The best Android phones of 2025 are your best alternative to the iPhone and with so many manufacturers and models making them, there’s plenty of choice at a wide range of prices.
Here at Tech Advisor, we live and breathe smartphones, covering and reviewing new models on a weekly basis, from the cheapest budget options to the most expensive flagships. Our expert team rigorously tests Android mobile phones to bring you a list of the best handsets.
If you’re looking for a new Android phone, then you’ve come to the right place. We rank the 10 best options from brands like Google, Samsung, Motorola and many more. Android is Google’s mobile operating system, and with a plethora of brands making phones running on the software, you have far more choice than Apple’s iPhone range – from the most powerful with the best cameras to the best value and cheapest.
Below, you’ll find our hand-picked recommendations for the best Android phones with information on what’s good (and not so good) about each one to help you buy the best model for your needs. Following that, you’ll find our detailed Android phone buying guide.
Best Android phone reviews
1. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra – Best overall
Pros
- Top-tier performance
- Impressive cameras
- Gorgeous anti-reflective screen
- The most advanced AI around
- Slick software experience
Cons
- Charging is still only 45W
- S Pen has no Bluetooth
- Expensive
Price When Reviewed:
From £1,249
The Galaxy S25 Ultra is a slightly better version of the Galaxy S24 Ultra, which we crowned the best Android phone of 2024. So, despite the lack of upgrades, it’s only right that the S25 Ultra retains its place at the summit.
Essentially, the improvements boil down to Qualcomm’s latest top-of-the-line Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, a boosted 50Mp ultrawide camera and an anti-reflective coating on the 6.9-inch, 120Hz OLED display. Performance, cameras and display were already key strengths of the last phone, but those small upgrades mean Samsung is still leading the way when it comes to premium hardware.
However, the S25 Ultra is arguably even more impressive when it comes to software. Samsung’s One UI 7 skin over Android 15 is as slick as it gets, adding some genuinely useful AI features that you won’t find on Pixel phones. You also get a class-leading commitment to seven years of OS and security updates.
Battery life is decent, but max charging speeds of 45W will frustrate many people. Samsung has also downgraded its S Pen stylus by removing Bluetooth support, yet the high price tag is unchanged.
Who should buy the Galaxy S25 Ultra?
Power users who want a top-spec handset with all the bells and whistles, including Samsung’s S Pen stylus, and class-leading software support.
Galaxy S25 Ultra: Further considerations
This is a big and expensive phone so look elsewhere for something easier to handle and lighter on the wallet.
Read our full
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra review
2. OnePlus 13 – Best design
Pros
- Stellar performance
- Great user experience with nice AI additions
- Incredible battery life
- Super-fast charging
Cons
- Some camera niggles
- Magnetic accessories only work with a case
Price When Reviewed:
From £899
If you’re looking for great alternatives to the Galaxy S25 Ultra, the OnePlus 13 should be first in line. |t offers a Samsung-esque premium hardware and software experience within a much more affordable device.
It nails the fundamentals of a great smartphone, with incredible Snapdragon 8 Elite performance, a stunning 6.82-inch OLED display and genuinely excellent battery life. Support for 100W fast charging is the icing on the cake.
The software side is just as good, with OxygenOS competing with Google and Samsung to be the best version of Android around. OnePlus has added its own useful AI features and extended its support to four years of OS and six years of security updates.
However, if there’s one main drawback of the OnePlus 13, it’s the cameras. They’re not bad by any means, but a clear step down from the best camera phones around and prone to inconsistency. Considering how good basically everything else is, it’s easy to recommend the OnePlus 13.
Who should buy the OnePlus 13?
Those wanting an excellent all-round experience at a reasonable price.
OnePlus 13: Further considerations
Camera quality is better elsewhere if we’re being picky.
Read our full
OnePlus 13 review
3. Xiaomi 15 Ultra – Best cameras
Pros
- Incredible camera performance
- Excellent screen
- Solid battery life & fast charging
- Silky performance
Cons
- Some design backsteps
- Not the best Android skin
- Mixed bag of AI features
- Not available in the US
Price When Reviewed:
From £1,299
Put simply, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is the phone you can buy if you want the absolute best photos. Combined with the optional photography
It’s hard to overstate just how good the photography experience is. Whether you’re using the 50Mp main lens, 50Mp ultrawide, 50Mp 3x telephoto or 200Mp 4.3x periscope, the 15 Ultra is capable of truly stunning results. Even the 32Mp selfie camera is up there with the very best.
