You may already have a good idea that which smartphone you want to be your next. But now there are more solid options available than ever, so that the decision is not cut that it is not cut-end-dry. While the decision is a bit easy if you know that you want an iPhone, there is also sufficient variation between new models that you may have to think for longer. If you are an Android person, you have even more options to choose – including Foldables – And more questions to answer before spending any money.
In Engadget, we regularly review the phone and have tested dozens in years. Whether you keep an eye on one of our current top pics, one of Samsung’s Galaxy S25 phones, A Cheap phone Or another device, we are here to help you decide which is the best phone to buy this year.
Android or iOS?
When you are searching for the best smartphone, it becomes clear that each OS has its professionals and opposition. It makes the apple’s tight-smelling ecosystem to share data between iPhones, iPads and MACS or share data to shut down the music by hand from one device to another device makes it super easy. At the same time, you are effectively locking, as services like Apple Message are not available on other platforms.
For Android, there are very broad range from companies such as Google, Samsung, Sony and more. However, Android phones do not enjoy the same length of software support and are often low trade-values. In short, there is no wrong answer. However, you would like to consider how your phone will fit with the rest of your equipment. So until you are really fed up with an OS and are ready to learn the other, it probably doesn’t matter to switch to an Android phone (or vice versa) from an iPhone – especially if it Everyone in your house is to use the same platform.
Camera
Since your cell phone often draws double duty as your primary camera, it is important to reveal what kind of photo tools you want. Nowadays, practically every mobile phone can take a great picture in bright light. But if you want a long optical zoom, you probably have to upgrade to a more expensive device.
Cherlynn Low / Engadget
Mid-range phone Often there are only two rear cameras (a primary wide-angle lens and a secondary ultra-wide camera) and can sometimes struggle in low-light situations. Each phone manufacturer also has different features that can be a better fit for your style, in which Apple offers four different -color presets on the latest iPhones, while Google’s pixel 9 Pro dedicated long exposure and action pan mode Like comes with clean equipment.
Will you get MMWAVE 5G or Wi-Fi 7?
The good news is that in 2025, most phones have at least Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E and support for some types of 5G connectivity. However, if you want the fastest wireless speed possible, it is a little extra spending you. For example, on some networks, MMWave provides 5G gigabit download speed, low delay and better bandwidth. But MMWave 5G also requires more sophisticated (and pricier) modem, which means that support for this often disappears on less expensive equipment.
On the bright side, MMWave is not widely available as other versions of 5G 5G, so you do not support it ‘T does not support it. It is a similar position for Wi-Fi 7, available on some high-end handsets such as the Galaxy S25, but hard to find on cheap equipment. You also need one for Wi-Fi 7 Compatible routerSo until you know that you need it or take into account the matter of a specific use, the lack of support for MMWAVE 5G or Wi-Fi 7 in search of new phones should not be a delivery.
Other facilities to consider
Because not everyone agrees what the best phone is, you should think about any other glasses that can be additional important to you. Mobile gamers will definitely appreciate 120Hz refresh rates available on phones like Samsung Galaxy S25 or Apple iPhone 16 Pro. Alternatively, if long battery life is important, you probably want to go with a big iPhone or a battery with an Android phone that is between 4,000 and 5,000 mAh size. Meanwhile, if you find yourself juggling a lot of equipment, it can really be good to have a phone that supports reverse wireless charging, which also recharge the company’s galaxies on the Samsung phone. lets you.
Other smartphones we have tested
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Like its predecessor, S25 Ultra There is an incredibly versatile phone. It is one of the few handsets that come with stylus and premium features such as a grand 6.9-inch AMOLED display, titanium frame and 5X telephoto camera. It also has excellent performance and strong battery life. The issue is that, different from better AI, this year’s phone does not offer much more than the previous model (or before one), and starts with prices starting from $ 1,300, we think that we think that the top earnings Choose more spots need to be done.
OnePlus 12
When OnePlus 12 The latest pixel was not able to ignore, it is worth noting because it provides powerful glasses for money. It has a quick Snapdragon 8 General 3 chip, a large and bright 6.8-inch, 120Hz OLED screen and the best battery life that we have seen on any phone till date. OnePlus also brought support for wireless charging for the first time in several generations, as well as a good (but not great) with an IP65 rating for dust and water resistance. And even though its huge camera module looks a bit unnatural, its photos are surprisingly sharp. But the best thing is that, with an initial price of $ 800, OnePlus 12 costs $ 200 less than its largest rivals.
questions to ask
How do I know which smartphone is best for me?
Choosing the best smartphone can be challenging, it is mostly down how you plan to use the device. All the best phones available are now right now – you will be able to reach calls, text and internet without many hiccups. If your smartphone is your most commonly used gadget, you can consider paying for the device at the high end of the price spectrum. It will get you better overall performance, high-quality cameras and a phone that will last for many years. If you do not use your phone for everything, you may be able to compromise on performance and additional allowances and still spend less on the capable handset.
How much is the smartphone?
The price of the smartphone is more than $ 300 to $ 1,500. The best budget phones available now will usually compromise to compromise on overall performance, design, camera skills and additional features. On the other hand, the most expensive phone will have powerful processors, triple-camera eras and even flip or fold designs. Most people will get a phone that meets their requirements in the middle of that wide price range – we have found that most of the best smartphones available now cost between $ 500 and $ 1,000.
What can you do on a smartphone?
Smartphones are essentially small, portable computers that allow you to do things like check emails, social media browsing, following map directions, paying contact and doing more. These are all basics such as phone calls and textting, which we all have come to expect in modern cell phones. The smartphone has also thanked most compact cameras to its high-quality, underlying shooters, and the fact that today most smartphone as portable, if not so, as compact cameras.
How long do smartphones last?
Smartphones can live up to years and people are Catching on their phone Now more than ever. Software updates and battery life are the two biggest factors that can affect phones longevity. Apple promises a five -year software update for its latest iPhones, and Google makes the same promises for its Pixel phone. The Samsung phone will get a four -year Android update from the time of launching the phone. Speed ​​and battery to charge life, your phone can deteriorate over time because you use and recharge your phone regularly.
Recent updates
January 2025: Samsung’s latest Galaxy S-Series was updated to include details about the phone.
September 2024: Updated to include the latest iPhone 16 model and a new midrange iPhone top pick.
September 2024: To include an editor’s note about the latest iPhones and to mention Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold in the “Best Foldable Phone for Multitasking”.
This article originally appeared on Engadget on https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/best-smartphones-140004900.html?src=rsS.
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