One of the best Android telephones to purchase in 2025

Why we prefer it: Samsung’s flagship telephone continues to reign supreme throughout the board in our checks. The most recent mannequin, the Galaxy S26 Extremely, delivers in virtually each manner, from common efficiency to show high quality to cameras, with flaws that you just actually need to nitpick for.

The standout characteristic of the Galaxy S26 Extremely is the brand new Privateness Show, which dims half the display’s pixels so it seems tinted when seen at an off angle. This complicated show tech will be custom-made to cover necessary info, similar to 2FA message alerts and passwords. Its one caveat? A display that is rather less sharp and vibrant than its predecessor — although the safety advantages simply outweigh the drawbacks right here.

Evaluate: Samsung Galaxy S26 Extremely

Samsung has additionally geared up the Galaxy S26 Extremely with an up to date Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset, able to working high-end video games like Genshin Affect and heavy AI duties with out a lot stuttering. The improved effectivity is paired properly with 60W wired charging, the primary and quickest we have examined on any Samsung telephone up to now.

Who it is for: The Galaxy S26 Extremely is for customers who need a handset with excessive utility, superior security measures, and a digital camera system that may shoot just about something. You will additionally need to be a person who’s prepared to pay to play, because the telephone begins at $1,300. Service offers, retailer reductions, and different trade-in presents are your greatest buddies should you actually need one.

Who ought to look elsewhere: I discussed earlier that the S26 Extremely is not flawless. For one, it lacks the Qi2 magnetic adapter that is required to connect appropriate equipment with out an extra case, has a digital camera configuration that is practically equivalent to final yr’s mannequin (for these hoping for one thing considerably higher or totally different), and it is nonetheless a big, 6.9-inch telephone, on the finish of the day.

Those that desire one thing inexpensive and simpler to carry ought to take into account Samsung’s smaller choices, such because the Galaxy S26 and S26 Plus.

Samsung Galaxy S26 Extremely specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | Show measurement: 6.9 inches | Storage choices: As much as 1TB | Rear cameras: 200MP important, 50MP ultrawide, 50MP telephoto with 5x zoom, 10MP telephoto with 3x zoom | Entrance digital camera: 12MP | Battery: 5,000mAh | Value: Beginning at $1,300

Why we prefer it: The Pixel A collection is at all times a deal with to overview as a result of, for essentially the most half, you are getting the whole lot you will get within the flagship model of the Pixel, however in a smaller, inexpensive bundle. 

Reality be advised, it is very onerous to purchase a telephone as we speak that does not meet all of the desk stakes, however Pixels — even midrange Pixels — are likely to rise to the highest when it comes to options. Google’s software program is superior to make use of — it is the most effective variations of Android you’ll find.

The Pixel 10a particularly is kind of good at images. There are two digital camera sensors — a large and ultrawide, however it lacks a telephoto lens. That is pretty frequent for midrange telephones, however what the Pixel 10a does, it does very effectively, together with all of Google’s computational images methods and Gemini methods as effectively.

Evaluate: Google Pixel 10a

Who it is for: The Pixel 10a is a finances telephone beginning at $499. It is available in a wide range of enjoyable colours, similar to Lavender, Berry, Fog, and Obsidian. Although it lacks a telephoto digital camera, the opposite two cameras are beautiful. 

I used to be significantly impressed with its skill to seize transferring topics with out the everyday blur you will see at this worth level. Low-light images can be fairly good.

As for the remainder of the telephone, the software program is the primary different promoting level. That is Google’s telephone working Google’s working system. If you’re a tech nerd, that ought to enchantment to you — particularly on the enticing worth level. You may as well simply purchase the telephone unlocked and take it to any service you need within the US, if you would like. 

Who ought to look elsewhere: The most important draw back to the Pixel 10a is its design. Along with the big bezel that runs across the display, the telephone’s again lacks the digital camera “visor” that is change into iconic to the model over the previous few years. 

On the plus aspect, the digital camera bump is almost flush with the again of the telephone. On the draw back, it is frankly a bit boring, and the bezels across the entrance scream 2017-era smartphone. It isn’t an ideal look, so should you’re somebody who fancies a telephone that stands out from the pack, this telephone shouldn’t be for you.

In the event you’re a spec nerd, you might also not like that this telephone tops out at 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. The latter is not horrible, however the former does not precisely scream future-proof. Add in the truth that Tensor processors aren’t identified for his or her spectacular energy, and avid gamers would possibly wish to discover a totally different possibility as effectively.

Google Pixel 10a tech specs: Processor: Tensor G5 | Show measurement: 6.3-inch | RAM/Storage: 8GB with 128GB or 256GB | Battery: 5,100mAh | Digital camera: 48MP vast, 13MP ultrawide, and 13MP entrance | Value: Beginning at $499

Why we prefer it: The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 stays the most effective foldable telephone in 2026, because of its ultra-thin kind issue and market-leading digital camera system, which captures extra lifelike photographs than competing fashions from OnePlus and Google, in line with our checks. 

