Best Smartphones 2025 UK Top Picks for Every Budget

Are you ready to upgrade your smartphone in 2025? Look no further! In this article, we will explore the top smartphone picks for every budget in the UK. From budget-friendly options to high-end flagships, we've got you covered. Stay ahead of the curve and make an informed decision on your next smartphone purchase. Let's dive in and find the perfect device to meet your needs in 2025.

Apple iPhone 16

The Apple iPhone 16 is expected to feature a powerful A18 Bionic chip built on an advanced 3nm process, delivering significant performance and efficiency improvements for faster processing, enhanced AI capabilities, and better battery life. It will likely include a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with ProMotion technology (possibly up to 120Hz adaptive refresh rate) for smoother visuals, along with an upgraded 48MP main camera sensor for improved low-light photography and computational imaging. The device may come with 8GB of RAM (up from 6GB in the iPhone 15) and storage options ranging from 128GB to 1TB, while retaining a titanium frame for durability and a USB-C port for faster data transfers. Additional hardware upgrades could include a larger battery for extended usage, enhanced cooling systems for sustained performance, and next-gen 5G/6G modem for faster connectivity, all running on iOS 18 with deeper AI integration.

Samsung Galaxy S25

The Samsung Galaxy S25 is rumored to pack a cutting-edge Exynos 2500/Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipset (region-dependent) with a 3nm architecture, delivering flagship performance and improved power efficiency. It’s expected to feature a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 1-120Hz LTPO adaptive refresh rate, QHD+ resolution, and brighter HDR for vibrant visuals. The camera system may include a triple-lens setup—headlined by a 200MP main sensor with enhanced pixel-binning, joined by a 12MP ultrawide and a 50MP telephoto lens with 3x-5x optical zoom, all powered by AI-driven computational photography. Hardware upgrades could include 12GB LPDDR5X RAM, UFS 4.0 storage (256GB–1TB), and a 5,000mAh battery with 45W fast charging and 15W wireless charging. The design might retain an IP68 rating and Armor Aluminum 2.0 frame, while introducing a new vapor chamber cooling system for sustained gaming performance. Connectivity options could span Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and an under-display ultrasonic fingerprint scanner, all running One UI 7 on Android 15 with deeper AI integration.

Apple iPhone 16 Pro

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro is expected to raise the bar with a next-gen A18 Pro chip built on an enhanced 3nm+ process, delivering desktop-class performance and groundbreaking AI capabilities. The device will likely feature a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR LTPO OLED display (slightly larger than its predecessor) with ProMotion technology supporting 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rates and brighter 2,500+ nit peak HDR brightness. Photography gets a major boost with a new tetra-prism 5x periscope telephoto lens joining an upgraded 48MP main sensor with larger pixels and a 48MP ultra-wide camera, all powered by advanced computational photography and AI-driven features in iOS 18. The Pro model may introduce titanium 2.0 construction for enhanced durability, along with Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and a custom Qualcomm X75 modem for faster 5G/6G speeds. Other premium features could include 10GB RAM, up to 2TB storage, a larger 3,500mAh+ battery with improved thermal management, and a new capacitive "Capture Button" for quick camera access – all while maintaining the sleek design language with slimmer bezels and an Action Button upgrade. The iPhone 16 Pro will likely debut new ProRes video enhancements and spatial video recording capabilities, further blurring the line between professional and consumer imaging.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is poised to redefine Android flagship excellence with its cutting-edge hardware, rumored to feature either the Exynos 2500 or Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipset (depending on region) built on an advanced 3nm process for unprecedented performance and power efficiency. The device is expected to boast a massive 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 1-144Hz LTPO adaptive refresh rate, QHD+ resolution, and a groundbreaking 3,000+ nit peak brightness for unparalleled outdoor visibility. Photography reaches new heights with a revolutionary quad-camera system featuring a 200MP main sensor with improved pixel-binning technology, a 50MP periscope telephoto lens with 10x optical zoom, a second 50MP telephoto for 3x-5x zoom, and a 12MP ultra-wide shooter – all enhanced by AI-powered computational photography and advanced video stabilization. The S25 Ultra will likely push boundaries with 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, UFS 4.0 storage options up to 1TB, and a massive 5,500mAh battery supporting 65W wired fast charging, 25W wireless charging, and 5W reverse wireless charging. Premium build quality continues with Armor Aluminum 3.0 frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 3, while new additions may include an advanced vapor chamber cooling system for sustained performance, ultrasonic under-display fingerprint scanner 2.0, and S Pen integration with reduced latency. Cutting-edge connectivity features could include Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, UWB (Ultra-Wide Band), and satellite communication capabilities, all running on One UI 7 based on Android 15 with enhanced AI features and productivity tools. The S25 Ultra may also introduce innovative display technology like under-display front camera 2.0 for a truly uninterrupted screen experience, cementing its position as the ultimate Android powerhouse for 2025.

