Best Android Phones 2025: What to Expect
Looking for a Google-powered smartphone? We’ve reviewed the Best Android phones 2025 to help you find the perfect one.
The best Android phone means something different to everyone—it’s hard to find one that caters to every need. But chances are there’s a smartphone that comes close to what you’re looking for.
From the bottomless pit of phone choices, these are my favorite Android handsets, including the Google Pixel 9 Pro.
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We recommend unlocked phones in this guide. When a phone is sold as unlocked, that means it can be used on multiple wireless carriers and networks.
When you buy a phone directly from your wireless carrier, usually on a payment plan, it often comes locked to that network.
Carriers are legally required to unlock a phone upon request so you can switch networks, but it’s a big hassle. Try to pay full price for your phone, or make sure it specifically says it’s unlocked.
Buy it from the manufacturer directly, or investigate your carrier’s policies for unlocking phones if they’re bought on a payment plan that requires you to use its network. It’s less of a hassle when you travel and want to switch to a local SIM card too.
The best way to switch phones is to follow the setup prompts when you first boot up your new device—make sure you transfer data from an old phone via a cable. Some manufacturers, like Samsung, will suggest you download a proprietary data transfer app on your old device, like Smart Switch, and you should.
It means less work for you—whether it’s fewer apps you need to sign into or fewer icons you need to rearrange. Check out our tips on setting up your new Android phone for more, and our steps on how to back up an Android.
How to buy Good Android Phone
If none of the below smartphones strike your fancy and you want to keep looking, here are a couple of things to keep in mind as you shop.
- Display size: You hold a smartphone all the time, so make sure whatever you pick is the right size for your palms. Most small Android phones are around 6.1 to 6.3 inches (measured diagonally), whereas larger phones typically top out at 6.8 inches.
- Processor: Most smartphones are powered by a Qualcomm or MediaTek processor. Google phones use the company’s in-house Tensor chip, and some Samsung phones utilize Samsung’s Exynos processor in select markets. It’s difficult to say how reliably a processor will perform without looking at reviews and benchmark results, so do your research. For Qualcomm, try to stick to its Snapdragon 7 series or higher, and for MediaTek, the Dimensity 7000 series or higher is a good place to start.
- RAM: You’ll at the very least want a phone with 6 GB of RAM, though 8 GB would be better. This will let you juggle multiple apps much more seamlessly.
- Cooling: Good-performing phones can be ruined if they get too hot because then the processor gets throttled, causing slowdowns. This mostly applies to folks who game a lot, but it’s worth checking whether there’s a dedicated cooling system on the phone. You’ll want to look for language like “heat pipes” or “vapor chamber cooling.”
- Refresh rate: Most phones used to come with 60-Hz refresh rates, meaning the display refreshed 60 frames per second. Nowadays, even cheap phones offer 90- or 120-Hz screens. The more frames refreshed in a second, the more fluid everything looks and feels. It might sound small, but it can make a big difference in your smartphone feeling buttery smooth. We have a broader guide that explains this technology further.
- Battery capacity: Smartphone batteries are measured in milliampere-hours (mAh). A big battery doesn’t necessarily mean better battery life, because much depends on the size of the screen and other technologies the phone is powering. That said, most phones should have 4,000-mAh cells or higher, and you typically won’t see anything higher than 5,500 mAh.
- Charging speeds: Most Android smartphones can charge fast, but certain companies offer shockingly fast recharge times. That’s usually because they have a proprietary charging brick you’ll need to use. You can find charging speed information on a phone’s product spec page. OnePlus phones are famous for recharging fully within around 30 minutes.
- Software updates: Software support is crucial. It means your phone will stay secure for longer and you’ll get new features over time. The gold standard in Android is seven years right now, thanks to Samsung and Google. However, if you have a cadence of replacing your phone every two or three years, then the lesser update policies of other Android phone makers might not be as big of a deal to you.
- Cameras: Camera specs are very misleading. A phone with a 108-megapixel sensor doesn’t mean it will take better photos than a phone with a 50-MP sensor. The only way to really know is to look at reviews. What you can do, if the camera is important to you, is check if there’s a versatile system. The best camera phones offer a primary wide camera, an ultrawide, and a telephoto zoom (usually at 5X zoom).
- Extra features: It’s important not to overlook the smaller features you may expect. Does the phone have a near-field communication sensor (NFC) so you can make contactless payments? Does it have a good IP rating that can survive a drop in the pool? Is there wireless charging? What about a microSD card slot or headphone jack? Make sure you vet the phone’s tech specs if you’re after something specific.
- 5G service: Most new smartphones support 5G now, the current generation of network connectivity. If the phone you’re looking at doesn’t support 5G—don’t fret! 4G LTE isn’t going anywhere yet. Don’t feel pressured to upgrade to a 5G phone or plan. That said, you do need a 5G-enabled smartphone if you want to make use of 5G speeds. It’s available in phones as cheap as $200.
How We Test Smartphones
Choose your best Best One Android Phone
Best Android phone overall
We think the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (buy now) is the best Android phone you can buy today. It is superlative in almost every respect, from design to display and performance… add on the S-Pen stylus and some clever AI additions, and this is a fantastic all-rounder.

