The best phones you can buy (including how Samsung and Apple stacks up)
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Smartphones in 2025 are off to an exciting start. The year began with the launch of the OnePlus 13, followed by Samsung's Galaxy S25 series, which brings meaningful upgrades over last year's models. AI is also playing a bigger role than ever, as we saw with the latest innovations unveiled at Mobile World Congress in March. And with the ongoing talks surrounding tariffs and international trade, who knows what the landscape will look like in a matter of months? Regardless, with so many options vying for your attention, it's more important than ever to choose a device that fits your daily habits and makes the most of the latest tech.
What is the best smartphone right now?
After extensive testing of dozens of devices, our pick for the best phone overall is the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, thanks to its immersive and vibrant display, reliable battery life, and wealth of special features, some of which are powered by the company's latest generative AI model. The flagship iPhone 16 Pro Max is a close second, with a thinner and larger design, a Camera Control key for precision capturing, and a suite of Apple Intelligence features that continue to improve.
Of course, our pick for the best phone overall may not be the best for you. But no matter which option on this list you decide to invest in, expect it to be high-performing, have a display that gets bright enough to use outdoors, and field a camera system that will fulfill most, if not all, your photography needs.
Also: The best Android phones to buy in 2025
Best phones of 2025
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is the best handset you can buy of all phones. The new Galaxy AI embedded in the device brings many generative AI capabilities, including real-time phone call translations, multi-app AI voice prompts, enhanced photo editing, and a new AI Select tool that offers contextual shortcuts based on what you hover over. Notably, I've found that most of these features outperform AI tools offered by competing Android phones regarding speed, reliability, and practicality.
Like its predecessor, the S24 Ultra, the S25 Ultra is built with a large 6.9-inch AMOLED and a reliable 5,000mAh battery. Although the price is still fairly inaccessible at $1,299, the phone's upgrades make it well worth it for users holding onto three to four-year-old devices. It helps that the S25 Ultra is made of a lightweight yet durable titanium frame and features Corning's new Gorilla Armor 2, which is ideal for users who worry about damaging or scuffing up their devices.
Review: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
The S25 Ultra retains last year's anti-reflection screen which, when paired with the larger cooling chamber, makes it a fantastic multimedia device -- whether gaming or watching movies. Under the hood, the S25 Ultra includes an upgraded Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset for improved graphics and AI features and 12GB of RAM.
The big upgrade for the new camera system is a 50MP ultrawide lens that produces greater detail and vividness when capturing landscape and macro shots. With the S25 Ultra, you'll just have to live with the fact that the S Pen no longer supports Bluetooth gestures, which previously allowed users to snap with a click of the stylus key. And if you're tight on budget or not a fan of the Ultra model's boxier footprint, I'd recommend a lower-tier S25 model or check out the iPhone 16 series. Both options offer similar day-to-day features but for less money.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | Display size: 6.9 inches | Storage options: Up to 1TB | Rear cameras: 200MP main, 50MP ultrawide, 50MP telephoto with 5x zoom, 10MP telephoto with 3x zoom | Front camera: 12MP | Battery: 5,000mAh | Price: Starting at $1,299
The latest iPhone 16 Pro Max offers everything a premium flagship smartphone should, including a brilliant 6.9-inch AMOLED display for all the media consumption -- and mobile productivity, of course. The 2024 model also looks and feels different than any prior Pro Max devices due to its thinner bezels, larger screen, and addition of the Camera Control button, a physical switch that lets you quickly open the camera and snap photos without ever touching the screen.
ZDNET Editor-in-Chief Jason Hiner tried the touch-capacitive feature and suggested that "it's going to be super handy for people who take a ton of photos with the iPhone." Another major feature of the iPhone 16 Pro Max is the new A18 Pro chip, which Apple claims should yield significantly faster and more efficient AI processing.
With the upcoming public release of Apple Intelligence, the brand's suite of AI tools and features that includes image generation, a more capable Siri, and notification summaries, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is the most future-proof device yet.
