Looking for a new phone? You’ve come to the right place.
With new handsets launching left, right, and center, it can be challenging to keep track of what’s worth buying. The decision is easier if you want an iPhone – Apple releases only a few handsets each year, making your options relatively limited. If you’re set on a Samsung Galaxy phone, your choices are more widespread.
But what if you’re considering any phone, including all Android phones? That’s where this guide comes in.
We review over a hundred phones every year, but only the absolute best make it to this list. If you’re looking for something more affordable, check out our best budget phones and best mid-range phone guides instead.
We can confidently recommend all the phones listed below, but each model stands out for individual reasons. Whether you’re after a phone with AI features, great cameras, superb gaming performance, excellent battery life, a folding screen, or simply value for money, there’s something here for everyone.
Leading brands like Samsung, Google, Apple, Xiaomi, OnePlus, Honor, Motorola, and Nothing are all represented here. While Nokia, Realme, Asus, Huawei, Honor, Vivo, and Sony miss out, you can find them in other phone buying guides. Detailed buying advice to help you choose the perfect phone for your personal needs can be found at the end of this article.
For more information and advice, check out our full guide to the best phone deals, along with 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
Price When Reviewed:
From $1,299.99
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.
Read our full
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra review
2. OnePlus 13 – Superb all-rounder
