The 11 Best Android Phones for 2025

Feeling lost in a labyrinth of smartphone choices? With countless **Android phones** flooding the market, picking the *right* one can feel like a quest. You've seen the flagships, you know the top contenders, but what about the hidden gems, the budget marvels, or the specialized devices that could perfectly fit *your* unique lifestyle? We dive deep into countless **smartphones** here at WIRED. While our absolute top picks are detailed in our definitive guides (like the **Best Cheap Phones** and **Best Folding Phones**), there's a universe of other fantastic devices out there. Some come with surprising value, others with niche features, and a few that, despite their allure, carry significant caveats.

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This isn't just a list; it's your navigational chart through the lesser-known, yet intriguing, corners of the **smartphone** landscape. Ready to uncover which one might be *your* next pocket companion? ---

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Beyond the Obvious: Unearthing Intriguing Smartphone Contenders These phones might not always lead our main rankings, but each offers something unique. Understand their strengths and weaknesses, and you might just find your perfect match – or wisely decide to hold out for what's next.

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Google Pixel 9: The Pixel's Identity Crisis? **Google Pixel 9 for $599** (9/10, WIRED Recommends)

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Here's a great **smartphone**, no doubt. The **Pixel 9** boasts many premium features shared with its pricier siblings. Yet, it finds itself in a tough spot. Nestled between the incredibly value-packed **Pixel 9a** and the powerhouse **Pixel 9 Pro** series, it struggles to carve out its own identity. You can snag a remarkably similar experience with the **Pixel 9a** and save hundreds of dollars. Our advice? If you're eyeing a Pixel, you might be better off waiting for the **Pixel 10** to make its grand entrance. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7: Style Meets Substance (Mostly)

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**Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 for $1,100** (7/10, WIRED Recommends) Craving a **folding phone** that truly turns heads? Samsung's latest **Galaxy Z Flip7** arrived with some impressive upgrades over its predecessor. The cameras are solid, the displays are vibrant and larger than ever, and its cover screen offers more utility. It's certainly a contender in the **flip phone** category. However, it still couldn't quite dethrone the Razr Ultra 2025 as our top pick for its overall package. Be warned: the battery life is even *worse* than the Fold7, so you'll want to keep a reliable **power bank** handy.

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Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge: The Supermodel Smartphone **Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge for $970** (6/10, WIRED Recommends)

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Prepare to be amazed by the **Galaxy S25 Edge's** barely-there profile. Samsung's latest innovation slims down this **smartphone** to an astonishingly thin 5.8 mm – a true featherlight at 6.7 inches! Holding it is an experience in itself. It maintains several impressive features from the flagship **Galaxy S25 Ultra**, making it feel premium. But elegance often comes with a trade-off: you'll miss the iconic S Pen stylus and any telephoto cameras. Worse, the battery life is surprisingly poor for a phone of this size and price; you'll be hunting for a charger throughout the day. If you're a light user who prioritizes cutting-edge design and a whisper-thin build above all else, you might just fall in love. Nothing Phone (3a) & (3a) Pro: Budget Powerhouses with a Catch

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**Nothing Phone (3a) for $379 and Phone (3a) Pro for $459** (8/10, WIRED Recommends) Searching for a well-rounded **Android phone** that won't empty your wallet? Look no further. The **Nothing Phone (3a)** and **(3a) Pro** are sub-$500 devices that truly punch above their weight. They're nearly identical, with the Pro model offering a slight edge in zoom and low-light camera performance. For sheer value and aesthetics, we lean towards the standard Phone (3a). Specs-wise, you'll be hard-pressed to find fault: the 120Hz display offers wonderfully smooth scrolling and is bright enough for sunny days. Performance is snappy, battery life is reliable, and the camera quality is decent for the price.

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However, there are a few important considerations: these phones are only IP64-rated, meaning they'll survive a splash, but *not* a dip in the pool. There's no **wireless charging**, and getting seamless 5G connectivity can be a hassle. While they work best on T-Mobile, Verizon and AT&T users will initially be limited to 4G until they go through the potentially frustrating process of whitelisting the device for 5G access. Samsung Galaxy S24 FE: Flagship Feel, Friendly Price Tag

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**Samsung Galaxy S24 FE for $550** Missed your chance to snag a **Galaxy S24**? The **Samsung Galaxy S24 FE** steps in as an even better buy now that its flagship siblings are harder to find at retail. This is a perfectly capable **smartphone**, boasting a versatile triple-camera array (including a coveted 3X telephoto lens) and solid performance. You'll also enjoy the convenience of **wireless charging** and IP68 water resistance, plus reliable day-long battery life. The only real drawback? Its design can be a bit… drab. Alternatively, if you're persistent, you might still find the flagship **Galaxy S24**, **S24+**, or **S24 Ultra** on sale – just make sure you're not paying anywhere near their original MSRP!

