Why we prefer it: The Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely is the best handset of all of the Android phones we have examined. The new Galaxy AI embedded in the system brings a slew of generative AI capabilities, together with real-time cellphone name translations, multi-app AI voice prompts, enhanced picture modifying, and a brand new AI Choose device that provides contextual shortcuts based mostly on what you hover over. Notably, I’ve discovered that almost all of those options outperform AI instruments provided by competing Android phones concerning pace, reliability, and practicality.

Like its predecessor, the S24 Extremely, the S25 Extremely is constructed with a big 6.9-inch AMOLED and a dependable 5,000mAh battery. It helps that the S25 Extremely is made from a light-weight but sturdy titanium body and options Corning’s Gorilla Armor 2, which is good for customers who fear about damaging or scuffing up their gadgets.

Underneath the hood, the S25 Extremely consists of an upgraded Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset for improved graphics and AI options and 12GB of RAM. From our testing, the Qualcomm processor not solely yields larger day-to-day efficiency but in addition improved energy effectivity for longer endurance (roughly 9 hours of typical use per cost).

Lastly, the massive improve for the brand new digicam system is a 50MP ultrawide lens that produces larger element and vividness when capturing panorama and macro photographs.

Evaluation: Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely

Who it is for: Though the value of the S25 Extremely remains to be pretty inaccessible at $1,299, the cellphone’s upgrades make it nicely value it for customers holding onto three to four-year-old gadgets, and are trying to swap to one thing extra succesful. The S25 Extremely retains final 12 months’s anti-reflection display which, when paired with the bigger cooling chamber, makes it a unbelievable multimedia system and straightforward to use when outside. 

If cash is not any object, otherwise you rating a aggressive provide out of your native service or retailer, then the S25 Extremely is the best cellphone you’ll be able to buy at the moment.

Who ought to look elsewhere: With the S25 Extremely, you will have to stay with the truth that the S Pen not helps Bluetooth gestures, which beforehand allowed customers to snap with a click on of the stylus key. And should you’re tight on price range or not a fan of the Extremely mannequin’s boxier footprint, I might suggest a lower-tier S25 mannequin or try the OnePlus 13. Each choices provide comparable options however for much less cash.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | Show dimension: 6.9 inches | Storage choices: Up to 1TB | Rear cameras: 200MP most important, 50MP ultrawide, 50MP telephoto with 5x zoom, 10MP telephoto with 3x zoom  | Entrance digicam: 12MP | Battery: 5,000mAh | Worth: Beginning at $1,299

Why we prefer it: The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is the best foldable cellphone going into the remainder of 2025, thanks to its ultra-thin kind issue and market-leading digicam system, which captures extra lifelike photos than competing fashions from OnePlus and Google, based mostly on our exams. 

Samsung took the normal smartphone route when refining the outer show of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, choosing a wider, extra common facet ratio panel than final 12 months’s narrower Galaxy Z Fold 6. That makes a notable distinction in hand-feel and ergonomics, though the 2 phones are solely $100 aside. In contrast to the usual slab-style cellphone, you are merely getting extra display with the Z Fold 7, with a bigger 8-inch show when unfolded. For reference, most modern-day phones vary from 6 to 6.8 inches.

Naturally, all of the content material I have been consuming on the cellphone, like video streaming, social media feeds, and Google Maps, is portrayed in a extremely consumable method; nothing feels disorienting or cropped out. Whereas the foldable does not match its Extremely sibling spec-for-spec, the Z Fold 7 actually shines and greater than makes up for the “inferior” 200MP digicam system in lengthy publicity photographs and selfies, thanks to its self-standing nature. 

Evaluation: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7

Who it is for: I typically suggest the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold over different foldables due to Samsung’s feature-rich method to software program. Operating on the OneUI launcher (over Android 16) means you’ll be able to count on a easy but customizable consumer interface, with help for up to seven years of working system and safety updates. I am unable to say the identical for the OnePlus Open or Motorola Razr.

This ultra-slim kind issue can be superb for multitaskers and different customers who need to see as a lot info directly as potential with out reaching for a pill or laptop computer. You merely will not discover a foldable with higher ergonomics proper now than this.

Who ought to look elsewhere: With a beginning price ticket of $1,999, you are principally paying for the innovation issue with this cellphone. So should you’re extra in a protected and dependable handset that is arguably a lot simpler to restore, then I might suggest a conventional slab cellphone just like the Samsung Galaxy S25 collection as an alternative.

