Best smartphones to buy right now (Early 2025 edition)
2025 and more than 20 phones to try….
Okay, here we finally go. After a lot of compiling that began early December of last year, and a bit of internal arguing as we had to choose just a single handful of phones to recommend in a year that had some of the greatest phones ever made, but also some of the laziest updates to existing flagships, such that we honestly think some phones from last year are better buys. This has led to quite a few upsets in this year’s list compared to last year, but you guys will see that for yourselves I’m sure.
Also as this is Zim, we fully acknowledge that some older phones will be a great choice too and might actually create a list of the best phones from 2+ years ago. For now however, you can check out the early 2024 list for what are still some awesome choices especially in the flagship, foldable and specialist categories. But without further ado, let’s see the best phones you can buy right now.
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Honorable Mentions
Starting with our honorable mentions. Now we’ll start by stating one thing here : all of these phones are actually great buys. They just fail at something that stops them from being the top pick in their respective category. That specific thing may be a missing feature or bad price to performance comparisons with the competition. So you probably shouldn’t count them out completely (especially considering the first one will probably shock you) so take a look.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Buy – Local | International
Are those gasps we hear? Yes your eyes aren’t lying to you. Samsung’s latest, “greatest” and most expensive Galaxy S phone is ONLY an honorable mention, and that’s because it pretty much failed at its own mission statement – being the “Ultra” phone. That Moniker may have not always had the best history, considering how the S20 Ultra was received, but followed up by the Note 20 Ultra, S21, 22 and 23 Ultra Samsung had cemented itself at having the ultimate “Everything phone”. Yes Google had better AI stuff, Xiaomi and OPPO better cameras and Asus had gaming stuff, but Samsung was always number 2 or 3 in those areas with the Ultra while having the best screen, arguably the best software, great battery, the S-Pen, the best build and tons more weird Samsung features that made the Ultra phones almost unchallenged for years. And yet with this phone Samsung just decided “nah we good” and basically took steps backward rather than forward. You love the S-Pen? Well guess what they removed it’s Bluetooth features. You love telephoto lenses? They downgraded that last year and didn’t bother to improve it this year either. Yes there’s a new 50MP ultra wide but honestly the tradeoffs don’t make sense. Especially when Samsung is more focused on saying this is the “Ultimate AI phone” this year, aka, something which doesn’t actually set anyone’s heart on fire. The Pixel has been the Ultimate AI phone for years now and yet people only love it’s hardware changes in the last 2 years on top of its AI chops, despite Pixel phones being great since forever. Simply put, with this phone Samsung bet on the wrong things this year. Yes it’s still pretty great, yes it will probably be good enough for most normal users. But it doesn’t deserve the name Ultra. Or the extreme price tag. If you want that an S23 or S24 ultra are still more than fine while being far less expensive. Or you could go for what Xiaomi, OPPO and even OnePlus are offering if you want a true “Ultra” experience.
OnePlus 12 Pro
Buy – International
The only reason this phone is here is because its successor is even better, but if you’re on a budget, OnePlus’ 12 Pro is pretty much the 13 Pro minus the admittedly better battery life and processor. And while you’ll likely notice the former, the latter is subjective. In a world where phones are trying to be AI machines or mobile gaming consoles, the OnePlus 12 gives us enough power and performance to keep up with that while having great software optimization, small but helpful improvements like PWD low brightness mode, better waterproofing(along with a screen that can work even while water on it), a great battery(along with ultra-fast charging), respectable cameras, aggressive pricing and like all the other big flagships, one of the brightest screens on the market (and beautiful too). Simply put, this phone is OnePlus at its best again, being an S24 Ultra competitor, yet it costs $500 less at $600 now ( $550 if you know where to look).
Xiaomi 14T Pro
Buy – International
Xiaomi’s 14T Pro feels like a great phone that’s kind of stuck in the middle. For around $600 – $650 it still undercuts brand-new flagships like the S series or Pixel devices, while having the same processors, better camera hardware and better offerings for RAM and storage. It’s basically everything old OnePlus used to do, but unfortunately, it is not enough in today’s smartphone market. For starters, a non-metal or glass body for over $500 remains a crime, while its screen isn’t the best either. It’s a similar problem to what we gave the (cheaper and maybe better) Nothing Phone(2) last year. Where it’s great for what it is, but nowhere near the top of the food chain. Especially in a world where flagship pixels and Galaxy S phones drop down pretty often. If you can get a sale on it for around $450 however, don’t hesitate to buy it.