The only slight drawback is that Xiaomi has removed a variable aperture from the main lens, but it doesn’t have a huge effect on the otherwise stellar camera system. Alongside incredible Snapdragon 8 Elite performance, a gorgeous 6.73-inch 120Hz OLED display, strong battery life from the 5410mAh and 90W fast charging, the 15 Ultra is a force to be reckoned with.
Sadly, it’s the software side where the phone shows its weaknesses. Xiaomi’s HyperOS skin over Android 15 can feel cluttered, with hit-and-miss AI features, which become harder to overlook when you’re paying so much for a device.
But if camera quality is your top priority, there’s no better phone than the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, though the more affordable regular Xiaomi 15 has a lot in common.
Who should buy the Xiaomi 15 Ultra?
Photography is your top priority, as well as excellent performance and a high-end display.
Xiaomi 15 Ultra: Further considerations
The Photography Kit makes this phone even more expensive and look elsewhere for a better overall software experience.
Read our full
Xiaomi 15 Ultra review
4. Oppo Find X8 Pro – Superb cameras
Pros
- Awesome camera system
- Great battery life
- Super powerful
- New camera control button
- Useful AI features
Cons
- Smaller sensors than the Find X7 Ultra
- No autofocus on the selfie camera
- Magnetic charging only works with the case
Price When Reviewed:
£1,049
Best Prices Today:
Price comparison from Backmarket
After Oppo decided not to release its Find X6 and Find X7 series flagships outside China, the Find X8 series marks a triumphant return to Europe.
Both the Find X8 and Find X8 Pro are excellent phones, but the latter has a slight upper hand. It’s powerful, good-looking, offers amazing battery life and has plenty of software perks.
But it’s the cameras that set it apart from rivals, and turn a great phone into a superb one. For pure image quality, it’s probably only the Xiaomi 15 Ultra that can rival it right now for UK buyers.
The phone isn’t without its compromises – there are a couple of small camera downgrades compared to the Find X7 Ultra, while the software takes some getting used to – but there’s no doubt that the Find X8 Pro is up there with the very best Android phones right now.
Who should buy the Oppo Find X8 Pro?
Oppo design fans who want a powerful phone with great cameras.
Oppo Find X8 Pro: Further considerations
Look elsewhere for longer software support.
Read our full
Oppo Find X8 Pro review
5. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL – Best software
Pros
- Excellent cameras
- Gorgeous screen
- Superb software
- Seven years of updates
Cons
- More expensive than 8 Pro
- Slow charging
- Big and heavy
Price When Reviewed:
From £1,099
If neither of the options above appeals to you, a Pixel 9 is probably your best bet. And if you want the absolute best experience, the newly-branded Pixel 9 Pro XL is the one to go for.
While not quite the standout phone we saw with the Pixel 8 Pro, the 9 Pro XL still delivers a compelling experience in almost all key areas.
The cameras are the highlight once again, offering vibrant, high-contrast photos while maintaining key details. That includes low-light conditions, even if the brightening is by no means true to life. A quality ultrawide lens and 5x optical zoom from the telephoto make it an impressively versatile camera system, while selfies from the upgraded front lens are excellent.
Elsewhere, the excellent 6.8-inch display is a joy to use, while Google’s Tensor G4 chipset delivers solid performance. And the build quality is higher than ever, even if the move to a more generic design will disappoint some people.
Google continues to ace the software experience, even if the 9 Pro XL runs Android 14 out of the box and AI features are hit-and-miss. Google’s commitment to seven years of both OS and security updates is yet to be beaten on any phone.
Battery life is decent, rather than a key strength, while 37W charging feels slow.
Who should buy the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL?
Stock Android fans who want a big screen and battery.
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: Further considerations
Look to the other Pixel 9 phones for something smaller and elsewhere for faster charging.
