The Best Phones Android tested top picks
In 2025, a comprehensive analysis of the flagship devices in the smartphone industry is needed. The consideration is between premium devices such as the iPhone 17 Pro Max, the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL, and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, as well as whether a less popular smartphone may be the better option.
I created a list of the best Phones Android available that should make your decision easier. This list includes something for everyone from those who prefer a premium flagship level to those who prefer a smaller phone.
For those of you who have different priorities like camera or battery life, below is a recap of the best new Phones Android for those features and the reasoning that nominated them as a best.
Best iPhone
iPhone 17 Pro Max
The device provides a noticeable performance bump, offers substantial camera upgrades (especially with the front-facing camera), and features a brighter display that now has an anti-reflective coating.
However, there are some drawbacks, such as a camera system that may deliver only minor improvements (and in some cases may be controversial), and the device has switched to a more easily scratched aluminum body instead of stainless steel or titanium.
Key iPhone 17 Pro Max Specifications:
- Display: 6.9-inch, 120Hz
- Processor: Apple A19 Pro
Cameras:
- Rear: 48MP main + 48MP ultra-wide + 48MP telephoto (4x zoom)
- Front: 18MP Center Stage
Battery:
- eSIM model: 5,088 mAh
- Physical SIM model: 4,823 mAh
- Charging: 40W wired, 25W MagSafe wireless
- Storage Options: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB (all with 12GB RAM)
Why I Picked It
For optimal iPhone performance that boasts the largest display and the longest battery life, look no further than the iPhone 17 Pro Max. This generation continues the hereditary formula with new aluminum unibody enclosure as well as a more sophisticated telephoto camera.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max features a number of upgrades, including a brighter screen with peak brightness rated at 3,000 nits and an anti-reflective coating, an A19 Pro chip that runs AAA games over 50 fps, and a battery life upgrade thanks to the cell surpassing 5,000 mAh when using the eSIM model.
Within Apple’s new iPhone collection, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is the only large-screen phone with a battery that lasts several days after a nightly charge, especially after the Plus was taken out of production.
One welcome change is to the telephoto camera, which drops from 5X optical zoom to a more user-friendly 4X optical zoom, which is helpful for portrait photography. The telephoto camera features a 56% larger sensor and allows for 8X optical zoom through sensor cropping.
Apple has greatly improved charging speeds. The new wired charging now reaches 40W, and the iPhone achieves a full charge in approx 1 hour and 15 minutes, which is about 30 minutes faster than prior generations.
Who’s It For
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is created for users entrenched in the Apple ecosystem who want a large-screen smartphone. There aren’t many ways to recommend this model without certain specific exceptions, but it checks all boxes as a smartphone model.
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This model is also a great handset for Android users switching to iOS. Particularly users coming from a flagship model like the Phones Android Galaxy S24 Ultra or S25 Ultra.
Who Should Avoid This Phone
If you like smaller, one-handed Phones Android, the iPhone 17 Pro Max may not be the best choice for you. If you are looking for a foldable phone, the iPhone series is not an option, as there aren’t any foldable Apple phones currently on the market so your only option is buying one of the iPhone models.
If you want the absolute fastest charging speeds, this iPhone is still slow compared to the OnePlus 13 but it has finally caught up with the Galaxy Ultra’s speed. With the premium price you will be paying, you will be better off for the features of a more budget-friendly phone.
Phones Android Galaxy Ultra Model
As for alternatives, you sacrifice very little by considering previous-generation Pro Max models like the iPhone 16 Pro Max or 15 Pro Max. If you can find them at a discounted price, they represent an excellent value.
Phones Android Galaxy S25 Ultra
Things we liked:
The redesigned look is refined and professional. The Gorilla Armor display is still great at reducing glare. Performance is good for nearly any task, but it could throttle during benchmark stress-testing.
Things we didn’t like:
The new “floating” camera design traps dirt easily. Battery life and charging speeds remain the same. The speakers received a minimal upgrade, which was disappointing.
Key Galaxy S25 Ultra Specifications:
- Display: 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 1440 x 3120 pixels
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite (3nm)
Cameras:
- Rear: 200MP Main, 50MP Ultra-Wide, 10MP 3x Telephoto, 50MP 5x Telephoto
- Front: 12MP
- Battery & Charging: 5,000 mAh, 45W wired charging
- Storage/RAM: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB (all with 12GB RAM)
Reason for Selection
Although the Phones Android Galaxy S25 Ultra is another round of improvements, it still reigns as the best luxury Android phone. There is impressive speed with the new Snapdragon 8 Elite, but the biggest enhancements were software improvements with One UI 7, and it looks nicer as well. And of course, the S Pen makes its appearance again for those who find it beneficial to have.
