10 Best Cell Phones 2025 in the United States

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.

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.

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.