10 Best Smartphones 2025 in the United States

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 Nothing Phone (3) brings a strong mix of features that make it a solid choice for smartphone users looking for a powerful and stylish device. Its 6.77-inch AMOLED display stands out with vibrant colors, smooth 120Hz refresh rate, and impressive brightness, making it great for watching videos or browsing in different lighting conditions. The 5150mAh battery is quite large, promising a full day of use on a single charge with support for fast and wireless charging, which adds convenience. Under the hood, the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 processor combined with 12GB of RAM ensures smooth performance whether you’re multitasking, gaming, or using AI-powered apps. Storage is generous at 256GB, providing plenty of space for apps, photos, and videos.

The camera setup is versatile and impressive, featuring four 50MP lenses including a periscope telephoto and ultra-wide options, plus a sharp front camera, all enhanced by AI features to help capture clear, professional-looking photos and 4K videos even in low light. Running on the latest Android 15, the phone offers a clean, up-to-date experience with useful AI tools and a unique Glyph Interface that gives notifications a fun, light-based twist. Build quality is robust with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, meaning it can handle everyday bumps and spills.

The phone might be a bit on the heavier side at over a pound, and while it offers many advanced features, some users might find the Glyph Interface gimmicky. It also doesn’t come tied to any carrier, so you’ll need to make sure it’s compatible with your network. For those seeking a phone with a standout design, excellent display, strong cameras, and smart AI features, the Nothing Phone (3) is worth considering.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 is a solid choice if you want a powerful, well-rounded smartphone for everyday use. Its 6.2-inch ProScaler display offers a sharp 2340 x 1080 resolution, which means clear visuals and vibrant colors—great for watching videos or browsing. The Snapdragon 8 Elite processor is one of the fastest available, so you can expect smooth performance whether you're multitasking, gaming, or using demanding apps. With 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, it has plenty of memory and space for apps, photos, and videos without worrying about running out.

The 4000mAh battery is decent but not the largest around. It should comfortably last a full day with regular use, especially with fast and wireless charging features to quickly top up when needed. The camera system shines in low-light conditions thanks to AI Night Mode and Audio Eraser, which reduces background noise in videos, helping you capture clearer moments. Portrait mode also enhances skin tones for flattering photos. Running Android 15 with Samsung's One UI 7, the phone offers a user-friendly experience with helpful features like a smart assistant for multitasking and proactive notifications. The build quality is premium and water-resistant, making it durable for everyday handling.

The screen size is on the smaller side compared to many recent flagship phones, which might not appeal if you prefer larger displays. Also, while the 4000mAh battery capacity is fine, some competitors offer bigger batteries for longer use without charging. Finally, the phone comes unlocked, which is great for carrier flexibility but check compatibility with your network. The Galaxy S25 suits users looking for a fast, stylish Android phone with strong camera capabilities and solid all-around performance, especially if you value a manageable screen size and smooth multitasking.