The authoritative outlet Tom's Guide has released its annual ranking of the best Android smartphones for 2025, based on rigorous testing of dozens of devices. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra emerged as the leader, hailed by experts as the ultimate flagship for the most demanding users. The top 9 includes models from Google, OnePlus, Nothing, and Motorola, covering compact, budget, and foldable devices. Here’s who made the list, what makes the leaders stand out, and which smartphones excelled in their categories.

Top Picks

  1. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra — Best Android Smartphone
    Why It’s the Best? The Galaxy S25 Ultra secured the top spot with its blend of cutting-edge specs and versatility:
  • Processor: Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy (a slightly overclocked version of the standard Elite), delivering top-tier performance and power efficiency.
  • Cameras: Quad-camera system (200 MP main, 50 MP ultrawide, 50 MP telephoto with 5x zoom, 10 MP telephoto with 3x zoom) with enhanced image processing and vibrant colors. The new 50 MP ultrawide is a significant upgrade.
  • Galaxy AI: AI features like real-time translation, photo enhancement, and productivity tools integrated with Gemini.
  • S Pen: Unique stylus for note-taking, drawing, and control.
  • Display: 6.9" LTPO AMOLED, 3088x1440, 120 Hz, peak brightness of 1860 nits, anti-reflective coating.
  • Battery: 5000 mAh, up to 1.5 days of use, but lacks Qi2 and ultra-fast charging.
  • Price: From $1299.
    Drawbacks: High price, minimal design changes (slight corner rounding), and missed innovations like silicon-carbide batteries or IP69.
    Who’s It For? Those seeking the ultimate experience: a large screen, top cameras, stylus, and long-term support (7 years of updates).
  1. Google Pixel 9a — Best Value for Money
    Why It’s in the Top? At $499 (~40,000 RUB), the Pixel 9a is the best budget smartphone due to its price-to-performance balance:
  • Processor: Tensor G4, optimized for AI tasks and daily use.
  • Cameras: 50 MP main and 48 MP ultrawide, offering excellent color accuracy and night photography, nearly matching the Pixel 9 Pro.
  • Display: 6.3" OLED, 2700 nits, 120 Hz, flat design with no protruding camera.
  • Battery: 5100 mAh, an upgrade from the Pixel 8a (4400 mAh), lasting up to 1.5 days.
  • Software: Stock Android with 7 years of updates, full Pixel AI suite (Audio Magic Eraser, photo enhancements).
  • Features: IP68, flat body, making it the first smartphone in years to lie flat on a table.
    Drawbacks: No telephoto lens, less premium design than flagships, slow 18W charging.
    Who’s It For? Those seeking a powerful smartphone under $500 with great cameras and long-term support.
  1. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL — AI Leader
    Why It’s in the Top Three? The Pixel 9 Pro XL stands out with advanced AI features and cameras:
  • Processor: Tensor G4, less powerful than Snapdragon 8 Elite in gaming but optimized for AI and photo processing.
  • Cameras: 50 MP main, 48 MP ultrawide, 48 MP telephoto (5x zoom), 42 MP front. Outshines S25 Ultra in selfies and ultrawide shots due to AI processing.
  • Display: 6.8" LTPO OLED, 2992x1344, 120 Hz, up to 3000 nits.
  • Battery: 5060 mAh, about 1 day of use.
  • AI: Exclusive features like Pixel Screenshots, Add Me (adding people to photos), and an enhanced Google Assistant.
  • Price: From $1099 (~87,000 RUB).
    Drawbacks: Pricier than OnePlus 13, low-frequency PWM (240 Hz) display may cause eye strain.
    Who’s It For? Fans of AI, stock Android, and Google’s best cameras.

