Best Phone in the World: Complete List (August 2025)
Update: We last updated this article with Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Z Fold 7 on August 17, 2025
Looking for the best phone in the world isn’t an easy task, given that there are so many options to choose from. Whether you are team Android or iOS, picking a smartphone that can cater to all your needs can be challenging. From the Ultras of this galaxy to the Pro Max of the world, here are all the top 10 best phones in the world that deserve your attention and money.
Best Phone In The World (August 2025): Complete List
1. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Best All-Rounder Smartphone
Why We Recommend It:
If there is a smartphone that defines the word AI, it’s the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. If I had a penny for each time Samsung said “AI’ at its Galaxy Unpacked event, then I would probably be richer than Elon Musk. Jokes apart, Samsung does deliver on what it claims with its Galaxy AI suite and equally stellar hardware to match it. From a massive 6.9-inch Quad HD panel with an anti-reflective coating to the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite, it offers everything but the kitchen sink. Wait, there’s more. You get a 200-megapixel quad camera setup, S-Pen support, and seven years of OS updates. It’s an easy pick for the best phone in the world.
Who Should Buy:
This phone is ideal for power users and professionals who demand a feature-rich Android experience with exceptional performance and longevity. It’s integrated S-Pen makes it perfect for artists, note-takers, and those who value precise input and enhanced productivity on the go. Mobile photographers and videographers will appreciate its versatile camera system. Power users will appreciate the performance and the long-term software support. Anyone looking for a premium Android device with a stunning display, robust build, and a comprehensive ecosystem of features should consider the S25 Ultra.
Who Shouldn’t Buy It:
Those looking for the complete S-Pen experience will find last year’s S24 Ultra a much better option. Also, the $1299 isn’t accessible for everyone. And unlike the iPhone, it does not support Qi-2 magnetic charging natively, requiring an external case. Last but not least, the huge form factor might not appeal to those with small hands.
2. Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max: Best iPhone for Pro Users
If you are deeply invested in the Apple Ecosystem and that half-eaten Apple logo means everything in the world to you, consider the iPhone 16 Pro Max. It’s the largest iPhone you can buy today, with a massive 6.9-inch screen, and also the one with the longest-lasting battery. The main highlight, however, is the new Camera Control, which offers granular control over your photos. Thanks to the A18 Pro chip, you can enjoy AAA titles like Death Stranding and AC Mirage. Other features include a new 48MP ultrawide-angle lens, Apple Intelligence features, and faster 25W MagSafe wireless charging. All of these features make it the best phone from Apple.
Who Should Buy It
This is perfect for creative professionals, power users, and Apple aficionados who want the biggest, brightest iPhone with top-tier performance and next-level control over photography. If you’re embedded in the Apple ecosystem, value long-term stability, and demand premium materials and experience, it’s a standout choice.
Who Shouldn’t Buy It
If you’re budget-sensitive or prefer more compact phones, the Pro Max may be overkill both in size and cost. Lighter users who care less about camera controls or raw processing might be better suited with the standard iPhone 16 or the smaller Pro model.
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3. OnePlus 13: Flagship Specs at a Not So Flagship Price
Do you dream of flagship specs but don’t want to splurge a lot of money? Meet the OnePlus 13. While it isn’t exactly a flagship killer, it’s the best phone in the world that undercuts the top dogs from Apple and Samsung . It offers the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite and a massive 6,000mAh silicon-carbon battery. What’s cool is the fact that Oxygen OS 15 feels like one of the smoothest software skins, and OnePlus is also providing four years of updates. Moreover, the Hasselblad camera feels refined than ever, although it still isn’t the best out there. There’s also the iconic alert slider and magnetic wireless charging, which is just the cherry on top.
Who Should Buy It:
If you want premium specs without the hefty price tag, the OnePlus 13 is for you. Not only do you get a capable Hasselblad camera but also a solid software experience. It is perfect for content creators, multitaskers, and tech-savvy buyers who aren’t averse to deviating from Apple and Samsung.