Review: iPhone 16 Pro Max
The iPhone 16 Pro Max also features two new camera features: the ability to record 4K at 120 frames per second, which allows you to edit and produce slow-motion video without losing much detail, and Audio Mix, which distinguishes and amplifies specific waveforms to make voices sound clearer.
An improved battery life, which Apple rates at 33 hours of video playback versus last year's 29 hours, rounds out the phone's biggest upgrades. The iPhone 16 Pro Max also supports 25W wireless charging now via a compatible MagSafe adapter. Given all the upgrades, Apple continues to charge $1,199 for its most premium iPhone model, with 256GB of storage at the base level.
Also: Best password manager for iPhone
iPhone 16 Pro Max tech specs: Processor: A18 Pro | Display size: 6.9 inches | Storage options: Up to 1TB | Rear cameras: 48MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 12MP telephoto (2x), 12MP telephoto (5x) | Front camera: 12MP
The best cheap phone you can buy today is the CMF Phone 1. Starting at $239, the Phone 1 has several features going for it that put it above devices that cost hundreds of dollars more, such as the ability to manually replace the back cover, screw in accessories (including a kickstand, wallet slot, and more), and insert a MicroSD card for expanded storage.
Review: CMF Phone 1
You would think that a $200 phone would settle on essential specs like display quality, battery life, and software, but those exact three aspects score high marks for the Phone 1. The 2,000-nit display gets bright enough to use comfortably outdoors, the 5,000mAh battery will hold up for most users, and Nothing's interpretation of Android is thoughtful, short on bloatware, and full of unique widgets.
Of course, you'll have to settle with something when you're paying around $200 for a phone. In the case of the Phone 1, that comes in the form of a Dimensity 7300 5G processor that's just good enough for browsing and social media but less so for extended gaming, a camera system that's not as capable in low-light environments, and a lack of network band support that makes the phone unusable if you're on Verizon.
CMF Phone 1 by Nothing tech specs: Display size: 6.67 inches | Display type: AMOLED | Resolution: 2780 x 1264 | Refresh rate: 120Hz | Battery life: 5,500mAh | RAM: Up to 16GB | Storage: Up to 256GB | Rear camera: 50MP Sony IMX890 main, 8MP ultra-wide, 2MP macro | Front camera: 16MP | Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Price: Starting at $239
When it comes to camera performance, I've been equally impressed with the output from the big three (Apple, Samsung, and Google). But more often than not, Google's Pixel camera system takes the cake, with the latest Pixel 9 Pro models outpacing the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max when it comes to shutter speed (to capture fast-moving subjects like cars and sports), post-processing, and color accuracy.
It certainly helps that the Google Pixel 9 Pro series, which includes the $899 Pro and $1,099 Pro XL, undercut Apple and Samsung's flagship phones. (That's not counting the occasional deals we've seen during major holiday and commerce events.) For reference, the iPhone 16 Pro Max costs $1,199, and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra costs $1,299.
Both the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL feature a reliable triple lens setup, with a 50MP primary lens, a 48MP ultrawide, and a 48MP 5x telephoto lens that's great for users looking to capture distant subjects like statues and buildings. They're backed by useful software features like Google's Super Res Zoom (for up to 30x zoom photos), 8K video upscaling, and a new Add Me feature that lets you snap and merge two photos -- useful for family photos and during times when you don't have a spare cameraman.
Review: Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Again, real-time capturing is only half the battle with mobile photography; there's also post-processing and the flexibility of devices with editing and tweaking subjects. In that regard, the Pixel 9 Pro, powered by a new Tensor G4 chipset, may just have the most flexible and creative photo toolbox on the market, with AI features like Magic Editor, Photo Unblur, and Best Take that can turn any bad photo into a good one.
The Pixel 9 Pro has one of the most versatile camera systems on the market, with an output that's balanced in color and generally satisfying to look at. If you're looking for a phone camera specializing more in video-capturing and less-so photos, I'd recommend the iPhone 16 Pro Max, which has better image stabilization and motion-smoothening.
