10 Best Android Phones of 2025, Tested and Reviewed

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2 weeks ago

Is Now a Good Time to Purchase?

Sure. Lots of the telephones on this information are the most recent fashions we have examined, however extra importantly, there is a sturdy likelihood that costs of electronics like smartphones, laptops, and tablets will begin creeping up over the approaching months because of the heavy China tariffs. It is an evolving state of affairs, however it’s smart to buy a new smartphone now (if you have to improve), as a substitute of ready and ending up having to pay an absurd worth.

We advocate unlocked telephones on this information. When a telephone is bought as unlocked, meaning it may be used on a number of wi-fi carriers and networks. Once you purchase a telephone instantly out of your wi-fi provider, often on a fee plan, it usually comes locked to that community.

Carriers are legally required to unlock a telephone upon request so you’ll be able to change networks, however it’s an enormous problem. Attempt to pay full worth in your telephone, or be sure that it particularly says it is unlocked. Purchase it from the producer instantly, or examine your provider’s insurance policies for unlocking telephones in the event that they’re purchased on a fee plan that requires you to make use of its community. It is much less of a problem while you journey and wish to change to a global SIM card too.

Android Specs to Look For

If not one of the smartphones on this information strike your fancy and also you wish to hold wanting, listed here are a few issues to remember as you store.

Show measurement: You maintain a smartphone on a regular basis, so be sure that no matter you decide is the precise measurement in your palms. Most small Android telephones are round 6.1 to six.3 inches (measured diagonally), whereas bigger telephones usually high out at 6.8 or 6.9 inches.

Processor: Most smartphones are powered by a Qualcomm or MediaTek processor. Google telephones use the corporate’s in-house Tensor chip, and a few Samsung telephones make the most of Samsung’s Exynos processor in choose markets. It is tough to say how reliably a processor will carry out with out taking a look at critiques and benchmark outcomes, so do your analysis. In case you’re after dependable efficiency, attempt to keep on with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7 sequence or larger, or MediaTek’s Dimensity 7000 sequence or larger.

RAM: You may on the very least need a telephone with 6 GB of RAM, although 8 GB can be higher. This may allow you to juggle a number of apps rather more seamlessly. If you wish to future-proof your system, choosing 12 or 16 GB will seemingly mean you can higher entry new and upcoming synthetic intelligence options, although it is dependent upon the producer and the way properly they help their units.

Cooling: Good-performing telephones might be ruined in the event that they get too sizzling as a result of then the processor will get throttled, inflicting slowdowns. This principally applies to of us who recreation so much, however it’s value checking whether or not there is a devoted cooling system on the telephone. You may wish to search for language like “warmth pipes” or “vapor chamber cooling.”

Refresh price: Most telephones used to come back with 60-Hz refresh charges, that means the show refreshed 60 frames per second. These days, even low-cost telephones provide 90- or 120-Hz screens. The extra frames refreshed in a second, the extra fluid all the things appears and feels. It’d sound small, however it might probably make an enormous distinction in your smartphone feeling buttery easy. Now we have a broader guide that explains this know-how additional. Flagship telephones have screens with variable refresh charges that vary from 1 to 120 Hz, that means they’re usually extra battery environment friendly.

Battery capability: Smartphone batteries are measured in milliampere-hours (mAh). A giant battery does not essentially imply higher battery life, as a result of a lot is dependent upon the dimensions of the display screen and different applied sciences the telephone is powering. That stated, most telephones ought to have 4,000-mAh cells or larger, and also you usually will not see something larger than 5,500 mAh. Some telephones now have silicon-carbon batteries, a brand new know-how that enables them to be denser however thinner—the OnePlus 13, for instance, has a 6,000-mAh battery however is slimmer than a lot of its friends.

Charging speeds: Most Android smartphones can cost quick, however sure corporations provide shockingly quick recharge instances. That is often as a result of they’ve a proprietary charging brick you may want to make use of. You will discover charging velocity data on a telephone’s product spec web page. OnePlus telephones are well-known for recharging totally inside round half-hour. Simply keep in mind that nowadays, most smartphones don’t include a charging brick, only a cable. Now we have extra particulars in this fast charging guide.

