Whether you’re a T-Mobile subscriber, or switching carriers and need a new phone, there are a ton of options for you. You can get top phones like the iPhone 16 Pro and Galaxy S25 Ultra, or a fun foldable phone like the Motorola Razr Ultra. The phones we picked vary in size, price and features, but they share a few things in common. The best phones of 2025 have fast processors and vibrant screens. They also have high-quality cameras that take gorgeous images. CNET editors have tested and reviewed every phone on this list, and they're among the best smartphones you can get for T-Mobile.
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- Best T-Mobile Phones for 2025
- What is the best T-Mobile phone for most people?
- Best T-Mobile phones of 2025
- Best iPhone
- Best Android phone
- Best phone for Android purists
- Best premium iPhone
- Best premium Android phone
- Best Google has to offer
- Best built flip phone
- Best flip phone for Samsung
- Best Android Phone Value
- Best T-Mobile phone compared
- Recent updates
- Factors to consider when buying a T-Mobile phone
- How we test phones
- Other phones we tested
- T-Mobile Phone FAQs
- What to look forward to in 2025
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What is the best T-Mobile phone for most people?
The best phone for most people on T-Mobile is the $799 iPhone 16. It comes in two sizes: a 6.1-inch regular iPhone 16 model or a larger 6.7-inch iPhone 16 Plus model that starts at $899. The phones have a new 12-megapixel ultrawide camera that performs better in low light and can now take macro photos, meaning you'll be able to focus close to take amazing food snaps. The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus have an Action button that you can program to do different functions like turn on the flashlight, record an audio memo, change the focus mode and more. There's also a new Camera Control button that not only lets you take photos and quickly change things like zoom, Portrait mode aperture and Photographic Styles, but can also trigger a new feature called Visual Intelligence, which will add context to whatever the camera is pointed at -- a bit like Google Lens. Unfortunately, like Apple Intelligence, Visual Intelligence isn't on the iPhone 16 at this time and will come via a software update. We think the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are ideal for most people looking for a great phone that will last years.
Best T-Mobile phones of 2025
Pros
- Camera Control is useful for switching camera settings
- Photographic Styles makes photos pop
- Ultrawide camera is better in low light
Cons
- Apple Intelligence isn’t out yet
- No always on display
- No changes to wired charging speeds
- No upgrades to the Action button
When I tested the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus I was definitely impressed by the new photography features, the convenient Action button and the elegant build. I consider these phones to be top-notch choices for Apple fans. Parts of the iPhone 16’s key feature, Apple Intelligence, are now out and the fact that these phones will support it means they’ll likely feel future-proofed for years to come. Aside from screen size (6.1 inches on the regular, 6.7 inches on the Plus), battery size and price, the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are identical in every way.
The iPhone 16 isn’t perfect -- it’s missing an always-on display, and it feels like it’s been ages since Apple improved its wired charging speeds. But it checks all the important boxes and then some.
Why we like it
The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus rank so high in our testing because the phones appeal to both novice users and power players alike. They offer about 90% of the experience of Apple's Pro models but cost hundreds of dollars less. Not only is the iPhone 16 a wonderful phone out of the box, Apple has a long track record of updating its software and security patches for years.
Who's it for
When you think about how the Camera Control key, the Action button and the Dynamic Island come together, along with the camera and battery improvements Apple has made over the last several years, the iPhone 16 is a compelling upgrade for someone coming from an older iPhone, especially if that person is on an iPhone 13 or older. For those who don’t need the Pro’s extra photography prowess and battery life, the iPhone 16 won’t disappoint.
Who shouldn’t get it
I wouldn't recommend buying the iPhone 16 just for the Camera Control button or the better ultrawide camera.
Pros
- Camera consistently delivers good images
- Impressive battery life
- More AI features feel practical
Cons
- Several gimmicky AI features
- Not many changes over the S24
The Galaxy S25's biggest flex that I noticed while testing is it shares many of the same attributes as its pricier counterparts, the S25 Plus and S25 Ultra – but it does so for several hundred dollars less. You'll find features like the AI Select tool, Audio Eraser and deeper Gemini integration across all of Samsung's S25 devices, as well as a custom Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and 12GB RAM – making the smaller phone of the bunch still seem pretty mighty.
