Buying a phone can be complicated. Whether you want a standard slab-style smartphone, a modern folding phone, or a basic feature phone, there are several small but important factors to consider before making a choice. PCMag has been covering cell phones for at least three decades and can help you sort through all the noise. Right now, four phones stand out among our Editors’ Choice winners: the Apple iPhone 17 with its great mix of features and performance for the price, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra with its artist-friendly S Pen stylus, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 with its expansive inner screen, and the Google Pixel 9a for its superb value. However, all the phones here are worth your attention, so be sure to explore our full reviews, linked below. Further down, we walk you through everything you need to know to pick the best one.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
EDITORS’ NOTE
November 21, 2025: With this update, our recommendations are unchanged. Our remaining picks have been vetted for currency and availability.
(Credit: Eric Zeman)
(Credit: Eric Zeman)
Pros & Cons
Best value among iPhone 17 models
Fast performance
Competitive battery life
Speedy wireless connections
Pro-level display
Flexible cameras
Why We Picked It
With the iPhone 17, Apple has meaningfully upgraded the base model to bring it in line with the rest of the iPhone 17 family—and competing flagships. With more than 24 hours of battery life, fast charging, modern radios, and high-quality hardware, it’s a near-total package. Unless you’re a power user who wants the photo and video tools of the Pro models, the iPhone 17 is the better value proposition.
Who It’s For
Value-seeking iPhone fans: The entry-level iPhone 17 would be considered a Pro-level model just a few years ago. In fact, it gets you much of the iPhone Pro experience for hundreds less. For $799, it packs 256GB of storage, a powerful Apple processor, and excellent cameras. What’s not to like?
Selfie lovers: Apple’s iPhone 17 introduces a new selfie camera capable of capturing both vertical and horizontal photos without requiring the user to rotate the phone. If you want some variety in your selfies without having to change the way you use your phone, the iPhone 17 is a great pick.
Specs & Configurations
Operating System
iOS 26
CPU
Apple A19
Dimensions
5.89 by 2.81 by 0.31 inches
Screen Size
6.3 inches
Screen Resolution
2,622 by 1,206 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)
48MP, 48MP; 18MP
Battery Life (As Tested)
24 hours, 31 minutes
Learn More
Apple iPhone 17 Review
(Credit: Eric Zeman)
(Credit: Eric Zeman)
Pros & Cons
Refined and appealing hardware
Advanced, easy-to-use AI features
Excellent cameras
Long-term support
Battery life should be longer
No physical SIM card support
Why We Picked It
Google’s Pixel 10 Pro packs the company’s best hardware and software into a tough, midsize phone. You get premium construction, a bright, detailed screen, sharp cameras, and AI that runs locally to speed up everyday tasks. Features like live call translation and language-based photo edits create standout experiences you rarely find elsewhere.
Who It’s For
Uncompromising small phone fans: The Pixel 10 Pro packs virtually everything its larger sibling has in a small, dense body. Google’s AI features work exceptionally well on this phone, while its cameras produce some of the best photos you’ll see from any smartphone.
Long-term phone users: Google offers seven years of operating system updates, security fixes, and feature drops. That means the Pixel 10 Pro hardware may age, but its software will stay current thanks to Google’s generous policy. If you prefer to hold onto your investment, the Pixel 10 is worth considering.
Specs & Configurations
Operating System
Android 16
CPU
Google Tensor G5
Dimensions
6.02 by 2.83 by 0.34 inches
Screen Size
6.3 inches
Screen Resolution
2,856 by 1,280 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)
50MP, 48MP, 48MP; 42MP
Battery Life (As Tested)
12 hours, 40 minutes
Learn More
Google Pixel 10 Pro Review
(Credit: Eric Zeman)
(Credit: Eric Zeman)
Pros & Cons
Class-leading performance
Powerful AI features
Excellent cameras
Sharp, anti-reflective screen
Better ergonomics than previous Ultras
Long software support window
Expensive
Less S Pen functionality than previous generation
Why We Picked It
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra features high-end specs, including the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor, up to 1TB of storage with 12GB of RAM, and the best camera stack available on an Android phone in the US. The embedded S Pen stylus is another significant point in its favor, particularly if you’re an artist or note-taker who likes to sketch or jot on the run. Let’s not forget Galaxy AI, which is equal parts useful and fun, and Samsung’s powerful productivity software, which lets you multitask on the large screen with ease.