Google Pixel 9 Pro tech specs: Processor: Google Tensor G4 | Display size: 6.3 and 6.7 inches | Storage options: 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB | Rear cameras: 50MP main, 48MP ultrawide, and 48MP telephoto | Front camera: 42MP | Battery: 4,700mAh/5,060mAh | Price: Starting at $999 (Pro) and $1,099 (Pro XL)
OnePlus has had its ups and downs over the past four years, pivoting from value-driven smartphones to ultra-premium and back. In 2025, the company is doubling-down on the high-end market with the OnePlus 13, all while undercutting the likes of Apple and Samsung.
The OnePlus 13 starts at $899, which is cheaper than its closest (current) competitors, the $999 Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus and Google Pixel 9 Pro. Here's everything you get for the price: a large 6.8-inch, 120Hz AMOLED, a 6,000mAh battery, a triple camera setup with a competent 50MP main lens at the helm, the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, and more. Again: $899, and that's before the $100 discount when you trade in any phone in any condition to OnePlus. Take advantage of that.
Review: OnePlus 13
Putting the value aspect aside, the OnePlus 13 shines with its charging speed; it's something I've learned to not take for granted, as competing Android flagships tend to require hours longer to top up. From my tests, the phone's 80W wired charging can power it from 0% to 50% within 10 minutes, with a full charge taking less than 30 minutes. That's compared to the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus, for example, which takes more than an hour to fully charge with its 45W standard. OnePlus also includes the 80W charger in the box, a free bonus that will benefit users who don't want to spend any more on accessories and are always on the go.
Just as impressive is the OnePlus 13's IP69 rating, which laps its predecessor, the OnePlus 12, in water resistance. By IP69 standards, the new phone can withstand high-pressure, high-temperature water jets and humidity changes. In other words, leaving the device in a washer and dryer, or even dropping it in a pot of boiling soup, won't damage it.
While the OnePlus 13 is a near-perfect phone from our testing, alternatives like the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL and Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus are more readily available at carrier stores and promise longer software support, both of which are ideal for users looking for a device they can hold onto for the next 5+ years.
OnePlus 13 tech specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite | Display size: 6.8 inches | Storage options: 256GB/512GB | Rear cameras: 50MP main, 50MP ultrawide, and 50MP telephoto | Front camera: 32MP | Battery: 6,000mAh | Price: Starting at $899
The Galaxy Z Flip 6, unveiled at Samsung Unpacked last July, packs a ton of character and features into a tiny clamshell that pays homage to flip phones of the past.
Shape-shifting displays aside, the Z Flip 6 is very similar to the standard Samsung Galaxy S-series flagship, with a large 6.7-inch AMOLED panel that's crisp and bright, up to 512GB of storage for those high-resolution pictures and videos, and a healthy 4,000mAh battery powering it all -- an upgrade from the Z Flip 5. There's also now a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and the first vapor cooling chamber ever on a Z Flip device, both of which should make the phone run more efficiently, reducing battery drainage. The phone is thinner and lighter than previous models, too.
Review: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6
The Z Flip 6's camera system gets a nice boost, too, with an improved 50MP main sensor and 12MP ultra-wide. You'll also find a new AI-powered Auto Zoom feature, which automatically detects how many people are in a frame, as well as potential background objects the user may want to be kept in the shot, and repositions digitally.
The Z Flip 6 also includes some fun new features for the Flex Window, or outer display of the flip phone, including interactive wallpapers, suggested replies to text messages, and a new Interpreter Mode for live translations.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 tech specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Main display: 6.7 inches | Cover display: 3.4 inches | RAM/Storage: 12GB RAM with 256GB/512GB internal options | Cameras: 50MP wide angle, 12MP ultra-wide, 10MP selfie | Battery: 4,000mAh | Price: Starting at $999
While the OnePlus Open is arguably the better-equipped device, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is the best foldable phone going into the rest of 2025, thanks to its user-friendly form factor and market-leading camera system, which captures more lifelike images than competing models from OnePlus and Samsung.