Best cheap Android phone
The Samsung Galaxy A55 (buy now) is the best cheap Android phone you can buy. It has a sharp, punchy screen and a very capable multi-lens camera system. Inside is the Exynos 14800 CPU and 8/12GB of RAM which make for a far smoother experience than the previous generation A series phones.

Best phone for pure Android
The Google Pixel 9 Pro (buy now) continues Google’s run of phenomenal phone photography and is more AI-assisted than ever, and the 9 Pro is available in a new compact size.

Best mid-range Android phone
The Google Pixel 8a (buy now) is a wallet-friendly winner with an excellent camera and all of Google’s AI smarts.

Best folding Android phone
The OnePlus Open (buy now) has a lower price and brilliant build – it’s the finest foldable we’ve seen yet.

Best Android phone display
The OnePlus 12 (buy now) is a seriously compelling package thanks to the upgraded camera, powerful core specs and beautiful display.

Best Android phone for photography
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra (buy now) camera hardware sets a new bar for phone photography, and it’s a stunner in virtually every other aspect too.

Best Android phone for creators
The Sony Xperia 1 V (buy now) is unapologetically premium, Sony’s no-compromise flagship excels with an exceptional feature set, cementing its position as the ultimate Android camera phone.

Most innovative Android phone
The Nothing Phone 2 (buy now) is a beautiful big-screen blower with unique style and plenty of substance. Rivals have it beat in one or two areas, but none have Phone 2’s charm.

Best Android phone for fast charging
The Motorola Edge 30 Ultra (buy now) is a rapid-charging powerhouse of a phone with a superb set of cameras… for a tantalising price.

1. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra proves that sometimes refinement is just as important as reinvention.
This year’s flagship keeps much of what made the S24 Ultra a fan favourite while introducing meaningful improvements in design, performance, and AI integration.
With Gorilla Armor 2 glass for superior durability and reduced reflections, a sleek titanium frame, and a larger 6.9in AMOLED screen that dazzles despite not being the brightest in the market, it’s a stunning device in every sense.
AI enhancements take centre stage, finally delivering a polished, cohesive experience that rivals the best on offer. The new 50MP ultrawide camera adds welcome versatility, while the 200MP primary lens continues to impress with rich detail and vibrant colours. Though the zoom lenses lag behind the competition, they still capture sharp, balanced images.
Wait, how can the very best Android phone only score four stars? Essentially Galaxy S25 Ultra is an iterative update over last year’s S24 Ultra, which can now be had for considerably less cash.
While it may not represent a seismic leap from the S24 Ultra, it excels as a long-term upgrade for Samsung fans ready to take advantage of AI-driven software improvements.
Yes, the S Pen’s downgrade and battery limitations are valid criticisms, but the overall experience remains top-tier for those seeking a premium Android device.
Pros
- Simply outstanding performance
- Largely unchanged main camera still among the best in class
- Refined design and tougher build
- Galaxy AI finally starting to feel like a cohesive whole
Cons
- Beaten on battery by cheaper rivals using newer tech
- Few meaningful hardware changes from the last-gen phone
- S Pen a downgrade on last year
2. Google Pixel 9 Pro
The Google Pixel 9 Pro sets a new standard for Pixel smartphones, offering cutting-edge tech wrapped in a new, more premium design.
For those of us who’ve craved a smaller device without compromising on performance, this new Pro model is a game-changer, blending the best camera tech, AI smarts, and an exceptional battery, into the more compact 6.3in size.
The design is great, with straight edges, a matte glass back, and a new pill-shaped camera island that highlights Google’s focus on photography.
It feels lovely in hand and is more durable than previous models, with IP68 water resistance and a refined colour palette.
The Actua display is a standout, offering incredible brightness and vibrant colours, even outperforming the iPhone 15 in direct sunlight.
Paired with a 120Hz refresh rate, every swipe is buttery smooth. As expected, the camera system is top-tier, especially the upgraded 48MP ultrawide and periscope telephoto lenses. AI-driven tools like Magic Editor make editing photos effortless, while new features like ‘Add Me’ let you appear in group shots post-capture.
However, charging speeds lag behind competitors, and it’s pricier than previous Pixel models.
But with seven years of software updates, premium design, and AI-powered performance, we feel the Pixel 9 Pro is a worthy investment for those who want a compact yet powerful flagship smartphone.
Google has truly stepped into the high-end space with this one.
Pros
- Premium design and features in a smaller form
- Outstanding camera system with AI editing
- Seven years of software updates
- Excellent on battery
Cons
- Charging speeds still lag behind competitors
- Expensive compared to previous Pixel models
3. Samsung Galaxy A55
Want the Samsung prestige without the high-end price tag? Then the A55 is a budget contender worthy of your shortlist.
With a price tag well below the lofty heights of the Galaxy S24 range, this is a super affordable handset which sacrifices some flagship style and power, while still providing a solid smartphone experience.
One of its standout features during our review was its sharp, punchy screen, along with its capable multi-lens camera system, with a decent selfie camera to boot.
And unlike previous A series phones (which massively disappointed on the power front), we’re pleased to report that the A55’s Exynos 1480 CPU and 8/12GB of RAM make for a far smoother experience.
Throw in reasonably fast (though far from groundbreaking) 25W charging, and you’ve got yourself a more affordable Samsung handset that provides the highly coveted Samsung-esque experience, at a far more palatable price.
Pros
- Materials and build quality on par with pricier phones
- Decent performance and respectable battery life
- Capable cameras for stills and video
Cons
- Screen bezels are a bit bulky
- Tries to tempt you with bloatware on initial setup
- Similarly fast and long-lasting rivals cost considerably less
4. Google Pixel 8a
The Pixel 8a is part of Google’s affordable ‘A’ series, which promises a similar Pixel experience to its more expensive siblings for less money. We think this makes it a superb bang-for-buck option. And there’s lots to love here.
From its impeccable camera skills and punchy performance to a minimalist Pixel design and pure Android experience, this could be the ultimate choice for Google fans.
Previous Pixel A phones had a few specs that lagged behind some of the competition, but the latest 8a has fixed that, making it unquestionably the best mid-range smartphone around.
Okay, the charging speeds remain slightly behind rivals, and not all AI features are available to buyers in the UK and Europe, but unless you’re willing to spend nearly double the money on a flagship with even more versatile cameras, the Pixel 8a is everything you’ll ever need.
Pros
- Same superb photography skills we expect from Pixel phones
- Performance punches above its price bracket
- Slick design and strong build
Cons
- Gemini AI chatbot not available in UK and Europe
- Charging speeds remain behind rivals
5. OnePlus 12
Delivering killer specs at a competitive price point, we think the OnePlus 12 hits another home run—though perhaps not quite as far out of the park this time, due to a price hike compared to last year’s model.
Its all-screen frontage still fits the modern mould, and the tactile matte back adds a premium feel. The display itself is outstanding, with dynamic refresh rates ranging from 1 to 120Hz, ensuring smooth performance across the board.
The trademark alert slider instantly marks it as a OnePlus device, while the Hasselblad branding on the distinctive circular camera bump hints at enhanced photography features.
