10 Best Smartphones 2025 in the United States

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra delivers a large, sharp 6.9-inch display with a high resolution of 3040 x 1440, making it great for watching videos and browsing. Its Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and 12GB of RAM ensure smooth and fast performance, suitable for multitasking or gaming. The phone runs on the latest Android 15 with Samsung’s One UI 7, offering a clean and user-friendly experience packed with helpful features like AI-powered multitasking and smart notifications. Storage is generous with 256GB, providing plenty of room for apps, photos, and videos without the need for extra memory cards. The 5000mAh battery supports fast and wireless charging, which should comfortably last a full day with typical use.

Camera-wise, this model shines with an AI Night Mode and an Audio Eraser feature for crisp low-light photos and clear videos without background noise, plus advanced portrait settings that enhance skin tones naturally. Build quality is premium, featuring a sleek Titanium Black finish, water resistance, and the convenience of a built-in S Pen for added productivity. Being unlocked, it works with all US carriers, adding flexibility. The phone weighs 7.7 ounces, which might feel a bit heavy for some users, and its large size may not suit those preferring compact devices. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is a powerful, feature-packed smartphone ideal for users who want top-tier performance, excellent cameras, and a beautiful display, especially if you appreciate extra tools like the S Pen.

The Google Pixel 9a is a solid choice for anyone looking for a well-rounded, unlocked Android smartphone with strong features at a reasonable price. Its 6.3-inch display offers a sharp 1080 x 2400 resolution and a variable refresh rate between 60 and 120 Hz, allowing smooth adjustment depending on what you’re doing, although it’s not as fluid as some higher-end models with fixed higher refresh rates. The phone is powered by Google's own Tensor chip, which handles everyday tasks and AI features efficiently, especially the built-in Gemini AI assistant that helps with searching and multitasking across apps.

Battery life is impressive, with a 5100 mAh capacity that supports over 30 hours on regular use, and an Extreme Battery Saver mode that can extend usage up to 100 hours in emergencies. This makes it dependable for long days without frequent recharging. Charging supports fast and wireless options, adding flexibility. Camera-wise, the Pixel 9a shines with Google’s AI enhancements, allowing for great photos with features like Macro Focus for close-up shots and options for improving group pictures. It’s especially good if you enjoy photography but don’t want to fuss with manual settings.

Storage at 128 GB is sufficient for most users, offering ample space for apps, photos, and videos. The phone runs on Android 15, promising up to 7 years of updates, which helps keep it secure and current longer than many competitors. Build quality is robust, with an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance and a scratch-resistant display, so the phone is more durable against daily wear and accidental spills. The Pixel 9a proves to be a dependable mid-range smartphone ideal for users who value camera quality, battery life, and security without needing the absolute top-tier specs. Those looking for a very high refresh rate screen or extensive storage options might want to explore other models.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE is a solid choice if you want a large and vibrant screen, thanks to its 6.7-inch display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and bright colors that make videos and scrolling look great. It’s also quite light and easy to carry around, which helps if you use your phone a lot during the day. The camera setup shines with a 12MP front camera designed for sharp selfies, plus AI features that let you easily edit photos by moving or removing unwanted objects. This is great if you like tweaking pictures.

Battery life is strong, with a 4,900mAh capacity promising up to 33 hours of talk time, and the fast charging feature means less waiting to power up. Inside, the Exynos 2400 processor and 8GB RAM keep apps running smoothly without slowing down, suitable for everyday use and some multitasking. The phone runs the latest Android 16 with Samsung’s One UI 8, providing a user-friendly experience with useful features like Google Gemini for smart assistance. Storage is generous at 256GB, offering plenty of space for apps, photos, and videos.

The build quality is tough, featuring an Armor Aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus+ to resist scratches and bumps, plus water resistance for extra protection. It lacks a traditional headphone jack, relying on USB-C for audio. This phone suits users who want a stylish, durable phone with a big screen, strong battery, good selfie camera, and reliable performance without going into very advanced photography or gaming needs.