The 11 best smartphones you can buy right now

The iPhone 16 Pro, Apple’s latest release, delivers high-end performance and advanced features for those after the best possible iPhone. The A18 Pro chip powers the device with speed and efficiency, while the phone has a slightly increased screen size. It has improved battery life too, now getting up to 27 hours of video playback time, according to Apple’s specifications.

Design-wise, it looks a lot like its predecessor but the display size change increases the device’s height, making it a bit taller – it's a small but noticeable difference. The colour options remain neutral titanium shades, in line with Apple’s minimalist approach to the Pro lineup.

The camera system continues Apple’s quest to improve phone photography every year. It now features a 48-megapixel ultra-wide lens alongside upgraded Photographic Styles for more control over the colour and tone of your images. Apple also added a 5x optical zoom for capturing distant subjects without losing clarity. This was previously only on the Pro Max but now comes to both sizes of Pro phone.

This is the best phone for lovers of Apple tech, especially for seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. Overall, the iPhone 16 Pro or larger Pro Max are the most impressive and powerful options in Apple’s lineup… until next year.

Also consider: Need a bigger iPhone with more battery life? You’ll want to consider the iPhone 16 Pro Max. If you’re looking to make a saving, we’d look at the iPhone 15 Pro instead, as it’s very similar and just has a slightly smaller screen and 3x rather than 5x zoom. It will still support the new Apple Intelligence (AI) features too, just like the 16 and 16 Pro. The Google Pixel 9 Pro may be another worthy pick, if you’re thinking about a switch to Android. It has a simple interface, AI-driven features and advanced photography capabilities.

Read our Apple iPhone 16 Pro review

The Google Pixel 9 Pro is the best Android phone we’ve tried in recent months, thanks to its powerful Tensor G4 chip and its straightforward, user-friendly version of Android. It offers a smooth, responsive experience with minimal clutter, and we're big fans of its clear and bright 6.3-inch display with vibrant colours and adaptive refresh for fluid gaming and navigation. The long battery life and fast-charging support helped it last through the day in our tests too.

In a shock to nobody, the photo capabilities are a major selling point here. The Pixel 9 Pro excels, with an excellent camera system featuring a 50-megapixel main sensor, 48-megapixel ultra-wide, 48-megapixel 5x telephoto and 42-megapixel front-facing selfie camera. With this setup, it’s one of the best phone cameras we’ve ever used and always delivers sharp and pleasing images.

Unlike Apple’s Pros, these come in a more fun colour range, available in Hazel, Obsidian, Porcelain and Rose Quartz. The Google Pixel 9 phones have also been redesigned compared to the Pixel 8 range and is both more elegant and more durable.

Unless you need extra processor performance for mobile gaming or serious productivity, we can’t think of many reasons not to recommend either the Pixel 9 Pro or 9 Pro XL to Android fans after the best phone. They’re sleek, fast, user-friendly, and take brilliant photos and videos.

Also consider: If you’re used to the Samsung ecosystem, the Galaxy S24 series also offers high-end options with standout displays and performance, with the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra being one of the most premium smartphones for productivity. Meanwhile, Apple fans will still be better off sticking to either the iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 16 Pro models.

Read our Google Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL review

The standard iPhone 16 model (or the slightly larger 16 Plus – which is the same, save for its bigger display and battery) would be the best phone pick for most Apple users searching for an upgrade.

We've found it the most “Pro” the default handset has ever been, adding features that debuted on the 15 Pro and are on the latest Pro model, as well as a flagship processor in the A18, support for Apple Intelligence (AI) and the powerful new Photographic Styles for tone and colour control in images.

The camera system is excellent, the design is light and robust (and in a fun colour range of Ultramarine, Teal, Pink, White and Black), and the battery life is improved when you compare it to its predecessor. It's still missing an always-on screen and a handful of camera upgrades (you’ll need the Pro if you want a proper telephoto zoom lens) but it’s otherwise comparable with the high-end iPhone without coming at a steep cost.

We’re impressed by how smooth and speedy it is to use, and it packs in a huge number of features. Those upgrading from older phones will see this as a big leap forward.