Who It’s For
Artist and Notetakers: The Galaxy S25 Ultra keeps stylus fans happy. The Ultra features a removable S Pen, which allows you to put the stylus to the screen for longhand writing, mind-mapping, or sketching in ways that a keyboard cannot replicate.
People who want the best Samsung phone: The S25 Ultra’s specs are out of this world, with a 5x optical telephoto zoom, a 200MP main camera, a superfast Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, and a titanium frame. Plus, its enormous 6.9-inch OLED is just gorgeous. There is little compromise with a Galaxy S25 Ultra.
Specs & Configurations
Operating System
Android 15
CPU
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy
Dimensions
6.41 by 3.06 by 0.32 inches
Screen Size
6.9 inches
Screen Resolution
3,120 by 1,440 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)
200MP, 50MP, 50MP, 10MP; 12MP
Battery Life (As Tested)
14 hours, 15 minutes
Learn More
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Review
(Credit: Iyaz Akhtar)
(Credit: Iyaz Akhtar)
Pros & Cons
Powerful performance
Excellent cameras
Useful Google AI
Seven-year software support commitment
Lacks mmWave 5G
No reverse wireless charging
Why We Picked It
The Google Pixel 9a is an excellent midrange value for Android fans thanks to its capable pair of cameras, bright screen, smooth performance, and refined design. It also offers a good range of AI-based photo-editing features, along with more than 13 hours of battery life and an IP68 rating for protection against dust and water ingress. We especially like that Google promises seven years of software updates, just like for the flagship Pixel 9 lineup.
Who It’s For
Google fans seeking a bargain: If you ever wanted to see what the big deal is about Pixels, the Pixel 9a offers the best of Google in an affordable package. This is Android as Google envisions it, with various AI features that make the Pixel 9a fun to use.
People who love taking photos: Every phone on this list can take good photos, but the $499 Pixel 9a provides the best value. Google’s hardware and software shape the Pixel’s image workflow to effortlessly produce beautiful pictures.
Specs & Configurations
Operating System
Android 15
CPU
Google Tensor G4
Dimensions
6.1 by 2.9 by 0.4 inches
Screen Size
6.3 inches
Screen Resolution
2,424 by 1,080 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)
48MP, 13MP; 13MP
Battery Life (As Tested)
13 hours, 15 minutes
Learn More
Google Pixel 9a Review
(Credit: Eric Zeman)
(Credit: Eric Zeman)
Pros & Cons
Exceptional hardware
Excellent displays
Solid performance
Powerful software
Strong radios
Outlandishly expensive
Only average battery life
Why We Picked It
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is the best large-screen foldable yet. It’s lighter and more compact than the Z Fold 6, yet still offers a larger cover screen and a larger internal screen. We also like the IP48 rating and Samsung’s commitment to seven years of software support. It features a stronger hinge, powerful multitasking capabilities, advanced Galaxy AI tools, excellent 5G and Wi-Fi radios, and a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor—all of which contribute significantly to justifying its admittedly high price.
Who It’s For
Tablet lovers: If you want a larger screen while working with the Z Fold 7, just open it up, and you’ve got a tablet to work with. It’s a great option for those looking to do more with one device (though it costs as much as two).
Design buffs: Somehow, Samsung made the Z Fold 7 so thin that it resembles a regular (non-folding) smartphone while closed. Opening up the Z Fold 7 reveals its remarkable thinness, measuring just 0.17 inches. The refined hinge feels sturdy, while its excellent build quality showcases Samsung’s capabilities.
Specs & Configurations
Operating System
Android 16
CPU
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy
Dimensions
6.24 by 2.87 by 0.35 inches folded, 6.24 by 5.64 by 0.17 inches open
Screen Size
8 inches
Screen Resolution
2,184 by 1,968 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)
200MP, 12MP, 10MP; 10MP, 10MP
Battery Life (As Tested)
13 hours, 10 minutes
Learn More
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Review
(Credit: Iyaz Akhtar)
(Credit: Iyaz Akhtar)
Pros & Cons
Excellent value
Good performance
Above-average cameras
Splashproof
Six-year support window
Why We Picked It
The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is an excellent value for under $200. Highlights include a large 90Hz screen, a good camera system, a new IP54 rating against dust and water, and a guarantee of six years’ worth of security updates. It’s not as tough as pricier phones, nor is it as fast, but given the low price, you can’t ask for more.