Read our full
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL review
6. Nothing Phone (3a) – Best value for money
Pros
- Incredibly stylish design
- Affordable price point
- Slick and speedy software
- Great battery life
Cons
- Ultrawide camera isn’t great
- No charger in the box
Price When Reviewed:
From £329
Best Prices Today:
Price comparison from Backmarket
The Nothing Phone (3a) is a phone that instantly stands out from the crowd. But beyond the semi-transparent back and flashing ‘Glyph’ lights, it’s a genuinely superb phone for the price.
That starts with performance, with the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 delivering a surprisingly fast and responsive experience. It works in tandem with the 6.77-inch, 120Hz OLED panel to give the impression of a much more expensive device. Alongside Nothing’s highly customisable, retro-inspired software and great battery life from the 5000mAh cell, it’s a very easy phone to recommend.
The main drawback is the cameras, which are more than acceptable at this price, but have weaknesses when it comes to low-light and ultrawide performance.
However, that needn’t be a dealbreaker for the vast majority of people. If you want a solid all-rounder with long-term support (six years of security updates) and a sprinkle of something different, the Nothing Phone (3a) is the device for you.
While the more expensive Phone (3a) Pro is also worth considering, its camera upgrades aren’t enough to justify the extra cost.
Who should buy the Nothing Phone (3a)?
Those looking for the best value Android phone available right now.
Nothing Phone (3a): Further considerations
Look elsewhere if camera performance is very important.
Read our full
Nothing Phone (3a) review
7. Motorola Razr 50 Ultra/Razr+ (2024) – Best foldable
Pros
- Incredible outer display
- Strong cameras
- Unique software features
- Solid battery life
Cons
- Rivals offer longer software support
- Can get noticeably warm
- Poor internal camera
Price When Reviewed:
£999
When you think of recent flip phones, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 6 is probably the first one that comes to mind. But while it is worth considering, the Motorola Razr 50 Ultra (known as the Razr+ (2024) in some markets) is a better choice for most people.
The 4-inch, 165Hz outer screen is the main reason for this. Not only is it significantly larger than rivals, but you can run any app you like on it without any complicated workarounds. The 6.9-inch, 165Hz internal display is just as impressive, with a crease that’s barely noticeable.
While not quite as good as the best camera phones, the Razr 50 Ultra’s rear cameras can take great shots in a range of environments. However, Motorola has gone for 2x telephoto rather than ultrawide lens, while the internal selfie camera isn’t very good.
But with slick software (despite some cover screen bugs), solid battery life and decent charging speeds, Motorola is onto a winner.
Who should buy the Motorola Razr 50 Ultra?
Flip phone fans wanting the best outer display and an excellent overall experience.
Motorola Razr 50 Ultra: Further considerations
Samsung offers longer software support and the Razr 60 Ultra is coming very soon.
Read our full Motorola Razr 50 Ultra review.
8. CMF Phone 1 – Best budget
Pros
- Unique, stylish design
- Bloat-free operating system
- Solid performance
- Fun accessories
Cons
- No NFC
- Limited water and dust resistance
- Simple cameras
Price When Reviewed:
£209
CMF, Nothing’s sub-brand, has previously focused on wearables and audio products.
But its first attempt at a smartphone is an undoubted success, combining a fun look with solid core features and an impressively low price tag.
Its design is the clear highlight, with a back panel that can easily be swapped out and attachment for a lanyard, kickstand, or card wallet, all of which CMF sells as optional extras. However, even if you don’t care about any of that stuff, the Phone 1 has strong performance and an attractive display, both of which are must-haves on a modern smartphone.
Battery life is decent, while Nothing’s unique take on Android combines a unique look with no bloatware.
Who should buy the CMF Phone 1?
Budget-conscious buyers who enjoy alternative, fun design.
CMF Phone 1: Further considerations
You can’t use the phone for contactless payments and Samsung offers longer software support.
Read our full
CMF Phone 1 review
9. Samsung Galaxy S25 – Best compact design
Pros
- Top-tier performance
- Gorgeous display
- Superb software experience
- Useful AI features
Cons
- Supporting cameras could be better
- Charging is still only 45W
- Qi2 wireless charging needs a case
Price When Reviewed:
From £999
If you’d rather not pay the high asking price of the S25 Ultra, the Galaxy S25+ is the device for you. It offers all of the same core features at a much more attractive price.