Also consider: While it is great, it's worth noting that the iPhone 16 is a relatively iterative upgrade over the iPhone 15, which also has a 48-megapixel main camera, USB-C charging and an immersive display with the “Dynamic Island” feature. So we recommend considering the iPhone 15 as an upgrade too, especially as it’s £100 cheaper. Those on Android or considering the switch will be best served by the Google Pixel 9 or Pixel 8, which deliver impressive cameras and capabilities at comparable prices to the Apple models.

Read our Apple iPhone 16 review

There’s not an enormous difference between many of the best phones for photography. Apple’s iPhones lean towards a slightly more neutral output, Samsung tends to be bright and contrasty, while Google’s Pixels produce punchy and dynamic results.

For most general shots, we think you’ll be happy no matter which you pick. But if you like to get creative, the Oppo Find X8 Pro is among the top options on the market. It has a quick-access camera button and a highly capable camera system, featuring four 50-megapixel sensors on the rear: an ultrawide, a main sensor, a 3x telephoto, and a 6x telephoto. On the front, you’ve got a 32-megapixel selfie camera too.

On test, the results from every sensor impressed, primarily due to the bold colour tones you get from Hasselblad's picture science. This is a camera setup that feels opinionated about how rich and deep blues and greens should appear, and the results simply feel more “photographic” than “processed” to our eyes. That’s especially true in challenging low-light conditions and when shooting portraits.

The versatility of the number of lenses onboard means that the Find X8 Pro can handle everything from expansive landscapes to detailed architectural shots too. That makes it usable as a proper travel camera.

Beyond photography, it’s also a capable phone. It’s speedy and reliable, with a lot of battery life and fast charging, an appealing style (particularly in this pearlescent white), IP69 waterproofing, and a bright screen. It does come full of bloatware, some clutter in the operating system and a high price – but it may be worth it if photos are your top priority.

Also consider: Mobile photographers should also check out the iPhone 16 Pro, the Google Pixel 9 Pro and the Xiaomi 15 Ultra. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is another worthy rival, unsurprisingly, for its premium design and advanced stylus features. Many alternatives offer a lot of versatility, so it will come down to the camera features you're prioritising, and whether videos or photos matter more to you.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra is the best flagship smartphone Samsung has to offer, combining powerful performance, a versatile camera system, and the latest artificial intelligence features. While it may not be a revolutionary upgrade, Galaxy AI offers the potential to make everyday tasks easier and more intuitive.

One standout example of its AI power is its cross-app actions. You can ask Google Gemini to find information and add it to your calendar or notes, reducing all the searching, copying and pasting you normally have to do.

AI Select lets you turn any onscreen video into a GIF in seconds, while there are extra "generative" editing capabilities for your photos, like the quick removal of unwanted background objects. There's also Now Brief, which gives you a personalised daily summary. This includes weather updates, calendar events, and even sleep-tracking insights if you’re using compatible devices.

Beyond AI, the S25 Ultra still delivers, with its fast Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, a 200MP camera system with a new 50MP ultrawide lens, and an anti-reflective 6.9-inch display that looks great in all lighting conditions. Plus, with seven years of software updates, it will be supported for a long time.

It’s big, expensive (starting at £1,249), and not a must-have if you own a recent Ultra model, particularly as Samsung will likely bring some AI features to older devices. But if you’re upgrading from an older phone and want the best Samsung has to offer, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is the top choice.

Also consider: It's worth exploring the other models in the Galaxy S25 series, such as the S25 and S25+. These options deliver many of the core features of the high-end flagship, and only lack certain features like the more advanced camera system, larger and more feature-rich display, premium design and integrated S Pen stylus support.

Additionally, newer competitors like the Google Pixel 9 Pro, Oppo Find X8 Pro or Xiaomi 15 Ultra might be appealing, especially if you're prioritising camera capabilities.

