As 2025 winds down, we've seen some of the best new phone releases to have come out in years. From Apple's iPhone Air and iPhone 17 family to Samsung's Galaxy S25 series and foldable phones such as the Motorola Razr Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold 7. The best phones on this list have a battery life that lasts a day or more, cameras that take stunning photos and vibrant displays. We test dozens of phones each year, but only a few are truly great. We recently tested and added Apple's new iPhone 17 lineup, including the new iPhone 17, the thin iPhone Air and the iPhone 17 Pro.
Our Picks
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What is the best phone for most people?
The best phone for most people is the iPhone 17. It shares many features with Apple's pricier 17 Pro models, but at a lower $829 starting price (or $799 if you activate through a carrier). It supports the newest camera capabilities such as Dual Capture and Center Stage selfies, and has a 1-120Hz variable refresh rate for smoother scrolling and support for its always-on display.
While it's true that the iPhone 17 shares a striking resemblance to last year's iPhone 16, some key updates help it stand out. Apart from the upgraded refresh rate, the iPhone 17 also boasts a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, along with an anti-reflective display that makes it easier to see the screen outdoors. A Ceramic Shield 2 display offers three times better scratch resistance, according to Apple, so if you're susceptible to etching into your screen, it has a little more protection now. The iPhone 17 starts with a higher 256GB storage option, as opposed to the 128GB starting point on the iPhone 16, meaning you get more bang for your buck.
The ultrawide camera goes from 12 megapixels on the iPhone 16 to 48 megapixels on the iPhone 17, and Apple says the iPhone 17 has up to eight hours more of video playback. Indeed, in CNET's three-hour streaming test, the iPhone 17's battery dropped from 100% to 89%, while the iPhone 16 hit 86%.
The iPhone 17 also has all the new iOS 26 capabilities, such as Live Translation, Call Screening and the new Liquid Glass interface. Unlike previous iPhone generations, the iPhone 17 and 17 Pro models share almost all the same hardware features, apart from the telephoto lens and bigger battery on the latter. While Apple tends to introduce features like the Dynamic Island and Action button on Pro models first, the two ends of the iPhone spectrum now pack all those same hardware functions.
Best phones of 2025
Best iPhone
Apple iPhone 17
Pros
- Upgraded 1-120Hz display
- New camera features
- Longer battery life
- Faster charging
Cons
- Minimal design updates to last year
- Apple Intelligence can still feel like a work in progress
With the iPhone 17, Apple has significantly narrowed the chasm separating its baseline model from its Pro counterparts. The $829 iPhone 17 (or $799 if you activate with a carrier) shares many of the same camera features with the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, like Dual Capture and Center Stage. It also finally gets a display with a 1-120Hz variable refresh rate, so you can enjoy smoother scrolling and enable the always-on display and see your notifications at a glance. And support for iOS 26 across the full iPhone 17 lineup means you can access Apple's most talked-about new software features like live translation, call screening and the Liquid Glass redesign. All that without spending upwards of $1,100 for a Pro model, albeit with slightly scaled-back battery life and cameras.
Why we like it
The iPhone 17 is a baseline phone that shares many hardware and software features with the iPhone 17 Pro models, making it feel like a worthy, money-saving contender to those pricier devices. Generous battery life, faster charging and camera upgrades help it stand apart from last year's iPhone 16, even if it looks almost identical.
Who it's best for
The iPhone 17 is a great choice for the average phone user who wants good cameras, solid battery life and a quality display. It's also a good size for anyone who doesn't like larger phones.
Who shouldn't get it
If you're a photography enthusiast and a particularly heavy phone user, the 17 Pros might be the way to go, since you'll get a telephoto lens on the back, as well as longer battery life. On the other hand, if you're a lighter phone user, you can save more money by opting for the slightly more budget-friendly $599 iPhone 16E.
Best Android phone
Samsung Galaxy S25
Pros
- Camera consistently delivers good images
- Impressive battery life
- More AI features feel practical
Cons
- Several gimmicky AI features
- Not many changes over the S24
Samsung's Galaxy S25 is our top-pick for Android phones. The Galaxy S25's biggest flex that I noticed while testing is it shares many of the same attributes as its pricier counterparts, the S25 Plus and S25 Ultra – but it does so for several hundred dollars less. You'll find features like the AI Select tool, Audio Eraser and deeper Gemini integration across all of Samsung's S25 devices, as well as a custom Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and 12GB RAM – making the smaller phone of the bunch still seem pretty mighty.
And while the Galaxy S25 might look incredibly similar to the S24 and share many of the same specs, consistency isn't so bad when it means there's a consistently good camera and great battery life. Read our full Samsung Galaxy S25 review.
Why we like it
Having a baseline phone, like the Galaxy S25, that delivers many of the same perks as more expensive models, is a huge plus in my book. And given the remarkable processing power, standout camera and seamless AI integration in the Galaxy S25 lineup, it's great that I can get all those premium features for $800.
Who it's best for
If you're someone who insists on buying a flagship device, the Galaxy S25 won't let you down. but if you have a device that's two years old or more, you might be enticed to tap into all the latest Galaxy AI and integrated Gemini features. Now, $800 isn't pocket change, and there are definitely other options for those who want to be more budget conscious, but if you're willing to spend a bit more, the baseline S25 can be a great all-around choice.
Who shouldn’t get it
You probably don't need to upgrade if you're using last year's S24.
While the cosmic orange color gets all the attention, the iPhone 17 Pro looks dapper in dark blue. Curiously, there isn't a black or space grey version of the Pro.