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Motorola Moto G Power 2025: The Budget King's Crown Slips (Slightly) **Motorola Moto G Power 2025 for $300** (7/10, WIRED Recommends)

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The latest **Moto G Power** isn't quite as potent as its predecessor, primarily due to a slightly less powerful chipset that introduces a touch of sluggishness. But don't let that deter you; the performance is still good enough to keep frustration at bay. Beyond this minor dip, it remains a remarkable $300 **phone**. The green faux leather back exudes a surprising touch of luxury, and its slim profile feels great in hand. Cameras are solid, and the 6.8-inch LCD screen delivers a silky-smooth 120Hz refresh rate with excellent brightness. Best of all, Motorola kept the **wireless charging** feature, making it a rare convenience in the sub-$300 category. And for peace of mind, it's now IP68/69-rated – no need to baby this **phone** near water! Motorola has also committed to better software support, promising two Android OS upgrades and three years of security updates. While there's some bloatware, most preinstalled apps can be removed, making this an undeniable value for money. Asus ROG Phone 9: For the Gamer, and Only the Gamer

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**Asus ROG Phone 9 for $1,000** Are you a **serious gamer** who demands peak performance from your mobile device? The **ROG Phone 9** series is built entirely for you. It boasts two USB-C ports, allowing you to comfortably charge your **phone** in landscape mode *while gaming*. Enjoy perks like a dedicated headphone jack and a suite of optional accessories – from cooling fans to mobile controllers – designed to transform your gaming experience. However, be aware that other aspects struggle to justify the high price: the software can feel clunky, and the cameras are nowhere near what you’d expect from a $1,000 **smartphone**.

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Minimal Phone: Disconnect Without Ditching Android **Minimal Phone for $399** (6/10, WIRED Review)

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Tired of endless scrolling and digital distractions? Instead of going completely off-grid with something like the Light Phone III, consider the **Minimal Phone**. This unique device is an e-paper **Android phone** featuring a physical keyboard. Its brilliant goal? To give you access to essential Android apps while subtly discouraging addictive content. Because the e-paper screen is ill-suited for videos and most social media, you'll naturally find yourself avoiding those time sinks. It largely succeeds in this mission, helping you reclaim your focus. However, the constant screen ghosting and a somewhat plasticky build can dampen the overall experience. ---

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Elevate Your Experience: Must-Have Mobile Accessories Your perfect **phone** deserves the perfect companions. These essential **phone accessories** don't just protect your investment; they enhance functionality, ensure you're always powered up, and unlock new ways to interact with your device. Your Digital Armor: Cases & Screen Protectors Your beautiful new **smartphone** is a "glass sandwich" – prone to bumps, drops, and scratches. It's smart to immediately slap on a protective **phone case** and a robust **screen protector**. We have specific recommendations for popular devices like **Samsung's Galaxy S25, Galaxy S24, and Galaxy S23**, or **Google's Pixel 9 series**. Power Up: Chargers & Portable Juice Many **phones** no longer include a charging adapter in the box. Don't get caught without power! * **Anker 45-Watt Charger for $28:** This tiny, compact, and reliable **USB-C charger** is perfect for most users. Its prongs fold up for easy travel, and it's powerful enough to take advantage of the increasing number of **smartphones** that support 45-watt fast charging speeds. * **Counterpart Retractable The Charger for $44:** While not the cheapest, this design-forward **charging adapter** is a fantastic two-in-one. Its retractable 4-foot cable means no more separate charger and cable! It outputs 35 watts, ample for fast-charging most **phones** and tablets, and the prongs conveniently fold in for travel. * **Nimble Champ Portable Charger 10,000 mAh for $60:** Keep this compact **portable charger** in your bag, and you'll have enough juice to fully recharge your **phone** once or twice. With both USB-C and USB-A ports, it delivers 18 watts to quickly top up your tablet or **phone**. Plus, it's housed in 73% post-consumer plastic with plastic-free packaging – a win for the planet! * **Nomad ChargeKey V2 for $25:** Ever had your **phone** die when you forgot your charger? The ChargeKey is a brilliant solution: a tiny USB-C **charging cable** that clips right to your keychain. Just plug one end into your **phone** and the other into *any* power source you can find (a friend's phone, a public charging station), and you're back in business. (Native Union offers a similar, cuter alternative!) Smart Mounting & Ecosystems * **Peak Design Samsung and Pixel Everyday Case for $50:** If you own a **Samsung** or **Pixel phone** and regularly mount it to a bike or scooter, you *need* this case. It snaps perfectly into Peak Design's bike mount, is dead simple to release, and has proven incredibly secure over years of riding. Peak Design also offers a range of other accessories that magnetically attach to these cases, bringing a much-loved "MagSafe-like" ecosystem to the **Android** world. Embrace Wireless Freedom **Choose a Wireless Charger:** Once you experience the convenience of simply placing your **phone** down to charge, you won't want to go back. Our comprehensive guide to the **best wireless chargers** features dozens of models in various colors, shapes, and materials, including some designed for specific **phones**. While not every **Android phone** supports it, **wireless charging** is a luxury worth exploring. Take a gander at our guide for our favorites! --- **Power up with unlimited access to WIRED.** Get best-in-class reporting and exclusive subscriber content that's too important to ignore. **Subscribe Today.**