Galaxy S25 Ultra
This phone continues to have the same four-camera setup, with two zoom lenses for best-in-class zoom. The 50MP ultra-wide camera is upgraded, which means it captures more detail and produces sharper macro shots.
Switching between lenses is also now smoother in the camera UI and includes some useful new controls, like a video zoom dial. Professionals can record LOG video, which can be invaluable.
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Our favorite feature, the anti-reflective Gorilla Armor screen, is back with even better durability, making the S25 Ultra the top choice for outdoor visibility.
The 45-watt charging power fills the battery in just over an hour, which is good, but not class-leading.
Who Is It For?
The Galaxy S25 Ultra would be the perfect option for Android users looking for a large-screen device which employs the unique utility of an S Pen stylus built-in – a feature unique to the flagship Android market!
It also is a natural fit for those who are entrenched in the Samsung ecosystem and the One UI experience. Similar to the Apple user experience, this device also fits the needs of users who are switching from an iPhone flagship.
While the S25 Ultra is a true powerhouse, capable of managing nearly every task, there are specific scenarios when another device might fit the use case.
Who Should Not Get This Phone
Don’t buy this if there is no use for the S Pen or the phone’s size is a deterrent for you. You could look at other models in the Galaxy S standard series or even a smaller flagship crush the competition.
Pricing is another huge component. The S25 Ultra is positioned at the very top of the Android Market. So, if you cannot justify that price for your needs, check our Value Flagship guide below and best phone sub-$500 guide below, too.
If you want even more information, check out our best Android phone guide and see what deals are currently available for the Galaxy S25 series.
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FAQ
What is the best phone in 2025?
This is the key question. “Best” is a subjective term based on individual priorities. Within that, you may want the best camera but prioritize battery life. You may want the most brilliant display but prioritize raw processing power.
With that said, in terms of an overall, definitive recommendation, you can’t go wrong with either of the top flagships in the iOS and Android ecosystems: the iPhone 17 Pro Max or the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
iPhone or Phones Android – Which is best in 2025?
Both Phones Android and iPhones have their own merits and advantages; there is no categorically better phone – it all comes down to what you need and want in your phone.
For people who use Apple products, like a MacBook, iPad, or AirPods, choosing an iPhone will give you a more seamless, secure, and polished experience.
What does a phone camera mean to you?
Smartphone photography is incredibly variable, especially with regard to the cameras themselves.
While the post-processing and AI eras of photography created complications, basic hardware specifications such as sensor size, pixel size, aperture, and lens quality are still of utmost importance.
While megapixels form a part of an imaging component, it’s not a specification that I would focus on.
How can I determine the battery life of a phone?
Although the battery capacity is a good indicator of the time a smartphone can run on a charge, it is more complicated than that. Phones Android Even with all the variables we must consider, a higher capacity generally yields greater battery life.
Although battery technology is advancing quickly, we are starting to see Phones Android come out that are at a capacity of 6,000 mAh or even 7,000 mAh. As a general rule of thumb, if you are looking for, or considering a smartphone, you want to go for at least a 5,000 mAh battery, which should get you through a day of use.
Identified Your Ideal Phone?
This ends our selection of the best Phones Android Androidto buy in 2025, but with our help, hopefully you’ve found the right one. If you want the best iPhone experience, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is the obvious pick. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is a flagship Android phone that does just about everything well.
If you prefer smaller Phones Android, compact flagships like the Galaxy S25 and iPhone Air provide a top-level experience but in a smaller footprint. Alternatively, if you’re into foldable phones, the refreshed Razr phones offer a handful of flip models, and the Phones Android Razr Ultra (2025) is the best of the bunch.
Phones Android Galaxy Z Fold 7
The folding smartphone market is getting more competitive across different brands, while Samsung holds onto a significant market share, the new Phones Android Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is a huge step forwards.
The budget smartphone market is as competitive as ever, and we’ve picked a favorite: the Google Pixel 9a. It provides most of the flagship specs, features, and experience at a very competitive price.
Please continue to check this guide regularly, as many more products will be added over time.
