10 Best Smartphones to Buy in 2025-2026: iPhone 17 and More

Let’s be honest — most of us are watching every rumor about the upcoming iPhone 17 like it’s a Netflix show. The leaks are flying, the hype is building, and Apple’s cooking something big for this fall. But here’s the thing: while we’re all waiting to see what Tim Cook pulls out of his pocket, there are already some amazing smartphones you can buy in 2025, and they’re seriously worth your attention.

So today I’m breaking down my top 10 phones for 2025–2026 — five that are surprisingly good for the price, and five that are full-blown flagship monsters. And yes, I saved the iPhone 17 talk for the end — we’ll figure out if it’s worth the wait.

Let’s go.

Budget phones under $500 that feel way more expensive

These aren’t just “cheap and okay.” These are phones that make you question why people still pay $1200 for a smartphone.

Samsung Galaxy A35

Don’t sleep on this one. For around $350, you’re getting Samsung’s gorgeous AMOLED display — the same tech they put in their $1000+ flagships. The phone feels fast, the interface is clean, and the battery easily lasts a day and a half. Surprisingly, the typing experience is super tactile. Plus, Samsung promises 4 years of updates, which is wild at this price.

Redmi Note 13 Pro

Want a 200MP camera for under $300? Yep, this thing exists. It takes insanely detailed photos, especially in daylight. People joke that you can zoom into someone’s phone screen from across the street and see what they’re texting — and honestly, they’re not far off. It also charges at 67W, so you’re never stuck at 5% for long.

Realme Narzo 70 Pro

This one’s lowkey genius. You can scroll or answer calls just by waving your hand — air gestures actually work here. It’s got a unique cooling system that’s perfect for gaming, and the back panel subtly changes color in sunlight. It’s like a budget phone made for people who don’t want to look like they bought a budget phone.

Motorola G84

Moto is seriously underrated in 2025. This phone runs basically stock Android, so everything feels smooth and bloat-free. The stereo speakers are surprisingly loud, and the OLED screen pops. Bonus: there are some retro Motorola animations in the UI that hit right in the nostalgia. And yes — it’s water-resistant, even under $300.

Infinix Zero 30 5G

The most TikTok-ready budget phone out there. The front camera shoots in 4K at 60fps, and it has a built-in vlog mode with cinematic effects. No third-party apps needed. Plus, it’s got that curved screen, metal edge look — most people will think you spent $1000.

Flagships that challenge the iPhone (and sometimes win)

Now we’re getting into the serious stuff — phones that give you every feature imaginable, with cameras that can replace your DSLR, and batteries that charge faster than your espresso machine.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

This thing is an absolute unit. The 10x zoom still blows minds, and yes, the moon shots are actually decent now. It’s built with titanium (just like Apple’s recent models), and the S Pen can be used to control your camera from across the room. Productivity beast, camera monster — it’s got it all.

Google Pixel 9 Pro

Expected later this year, but let’s be real — this phone is all about AI. You’ll be able to erase people from photos, move them around, or even change the sky — and it won’t look weird. Rumor has it they’re bringing back the temperature sensor too. Pixel fans know: it’s Android at its cleanest and smartest.

OnePlus 12

Still holding its ground as the flagship killer. It charges from 0 to 100% in under 30 minutes — and I tested it, it’s real. The cooling system is insane, so even heavy gaming is smooth. The display is ridiculously bright — over 4000 nits. I actually read a message in direct sunlight, wearing sunglasses. That says everything.

Xiaomi 14 Ultra

If you’re serious about mobile photography, this might be your dream phone. It’s built with Leica’s camera tech and has a massive 1-inch sensor that captures insane depth and light. There’s even a camera grip you can attach — turning it into a pocket DSLR. And the design? Vegan leather, luxury vibes, total standout.

iPhone 17 / iPhone 17 Pro (coming fall 2025)

Here’s what we’re all waiting for. Rumors suggest Apple’s going full screen — no notch, no punch hole, just display. We might also finally see under-display Face ID and a periscope zoom lens that rivals Samsung’s. Add the new A19 chip, likely the fastest on the market, and we’ve got what could be the most exciting iPhone in years. Some leaks even hint that the phone could be completely portless — no Lightning, no USB-C, just MagSafe and wireless everything. Will I upgrade? Depends on the camera and design. But yeah… I’m watching closely.

So — should you wait for iPhone 17 or buy now?

Honestly? Depends who you are.

If you’re in the Apple ecosystem and planning to stick with it — the iPhone 17 sounds like a major upgrade. If even half the rumors are true, it’ll be the most dramatic iPhone redesign in years. Totally worth the wait.

But if you’re open to Android, or just don’t want to wait — there’s zero shame in picking up a Galaxy S24 Ultra, Pixel 9 Pro, or even a Xiaomi 14 Ultra right now. These phones aren’t just “alternatives” — they’re leaders. And some of the budget ones we covered? They’re so good, they make $1200 flagships look silly.

I’ll definitely be watching the iPhone 17 launch closely — and when it happens, I’ll be back with a full breakdown. Until then, let me know which one of these phones you’d actually buy. Team Apple or Team Android? Let’s talk.