Samsung took the standard telephone route when refining the outer show of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, choosing a wider, extra normal aspect-ratio panel slightly than the narrower one on the Galaxy Z Fold 6. That makes a notable distinction in hand-feel and ergonomics, though the 2 telephones are solely $100 aside. In comparison with the usual slab-style telephone, you are merely getting extra display with the Z Fold 7, with a bigger 8-inch show when unfolded. For reference, most modern-day telephones vary from 6 to six.8 inches.

Naturally, all of the content material I have been consuming on the telephone, like video streaming, social media feeds, and Google Maps, is offered in a extremely consumable manner; nothing feels disorienting or cropped. Whereas the foldable does not match its Extremely sibling spec-for-spec, the Z Fold 7 really shines and greater than makes up for the “inferior” 200MP digital camera system in lengthy publicity photographs and selfies, because of its self-standing nature. 

Evaluate: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7

Who it is for: I usually suggest the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold over different foldables due to Samsung’s feature-rich method to software program. Working on the OneUI launcher (over Android 16) means you may anticipate a easy but customizable person interface, with assist for as much as seven years of working system and safety updates. I am unable to say the identical for the OnePlus Open or Motorola Razr.

This ultra-slim kind issue can be ultimate for multitaskers and different customers who wish to see as a lot info directly as potential with out reaching for a pill or laptop computer. You merely will not discover a foldable with higher ergonomics proper now than this.

Who ought to look elsewhere: With a $2,000 beginning price ticket, you are largely paying for the innovation issue with this telephone. So, should you’re extra curious about a secure and dependable handset that is arguably a lot simpler to restore, I would suggest a conventional slab telephone just like the Galaxy S26 collection.

Customers looking for a foldable telephone must also take into account the Google Pixel 10 Professional Fold if they like a handset with much less bloatware and a stubbier design, or the older Galaxy Z Fold 6 if they need S Pen stylus assist, which the Z Fold 7 omits.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 tech specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite | Show sizes: 6.5-inch exterior and 8-inch inside | Storage choices: 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB | Rear cameras: 200MP vast, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto | Entrance cameras: 10MP entrance | Battery: 4,400mAh | Value: Beginning at $2,000

Why we prefer it: The OnePlus 15 delivers probably the most well-rounded flagship experiences we have examined, with a big 6.8-inch 165Hz AMOLED show, a 7,300mAh battery, a triple-camera setup with a reliable 50MP important lens on the helm, the newest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, and extra. For a beginning worth of $899, it is very troublesome to discover a higher flagship telephone deal proper now.

Placing the worth side apart, the OnePlus 15 shines with its charging pace; it is one thing I’ve discovered to not take without any consideration, as competing Android flagships are likely to require hours longer to high up. From my checks, the telephone’s 80W wired charging can energy it from 0% to 50% inside 10 minutes, with a full cost taking nearer to half-hour. 

Evaluate: OnePlus 15

That is in comparison with the Samsung Galaxy S26 Extremely, for instance, which takes greater than an hour to totally cost with its 60W normal. OnePlus additionally contains an 80W charger within the field, a free bonus that advantages customers who do not wish to spend extra on equipment and are at all times on the go.

One other vantage level is the OnePlus 15’s IP69 score, which surpasses that of competing handsets. By IP69 requirements, the telephone can face up to high-pressure, high-temperature water jets and modifications in humidity. In different phrases, leaving the system in a washer and dryer, and even dropping it in a pot of boiling soup, will not injury it. 

Who it is for: The OnePlus 15 sometimes begins at $899, which is cheaper than its closest present rivals, the $1,099 Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus and Google Pixel 10 Professional. The worth level alone makes it value recommending to shoppers in search of a flagship telephone expertise with out spending $1,000 or extra. For the cash, you will additionally get the quickest charging speeds on the US market, nice for customers who’re at all times on the go or require as a lot energy as potential in a given time.

Who ought to look elsewhere: Whereas the OnePlus 15 hits virtually each mark from our testing, options just like the Google Pixel 10 Professional and Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus are extra available at service shops and promise longer software program assist, each of which are perfect for customers in search of a tool they will maintain onto for the subsequent 5+ years. 

The OnePlus 15 additionally falls quick in video recording and total digital camera high quality, with our checks revealing inconsistent HDR seize, shade processing, and imperfect stabilization. Due to this fact, customers who rely closely on video recording ought to take into account different flagship telephones, such because the iPhone 17 Professional or Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely.