And while the Galaxy S25 might look incredibly similar to the S24 and share many of the same specs, consistency isn't so bad when it means there's a consistently good camera and great battery life. Read our full Samsung Galaxy S25 review.
Why we like it
Having a baseline phone, like the Galaxy S25, that delivers many of the same perks as more expensive models is a huge plus in my book. And given the remarkable processing power, standout camera and seamless AI integration in the Galaxy S25 lineup, it's great that I can get all those premium features for $800.
Who's it best for
If you're someone who insists on buying a flagship device the Galaxy S25 won't let you down. but if you have a device that's two or more years old, you might be enticed to tap into all the latest Galaxy AI and integrated Gemini features. Now, $800 isn't pocket change, and there are definitely other options for those who want to be more budget conscious, but if you're willing to spend a bit more, the baseline S25 can be a great all-around choice.
Who shouldn’t get it
You probably don't need to upgrade if you're using last year's S24.
Pros
- Beautiful design
- Fun and somewhat useful AI features
- Better ultrawide camera
- 7 years of software updates
Cons
- More expensive
- Doesn't feel that different from Pixel 8
There’s a lot to like about the Pixel 9, from its respectable camera to its classy new design and lengthy 7-year timeline for software updates. But Google’s phones have always shined for their clean, slick software and that once again applies to the Pixel 9 series. Pixels are also among the first to get new software updates, making them an ideal choice for those who want to get their hands on the latest version of Android first. Aside from Android updates, Google also brings new features to Pixel phones throughout the year through updates it calls Feature Drops.
The Pixel 9 comes with a few new AI tricks that you may find useful, like the ability to search for content in screenshots, generate images from scratch in the Pixel Studio app and add new objects in photos. These features aren’t must-haves, and they’re not without flaws. Plus, at a starting price of $799, the Pixel 9 has a higher bar to live up to. But the Pixel 9 feels like it belongs in that class of device. Read our full review for the Google Pixel 9.
Why we like it
The Pixel 9 and Google's Gemini assistant still feel like a first step toward what the company is hoping to achieve: Making phone software more intelligent so that we can spend less time swiping, tapping, scrolling and digging. In the meantime, the Pixel 9 shines for its great camera, elegant design and clean software, just like the less AI-centric Pixels of years past.
Who's it best for
If you're a Pixel fan upgrading from an older phone, like the Pixel 6 or earlier, you'll find a lot to love about the Pixel 9. But keep in mind that for the same price, Samsung's Galaxy S25 has a brighter screen and a dedicated telephoto lens for taking zoomed photos.
Who shouldn't get it
If you want the absolute best cameras that Google makes, including having a dedicated telephoto lens, I'd recommend the Pixel 9 Pro.
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Pros
- Larger screens/thinner bezels
- 4K slo-mo OMG
- Audio Mix is brilliant
- iOS 18
Cons
- No Apple Intelligence out of the box
- Camera Control placement not optimal for one-handed shooting
- Elegant finishes aren't very colorful
- Only 128GB of storage for $1,000
The iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max have everything I've come to expect in a year-over-year upgrade. The 6.3-inch iPhone 16 Pro and 6.9-inch iPhone 16 Pro Max have a slew of upgrades including one of the best batteries on any phone I've tested. In our testing it will easily last a day on a single charge.
The phones also have larger displays, outstanding photo and video chops, high-resolution slo-mo, a new Camera Control button, iOS 18 goodies and a handful of Apple Intelligence tools. The negatives are as thin as the borders around the new screens: You only get 128GB of storage for $1,000; there are only drab color options, and a the new camera button is easy to tap accidentally. Read our full iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max review.
Why we like it
This year the 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max have the exact same cameras -- unlike the 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max, which had different telephoto options. Screen size, battery life and price should be the deciding factors when you're choosing between the two. The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max are excellent phones worthy of a spot in your pocket (and mine) if you can afford them.
Who's it best for
If you have an iPhone 12 Pro or older, upgrading to the 16 Pro makes a lot of sense. If you're on a 13 Pro and still have a decent battery capacity, I'd say save your money. And if you're on a 14 Pro or 15 Pro, there's no need to upgrade. Also, I should note that the entry-level $999 iPhone 16 Pro only has 128GB of storage.
Who shouldn't get it
If you are looking for a budget phone or don't need a phone with the latest features or tech.
