Best Phones of 2025
From the iPhone 16 and Galaxy S25 to the Pixel 9 and Motorola Razr Plus: Here are the best phones out of everything we tested and reviewed.
CNET tests plenty of smartphones each year but only a few are the best phones that we think people should buy. From Samsung's Galaxy S25 family and Apple's iPhone 16 series to Google's Pixel 9 line, the best phones in 2025 have beautiful displays for scrolling TikTok and watching White Lotus. They also have cameras that can take stunning pictures and a battery life that will get you through a day and then some.
There's also foldables like the Motorola Razr Plus (2024) which prove that phones can still be fun in 2025. To help you decide what to purchase, we've rounded up the best phones out of everything we tested.
Best Phone for Most People: iPhone 16
The best phone for most people is the $799 iPhone 16. It comes in two sizes: a 6.1-inch regular iPhone 16 model or a larger 6.7-inch iPhone 16 Plus model that starts at $899. The phones have a new 12-megapixel ultrawide camera that performs better in low light and can now take macro photos, meaning you'll be able to focus close to take amazing food snaps.
The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus have a handful of Apple Intelligence tools for writing, removing distractions from photos, and doing summaries of messages and webpages. There's also an added ChatGPT integration to Siri.
The phones also have an Action button that can be programmed for different functions like turning on the flashlight, recording a voice memo, changing the focus mode, and more. There's also a new Camera Control button that not only lets you take photos and quickly change things like zoom, Portrait mode aperture, and Photographic Styles, but can also trigger a new feature called Visual Intelligence.
Best Android Phone for Most People: Samsung Galaxy S25
The Galaxy S25's biggest flex is that 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.
Best Flip Phone Foldable: Motorola Razr Plus
When I consider the Motorola Razr Plus on its own terms, it is outstanding. And, perhaps more importantly, it's a delight to use. The 4-inch cover screen makes the Razr feel like two phones in one. You can use pretty much any app on the outer display as well as respond to messages, watch videos, make video calls, and even play games – all without opening the Razr Plus up.
Add to that a long battery life, fast charging, improved cameras, and an IPX8 rating that certifies that the Razr Plus will survive temporary dunking, and you realize just how much value Motorola has poured into its flagship foldable. Its $1,000 price is steep, but you're getting one of the best clamshell style foldables you can buy.
Best Premium iPhone: iPhone 16 Pro
The iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max have everything we've come to expect in a year-over-year upgrade. The 6.3-inch iPhone 16 Pro and 6.9-inch iPhone 16 Pro Max have a slew of upgrades, including good battery life, larger displays, outstanding photo and video chops, high-resolution slo-mo, a new Camera Control button, iOS 18 goodies, and a handful of Apple Intelligence tools.
The negatives are as thin as the borders around the new screens: You only get 128GB of storage for $1,000; there are only drab color options, and the new camera button is easy to tap accidentally.
This year the 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max have the exact same cameras – unlike the 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max, which had different telephoto options. Screen size, battery life, and price should be the deciding factors when you're choosing between the two. The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max are excellent phones worthy of a spot in your pocket – if you can afford them.
Best Google Has to Offer: Google Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL
The Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL have a lot going for them, from their shiny new designs to the long software support period. But it's the AI skills that really stand out, from the deep integration of the conversational Gemini Live to the new Pixel Studio that creates weird and wonderful images from your text prompts.
The phones aren't perfect. While the cameras are good and can take excellent photos in bright light, they're just okay in low-light and in night mode. The best AI features will require a monthly subscription (though you get the first year for free). But if you're keen to experiment with AI on your phone, then the new Pixel 9 Pro range is a superb way to experience it.