Buying a smartphone for yourself is always a hasty task. To reach the final phone you want to buy, you will likely research over a thousand phones on the market, discuss with your friends and family, and prioritise your convenience in the mix. Here at Lifestyle Innovia, we make your life a little easier by helping you to make your choice smoother.
Nowadays, everyone wants a phone that can do literally everything. The main feature that is wanted from a phone is its camera. The better the camera, the better the phone. There is also the battery, charging, gaming capability, multitasking ability, and body design. Keeping these things in mind, we have chosen the best 5 smartphones you can buy going into 2025. Let us look at our top picks:
1. Google Pixel 8 Pro
The majority of consumers are typically most satisfied with the Google Pixel’s camera system, and the most recent Pixel 8 Pro continues to be the best option for both quick capture and post-processing. With a 50-megapixel primary lens, a 48-megapixel ultra-wide lens that is noticeably better at taking macro and close-up pictures than the 12-megapixel sensor on the previous Pixel 7 Pro model, and a 48-megapixel telephoto lens for distant shots, the most recent model boasts a dependable triple-lens setup. There are now a number of pro features on the Pixel 8 Pro that let you adjust shutter speed and exposure, among other capture parameters, if you would like more limited control over the camera quality. But with mobile photography, shooting in real time is just half the story. Additionally, there’s post-processing and the versatility of equipment in terms of modifying and adjusting subjects. The Pixel 8 Pro, which runs on the new Tenser G3 chipset, may have the most flexible and inventive photo toolset available thanks to AI features like magic editor, photo on blur, and best take that can turn any mediocre shot into a fantastic one. The stabilisation and HDR capabilities of the camera system are very amazing, as we discovered during our testing last year. All things considered, the Pixel 8 Pro is among the most adaptable camera systems available, producing colour-balanced, visually pleasing images
2. OnePlus Open
For several years, Samsung has been the undisputed champion of the best foldable smartphone award. The Oneplus Open has been promoted to first place. When compared to its rivals, the Oneplus Open achieves the optimal ratio of weight to dimensions. The phone folds up to be as thin as an iPhone when not in use, and it unfolds out to be a thin slate of graphics I am quite sorry. In order to make the most of the 7.8-inch screen, One Plus provides us with some of the most user-friendly tools for switching between apps. It allows you to open three apps simultaneously and hides the other two so they’re ready to be used when needed. The triple camera system, which includes lenses that stick out a bit more than we’d like, does a fantastic job of capturing images and movies, especially those with the signature blue and orange tones that cinephiles and photographers adore. Because of its foldable design, the Open can also shoot group shots and selfies without using your hands. The Open from One Plus nails the basics: a creaseless internal display, 512 GB of storage, 16 GB of RAM, and 65 watts of fast charging. The charger is housed in a box that outshines the Samsung Z Fold 5 and the Google Pixel. However, when contrasted with other foldables, its pricing is where its brilliance really shines.
3. Galaxy S24 Ultra
The newest Galaxy S24 series from Samsung is the first to fully embrace artificial intelligence, and the top-tier S24 Ultra stands head and shoulders above the competition as an Android phone right now. Among the many new generative capabilities brought about by the device’s integrated Galaxy AI model are the following: the ability to perform image-based Google searches by circling an object on screen; AI-assisted photo editing and transcriptions; chat assist for determining the number of phrases in a message across different tones; and real-time photo call transitions. A big 6.8 active matrix OLED screen and a dependable 5,000 milliamp hour battery are the foundation of the S24 Ultra, just like its before. The improvements made to the phone more than justify the $100 price increase compared to the S23. Instead of aluminium, which was used last year, the S24 Ultra has a titanium frame that is both lightweight and sturdy. It also has Corning’s new gorilla armour. A reworked Snapdragen 8 Gen3 chipset, eight more gigabytes of RAM than last year, and 2,600 nits of brightness—a significant advance over 1750—are all found under the hood of the S24 Ultra. The graphics and AI functions have also been improved. A 50-megapixel telephoto lens with five times optical zoom is the main improvement of the new camera system. The end result is a camera system that can capture more light than ever before, with an image that is crisper and less noisy.
4. iPhone 15 Pro Max
An outstanding 6.7-inch Active Matrix OLED display, perfect for mobile productivity and media enjoyment, is just one of the many features offered by the new iPhone 15 Pro Max, a premium flagship smartphone. Titanium, rather than stainless steel, makes this year’s model much lighter and gives it a distinct appearance and feel compared to previous Pro Max devices. The USB-C port is an additional standout feature of the iPhone 15 Pro Max. It allows for rapid charging, data transfer, and connections to other devices like the Apple Watch and your iPhone. You can also use it to directly transfer media files to a portable SSD, hook up an external 4K display, and more. A new five-times zoom lens is also available on the iPhone 15 Pro Max. As a mirrorless or DSLR camera user, you might think of it as having a 120 mm focal length. The faraway ceiling Those in the know who attend product premieres often use the iPhone 15 Pro Max to take footage, so word on the street is that it captures better in low light and is generally well-received. The “do” button This is the original iPhone’s mute toggle switch; it lets you personalise shortcuts and opens frequently used apps, such the camera, with a single touch and hold. Complete with enhanced graphics performance over the iPhone 14 Pro models from last year, the A17 Pro CPU is the year’s last improvement.
5. motorola razr+
Aside from increasing their processing speed and power, phones are also increasing the amount of space they occupy in our pockets. That is why, among other contemporary smartphones, the Motorola Razer Plus stands apart. Just so we’re clear, this is a clams-style folding, which means it can transform from a compact 3.6-inch display to a roomy 6.9-inch one as needed. Obviously, the phone becomes no bigger than a wallet with card slots when folded. We found that the Motorola Razr Plus, despite its diminutive size, offers a plethora of features and performance. There are a lot of apps and services that this phone can operate, like Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, games, and more, even if it has an older Snapdragen 8 plus Gen 1 processor. You may now use the same programmes without ever taking your phone out of its case, all because the exterior display has grown from 2.7 inches on the previous model. Furthermore, the Razer Plus is not the same transformer as the One Plus open, which is still the greatest of its kind. We think it has its own merits, but its folding design allows you to either open it up and use it like a genuine phone or really minimise its footprint.
In the ever-evolving world of technology, choosing the right smartphone can be a daunting task. As we venture further into 2025, the smartphone landscape is filled with innovation, from advanced camera systems to foldable designs and AI integrations. Our curated list showcases a range of options to suit different needs and preferences.
The Google Pixel 8 Pro shines with its versatile camera capabilities, making it a top choice for photography enthusiasts. Meanwhile, the OnePlus Open offers a unique foldable experience without compromising on performance or features. Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra impresses with its AI-driven functionalities and robust build quality. Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro Max continues to set the standard with its premium design, powerful processor, and ecosystem integration. Lastly, the Motorola Razr+ brings back the nostalgia of clamshell designs while offering modern features and compactness.
Whether you prioritize camera quality, multitasking abilities, or innovative design, there’s a smartphone on this list for you. As technology continues to advance, it’s exciting to see how these devices will shape our lives and redefine what’s possible in the palm of our hands. We hope this guide has helped streamline your decision-making process and guided you towards finding the perfect smartphone companion for 2025 and beyond.