Pros
- The 17 Pro Max's incredible battery life
- The brighter screen looks fantastic
- Center Stage camera with the ability to take landscape selfies vertically is sweet
Cons
- Wished Dual Capture had a 50/50 split
- Live Translation's Siri voice can overlap with speakers
- iPhone 17 Pro battery life is on par with the iPhone 16 Pro
- Expensive
From the first moment I picked up the new $1,199 iPhone 17 Pro Max and $1,099 17 Pro, I was beguiled by their bold, bright redesign. It's a complete turnaround from the years of Apple's subdued titanium motif. The square camera bump of previous Pro models is now a body-wide bar that Apple calls the "camera plateau." The 17 Pro and Pro Max now come in actual colors -- you won't find one in black or space gray. This phone, especially in cosmic orange, wants you to look at it.
As I tested the new Pro phones, I was consistently impressed: Even after a full day of heavy use, the Pro Max's battery still had 22% or more left. The iPhone 17 Pro Max has the best battery life of any phone that CNET has ever tested.
The 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max have the exact same rear cameras, all with 48-megapixel sensors. You can choose between the trio of lenses (wide-angle, ultrawide and telephoto) to capture photos at 12-, 24- or 48-megapixel resolutions. The telephoto camera has gone from the 16 Pro's 12-megapixel sensor with a 5x lens to a 48-megapixel sensor that's 56% larger with a new 4x telephoto lens. You read that right: The new Pro has a shorter optical zoom than its predecessor. But I find the short 4x zoom better for portraits, and the increase in detail and dynamic range in 4x photos is a big improvement over 5x snaps from the 16 Pro.
There's a new selfie camera on both Pro phones that Apple calls Center Stage. It not only takes 18-megapixel selfies, up from 12 megapixels on the 16 Pro, but you can hold the 17 Pro vertically and take a horizontal selfie thanks to a new square image sensor.
I can't help but contrast the iPhone 17 Pro models to Apple's newest phone. The iPhone Air is thin, light, quiet and graceful -- with a single rear camera, shorter battery life and $100 cheaper starting price. The 17 Pro and Pro Max are bold, loud, aggressive and powerful, and their daring design appeals to me. But features such as its amazing battery life, brighter screen, new selfie camera and iOS 26 are the real reasons to get either.
Why we like it
I appreciate that Apple gave the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max personality. Gone is the minimal design for the sake of simplicity. We have a phone that is more durable, has a longer battery life, and, when running iOS 26, comes with a number of significant "quality of life" improvements, like live translations for calls, texts and FaceTime.
Who it's best for
The iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max would be an excellent upgrade for someone coming from an iPhone 14 Pro or older. You get a bigger battery, a better screen, faster charging, newer cameras and a speedier processor that can handle graphics-intensive games and Apple Intelligence.
Who shouldn't get it
If you have an iPhone 15 Pro or Pro Max, you don't need these new phones unless battery capacity on your current phone is low -- and even then, it'd be cheaper to simply have your battery swapped out. And unless you have a gracious disposable income, iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max owners can sit this one out.
Moto AI is a hub for integrated services like Perplexity, Gemini and Copilot.
Pros
- Robust design
- Bright high resolution inner screen
- Battery life should last you a day or more
- It's so damn fun to use
Cons
- Cameras take decent photos but suffer from motion blur
- Only three years of major OS updates
- Gets warm playing games and using the camera frequently
The Motorola Razr Ultra is a beefed-up version of last year's Razr Plus, which won a CNET Editor's Choice Award. It's as if the Razr Plus hired a trainer and nutritionist and then got absolutely ripped -- warranting its name: Ultra. After testing, I've come to adore the Razr Ultra. It does all the "normal" non-folding phone things I want, and offers me a truly unique experience thanks to its cover screen. I feel like the coolest kid in the coffee shop when Google Pay-ing for my cortado with my Razr Ultra closed.
But in taking nearly every aspect of the phone to the extreme, Motorola lost one of the most important parts of recent Razrs: the amazing value. The catch for all this ultra-ness: the Motorola Razr Ultra costs $1,300.
Why we like it
This is the best built foldable flip phone I've ever used. Motorola took the best parts of the Razr Plus and improved nearly everything else. The battery life is outstanding and easily lasts a day on a single charge and can get you mostly through a second day even. The displays are brighter. The main 7-inch foldable display is larger and has more resolution than the Razr Plus and the cameras are improved. The fabric backing is delightful.
Who's it best for
Someone who wants a fun, unique an robust foldable phone. You're willing to pay top-dollar to get the best processor, battery, design and cameras Motorola has ever made.
Who shouldn't get it
If you're unsure of foldables, this might not be the best fit. If you find yourself in places with sand, dirt and other fine particles, the Razr Ultra (like all foldable phones) isn't worth the risk. The Razr Ultra has the same class-leading IP-rating for dust and water resistance, but the dust resistance is only for particles 1-mm or larger.
Pros
- Thin 4.2mm design
- 200-megapixel main camera
- Powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite processor
- Durable build
Cons
- Steep $2,000 price tag
- Same 4,400-mAh battery as last year's Fold
- 25-watt wired charging
With the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Samsung has finally addressed some of the key issues with its previous book-style foldables. The impressively thin build and wider, 6.5-inch cover screen makes this feel like a standard phone when closed, and that wider 8-inch inside display is great for multitasking, with the ability to run up to three apps simultaneously. Perhaps most notably, the camera gets a major upgrade with the addition of a 200-megapixel main camera, which takes shots on par with the top-of-the-line S25 Ultra.