That includes top-tier Snapdragon 8 Elite performance, a gorgeous 6.7-inch 120Hz OLED screen and three very capable camera lenses. The exception is the ultrawide, which is a little underwhelming.
Samsung has aced the software side, too, with One UI 7 delivering one of the most complete user experiences ever on a phone, including lots of useful AI. You also get the class-leading seven years of both OS and security updates.
However, while the 5000mAh delivers solid battery life, charging at 45W can get frustrating. And the Qi2 magnet-based wireless charging relies on a case.
Who should buy the Galaxy S25?
Those wanting the smallest and most affordable flagship Samsung phone.
Samsung Galaxy S25: Further considerations
Similar phones with faster charging can be found for less money.
Read our full
Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus review
10. Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold – Best book-style foldable
Pros
- Great displays
- Very good rear cameras
- Useful software features
- Premium, durable design
Cons
- Not the best battery life
- Few apps optimised for the big screen
- Expensive
Price When Reviewed:
£1749
Best Prices Today:
Price comparison from Backmarket
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a vast improvement from the previous model and one of the most polished and premium-feeling foldable handsets on the market today.
Despite having a slower processor and fewer software features, it’s a better pick than the Galaxy Z Fold 6 overall. And while the Honor Magic V3 has a superior design, it’s let down by disappointing software, an area where the Pixel excels.
Other key strengths of the 9 Pro Fold include the excellent cameras we’ve come to associate with Pixel devices, plus two very good displays. The 9 Pro Fold can slot into your life more seamlessly than most folding phones.
However, Google’s Tensor G4 doesn’t quite excel when it comes to performance and charging is frustratingly slow. These might be dealbreakers for you at this price point, but it’s still the best book-style foldable overall.
Who should buy the Pixel 9 Pro Fold?
Those looking for the best all-round experience in a book-style foldable.
Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Further considerations
Look elsewhere for faster performance and charging.
Read our full Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold review.
Other Android phones tested
Curating a list of just 10 Android phones isn’t easy and while we bring you a range of different options, there are a number of devices that miss out on a spot here. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t buy them, they just didn’t quite make the cut here.
Some of the big names include the Samsung Galaxy A56, Google Pixel 9 Pro, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, Nothing Phone (3a) Pro, Motorola Edge 50 Ultra and Xiaomi 14T Pro. Read our reviews to see if one might be the right fit for you.
Android phone news that could affect your buying decision
We update this article as often as possible and typically get reviews live for the day they go on sale or sometimes beforehand; however, that isn’t always possible.
Our Google Pixel 9a review is coming very soon and if you’re interested in the Motorola Razr 50 Ultra then the firm is about to launch the new generation of Razr 60 phones in a matter of days.
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is also set to launch soon.
Chris Hall / Foundry
How we test Android phones
At Tech Advisor, we don’t just run a few benchmarks and write an Android phone review from the scores. We put our personal SIM cards in and use them as our own phone for at least a week, sometimes many weeks. This is the only way to properly review a phone and to uncover the good, the bad and the ugly so we can tell you what they’re like in the real world.
Why you should trust Tech Advisor for Android phone reviews and buying advice
Android phone reviews and buying advice have been a staple of Tech Advisor’s coverage since the operating system made its first headlines in 2008. We’ve tested hundreds of Android phones in that time, often being among the first in the world to get hands on them. We know the market inside out and know exactly what makes a good camera or Android user interface skin.
Who curated this article?
Anyron is Tech Advisor’s Mobile Editor and joined the team in 2019. He specialises in everything to do with phones. Assisting is our Reviews Editor, Chris, who has been testing phones for 15 years.
How to choose the best Android phone
Although we’ve listed the 10 best Android phones above, it doesn’t simply mean the top is the best choice for everyone. We all have different needs and preferences when it comes to phones and that’s understandable considering how much we use and rely on them.
How do Android phones differ?
Android phones are alike in many ways and also very different in others. One might focus on the design while another might put most of its innovation into camera technology.
A big difference in the market is the user interface each brand uses so while Google Pixel phones are what we call ‘stock Android’, others put a ‘skin’ over the top so it looks a little different and may have exclusive features – some of which may only work with that brand’s other devices.
If you’re used to one particular flavour of Android it might be worth sticking with it for familiarity.