OnePlus 15 tech specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | Show measurement: 6.8 inches | Storage choices: 256GB/512GB | Rear cameras: 50MP important, 50MP ultrawide, and 50MP telephoto | Entrance digital camera: 32MP | Battery: 7,300mAh | Value: Beginning at $899

Why we prefer it: Deciding on the most effective compact telephone got here all the way down to the wire, with Motorola’s Razr Extremely simply scraping by Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 7. I went hands-on with the Razr Extremely mannequin final yr, and was totally impressed by the improved hinge system (learn: the telephone feels sturdier to flip open and shut), in addition to the efficiency, which is underpinned by an up to date Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and 12GB of RAM.

Motorola’s outer show nonetheless helps just about any app you throw at it, that means you may browse the net, play video games, scroll TikTok, and do different cellular duties with out ever needing to flip open the system. Samsung’s platform is extra restricted on this regard, which at all times felt like a missed alternative when testing.

It additionally helps that the Razr Extremely has a textured backing, together with new Alcantara and Wooden finishes, which I’ve discovered to be simpler to carry and grip than competing flip telephones. Contemplating how fragile these foldable units will be — something with so many transferring components sometimes are — the improved grip is simple to understand.

Evaluate: Motorola Razr Extremely (2025)

Who it is for: Sometimes costing $1,500, the Razr Extremely shouldn’t be an affordable flip telephone by any means. That is why its extra reasonably priced siblings, the Razr and Razr Plus, exist. However if you would like essentially the most full, sturdy, and visually stimulating flip telephone available on the market proper now, you will need to pay to play with the Razr Extremely.

I applauded Motorola for exploring new shade and materials finishes with this yr’s Razr, and that is one thing fashion-forward customers will possible favor too. The battery on this yr’s mannequin — 4,700mAh, up from 4,000mAh — can be a lot bigger, which you’ll be able to by no means actually complain about.

Who ought to look elsewhere: When shopping for the Razr Extremely, you must also take into account features like Motorola’s comparatively quick software program replace cadence, which ranges from 2 to three years, versus Google and Samsung’s 7 years. In the event you’re in search of a telephone that is much more forgiving when dropped, I would put money into a conventional slab handset as an alternative, just like the Samsung Galaxy S26 collection or iPhone 17 collection.

Motorola Razr Extremely (2025) tech specs: Processor:  Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite | Show sizes: 4-inch exterior and 7-inch inside | Storage choices: 512GB, 1TB | Rear cameras: 50MP vast, 50MP ultrawide | Entrance digital camera: 32MP vast | Battery: 4,700mAh | Value: $1,300 (at present on sale for $1,100)

Why we prefer it: AI is a part of the mainstream now, however earlier than you’d ever heard of ChatGPT, Google was utilizing AI to up its images sport in huge methods. First, it used AI to assist clear up images and make topics clearer, then it allowed you to take away objects from images, and now it lets you seamlessly merge images collectively into that good second. 

All that’s to say, should you worth images, the Pixel 10 Professional XL and its suite of artistic AI options is what ought to be in your pocket.

The Pixel 10 Professional collection can be the primary to assist Qi2 25W wi-fi charging with Pixelsnap magnets. This implies it’s going to be appropriate with the prevailing suite of MagSafe digital camera equipment like tripods, mounts, and docks, and might high up at a faster fee than competing Android telephones.

Evaluate: Google Pixel 10 Professional XL

Who it is for: The Pixel Professional 10 XL is for photographers who wish to seize a fast point-and-shoot picture after which discover how AI can improve it. 

It democratizes loads of what you see skilled photographers do with apps like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, permitting you to maneuver topics round and fill within the gaps left behind, improve lighting, and even put topics into a brand new setting. 

This is not actually new to smartphone images, however Google has been doing it for therefore lengthy that it reveals, each within the workflow and within the outcomes.

The Pixel Professional 10 XL has the most important non-folding display that you should use as a viewfinder, which is necessary for locating the fitting composition. It additionally has the most important battery and the quickest charging of all of the Pixels, so if these specs are necessary to you, then this telephone is the winner.

Who ought to look elsewhere: That is the most important and costliest Pixel you should purchase (that does not fold), so people who find themselves on a finances might wish to have a look at our midrange decide on this record — the Pixel 10a. There’s extra on that telephone beneath. The Pixel 10 Professional XL begins at $1,199, so it is undoubtedly not for the faint of coronary heart.

That is additionally a big telephone, so which may remove the thin jean crowd. In the event you’re a back-pocket telephone service, chances are you’ll wish to have a look at this telephone’s smaller sibling, the Pixel 10 Professional, which has virtually precisely the identical specs (and the identical images chops) in a smaller bundle.

Google Pixel 10 Professional and 10 Professional XL tech specs: Processor: Google Tensor G5 | Show measurement: 6.3 and 6.8 inches | Storage choices: 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB | Rear cameras: 50MP important, 48MP ultrawide, and 48MP telephoto | Entrance digital camera: 42MP | Battery: 4,870mAh/5,200mAh | Value: Beginning at $999 (Professional) and $1,199 (Professional XL)