Read our Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra review

The iPhone 16e gives you iOS and the best iPhone features at a more affordable price compared to the regular 16 or 16 Pro. The design is simplified to feature just the essentials, but compared to Apple’s discontinued budget iPhone SE, it has an upgraded display (now a 6.1-inch OLED, rather than a compact 4.7-inch LCD), larger battery, a high-resolution camera and support for Apple Intelligence.

While you compromise on some of the high-end features like the Dynamic Island, MagSafe accessories and a high refresh rate, we love that this model doesn’t fall behind when it comes to performance. On test, we found it’s super speedy and reliable, and it has the best battery life for an iPhone at this size.

Apple uses the speedy A18 processor in this handset – the same chip found in the iPhone 16 – and it’s also the first phone to feature an Apple-designed modem, the C1, which is power-efficient and helps with the impressive battery life here.

With the iPhone 16e starting at £599, it’s no longer quite as “budget” as the iPhone SE 3 (which used to cost £429), but it's still the best value option in the iPhone lineup and one that’s well worth it if you prefer a minimalist, no-fuss design. We wouldn’t have minded better camera performance, MagSafe support, or colour options beyond black or white, but this is still a great smartphone.

Also consider: You should go for the iPhone 15 if you want better cameras, MagSafe support and a wider colour range, but just note that it runs on an older chip and doesn’t support Apple Intelligence. It may now also be more budget-friendly to get a refurbished iPhone 14 or 15 if you’re after an affordable way to enter the iOS world.

Read our Apple iPhone 16e review

The Google Pixel 9a is the best-value Android smartphone right now, and it’s ideal for anyone who wants Google's uncluttered software and excellent photography capabilities at a more affordable price.

There’s now only a minor difference between the Pixel 9a and the Pixel 9 or 9 Pro flagships from 2024. It has the same chip and screen size and offers smooth performance with a camera setup that delivers consistently impressive results. You’re still going to get years of software updates, and it now has a distinct design with almost no discernible camera bump on the back, making it ideal if you’d like to be able to lie your phone flat on a table!

The display is bright and detailed, and goes up to a smooth 120Hz (a far faster refresh rate than all non-Pro iPhones). You also get wireless charging and face unlocking, plus it’s packing the latest G4 processor for a speedier scrolling experience. The Pixel 9a also has improved toughness compared to its predecessor and a significantly increased battery capacity. On test, we found we got to the end of a day of normal use with around 30-40% of the battery left, which is impressive.

It’s a shame the camera sensor is smaller than the other Pixel models, that it lacks autofocus on the front camera, and that the bezels around the screen are chunky, but this is still one of the best budget phones you can buy.

Also consider: Another budget phone in a similar price range is the Samsung Galaxy A56, which has reliable software and a larger display with a 120Hz refresh rate. If you fancy a futuristic design, we recommend the Nothing Phone (3a) or Phone (3a) Pro for just over £400, which come with more cameras, eye-catching transparent casings and LED lights.

Read our Google Pixel 9a review

It’s no exaggeration to say there’s an enormous number of Android phones on the market. Picking the best one for you is going to feel a bit more challenging than going through the more limited selection for those firmly in the iPhone camp.

The reason we’d pick Google’s phones is that Google not only makes the best version of Android software, it also makes well-designed handsets that are sleek and fast. The operating system is a big part of the appeal, though – it’s simple to use and free of annoying “bloatware” you’ll find on other Androids.

The best Pixel for most people will be this mid-range Pixel 9, which is more affordable than the top-tier 9 Pro but more premium than the 8a. We think it’s a great sweet spot for performance, camera capabilities, and AI-powered smarts. And we love the colour range of Porcelain, Obsidian, Peony and Wintergreen.

If you’re looking for similar performance in a slightly smaller package, the Pixel 9 offers many of the Pro’s benefits without the added weight and extra cost. So, overall, it's a fantastic choice if you prefer a simpler Android experience and a camera that delivers consistently impressive results.

Also consider: 2023’s Google Pixel 8 is still a great phone in today’s market, as is the Pixel 8 Pro, which you can get at a much lower cost than its original starting price. These phones both have the same user-friendly operating system, comparably great camera performance and years of promised software support, making them very similar to the Pixel 9. It’s also worth thinking about the more budget Pixel 9a, too, as it’s not far off what’s offered on the pricier device.

