Picking Your New Best Friend: A Guide to the Best Phones of 2025
A phone is more than just a phone these days. It is our camera, our map, our game player, and our way to talk to everyone we know. With so many new phones coming out, picking the right one can be very hard. It feels like there are a million choices! But don't worry. We have looked at what the experts are saying to help you find the best smartphones 2025 has to offer.
This year, the big names in phones are Apple, Samsung, and Google. They have all made amazing new phones. Apple has the shiny new iPhone 16. Samsung has the powerful Galaxy S25. And Google has the super-smart Pixel 9. Which one is the best? Well, the "best" phone is really the best phone for you. Let's break it down and make it easy to understand.
The All-Around Champion: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
If you want a phone that can do everything and do it really, really well, many experts say the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is the winner.[1][2] It is like the superhero of phones. Why do people love it so much?
First, look at its screen. It is huge and beautiful. The colors are bright, and everything looks super clear. This makes it perfect for watching your favorite shows on YouTube or playing games. It feels like you are holding a tiny movie theater in your hands.
Then there is the camera. The Galaxy S25 Ultra has a camera that is almost like a professional camera.[3] The coolest part is the zoom. You can take pictures of things that are very far away, and they still look sharp and clear.[4] Want a picture of a bird in a tall tree? This phone can do it. It also comes with a special pen, called the S Pen. You can use it to draw on the screen or to take notes, which is great for school or for people who like to be creative.[5]
This phone is also very fast and has a battery that can last all day long, which is very important.[6][7] Of course, a phone this amazing costs a lot of money, but if you want the best of the best, this is the one to look at.
The Super-Popular and Easy-to-Use Choice: Apple iPhone 16
You can't talk about the best phones without talking about the iPhone. The new iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro are here, and they are better than ever. For most people, the regular iPhone 16 is a perfect choice.[8] It is super fast, easy to use, and has a great camera that takes wonderful pictures without any fuss. You just point and shoot, and the photo looks great.
If you love taking photos and want even more power, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is the one to look at. Experts say it has one of the best cameras you can get on a phone.[3][4] It is amazing at taking pictures when it is dark outside. It also has a fantastic battery. You can use it all day, and it will still have power left at night.[6] Many tests show it has some of the best battery life of any phone.[9][10]
iPhones are famous for being simple and safe. Everything just works the way you think it should. Plus, there are millions of apps and games you can get for it. If you have other Apple toys, like an iPad or a Mac computer, the iPhone works with them perfectly. You can learn more about iPhones from tech experts at sites like CNET.[8]
The Super-Smart Choice: Google Pixel 9
Google makes the Android software that most phones (besides iPhones) use. So, when Google makes its own phone, you know it's going to be special. The Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro are known for being very, very smart.
The best thing about the Pixel phones is their camera magic. They take amazing pictures because the phone's brain is so smart. It uses something called AI, which is like a computer brain, to make every photo better. It is especially good at taking pictures at night or of the stars in the sky.[3] The Pixel also has cool tools that let you fix your photos easily. You can remove things from the background that you don't want, which is really fun.
Another great thing about the Pixel is that it gets all the new updates from Google first. This means your phone will always have the newest and safest software. If you want a phone that is smart and takes incredible photos without trying, the Google Pixel 9 is a wonderful choice. For people who want a great phone without spending a lot of money, the cheaper Google Pixel 9a is often called the best phone you can get for under $500.[1][5] You can read detailed reviews about Google's phones on websites like Tom's Guide.[1]
What About Other Phones?
Apple, Samsung, and Google are the big three, but there are other great phones too!
OnePlus 13: This phone is often called a "flagship killer." That means it has many of the same great features as the most expensive phones, but it costs less money. It is very fast and has a beautiful screen, making it a great value.[1][5]
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7: These are folding phones! The Z Fold 7 opens up like a book to become a small tablet.[2] The Z Flip 7 is a normal-sized phone that folds in half to become very small and fit in your pocket. They are very cool and the technology is getting better every year.[1]
How to Choose the Right Phone for You
So, with all these great choices, how do you pick? Think about what is most important to you.
Do you love taking pictures, especially of things far away? The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra might be your best choice.
Do you want a phone that is simple, safe, and works great with all your other gadgets? An iPhone 16 is probably perfect for you.
Do you want a super-smart phone that takes amazing photos with cool editing tricks? The Google Pixel 9 is calling your name.
Do you want a very powerful phone but want to save some money? Check out the OnePlus 13.
Do you want something new and cool that will make your friends say "wow"? A folding phone from Samsung could be the one.
