10 Best Smartphones 2025 in the United States

The Google Pixel 9 is a strong contender in the smartphone market, appealing to users who prioritize advanced photography, efficient performance, and versatility in connectivity. Its standout feature is the exceptional camera system, boasting a 50 MP main sensor and a 48 MP ultrawide camera, making it an excellent choice for photography enthusiasts and casual users alike. The integration of AI features enhances the camera's capabilities, allowing for innovative editing options that can make your photos truly shine.

In terms of display, the 6.3-inch Actua display with a 120 Hz refresh rate offers vibrant colors and smooth scrolling, which is great for media consumption and gaming. Battery life is also impressive with a 24-hour capacity, ensuring that users can go through their day without constantly searching for a charger.

Performance-wise, the Pixel 9 is powered by the Gemini processor and comes with 12 GB of RAM, which should handle multitasking and demanding apps without any hiccups. The 256 GB storage option provides ample space for photos, apps, and media. While the Pixel 9 excels in many areas, some users may find the lack of a flagship-level processor might not satisfy those seeking the absolute best in speed and performance. Additionally, while the unlocked feature is beneficial for flexibility in carrier choice, it might not be as appealing to those who prefer a phone tied to a specific carrier with bundled offers.

The SAMSUNG Galaxy S24 FE is a compelling choice for anyone in the market for a new smartphone, especially those who prioritize camera quality and battery life. With a high-resolution 50MP camera, it excels in taking sharp photos, even in low-light conditions thanks to its Night Portrait feature and AI enhancements that suggest improvements to images. The 6.7-inch display offers vibrant colors and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, making it great for media consumption and scrolling through apps.

Battery life is another strong point, with a robust 4700mAh capacity that can last through a day of heavy use, supported by intelligent app management. Additionally, the phone is 5G capable and unlocked for all carriers, making it versatile for various users.

On the downside, the storage capacity is limited to 128GB, which might not suffice for power users who store a lot of apps, media, and files. Furthermore, while the design is sleek and modern, it's relatively standard for high-end smartphones, so it may not stand out significantly in terms of aesthetics. The weight, at 209 grams, is moderate, but some may find it a bit heavy compared to other models. The operating system, One UI 6.1 based on Android 14, offers a user-friendly experience, although it might have a learning curve for those unfamiliar with Android devices. Finally, while the phone features fast charging and wireless charging, it does not include a power adapter in the box, which could be inconvenient for some users.

The Galaxy S24 FE is well-suited for photography enthusiasts and users who need strong battery performance but could be limiting for those needing extensive storage options.

The Google Pixel 8a is an impressive smartphone that stands out with its Google AI integration and advanced camera capabilities. The 6.1-inch Actua display is bright and vibrant, making it great for media consumption and smooth scrolling. With a 4300mAh battery, the phone promises a full day of use, which is suitable for most users.

The advanced Pixel Camera, supported by Google AI, ensures high-quality photos and videos, with features like Best Take and Photo Unblur enhancing the experience. The device is powered by a 2.5GHz A-Series processor and comes with 8GB of RAM, providing a responsive and efficient performance for everyday tasks and multitasking. The 128GB storage should be adequate for most users, although there's no mention of expandable storage, which could be a limitation for those needing more space.

Running on Android, the Pixel 8a offers a seamless and user-friendly operating system with regular updates and top-rated security features to protect your data. The build quality is solid, although the 6.7-ounce weight might feel slightly heavy for some users. Additionally, being an unlocked 5G smartphone, it offers the flexibility to switch carriers easily. The Google Pixel 8a excels in display quality, camera performance, and battery life, making it a solid choice for most smartphone users.