Best Smartphones 2025
Expert-tested smartphones with real camera tests and battery benchmarks
Choosing a smartphone means balancing camera quality, performance, and ecosystem. We've analyzed expert reviews from DXOMARK, Tom's Guide, and The Verge to find phones with verified camera and performance testing.
Our Recommendation
For most users, the iPhone 16 Pro Max offers the best overall experience with unmatched video recording and 7 years of updates. Android users should choose Galaxy S24 Ultra for productivity or Pixel 9 Pro for camera AI. Budget buyersget surprising value from the Galaxy A55 at $449.
iPhone vs Android
iPhone: Best with Apple ecosystem, longer support, consistent experience. Android: More variety, customization, Google services integration.
Software Updates
Apple, Samsung, and Google now promise 7 years of updates. This dramatically extends phone lifespan.
How We Evaluate Smartphones
Our recommendations prioritize measurable performance:
- • Camera Quality: DXOMARK scores and real-world photo comparisons
- • Performance: Benchmark scores and real-world app performance
- • Battery Life: Standardized battery drain tests across reviewers
- • Display: Brightness, color accuracy, and refresh rate testing
- • Software: Update promises, UI quality, and ecosystem value
Top Picks Compared
iPhone 16 Pro Max
$1,199
Best For
Apple ecosystem users, photography enthusiasts, premium experience
Key Specs
Pros
- + Best-in-class video recording
- + A18 Pro performance leadership
- + 7 years of iOS updates
- + Titanium premium build
Cons
- - Most expensive iPhone ever
- - USB-C still limited to USB 3
- - Incremental camera upgrades
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
$1,299
Best For
Power users, S Pen fans, Android enthusiasts
Key Specs
Pros
- + S Pen included in-body
- + 7 years of Android updates
- + Best Android display
- + 200MP camera versatility
Cons
- - Large and heavy at 232g
- - Expensive
- - Galaxy AI features need Samsung account
Google Pixel 9 Pro
$999
Best For
Photography lovers, pure Android fans, AI feature seekers
Key Specs
Pros
- + Best computational photography
- + 7 years of updates
- + Clean Android experience
- + Google AI features first
Cons
- - Tensor chip not fastest for gaming
- - Smaller than Pro XL
- - Higher price than Pixel 8 Pro
iPhone 16
$799
Best For
iOS users seeking value, upgrading from older iPhones
Key Specs
Pros
- + A18 chip is powerful
- + Action Button now standard
- + 48MP camera improved
- + Same 7-year update promise
Cons
- - Still 60Hz display
- - No telephoto camera
- - Slower charging than Pro
Samsung Galaxy A55
$449
Best For
Budget-conscious users, reliable mid-range needs
Key Specs
Pros
- + Excellent value at $449
- + IP67 water resistance
- + 4 years of OS updates
- + Super AMOLED 120Hz display
Cons
- - Slower processor than flagships
- - Plastic frame
- - No wireless charging
Quick Comparison
| Model | Display | Camera | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | 6.9" 120Hz | 48MP | $1,199 |
| Galaxy S24 Ultra | 6.8" 120Hz | 200MP | $1,299 |
| Pixel 9 Pro | 6.3" 120Hz | 50MP | $999 |
| iPhone 16 | 6.1" 60Hz | 48MP | $799 |
| Galaxy A55 | 6.6" 120Hz | 50MP | $449 |
Buying Guide
Camera Priority
iPhone 16 Pro Max for video. Pixel 9 Pro for computational photography. Galaxy S24 Ultra for zoom versatility.
Size Matters
6.1" = compact. 6.3-6.5" = standard. 6.7"+ = large. Bigger means better battery but harder to use one-handed.
Storage
128GB minimum for most users. 256GB+ for heavy photo/video. iPhones and Pixels have no SD expansion.
Trade-In Value
iPhones retain value best. Check carrier trade-in deals—often better than manufacturer offers.
Bottom Line
The iPhone 16 Pro Max leads with the best video recording and longest software support— the premium choice for most users. Android power users should invest in the Galaxy S24 Ultra for its S Pen and display quality. Camera enthusiasts on Android will love the Pixel 9 Pro's computational photography. For budget buyers, the Galaxy A55 at $449 offers flagship features like IP67 and 120Hz AMOLED at mid-range pricing.