The Best New Premium Phones To Buy Right Now
There’s loads of premium phones around and they’re all slightly different. The best options are the ones that deliver the best value for money, have the best support, and the most useful tech. Here’s our current picks for right now…
New Top-Rated, High-Spec Phones
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Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge
At just 5.8mm thick, it’s one of the thinnest Android phones ever made—but don’t let the slim profile fool you. This phone is all flagship under the hood.
Key Specs & Features
Insanely Thin Yet Surprisingly Durable
The 5.8mm profile is nearly unheard of for modern smartphones—but thanks to the titanium build and Gorilla Glass Ceramic, it still feels sturdy in hand.
That Display Is Pure Samsung
The 6.7″ LTPO AMOLED 2X hits 120Hz, supports HDR10+, and packs a 1440 x 3120 resolution—bright, crisp, and perfect for media.
Powerful Performance in a Thin Shell
With the Snapdragon 8 Elite and 12GB RAM, this thing runs Android 15 and One UI 7 effortlessly. Whether you’re gaming, editing photos, or multitasking, it’s quick and responsive.
200MP Camera That Delivers
Samsung’s ultra-high-res sensor takes in tons of detail, and the addition of a 12MP ultrawide lens helps round things out. Plus, you can shoot in 8K or 4K at 120fps.
Premium Software Features Included
It’s got Samsung DeX, Circle to Search, and UWB support—so you’re not missing out on Samsung’s ecosystem perks just because this model is thinner.
Key Specs at a Glance
Display: 6.7″ LTPO AMOLED 2X, 1440p, 120Hz, HDR10+
Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Elite
RAM: 12GB
Storage: 256GB / 512GB (no microSD)
Main Camera: 200MP wide + 12MP ultrawide
Selfie Camera: 12MP
Battery: 3900mAh, 25W wired fast charging
Software: Android 15, One UI 7
Build: 5.8mm thick, Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2, titanium frame, IP68
Price: ~£1,099 / €1,249 / $1,099
Key Takeaways
The Galaxy S25 Edge is a breath of fresh air in a world of bulky flagships—it’s incredibly slim and lightweight, but still powerful
Snapdragon 8 Elite + 12GB RAM gives you flagship-grade performance
200MP main camera and 6.7″ AMOLED display mean no compromises in imaging or media
25W charging and 3900mAh battery will get you through the day, but power users may want to carry a charger
If you want the lightest and thinnest flagship Android phone of 2025, this is it
Looking for more? Check out our full guide to the Best Android Phones of the Year
FAQ
Is the Galaxy S25 Edge a replacement for the S25 or S25 Ultra?
No, it’s more like a “lite” flagship with a unique slim profile. Think of it as a premium alternative for those who want something thinner.
How good is the battery life?
It’s decent for a 3900mAh cell, especially with One UI optimisations—but heavy users may want to carry a charger or battery pack.
Does it support wireless charging?
No official confirmation yet, but it seems to be wired-only (25W) based on early specs.
Is it durable despite the slim profile?
Yes—Samsung used titanium and Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2, and it’s IP68-rated for water and dust resistance.
Will it get long-term updates?
Yes—Samsung supports its premium devices with up to 7 years of Android updates, so you’re covered well into the 2030s.Battery: 3900mAh
Charging Speed: 25W wired fast charging
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Google Pixel 9 Pro
I’ve used the Pixel 9 Pro as my daily device, and it’s hands-down the best balance of power, practicality, and photography you’ll find on Android right now.
Key Specs & Features
The Camera Is Unreal
Seriously—this camera is so consistent and clean, it feels like cheating. You get a 50MP main, a 48MP periscope (5x optical), and a 48MP ultrawide. The HDR, low-light, and zoom results are among the best I’ve tested.
7 Years of Updates Is a Game-Changer
No other Android phone (besides Pixel 9a) promises this level of long-term support. You’re covered for major OS upgrades until 2031.
Display Is Compact but Premium
The 6.3″ LTPO OLED is smooth at 120Hz and insanely bright at 3000 nits peak—it’s sharp, color-rich, and easy on the eyes.
Pixel Software Is Still the Cleanest
Android 15 with Pixel-only AI features like Best Take, Zoom Enhance, and Circle to Search just works better here. It’s fast, focused, and not bloated with ads or junkware.
Battery Life Is Solid
With a 4700mAh battery, I’m getting a full day comfortably, and charging is decent—27W wired and 21W wireless with the Pixel Stand.
