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10 Best Cell Phones 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

SAMSUNG Galaxy S25 Cell Phone, 256GB AI Smartphone, Unlocked Android, AI Camera, Fast Processor, ProScaler Display, Long Battery Life, 2025, US 1 Yr Manufacturer Warranty, Mint

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,369
Battery Life
Build Quality
Camera Quality

Most important from
1366 reviews

Battery Life
This phone delivers exceptional battery life with rapid charging that becomes even faster using a 45W charger.
Build Quality
A robust metal frame and ergonomic design provide durability without sacrificing comfort or style.
Camera Quality
The camera produces stunning photos, making it a strong choice even compared to higher-end models.
Operating System
The user experience is elevated by the latest software and smart features that streamline everyday tasks.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 is a solid choice for a modern, unlocked Android phone that balances performance with handy features. Its 6.2-inch ProScaler display offers a sharp resolution (2340 x 1080), ensuring apps and videos look clear and vibrant without being overly large or bulky. Powered by a Snapdragon processor and 12GB of RAM, it handles multitasking and most apps smoothly, including light gaming and photo editing. The 256GB storage provides ample space for photos, videos, and apps, reducing concerns about running out of space.

Running Android 15 with Samsung’s One UI 7, the phone offers a user-friendly experience with helpful features like a smart assistant capable of managing multiple tasks with one command. The AI Camera includes features such as Audio Eraser and advanced portrait modes, particularly excelling in low light to capture clear, vibrant photos and videos while minimizing background noise. The 4000mAh battery supports fast and wireless charging, comfortably lasting through typical daily use.

Weighing around 5.7 ounces and water-resistant, the Galaxy S25 is durable enough for everyday use. Although the screen size is smaller compared to some flagship phones, which may not suit those who prefer larger displays for gaming or media, the device offers a strong combination of speed, storage, and smart features in a compact and well-built design. It is well suited for users seeking a reliable, easy-to-use phone with robust AI camera capabilities.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,369
Battery Life
Build Quality
Camera Quality

Most important from
1366 reviews

Battery Life
This phone delivers exceptional battery life with rapid charging that becomes even faster using a 45W charger.
Build Quality
A robust metal frame and ergonomic design provide durability without sacrificing comfort or style.
Camera Quality
The camera produces stunning photos, making it a strong choice even compared to higher-end models.
Operating System
The user experience is elevated by the latest software and smart features that streamline everyday tasks.
#2

Google Pixel 9a with Gemini - Unlocked Android Smartphone with Incredible Camera and AI Photo Editing, All-Day Battery, and Powerful Security - Obsidian - 128 GB

Rating
9.8
Performance
Camera Quality
Battery Life

Most important from
112 reviews

Performance
Delivers remarkable performance without the typical compromises of midrange phones, handling daily tasks smoothly with the latest Android 15 and Tensor G4 chipset.
Camera Quality
Outstanding cameras and camera software make it excellent for capturing clear, high-quality photos with ease.
Battery Life
Battery life is best-in-class, surpassing even some flagship models, with adaptive features that extend usage up to 100 hours in Extreme Battery Saver mode.
Display
The 6.3-inch display offers a bright, sharp, and smooth 120 Hz refresh rate that feels comparable to higher-end phones in resolution and clarity.
Build Quality
Build quality is robust with strong resistance to water, dust, and scratches, complemented by a minimalist design that many find elegant and practical.
Operating System
Delivers remarkable performance without the typical compromises of midrange phones, handling daily tasks smoothly with the latest Android 15 and Tensor G4 chipset.

The Google Pixel 9a is a solid choice if you want a reliable unlocked Android phone with strong photography features and good everyday performance. Its 6.3-inch display supports a smooth refresh rate between 60 and 120 Hz, offering decent visuals but not quite the brightest or sharpest screen you might find at higher price points. Battery life stands out with Google's Adaptive Battery giving you over 30 hours under normal use, and an Extreme Battery Saver mode that can stretch power up to 100 hours, which is great for heavy users or when you can’t charge often.

The camera is a highlight, with Google's Pixel Camera and AI-based tools that help capture clear group photos and close-up details, making it excellent for casual photographers who value quality images without fuss. Performance-wise, the phone has 8 GB RAM and runs the latest Android 15 smoothly, handling daily tasks and apps well, though it’s not designed for very intensive gaming or multitasking. Storage is a comfortable 128 GB, enough for most users to store apps, photos, and videos without needing extra memory cards. The build quality is robust with IP68 water and dust resistance and a scratch-resistant screen, so it can handle everyday bumps and spills. It also benefits from long-term software support with 7 years of updates, keeping it secure and up to date.

The phone includes helpful AI features via the Gemini assistant and useful security functions like theft detection and emergency calls after car crashes. Some users might find the camera and display quality good but not top-tier compared to premium phones, and the base storage could feel limited if you keep a lot of large files. The Pixel 9a is well suited for those who want a dependable, secure smartphone with excellent photo capabilities and long battery life without paying flagship prices.

