With new handsets launching left, right and center, it can be difficult to keep track of what’s worth buying. Your decision is easier if you want an iPhone – Apple only releases a few handsets each year, meaning your options are relatively limited. Your choice of Samsung Galaxy phones is more widespread, though it makes things more straightforward if you’re set on Samsung as best phones.
Best phones 2025
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra – Best overall
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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 cam,era improvements and a new anti reflective screen that puts the 6.9-inch, 120 Hz OLED panel in a league of it’s 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.
OnePlus 13 – Superb all-rounder
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The OnePlus 13 takes what made the OnePlus 12 so great and makes it even better. This is the best phone OnePlus has ever made, and up there with the finest around right now.
What makes it so good? It’s a brilliant combination of top-class hardware, slick software and extensive support, meaning the phone could be your main phone for many years to come.
Highlights include the stellar Snapdragon 8 Elite performance, a gorgeous 6.82-inch OLED screen and incredible battery life with 100W charging support. Those factors alone are enough to make it worth considering.
But the OnePlus 13 is equally impressive on the software side, with Oxygen OS one of the best Android skins around and lots of useful AI features. Four years of OS updates and six years of security updates isn’t class-leading, but plenty good enough for most people.
With all that in mind, and a price tag that significantly undercuts many rivals, why wouldn’t you buy it? Unfortunately, while good enough for most people, the cameras are a clear step down from the best around, which will be a dealbreaker for many.
If you can look beyond that and the fact a case is required for MagSafe-style magnetic charging accessories, the OnePlus 13 will serve you very well.
Xiaomi 14 Ultra – Best Cameras
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Xiaomi’s flagships have taken excellent photos for a few years now, but the 14 Ultra takes things to the next level.
It’s the first smartphone that can genuinely replace a DSLR for most people, such is the quality and versatility of the system on offer. It includes four 50MP rear lenses and a 32Mp selfie camera, all of which take superb photos in basically any environment.
And while expensive, the optional photography kit accessory makes the experience even closer to a real camera.
With a gorgeous design, stunning display, great performance and solid battery life supported by 90W fast charging, the 14 Ultra is one of the few phones that justifies it’s sky-high price tag. However, that also makes it unaffordable for many people, while the HyperOS software experience still isn’t great.
Those two factors prevent it from being higher in this list, but if photography is your top priority, this is the phone to buy.
If you’d rather something more affordable, the regular Xiaomi 14 is nearly as good when it comes to photography. However, the Xiaomi 15 series might not be far away.