Premium Build, Light in Hand
The glass and aluminum body feels high-end, it’s IP68 rated, and at just 199g, it’s easier to carry and use than most modern flagships.
Key Specs at a Glance
Display: 6.3″ LTPO OLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 3000 nits peak
Chipset: Google Tensor G4
RAM: 16GB
Storage: 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 3.1, no microSD)
Camera: 50MP wide + 48MP 5x telephoto + 48MP ultrawide
Selfie: 42MP ultrawide, 4K video
Battery: 4700mAh, 27W wired, 21W wireless, reverse wireless
Software: Android 14 (up to Android 21), 7 years of updates
Build: IP68, Gorilla Glass Victus 2, aluminum frame
Price: ~$615 / £734 / €708
Key Takeaways
The Pixel 9 Pro is the sweet spot for Android users who want power, a world-class camera, and compact design
Google’s AI software features actually help in day-to-day use, not just marketing fluff
With 7 years of support, you won’t need to worry about upgrading anytime soon
It’s the most refined Pixel yet—smart, polished, and totally focused on getting the basics right
Looking for something smaller or cheaper? Check out our guide to the Best Budget Android Phones
FAQ
Does the Pixel 9 Pro support wireless charging?
Yes—21W wireless (with the Pixel Stand), 12W Qi, and reverse wireless charging are all supported.
How long will it get Android updates?
Google promises 7 years of major OS and security updates, through Android 21.
Is the camera really that good?
Yes—it’s arguably the best camera system in any phone under $1000, especially for still photography.
Does it have a headphone jack or SD slot?
No, but storage goes up to 1TB, and you’ll need wireless or USB-C audio.
Is it waterproof?
Yes—IP68 rated, so it can survive water and dust exposure without issue.Battery: 4700mAh
Charging Speed: 27W wired, 21W wireless
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OnePlus 13
I’ve been using the OnePlus 13 as my daily driver for a few months now—and I’ve got to say, it’s easily one of the best Android phones I’ve tested this year.
Key Specs & Features
The Performance Is Brutal (In a Good Way)
With the Snapdragon 8 Elite and UFS 4.0 storage, everything’s fast. It scored over 2.6 million on AnTuTu in my tests—and you feel that speed daily.
That Display Is Seriously Bright
We’re talking 6.82″ AMOLED, 1440p resolution, 120Hz refresh, and a whopping 4500 nits peak brightness. Easily one of the best screens I’ve ever used outdoors.
Battery Life That Actually Lasts
The 6000mAh cell comfortably gets me through a day and a half. And when I do need to charge? 100W wired gives you a full top-up in just over 30 minutes.
Pro-Level Camera System with Hasselblad Tuning
Three 50MP sensors—main, ultrawide, and periscope telephoto (3x zoom). The results? Sharper detail, great color balance, and pro-style portrait depth. It’s not a gimmick, it’s just well tuned.
Build Quality Is Top Notch
With a Ceramic Guard glass front, IP68/IP69 rating, and an aluminum frame, the OnePlus 13 feels rock-solid. You can even go for the eco-leather back if you want something grippier.
Clean, Fast Software
OxygenOS 15 (global) or ColorOS 15 (China) feels snappy, minimal, and well-optimised. Plus, you’re getting 4 years of Android updates—not bad for a brand that used to lag behind here.
Key Specs at a Glance
Display: 6.82″ LTPO 4.1 AMOLED, 1440p, 120Hz, 4500 nits peak
Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Elite
RAM: 12GB / 16GB / 24GB
Storage: 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 4.0, no SD slot)
Camera: 50MP wide + 50MP periscope (3x) + 50MP ultrawide
Selfie: 32MP, 4K video
Battery: 6000 mAh, 100W wired, 50W wireless, 10W reverse wireless
Software: Android 15, OxygenOS 15, 4 major updates
Build: IP68/IP69, Ceramic Guard, aluminum frame
Price: ~$834 / £831 / €899
Key Takeaways
The OnePlus 13 is one of the most powerful Android phones you can buy right now
With top-tier specs, premium build, and next-gen charging, it goes toe-to-toe with the best from Samsung and Apple
The display is exceptional, the battery lasts all day, and the cameras are pro-level—all without the $1000+ price tag
If you want a future-proof, performance-first flagship with smart software, this is it
Looking for more options? Check out our list of the Best Flagship Phones for 2025
FAQ
Does the OnePlus 13 support wireless charging?