Foundry | Alex Walker-Todd
How much should you spend on an Android phone?
How much money you should spend is easier to answer in person, but in 2025, you really don’t need to spend over a grand to get a great Android phone.
Is a cheap Android phone good enough?
If you only have a couple of hundred to spend, then there are some excellent budget options. Just be aware that you won’t get very fancy hardware and performance is limited, so spend more if you want to do more than just check social media and play Wordle.
See our list of the best budget phones for more options.
What about a mid-range Android?
The mid-range segment will be the best option for most people. Affordable enough to buy outright without the expense of a contract while getting a flagship-like experience in many ways. You’ll likely have fewer cameras and a lower-grade processor, but anything listed here will serve you well.
See our list of the best mid-range phones for the top options.
Should you buy a flagship Android phone?
Opt for a flagship phone if you’re a power user who wants to go all out on running multiple demanding apps at the same time and photography and you want all the bells and whistles like wireless charging, the best waterproofing and other features. Look for Pro, Ultra and similarly named models for the top-specs.
Our list of the best phones has all the top models.
Overall, once you know how much to spend, you then need to match up your personal tastes and needs with one of the Android phones here, whether you’re a budding photographer or an email fiend on a tight budget.
Android phones FAQ
Which version of Android is the latest?
The latest version of Android right now is Android 15, which launched in 2024.
However, it often takes some time for Android brands to update their phones, so many phones launched in 2023, and even some cheaper 2024 models, will still be running Android 14 for a while.
The next version, Android 16, should launch in 2025, but will take some time to roll out to handsets.
Do all Android phones run the same software?
Yes and no. They all run Android, of course, but there are variations within that. Every manufacturer tweaks Android to produce its own version – often called an ‘Android skin’.
For example, Samsung phones run One UI, OnePlus phones are on OxygenOS, and Xiaomi phones run HyperOS (which replaced MIUI).
Phones that run software close to Google’s own are often described as running ‘stock’, meaning it’s plain Android as Google has made it. Each is a different ‘flavour’ with a unique aesthetic and a range of specific features, so you should always try and learn a little about a brand’s software before you commit to a phone.
It’s also important to remember that not every Android phone gets equal updates. Every manufacturer promises a different number of updates for their devices – usually separated into Android feature updates and security patches – and generally speaking, more expensive phones are supported for longer than cheaper devices.
At the time of writing, the best brands in this regard are Samsung and Google, which offer up to seven years of both, but many rivals aren’t far behind.
Which specs matter the most?
With so many Android phones out there, there’s also a lot of variation when it comes to specs.
There’s no hard-and-fast rule about what matters most, so instead, think about your priorities.
Do you care most about fast and smooth performance? Perhaps you prioritise longer battery life, or faster charging speeds? Maybe a capable camera is the main thing you look for?
Most Android phones will offer some combination of the above, but there will always be certain areas where even flagships compromise. Deciding on your priorities is the first step in picking a phone.
Are Android phones better than iPhones?
This argument has been waged for over a decade, and it won’t end any time soon. For now, let’s just say that each has its advantages.
There’s more variety in Android phones, giving consumers a lot more choice, including unusual options like foldable phones or devices designed for gaming.
Certain hardware features also tend to be better on Android. The majority of modern Android phones charge faster – often a lot faster – than even the latest iPhones, and fast refresh rate displays have also become common.
You’ll also find that by and large, the best camera phones run Android, though Apple still has the edge when it comes to recording video.
On the other hand, Apple’s carefully controlled ecosystem means iPhones often have fewer bugs and inconsistencies than Android devices, and there’s a level of polish to both the software and hardware that few Android rivals match. Apple’s long-term software support and timely updates is something only really Pixel phones can match.
Why isn’t every Android phone available where I live?
This is a complicated question, and every manufacturer approaches it differently. If you live in Europe or Asia, you’ll likely find that most – albeit not all – Android phones launch where you live. Markets such as Africa and South America get a slightly different selection, while in North America, there are only very few brands, with almost none of the Chinese manufacturers.
Ultimately, each manufacturer has to decide which markets will be profitable for them, which comes down to a combination of market sizes, local regulations, and the power that networks have. In the US, for example, it’s the strict control carriers exert that keeps most Chinese companies out.