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 Samsung Galaxy A36 5G offers a large 6.6-inch AMOLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, making it great for watching videos and gaming with sharp and clear visuals. Its battery is strong at 5000mAh, promising long usage and quick top-ups thanks to Super Fast Charging, so you won't be left waiting long to power back up. The camera setup focuses on bright and clear photos, especially in low light, with features designed to make selfies and family moments look great without needing expert editing skills.

Powered by the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor and 6GB of RAM, it handles everyday apps and games smoothly, and the enhanced cooling helps keep the device from overheating during longer sessions. With 128GB of storage, there’s enough room for most users’ apps, photos, and media, and expandable memory lets you add more if needed. It runs on the latest Android 14 with Samsung’s One UI 6.0, which offers a user-friendly and customizable experience. Build-wise, the phone is rugged with water, dust, and dirt resistance, adding peace of mind for durability.

While its performance is solid for typical daily use and mid-level gaming, it might not satisfy those looking for flagship-level speed or advanced camera features. Also, at 209 grams, it’s a bit on the heavier side, which some might find noticeable. The Galaxy A36 5G represents a well-rounded, affordable smartphone ideal for users wanting a bright display, reliable battery, decent camera, and sturdy build without the premium price.

The Google Pixel 10 is a smartphone built for everyday use with some standout features. Its 6.3-inch Actua display is bright and clear, making it easy to see even outdoors thanks to a high peak brightness of 3,000 nits and a smooth 120 Hz refresh rate for fluid scrolling. The phone runs on Google’s own Tensor G5 processor, which is quite powerful and should handle apps and multitasking smoothly. With 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of built-in storage, it offers plenty of space and performance for most users, although it doesn't have a slot for additional memory.

The battery is large at 4970 mAh and supports fast charging, providing over 24 hours of typical talk time so you can expect it to last through a full day of use. For photography, the Pixel 10 shines with an advanced triple rear camera setup, including a new 5x telephoto lens that can zoom up to 20x digitally, delivering detailed photos even from afar. Low-light shots are improved with Night Sight, and features like Camera Coach help you take better pictures without fuss. The phone runs the latest Android 16, ensuring up-to-date software and security.

Its build quality is solid, with scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, meaning it can handle everyday bumps and splashes confidently. It comes unlocked, giving you freedom to choose or switch carriers easily. One unique addition is the Gemini AI assistant, which allows natural conversations for help with tasks and can interact with what you see through the camera. If you want a reliable, high-performing Android phone with excellent cameras and a bright display, the Pixel 10 is a strong choice, though if expandable storage or a larger screen are priorities, those might be worth considering separately.