Samsung’s Ultra keeps the “do-everything” crown: a bright, color-accurate display, long battery life, versatile quad cameras with a high-resolution main sensor, and Samsung’s best AI features (summaries, photo/video assists, Circle to Search-style tools, and more). Samsung’s official S25 Ultra page spotlights those upgraded AI capabilities and camera/display improvements, which are the reasons many reviewers pick it as the best overall phone right now. If you want the most complete Android experience—with excellent third-party app support, long update promises, and great resale value—the S25 Ultra is the safe top pick.
Why buy it: incredible versatility, long battery life, robust AI suite, S-Pen ecosystem support, and the kind of polish that makes it easy to live with for years.
Watch out for: it’s big and pricey, and Samsung’s image processing still leans toward a saturated style some users don’t love.
Until the next iPhone arrives (Apple’s fall event is imminent), the 16 Pro Max remains the iOS phone to beat. Apple’s Pro models are known for industry-leading chip performance, long software support, and elite video features; the 16 Pro line also pushed materials and efficiency changes (including more recycled materials inside) and pairs tightly with Apple Intelligence features across apps. If you shoot a lot of videos, AirDrop/Continuity matters to you, or you prefer iOS polish and third-party app quality, this is the most dependable choice in Apple land for late-2025 shoppers—especially as prices sometimes dip before new models hit shelves.
Why buy it: best-in-class performance and video pipeline, unmatched accessory/app ecosystem, ultra-reliable battery life in reviews.
Watch out for: premium price and the usual iOS trade-offs (less homescreen flexibility, fewer deep system customizations).
Google’s 10-series doubles down on on-device AI and computational photography. The Pixel 10 Pro/Pro XL bring brighter “Super Actua” displays, a refined triple-camera system with huge zoom reach, and the new Tensor G5 chip. Official materials and early reviews highlight seven-year updates, Qi2 magnetic charging on the XL, and Google’s ever-growing suite of AI tools (Ask Photos, Camera Coach, Call Notes, Magic Editor/Cue). If you value point-and-shoot camera reliability, timely Android updates, and Google-first features, the 10 Pro line is compelling—especially the smaller Pro if you want top hardware in a hand-friendly size.
Why buy it: the most “helpful” phone with smart features that save time; excellent stills and strong zoom; long software support.
Watch out for: raw performance still trails Snapdragon/Apple in some benchmarks, and the base storage on the 10 Pro starts at 128GB (step up if you shoot lots of 4K/8K).
OnePlus has had a monster year, and the 13 is its most balanced flagship yet. You’re getting Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite platform, big RAM/storage options, a large 6,000 mAh “NanoStack” battery, and very fast wired/wireless charging. The Hasselblad-tuned camera system is vastly improved, and OxygenOS 15 remains a clean, fast Android skin with thoughtful extras. Crucially, OnePlus hits a lower price than most ultra-flagships without feeling “second tier,” making it a fantastic value buy for power users.
Why buy it: class-leading speed and battery/charging combo at a friendlier price; fluid software; durable IP69/IP68 rating.
Watch out for: camera quality is very good but not as consistently elite as Samsung/Google in tricky scenes; update policy is shorter than Google’s seven-year promise.
- Best overall Android: Galaxy S25 Ultra — widest feature set and the most consistent “no-compromise” pick.
- Best iOS / video creator’s dream: iPhone 16 Pro Max — unmatched performance and production-grade video tools plus deep ecosystem ties.
- Best AI camera + longest updates on Android: Pixel 10 Pro/Pro XL — the smartest shooter with seven-year support and first-in-line Android features.
- Best performance value: OnePlus 13 — Snapdragon 8 Elite speed, big battery, and fast charging at a lower price.
We’re at the cusp of Apple’s fall cycle (as of September 3, 2025). If you prefer iOS and can wait a week or two, watch for the next iPhone announcement—prices on the 16 Pro Max may dip, or you might want the new model. On the Android side, all four recommendations are current-gen flagships with broad availability, though exact configurations and pricing vary by region.
- Pick Galaxy S25 Ultra if you want the most complete, future-proof Android with terrific battery and versatility.
- Pick iPhone 16 Pro Max if you live in Apple’s ecosystem or care most about performance and video.
- Pick Pixel 10 Pro/XL if you want the smartest camera and the cleanest, longest-supported Android.
- Pick OnePlus 13 if you want near-Ultra performance and battery life for less money.