Google took the traditional smartphone route when refining the outer display of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, opting for a shorter and wider panel than Samsung's taller approach with the Galaxy Z Fold 6. That makes a notable difference in hand-feel and ergonomics, even though the two phones are priced the same at $1,799 to start. Compared to the standard slab-style phone, you're simply getting more screen with the Pixel, with a larger 8-inch display when unfolded. For reference, most modern-day phones range from 6 to 6.8 inches.
Naturally, all the content you're used to consuming, like video streaming and social media, is portrayed in a familiar manner; nothing feels disorienting or cropped out. While the foldable doesn't match its Pixel Pro sibling spec-for-spec, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold truly shines and more than makes up for the "inferior" camera system in long exposure shots and selfies, thanks to its self-standing nature. This unique form factor is ideal for multitaskers and other users who want to see as much information at once as possible without reaching for a tablet or laptop.
Review: Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
I often recommend the Pixel 9 Pro Fold over other foldables because of Google's clean, bloatware-free approach to Android. Running on the Pixel launcher means you can expect a simple yet customizable user interface, with support for up to seven years of operating system and security updates. I can't say the same for the OnePlus Open or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold.
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold also succeeds the previous model with a more capable Google Tensor G4 chipset; Google AI features like Pixel Screenshots, Reimagine, and Gemini Live; and a lighter form factor for a more comfortable user experience. All in all, Google modified nearly all the right places with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, enough to make it a sleeper hit that is now at the top of our ranking list.
With a price tag of $1,799, you're mostly paying for the innovation factor with this phone. So if you're more interested in a safe and reliable handset that's arguably much easier to repair, then I'd recommend a traditional slab phone like the Pixel 9 Pro instead.
Google Pixel 9 Fold tech specs: Processor: Google Tensor G4 | Display sizes: 6.3-inch exterior and 8-inch interior | Storage options: 256GB or 512GB | Rear cameras: 48MP wide, 10.8MP ultrawide, 10.8MP telephoto | Front cameras: 10MP front | Battery: 4,650mAh | Price: Starting at $1,799
Top smartphones compared
Our pick for the best phone overall is the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. It features everything you could want from a smartphone, including a large display, four cameras that can shoot 200MP photos and 8K video, up to 1TB of storage, a built-in S Pen for writing and drawing, and a 5,000mAh battery powering the system. Here's how the S24 Ultra fares with the rest of our top picks.
Best phone model | Price | Storage | Screen size | Battery size | Processor |
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | $1,299 | Up to 1TB | 6.9 inches | 5,000mAh | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy |
iPhone 16 Pro Max | $1,199 | Up to 1TB | 6.9 inches | 4,323mAh (est.) | A18 Pro Bionic |
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL | $1,199 | Up to 1TB | 6.7 inches | 5,060mAh | Google Tensor G4 |
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold | $1,799 | Up to 512GB | 6.3 inches and 8 inches | 4,650mAh | Google Tensor G4 |
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 | $1,220 | Up to 512GB | 6.7 inches | 4,000mAh | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
CMF Phone 1 | $259 | Up to 256GB | 6.67 inches | 5,000mAh | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
OnePlus 13 | $899 | Up to 512GB | 6.8 inches | 6,000mAh | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite |
Which is the right phone for you?
Choosing a phone can be daunting. But having a list of your must-have features can go a long way toward narrowing down your options. If you're a mobile professional or travel a lot for work, you'll want to choose a phone that can provide you with at least a full day of use on a full battery and both LTE and Wi-Fi connectivity.
If you're looking for your teen's first smartphone, a budget-friendly and less feature-heavy option may be better to prevent overspending and misuse. And if you're a content creator or other creative professional, you'll want a phone with an excellent front and rear camera to capture photos and videos for your social media feed.