Yes—50W wireless, 10W reverse wireless, and 100W wired charging are all supported.
Is the OnePlus 13 waterproof?
Yes, it’s rated IP68/IP69, so it can handle dust, water immersion, and even high-pressure jets.
How long will it get updates?
OnePlus promises 4 major Android upgrades and regular security patches.
Can I expand the storage?
No microSD slot, but with up to 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage, most won’t need it.
Is it good for gaming?
Absolutely—the Snapdragon 8 Elite and 120Hz display make it a monster for mobile gaming.Battery: 6000mAh
Charging Speed: 100W wired, 50W wireless
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Xiaomi 15 Ultra
After using the Xiaomi 15 Ultra for over a week, I can confidently say: this phone is an absolute beast. It’s made for camera nerds, power users, and creators.
Key Specs & Features
The Cameras Are Next-Level
The quad-lens setup includes a 1-inch 50MP main sensor, 200MP periscope zoom, a 3x telephoto, and a 50MP ultrawide. Pair that with Leica’s lens tuning and pro shooting modes, and this thing outshoots most DSLRs in good lighting.
Display Is Stunning
The 6.73″ LTPO AMOLED panel supports HDR10+, Dolby Vision, and goes up to 3200 nits peak brightness—easily one of the brightest and sharpest displays I’ve ever used.
Performance Is Top-Tier
With the Snapdragon 8 Elite and up to 16GB of RAM, it handles anything you throw at it—video editing, gaming, multitasking—it never skips a beat.
Battery + Charging Combo Is Excellent
The 5410mAh battery gets me through a full day, even on camera-heavy days. And when I do need a top-up? It supports 90W wired and 80W wireless charging. Yes, wireless that fast.
Build Quality Feels Luxurious
You’ve got options: a polished glass-fiber back or eco-leather finish, both paired with an aluminum frame and IP68 water resistance. It’s thick and weighty, but it feels like it’s built to last.
Extra Pro Tools for the Win
Leica filters, Dolby Vision 4K recording, optional lens filters, and two-way satellite messaging for emergencies. This phone does it all.
Key Specs at a Glance
Display: 6.73″ LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, Dolby Vision, 3200 nits peak
Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Elite
RAM: 12GB / 16GB
Storage: 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 4.1, no microSD)
Camera:
50MP wide (1″ sensor)
50MP 3x telephoto
200MP periscope telephoto (4.3x)
50MP ultrawide
TOF 3D depth sensor
Selfie: 32MP, 4K video
Battery: 5410 mAh, 90W wired, 80W wireless, 10W reverse wireless
Software: Android 15, 4 years of updates, HyperOS 2
Build: IP68, eco-leather or glass-fiber back, aluminum frame
Price: ~£1,029 / €1,160
Key Takeaways
The Xiaomi 15 Ultra is a content creator’s dream phone, with a truly insane camera setup
It’s one of the brightest, best-looking displays I’ve ever used—seriously sharp and super responsive
Performance is as fast as anything out there, and the charging speeds are next-level
It’s premium through and through—perfect for Android fans who want the very best and aren’t afraid to pay for it
Looking for more phones that push boundaries? Check out our Best Flagship Phones Guide
FAQ
Is the Xiaomi 15 Ultra good for photography?
Absolutely. It’s one of the best camera phones on the market, with massive sensors, periscope zoom, and Leica tuning.
How fast does it charge?
Very fast—90W wired and 80W wireless, with a full charge in under 40 minutes.
Will it get long-term Android updates?
Yes—Xiaomi promises 4 major Android upgrades, which is solid for a phone in this class.
Is it waterproof?
Yes, it’s IP68 rated, so it’s water and dust resistant.
Does it have wireless and reverse charging?
Yes—80W wireless and 10W reverse wireless charging are supported.Battery: 5410mAh
Charging Speed: 90W wired, 80W wireless
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iPhone 16 Pro Max
If you’ve been holding out for a truly complete iPhone, the 16 Pro Max delivers—hard. After using it daily, I won't be going back…
Key Specs & Features
The Screen Is Incredible
That 6.9″ LTPO Super Retina OLED panel is not just big—it’s ridiculously crisp, bright (up to 2000 nits outdoors), and super smooth at 120Hz. It’s a dream for watching Netflix, editing photos, or just scrolling.
Performance Never Slows Down
The A18 Pro chip is insanely fast. Apps open instantly, multitasking is seamless, and even heavy games run at full tilt without dropping frames. It’s genuinely hard to make this thing stutter.