Customers purchasing for a foldable cellphone ought to think about the Google Pixel 9 Professional Fold if they like a handset with much less bloatware and a stubbier design, or final 12 months’s Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 if they need S Pen stylus help, which the Z Fold 7 omits.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 tech specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite | Show sizes: 6.5-inch exterior and 8-inch inside | Storage choices: 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB | Rear cameras: 200MP extensive, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto | Entrance cameras: 10MP entrance | Battery: 4,400mAh | Worth: Beginning at $1,999

Why we prefer it: There are three key the explanation why it’s best to buy the newest Nothing cellphone over every other mid-range cellphone: For $459, you get a decent-sized 6.77-inch AMOLED that ramps up to a 120Hz refresh fee, a dependable 50MP digicam system, and an enthralling design (each {hardware} and software program) that is uncommon in this value vary.

In contrast to the newest Google Pixel 9a and Apple iPhone 16e, the Nothing Cellphone 3a Professional fields a clear glass backing that is adorned with screws and knowledge ribbons beneath. That is all accented with the model’s standard Glyph interface, an array of LEDs that shine and sparkle relying on incoming notifications, calls, timers, and extra. It is a {hardware} package deal that makes different midrange phones look outdated and may attraction to fashion-forward customers or people who worth innovation above all else. 

The Nothing Cellphone 3a Professional is somewhat aggressive in specs, too, with a 6.77-inch 120Hz show that is bigger and brighter (up to 3,000 nits) than its closest opponents. Whereas it is solely a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset powering the system — which means it will not breeze previous Fortnite runs at max graphics — I’ve discovered the processor adequate for day by day looking, social media consumption, and streaming motion pictures.

Evaluation: Nothing Cellphone 3a Professional

Who it is for: If bang on your buck is what you are after, think about the Nothing Cellphone 3a Professional. It is a great-value handset that is designed to attraction to tech lovers, trailblazers, and fashion-forward customers. It additionally has a somewhat minimal software program expertise that may please customers in search of a bloatware-free interface. Nonetheless, there’s simply sufficient easter eggs throughout widgets, settings, and customization choices to stop you from becoming bored.

Who ought to look elsewhere: In fact, some limitations are anticipated from a cellphone in this value vary, reminiscent of a less-capable digicam system that may be inconsistent in distinction ranges and shade (e.g., making the sky seem muted or not having a lot depth between the topic and background). There’s additionally no wi-fi charging help, a typical omission in this value vary however nonetheless an annoyance for customers who’ve adopted the know-how. If that is a function you require, I might suggest the Google Pixel 9a as an alternative.

The last item to word is that the Nothing Cellphone 3a Professional is simply accessible via the corporate’s Beta Program, at the least right here in the US. It is free to be a part of however requires you to enroll on its web site to buy the cellphone, which means the Cellphone 3a Professional is unavailable at your native retailer or service retailer. Which may be a dealbreaker for some.

Nothing Cellphone 3a Professional tech specs: Processor:  Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 | Show dimension: 6.77 inches | Storage choices: 256GB | Rear cameras: 50MP most important, 50MP telephoto, 8MP ultrawide | Entrance digicam: 50MP | Battery: 5,000mAh | Worth: $459  

Why we prefer it: The OnePlus 13 delivers one of many extra well-rounded flagship experiences we have examined, with a big 6.8-inch, 120Hz AMOLED, a 6,000mAh battery, a triple digicam setup with a reliable 50MP most important lens on the helm, the newest Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, and extra. For $899, it’s extremely troublesome to discover a higher flagship cellphone deal proper now.

Placing the worth facet apart, the OnePlus 13 shines with its charging pace; it is one thing I’ve discovered to not take with no consideration, as competing Android flagships have a tendency to require hours longer to high up. From my exams, the cellphone’s 80W wired charging can energy it from 0% to 50% inside 10 minutes, with a full cost taking lower than half-hour. 

That is in contrast to the Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus, for instance, which takes greater than an hour to absolutely cost with its 45W customary. OnePlus additionally consists of the 80W charger in the field, a free bonus that may profit customers who don’t need to spend any extra on equipment and are all the time on the go.

One other vantage level is the OnePlus 13’s IP69 ranking, which laps its predecessor, the OnePlus 12, in water resistance. By IP69 requirements, the cellphone can face up to high-pressure, high-temperature water jets and humidity adjustments. In different phrases, leaving the system in a washer and dryer, and even dropping it in a pot of boiling soup, will not harm it. 