Who It’s For
Budget-conscious buyers: If your budget is limited, the Galaxy A16 5G is an excellent choice thanks to its good everyday usability, above-average cameras, and long battery life. Midrange models outgun it, but it’s easily the best phone under $200.
Parents: If the thought of spending nearly $1,000 on a flagship phone for your child seems daunting, the Galaxy A16 should grab your attention. This Samsung is perfectly capable of handling the basics, so kids won’t think of it as a toy. The phone’s six years of support also means that the device will stay secure for years to come.
Specs & Configurations
Operating System
Android 14
CPU
Samsung Exynos 1330
Dimensions
6.47 by 3.07 by 0.31 inches
Screen Size
6.7 inches
Screen Resolution
2,340 by 1,080 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)
50MP, 5MP, 2MP; 13MP
Battery Life (As Tested)
13 hours 46 minutes
Learn More
Samsung Galaxy A16 5G Review
(Credit: Sarah Lord)
(Credit: Sarah Lord)
Pros & Cons
Affordable
5G and Wi-Fi
Long battery life
Quick performance
Limited third-party apps
Poor cameras
Embedded battery
Why We Picked It
The TCL Flip 4 5G is an excellent voice phone with an embedded battery, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a USB-C charging port. It also features a 2MP camera, which is useful in a pinch. Wi-Fi, 4G, and 5G connectivity, along with email access, can help keep you in the communication loop.
Who It’s For
People who just want to make calls: If you aren’t interested in owning a smartphone, the affordable TCL Flip 4 5G confidently performs basic phone functions. The speakerphone and earpiece sound quite clear, and the battery lasts for a considerable amount of time.
Retro enthusiasts: The Flip 4 is a classic-style clamshell flip phone designed for today’s cellular networks. If you prefer to text using a physical number pad, the TCL Flip 4 is the ideal choice. This device has no touch screens and no social media apps, so forget about endless swiping. The Flip 4’s limited app selection should be sufficient for the lightest tasks (such as email), but its primary function is simply to be a phone.
Specs & Configurations
Operating System
KaiOS
CPU
Qualcomm Snapdragon 4s Gen 2
Dimensions
4.29 by 2.34 by 0.84 inches
Screen Size
3.2 inches
Screen Resolution
240 by 320 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)
5MP
Battery Life (As Tested)
20 hours
Learn More
TCL Flip 4 5G Review
(Credit: Eric Zeman)
(Credit: Eric Zeman)
Pros & Cons
Outstanding cameras
Top video features
Category-leading battery life
Terrific screen
Fast performance
High-quality hardware
Might be too big for some
Most expensive iPhone
Why We Picked It
The iPhone 17 Pro Max is packed with everything Apple has to offer. It features the largest screen among iPhones, its battery lasts over 32 hours, the Camera Control button offers more creative flexibility, and upgraded radios ensure faster wireless performance. It also features advanced video capture tools that are among the best available on any phone.
Who It’s For
Serious multimedia creators: The iPhone 17 Pro Max includes some of the most powerful camera and video features of any phone on the market. Few others can record super high-quality ProRes footage in HDR at 4K120. If you create content for a living, this is the phone to get. Moreover, it offers up to 2TB of storage, more than enough to hold all your projects.
People who want the best battery life: The iPhone 17 Pro Max’s battery life is remarkably long, lasting 32 hours and 11 minutes in our battery rundown test. The Pro Max outlasts not only its siblings but also most Android phones.
Specs & Configurations
Operating System
iOS 26
CPU
Apple A19 Pro
Dimensions
6.43 by 3.07 by 0.34 inches
Screen Size
6.9 inches
Screen Resolution
2,868 by 1,320 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)
48MP, 48MP, 48MP; 18MP
Battery Life (As Tested)
32 hours, 11 minutes
Learn More
Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max Review
(Credit: Eric Zeman)
(Credit: Eric Zeman)
Pros & Cons
Bright displays
Category-leading battery life
Powerful performance
Fun folding form factor
Middling cameras
Mediocre AI
Why We Picked It
The Motorola Razr Ultra embraces its dual-screen design in a way many alternatives don’t; you can run virtually any app you want on either the vivid 4.0-inch outer display or the expansive 7.0-inch inner panel. We also like its IP48 waterproof rating, stylish design, competitive performance, and fast 68W wired charging.
