Top 5 Premium Smartphones to Buy in 2025

Purchasing a phone can be challenging. Before making your decision, you should take into account a number of minor but crucial aspects, such as whether you want a basic feature phone, a contemporary folding phone, or a typical slab-style smartphone. With at least thirty years of experience covering cell phones, our team can help you cut through all the clutter. Four phones currently stand out among our Editors’ Choice winners: the Google Pixel 9 pro for its exceptional value, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra with its artist-friendly S Pen, the Sony Xperia 1 VI with its large inner screen, and the Apple iPhone 16 with its excellent feature mix for the price. However, all of these phones are worthy of your consideration, so be sure to check out our comprehensive reviews, which are linked below.

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Last update on 2025-01-04 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

Top 5 Premium Smartphones to Buy in 2025

1.Apple iPhone 16

Last update on 2025-01-04 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

The cheapest model in Apple’s 2025 iPhone lineup is the iPhone 16. This year, the company has made a few changes to all of its phones, and the standard iPhone 16 now has features and performance that are more comparable to the Pro models. In addition to a generational leap in processor and memory to power Apple Intelligence, it shares the same Action Button and Camera Control, for instance. It’s a near-total package that includes high-quality hardware, contemporary radios, quick charging, and a long battery life. The iPhone 16 is our Editors’ Choice winner and the best option for the majority of people, though content creators may prefer the iPhone 16 Pro Max’s additional power and professional video tools.

The vanilla iPhone continues its slow evolution year after year. Although the iPhone 16 retains a lot of the iPhone 15’s design, it still advances significantly because of a few features that Apple has included in all iPhone 16 models.

The smallest and lightest iPhone is the 16 model, which weighs 6.0 ounces and measures 5.81 by 2.82 by 0.31 inches (HWD). The 16 Plus weighs 7.03 ounces and measures 6.33 by 3.06 by 0.31 inches. It has all the same features as the 16 except for the display. With dimensions of 5.89 by 2.81 by 0.32 inches and weighing 7.03 ounces, the 16 Pro is marginally bigger than the 16. The Pro Max is significantly bigger at 6.42 by 3.06 by 0.32 inches and 7.99 ounces. If you want an iPhone that comfortably fits in your hand and your pocket, the iPhone 16 is it.

Aluminum frames and Apple’s Ceramic Shield on the front and back are features of the iPhone 16 (and 16 Plus). According to Apple, its glass is twice as durable as Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, which is used in the Samsung Galaxy S24 and Google Pixel 9. Matte finishes on the glass panels and frame provide a slight grip boost. Because of its IP68 rating, which protects it from dust and water, the phone can survive up to 30 minutes submerged in water up to five feet deep. Still, it’s best to put a case on the phone unless you’re positive you won’t drop it. There are five colors available for the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus: Teal, Pink, Black,Ultramarine, or White. We tested the Ultramarine model, which is an attractive shade of blue that sometimes almost looks purple.

2.Google Pixel 9 Pro

Last update on 2025-01-04 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

This year’s newest addition to the lineup is the Google Pixel 9 Pro. The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, which replaced the Pixel 8 Pro, is a new product in the lineup. It is a small, feature-rich flagship that has all the features of its larger XL sibling.

Naturally, the idea of a small Pixel is not new, but this is the first time Google is putting all of its best effort into this form factor. Like the Pixel 9 Pro XL, the Pixel 9 Pro has a 48MP, 5x optical periscope telephoto camera. Additionally, the Pixel 9 Pro has UWB. To be honest, it’s pretty incredible that Google was able to to fit so much extra hardware inside what is essentially the same footprint as the non-Pro Pixel 9.

Google also paid some extra attention to the display of the Pro. It is a bit bigger than the Pixel 8’s and better than that inside the regular Pixel 9. The resolution has been upgraded to 1280 x 2856 pixels, the maximum brightness has been improved, and there is LTPO tech for dynamic refresh rate adjustment.