Software program updates: Software program help is essential. It means your telephone will keep safe for longer and you will get new options over time. The gold commonplace in Android is 7 years proper now, because of Samsung and Google. Nonetheless, when you’ve got a cadence of changing your telephone each two or three years, then the lesser replace insurance policies of different Android telephone makers won’t be as massive of a deal to you.

Cameras: Digital camera specs are very deceptive. A telephone with a 108-megapixel sensor does not imply it is going to take higher pictures than a telephone with a 50-MP sensor. The one technique to actually know is to take a look at critiques. What you are able to do, if the digital camera is necessary to you, is test if there is a versatile system. The very best digital camera telephones provide a main large digital camera, an ultrawide, and a telephoto zoom (often at 5X zoom). That stated, low-cost telephones have a tendency to come back with quite a lot of cameras, a lot of that are ineffective.

Further options: It is necessary to not overlook the smaller options it’s possible you’ll anticipate. Does the telephone have a near-field communication sensor (NFC) so you can also make contactless funds? Does it have a good IP rating that may survive a drop within the pool? Is there wi-fi charging? What a few microSD card slot or headphone jack? Be sure you vet the telephone’s tech specs should you’re after one thing particular.

5G service: Most new smartphones support 5G now, the present technology of community connectivity. If the telephone you are taking a look at does not help 5G—do not fret! 4G LTE is not going wherever but. Do not feel pressured to improve to a 5G telephone. That stated, you do want a 5G-enabled smartphone if you wish to make use of 5G speeds. It is out there in telephones as low-cost as $200.

Tips on how to Swap Between Telephones

One of the best ways to modify telephones is to observe the setup prompts while you first boot up your new system—be sure to switch knowledge from an previous telephone through a cable. It is a lot quicker than doing it wirelessly, although that is an possibility too. Some producers, like Samsung, will counsel you obtain a proprietary knowledge switch app in your previous system, like Smart Switch, and it’s best to. It means much less be just right for you—whether or not it is fewer apps you have to signal into or fewer icons you have to rearrange. In case you’re coming from an iPhone, you need to use Google’s official Android Switch app, although it is not mandatory in case you are switching to a Samsung phone.

Take a look at our recommendations on setting up your new Android phone for more, and our steps on how to back up an Android and how to factory reset it.

I put my private SIM card in each smartphone I check, and usually use it for every week, if not two or three. I stress check efficiency by taking part in cellular video games and operating benchmark checks, like Geekbench and Antutu, whereas additionally monitoring thermals. I be sure that to make calls to check the smartphone’s microphone high quality since, you already know, it is nonetheless a telephone.

I usually do digital camera testing by bringing a competing telephone alongside and analyzing pictures aspect by aspect on a bigger, extra color-accurate display screen. I have been reviewing smartphones for near a decade—not simply the flagship units both. I am at all times testing low-cost telephones to see what improvements are trickling down.

Different Telephones to Take into account

We check a ton of Android telephones. We like those under, however you may be higher off with one of many choices above. If you have not but accomplished so, try our Best Cheap Phones and Best Folding Phones guides for extra.

Google Pixel 9 for $699: The Pixel 9 is a good smartphone (9/10, WIRED Recommends), however between the Pixel 9a and the Pixel 9 Professional sequence, it struggles to face out. It shares many options with its pricier siblings, however you may get a very related expertise with the Pixel 9a, all whereas saving lots of of {dollars}. In case you love the design and wish the brand new good software program options, do not let me cease you!