Google Pixel 8a
Buy – Local | International
The Pixel 8a is basically the exact same story as the Xiaomi 14T, where the price makes sense in the US, but not here in Zim, and then makes even less sense when you consider how the regular Pixel 8 and even the 8 Pro have gone down in price as of late (the 8 Pro is going for $400 used on Amazon). As such, this slightly cheaper, slightly less impressive version of the Pixel 8 just doesn’t really scratch the itch as much almost 2 years later. Its replacement the Pixel 9a does seem more interesting at least from an aesthetics perspective, so we’ll see how that one performs, especially since the Pixel 9 devices are maintaining their higher pricing too.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
Buy – Local | International
Yes this is the second big Samsung offering on this list, and some of you are probably going to hate that, but let’s be honest, besides folding flat what does this phone have that’s better than the Z Fold 4 or 5? A 50MP camera? Fair, but is a new camera worth paying $1900 for? Especially if it’s still worse than what is in the S24 series of phones? The only reason this phone is here is honestly because Samsung still has the best after-purchase support for foldables, with better warranties and repair infrastructure than most of their competitors are only starting to match. So Samsung earns this spot by default. Things could have been a little different if the special edition of this phone only launched in South Korea was also available everywhere else but otherwise, this is where the z-fold 6 ends up.
Tecno Fantom V Fold 2
Buy – International(India)
Let me start by saying this: this phone is a testament to how far Tecno has come in one year and how they have tech that can compete with the best that the likes of Samsung and Google have to offer. On a completely functional level, the Tecno Fantom Fold 2 is just as good as a Z Fold 6 or even a Pixel 9 Pro fold (definitely has a better name than the latter). However, what it achieves in function it lacks in one area: refinement. Foldables cost a lot of money, and even the tiniest details matter. This is exactly the case here, where the Tecno’s lower-quality screen, overheating issues, and impressive but not great cameras fall just short of what Samsung, Google, and even Honor have to offer. And this would probably be fine when considering that Tecno phone is $500-800 cheaper than these phones, but when you realise that the OnePlus Open still exists and beats Tecno’s screen, cameras, and build quality, you start to relent, especially when the Open is even a little cheaper these days. Still, if you can get your hands on one of these, it may not be a bad get.
Flagships
Is your wallet strong? Or does it like taking a beating? Okay seriously though do you want phones that represent the best of their companies’ philosophies and can do pretty much everything well? Then these are your devices. They may be prices but they always do the job well, and this year there are some interesting shake-ups that we’ve loved to see. but why keep hinting at it when you can see for yourself? Just scroll down.
OPPO Find x8 Pro: Editor’s Choice
Buy – International
When we said this year’s picks may be a little weird, this is what we meant, because we honestly never thought that OPPO would be taking an editor’s choice spot for flagships, and yet the Find X8 Pro is a pure example of how Chinese phone makers have continued to innovate on hardware while their western peers have stagnated. The Find X8 feels like what a flagship phone felt like before 2020 : every single feature and privilege you could want. Awesome display? Check. Amazing build quality? Definitely. A four 50MP camera arrest that would be the best on the market if not for two other specific phones? Yes. But on top of that we have awesome features competitors don’t have or don’t implement all at once. That awesome display has the same Pulse Width Modulation tech the likes of the OnePlus 13 Pro have (which makes the display better at lower brightness and healthier for your eyes). The phone has an IR blaster, which allows it to be a TV remote ( something I’ve missed since Huawei’s glory days). It also has the same 80W charging OnePlus uses to charge phones from 0-100% in 20 minutes and even comes with the charger in the box. This thing even has built-in satellite connectivity in some models, all while starting at 256GB of memory and 12GB of RAM.