Altogether, it’s a great choice if you want a bigger, tablet-like display without the bulk or a compromise on camera quality.
Why we like it
The Z Fold 7 does a solid job combining what's great about standard slate phones and what's great about foldables. It feels wonderfully normal to hold when closed, thanks to its sleek design and lightweight build. It also packs great cameras and has an expansive main display that's 11 percent bigger than last year's Z Fold 6.
Thankfully, a slimmer build doesn't force the battery to take a hit; the Z Fold 7 maintains that same 4,400-mAh battery as last year's foldable. That pales in comparison to batteries from Chinese competitors, but at least it's not a downgrade. The Z Fold 7 also packs a Snapdragon 8 Elite processor to power the many AI features you'll get onboard, from Galaxy AI photo and audio editing tools to Google's Gemini Live and Circle to Search. The phone also supports seven years of software and security updates.
Who it's best for
If you're bored of standard slate phones and want something that feels a little more exciting, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is a great choice. The slim design and wider cover screen helps it to feel as normal as possible when closed, with the added perk of an expansive main display that's great for multitasking and watching videos. The cameras are also impressive for a foldable that's so thin.
Who shouldn't get it
The Z Fold 7's $2,000 price tag is perhaps its biggest caveat. Also, if you don't need a bigger display, it may not be worth the splurge. Ironically, the cover screen is so practical that you’ll rarely need to open the phone -- unless you’re watching movies or multitasking, in which case a phone like the Galaxy S25 Ultra might be a better fit.
Pros
- Long software support period
- Camera performs well
- Impressive AI-assisted Super Res Zoom
- Fun and useful new AI skills
Cons
- Tensor G5 isn't as powerful as rivals
- Magic Cue of limited use if you don't live strictly in Google's world
- Images can look over-processed
The Pixel 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL aren't a revolution over their predecessors, but almost every element from the software to the hardware has seen some kind of update, resulting in a phone that feels fresh but familiar. The processor isn't the fastest around, but it's got more than enough power for anything you're likely to need it for, while the cameras have proven themselves extremely capable in our testing.
Mix in the fun (and potentially quite useful) new AI skills and the long software support period and Google's new phones do a lot to earn their "flagship" title.
Why we like it
The Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL build on their already superb predecessors, offering more power and deeper, more useful AI skills. The cameras remain some of the best around while the large 6.8-inch display offers plenty of space to do justice to YouTube videos and mobile games on the go.
Who it's best for
While some Android rivals offer more straight-line speed, the Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL offer a truly slick all-around experience. These phones are easy to use, swift to operate and allow you to take stunning images with little input on your part. If you want a "do it all" phone that won't get in your way, you'll likely do well these phones.
Who shouldn't get it
Passionate mobile gamers wanting to hit the highest frame rates for pro-level mobile gaming may find the Tensor G5 processor's raw speed lacking.
Pros
- Best screen on any phone
- Versatile cameras
- Most powerful phone I've tested
- Good battery life
Cons
- $1,300 price
- Design is almost too minimal
- AI features are hit-or-miss
- S25/S25 Plus have similar features and cost less
Samsung's Galaxy S25 Ultra which has a lot of AI features, the best of which are interesting and the worst of which unreliable. Luckily, Samsung gets a lot of other things right on the S25 Ultra, which has a new Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, high-resolution ultrawide camera, and some sweet pro video tools that rival the iPhone 16 Pro. Samsung wisely kept all the best parts of last year's Galaxy S24 Ultra (basically the entire phone including that antireflective display) but some of its worst parts, too, like the $1,300 price tag.
If you want the best screen you can find on any phone, get the S25 Ultra. If you want the most versatile phone cameras, get the S25 Ultra. If you want a stylus, get the S25 Ultra. But if your needs scale back on any of those fronts, the more affordable S25 options, or even last year's S24 Ultra, may be worth considering. Read our full Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra review.
Why we like it
The reason to get the Ultra over its S25 siblings is its screen, which is truly the best I've seen on any phone, and the cameras, which are a step above what the S25 and S25 Plus have. Added video features like ability to record in Log format gets the Ultra as close as it's ever been to the iPhone in terms of professional video capture.
Who's it best for
If you have a Galaxy S22 Ultra or older, the S25 Ultra will seem like a significant upgrade. It's harder to make that case for S23 Ultra owners, who, unless their phone's battery is ailing or they can score an incredible discount, should otherwise sit this one out. And for you S24 Ultra owners, you don't need this phone. Save your money and treat yourself to a nice steak dinner and a movie.
Who shouldn’t get it
The Galaxy S25 Ultra's appeal is muddied by its $1,300 price. The regular Galaxy S25 has the same functionality, power and longevity, and it costs $500 less. Want a bigger screen? Consider the Galaxy S25 Plus. For the majority of people, the regular Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus will be a better fit.
Best Android Phone Value
Google Pixel 9A
Pros
- The screen is delightfully bright
- Cameras are good for $499
- Gemini Live Video AI has potential to be useful
- Solid build
- The under-$500 price
Cons
- Battery life is just OK, will get through a day
- Processor is serviceable (curious about longevity)
- Lacks emergency SOS satellite texting
For $499, Google's Pixel 9A truly feels like you're getting more bang for your buck. It comes with several significant upgrades from last year's Pixel 8A: a fresh design, new display, larger battery, slightly more powerful chip, increased durability and upgraded software features.
But don't get me wrong -- it's not a perfect phone. There are places where Google had to compromise to keep the price under $500, like the lack of satellite connectivity for emergencies available on the $799 Pixel 9. Overall, though, I think the compromises Google made were smart and that the Pixel 9A is worth every penny. Read our Google Pixel 9A review.