Rating
9.8
Performance
Camera Quality
Battery Life

Most important from
112 reviews

Performance
Delivers remarkable performance without the typical compromises of midrange phones, handling daily tasks smoothly with the latest Android 15 and Tensor G4 chipset.
Camera Quality
Outstanding cameras and camera software make it excellent for capturing clear, high-quality photos with ease.
Battery Life
Battery life is best-in-class, surpassing even some flagship models, with adaptive features that extend usage up to 100 hours in Extreme Battery Saver mode.
Display
The 6.3-inch display offers a bright, sharp, and smooth 120 Hz refresh rate that feels comparable to higher-end phones in resolution and clarity.
Build Quality
Build quality is robust with strong resistance to water, dust, and scratches, complemented by a minimalist design that many find elegant and practical.
Operating System
Delivers remarkable performance without the typical compromises of midrange phones, handling daily tasks smoothly with the latest Android 15 and Tensor G4 chipset.
#3

Samsung Galaxy A16 5G A Series, Unlocked Android Smartphone, Large AMOLED Display, Durable Design, Super Fast Charging, Expandable Storage, 5G Connectivity, US Version, 2025, Blue Black

Rating
9.6
Build Quality

Most important from
1043 reviews

Build Quality
The size and design of the Galaxy A16 5G are impressive, and the user manual in the settings is very helpful for troubleshooting.

The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G features a large 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1880 x 2340, ensuring a vivid and crisp visual experience for activities like reading and streaming content. The phone’s 5G capability allows for fast internet speeds, which is a significant advantage for modern users. Its triple-lens camera setup is designed to capture high-quality images, making it suitable for photography enthusiasts.

Additionally, the device supports up to 128GB of internal storage and allows for expandable storage up to 1.5TB, which is excellent for users who need ample space for their files and media. The phone operates on Android 14 with Samsung’s One UI, providing a user-friendly interface and six years of OS and security updates for longevity and security. The 2.4 GHz processor and 4GB of RAM should handle everyday tasks smoothly, though it may not be the best for intensive gaming or heavy multitasking.

Battery life is bolstered by Super Fast Charging, ensuring minimal downtime. The build quality is robust with an improved IP54 rating, offering resistance to dust and splashes. However, some users might find the 4GB RAM limiting for more demanding applications. The combination of design, durability, and practical features like Samsung Wallet and Samsung Health make it an excellent value-for-money choice for most users looking for a reliable and feature-rich smartphone.

Rating
9.6
Build Quality

Most important from
1043 reviews

Build Quality
The size and design of the Galaxy A16 5G are impressive, and the user manual in the settings is very helpful for troubleshooting.

Buying Guide for the Best Cell Phones

Choosing the right cell phone can be a daunting task given the plethora of options available in the market. It's important to consider your personal needs and preferences to find a device that suits you best. Whether you prioritize camera quality, battery life, or performance, understanding the key specifications will help you make an informed decision.
DisplayThe display is the screen of the phone where you view all your content. It's important because it affects your overall experience, from watching videos to reading text. Displays come in various sizes and resolutions. Smaller screens (under 5.5 inches) are more compact and easier to handle, while larger screens (5.5 inches and above) provide a better viewing experience for media and gaming. Higher resolution screens (Full HD, Quad HD) offer sharper and clearer images. Choose a display size and resolution based on your usage habits; if you watch a lot of videos or play games, a larger, high-resolution screen might be ideal.
Battery LifeBattery life determines how long your phone can operate before needing a recharge. It's crucial for users who are frequently on the go and rely on their phone throughout the day. Battery capacity is measured in milliampere-hours (mAh). Phones with higher mAh ratings generally last longer. For light users who mainly text and call, a battery around 3000 mAh might suffice. Moderate users who browse the internet and use social media should look for batteries around 4000 mAh. Heavy users who stream videos and play games should consider batteries 5000 mAh and above.
Camera QualityCamera quality is important for users who love taking photos and videos. It includes factors like megapixels, aperture, and additional features like optical image stabilization. Higher megapixels can capture more detail, but other factors like sensor quality and software optimization also play a role. For casual photography, a camera with around 12-16 megapixels is sufficient. Enthusiasts who want high-quality images should look for cameras with higher megapixels and advanced features. Consider your photography needs; if you frequently capture moments, invest in a phone with a superior camera setup.
PerformancePerformance is determined by the phone's processor (CPU) and RAM. It affects how smoothly your phone runs apps and handles multitasking. Processors range from entry-level to high-end. Entry-level processors are suitable for basic tasks like calling and texting. Mid-range processors handle everyday apps and moderate gaming well. High-end processors are designed for intensive tasks like gaming and video editing. RAM helps with multitasking; 3-4GB is adequate for light users, 6-8GB for moderate users, and 12GB or more for heavy users. Choose based on your usage; if you run multiple apps or play games, opt for higher performance specs.
StorageStorage determines how much data your phone can hold, including apps, photos, and videos. It's measured in gigabytes (GB). Phones typically offer storage options ranging from 32GB to 512GB or more. Light users who mainly use their phone for calling and texting can manage with 32GB. Moderate users who download apps and take photos should look for 64GB to 128GB. Heavy users who store large files and media should consider 256GB or more. Assess your storage needs based on your usage patterns; if you store a lot of media, opt for higher storage capacity.
Operating SystemThe operating system (OS) is the software that runs the phone. The two main options are Android and iOS. Android offers more customization and a wider range of devices, while iOS is known for its smooth user experience and integration with other Apple products. Choose an OS based on your preference for customization and ecosystem. If you prefer flexibility and a variety of choices, Android might be better. If you value a seamless experience and own other Apple devices, iOS could be the right choice.
Build QualityBuild quality refers to the materials and construction of the phone. It affects durability and aesthetics. Phones can be made from plastic, metal, or glass. Plastic is lightweight and less expensive but may feel less premium. Metal offers a sturdy and premium feel. Glass looks elegant but can be fragile. Consider your priorities; if you want a durable phone, metal might be ideal. If aesthetics are important, glass could be appealing. Choose based on how you handle your phone and your preference for design.

FAQ