Battery Life Is Top Tier
Even with heavy use, the 4685mAh battery easily gets me through the day. I’m talking 17+ hours of real use. It charges fast too—50% in 30 minutes with USB-C, or wirelessly with MagSafe at 25W.
Camera System Is Pro-Level
You’ve got three lenses here: the 48MP main, a 48MP ultrawide, and a 12MP 5x periscope telephoto. Add in ProRes, Dolby Vision, and even spatial video recording for Vision Pro—and yeah, this thing handles everything from family photos to full-on content creation.
iOS 18 + Apple Intelligence = Smarter Phone
Apple’s new AI tools feel genuinely useful—whether it’s rewriting a message, summarizing notes, or searching photos faster. And of course, iOS updates drop instantly on day one.
Build Quality Is Flawless
Titanium frame, Ceramic Shield glass, IP68 water resistance—it feels solid but not too heavy, and it just screams premium.
Key Specs at a Glance
Display: 6.9″ LTPO Super Retina OLED, 120Hz, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 2000 nits peak
Chipset: Apple A18 Pro
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (NVMe, no SD slot)
Camera: 48MP wide + 12MP 5x periscope + 48MP ultrawide + LiDAR
Selfie: 12MP + SL 3D, 4K video
Battery: 4685 mAh, 50% in 30 min, 25W MagSafe, 15W Qi2, 4.5W reverse wired
Software: iOS 18, upgradable long-term
Build: IP68, Ceramic Shield, Titanium frame
Extras: Face ID, UWB Gen 2, Spatial video, Satellite SOS
Price: ~$895 / £999 / €1249
Key Takeaways
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is Apple’s most powerful and capable phone to date
Its A18 Pro chip, long battery life, and industry-leading camera system make it ideal for work, content creation, and everything in between
MagSafe, USB-C, and AI-driven iOS 18 features make day-to-day use easier and smarter
If you want a phone that can do it all—and do it for years—the 16 Pro Max is absolutely worth the investment
Thinking of going smaller? Check out the Best iPhones You Can Buy Right Now
FAQ
Does the iPhone 16 Pro Max have USB-C?
Yes, it now uses USB-C (3.2 Gen 2) and supports DisplayPort output and fast charging.
How’s the camera compared to previous models?
It’s the best Apple has ever done—especially the new 5x periscope zoom and spatial video recording.
Is it heavy?
At 227g, it’s solid, but thanks to the titanium frame, it feels lighter than older Pro Max models.
Does it support wireless charging?
Yes—25W MagSafe, 15W Qi2, and 4.5W reverse wired charging.
Will it get long-term updates?
Absolutely. Apple typically supports iPhones for 6–7 years, and iOS 18 already feels incredibly polished.Battery: 4685mAh
Charging Speed: 25W MagSafe, 15W Qi2
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Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Big screen, big battery, and even bigger brains—this is the Pixel to get if you want Google’s best hardware and longest support.
Key Specs & Features
It’s Built for the Long Haul
With 7 years of Android OS updates and security patches, the Pixel 9 Pro XL matches Apple’s iPhone in terms of longevity.
Triple-Lens Camera That Rivals DSLRs
You get a 50MP main shooter, 48MP periscope telephoto with 5x optical zoom, and 48MP ultrawide—plus Google’s legendary image processing, “Zoom Enhance,” and 8K video support (via cloud-assisted upscaling).
Flagship-Level Display
A 6.8″ LTPO OLED panel with a silky-smooth 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, and up to 3000 nits peak brightness—ideal for watching content, gaming, and editing on the go.
Massive Battery + Smart Charging
The 5060mAh battery delivers over 12 hours of active use, and supports 37W wired, 23W wireless, reverse wireless, and bypass charging to reduce wear.
AI Features That Actually Matter
From Best Take for perfect group photos to Circle to Search and live transcription, Google’s on-device AI features make real improvements to how you use your phone.
Premium, Durable Build
Gorilla Glass Victus 2, aluminum frame, IP68 water resistance, and all-day durability wrapped in a stylish package.