For those looking to use the phone for a long time, the four years of OS updates aren’t class-leading in any manner. Also, if you want the best cameras or unique features like S-Pen, the OnePlus might feel a bit lacking in these aspects.
4. Vivo X200 Ultra: A DSLR In Your Pocket
If you consider the Vivo X200 Pro the ultimate camera phone, then think again! The Vivo X200 Ultra takes it up a notch with improvements in every aspect. You get a bigger 6.82-inch 2K display with 120Hz, and it’s powered by the new Snapdragon 8 Elite. But that’s not all, as the main highlight of the phone is still the camera. It has a whopping 200MP telephoto lens with 3.7x optical zoom. Furthermore, you also get an optional add-on lens that adds another 2.35 zoom. To complement it, there’s a 50MP ultrawide and 50MP primary camera.
If you want a phone that can rival your expensive DSLR, the X200 Ultra is the one to buy. Apart from the amazing telephoto lens and Vivo’s reliable camera tuning, you get an overall package as well. Whether it’s the battery, display, processor or charging, the X200 Ultra doesn’t compromise on anything.
OriginOS might not appeal to those accustomed to stock Android and Samsung’s One UI. Furthermore, some of the features are exclusive to China, and you might face carrier compatibility issues if you live outside of China.
5. Oppo Find X8 Ultra: OnePlus 13 on Steroids
Why We Recommend it:
What if I told you there was a OnePlus 13 Ultra with better cameras, a dedicated camera button, and longer update support? Not exactly a successor, but the Oppo Find X8 Ultra is just the best phone in the world you might be looking for. The cameras are the main highlight of the show, with one of the longest zoom ranges on a smartphone. Furthermore, you get the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite and the same software experience as the OnePlus 13.
Who Should Buy It?
If you like the OnePlus 13 but want better cameras, the Find X8 Ultra should serve you well. Photography enthusiasts will love the wide zooming range and the dedicated quick button for taking shots. It also gets five years of OS updates compared to four on the OnePlus 13. There’s also magnetic wireless charging and an IP69 rating for durability.
If good brand value and long-lasting software are your priority, this may not be the right fit. Its limited market availability might make it less appealing to users prioritizing ecosystem stability and long-term support. The lack ofan alert slider might disappoint long-time OnePlus fans looking for a better alternative.
6. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: Smooth Operator
Who could design a better Android phone than the company that owns Android? The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is the epitome of good software and hardware. If you value a clean, smooth, and easy-to-use Android experience over anything else, then this is the best phone in the world for you. With its unique AI features like Add Me, Zoom Enhance, and Gemini Live, it’s a future-ready smartphone. Furthermore, thanks to Google’s computational prowess, it can capture natural and social media-ready photos. You also get seven years of OS updates, great battery backup, and a unique design that grabs attention wherever you go.
This phone suits users who prioritize computational photography and a clean, seamless Android experience. If you love Google’s AI-driven tools and want the latest updates directly from the source along with class-leading imaging, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is an excellent choice.’
For those looking for the best performance or fastest charging, the Pixel 9 Pro XL might not feel impressive. Furthermore, its ecosystem of accessories is nowhere close to Samsung and Apple. Also, for those looking for a feature-packed offering, the stock Android implementation might feel a bit lacking.
7. Huawei Mate XT Ultimate: Part-Time Smartphone, Part-Time Tablet
Want the best phone in the world that can also transform into a tablet? Consider the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate. While it might look like a typical slab phone at first glance, it unfolds into a 7.9-inch tablet when partially unfolded. This puts it in the sort of iPad mini-like territory. However, when fully unfolded, you get a massive 10.2-inch inner screen, which is a pure delight.