The Pixels this year come in cardboard boxes that have been recycled. It’s nice and environmentally friendly that there isn’t any plastic anywhere, not even inside. The phone is still in its internal cradle, which keeps it safe and secure during transportation. It’s also a pretty sturdy box.

There are very few accessories included in the retail package. All that is included in the box is a Type-C to Type-C cable. The good news is that you can easily find a charger for the Pixel 9 Pro, which charges at a maximum rate of 27W using standard Power Delivery (PD). Nevertheless, it would have been great to have one in the box.

3.Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Last update on 2025-01-04 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, the only smartphone in the company’s lineup with a S Pen stylus, revives the Galaxy Note dream. Although it’s a lot of phone, no other device can match this combination of a top-tier processor, an amazing display, top-tier cameras, useful AI capabilities, and an integrated stylus. If you don’t need the S Pen or the additional camera zoom, the slightly smaller and less expensive Galaxy S24+ might be a better option, but the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s unwavering commitment to quality makes it our Editors’ Choice for high-end Android phones.

The largest and priciest model in the S24 family—which also includes the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24+—is the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. Its squared-off design, integrated S Pen stylus, and more distant cameras set it apart from its more reasonably priced stablemates.With dimensions of 6.40 by 3.11 by 0.34 inches (HWD) and a weight of 8.22 ounces, the Ultra is undoubtedly a large phone. Despite weighing only 0.03 ounces less than the S23 Ultra, the S24 Ultra feels lighter thanks to its updated design. Don’t be misled, though; this is a very large gadget that won’t be appealing to people who prefer to use their phones with one hand. Those who fit that description will find the S24 (5.79 by 2.78 by 0.30 inches, 5.93 ounces) and the S24+ (6.2 by 3.0 by 0.30, 6.95 ounces) are smaller, lighter, and more rounded.

Corning Gorilla Armor, which Corning claims is more durable than any other smartphone glass it produces, is used to protect the display on the S24 Ultra. Additionally, according to the company, Gorilla Armor is less reflective and can, depending on the lighting, reduce glare by up to 75%. In fact, the Ultra appears nearly paper-like and exhibits fewer reflections than other phones I’ve tested.

The front glass is completely flat, a departure from the curved panels of older models. Samsung says it made this change based on user feedback. The flat screen makes it easier to use the S Pen since it minimizes the chance of the curved edge registering your palm as an input. It also improves S Pen usability because drawing on curved glass wasn’t easy.

4.Sony Xperia 1 VI

Last update on 2025-01-04 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

Existing Sony fans will recognize the Sony Xperia 1 VI as the company’s flagship Android phone. Using the Xperia 1 VI is like seeing an old friend, despite the fact that the screen aspect ratio is significantly different from the Sony Xperia 1 V.

There are also many of the usual Sony advantages and disadvantages. The main attraction of the Sony Xperia 1 VI is the way it defies a number of current smartphone trends. There is a headphone jack on it. Its memory can be expanded. Sony has not reduced battery capacity to make the Xperia 1 VI slightly thinner, and it lacks a camera cutout in the screen.

A sizable portion of the phone-buying public will consider all of these to be wise decisions.for something a little different. And you still get high-end camera hardware, a top-tier chip, good speakers, and an eye-catching screen — just about all the usual elements expected of a pricey Android phone.

These include camera processing that still lags slightly behind the best for dynamic range optimization and nighttime image processing, as well as slower-than-ideal fast charging. Additionally, even though premium toughened glass was used, I found the rear to be sadly prone to noticeable scratches.

The few features that Sony’s Xperia 1 VI has in common with far less expensive phones make it very appealing. The SIM tray still has a microSD slot and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Although they are vanishingly uncommon in phones of this caliber, these features are not costly to implement.

Although the Sony Xperia 1 VI is a beautiful phone, if you want the investment to be worthwhile, you must embrace its unique style.Similar to the previous generation, the Sony Xperia 1 VI features three rear cameras. There is an ultra-wide, a dedicated zoom, and a regular camera.

