute best performance, the phone will serve you well.
9. CMF Phone 2 Pro – Best budget phone
Pros
- Impressive cameras
- Excellent display
- Strong performance
- Excellent value for money
Cons
- Only IP54 rated
- Longer software support elsewhere
Nothing sub-brand CMF’s second phone might adopt the ‘Pro’ name, but it’s still very much a budget phone. And with a starting price of just £219/$279 (more storage in the US), you won’t find a better handset for the money.
What makes the Phone 2 Pro so special? Essentially, it takes everything that made the CMF Phone 1 so good and makes it significantly better, in exchange for only a small price increase.
We’re talking two brand-new camera sensors, with the main lens also getting significantly better. For the price, you can expect some of the best photos around.
Add that to a brighter, more accurate display, a nice performance boost and the all-important NFC that was missing from the original (enabling contactless payments), and the Phone 2 Pro has a lot going for it.
The standout, customisable design remains, as does Nothing’s user-friendly take on Android 15. The three years of OS updates is a little underwhelming, while you don’t get full water or dust resistance, but the CMF Phone 2 Pro undoubtedly has a lot going for it.
10. Motorola Razr 50 Ultra/Razr Ultra 2025 – Best foldable phone
Pros
- Stunning, robust design
- Gorgeous displays
- Top-tier performance
- Excellent battery life
- Useful cover screen
Cons
- No telephoto camera
- Only four years of updates
- Expensive
The Razr 50 Ultra was already the best folding phone of 2024, but the Razr 60 Ultra extends Motorola’s lead over the competition.
We’re talking stunning new design finishes, including Alcantara and real wood, a tough build and two excellent displays. The 4-inch cover screen is impressively versatile, while the 7-inch internal display has a barely noticeable crease.
Motorola has also equipped the 60 Ultra with Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, impressive battery life from the 4700mAh cell and rapid 68W charging.
The lack of a telephoto camera is disappointing at this price point, while just three major OS updates and four years of security patches are well behind the seven years of both offered by the Galaxy Z Flip 6. But if you want the best all-around folding phone on the market, the Razr 60 Ultra is the device for you.