Evaluation: OnePlus 13

Who it is for: The OnePlus 13 begins at $899, which is cheaper than its closest (present) opponents, the $999 Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus and Google Pixel 9 Professional. The value level alone makes it worthy of recommending to customers in search of a flagship cellphone expertise without having to fork up $1,000 or extra. For the cash, you will additionally get the quickest charging speeds on the US market, nice for customers who’re all the time on the go or require as a lot energy as potential in a given time.

Who ought to look elsewhere: Whereas the OnePlus 13 hits nearly each mark from our testing, options just like the Google Pixel 9 Professional XL and Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus are extra available at service shops and promise longer software program help, each of which are perfect for customers in search of a tool they will maintain onto for the subsequent 5+ years.

The OnePlus 13 additionally falls brief when it comes to video-recording, with our exams exposing its inconsistent HDR capturing, shade processing, and imperfect stabilization. Subsequently, customers who might lean heavier on video-recording ought to think about different flagship phones just like the iPhone 16 Professional.

OnePlus 13 tech specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite | Show dimension: 6.8 inches | Storage choices: 256GB/512GB | Rear cameras: 50MP most important, 50MP ultrawide, and 50MP telephoto | Entrance digicam: 32MP | Battery: 6,000mAh | Worth: Beginning at $899

Why we prefer it: When it comes to digicam efficiency, I have been equally impressed with the output from the massive three (Apple, Samsung, and Google). However most of the time, Google’s Pixel digicam system takes the cake, with the newest Pixel 9 Professional fashions outpacing the Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely and iPhone 16 Professional when it comes to shutter pace (to seize fast-moving topics like vehicles and sports activities), post-processing, and shade accuracy.

In fact, real-time capturing is simply half the battle with cell images; there’s additionally post-processing and the flexibleness of gadgets with modifying and tweaking topics. In that regard, the Pixel 9 Professional, powered by a Tensor G4 chipset, could have probably the most versatile and artistic picture toolbox in the marketplace, with AI options like Magic Editor, Picture Unblur, and Best Take that permit you to modify the images you seize to obtain the best (or most superb) shot.

Each the Pixel 9 Professional and Professional XL function a dependable triple lens setup based mostly on our exams, with a 50MP major lens, a 48MP ultrawide, and a 48MP 5x telephoto lens that is nice for customers trying to seize distant topics like statues and buildings. They’re backed by helpful software program options like Google’s Tremendous Res Zoom (for up to 30x zoom pictures), 8K video upscaling, and a brand new Add Me function that allows you to snap and merge two pictures — helpful for household pictures and through occasions when you do not have a spare cameraman.

Evaluation: Google Pixel 9 Professional XL

Who it is for: It definitely helps that the Google Pixel 9 Professional collection, which incorporates the $899 Professional and $1,099 Professional XL, undercut Apple and Samsung’s flagship phones. (That is not counting the occasional offers we have seen throughout main vacation and commerce occasions.) For reference, the iPhone 16 Professional Max prices $1,199, and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely prices $1,299. Subsequently, we suggest the Pixel to clients who’re aggressively trying to find a superb cellphone deal.

Customers preferring a much less bloated software program expertise also needs to think about the Google Pixel 9 Professional collection over its Android opponents just like the Samsung Galaxy S25 and OnePlus 13, as Google’s Pixel launcher is freed from pointless third-party apps. The Google Pixel line can be among the many first to obtain the newest Android software program options, a facet that ought to attraction to lovers and builders.

Who ought to look elsewhere: Whereas the Pixel 9 Professional collection performs nicely for picture capturing, should you’re in search of a cellphone digicam that specializes extra in video-capturing (particularly with Professional modes), I might suggest the iPhone 16 Professional Max or Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely, each of which have higher picture stabilization and motion-smoothening.

Google Pixel 9 Professional tech specs: Processor: Google Tensor G4 | Show dimension: 6.3 and 6.7 inches | Storage choices: 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB | Rear cameras: 50MP most important, 48MP ultrawide, and 48MP telephoto | Entrance digicam: 42MP | Battery: 4,700mAh/5,060mAh | Worth: Beginning at $999 (Professional) and $1,099 (Professional XL)

Why we prefer it: Deciding on the best compact cellphone got here down to the wire, with Motorola’s Razr Extremely simply scraping by Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 7. I went hands-on with the brand new Razr Extremely mannequin earlier this 12 months, and was completely impressed by the improved hinge system (learn: the cellphone feels sturdier to flip open and shut), in addition to the efficiency, which is underpinned by an up to date Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and 12GB of RAM.