Why we like it
The Pixel 9A is proof that you don't need to spend more than $500 to get a great phone. It can handle all you daily tasks from scrolling social media and news feeds and swiping through TikTok videos to taking a beautiful photo and lasting a day on a single charge.
Who's it best for?
In theory: anybody. The Pixel 9A is for anyone who wants 95% of what a $1,000 phone can do at half the price.
Who shouldn't get it
Anyone who wants the absolute fastest processor or the most cutting edge cameras.
Best iPhone
Apple iPhone 16
Pros
- Camera Control is useful for switching camera settings
- Photographic Styles makes photos pop
- Ultrawide camera is better in low light
Cons
- Apple Intelligence isn’t out yet
- No always on display
- No changes to wired charging speeds
- No upgrades to the Action button
When we tested the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, we were definitely impressed by the photography features, the convenient Action button and the elegant build. And while we think the iPhone 17 is quite the deal, you can still snag the iPhone 16 for $100 less. We consider the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus to be top-notch choices for Apple fans. Parts of the iPhone 16’s key feature, Apple Intelligence, are now out, and the fact that these phones will support it means they’ll likely feel future-proofed for years to come. Aside from screen size (6.1 inches on the regular, 6.7 inches on the Plus), battery size and price, the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are identical in every way.
The iPhone 16 isn’t perfect -- it’s missing an always-on display, and it feels like it’s been ages since Apple improved its wired charging speeds. But it checks all the important boxes and then some.
Why we like it
The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus rank so high in our testing because they appeal to novice users and power players. They offer about 90% of the experience of Apple's Pro models but cost hundreds of dollars less. Not only is the iPhone 16 a wonderful phone out of the box, but Apple has a long track record of updating its software and security patches for years.
Who it's best for
When you think about how the Camera Control key, the Action button and the Dynamic Island come together, along with the camera and battery improvements Apple has made in the last several years, the iPhone 16 is a compelling upgrade for someone coming from an older iPhone, especially if they're on an iPhone 13 or older. For those who don’t need the Pro’s extra photography prowess and battery life, the iPhone 16 won’t disappoint.
Who shouldn’t get it
I wouldn't recommend buying the iPhone 16 just for the Camera Control button or the better ultrawide camera.
Pros
- Slimmer bezels on cover screen
- More functionality on internal display
- IP68 rating
- Longer battery life
- No price hike
- Mostly practical AI features
Cons
- Similar design to the Pixel 9 Pro Fold
- Cameras are a step down from the other Pixel 10 Pro phones
- Multitasking still limited to two apps
Why we like it
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold looks a lot like its predecessor, but what it lacks in design innovation, it makes up for in durability, reliability and performance. It may not be as thin as other book-style foldable phones like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, but it does pack a heftier 5,015-mAh battery. Perhaps most impressive is the Pixel 10 Pro Fold's IP68 rating for dust and water resistance -- a standout feature for a foldable phone.
What ties it all together is the solid triple-camera setup, which includes a 48-megapixel wide-angle, 10.5-megapixel ultrawide and 10.8-megapixel telephoto camera. There are also 10-megapixel selfie cameras on the inner and cover screens. It's just one example of a foldable phone that doesn't force you to choose design over functionality.
Who it's best for
The Pixel 10 Pro Fold can be a great choice for anyone who needs a compact device for multitasking. The cover screen feels practical for quickly checking texts or scrolling through apps, while the spacious internal display is ideal for running two apps simultaneously (though three apps would really be ideal). If you appreciate having the option to watch videos on a wider display, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold might do the trick.
Who shouldn't get it
If you're seeking true pro-level photography, you may want to opt for Google's non-folding Pixel 10 Pro or 10 Pro XL. Despite the "Pro" name on the Fold, its cameras are a step down from what you'll get on those other phones. For instance, you can zoom up to 100x with the Pixel 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL and have AI polish up the final image; the 10 Pro Fold can only punch in up to 20x.
Pros
- The 6.9-inch screen is immersive, with lovely colors and contrast
- The 4.1-inch screen looks incredible
- It's durable and survived a drop onto concrete
- One UI 8 (Android 16) runs wonderfully
- $1,100 is still a lot, but Samsung gives the phone more value than the Flip 6
Cons
- Gets warm when recording videos and playing games
- Battery life is the same as the Flip 6 despite a bigger battery
- Cover screen software has room to grow
When I first got my hands on Samsung's new Galaxy Z Flip 7, I was delighted to discover that it has a smaller crease, larger cover screen, thinner design and bigger battery compared to last year's Galaxy Z Flip 6. But as I tested the new clamshell phone, I became enthralled by its inner screen. At 6.9 inches, this is the biggest screen on any Samsung phone aside from the Galaxy Z Fold 7, which has an 8-inch foldable display.
The Z Flip 7's large screen size makes content feel more immersive and colors look lovely and vivid. This led to epic TikTok and Instagram sessions, watching widescreen films such as A Working Man and Back to the Future, as well as jumping back and forth between two apps stacked vertically on the screen thanks to One UI 8's 90:10 split tool.
Every time I open the Flip 7, I'm consistently dumbfounded by how such a large display can unfurl from something about the size of a makeup compact. And when it's closed, there's a 4.1-inch cover screen that's fantastic in its own ways, with new clever animations for when you're recording a video, charging the phone or taking a selfie, all efficiently using the extra display real estate. In terms of functionality, though, the cover screen's software is about the same as the 3.4-inch one on the Flip 6.