Google Pixel 9a

The Google Pixel 9a is expected to deliver flagship-caliber AI features in an affordable package, powered by Google's Tensor G3 chip (or possibly a slightly modified version) optimized for machine learning tasks like real-time translation, Magic Eraser, and Night Sight photography. It will likely feature a 6.1-inch FHD+ OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate (up from 60Hz on the Pixel 8a) and HDR support, offering smoother visuals in a compact form factor. The camera system should retain Google's computational photography excellence with a dual-lens setup – likely a 64MP main sensor (up from 8a's 64MP) paired with a 13MP ultra-wide lens, both enhanced by Google's AI-powered image processing. Memory configurations may include 8GB LPDDR5 RAM and 128GB/256GB UFS 3.1 storage options, while battery life could see an upgrade to a 4,500mAh cell with 30W wired charging (though wireless charging may remain excluded to cut costs). The design might adopt a matte plastic back with IP67 water resistance (instead of IP68), while keeping core Pixel features like the Titan M2 security chip, three years of OS updates, and five years of security patches. Connectivity options should include 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3, maintaining Google's tradition of offering premium AI experiences at a mid-range price point when it launches in summer 2025.

Google Pixel 9 Pro

The Google Pixel 9 Pro is set to be Google's ultimate AI-powered flagship, featuring the next-generation Tensor G4 chip built on an improved 4nm process for superior machine learning performance and energy efficiency. The device will reportedly sport a premium 6.7-inch LTPO OLED display with a silky-smooth 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate, QHD+ resolution, and HDR10+ support for stunning visuals. Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the advanced triple-camera system, rumored to include a 50MP main sensor with a new variable aperture (f/1.4-f/2.0), a 48MP periscope telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, and a 48MP ultra-wide shooter – all enhanced by Google's industry-leading computational photography and new AI-powered editing tools. Under the hood, expect 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM, UFS 4.0 storage options up to 1TB, and a robust 5,000mAh battery supporting 30W wired charging, 23W wireless charging, and Reverse Wireless Charging. The Pixel 9 Pro will likely showcase Google's refined design language with an aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 3 protection, and IP68 water resistance, while potentially introducing new AI-exclusive features like enhanced Call Screen functionality, real-time video processing, and next-generation Google Assistant capabilities. Cutting-edge connectivity options should include Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), and satellite SOS connectivity, all running on Android 15 with guaranteed five years of OS updates – making it one of the most future-proof Android devices of 2025.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus is positioned as the ideal balance between premium features and practical value, expected to feature the same cutting-edge Exynos 2500/Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipset (region-dependent) as the flagship S25 Ultra for uncompromised performance. It will likely sport a 6.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a buttery-smooth 1-120Hz LTPO adaptive refresh rate, FHD+ resolution, and 2,500+ nit peak brightness for vibrant, power-efficient visuals. The camera system is rumored to receive significant upgrades, potentially featuring a triple-lens setup with a 50MP main sensor (larger pixels for better low-light performance), a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 10MP telephoto with 3x optical zoom – all enhanced by Samsung's advanced AI processing. Memory configurations should include 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 256GB/512GB UFS 4.0 storage, while battery life gets a boost with a 4,900mAh cell supporting 45W fast charging and 15W wireless charging. The design will likely maintain Samsung's premium aesthetic with an Armor Aluminum 2.0 frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 3 protection, and IP68 water resistance, while potentially offering slimmer bezels than its predecessor. Additional flagship features may include an ultrasonic fingerprint scanner, advanced vapor chamber cooling, and comprehensive 5G/Wi-Fi 6E connectivity – all wrapped in One UI 7 on Android 15 with Samsung's signature software optimizations and AI enhancements. The S25 Plus aims to deliver 90% of the Ultra experience in a more manageable size and at a more accessible price point when it launches in early 2025.

Google Pixel 9

The Google Pixel 9 represents Google's refined vision for a flagship smartphone, packing the next-gen Tensor G4 chip with improved AI acceleration for groundbreaking features like real-time call translation and advanced computational photography. The device is expected to feature a premium 6.2-inch OLED display with 120Hz adaptive refresh rate (up from 90Hz) and HDR10+ support, offering buttery-smooth visuals in a compact form factor. Photography remains a standout with an upgraded dual-camera system featuring a new 50MP main sensor with larger pixels and a 48MP ultra-wide lens, both enhanced by Google's industry-leading AI processing for magical results in any lighting condition. Performance gets a boost with 12GB LPDDR5X RAM and 128GB/256GB UFS 3.1 storage, while battery life should improve thanks to a 4,600mAh cell with 30W wired and 23W wireless charging. The design evolves with a sleek aluminum frame, Gorilla Glass Victus 3, and IP68 rating, while potentially introducing new AI-exclusive software features that leverage the Tensor chip's capabilities. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, and Ultra-Wideband, with the added benefit of 5 years of OS updates – making the Pixel 9 both a photography powerhouse and a long-term investment when it launches in October 2025.