Pros
- Best screen on any phone
- Versatile cameras
- Most powerful phone I've tested
- Good battery life
Cons
- $1,300 price
- Design is almost too minimal
- AI features are hit-or-miss
- S25/S25 Plus have similar features and cost less
Samsung's Galaxy S25 Ultra which has a lot of AI features, the best of which are interesting and the worst of which unreliable. Luckily, Samsung gets a lot of other things right on the S25 Ultra, which has a new Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, high-resolution ultrawide camera, and some sweet pro video tools that rival the iPhone 16 Pro. Samsung wisely kept all the best parts of last year's Galaxy S24 Ultra (basically the entire phone including that antireflective display) but some of its worst parts, too, like the $1,300 price tag.
If you want the best screen you can find on any phone, get the S25 Ultra. If you want the most versatile phone cameras, get the S25 Ultra. If you want a stylus, get the S25 Ultra. But if your needs scale back on any of those fronts, the more affordable S25 options, or even last year's S24 Ultra, may be worth considering. Read our full Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra review.
Why we like it
The reason to get the Ultra over its S25 siblings is its screen, which is truly the best I've seen on any phone, and the cameras, which are a step above what the S25 and S25 Plus have. Added video features like ability to record in Log format gets the Ultra as close as it's ever been to the iPhone in terms of professional video capture.
Who's it best for
If you have a Galaxy S22 Ultra or older, the S25 Ultra will seem like a significant upgrade. It's harder to make that case for S23 Ultra owners, who, unless their phone's battery is ailing or they can score an incredible discount, should otherwise sit this one out. And for you S24 Ultra owners, you don't need this phone. Save your money and treat yourself to a nice steak dinner and a movie.
Who shouldn’t get it
The Galaxy S25 Ultra's appeal is muddied by its $1,300 price. The regular Galaxy S25 has the same functionality, power and longevity, and it costs $500 less. Want a bigger screen? Consider the Galaxy S25 Plus. For the majority of people, the regular Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus will be a better fit.
Pros
- Genuinely fun new AI skills
- Sleek new design
- Seven years of software updates
- Cameras can take great daytime shots
Cons
- Camera hardware hasn't improved much over Pixel 8 Pro
- Gemini AI will eventually require a paid subscription
- Launches with Android 14, not Android 15
The Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL have a lot going for them, from their shiny new designs and long software support period. But it's the AI skills that really stand out, from the deep integration of the conversational Gemini Live, to the new Pixel Studio that creates weird and wonderful images from your text prompts.
The phones aren't perfect. While the cameras are good and can take excellent photos in bright light, they're just OK in low-light and in night mode. The best AI features will require a monthly subscription (though you get the first year for free). But if you're keen to experiment with AI on your phone, the new Pixel 9 Pro range is a superb way to experience it. Read our Google Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL review.
Why we like it
Google's Pixel line of phones has gone from strength to strength and its latest model is unquestionably the best phone the company has ever made. It's not just the slick-looking design; the Pixel 9 Pro offers a superb camera system, a generous support period and a host of new AI skills making it one of the most accomplished Android phones around. The 9 Pro XL takes that further by accommodating a bright and vibrant 6.8-inch display.
Who's it best for
It's a great phone for those of you looking for an elegant everyday Android phone. The interface is easy to navigate and the camera takes great photos with almost no effort. If you feel overwhelmed by the plethora of settings and menus on other Android flagships, Google's Pixel 9 Pro is the way to go. If playing mobile games or watching videos on the go is a priority, opt for the larger Pixel 9 Pro XL.
Who shouldn't get it
If you don't need the best cameras Google makes, consider the regular Pixel 9. I do like the fit and finish better on the 9 Pro, but it starts at $999.
Pros
- Robust design
- Bright high resolution inner screen
- Battery life should last you a day or more
- It's so damn fun to use
Cons
- Cameras take decent photos but suffer from motion blur
- Only three years of major OS updates
- Gets warm playing games and using the camera frequently
The Motorola Razr Ultra is a beefed-up version of last year's Razr Plus, which won a CNET Editor's Choice Award. It's as if the Razr Plus hired a trainer and nutritionist and then got absolutely ripped -- warranting its name: Ultra. After testing, I've come to adore the Razr Ultra. It does all the "normal" non-folding phone things I want, and offers me a truly unique experience thanks to its cover screen. I feel like the coolest kid in the coffee shop when Google Pay-ing for my cortado with my Razr Ultra closed. Read our Motorola Razr Ultra review.
