10 Best Smartphones 2025 in the United States

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is a premium smartphone that stands out with a large, vibrant 6.9-inch display, perfect for watching videos or browsing with clear, sharp images. It’s powered by a fast Snapdragon 8 Elite processor with 12GB of RAM, which can smoothly handle multiple apps and demanding tasks. Storage is generous at 512GB, providing plenty of space for photos, videos, and apps without worrying about running out.

The 5000mAh battery offers strong endurance, likely lasting a full day with typical use, and it supports fast and wireless charging for added convenience. The camera system is a highlight, featuring an AI Night Mode and Audio Eraser that help take clear, bright photos even in low light, while reducing background noise in videos. Portraits benefit from advanced features that keep skin tones natural and detailed. Running on the latest Android 15 with Samsung’s One UI 7, the phone offers a smooth and customizable user experience.

Build quality is solid, with a sleek Titanium Whitesilver finish and water resistance, plus the added bonus of a built-in S Pen for note-taking and creativity. The phone's large size and weight might feel bulky for some users, and with no traditional headphone jack, wireless or USB-C headphones are necessary. Although the phone is unlocked and compatible with all carriers, its premium price could be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers. This model suits users seeking a high-performance device with excellent camera capabilities, long battery life, and a stylish, durable design.

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 reliable, feature-packed smartphone without a premium price tag. Its 6.3-inch display supports a smooth refresh rate between 60 and 120 Hz, offering clear visuals for everyday use and media viewing. The battery life stands out with over 30 hours on a single charge, and an Extreme Battery Saver mode that can stretch this up to 100 hours, making it great for long days or travel. The camera system benefits from Google’s AI-enhanced photography, which is excellent for capturing detailed and vibrant photos, including close-up shots using the Macro Focus feature. Thanks to AI tools like Add Me and Best Take, group photos and quick edits are easier than ever.

Inside, the Pixel 9a runs on Android 15 with 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage, providing smooth performance and enough room for apps and media for most users. Being unlocked with 5G support means flexibility with carriers and fast internet speeds. The phone also shines in durability, featuring IP68 water and dust resistance, plus a scratch-resistant display, which helps it handle everyday wear and tear. Additional perks include a friendly AI assistant called Gemini that helps with multitasking and finding information, and robust security features, including protection against theft and scams.

The processor model is not specified, but the phone delivers generally smooth performance for everyday tasks. It may not meet the needs of users requiring very high processing power for gaming or heavy multitasking. The 128 GB of storage suits average users well, though it could feel limited for those who store large amounts of photos or videos. This smartphone offers a well-rounded package emphasizing photography, battery life, and durability, making it suitable for anyone seeking a dependable Android device with smart features and solid security at a reasonable price.