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge for $1,100: Samsung’s newest innovation is to slim down the smartphone to an amazingly skinny 5.8 mm. That is not as spectacular as telephones from the previous, however the Galaxy S25 Edge (6/10, WIRED Recommends) continues to be spectacular while you maintain this light-weight 6.7-inch telephone in your hand. It maintains a number of options from the Galaxy S25 Extremely, besides there is no S Pen stylus, no telephoto cameras in any respect, and battery life is just not good in any respect for a telephone of this measurement and worth. I routinely needed to hold it topped up all through the day. However should you’re a mean to mild person, it’s possible you’ll discover it enough, and possibly you can recognize the skinny and lightweight measurement much more.

Samsung Galaxy S24 FE for $650: Samsung’s Galaxy S24 FE is a greater purchase now that the flagship Galaxy S24 sequence is more durable to search out on the market. It is a completely succesful smartphone with a triple-camera array (together with a 3X telephoto digital camera), and it delivers good efficiency. It has wi-fi charging, is IP68 waterproof, and has stable day-long battery life. It is a disgrace the design’s a bit drab. Alternatively, you’ll be able to attempt to discover the flagship Galaxy S24 series on sale: the Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24+, and Galaxy S24 Ultra are nonetheless glorious units, however be sure to do not spend wherever close to their MSRP.

Motorola Moto G Power 2025 for $300: The brand new Moto G Energy (7/10, WIRED Recommends) is not as nice as its predecessor, and that comes down to 1 cause: Resulting from a lesser chipset, there is a slight hit in efficiency, and it feels a bit extra sluggish to make use of. Nonetheless, the efficiency is sweet sufficient that you simply received’t really feel annoyed. Exterior of this, it is a exceptional $300 telephone. The inexperienced fake leather-based again exudes luxurious, and it is good and slim. The cameras are stable, and the 6.8-inch LCD display screen has a 120-Hz display screen refresh price and will get a lot shiny. Better of all, the corporate retained the wi-fi charging it debuted in final yr’s mannequin, making it one of many solely sub-$300 telephones with this comfort. One other space of enchancment? It is IP68/69-rated, so you will not must child this telephone close to a pool; it might probably deal with a dip simply high quality. Motorola has additionally prolonged software program updates on the Moto G sequence, promising two Android OS upgrades, with the identical 3 years of safety updates. There is a honest quantity of bloatware, however you’ll be able to take away most of those preinstalled apps.

Google Pixel 8a for $487: The Pixel 8A (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is not too dissimilar from the most recent Pixel 9a. It appears attractive (particularly within the flashy Aloe coloration), has a strong processor—Tensor G3—and practically all the identical smart software features that make Pixels a pleasure to make use of. The 64-MP digital camera and a 13-MP ultrawide seize higher pictures than most midrange telephones, and also you get a compact 6.1-inch OLED display screen with a 120-Hz screen refresh rate besides. Be sure you do not pay greater than $399 for one. If it is near $499, simply purchase the newer Pixel 9a.

Asus ROG Phone 9 for $1,000: The ROG telephone sequence is for severe avid gamers. There are two USB-C ports, so you’ll be able to cost the telephone comfortably even whereas utilizing it in panorama mode for gaming. It has perks like a headphone jack and a bevy of equipment you’ll be able to connect, like a cooler and a cellular controller, to reinforce the gaming expertise. Sadly, different points of this telephone wrestle to match the excessive worth—the software program can really feel clunky, and the cameras are under no circumstances what you’d anticipate at this worth stage. I additionally bumped into just a few annoying bugs whereas utilizing the Phone 9 Pro.

Minimal Phone for $399: Having bother curbing your display screen time? As an alternative of going chilly turkey with one thing just like the Light Phone III, strive the Minimal Telephone (6/10, WIRED Review). That is an e-paper Android telephone with a bodily keyboard. The purpose is to allow you to entry the same old Android apps, however as a result of the display screen is ill-suited to movies and most social media, you may naturally be capable of keep away from these distractions. It is profitable on this job, however the fixed display screen ghosting and plasticky construct dampen the expertise.