Is there a downside? Well, if you’re a Qualcomm processor nerd the Mediatek chip in this might be new to you. But minus the 8 Elite’s honestly astounding performance, this chip competes with every major processor on the planet while gaining some wins in battery efficiency. Simply put, this phone is what a flagship should be: all the bells and whistles, and almost no compromises. The only reason it’s not making Samsung and Apple bend over backward some more is because it won’t be distributed in the US, AKA the biggest market for both. But I hope it kicks their butts everywhere else because it proves that smartphones aren’t boring after all. Bigger companies have just gotten lazy.
Google Pixel 9 Pro/ 9 Pro XL: Editor’s Choice
Buy – Local | International
Alternative: Google Pixel 8 Pro
The other side of our Editor’s choice is a bit of a more controversial choice. After all the Google Pixel 9 Pro is arguably the exact opposite of what the Oppo Find X8 Pro is: less hardware features, more software tricks, and a simpler more reserved approach compared to the craziness of Chinese phones. However, it’s also $100-$300 cheaper than the competition even at a $1000 price point, while now offering a screen, body, fingerprint scanner and looks that match them. All while still boasting the best AI suite on a phone (suck it Galaxy AI) and what is still the best software-powered camera on the planet. The Pixel 9 Pro is a less-is-more approach that makes a little more sense considering its price. Now would I love to see a Pixel-style take on the crazy cameras on the Oppo or other camera giants in this list? Probably. But we all love what this phone is right now, because for most people, it’s features, price, and performance are enough for the average person, and arguably the best choice for most.
iPhone 16
Buy – Local | International
The iPhone 16 is literally the biggest iPhone upgrade since the 13, even if most people think it just had its camera arrangement changed. But put that aside and this phone has the same RAM as the Pro models, the same main camera, the same camera control functionality, Apple Intelligence, and other perks like console gaming. This thing is the new standard for a modern iPhone, and if it had a 120hz display (or even 90) it would probably be the best entry-level flagship on this list. But Apple being Apple, they held it back just so the Pro and Pro Max could look better. It’s the known and tolerated Apple formula. And it makes an otherwise great phone not be the best it could be. Either way, if you’re not buying the iPhone 13, you should probably be buying this, because it makes the most sense for a new iPhone purchase.
OnePlus 13.
Buy – International
Alternative: OnePlus 12 Pro (See Above)
Here’s the thing: if this phone didn’t cost $900 it would actually be our editor’s choice pick. It has (on paper) the best camera hardware, the biggest screen and best battery, more RAM, a PWM screen and just outright better performance than the base level iPhone 16, Galaxy S25 and Pixel 9. And that’s because this phone isn’t meant to compete with those phones, it’s meant to compete with their big brother Ultra/ Pro Max /XL models. And it does so perfectly. Yes it unfortunately falls a little short on the camera side when compared to those bigger flagships but it’s also $200-400 cheaper while throwing in that crazy 80W-100W charging (and a charger that comes in the box). Like other Chinese flagships of the year, this time OnePlus just outright threw almost everything into a phone and got the best result out of it. Personally, I’ll be waiting for this thing to drop down a price point or two, but once it’s low enough, I’m getting it.
Galaxy S23/S24 Ultra
S24: Buy – Local | International
S23: Buy – Local | International
The fact that the S23 Ultra has held up so well over a course of now two years is both a testament to how great a phone it is and yes, a reminder of how bare minimum Samsung has become with their devices. In fact, to put it simply unless you need earlier software updates or that anti-reflective screen, you shouldn’t get the S24 Ultra which we also wrote about here because again, it’s the same phone with those two specific features, a newer processor and a boxer design. The S23 Ultra might also be a better buy in Zim when considering said processors as that one uses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 which STILL takes better pictures than the EXYNOS 2400 found in NON-USA S24 Ultra models (aka the ones you are more likely to find in Zimbabwe). All that weird chess aside, these are still amazing phones that due to their age, you can get them at MUCH CHEAPER prices than the S25 Ultra for 90% of the same experience. Simply put, while we won’t necessarily give them any accolades, we know both these devices are great deals. So if you can get one, you probably should, unless you want something different.