But in taking nearly every aspect of the phone to the extreme, Motorola lost one of the most important parts of recent Razrs: the amazing value. The catch for all this ultra-ness: the Motorola Razr Ultra costs $1,300.
Why we like it
This is the best built foldable flip phone I've ever used. Motorola took the best parts of the Razr Plus and improved nearly everything else. The battery life is outstanding and easily lasts a day on a single charge and can even get you mostly through a second day. The displays are brighter. The main 7-inch foldable display is larger and has more resolution than the Razr Plus and the cameras are improved. The fabric backing is delightful.
Who's it best for
Someone who wants a fun, unique an robust foldable phone. You're willing to pay top-dollar to get the best processor, battery, design and cameras Motorola has ever made.
Who shouldn't get it
If you're unsure of foldables, this might not be the best fit. If you find yourself in places with sand, dirt and other fine particles, the Razr Ultra (like all foldable phones) isn't worth the risk. The Razr Ultra has the same class-leading IP-rating for dust and water resistance, but the dust resistance is only for particles 1mm or larger.
Pros
- Matte finish
- New main camera is solid
- 7 years of OS updates
- Auto zoom for photos
Cons
- $1,100 starting price
- Cover screen a step down from the internal one
- Wonky way to add apps to cover screen
For better or worse, Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 6 foldable is packed with AI. It can take a rough sketch and turn it into artwork or help me have a conversation in French or Korean despite me only knowing a few words of either language. The new autofocus/auto zoom feature lets you prop the phone in a half-open position, the Z Flip 6 will automatically zoom in or out (switching between the main and ultrawide cameras) to get a photo that best suits the moment. But the AI features are the least impressive aspects of the the Z Flip 6.
Samsung's latest clamshell style foldable has a new 50-megapixel main camera, a smaller hinge and crease, a larger battery and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. But all this comes at a higher starting price: $1,099 which makes it hard to appreciate the Galaxy Z Flip 6 for the absolute great phone that it is. Read our full review for the Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 6.
Why we like it
Samsung's latest clamshell style foldable has a new 50-megapixel main camera, finally putting it on par with non-folding flagship phone cameras. The hinge is smaller and helps reduce the size of the crease on the internal screen. It has a new chip, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, and 12GB of RAM for flagship performance. There's even a larger battery. For all intents and purposes, the new Z Flip 6 is a Galaxy S24 that can fold in half – which is fantastic.
Who's it best for
If you already have a Samsung phone and have been itching to try a flip phone, then then the Galaxy Z Flip 6 brings the software and features you're used to in a cutting-edge design that is equally nostalgic and seemingly futuristic.
Who shouldn’t get it
If you spend a ton of time around dirt or sand, this phone isn't for you.
Pros
- The screen is delightfully bright
- Cameras are good for $499
- Gemini Live Video AI has potential to be useful
- Solid build
- The under-$500 price
Cons
- Battery life is just OK, will get through a day
- Processor is serviceable (curious about longevity)
- Lacks emergency SOS satellite texting
For $499, Google's Pixel 9A truly feels like you're getting more bang for your buck. It comes with several significant upgrades from last year's Pixel 8A: a fresh design, new display, larger battery, slightly more powerful chip, increased durability and upgraded software features.
But don't get me wrong -- it's not a perfect phone. There are places where Google had to compromise to keep the price under $500, like the lack of satellite connectivity for emergencies available on the $799 Pixel 9. Overall, though, I think the compromises Google made were smart and that the Pixel 9A is worth every penny. Read our Google Pixel 9A review.
Why we like it
The Pixel 9A is proof that you don't need to spend more than $500 to get a great phone. It can handle all you daily tasks from scrolling social media and news feeds and swiping through TikTok videos to taking a beautiful photo and lasting a day on a single charge.
Who's it best for?
In theory: anybody. The Pixel 9A is for anyone who wants 95% of what a $1,000 phone can do at half the price.
Who shouldn't get it
Anyone who wants the absolute fastest processor of the most cutting edge cameras.
