Best Smartphones of 2025 — From Premium Flagships to Budget Winners

Smartphones in 2025 have taken another leap forward, with faster performance, better cameras and smarter software powering devices across every price category. Whether you're looking for a premium flagship with all the top-end features or a budget phone that punches well above its weight, this guide breaks down the best Android and iPhone options for both premium and budget tiers.

Below, we highlight the top four smartphones worth considering in 2025 — complete with practical pros, cons and approximate Australian pricing.

🔝 Premium Smartphone Picks

🏆 Best Premium Android: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

Approx. price (AU): From around AU$2,149 for the base model, with higher storage options reaching AU$2,749+.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra remains the benchmark for flagship Android phones in 2025. With a stunning high-refresh OLED display, powerful internals and one of the most versatile camera systems on the market, it continues Samsung’s streak of producing some of the most advanced smartphones available.

Why it’s great

• Exceptional camera performance with top-tier zoom and night capabilities

• Large, bright OLED display perfect for media and multitasking

• Fast performance across apps, games and productivity tasks

Cons

• Premium pricing puts it out of reach for some

• Large and heavy in the hand

• Charging speeds fall behind a few Android competitors

Who it’s for: Android users who want the absolute best, with no compromises on performance, display quality or camera hardware.

🍏 Best Premium iPhone: Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max

Approx. price (AU): Starting at roughly AU$1,999, with high-capacity models reaching AU$2,499–AU$2,799.

If you're after the best iPhone Apple offers in 2025, the iPhone 17 Pro Max sits comfortably at the top. It’s built for power users — creators, professionals and anyone who wants the highest-end Apple experience. With Apple’s fastest chip, an upgraded camera system and a massive ProMotion display, this device delivers performance and longevity in equal measure.

Why it’s great

• Apple’s fastest chip yet, ideal for demanding apps and multitasking

• Industry-leading camera system with improved sensors and zoom

• Excellent battery life that comfortably lasts a full day

• Large, vibrant ProMotion display

Cons

• One of the most expensive phones on the market

• Quite large and heavy

• Apple’s software still offers less customisation than Android

Who it’s for: Users who want the ultimate iPhone — the best cameras, best performance and best display Apple offers in 2025.

💸 Best Budget Smartphones of 2025

📊 Best Budget Android: Google Pixel 9a

Approx. price (AU): Around AU$849 for the 128GB model, with the 256GB option near AU$999.

The Google Pixel 9a continues the trend of delivering exceptional value in Google’s A-series lineup. With clean Android software, solid battery life and a surprisingly capable camera, it’s an ideal choice for anyone wanting great performance without the flagship price tag.

Why it’s great

• Excellent camera for a mid-range phone

• Clean Android experience with long software support

• Reliable everyday performance and good battery life

Cons

• Not as fast as flagship Android devices

• Slower charging

• No telephoto camera option

Who it’s for: Buyers who want a capable, reliable Android phone with great software and camera quality — at a price that still feels reasonable.

📱 Best Budget iPhone: Apple iPhone 16e

Approx. price (AU): Typically between AU$749–AU$859, depending on retailer and storage.

For iPhone fans who don’t want to spend flagship money, the iPhone 16e offers a balanced mix of performance, design and long-term software support. It’s not flashy, but it’s dependable — and for many people, that’s exactly what matters.

Why it’s great

• Strong performance for everyday tasks

• Access to the full Apple ecosystem

• Long software support ensures longevity

Cons

• Lacks the advanced camera features found in premium models

• Smaller, more basic design

• More expensive than many Android budget alternatives

Who it’s for: iOS users looking for a budget-friendly iPhone that still feels fast, polished and future-proof.

🧠 Final Thoughts — Which Should You Choose?

Whether you're an Android enthusiast or an Apple loyalist, 2025 has produced standout smartphones at every price point:

• Best Premium Android: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

• Best Premium iPhone: Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max

• Best Budget Android: Google Pixel 9a

• Best Budget iPhone: Apple iPhone 16e

Premium buyers get cutting-edge displays, unbeatable cameras and high-end performance. Budget shoppers, meanwhile, have more value-packed options than ever — without feeling like they're missing out on core features.