Motorola’s outer show nonetheless helps just about any app you throw at it, which means you’ll be able to browse the online, play video games, scroll TikTok, and do different cell duties with out ever needing to flip open the system. Samsung’s platform is extra restricted in this regard, which all the time felt like a missed alternative when testing.

It additionally helps that the Razr Extremely has a textured backing, together with new Alcantara and Wooden finishes, which I’ve discovered to be simpler to maintain and grip than competing flip phones. Contemplating how fragile these foldable gadgets might be — something with so many transferring components usually are — the improved grip is straightforward to admire.

Evaluation: Motorola Razr Extremely (2025)

Who it is for: At $1,299, the Razr Extremely isn’t an affordable flip cellphone by any means. That is why its extra inexpensive siblings, the Razr and Razr Plus, exist. However if you need probably the most full, sturdy, and visually-stimulating flip cellphone in the marketplace proper now, you will have to pay to play with the Razr Extremely.

I applauded Motorola for exploring new shade and materials finishes with this 12 months’s Razr, and that is one thing fashion-forward customers will doubtless favor too. The battery on this 12 months’s mannequin — 4,700mAh, up from 4,000mAh — can be a lot bigger, which you’ll be able to by no means actually complain about.

Who ought to look elsewhere: When shopping for the Razr Extremely, you also needs to think about facets like Motorola’s comparatively brief software program replace cadence, which ranges from 2 to 3 years, versus Google and Samsung’s 7 years. In case you’re in search of a cellphone that is much more forgiving when dropped, I might make investments in a conventional slab handset as an alternative, just like the Samsung Galaxy S25 collection or iPhone 16 Professional collection.

Motorola Razr Extremely (2025) tech specs: Processor:  Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite | Show sizes: 4-inch exterior and 7-inch inside | Storage choices: 512GB, 1TB | Rear cameras: 50MP extensive, 50MP ultrawide | Entrance digicam: 32MP extensive | Battery: 4,700mAh | Worth: $1,299

Why we prefer it: Whether or not you recreation on present cell apps or take to the cloud for streaming, Android producers have spent the previous decade forging a brand new class of gaming-tailored smartphones, and the Asus ROG Cellphone 9 collection could be the best in its class.

This is a rundown of its key gaming options: The cellphone has one of many smoothest 185Hz refresh fee shows I’ve examined (in contrast to the 120Hz and 144Hz configurations on competing fashions just like the RedMagic 10 Professional), 16GB of RAM, a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset to energy via video games and background duties, capacitive aspect triggers which are mappable to numerous in-game capabilities, an extra LED again panel that one Reddit consumer says is “screaming my identify,” and a 5,800mAh battery protecting the lights turned on. It is a mouthful, I do know.

The newest mannequin options numerous AI instruments, like a wallpaper generator, to fit your theming preferences. For players, the cellphone helps X Sense, which makes use of AI to be taught your in-game patterns in order that the cellphone can routinely carry out duties for you, reminiscent of choosing up objects as you progress round in Genshin Impression. I examined a number of of those AI options at CES and was impressed with how naturally Asus had embedded them into the cellphone’s software program.

Additionally: The best gaming PCs of 2025: Skilled examined

Who it is for: Notably, that large-capacity battery of the Asus ROG Cellphone 9 bests most high-end phones in the US market, together with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely (5,000mAh) and iPhone 16 Professional Max (4,685mAh), making it a unbelievable decide for energy customers and cell gaming lovers.

The software program can be wealthy with gaming-centric settings and customizations, superb for players who like to tinker, however not for the on a regular basis shopper who’s simply getting began. 

Who ought to look elsewhere: From my testing, the Asus ROG Cellphone 9 collection falls brief when it comes to digicam efficiency and software program expertise — each of that are widespread amongst gaming phones. With all of the concentrate on rendering graphics and processing energy, the 50MP digicam on the ROG Cellphone can produce washed-out and over-sharpened pictures, and subsequently, I do not suggest it for customers purchasing for a dependable digicam cellphone.

For these causes, I might counsel both the OnePlus 13 or Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely to anybody who desires a handset that is much less polarizing. Each of these fashions are extra able to dealing with day-to-day duties — on high of cell gaming.

Asus ROG Cellphone 9 Professional tech specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite | Show dimension: 6.78 inches | Storage choices: 256GB/512GB/1TB | Rear cameras: 50MP most important,13MP ultrawide, and 5MP macro | Entrance digicam: 32MP | Battery: 5,800mAh | Worth: Beginning at $999