GSMArena’s George summed up 2025 and compiled his personal ranking of the most interesting and high-quality smartphones of the year. The list includes both traditional flagships and truly unusual devices that stand out for innovation and balanced features.

1. Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold — the leader and main breakthrough
At the top is the foldable Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold. This truly innovative device can function as a regular smartphone (albeit heavy and thick) or as a full-fledged tablet. George notes that the TriFold significantly outperforms the HUAWEI Mate XT Ultimate in folding convenience and screen quality. However, it’s not for everyone: it’s very expensive, and its cameras are quite weak.

2–3. iPhone 17 Pro and Google Pixel 10 Pro — almost twins with different OS
Second and third place are shared by iPhone 17 Pro and Google Pixel 10 Pro. According to the author, these smartphones are very similar in build quality, cameras, and performance. The main difference is the operating system: iOS and Android offer completely different ecosystems, interfaces, and AI capabilities, so the choice largely depends on personal preference.

4. vivo X300 — compact champion with outstanding cameras
Fourth place goes to the vivo X300. It is one of the most compact flagships of the year, featuring excellent cameras and an impressive front-facing module for selfies. George especially highlights the huge battery, which provides record-breaking endurance even under heavy use.

5. OPPO Find X9 Pro — the most balanced flagship
Closing the top five is the OPPO Find X9 Pro. George calls it the most balanced flagship of 2025. The smartphone boasts one of the best cameras on the market, excellent battery life, and a very fast processor. It is close to ideal in almost every aspect, with no pronounced weaknesses.

In brief
GSMArena’s personal top 5 for 2025 features the innovative foldable Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold, nearly identical in quality iPhone 17 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro, the compact vivo X300 with record battery life, and the highly balanced OPPO Find X9 Pro. The year was marked not only by traditional flagships but also by bold experiments in form factors, especially next-generation foldables. Choosing the best depends on priorities: innovation, cameras, battery life, or operating system.