Best T-Mobile phone compared
| 6.1-inch OLED; 2,556 x 1,179 pixel resolution; 60Hz refresh rate | 6.2-inch AMOLED; 2,340x1,080 pixels; 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate | 6.3-inch OLED; 2,424x1,080 pixels; 60-120 Hz variable refresh rate | 6.3-inch OLED; 2,622 x 1,206 pixel resolution; 1-120Hz adapative refresh rate | 6.8-inch AMOLED; 3,120x1,440 pixels; 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate | 6.3-inch LTPO OLED; 2,856x1,280 pixels; 1-120Hz variable refresh rate | 4-inch pOLED; up to 165Hz variable refresh rate; 7-inch AMOLED; Super HD; up to 165Hz variable refresh rate | 3.4-inch AMOLED; 720 x 748 pixels; 60Hz refresh rate; 6.7-inch AMOLED; 2,640 x 1,080 pixels; 1-120Hz refresh rate | 6.3-inch OLED; 2,424x1,080 pixels; 60-120 Hz variable refresh rate |
| 460 ppi | 416 ppi | 422 ppi | 460 ppi | 501 ppi | 495 ppi | Cover: 417 ppi; 464 ppi | Cover: 306 ppi; Internal: 425 ppi | 422 ppi |
| 5.81 x 2.82 x 0.31 inches | 5.78 x 2.78 x 0.28 in. | 6 x 2.8 x 0.3 in | 5.89 x 2.81 x 0.32 inches | 6.41 x 3.06 x 0.32 in. | 6 x 2.8 x 0.3 in | Open: 2.91 x 6.75 x 0.28 inches Closed: 2.91 x 3.47 x 0.62 inches | Open: 6.5 x 2.83 x 0.27 in Closed: 3.35 x 2.83 x 0.59 in | 6.1 x 2.9 x 0.4 in |
| 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8mm | 146.9 x 70.5 x 7.2 mm | 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm | 149.6 x 71.5 x 8.25mm | 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2 mm | 152.8 x 72 x 8.5 mm | Open: 73.99 x 171.48 x 7.19mm Closed: 73.99 x 88.12 x 15.69mm | Open: 165.1 x 71.9 x 6.9mm Closed: 85.1 x 71.9 x 14.9mm | 154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm |
| 170 g (6 oz.) | 162g (5.71 oz.) | 198g (7 oz) | 199 g (7.03 oz.) | 218g (7.69 oz.) | 199g (7 oz) | 199g (7 oz) | 187g (6.6 oz) | 186g (6.6 oz) |
| iOS 18 | Android 15 | Android 14 | iOS 18 | Android 15 | Android 14 | Android 15 | Android 14 | Android 15 |
| 48-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide) | 50-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide), 10-megapixel (3x telephoto) | 50-megapixel (wide), 48-megapixel (ultrawide) | 48-megapixel (wide), 48-megapixel (ultrawide) 5x telephoto | 200-megapixel (wide), 50-megapixel (ultrawide), 10-megapixel (3x telephoto), 50-megapixel (5x telephoto) | 50-megapixel (wide), 48-megapixel (ultrawide), 48-megapixel (5x telephoto) | 50-megapixel (wide), 50-megapixel (ultrawide) | 50-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide) | 48-megapixel (wide), 13-megapixel (ultrawide) |
| 12-megapixel | 12-megapixel | 10.5-megapixel | 12-megapixel | 12-megapixel | 42-megapixel | 50-megapixel | 10-megapixel | 13-megapixel |
| 4K | 8K | 4K | 4K | 8K | 4K | 4K | TBD | 4K |
| Apple A18 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | Google Tensor G4 | Apple A18 Pro | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | Google Tensor G4 | Snapdragon 8 Elite | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Google Tensor G4 |
| RAM N/A + 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 12GB RAM + 128GB, 256GB | 12GB RAM + 128GB, 256GB | RAM N/A + 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 12GB RAM + 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 16GB + 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | 16GB + 512GB, 1TB | 12GB + 256GB, 512GB | 8GB + 128GB, 256GB |
| None (Face ID) | None | None | None (Face ID) | None | None | None | None | None |
| Up to 22 hours video playback; up to 18 hours video playback (streamed). 20W wired charging. MagSafe wireless charging up to 25W with 30W adapter or higher; Qi2 up to 15W | 4,000 mAh | 4,700 mAh | Up to 27 hours video playback; up to 22 hours video playback (streamed). 20W wired charging. MagSafe wireless charging up to 25W with 30W adapter or higher; Qi2 up to 15W | 5,000 mAh | 4,700 mAh | 4,700m Ah | 4,000 mAh | 5,100 mAh |