The Flip 7 impressed me in nearly every way but one: its battery life. It has a larger battery than the Flip 6, but it doesn't last any longer in daily use. It did consistently get me through a day on a single charge, often having 15 to 20% left, but there were also a few days where it needed an early evening top-off.
Why we like it
The Galaxy Z Flip 7 is the most fully realized version of Samsung's ideal of a flip phone since the launch of the original Galaxy Z Flip in 2020. The Flip 7's appeal is simple: It's a thin phone with a big, bold screen that folds in half into a coaster-sized square. The larger cover screen and inner screen make content more immersive. It's design is thin (for a clamshell foldable) and comfortable to hold. Plus you get twice the storage this year compared to last.
Who is it best for
If you've been tempted by a clamshell-style foldable, you should definitely consider the Flip 7. If you have a Galaxy Z Flip 4 or older, the Flip 7 will be an upgrade in every way. It's harder to make that same recommendation for Flip 5 owners unless your phone is showing its age. And if you have a Galaxy Z Flip 6, you can sit this one out unless you really want those larger screens.
Who shouldn’t get it
If you spend a ton of time around dirt or sand, this phone isn't for you.
Here is the Google Pixel 10 in lemongrass.
Pros
- 5x telephoto camera
- Long-lasting battery
- Practical AI features like Magic Cue and Voice Translate
- Same $799 price tag as last year's Pixel 9
Cons
- Some AI features are a work in progress
- Similar appearance to Pixel 9
At $799, the Pixel 10 is a baseline device that packs many of the same features that help Pro-level phones stand out, like a telephoto camera, long-lasting battery and intuitive AI features. It's a nice, streamlined option for someone who simply wants a dependable phone, backed by seven years of software and security updates.
Who it's best for
If you want a phone with a solid camera for more casual photography, the baseline Pixel 10 should be perfectly suitable. It's also a great choice for someone who simply wants a phone that can last all day, and that's equipped with all the latest Gemini features.
Who shouldn't get it
If you consider yourself more of a pro photographer, the Pixel 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL may be more appealing options. Also, if you have a Pixel 8 or 9, you're probably fine holding onto your device for a few more years, as there aren't any major differences between those older devices and Google's latest baseline.
Pros
- Lightning fast charging
- Nice big screen
- 7 years of OS and security upgrades
- Great performance with games, movies and animations
Cons
- Battery life is a day, similar to baseline S25
- Similar specs as the S25 at a higher price
- Rival phones at the same price have better cameras
If the baseline Galaxy S25 appeals to you but you'd rather have a bigger screen and higher battery capacity – without upgrading all the way to the Ultra – the S25 Plus may be the phone for you. The entire S25 lineup shares many features, from AI capabilities to processing power to memory, so the Plus may be a viable choice if you're looking for something right in the middle.
That said, the Plus' minimal upgrades over the baseline S25 may not justify the $200 price difference. But if a bigger phone just feels better to hold and you'd rather have a 4,900 mAh battery (over the S25's 4,000mAh one), then that $1,000 starting price might ultimately be worth every penny. Read CNET's full Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus review.
Why we like it
While the baseline S25 checks all the key boxes, the S25 Plus can simply feel like a more comfortable device to use, especially if you're a fellow member of the bigger hands club. In addition to sharing many of the same features as the pricier S25 Ultra, the S25 Plus has a higher battery capacity than the baseline model -- though in CNET's tests, there weren't any major discrepancies in how the two batteries actually performed. Still, sometimes you just want to live a little larger, and this phone can be the perfect fit.
Who's it best for
If you like having a larger screen to watch movies or play games on, the S25 Plus can be a great choice. While the S25 Ultra might be a top pick for someone who wants both a bigger phone and the most premium features, the S25 Plus can be that goldilocks device that meets you right in the middle -- without you having to spend $1,300 on the Ultra.
Who shouldn’t get it
If you want the absolute best in terms of cameras, don't get the S25 Plus. For $1,000 phones like the Pixel 9 Pro or iPhone 16 Pro have better cameras. Or if you can afford to buy a $1,300 phone, check out the Galaxy S25 Ultra which has an amazing set of lenses
The iPhone 16 is the recipient of a CNET Editors' Choice award, and you can get one for free when you switch to Verizon, with no trade-in required.