iPhone 15 Pro Max
Buy – Local | International
Alternative: iPhone 16 Pro
Why isn’t the iPhone 16 Pro/Pro Max here and only listed as an alternative? Because unless you need at best 1 extra year of software updates (6 years from now mind you), there’s again no reason to get the 16 Pro models. Yes Apple has the new Camera Control Button which depending on how much of a camera nerd you are, is either completely perfect or completely useless, but beyond that the newest pro iPhone bring no significant change over this one. New processor aside the RAM, cameras and build on the 15 Pro are essentially identical, and this phone also has Apple intelligence support, aka the main reason to buy any of the iPhone 16 phones. As such, this is probably the best iPhone to buy for any discerning user due to being at least $200 cheaper than it’s newest equivalents. But of course some people buy the newest iPhone to say they have the newest iPhone. In which case, the 16 Pro/Pro Max probably has your name on it.
Google Pixel 9
Buy – International
It’s actually a little crazy that a slot that used to be Samsung’s for years has gone to a phone that once upon a time used to be considered a budget offering to a regular S-series phone. After all, even compared to the regular S25, the Pixel 9 is a little bit slower and technically has 1 less back camera. However it’s 2 back cameras are still better, it’s Pixel software often proves to be the easiest to pick up (even if it’s a bit too simple), it’s AI features are more refined and helpful than Samsung’s in many cases, and this year while Samsung’s screen does take the cake (as always), the Pixel still boasts a somehow better design and build quality (and yes, both did copy the iPhone but the Pixel did it better). As such, the Pixel 9 Pro takes this year’s entry by simply being better at everything Samsung is trying to do with the S25. Beyond that, it’s a reliable, fun, pretty phone that excels in its simplicity. AKA all you need in a phone.
Budget Phones
Alright, time to save a buck. And as always the budget phone section is probably where a lot of you are going to want to be. We have everything from a few $120 phones to flagship killers that outright make buying an older flagship redundant. But why spend time talking about it, let’s dive into it and let you see for yourself.
CMF Phone 1 – Editor’s choice, best $200 device
Buy – International
Let’s start by saying this: no $200 phone should be this impressive, especially on the first try. This device revives hardware innovation in phones, makes maybe the first widely accepted modular smartphone ecosystem and still nails the fundamentals of a smartphone after doing all that, while costing less than half the price of the iPhone 16e.
The CMF Phone 1 is insanely awesome, so much so that I’m genuinely afraid the Phone 2 will increase in price like CMFs parent company Nothing did with the Nothing Phone 1 and 2. But for $200 this phone has arguably the best Mediatek processor available for a budget phone, 6-8 GB of RAM, a crazy large battery and great large screen. But on top of that there’s a a great replaceable back cover and accessory system that let’s you change the phone’s colors, add a kickstand, wallet accessories, game controller attachments, and a bunch of crazy accessories that people have literally started Amazon shopping pages over. Simply put, this phone is fun, while being incredibly functional. And what more could you want in any phone honestly.
Redmi Note 13
Buy – Local
Alternative: Redmi Note 14 (Based on price)
Redmi has basically dominated super low-end phones for a while now, and it’s for good reason. For $180- $200, the Note 13 is by far the best phone you could for its price, especially when looking locally. It still packs its 108MP main camera (which can do some amazing things if you know how to use it), starts at 6 GB of RAM, has a respectable Mediatek processor and still packs simple comforts like a headphone jack and SD card expansion, along with IP54 water and dust resistance. Simply put, the Note 13 is a dependable, easy to use phone that will last you years if you want it to, and unless you’re looking for specific higher end features, it’s more than enough for most people.
Samsung Galaxy A15
Buy – Local
Some phones are just simple. Borderline basic, yet still an easy pick and reliable for most people to use. That’s the Galaxy A15. Even in this list, it doesn’t really have any standout features except maybe Samsung’s great software support for a longer length of time, but it’s literally the definition of simplicity equaling reliability, and that makes it great for a device you find for as cheap as $120. And compared to the A14 from the year before, there’s not much of a difference, but these phones have such pricing similarities that getting the newer one is the better bet, unless you can find a brand new A14 for $90 or so. Either way, this small fighter earns it’s spot on this list. Just try make sure you get the 6GB RAM model if you want to use this phone for more than 2 years.