Whether you are a multitasker or someone who loves binge-watching movies, the larger canvas certainly helps. It is also pretty slim and lightweight at 4.8mm and 298 grams. The Mate XT Tri-Fold is certainly a one-of-a-kind experience that seamlessly transitions between a phone and a tablet. It’s built for those who want the convenience of a phone and a tablet in a single device.
For starters, the tri-fold almost $3000 price tag is out of reach for the majority of users. Even if you manage to sell your kidneys and buy them, durability still remains an issue. Since there are three screens, a part of the display always remains exposed. Add to that the hinge isn’t the most durable, and the cameras or the performance aren’t exactly worth that price tag.
8. ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro: Best Gaming Phone in the World
Why We Recommend It
Are you looking for the best phone in the world that screams performance? Meet the ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro. Not only does it have fancy RGBs, but you also get an “AniME Vision display” consisting of 648 mini LEDs that you can customize. To help you dominate enemies on the battlefield, there are pressure-sensitive Air Triggers and three cooling chambers. Furthermore, there is an AeroActive Cooler X Pro that can ensure your phone doesn’t sweat like your opponents in the game.
For professional gamers and e-sports players, this is the phone to get. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite, it has one of the smoothest refresh rates in the world, clocked at 185Hz. Despite being a gaming phone, it has an IP68 rating, and you can also equip the dedicated AeroActive Cooler X Pro for sustained peak performance.
If you’re less focused on gaming or want a sleek daily-driver with longer support, this phone ain’t for you, chief. With only 2 years of update support and an average camera, it isn’t the flagship killer you are looking for. Furthermore, the flashy RGBs and display on the back won’t appeal to everyone.
9. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7: Best Foldable Phone In The World
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is the best foldable phone in the world you can buy right now. With a massive 8-inch inner display and the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite, it’s great for multitasking. Furthermore, you get a redesigned hinge and thin design that measures just 8.9mm. It is also lightweight at 215 grams and gets an improved 200MP sensor.
If you are a power user who likes to run multiple apps at once, this is the best phone for you. The bigger cover screen will fulfill all your multitasking needs, and the 200MP camera should help take better shots. The thin design means it can easily slide into your pocket without feeling like another slab of brick. Overall, it’s the best foldable experience that you can get right now.
Who Shouldn’t Buy This:
Those looking for a foldable phone with S-Pen or stylus support should opt for last year’s Z Fold 6. Furthermore, the 4400mAh battery isn’t exactly groundbreaking in the age of silicon carbon. The 25W charging is another pain point that you need to deal with.
10. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7: Best Flip Phone In The World
The Galaxy Z Flip 7 reinvents the flip‑phone experience with substantial, practical upgrades. It has a brighter and bigger cover screen at a massive 4.1 inches. The phone is also slimmer and lighter than before, thanks to a redesigned hinge. Furthermore, you get 7 years of updates with the latest Android 16. With Samsung Dex support, Exynos 2500 chipset a
If you’re after a stylish, compact, and feature-rich foldable that fits comfortably in your pocket, this is your go-to. The enhanced Flex Window makes quick interactions smoother, and the beefed-up internals and AI tools suit power users and creative types looking for both fun and function. Fans of long-term software support and those interested in using their phone like a mini-PC via DeX will find the Z Flip 7 especially compelling.
Users seeking the absolute fastest performance, highest-quality cameras, or longest battery life might find better value elsewhere. It’s Exynos 2500, while efficient, draws the short end compared to Snapdragon 8 Elite. Also, packing better specs in the camera, display, and battery metrics.nd if you frequently work in dusty or harsh conditions, remember this model only carries an IP48 rating, offering lower dust resistance than more rugged phones.
Specifications of All Phones (Comparison Table)
Abeer Chawake
A part-time gamer and a full-time Tech Writer. Abeer is a tech enthusiast who keeps track of all the trending gadgets and smartphones. When he isn’t busy smashing words with his keyboard, you’re able to find him playing the latest PC Games or binge-watching TV Shows.