Best phones compared
| Apple iPhone 17 | Samsung Galaxy S25 | Apple iPhone 17 Pro | Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max | Motorola Razr Ultra (2025) | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 | Google Pixel 10 Pro | Google Pixel 10 Pro XL | Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra | Google Pixel 9A | Apple iPhone 16 | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 | Google Pixel 10 | Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display size, tech, resolution, refresh rate | 6.3-inch OLED; 2,622 x 1,206 pixel resolution; 1-120Hz variable refresh rate | 6.2-inch AMOLED; 2,340x1,080 pixels; 1 to 120Hz adaptive refresh rate | 6.3-inch OLED; 2,622 x 1,206 pixel resolution; 1-120Hz variable refresh rate | 6.9-inch OLED; 2,868 x 1,320 pixel resolution; 1-120Hz variable refresh rate | 4-inch pOLED, 2,992x1,224p, up to 165Hz variable refresh rate; 7-inch AMOLED; 1,272x1,080p, up to 165Hz variable refresh rate | 6.5-inch AMOLED, 2,520x1,080p, 1 to 120Hz refresh rate; 8-inch AMOLED, 2,184x1,968p, 1 to 120Hz refresh rate | 6.3-inch LTPO OLED; 2,856x1,280 pixels; 1 to 120Hz variable refresh rate | 6.8-inch LTPO OLED; 2,992x1,344 pixels; 1 to 120Hz variable refresh rate | 6.8-inch AMOLED; 3,120x1,440 pixels; 1 to 120Hz adaptive refresh rate | 6.3-inch OLED; 2,424x1,080 pixels; 60-120 Hz variable refresh rate | 6.1-inch OLED; 2,556 x 1,179 pixel resolution; 60Hz refresh rate | 4.1-inch AMOLED, 948x1,048p, 120Hz refresh rate; 6.9-inch AMOLED, 2,520x1,080p, 1 to 120Hz refresh rate | 6.3-inch OLED; 2,424x1,080 pixels; 60 to 120 Hz variable refresh rate | 6.7-inch AMOLED; 3,120x1,440 pixels; 1 to 120Hz adaptive refresh rate |
| Pixel density | 460 ppi | 416 ppi | 460 ppi | 460 ppi | Cover: 417 ppi; 464 ppi | Cover: 422 ppi; Internal: 368 ppi | 495 ppi | 486 ppi | 501 ppi | 422 ppi | 460 ppi | Cover: 342 ppi; Internal: 397 ppi | 422 ppi | 509 ppi |
| Dimensions (inches) | 5.89 x 2.81 x 0.31 in | 5.78 x 2.78 x 0.28 in. | 5.91 x 2.83 x 0.34 in | 6.43 x 3.07 x 0.34 in | Open: 2.91 x 6.75 x 0.28 inches Closed: 2.91 x 3.47 x 0.62 inches | Open: 5.63 x 6.24 x 0.17 in; Closed: 2.87 x 6.24 x 0.35 in | 6 x 2.8 x 0.3 in | 6.4 x 3 x 0.3 in | 6.41 x 3.06 x 0.32 in. | 6.1 x 2.9 x 0.4 in | 5.81 x 2.82 x 0.31 in | Open: 2.96 x 6.56 x 0.26 in; Closed: 2.96 x 3.37 x 0.26 in | 6 x 2.8 x 0.3 in | 6.24 x 2.98 x 0.29 in. |
| Dimensions (millimeters) | 149.6 x 71.5 x 7.95 mm | 146.9 x 70.5 x 7.2 mm | 150.0 x 71.9 x 8.75 mm | 163.4 x 78.0 x 8.75 mm | Open: 73.99 x 171.48 x 7.19mm Closed: 73.99 x 88.12 x 15.69mm | Open: 143.2 x 158.4 x 4.2mm; Closed: 72.8 x 158.4 x 8.9mm | 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm | 162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm | 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2 mm | 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm | 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm | Open: 75.2 x 166.7 x 6.5mm; Closed: 75.2 x 85.5 x 13.7mm | 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm | 158.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm |
| Weight (grams, ounces) | 177 g (6.24 oz) | 162 g (5.71 oz.) | 206 g (7.27 oz) | 233 g (8.22 oz) | 199g (7 oz) | 215g (7.58 oz.) | 207 g (7.3 oz) | 232 g (8.2 oz) | 218 g (7.69 oz.) | 186g (6.6 oz) | 170 g (6 oz.) | 188g (6.63 oz.) | 204 g (7.2 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz.) |
| Mobile software | iOS 26 | Android 15 | iOS 26 | iOS 26 | Android 15 | Android 16 | Android 16 | Android 16 | Android 15 | Android 15 | iOS 18 | Android 16 | Android 16 | Android 15 |
| Camera | 48-megapixel (wide) 48-megapixel (ultrawide) | 50-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide), 10-megapixel (3x telephoto) | 48-megapixel (wide) 48-megapixel (ultrawide) 48-megapixel (4x, 8x telephoto) | 48-megapixel (wide) 48-megapixel (ultrawide) 48-megapixel (4x, 8x telephoto) | 50-megapixel (wide), 50-megapixel (ultrawide) | 200-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide), 10-megapixel (telephoto) | 50-megapixel (wide), 48-megapixel (ultrawide), 48-megapixel (5x telephoto) | 50-megapixel (wide), 48-megapixel (ultrawide), 48-megapixel (5x telephoto) | 200-megapixel (wide), 50-megapixel (ultrawide), 10-megapixel (3x telephoto), 50-megapixel (5x telephoto) | 48-megapixel (wide), 13-megapixel (ultrawide) | 48-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide) | 50-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide) | 48-megapixel (wide), 13-megapixel (ultrawide), 10.8-megapixel (5x telephoto) | 50-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide), 10-megapixel (3x telephoto) |
| Front-facing camera | 18-megapixel | 12-megapixel | 18-megapixel | 18-megapixel | 50-megapixel | 10-megapixel (inner screen); 10-megapixel (outer screen) | 42-megapixel | 42-megapixel | 12-megapixel | 13-megapixel | 12-megapixel | 10-megapixel | 10.5-megapixel | 12-megapixel |
| Video capture | 4K | 8K | 4K | 4K | 4K | 8K | 8K | 8K | 8K | 4K | 4K | 4K | 4K | 8K |
| Processor | Apple A19 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | Apple A19 Pro | Apple A19 Pro | Snapdragon 8 Elite | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | Google Tensor G5 | Google Tensor G5 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | Google Tensor G4 | Apple A18 | Samsung Exynos 2500 | Google Tensor G5 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy |
| RAM + storage | RAM N/A + 256GB, 512GB | 12GB RAM + 128GB, 256GB | RAM N/A + 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | RAM N/A + 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB | 16GB + 512GB, 1TB | 12GB + 256GB, 12GB + 512GB, 16GB + 1TB | 16GB RAM + 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 16GB RAM + 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 12GB RAM + 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 8GB + 128GB, 256GB | RAM N/A + 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 12GB + 256GB, 12GB + 512GB | 12GB RAM + 128GB, 256GB | 12GB RAM + 256GB, 512GB |
| Expandable storage | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None (Face ID) | None | None | None |