Choose this best phone... | If you want... |
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | A no-compromise smartphone that virtually any type of user can take advantage of. It's the only 2025 smartphone with a built-in stylus. |
iPhone 16 Pro Max | The best iPhone money can buy. It has a large screen, the longest-lasting battery out of all the models, and a toolbox of a camera system. |
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL | A flagship camera experience at your fingertips. The Pixel 9 Pro XL differentiates itself with a slew of AI-powered and the best selfie camera on the market. |
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold | The best phone-to-tablet foldable that money can buy today. And if you're a power user, the multitasking and AI features will serve you especially well. |
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 | A flip-style foldable that's both compact and performant. With a large 3.4-inch external display and improved battery life, this is the foldable to buy for most people. |
CMF Phone 1 | A more budget-friendly smartphone that doesn't compromise on performance and software experience. The CMF Phone 1 also has a unique removable back cover that opens up a world of 3D-printed customizations. |
OnePlus 13 | A phone that lasts long and charges from 0% to 100% in just 30 minutes. The OnePlus 13 is quietly good value, too, starting at $899. |
Android vs iOS: How to decide
Android:
Google's operating system has always been about personalization, app freedom, and flexible use cases. For example, dozens of Android manufacturers launch phones annually, while iOS runs only on Apple's iPhone, which releases two models yearly. Naturally, there are more Android app developers, niche software and services, and form factors that go beyond the glass slab.
Pros:
- Customization: While the latest iPhone software, iOS 18, is the most customizable version yet, Android is still ahead in modifying settings, looks and appearance, and more. You can adjust settings on a per-app basis, install third-party launchers, icon packs, and other services, and even tweak system animations to make the operating system faster.
- App variety: According to AppExperts, there are over 3.5 million Android apps on the Google Play Store and more than 1.8 million apps on the iOS App Store. That's a big difference in volume that ultimately impacts users who desire more niche and specific apps for work and play. For example, while both platforms will carry services like WhatsApp and Instagram, Android usually has the upper hand with companion apps for consumer products, unreleased APKs, and more. There's also free access to sideload apps from third-party stores -- that process is exclusive to European users as far as iOS is concerned.
- Price and availability: Both Android and iOS are offered across the mid-to-high price tiers, but the former goes a step further with options that cater to budget-oriented shoppers. If you're shopping for a smartphone for less than $300, unless you're willing to buy a second-hand iPhone that's already a few generations old, Android handsets are your best option. Android phones also come in foldable form factors, from clamshell-style devices like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 to bookstyle ones like the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
Cons:
- Security and privacy: The abundance of Android phones and app makers means there are more opportunities for hackers and data thieves to access your personal information and/or install malware. How these attacks are prevented and managed also varies across manufacturers, with some OEMs like Google doing a better job than others like Xiaomi.
- Inconsistency with quality: Like security and privacy, you must always consider which Android maker you're buying a phone from and what it offers across different price ranges. Larger legacy brands like Samsung have a greater reputation for quality assurance and value. In contrast, smaller, newer brands like Nothing and OnePlus must prove themselves, sometimes taking risks that backfire in the process.
iOS:
The iPhone's operating system remains one of the most robust and closed-in on the market, with unique features that only amplify the Apple hardware experience. Whether you're using an older or newer iPhone, iOS offers superior feature parity across generations than Android, with extended software support being one of its biggest benefits.
Pros:
- Exclusive, ecosystem-based services: Strength in numbers is the name of the game for iOS, with the operating system notorious for its exclusive apps and services, such as iMessage and FaceTime, which make switching away from the iPhone more difficult than it should be. It helps that Apple has surrounded the iPhone with hardware and software that work harmoniously with iOS, including AirDropping files into a MacBook, pulling health data from an Apple Watch, and, just recently, supporting hearing aid tests via AirPods Pro 2.
- Quality of apps: Beyond the first-party apps, U.S. developers often spend more time creating and optimizing iOS apps than Android apps due to the percentage of users. Naturally, services like Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok function more fluidly on iOS than on Android.
- Longevity: When you buy a new iPhone, expect upwards of seven years of software support. While Android makers like Google and Samsung have begun to match Apple's software update policy, the Cupertino tech giant remains the most consistent and reliable, regardless of the model. (For reference, Samsung has a better track record updating its flagship phones than its mid-range phones.)