Who It’s For
People with small pockets: The Razr Ultra lets you easily carry a 7-inch screen around with you, no matter how big or small your pockets are, by folding it in half. Like the clamshell phones of old, the Ultra closes with a satisfying thunk, giving you a squarish brick to carry around. Additionally, its front screen is large enough to allow you to accomplish a lot without opening the phone.
The fashion–conscious: In a world of bland phones, the Razr Ultra stands out. Its folding form factor makes it turn heads, while its color options are unlike anything in the competition, thanks to a partnership with Pantone. The Ultra is available in Cabaret (pink), Mountain Trail (wood veneer), Rio Red, or Scarab (black Alcantara).
Specs & Configurations
Operating System
Android 15
CPU
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform
Dimensions
6.75 by 2.91 by 0.28 inches open, 3.47 by 2.91 by 0.62 inches closed
Screen Size
7 inches
Screen Resolution
2,992 by 1,224 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)
50MP, 50MP; 50MP
Battery Life (As Tested)
22 hours, 3 minutes
Learn More
Motorola Razr Ultra Review
(Credit: Eric Zeman)
(Credit: Eric Zeman)
Pros & Cons
Class-leading battery life
Bright, crisp screen
Impressive performance
Fast wired and wireless charging
Solid build quality
Lacks mmWave 5G
Shorter software support window than competing phones
Why We Picked It
OnePlus phones aren’t as common as those from Google and Samsung, but they are often worth considering. The company’s latest flagship matches today’s leading phones spec-for-spec in terms of display, battery life, performance, and camera. It even sees OnePlus dipping its toe into AI and supports wired charging speeds of up to 80W via a proprietary power block. Note that OnePlus has launched the OnePlus 15, which we’ve reviewed; however, it is currently awaiting approval from the FCC, which is experiencing a temporary backlog due to the US government shutdown.
Who It’s For
People who want to try something different: The OnePlus 13 is ideal if you’re looking for a device not made by Google or Samsung. OnePlus produces consistently good phones with genuinely useful software, which will receive four years of OS upgrades.
Specs & Configurations
Operating System
Android 15
CPU
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Mobile Platform
Dimensions
6.41 by 3.01 by 0.33 inches
Screen Size
6.82 inches
Screen Resolution
3,168 by 1,440 pixels
Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)
50MP, 50MP, 50MP; 32MP
Battery Life (As Tested)
24 hours, 28 minutes
Learn More
OnePlus 13 Review
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The Best Phones for 2025
Compare Specs
Buying Guide: The Best Phones for 2025
Which Cell Phone Carrier Has the Best Coverage?
Despite all the recent innovations in hardware and mobile software, choosing a wireless service provider remains the most important decision. No matter what phone you buy, it’s a paperweight unless you have reliable wireless coverage. You should choose a carrier with fair prices and the best coverage in your area.
If you’re interested in performance and live in a metro area, pay close attention to where the major carriers have deployed “mid-band” 5G (also known as C-band) and use phones that support this technology.
UScellular is currently available throughout the US, though much of its coverage is provided via partner networks. Meanwhile, Boost Mobile covers a good portion of the country with its 5G-first service.
Left to right: Google Pixel 10, 10 Pro, and Pro 10 XL (Credit: Eric Zeman)
Many virtual operators also use the big three networks for service, but offer lower monthly rates, cheaper international calls, or other benefits. They’re typically better for less intensive users, and some don’t even have family plans.
Mint Mobile (on T-Mobile), Consumer Cellular (on AT&T), and Spectrum Mobile (on Verizon) all received higher ratings in our Readers’ Choice survey than the companies that host their services.