In our experience, the results are great in most conditions, with Pro and 12-bit RAW+ modes offering serious flexibility for photography enthusiasts. Low-light performance has also seen a noticeable improvement over last year.
Performance-wise, the OnePlus 12 is predictably superb, handling everything we threw at it with ease. Battery life was impressively frugal during our tests, and when the 5000mAh cell did run out, the 100W SuperVooc charging had it back to full in just over half an hour.
If you’re after a flagship bargain, we believe the OnePlus 12 comfortably undercuts every major big-screen rival.
Pros
- Sony LYT-808 sensor superb
- ProXDR display is epic
- Premium performance
Cons
- Price increase
- Few colour options
- Needs a 50W wireless charger
6. Xiaomi 14 Ultra
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra is a knockout in the smartphone world, particularly for photography enthusiasts. Sporting a robust quad-camera setup co-designed with Leica, this phone lets you capture images with a detail and richness that rivals many traditional cameras.
The variable aperture on the main lens is especially impressive, allowing users to control depth of field like a pro. We’re a fan of the optional Photography Kit too – it’s more than a gimmick; it turns the phone into a handheld DSLR with physical controls and even filter attachments. It’s pricey, yes, but if photography is a top priority, this accessory is a must.
Beyond the camera, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra holds its own with a vibrant 6.73-inch display that melds the best of flat and curved screens.
Performance-wise, it’s all muscle, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip and a solid cooling system that keeps it running smoothly, even under heavy gaming. Battery life is decent but doesn’t quite match some rivals. We wish it had squeezed in a larger battery like its China-only sibling.
This phone isn’t for everyone; if you just want a solid, high-performing smartphone, you’ll find more affordable options. But if photography is your passion, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra feels like a camera disguised as a phone – in all the best ways. It’s a major investment, but for us, it feels justified.
Pros
- Brilliantly capable quad camera setup
- Outstanding performance
- Photography kit is a must-buy for keen snappers
Cons
- It’s a mighty pricey handset
- Other flagships have slightly better battery life
7. Sony Xperia 1 V
Sony’s top-spec smartphones aren’t for everyone. But if you’re happy to pay for the privilege, the Xperia 1 V is a phenomenally capable Android handset.
A flagship in all respects, it delivers exceptional performance, a cinematic 4K display and day-long battery life, all wrapped up in distinctively slick packaging.
Android puritans will be pleased by its light-touch interface, but photographers are the true target market: rapid burst shooting, expansive manual options and stellar image quality make it a win for serious snappers.
As well as a continuous optical zoom lens, which lets you get closer to subjects without the need for digital trickery, it benefits from an all-new main sensor that fares better in low light. Photography fans with deep pockets won’t be disappointed.
Pros
- All the manual modes a pro snapper or videographer could want
- Stunning screen and great sound
- Last of the old guard for fan favourite features
Cons
- Cameras not as point-and-shoot friendly as rivals
- Charging speeds are merely average
- Serious money
8. Nothing Phone 2
Nothing took everything we liked about the wallet-friendly Phone 1 and ramped it up a little bit for the sequel – without going into full-on flagship territory.
Phone 2 is packing last year’s flagship CPU as a result, but that’s still plenty of performance for the cash.
Improvements have been made to pretty much every area: the screen is larger, with skinnier bezels; the battery is bigger, lasts longer and charges faster; the pair of 50MP rear cameras have uprated image processing; and NothingOS 2.0 is as cohesive and complete as any Android skin we’ve used this year.
The Google Pixel 7 still edges it on the photography front, but for sheer pocket presence Phone 2 is a genuine alternative.
Pros
- Refines everything that Made Phone 1 so fun
- Dependable performance and battery life
- Streamlined software puts a fresh spin on the Android home screen
Cons
- Not such great value in certain territories
- Rivals still hold the crown for photography
8. Motorola Edge 30 Ultra
It’s been a while since Motorola was top of the handset pack, but the new Motorola Edge 30 Ultra is a superb smartphone that wins back plenty of street cred for the Moto brand.
It’s got practically everything going for it, including a premium build, a very capable camera setup (including a pixel-packed 200MP main camera and 60MP selfie cam), along with insanely nippy 125W fast charging. Oh, and a punchy pOLED display with a super-slick 144Hz refresh rate. Phew.
Our only minor gripes are the lack of a waterproof build and expandable storage. Zoom fans will also find the 2x optical zoom lacking. For everyone else though, this is an absolutely cracking handset, especially for the price. Well done Moto.
Pros
- Screen, style, performance and battery all deliver
- Capable, versatile cameras
- Exceptionally fast charging
Cons
- Sub-par waterproofing for a high-end phone
- No expandable storage, 3.5mm port
9. OnePlus Open
Oneplus came out of nowhere with the Open, bringing a fantastic form factor, superb snappers and some of the best software to truly take advantage of the large internal screen.
That’s because the phone is badged as an Oppo Find N3 elsewhere in the world, with the parent company having tested the water with several foldable generations already.
It has great battery life, fast wired charging, and a fantastic design to boot. The fact this is cheaper than either Samsung or Google’s efforts makes it something of a smartphone slam dunk. This really is the best folding phone you can buy.
Pros
- Fabulously built
- High specification
- Brand new camera tech
Cons
- Cost is high, obviously
- Digital zoom a struggle in lower light
Finally
The Android phone market is more competitive than ever, which ultimately benefits consumers. With a wide range of options available, you’re sure to find a device that perfectly aligns with your needs and budget.
Consider your priorities – camera quality, performance, battery life, display size – and do your research to make an informed decision.
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