The most thrilling smartphones tend to debut in the second half of the year. According to rumors, Samsung’s foldables, Google’s newest Pixels, and the iPhone 17 are all anticipated to be unveiled after June. Nevertheless, we can still acknowledge the devices that have already launched in 2025. There’s no prohibition against it.
While this compilation primarily features non-flagship models, they remain significant. Up to now, 2025 has seen the arrival of several intriguing smartphones at appealing prices, in addition to a few flagship models that are worth exploring.
Here are the top smartphones from the initial half of 2025, listed in no specific order. These are merely five commendable phones.
Google Pixel 9a
Google’s Pixel A-series budget smartphones, equipped with flagship-like specifications, have consistently provided great value. The 2025 version is no different.
The Pixel 9a resembles earlier A-series Pixel phones, closely mirroring the standard Pixel 9 but with slight compromises to bring the price down to an appealing $499. It boasts a 6.3-inch display featuring a 120Hz refresh rate, a sizable 5,100mAh battery, and Google’s newest Tensor G4 processor. Even though it has marginally less RAM and storage compared to the Pixel 9, these variations are minimal in light of the similarities, all for a reduced price.
Google has also unveiled a fresh Pixel design with the 9a, removing the horizontal camera bar that has characterized Pixel phones for years. Although it appears more generic, it rests flatter on a surface. With its solid camera capabilities, the Pixel 9a could be the best overall value on this list.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
I wasn’t particularly taken with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra when I reviewed it earlier this year.
This device primarily reflects the growing visibility of AI features in gadgets, rather than the phone itself. The S25 Ultra bears similarities to the S24 Ultra in terms of hardware, presenting the same display, storage, and RAM specifications at the same introductory price of $1,299. Additional AI features were intended to be the central selling point, which I personally find unconvincing, though opinions may differ.
Nevertheless, the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor in the S25 Ultra provides remarkable performance. It houses a durable battery, a slightly larger display than the S24 Ultra, and new rounded edges that enhance its feel. While I wouldn’t advise upgrading from an S24 Ultra, users of older Samsung devices seeking high-level performance should give it consideration. It’s a solid phone, albeit not revolutionary.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge
The other Samsung entry on this list similarly falls under the “good and appealing, but not groundbreaking” category.
The Galaxy S25 Edge shares numerous features with the S25 Ultra. It utilizes the same processor, presents the same display resolution and refresh rate (although it’s 2/10 of an inch smaller), and likewise has the same RAM. It provides identical AI features and the same 200MP wide lens for photography.
So, what distinguishes these two devices? The S25 Edge is considerably slimmer. At merely 5.8mm thick, it’s Samsung’s thinnest phone currently available, significantly sleeker than the 8.2mm S25 Ultra. The S25 Edge appears and feels stylish due to its thinness, imparting a futuristic essence unmatched by anything else on this list.
OnePlus 13
The final flagship handset on this list is the OnePlus 13, from a Chinese brand that might not be as familiar in the U.S. as Google, Samsung, and Apple. Nevertheless, it merits acknowledgment.
The OnePlus 13 continues the legacy of prior OnePlus phones, delivering flagship specifications and features for under $1,000. Priced at $899, it’s more budget-friendly than an S25 Ultra, yet the two devices are quite comparable. The OnePlus handset is equipped with a similar Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, 12GB of RAM, and an enormous 6,000mAh battery that lasts over 24 hours of typical use. Even under rigorous battery tests, it offered a full 24 hours of screen usage. It showcases impressive stamina.
With a trio of 50MP cameras on the rear and essential AI features, the OnePlus 13 provides outstanding value for those in search of flagship performance without exceeding a $1,000 budget.
iPhone 16e
On the topic of excellent battery life, let’s discuss the iPhone 16e.
Essentially Apple’s counterpart to the Pixel 9a (a variant of the iPhone 16 with some adjustments made to lower the price to $599), the iPhone 16e represents an upgrade from Apple’s previous iPhone SE budget lineup. It includes the new A18 Bionic chip from the iPhone 16, 128GB of initial storage, and complete support for Apple’s Intelligence features. The 6.1-inch OLED display is more than sufficient for its price, albeit confined to 60Hz.
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