Cons:
- Restrictive experience: Apple has loosened its grip on customizability over the years, with the latest iOS 18 update finally allowing users to freely place apps and widgets anywhere on the home screen grid. However, compared to Android, the iPhone software still has a ways to go. For example, you still can't customize notification types at a per-app level, set navigation gestures beyond swiping from the left side to go back, or download third-party app icons.
- Poor file management: If you've ever downloaded an image from the web on an iPhone, you'll know just how cumbersome it can be to locate that file later on. Sometimes, downloaded photos and videos will be directed into the file manager app first, requiring further action to fully migrate them into the Photos app.
Factors to consider when choosing a phone
The process of making our phone selections includes real-world testing and researching about the phones for weeks, consulting with colleagues, industry experts, and analysts who also have hands-on experience with the smartphones, and then selecting the best from all of the available choices.
Ultimately, we weigh in the following aspects when curating this list:
- Design: There's only so much you can do with a slab design, but size differences, material choices, color options, and even the ability to bend a screen in half give shoppers enough diversity to have a preference. That's why we have a recommendation for every form factor.
- Performance: For many, smartphones are the center of our lives, which means the best ones are performant and can handle most, if not all, tasks you throw at them.
- Camera: Arguably the most valuable feature of a smartphone; the consistency and reliability of a camera system can make or break the overall mobile experience. We test every device in broad daylight and in the darkest of nights when finalizing this list.
- Battery: Every option in this guide should last you at least a day of moderate use. We also consider what devices support fast charging and/or wireless charging.
- Value: Price points are noted, but the most important thing with buying a phone is getting your money's worth. With these picks, you can rest assured that you're getting the best bang for your buck.
How we test phones
ZDNET's review team spends upwards of a year testing the ins and outs of every major phone release, evaluating the day-to-day performance, camera quality, battery life and endurance, and special features. Here's a breakdown of every factor we consider before we make recommendations:
- Design and ergonomics: How good a phone looks and feels plays a big role in many users' buying journeys, so we consider these aspects heavily when testing.
- Performance: Several factors affect a phone's performance, including LTE/5G signal, battery life, and background tasks. Therefore, we typically begin our evaluations with a fully charged handset, with all background tasks closed, and with as stable of a mobile connection as possible.
- Camera quality: ZDNET tests phone cameras by capturing hundreds of photos and videos of various subjects and in various lighting conditions. We also compare the output to that of older models.
- Battery life and charging: It's also important for us to evaluate how long phones last under light, moderate, and heavy usage, how long they take to recharge, and how they do it (wired, wireless, or both).
- Special features: These features distinguish tested devices from a bustling smartphone market and hopefully bring added value to users, not the opposite.
- Pricing and availability: Beyond budget considerations, we also note if a phone is available in the US or only internationally.
For a more extensive breakdown, check out our comprehensive phone testing methodology page.
Kerry Wan's smartphone advice
I've used dozens of smartphones in the past year alone, learning the ins and outs -- the tips and tricks -- to make the most out of my handset. Here are my three biggest pointers on taking care of your smartphone right now:
Speeding up your smartphone
Something I always do when setting up a new Android phone is dialing up animation and transition speeds. You can do this by turning on Developer Options, a backend catalog of system settings meant for developers to access, but rules were meant to be broken, right?
To turn on Developer Options, go into your About Phone page in the settings and look for the Build Number. Tap on that seven times and you should see a pop-up indicating that Developer Options has been turned on. Now, the activated tab will appear in the main settings list. From within, scroll down until you find Windows, Transition, and Animator duration scale. Tap into each and switch from 1x (default) to .5x to double the speed of your phone's animations.
Optimizing your battery health
To preserve your phone's battery life, it's best to charge it between 20% and 80% and never let it drop to 0% or charge fully to 100%. This is because the heat generated from overcharging the phone can burn (or degrade) the battery, reducing its number of charge cycles. This phenomenon is the reason why you shouldn't charge your phone overnight or leave it plugged in for an extended period of time.