| Battery | Up to 30 hours video playback; up to 27 hours video playback (streamed) | 4,000 mAh | Up to 33 hours video playback; up to 30 hours video playback (streamed). | Up to 39 hours video playback; up to 35 hours video playback (streamed). | 4,700 mAh | 4,400 mAh | 4,870 mAh | 5,200 mAh | 5,000 mAh | 5,100 mAh | Up to 22 hours video playback; up to 18 hours video playback (streamed). 20W wired charging. MagSafe wireless charging up to 25W with 30W adapter or higher; Qi2 up to 15W | 4,300 mAh | 4,970 mAh | 4,900 mAh |
| Fingerprint sensor | None (Face ID) | Under display | None (Face ID) | None (Face ID) | Side | Yes | Under display | Under display | Under display | Under display | None (Face ID) | Yes | Under display | Under display |
| Connector | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C |
| Headphone jack | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None |
| Special features | Apple N1 wireless networking chip (Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2x2 MIMO), Bluetooth 6, Thread. Action button. Camera Control button. Dynamic Island. Apple Intelligence. Visual Intelligence. Dual eSIM. 1 to 3,000 nits brightness display range. IP68 resistance. Colors: black, white, mist blue, sage, lavender. Fast charge up to 50% in 20 minutes using 40W adapter or higher via charging cable. Fast charge up to 50% in 30 minutes using 30W adapter or higher via MagSafe Charger. | 2,600-nit peak brightness; 7 years of OS and security updates; 5G (mmWave); IP68 water and dust resistance; wireless PowerShare to charge other devices; 25W wired charging (charger not included); Galaxy AI; Wi-Fi 7 | Apple N1 wireless networking chip (Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2x2 MIMO), Bluetooth 6, Thread. Action button. Camera Control button. Dynamic Island. Apple Intelligence. Visual Intelligence. Dual eSIM. ProRes Raw video recording. Genlock video support. 1 to 3,000 nits brightness display range. IP68 resistance. Colors: silver, cosmic orange, deep blue. Fast charge up to 50% in 20 minutes using 40W adapter or higher via charging cable. Fast charge up to 50% in 30 minutes using 30W adapter or higher via MagSafe Charger. | Apple N1 wireless networking chip (Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2x2 MIMO), Bluetooth 6, Thread. Action button. Camera Control button. Dynamic Island. Apple Intelligence. Visual Intelligence. Dual eSIM. ProRes Raw video recording. Genlock video support. 1 to 3,000 nits brightness display range. IP68 resistance. Colors: silver, cosmic orange, deep blue. Fast charge up to 50% in 20 minutes using 40W adapter or higher via charging cable. Fast charge up to 50% in 30 minutes using 30W adapter or higher via MagSafe Charger. | IP48 rating, 68-watt wired charging, 30-watt wireless charging, 5-watt reverse charging, dual stereo speakers, Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic cover dispaly, 3,000 nits peak brightness on cover display, 4,500 nits peak brightness on main display, 5G. | One UI 8, 25W wired charging speed, Qi wireless charging, 2,600-nit peak brightness, Galaxy AI, NFC, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, IP48 water resistance | Gorilla Glass 2 Victus cover glass; 3,300 nits peak brightness; Satellite SOS; Dual-eSIM; Wi-Fi 7; NFC; Bluetooth 6; 30W fast charging (wall charger not included); Qi2 15W wireless charging; support for PixelSnap magnetic accessories; Google VPN; Pro Res zoom up to 100x; Camera Coach; Add Me; Macro mode; Face Unblur; Auto Best Take; High-Res Portrait mode; IP68 rating for dust and water resistance; 7 years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates; Corning Gorilla GlassVictus 2 silky matte back with polished finish aluminum frame; ultrawideband chip | Gorilla Glass 2 Victus cover glass; 3,300 nits peak brightness; Satellite SOS; Dual-eSIM; Wi-Fi 7; NFC; Bluetooth 6; 45W fast charging (wall charger not included); Qi2.2 25W wireless charging; support for PixelSnap magnetic accessories; Google VPN; Pro Res zoom up to 100x; Camera Coach; Add Me; Macro mode; Face Unblur; Auto Best Take; High-Res Portrait mode; IP68 rating for dust and water resistance; 7 years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates; Corning Gorilla GlassVictus 2 silky matte back with polished finish aluminum frame; ultrawideband chip | Titanium frame, 2,600-nit peak brightness; 7 years of OS and security updates; 5G (mmWave); IP68 water and dust resistance; wireless PowerShare to charge other devices; integrated S Pen; UWB for finding other devices; 45W wired charging (charger not included); Galaxy AI; Wi-Fi 7; Gorilla Glass Armor cover glass; ultrawideband | 7 years of OS, security and Pixel feature drops; Gorilla Glass 3 cover glass; IP68 dust and water resistance; 2,700-nit peak brightness; 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio; 23W fast charging (charger not included); 7.5W wireless charging Qi certified; Wi-Fi 6E; NFC; Bluetooth 5.3; dual-SIM (nano SIM + eSIM); Add Me; Best Take; Magic Eraser; Magic Editor; Photo Unblur; Super Res Zoom; Circle To Search | Apple Intelligence, Action button, Camera Control button, Dynamic Island, 1 to 2,000 nits display brightness range, IP68 resistance. Colors: black, white, pink, teal, ultramarine. | One UI 8, IP48 water resistance, 25W wired charging, Qi wireless charging, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, Galaxy AI | Gorilla Glass 2 Victus cover glass; 3,000 nits peak brightness; Satellite SOS; Dual-eSIM; Wi-Fi 6E; NFC; Bluetooth 6; 30W fast charging (wall charger not included); Qi2 15W wireless charging; support for PixelSnap magnetic accessories; Google VPN; Super Res Zoom up to 20x; Camera Coach; Add Me; Macro mode; Face Unblur; Auto Best Take; IP68 rating for dust and water resistance; 7 years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates; Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 polished back with satin finish aluminum frame | 2,600-nit peak brightness; 7 years of OS and security updates; 5G (mmWave); IP68 water and dust resistance; wireless PowerShare to charge other devices; 25W wired charging (charger not included); Galaxy AI; Wi-Fi 7; ultrawideband |
| US price starts at | $829 (256GB), $1,029 (512GB) | $800 (128GB) | $1,099 (256GB) | $1,199 (256GB) | $1,300 | $2,000 (256GB) | $999 (128GB) | $1,199 (256GB) | $1,300 (256GB) | $499 (128GB) | $829 (128GB) | $1,100 | $799 (128GB) | $1,000 (256GB) |
Recent updates
In September 2025, we added the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max to this list. The new Pro phones replace the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max.