Read our Google Pixel 9 review

The Fairphone 5 is an Android phone made with repairability and longevity in mind. Unlike most phones, it’s built to be fixed easily at home, with replaceable parts and a long software support promise, stretching to at least 2031.

Repair advocates iFixit awarded it a perfect 10/10 for repairability, noting the simplicity of accessing its battery, cameras, and other components. Essentially, this phone will appeal to those who’d prefer to reduce electronic waste by keeping a device for years rather than upgrading frequently.

While the Fairphone 5 is pricier than similar mid-range phones, it offers decent features: a large, vibrant OLED display, 256GB of storage (expandable with a micro SD card), dual 50-megapixel rear cameras, and a big battery. The overall performance is good, although its processor isn’t as advanced as much of the competition. Its cameras are decent in good lighting but struggle in low light.

With an older version of Android, and no wireless charging or waterproofing, the Fairphone 5 may not appeal to those after headline-grabbing features. However, if you’d like a durable, fixable phone rather than continual upgrades, the Fairphone 5 is designed with you in mind.

Also consider: Like the sound of Fairphone’s mission but want a more budget-friendly pick? The Fairphone 4 is still a capable device that also prioritises repairability and modular parts. If you want to stick to the well-known brands, it’s worth remembering that Samsung and Apple both have extensive software support and should offer battery replacements for ageing devices if you want to keep using them rather than replacing them.

The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold impressed us with its blend of stunning displays, capable cameras, and smart AI integrations. The device offers an 8-inch, 120Hz OLED inner screen and a 6.3-inch exterior display, providing some of the biggest screens in the world of foldable phones.

On test, we found it functions equally well, whether folded or fully open. Google’s processor enables smooth multitasking, while a 5x telephoto lens, ultra-wide, and main rear cameras bring versatility to photography. It may not be better than the flagship Pixel 9 devices, but it still delivers the expected quality of a Pixel camera. It’s rated IPX8 for water resistance too, making it one of the more durable foldables on the market.

While app compatibility for foldables is still evolving and you’ve got to be sure you’ll have a use for the big inner display, the Pixel’s powerful multitasking capabilities as a two-in-one and security (supported by seven years of promised updates) make it a good choice if you’re focused on productivity… and not put off by the high price.

Also consider: While the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is impressive, competitors like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and OnePlus Open also offer great foldable experiences. Samsung’s Z Fold 6 features a 7.9-inch inner display with S Pen support and is backed by the brand's ecosystem of devices, so it’s ideal for Samsung users. The OnePlus Open is a great option for its wider aspect ratio and nearly crease-free screen too.

Read our Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold review

We’re sure you’ve started to see more of these flip phones around. They’re a great way to fit a bigger screen in a smaller format, and Samsung has been refining its designs for several years. The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 has secured its position as the best flip smartphone by delivering a premium experience, robust performance, and a stylish design that comes in a great range of colours.

It has a durable metal frame and an improved folding mechanism while keeping the compact, pocketable size that defines the flip style. The Z Flip 6 features a bright 6.7-inch internal display and a practical 3.4-inch cover screen, making it easy to handle quick tasks without unfolding the phone. Performance is powerful, thanks to a processor that enables smooth multitasking, gaming, and access to AI-powered tools for photo enhancement, translation and text assistance.

Samsung’s camera upgrades are also worth noting. The phone has a 50-megapixel main sensor, producing quality photos comparable to Samsung’s flagship models. And there's a fun “Camcorder Mode,” which allows you to hold the phone at an angle like a traditional camcorder, giving you some extra stability while recording video. Like many foldables, the device lacks dust resistance, so if you get one you’ll want to be careful around sandy or dusty environments.

Also consider: If you’re looking at other flip-style smartphones, Samsung’s previous Galaxy Z Flip 5 is a decent alternative that’s quite similar to the Flip 6. The near-identical Flip 5 introduced the larger 3.4-inch cover screen, which carried over to the Flip 6, and still offers solid performance and battery life.

Read our Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 review