Key Specs at a Glance
Display: 6.8″ LTPO OLED, 120Hz, HDR10+, 3000 nits peak
Chipset: Google Tensor G4
RAM: 16GB
Storage: 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 3.1, no microSD)
Camera: 50MP wide + 48MP 5x telephoto + 48MP ultrawide
Selfie: 42MP ultrawide, 4K video
Battery: 5060mAh, 37W wired, 23W wireless, reverse wireless
Software: Android 15, 7 years of updates
Build: IP68, Gorilla Glass Victus 2, aluminum frame
Extras: UWB, Satellite SOS, thermometer, Circle to Search
Price: ~$705 / £660 / €749
Key Takeaways
The Pixel 9 Pro XL is Google’s ultimate smartphone: powerful, polished, and packed with smart features
You get a best-in-class camera system, ultra-bright display, and clean Android with exclusive Pixel tools
With 7 years of updates, it’s a future-proof investment that won’t slow down anytime soon
Ideal for Android fans who want the pure Google experience with premium hardware
Need something cheaper? Consider the excellent Google Pixel 9a for many of the same features at half the price.
Battery: 5060mAh
Charging Speed: 37W wired, 23W wireless
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Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Insanely fast, wildly capable, and built to last—the Galaxy S25 Ultra sets a new standard for premium smartphones in 2025.
Key Specs & Features
Performance Is Insane
The Snapdragon 8 Elite with up to 16GB RAM crushes benchmarks and delivers buttery smooth performance across the board.
You’ll Never Need Another Phone
With 7 years of software updates, this is the longest-supported Android phone you can buy. It’s a smart investment that’ll stay fast and secure for most of the next decade.
That Camera System Is a Beast
The 200MP main sensor is backed by 3 additional lenses: 3x zoom, 5x periscope, and a 120° ultrawide. You also get 8K video, laser autofocus, and pro-grade tools like HDR10+ and Dolby audio capture.
Next-Level Display
The 6.9″ LTPO AMOLED panel hits 2600 nits peak brightness, supports HDR10+, and features a DX anti-reflective coating. It’s one of the brightest, sharpest, and most responsive displays on any phone.
S Pen Built-In
The integrated stylus gives you unmatched productivity, note-taking, and creative control.
Flagship Battery and Charging
The 5000mAh battery holds up through long workdays and gaming sessions, with 45W wired, 15W wireless, and reverse wireless charging built in.
Premium Design, Built to Last
Titanium frame, Gorilla Armor 2 glass, IP68 water resistance—this is a tank in a tuxedo.
Key Specs at a Glance
Display: 6.9″ LTPO AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10+, 2600 nits peak
Chipset: Snapdragon 8 Elite
RAM: 12GB / 16GB
Storage: 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 4.0, no SD card)
Camera: 200MP main + 50MP ultrawide + 10MP 3x + 50MP 5x periscope
Selfie: 12MP, 4K video, HDR10+
Battery: 5000mAh, 45W wired, 15W wireless, 4.5W reverse
Software: Android 15, 7 major upgrades, One UI 7
Build: IP68, Titanium frame, Gorilla Armor 2 glass
Extras: Stylus, DeX, UWB, Wi-Fi 7
Price: ~$929 / £849 / €945
Key Takeaways
The Galaxy S25 Ultra is Samsung’s most complete and powerful phone to date
It’s built for long-term use, with 7 years of updates, top-tier materials, and a future-proof spec sheet
The camera system is unmatched for versatility, zoom, and video quality
If you want an Android phone that does everything—and does it extremely well—this is the one to get
Looking for other premium alternatives? Don’t miss our full list of the Best Flagship Phones for 2025
Battery: 5000mAh
Charging Speed: 45W wired, 15W wireless
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Apple iPhone 16e
It's the standard iPhone 16, just $200 cheaper – ideal if you're just looking for something basic but with that magic Apple touch.
Key Specs & Features
- It’s just as fast as the iPhone 16: You’re getting the same A18 chip and 8GB of RAM, so performance is top-tier—apps open instantly, multitasking is smooth, and it’ll stay fast for years.
- The screen is flagship-quality: It’s got a 6.1″ Super Retina OLED display that’s sharp, vibrant, and bright enough to handle anything from Netflix to outdoor use.
- You get a solid 48MP camera.: No ultrawide lens here, but the main sensor takes great shots and records 4K Dolby Vision video—plenty for most users.
- Battery life won’t let you down: The 4005 mAh battery easily gets you through the day, and it charges fast via USB-C.
- It’s built to last: IP68 water resistance, Ceramic Shield, and an aluminum frame mean it can take a few knocks.
- And at $599? It’s a steal: You’re getting near-flagship features at a much lower price—and with up to 7 years of updates, it’s a phone you can rely on.
Battery: 4005 mAh
Charging Speed: 7.5W, Wired, 50% in 30 min