Factors to consider when buying a new phone
Pick the most important feature: Is it screen size? Camera quality? Battery life? This will help narrow down your choices. Phones like the iPhone 17 Pro Max or Galaxy S25 Ultra cost well over $1,000, for example, but pack large batteries that will last most people a day and a half to two days on a single charge.
Don't dismiss $500 to $800 phones: You can get a great phone that does almost everything that a more expensive flagship model can do for a fraction of the price. Google's Pixel 10 (which starts at $799) packs a great camera, a bright screen and unique AI features, but the $499 Pixel 9A has most of the same key specs and comes at a lower price.
Shop Cyber Monday: Look for sales and deals close to holidays, especially Amazon's Prime Day and Cyber Monday.
Consider last year's models: When a new phone gets launched, stores and carriers discount their older phones to sell off existing stock.
See the phone in person: It's worth going to a store and trying out a potential phone. You may love or hate the way it looks and feels.
Decide on Android or iPhone: Do you have a lot of iPhone apps and Apple subscriptions? Stick with an iPhone. If you've invested in loads of Android apps, you may want to stay on that side of the fence. Otherwise, it's simple enough to switch platforms.
Budget for a case and screen protector: Phones sold today are more durable than phones from even a few years ago, but it still might be a good idea to protect your phone with a case to keep it in tip-top shape.
How we test phones
We test every phone in real-world scenarios, focusing on its features, design, performance, cameras, battery life and overall value. We document our findings in an initial review that is periodically updated when there are new software updates, or to compare it against new phones from competitors such as Apple, Samsung, Google and OnePlus.
Emergency SOS debuted on the iPhone 14 series and we got to test the feature out to see how it works.
Photography
Photography is a major focus for most phones these days, so we take pictures and videos of various subjects in a variety of settings and lighting scenarios. We try out any new camera modes, such as Center Stage that debuted with the iPhone 17 series, or the new Camera Coach photo tool that launched with the Google Pixel 10 series.
Battery life
Battery testing is conducted in a variety of ways. We assess how long a phone lasts during a typical day of use and note how it performs during more focused sessions of video calls, media streaming and gaming. We also conduct a video playback test, as a simple, replicable measure of pure battery life, which isn't always included in the initial review but sometimes added later in an update.
We use benchmarking apps to measure each phone's performance, alongside our own anecdotal experiences using the phone for our review. Most noteworthy is how graphics and animations look. Are they smooth? Do they lag or stutter? We also look at how quickly the phone switches between horizontal and vertical orientations, and how fast the camera app opens and is ready to take a photo.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is an absolute unit when it comes to battery life.
We also test every phone we review for the basics like making a phone call.
We perform processor-heavy tasks like editing photos, exporting videos and playing games. We evaluate whether a newer version of a particular phone includes enough features to make it worth upgrading from older models.
Performance measuring
Read more: How We Test Phones
Other phones we tested
While Apple doesn't sell the iPhone 16 Pro, you can still find it at carriers and third-party retailers. The 16 Pro has a 6.3-inch adaptive-refresh rate screen that adjusts between 1-120Hz depending on what's on the screen. It has excellent cameras, a fast processor, an always-on display, supports iOS 26 and safety features like Crash Detection and Emergency SOS via Satellite. Driving all these upgrades is Apple's A18 Pro chip which in use feels peppy. The iPhone 16 Pro is still an excellent phone in 2025. Check out our iPhone 16 Pro review.
Phone FAQs
What is the best time to buy a phone?
How long should a phone battery last?
How much storage should I get on a phone?
What are the best phone brands currently?
What to look forward to in 2025
As most of the major phones have been released, we still expect more by the end of the year. OnePlus is rumored to be releasing a phone at the end of 2025, instead of early next year. And rumors point to Samsung releasing its first trifold phone (which actually folds into 3 sections using two hinges). We'll be comparing them to our picks from earlier in the year, and continue to update this list accordingly.
