Choosing the best phone of 2025 remains a real challenge. The market moves fast. Manufacturers innovate constantly. Yet, one question always returns: which model should you buy this year? I analyzed the major releases for you. I also listened to your feedback. You voted for the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra as your favorite. It received 63% of the votes. That is a huge victory.
However, perfection does not exist. Each user has specific needs. Some seek pure battery life. Others prioritize photography. That is why I decided to create this guide. I will present the champions by category. This ranking reflects my real user experience throughout the year. Forget unreadable spec sheets. Let’s focus on daily usage. Here is my final verdict for the year 2025.
The undisputed champion of battery life
Battery life remains the number one criterion for many. Nothing is more frustrating than a dead battery at 4 PM. In 2025, one manufacturer struck very hard. The Realme GT 8 Pro takes the crown easily. This smartphone changes the game. It offers exceptional endurance.
I easily last two full days with this model and I game a lot. I consume much video content. Even with heavy use, it resists. For a moderate user, it reaches almost two and a half days. This is not marketing fluff. It is an impressive technical reality. It literally crushes the competition on this specific point.
Other models deserve an honorable mention. The OnePlus 15 defends itself very well. The Oppo Find X9 Pro also offers good resistance. But Realme keeps a lead this year.
Do you have a tight budget? Do not panic. The Realme 14 Pro Plus remains an excellent alternative. It costs less than 500 euros. Yet, its endurance still impresses just as much. It is the king of the entry-level on this criterion. If you hate charging your phone, choose Realme this year.
The absolute reference in photo and video
The photo battle rages in 2025. Samsung and Apple often dominate the debates. However, another player changes the rules of the game. For me, the Huawei Pura 80 Pro dominates the current market. It outclasses its direct rivals.
I could have separated photo and video. However, this phone excels in both fields. The DXOMark ranking confirms my feeling. They place it number one globally. I agree with them completely for once.
The shots possess a stunning natural look. The colors respect reality. We are far from the sometimes too aggressive artificial processing. The level of detail is simply incredible. I compared this model with the S25 Ultra. The difference jumps out. Samsung shows a slight lag this year.
In video, the verdict remains identical. The natural depth of field enhances the sequences. You will film magnificent portraits. Monuments stand out with crazy clarity. The Pura 80 Pro is the ultimate tool for creators. An Ultra version exists, even more powerful. But the Pro version already suffices amply to impress everyone.
The best compact and ergonomic phone
Not everyone wants a brick in their pocket. Giant smartphones tire our hands. Fortunately, the compact format still resists. The Google Pixel 10 Pro embodies perfection in this category. It offers an ideal grip.
This model makes no compromises on power. It is a true high-end device. Yet it fits in the palm of the hand. The screen is sublime. The photo section stays in the top tier. Google’s software experience also makes the difference. The interface is pure, simple, and fluid. We avoid the useless complications of some Asian interfaces.
Google’s artificial intelligence (Gemini) improves the whole package. It helps daily without being intrusive. Using it is a pleasure every day. The only small downside concerns battery life. It remains decent but average. This will depend a lot on your personal usage.
The competition on Android is almost non-existent in this format. The iPhone 17 Pro remains its only true compact rival. Xiaomi might prepare an interesting 17 Pro model. But for now, Google keeps my preference. It is the choice of reason and comfort.
The unbeatable value for money of 2025
Buying a performing phone without going broke is possible. The “flagship killer” segment returns in force. The Xiaomi 15T Pro illustrates this trend perfectly. It offers high-end services for a contained price.
You find it around 850 euros. Promotions often make it even more accessible. For this price, you get a racehorse. The finish nears that of ultra-premium models and The processor handles all tasks without slowing down. The screen is magnificent and reactive.
Autonomy also holds up very well. The photo section remains very honest. True, it does not equal the Pura 80 Pro. But does the difference justify double the price? Not for everyone. The real surprise comes from the software.
HyperOS 3.0 marks a turning point for Xiaomi. The interface is finally mature. It has become “user-friendly.” The bugs of the past disappeared. The user experience is fluid and pleasant. This phone will satisfy 95% of users. It is the smart buy par excellence this year. You will truly get your money’s worth.
The king of foldable smartphones
Foldable phones still fascinate just as much. However, innovation stagnates a bit this year. Major novelties are rare. We saw thinner models, certainly. But the revolution will wait a bit longer. Despite this, one model stands out.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 wins my preference. It represents the culmination of the Flip line. Samsung finally mastered its copy perfectly. The external screen gains utility. We can do more things without opening the phone. It is a precious time saver.
The width of the phone once open is more pleasant. The crease becomes increasingly discreet. It is the most complete foldable to date. The Z Fold 7 disappointed me slightly. It is very thin, true. But it makes too many technical compromises for that.
The Honor Magic V5 seemed promising. Unfortunately, I could not test it in depth. I cannot therefore recommend it blindly. The Z Flip 7 remains the safe bet. It combines style, compactness, and performance. It is the foldable to buy in 2025.
The inevitable iPhone of the year
Impossible to make a guide without speaking of Apple. The apple brand remains a global reference. This year, Apple’s strategy changes a bit. The best choice is not necessarily the most expensive. The classic iPhone 17 stands out.
Apple finally listened to the critics. This “base” model inherits “Pro” technologies. We finally have a high-frequency screen. This was essential for a phone in 2025. Fluidity is finally here for everyone.
Photo capabilities improve greatly. The power of the processor ensures record longevity. You will keep this phone for years without issue. The price-quality ratio becomes excellent at Apple. It is rare enough to highlight.
Why pay more for the Pro version? The question truly arises this year. The standard iPhone 17 suffices for the majority. It represents the ideal entry point into the iOS ecosystem. It is a lasting and solid investment.
The award for design and audacity
Smartphone design sometimes goes in circles. Black rectangles all look alike. Fortunately, some manufacturers still dare. Aesthetics count a lot in the purchase of a daily object. Two schools clash this year.
On one side, we have classic elegance. The Samsung Z Fold 7 is a jewel. Its extreme thinness impresses upon handling. Manufacturing quality feels luxurious. The touch of the materials breathes high-end quality. It is a true object of social status.
On the other side, we have originality. The Nothing Phone 3 continues to divide. Its transparent and luminous design leaves no one indifferent. I like this risk-taking. The market needs this freshness.
The Realme GT 8 Pro also attempts things. Its interchangeable photo module is a curious idea. You love it or hate it. But at least, it breaks the ordinary. My heart leans towards Samsung for the purity of lines. The Z Fold 7 remains the most beautiful tech object of 2025.
The verdict: The best phone of 2025
It is time to conclude this guide. Which phone should you choose for the best everywhere? The answer joins the opinion of my community. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is the most balanced smartphone. It is the best phone of 2025 overall.
It may not be the absolute number one in photos. But it is excellent everywhere. Its screen crushes the competition. The anti-reflective treatment truly changes life. You can use it in full sun without worry. It is a unique visual comfort.
The One UI interface remains a model of ergonomics. Artificial intelligence is perfectly integrated. It is useful, accessible, and powerful. Moreover, it excels in video too. It is my top 2 in this field.
This phone reassures with its versatility. It will never disappoint you, no matter the task. It is the choice of security and performance. If you want the top of the top, go for the S25 Ultra.