| None (Face ID) | Under display | Under display | None (Face ID) | Under display | Under display | Side | Side | Under display |
| USB-C | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C |
| None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None | None |
| Apple Intelligence, Action button, Camera Control button, Dynamic Island, 1 to 2,000 nits display brightness range, IP68 resistance. Colors: black, white, pink, teal, ultramarine. | 2,600-nit peak brightness; 7 years of OS and security updates; 5G (mmWave); IP68 water and dust resistance; wireless PowerShare to charge other devices; 25W wired charging (charger not included); Galaxy AI; Wi-Fi 7 | Satellite SOS; 7 years of OS, security and Pixel feature drops; Gorilla Glass Victus 2 cover glass; IP68 dust and water resistance; 2,700-nit peak brightness; 45W fast charging (charger not included); 15W wireless charging with Google Pixel Stand (second gen); 12W wireless Qi-charging; Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7; NFC; Bluetooth 5.3; dual-SIM (eSIM + nano SIM); Add Me; Best Take; Magic Eraser; Magic Editor | Apple Intelligence, Action button, Camera Control button, 4x audio mics, Dynamic Island, 1 to 2,000 nits display brightness range, IP68 resistance. Colors: black titanium, white titantium, natural titanium, desert titanium. | Titanium frame, 2,600-nit peak brightness; 7 years of OS and security updates; 5G (mmWave); IP68 water and dust resistance; wireless PowerShare to charge other devices; integrated S Pen; UWB for finding other devices; 45W wired charging (charger not included); Galaxy AI; Wi-Fi 7; Gorilla Glass Armor cover glass; ultrawideband | Satellite SOS; 7 years of OS, security and Pixel feature drops; IP68 dust and water resistance; Video Boost with 8K Upscaling; Macro Focus on ultrawide; Gorilla Glass Victus 2 cover glass; 3,000-nit peak brightness; 45W fast charging (charger not included); 15W wireless charging with Google Pixel Stand (second gen); 12W wireless Qi-charging; Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7; NFC; Bluetooth 5.3; dual-SIM (eSIM + nano SIM); Add Me; Best Take; Magic Eraser; Magic Editor | IP48 rating, 68-watt wired charging, 30-watt wireless charging, 5-watt reverse charging, dual stereo speakers, Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic cover dispaly, 3,000 nits peak brightness on cover display, 4,500 nits peak brightness on main display, 5G. | IP48 rating, 25W wired charging, wireless charging + powershare, 3x optical zoom (up to 10x digital and 30x Space Zoom with AI Super Resolution tech) | 7 years of OS, security and Pixel feature drops; Gorilla Glass 3 cover glass; IP68 dust and water resistance; 2,700-nit peak brightness; 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio; 23W fast charging (charger not included); 7.5W wireless charging Qi certified; Wi-Fi 6E; NFC; Bluetooth 5.3; dual-SIM (nano SIM + eSIM); Add Me; Best Take; Magic Eraser; Magic Editor; Photo Unblur; Super Res Zoom; Circle To Search |
| $799 (128GB) | $800 (128GB) | $799 (128GB) | $999 (128GB) | $1,300 (256GB) | $999 (128GB) | $1,300 | $1,100 (256GB) | $499 (128GB) |
In May 2025, we added the Google Pixel 9A and the Motorola Razr Ultra to our list. The Pixel 9A replaces last year's Google Pixel 8A and comes with a new processor, design, upgraded screen and cameras -- all for the same $499 price. The Razr Ultra is the best built foldable flip phone that we've tested. The battery life gets you through a day with enough battery life left to start a second day. The main camera is solid and the displays are brighter. The biggest downside is the $1,300 price.
Go to a T-Mobile store: The best way to know if you'll like a phone or not is to try it in person.