When in doubt, after a year or two of usage, consider getting your phone's battery swapped to refresh its charge cycles. You'll be amazed at how well it functions again.
How to keep your phone clean
Unless you're invested in a repairs and warranty plan like Apple Care, consider suiting your phone with a protective case and/or tempered glass screen protector. Beyond drop protection, the two accessories will prevent the phone from getting scratches, scuffs, and other blemishes and can greatly reduce the chance of water damage. For what it's worth, if a manufacturer claims its phone is rated IP68, that means the device can withstand dust ingress and be submerged in water for up to 30 minutes at 1 meter deep.
Occasionally, take an alcohol pad and give your phone a wipe-down. If you think about it, your phone is just as likely to accumulate germs as your hands, so don't forget to clean it, too.
FAQ on smartphones in 2025
What are the tariffs in the US?
The recent US tariffs on imports from countries like China, Vietnam, and India aim to boost domestic manufacturing but are likely to drive up prices on consumer electronics. Products like smartphones, laptops, and TVs may become more expensive as companies rethink global supply chains and weigh the cost of shifting production.
Also:Tariff war has tech buyers wondering what's next. Here's what we know
Smartphones are among the most affected by the new US tariffs, with devices imported from China and Vietnam facing steep duties that could raise retail prices by 20% or more. Brands like Apple and Google, which rely heavily on Asian manufacturing, may either pass these costs on to consumers or absorb them at the expense of profit margins.
The tariffs could also lead to delays in product launches or shifts in where and how phones are made, forcing companies to diversify production to countries with more favorable trade conditions.
When do new phones come out?
While the year just started, we can look at past industry trends to understand when new phones will be released. Below is a list of expected release dates/timeframe for major phones in 2025.
- Samsung Galaxy S25 series: January
- OnePlus 13 series: January
- Apple iPhone 16e: February
- Google Pixel 9a: March
- Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge: July
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7: July
- Google Pixel 10 series: August
- Apple iPhone 17 series: September
Which phone is best for money?
Besides the ones listed above, the OnePlus 13R is another great pick for the money. At $599, the device features a large 6.7-inch display with 120Hz refresh rate, a 50MP main camera system, a 6,000mAh battery that beats that of higher-cost devices, and 80W wired charging. The real kicker is OnePlus' aggressive trade-in offer, with the company discounting $100 when you turn in any phone in any condition, effectively bringing the 13R's price down to $499.
Which phone has the best camera?
Whether the iPhone 16 Pro Max, Google Pixel 9 Pro, and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra are the best is debatable. For long-distance shots, Samsung's 200MP rear camera with 100x Space Zoom can capture subjects as far out as the moon. Google's Pixel phones have always been at the top for point-and-shoot pictures and a rather simplified (but effective) camera experience. If you're a videographer at heart, then the iPhone 16 Pro Max, with the ability to record 4K videos at 120 frames per second and a new Camera Control button, is an excellent tool to get the shots you need.
How long should a phone battery last?
The average phone battery lasts about 22 hours on a full charge, which is great for staying connected on commutes, work flights, and evenings at home. But that's just the average; actual use time varies by phone model, battery capacity, the power efficiency of its processor, and what you're using your phone for.
For example, the latest iPhone 16 Pro Max boasts a 32-hour battery life. But you'll get less than that if you habitually scroll through social media or stream video and music.
How much storage should my phone have?
Most smartphones have a base storage capacity of 128GB, which is plenty of space for average users to download apps and music, take photos, and shoot videos. However, if you're a mobile or creative professional, you'll need more space. Many smartphones have expanded storage options up to 512GB or even 1TB, and you can always sync your phone to your preferred cloud storage service to free up local storage space.
Other phones we tested
Whether you're looking to upgrade or get your first smartphone, Apple, Samsung, and OnePlus have great choices that ZDNET's tested and recommends.