Redmi Note 12 – Editor’s Choice, best $120 Phone
Buy – Local
What if you could have about 85% of the Redmi Note 13 and save about $80, bringing it down to $120 as well? That would be the Redmi Note 12. No 108MP main camera but there’s still a capable 48MP sensor. The Snapdragon processor in here actually performs the same as the Note 13’s, this one does start at 4GB of RAM instead of 6 and the IP53 dust and water resistance is not as good as the IP54. Still, considering identical storage, ports (SD card, Headphone jack), and software support, this phone will likely give you most of the same experience as the 13, just a little less expensive. And since we’re talking budget phones here, that makes it a great deal in our book.
Sony Xperia 10 V
Buy – International
Is there a part of me that’s saddened by this being the only Sony Phone on this list? Yes. Do I at least take joy in knowing it’s still a solid phone that does well in its price range? Also yes. The Xperia 10 series seemingly peaked here with the 10 V, a simple budget offering with all the necessary features. It loses some points for its 60Hz screen (Nothing and Samsung handily beat it in that area), but gains some for an amazing 48MP main camera, SD card support, a headphone jack, great performance, and a standard build for around $300. Again a Samsung A series phone has a nicer screen, but it lacks the headphone jack, same for the Nothing Phone 2a. And both likely cost more. As such, Sony’s budget alternative is a little more old school, but in ways most of you will likely appreciate. Especially in a cheaper device.
Specialist phones
Now here are the phones that offer something often most others don’t have. The phones for enthusiasts, that bring new technologies or specialized uses that might be a little too niche for most people but make your specific use-case more awesome. Whether they fold, turn into game consoles or an actual camera rig, these are the phones for you.
Best Cameras
Vivo x200 Pro
Buy – Local | International
For many people, this is actually the best phone on the whole list, period, because the Vivo X200 Pro is basically everything great about the OPPO Find X8, plus a better camera array and storage options because it’s a photography-focused device. So, on top of literally every good thing we said about the OPPO, add in a 200MP 1-inch type Sensor that literally takes out-of-this-world photos on top of the four 50MP shooters that the OPPO already has and stuns with, and you have an honestly undeniable camera beast. This is what Sony should be making its Xperia phones (especially since the other aforementioned phones use Sony sensors), but thankfully, where Sony has failed Vivo has literally risen up to take the crown sister company Oppo and Xiaomi had last year. Now speaking of Xiaomi…
Xiaomi 14 Ultra – Editor’s Choice
Buy – Local | International
Xiaomi’s big bad camera king was already a top pick when 2024 started. Now it’s 2025 and despite a 15 Ultra soon approaching, this phone still deserves to be called king. And I know a lot of you are probably thinking, “how, the Vivo has a 200MP sensor while this doesn’t”. And it’s true, while also having a Sony 1-inch type sensory, Xiaomi keeps this beast at 50MP, along with all its three other non-1-inch 50MP sensors. And while VIVO’s sensor can achieve shots the 14 Ultra can’t, the Xiaomi takes far more consistent and reliable shots, likely due to Xiaomi with dealing with large sensors longer than Vivo. The 14 Ultra also allows more freedom when it comes to filming in video, with support for more resolutions, frames, and even a LOG format just like any “professional” camera setup should. As such Xiaomi takes the cake here, especially since these phones are pretty much matched in every other statistic, so much so that I think choosing the Vivo is still a viable option to anyone who actually wants it. If you want a little more refinement, however, this phone is your best bet.
Foldables
Foldables may actually be the shoo-in for “most improved” smartphone category” this past year because after years of Samsung becoming complacent due to dominating it in the west, almost all it’s competitors came swinging to prove it wrong. Chinese companies like Huawei and OPPO have shown how they clearly aren’t to be messed with for example, but even Google showed everyone that e second go at a Pixel Fold was all it needed to make that phone a winner. But we’ve already given away enough. So let’s jump into them.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold (aka Pixel Fold 2)– Editor’s Choice
Buy – International
Let’s just start here : this phone’s name sucks. It just should have been called the Pixel Fold 2. But here’s the thing, it’s the only thing that sucks about it. This device has one of the best screens, arguably the best camera, at least the second best build and design, arguably the best software, and definitely the best AI features of any foldable here. All of which easily make it the best foldable for most people to buy, while technically being a little cheaper than most of the competition. In fact, I’ll even say this, the Pixel 9 name does fit this phone for one reason, like those devices it’s come from out of nowhere and become the easiest phone to recommend in it’s segment. That rarely happens in phones nowadays, but it has here. And Just like Google has surprised us, you should let this device surprise you with how awesome it is.