Google Pixel 8 for $600 and Pixel 8 Pro for $669: The Pixel 8 or Pixel 8 Professional (7/10, WIRED Recommends) from 2023 are nonetheless in the stores, and so they’re nice units with numerous life left in them. Simply be sure to do not spend greater than $600. (Costs consistently fluctuate.) Something extra, and it’s best to simply purchase from the brand new Pixel 9 sequence.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 for $1,900: The Fold6 (7/10, WIRED Recommends) is a superb big-screen folding smartphone. In case you’re apprehensive about sturdiness and repairability when buying a fold, Samsung is your finest guess, because it has been producing these units for the longest time. The cameras snap nice pictures, the shows get shockingly shiny, and Samsung guarantees prolonged software program help. The Fold6’s exterior display screen is barely wider and far nicer to make use of than earlier iterations, however in any other case, there usually are not a ton of recent modifications outdoors of AI developments. You may nonetheless snag 2023’s Galaxy Z Fold5 to avoid wasting dough.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 for $1,100: The Flip6 (7/10, WIRED Recommends) has some perks over Motorola’s new Razr+, like a nicer hinge mechanism, higher construct high quality, stronger cameras, and longer software program help. However I nonetheless most well-liked the general expertise on Motorola’s flip, principally because of the bigger exterior display screen. Nonetheless, the Flip6’s 3.4-inch cowl display screen is helpful for glancing by widgets, and you may open it as much as get a big-screen Android telephone expertise. The Galaxy Z Flip5 is a worthy possibility should you do not thoughts shopping for 2023 tech at a cheaper price.

Cellular Equipment You May Want

Now we have case suggestions for just a few widespread units, like Samsung’s Galaxy S25, Galaxy S24, and Galaxy S23, or Google’s Pixel 9 series. It is good to slap a case on these glass sandwiches and even a display screen protector to maintain the show freed from scuffs and scratches. Listed below are just a few different noteworthy equipment, together with charging adapters, which many telephones don’t include anymore. Learn our Best USB-C Cables guide for different suggestions.

Anker 45-Watt Charger for $28: This tiny charger will likely be sufficient for most individuals to cost most smartphones. It is compact, dependable, and low-cost, plus the prongs fold up. Extra smartphones than ever can go as much as 45-watt charging speeds, so take benefit with a 45-watt charger.

Counterpart Retractable The Charger for $44: It is not the perfect worth, however this design-forward charger has a retractable 4-foot cable that makes it a incredible two-in-one—no must pack a separate charger and cable! It outputs 35 watts, which is a lot to fast-charge most telephones and tablets, and the prongs fold in for journey.

Peak Design Samsung and Pixel Everyday Case for $50: You probably have a Samsung or Pixel telephone and also you often mount your telephone to a motorbike or scooter, you owe it to your self to snag this case and Peak Design’s bike mount. The case snaps completely into the mount, is useless easy to launch, and has but to fall off after years of using. Peak Design additionally sells several other accessories you’ll be able to connect to the again of those circumstances, bringing Android into Apple’s MagSafe ecosystem.

Nimble Champ Portable Charger 10,000 mAh for $60: This transportable battery is sufficiently small to depart in a bag however has sufficient energy to totally recharge your telephone a couple of times. There is a USB-C and USB-A port; it delivers 18 watts of energy, so it might probably recharge your pill or telephone, and it is housed in 73 p.c post-consumer plastic with plastic-free packaging.

Nomad ChargeKey V2 for $25: When your telephone dies, it is virtually at all times while you overlook to deliver a charger or battery pack. The ChargeKey is a nifty resolution—it is like clipping a tiny USB-C charging cable to your keychain. Simply plug one finish into your telephone and the opposite into any form of energy supply (a good friend’s telephone or a charging adapter should you handle to search out one), and you may high up your telephone. Native Union also has a similar item that is cuter however practically as succesful.

Choose a Wireless Charger: Our information to the perfect wi-fi chargers consists of dozens of fashions in various colours, shapes, and supplies, and even some designed for particular telephones. Not each Android telephone helps wi-fi charging, however it’s a luxurious you may wish to benefit from. Take a gander at our information for our favorites.

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2025-07-12 12:07:00