Android or iOS? Pick one: If you've been on an Android phone and are thinking about getting an iPhone, ask your friends and family what they have. If the people you communicate with most are tied into Apple's ecosystem, it benefits you to stay on team iPhone. If your family is all on Android phones, it might be worth staying with a Pixel phone or Samsung Galaxy phone. Otherwise, it's simple enough to switch platforms.
Look at last year's phones: Phones released last year still have many of the same features as a brand new one, often at a discounted price.
Don't discount cheaper handsets: Features of last year's flagships always trickle down to this year's midrange handsets. You can get a great phone that does almost everything that a premium phone can do for $500 to $700.
Buy a phone case: Protect your new phone from wear and tear and even serious damage.
We test every phone in real-world scenarios, focusing on its features, design, performance, cameras, battery life and overall value. We document our findings in an initial review that is periodically updated when there are new software updates, or to compare it against new phones from competitors such as Apple, Samsung, Google and OnePlus.
The Galaxy Z Flip 5 largely has the same camera hardware as the Z Flip 4. But the new chip brings some image processing improvements.
Lisa Eadicicco/CNETPhotography
Photography is a major focus for most phones these days, so we take pictures and videos of various subjects in a variety of settings and lighting scenarios. We try out any new camera modes, such as 4K 120fps slow motion video recording that debuted with the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max, or the Add Me and updated Magic Editor photo tools that launched with the Google Pixel 9 series.
Battery life
Battery testing is conducted in a variety of ways. We assess how long a phone lasts during a typical day of use and note how it performs during more focused sessions of video calls, media streaming and gaming. We also conduct a video playback test, as a simple, replicable measure of pure battery life, which isn't always included in the initial review but sometimes added later in an update.
Performance measuring
We use benchmarking apps to measure each phone's performance, alongside our own anecdotal experiences using the phone for our review. Of note are how graphics and animations look. Are they smooth? Or do they lag or stutter? We also look at how quickly the phone switches between horizontal and vertical orientations, and how fast the camera app opens and is ready to take a photo.
Emergency SOS might be one of the most important features to come out on any phone this year.
Kevin Heinz/CNETWe perform processor-heavy tasks like editing photos, exporting videos and playing games. We evaluate whether a newer version of a particular phone includes enough features to make it worth upgrading from older models.
Read more: How We Test Phones
The $900 OnePlus 13 is a true flagship phone and there's plenty to like. From its powerful performance to its fast charging and vibrant display, it has much of what we expect from a top-end phone right now. It looks good, has great waterproofing, a scattering of new AI skills and a reasonable six years of security support.
The $1,200 Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro is a gaming phone that takes nearly every feature to the extreme. It has a Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, a 5,800-mAh and a 6.78-inch AMOLED. We certainly appreciate how well the phone handles intensive graphics and its utterly high 185Hz refresh rate in games that can support it. And even though the phone offers only a small iteration on the Phone 8 Pro's design, it's good to see the LED display on the back gain more personality.
What makes a good phone camera?
All of today's phones pack some kind of camera setup on the back, with most packing multiple ones like ultrawide or telephoto zooms. More expensive phones, like the iPhone 16 Pro, use larger image sensors, better-quality lenses and image stabilization that let in more light, capturing detailed images with beautiful colors, in daylight and at night. Typically, the more you pay, the better quality you'll get, with the most advanced features being reserved for the most expensive flagships.
What is the best phone case?
There's a vast array of case options for almost every phone on the market, so which one is best really comes down how you will use it. Many cases are simply there for the style. While these cases will certainly help keep light scratches and scuffs off your phone, you should look toward more specialized rugged cases if you want to take your smartphone on a rough-and-tumble adventure into the outdoors.
How long should a phone battery last?
Most smartphones -- even those at the top end -- should be able to deliver a full day of mixed use out of a single charge. That means you should have a bit of juice left at the end of your day, but you should expect to give it a full charge when you plug it in at night.
How much storage should my phone have?
Most phones tend to come with a minimum of 128GB of storage, which is a good amount for apps, games and locally stored music. It's important to think about what you'll be doing with your phone. If you want to download and play a lot of games, then consider opting for a higher-capacity version.
What makes a phone a smartphone?
Smartphones let you do more than just make calls; they connect to the internet for web browsing, you can download apps and games, and they typically have cameras capable of taking -- and displaying -- photos and videos. In short, they're just what we know of today as a "phone," and everything on this list qualifies as a smartphone.
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