Huawei Mate XT – Editor’s Choice
Buy – ARE YOU SERIOUS?
Do we really need to say anything here? I mean come on this phone is the first of its kind, and a testament to Huwei’s strength, dedication, and innovation in the tech space even when the US actively tries to halt their progress. This is a phone that combines the craziest parts of the tech we see on TV and makes them come to life, all while actually being a usable, seemingly reliable and even outright fun phone.
We’re near certain no one reading this will actually buy it(it’s around $4000), but we would be hypocrites if we didn’t honor what this device represents. If you want something that looks and feels unreal, this is it.
OPPO Find N5
Buy – International
Look, this phone isn’t Editor’s Choice because of only 2 things: One – there can only be two picks per given category and Two – it’s technically still very limited in its worldwide release, only being available in very limited markets and mostly in China. However with especially that second caveat aside, here’s the truth: this device may be Peak Foldable. Literally. Until we can have bending glass screens that are far less fragile, this phone feels like the pinnacle of what a tablet-style / book-style foldable is. It’s as thin as a regular big phone (which is saying something considering how thin the Pixel 9 Fold is), it has flagship-level cameras, the actual best screen on a foldable, by far the best battery tech on a foldable, and even the outright most powerful processor in a foldable at the moment too. It’s apparently even the most durable foldable on the planet too. All while looking great, feeling great, and eclipsing anything the likes of Samsung has to offer, including its own pen. Maybe its only downside is the software, which admittedly isn’t as refined as say, Google’s, but when the hardware and speed are this good you can honestly overlook certain flaws. And well for this phone, I’m willing to even overlook my fear of foldables, especially since this is also a successor of sorts to the OnePlus Open, our top pick from last year. Again, peak foldable, we’ve reached it, and it’s this phone.
Motorola RAZR+ (2024)
Buy – International
Alternative : Samsung Galaxy Z-Flip 6
If Oppo’s Find N5 is peak Book-style foldable, is the Motorola RAZR+ Peak Flip foldable? Not quite yet, but it’s still the best one in it’s class. While the Galaxy Z Flip 6 is a little more powerful processor-wise, the RAZR+ has a bigger outer screen, more optimised and freeing software for said screen, and awesome processor in its own right, a matching camera, better storage options, better build quality and colors and finally, better looks. All while being far more fun. Flip style foldables aren’t like their bigger counterparts that need to be mini workstations due to being tablets. Instead, they need to be fun. They need to feel like a mini little escape portal from the world that’s as exciting as it is fashionable. The RAZR+ (and even its cheaper variant) nails that, while being the only flipables to reduce in price to the accessible $500 price points that many people are now entering the segment through. Motorola deserve their props here, and you deserve to have one of these.
Gaming Phones
ROG Phone 9 Pro
Buy – International
Asus has taken an interesting direction with their gaming phones as of late. Namely, making them a little less gamy and a lot less gamy at the same time. Except those changes have made them more appealing and appealing to more people, which makes them downright perfect. The ROG phone 9 is everything great about the Phone 8, namely a fairly refined design while still having tonnes of power, specialized air trigger controllers and even fan connectors and accessories for cooling. Chances are you already know this, as well as know of the AniMe vision feature from last year’s phone that allows the phone’s back to play whole games now, along with still being the best off-screen notification system in the game.
Now combine that with the best processor on the market in the Snapdragon 8 Elite and up to 50% more battery compared to last year and honestly, it makes sense why this phone is a worthy upgrade gaming-wise. And thankfully Android has started to gain console-grade games like the iPhone like Grid: Legends, so we may be in for a bunch of games that fully push all that power to its limits too.
And that’s our List. We tried to be as extensive as possible as usual and of course if you think we missed some phones, you can come at us and give your thoughts on it, but we hope you like what you saw. Wish you all the best in buying the phones that make your life better. Or just more fun!
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