But things aren’t going as planned. There were several camera apps in earlier versions. Both a typical phone experience and one more akin to using Sony’s Alpha-series mirrorless cameras were intended to be offered.

Nothing had the same cluttering effect as this method. There is now only one main camera app, and it has a Pro mode that allows the older models to be controlled manually. However, Sony claims that the one practical “pro” videographer app will return at some point with the Xperia 1 VI. To go with that look,the phone also has a physical shutter button that, just like a “real” camera’s, can be depressed halfway to focus without capturing an image.

5.OnePlus 12

Last update on 2025-01-04 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

Without a doubt, the OnePlus 12 is awesome. It looks stunning, and OnePlus has managed to differentiate itself from the plethora of slabs that clog store shelves by offering one of the most adorable color options I’ve ever seen on a phone, in addition to a polished and uncompromising design.

The OnePlus 12 is an attempt to compete in the smartphone market as the so-called “flagship killer,” a device that is significantly less expensive than the top Samsung Galaxy or top Apple iPhone while still offering the best features of those more well-known phones.

It is superior in many ways, particularly when compared to rival smartphones that are essentially priced similarly to the OnePlus 12. If the OnePlus 12 is nearly adequate to take on the Galaxy S24 Ultra, it’s more than enough to challenge the Galaxy S24, which is a bit more expensive. If the Pixel 8 Pro has a tough new competitor, the Pixel 8, at the same price, is no competition at all for the OnePlus 12.

With its incredible performance, the OnePlus 12 can compete with the most recent iPhone 15 Pro in games and some productivity tasks. Its cameras take great pictures, sometimes even better than those from the Galaxy S24 Ultra and our other top camera phones.

To put it another way, you won’t feel left behind if you choose the OnePlus 12 over the other phone you were thinking about. You get outstanding performance, days of battery life, and stunning photography. Additionally, you get some unique features that aren’t available anywhere else, like lightning-fast charging and even an IR blaster that can switch the TV channel.

For the price, the OnePlus 12 is a stellar phone that exceeds expectations. If that makes you a little suspicious, you’re right to raise an eyebrow. What’s missing are some of the same aspects OnePlus has omitted before, but now these features may be more important than ever. 

For one thing, the OnePlus 12 isn’t as durable as the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra or the iPhone 15 Pro, not even close. Between the iPhone 15 Pro’s titanium frame and the new Gorilla Armor glass on the Galaxy Ultra, OnePlus won’t stand up to abuse like its rivals.

Phone FAQs

What makes a good phone camera?

Every modern phone has a camera setup on the back, and the majority have several, such as telephoto or ultrawide zooms. Larger image sensors, higher-end lenses, and image stabilization on more costly phones—like the iPhone 16 Pro—allow for more light to enter the device and produce detailed, vibrant photos both during the day and at night. Generally speaking, the more expensive flagships have the most sophisticated features, and the higher the price, the better the quality.

What is the best phone case?

There’s a vast array of case options for almost every phone on the market, so which one is best comes down to what you need it for. Many cases are simply there for the style. These cases will certainly help keep light scratches and scuffs off your phone, you should look toward more specialized rugged cases if you want to take your smartphone on a rough-and-tumble adventure into the outdoors.

How long should a phone battery last?

The majority of smartphones, including the most expensive models, ought to last a full day of mixed use between charges. When you plug it in beside your bed at night, you should expect to give it a full charge, but at the end of the day, you should still have some juice left.

How much storage should I get on a phone?

The majority of phones have at least 128GB of storage, which is sufficient for games, apps, and locally stored music. However, since phones can now capture higher-resolution images and videos, it’s crucial to consider how much storage space your phone will have in two or three years. It’s also crucial to consider your phone’s intended use. If you intend to download and play a lot of games, you might want to get a higher-capacity model. Your future self will therefore appreciate it if you can afford to purchase a phone with 256GB of storage.