Best flagship smartphones launched in 2025: Galaxy Z Fold7, Vivo X300 Pro, Oppo Find X9 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro and more

Best smartphones of 2025

2025 has been a major year for premium smartphones, with leading brands introducing powerful devices across the flagship category. Improvements in processors, camera capabilities, foldable engineering, and deeper AI integration have shaped how users experience their smartphones. As companies such as Samsung, Apple, Vivo, Oppo, Google, Xiaomi, and OnePlus refine their hardware and software, several key devices have emerged as the most impactful launches of the year.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7

Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold7 builds on the company’s foldable legacy with enhanced durability, a re-engineered hinge, and improved display technology. It is also one of the slimmest foldables currently available. The internal screen provides more room for productivity tasks, while the outer display supports comfortable single-hand use. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, the Fold7 enables fast multitasking and AI-driven optimisation. Camera upgrades also improve low-light performance, stabilisation and telephoto quality, making it a strong option for users seeking a phone that doubles as a compact tablet.

Vivo X300 Pro

The Vivo X300 Pro continues Vivo’s effort to push imaging performance using advanced computational methods. Its upgraded main sensor and improved periscope telephoto lens provide sharper zoom and strong results across lighting conditions. Vivo’s AI processing enhances consistency in photography, while the high-resolution curved display adds to the multimedia experience. With better power efficiency and a smooth, stable software interface, the X300 Pro remains a compelling choice for photography-focused users.

Oppo Find X9 Pro

Oppo’s Find X9 Pro is one of the finest smartphones you can buy. It focuses on premium design and high-end camera performance. Its advanced sensor array delivers reliable results across portrait, wide-angle, and zoom photography. Fast charging technology is a standout, offering strong speeds and stable thermal performance. The display’s brightness and colour tuning are optimised for both indoor and outdoor viewing. With hardware-level AI enhancements, the Find X9 Pro targets users who want a balance of performance, efficiency, and design.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

The Galaxy S25 Ultra represents Samsung’s most refined slab-style flagship of the year. It brings an upgraded camera system featuring a new high-resolution primary sensor, improved zoom capabilities, and enhanced AI-driven photography that optimises shots across different scenarios. The device is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip offering improved efficiency, thermals, and sustained performance.

Its display is brighter and more colour-accurate, designed for both multimedia consumption and outdoor visibility. Battery life also sees improvements with better optimisation and fast charging options. Combined with Samsung’s expanded Galaxy AI features—including summarisation, real-time translation, and enhanced creative tools—the S25 Ultra stands as one of the most well-rounded Android flagships of the year.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro introduces deeper AI integration with improvements to real-time translation, personalised on-device recommendations, and adaptive system behaviour. Powered by a new A-series chip, the device focuses on efficient performance and thermal management. Camera upgrades include new sensors, improved computational processing and better stabilisation for video. Apple has also refined display brightness and refresh rates to reduce power consumption while maintaining quality, reinforcing the 17 Pro’s position in the premium segment.

Xiaomi 15 Ultra

The Xiaomi 15 Ultra targets photography enthusiasts with a large sensor, improved optics, and manual photo controls. Night photography, colour accuracy, and overall detail capture see meaningful upgrades. Its display is tuned for brightness and uniformity, and improvements in wireless charging and battery management help extend long-term usability. MIUI refinements further support smooth performance and stronger security controls.