2025 Smartphone Tech Preview

Smartphones aren't exactly the most thrilling purchases. Rectangular slabs of glass primarily used for messaging, YouTube, social media, and photography – essential, yes, but expensive if you crave the latest models. Therefore, we've curated the best smartphones based on exceptional value for their price.

TL;DR – Top Smartphone Picks:

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Our top choice. See it at Amazon

Google Pixel 9 Pro: Excellent camera phone. See it at Amazon See it at Best Buy

Apple iPhone 16 Pro: Top iPhone choice. See it at Best Buy See it at Apple

Google Pixel 8: Best mid-range option. See it at Amazon

Poco X5 5G: Best budget smartphone. See it at Amazon

RedMagic 10 Pro: Best gaming phone. See it at Amazon See it at RedMagic

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: Best foldable phone. See it at Amazon

Value is subjective. Some prioritize photography, others gaming performance, or stunning displays. We've tested phones across the spectrum.

This selection includes top Android and iPhone contenders, along with older models whose price reductions significantly boost their value. Consider your needs and explore these top contenders.

Contributors: Jacqueline Thomas, Callum Bains, and Danielle Abraham

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How We Selected the Best Smartphones:

The mobile phone industry heavily relies on persuasive marketing, urging consumers to upgrade constantly. While newer models often include improvements, many users don't need the latest bells and whistles. We selected phones across various price points offering optimal value. Durability and long-term software support were also key factors in our selection process.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Is Samsung better than Apple? Both offer premium phones with comparable features. The better choice depends on your preference for Android or iOS and familiarity with each operating system.

• Are iPhones better than Android phones? Premium models from both brands are remarkably similar. The most important factor is your existing ecosystem and operating system preference.

• Which Android phone offers the best value? The Google Pixel 8 provides exceptional value, balancing performance, design, and long-term software support at a competitive price.

(Note: Replace "link-to-amazon," "link-to-bestbuy," "link-to-apple," and "link-to-redmagic" with actual links to the respective products on those websites.)