Other Top 9 Contenders

  1. OnePlus 13 — Best for Fast Charging
  • Features: Snapdragon 8 Elite, 6.8" AMOLED (3168x1440, 120 Hz, 1104 nits), 6000 mAh battery, 80W charging (~30 minutes for a full charge). Cameras (50 MP main, 50 MP ultrawide, 50 MP telephoto) close to leaders like Samsung and Google.
  • Price: From $899 (~72,000 RUB).
  • Pros: Excellent battery life (up to 2 days), IP69, vegan leather in Midnight Ocean color.
  • Cons: Only 6 years of support (vs. 7 for Samsung and Google), no Qi2.
  • *Who’s It For? Those wanting a flagship under $1000 with fast charging and stylish design.
  1. Nothing Phone 3a Pro — Best Mid-Range
  • Features: Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, 6.77" AMOLED (120 Hz), cameras (50 MP main, 50 MP telephoto, 8 MP ultrawide), 5000 mAh battery. Transparent back with screws and ribbons.
  • Price: $459 (~36,500 RUB).
  • Pros: Unique design, great price-to-performance ratio, stock Android.
  • Cons: No IP68, average gaming performance.
  • *Who’s It For? Those who value style and seek an affordable smartphone with solid cameras.
  1. Samsung Galaxy S25 — Best Compact Flagship
  • Features: Snapdragon 8 Elite, 6.2" AMOLED (120 Hz), cameras (50 MP main, 10 MP telephoto 3x, 12 MP ultrawide), 4000 mAh battery. Same Galaxy AI features as S25 Ultra in a 146.9x70.4x7.6 mm body.
  • Price: $800 (~64,000 RUB).
  • Pros: Lightweight (168 g), one-hand friendly, vibrant colors.
  • Cons: Smaller battery than Pixel 9 (4700 mAh).
  • *Who’s It For? Fans of compact yet powerful smartphones.
  1. OnePlus Open — Best Foldable Smartphone
  • Features: Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (2023), 7.82" inner AMOLED (120 Hz), 6.31" outer, cameras (48 MP main, 64 MP telephoto, 48 MP ultrawide), 4800 mAh battery. Best multitasking software among foldables.
  • Price: $1699 (~135,000 RUB), often discounted to $1300.
  • Pros: Large screen, great optimization, 80W charging.
  • Cons: Outdated chip, cameras lag behind Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
  • *Who’s It For? Those wanting a pocket-sized tablet.
  1. Motorola Razr Plus (2024) — Best Flip Phone
  • Features: Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, 4" outer AMOLED, 6.9" inner (165 Hz, 3000 nits), cameras (50 MP main, 50 MP telephoto), 4000 mAh battery. Vegan leather, large outer screen for apps.
  • Price: $999 (~80,000 RUB), often discounted.
  • Pros: Vibrant design, long battery life, improved cameras (telephoto instead of ultrawide).
  • Cons: Only 3 years of updates, vs. 7 for Galaxy Z Flip 6.
  • *Who’s It For? Those seeking a stylish flip phone with nostalgia.
  1. Google Pixel 9 — Best for Photography
  • Features: Tensor G4, 6.3" OLED (120 Hz, 2000 nits), cameras (50 MP main, 48 MP ultrawide), 4700 mAh battery. Same cameras as the Pro model, minus the telephoto.
  • Price: $799 (~64,000 RUB).
  • Pros: Compact, excellent photos, 7 years of updates.
  • Cons: No telephoto, dimmer display than S25.
  • *Who’s It For? Those wanting Pro-level cameras in a compact body.

How to Choose?

  • Maximum Features: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra ($1299) for cameras, stylus, and a large screen.
  • Budget Under $500: Google Pixel 9a ($499) or Nothing Phone 3a Pro ($459) for cameras and style.
  • Compact Size: Samsung Galaxy S25 ($800) or Google Pixel 9 ($799).
  • Foldables: OnePlus Open ($1699) for a tablet-like format, Motorola Razr Plus 2024 ($999) for a flip phone.
  • AI and Photography: Google Pixel 9 Pro XL ($1099) or Pixel 9 ($799).
  • Value for Money: OnePlus 13 ($899) for speed and battery life.

What’s Next?

Samsung is preparing the Galaxy S25 Edge (release May 23, 2025), potentially thinner than the S25 Plus. Motorola announced the Razr Ultra (2025) with a titanium hinge and IP68, but it’s nearly identical to the Razr Plus 2024. Google is working on the Pixel 10 (August 2025), promising a new Tensor G5 chip.