AT&T owns Cricket, Dish owns Boost Mobile, T-Mobile owns Metro by T-Mobile and Mint Mobile, Verizon owns Visible, and Google owns Google Fi (which also runs on T-Mobile). Verizon also owns Simple Mobile, Straight Talk, Total Wireless, and Tracfone. We spotlight some of our favorite virtual operators in our roundup of the best cheap phone plans. We also have a story on the best cheap phones.
If you’re on T-Mobile, you should consider using a mid-band 5G-compatible phone. That’s an easy choice—all T-Mobile 5G phones are now mid-band compatible.
To access AT&T’s C-band network, any modern Apple iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, or Google Pixel will do. Many of Motorola’s US phones also support AT&T C-band.
If you’re in one of Verizon’s C-band areas, upgrading to a C-band-compatible 5G phone is a good move. The carrier’s ultra-wideband network also provides super-fast mmWave 5G in select locations. If you are in one of those areas and want to take advantage, make sure your phone has that support.
You can find more 5G recommendations on our list of the best 5G phones.
Should You Get an Unlocked Phone?
Carriers often have confusing service and pricing plans, making unlocked phones as relevant and invaluable as ever.
Unlocked phones are those you buy from a third-party store or directly from the manufacturer; they aren’t tied to a specific carrier. Usually, you can use them with AT&T or T-Mobile. However, some popular unlocked phones are also compatible with Verizon. For the most flexibility, look for a recent Apple iPhone, Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy S or Z flagship, or high-end Motorola Edge phone. If you use a low-cost MVNO service, ensure your unlocked phone is compatible; some MVNOs don’t support phones that should work on their networks.
Apple iPhone 17 (Credit: Eric Zeman)
In the past, unlocked 4G phones typically worked on all major carriers; however, 5G phones are different. Apple, Google, and Samsung’s 5G phones typically work on every major US carrier; however, many other brands have limited band support or are only certified for specific carriers.
What Is the Best Smartphone?
There’s actually less diversity in smartphone platforms and designs than ever. Android and iOS are the two remaining major smartphone platforms, both in US sales and in the availability of third-party apps. The iPhone has a well-developed App Store and some of the best media features. But Apple’s tightly controlled ecosystem can feel stifling to some, though iOS is more customizable than ever. Android handsets offer a greater variety, and the OS allows you to customize nearly everything to tailor your phone to your needs. But it can also mean carrier bloatware you can’t remove, and less consistent OS updates. Google and Samsung provide up to seven years of OS updates and security fixes. If you want an Android phone for the long run, consider those two manufacturers.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (Credit: Eric Zeman)
Strictly interested in Android? Head over to our roundup of the best Android phones. Baffled by the variety of iPhones? Here’s how to decide which iPhone to buy. And if you want to document the world around you with your phone, we’ve also rounded up the best camera phones.
Recommended by Our Editors
What Is the Best Feature Phone?
Some people still use simpler phones, despite the limited number of choices available. The top reasons to consider these models are their lower prices, ease of use, and often cheaper associated service plans (since mobile data is often not a factor). You’ll find some great deals for voice-only plans on virtual carriers such as TracFone and Consumer Cellular.
Unlike smartphones, feature phones are a matter of “what you see is what you get.” They don’t receive software upgrades or run thousands of apps. Wireless network coverage is always the biggest factor, but individual phones can vary in reception, earpiece quality, transmission quality through the microphone, and sidetone (the echo of your voice that helps prevent you from yelling at the other person on the line). A phone with middling to poor reception quality can be almost impossible to use in areas with marginal coverage. In contrast, one with excellent reception can make the best of the little signal available.
For more, see our picks for the best phones for seniors and our roundup of the best phones for kids.
What’s the Best Time to Buy a New Phone?
The best time to buy a new phone is when you need one. If your phone dies on the pavement, get whatever is available that best meets your needs. However, if you’re watching your budget or staying on the cutting edge, a little knowledge and planning can save you from buying a phone that’s about to be discounted or replaced with something newer and more advanced.
For instance, Google’s flagship Pixels came out in August. Apple released the iPhone 17 models in September. Samsung introduced its new Galaxy S series in January and Galaxy Z folding phones in July. Motorola has been sticking to a spring cadence for its folding phones, while OnePlus announced its latest flagship in January.
We update this story every time we review a new phone worth a spot on the list, so it changes often. Be sure to check back soon for our latest recommendations.
