The best Android phones to buy in 2025

We’re solely two months into 2025, and the telephone market is already shaping as much as be a aggressive one. Selecting the perfect Android telephone proper now shouldn’t be so simple as it as soon as was since there are such a lot of fashions (and good ones, at that) to choose from.

Amongst all of the choices from Android makers like Samsung, Google, Motorola, and OnePlus, I’ve developed sense of which of them are really value your hard-earned money. That features shopping for recommendation for telephones which can be scorching off the press or are on sale — and the way they finally fare in opposition to the competitors. One of the best Android telephone ought to have a dependable digicam system (no matter what number of lenses,) nice battery life (with quick charging being a bonus), and excessive efficiency for the cash.

Additionally: One of the best low-cost telephones in 2025: Knowledgeable examined and reviewed

What’s the greatest Android telephone proper now?

I totally check each Android telephone that makes its means onto my desk, spending at the least two weeks with every machine earlier than deciding whether or not it suits inside ZDNET’s shopping for information. My decide for the perfect Android telephone general is the Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely for $1,299, which options the corporate’s flagship options and specs, together with an S Pen stylus for precision inputs, a 200MP digicam system, and essentially the most sturdy show on any Galaxy telephone but.

The Google Pixel 8a is one other frontrunner for its sheer worth, promoting for as little as $399, but providing premium options like a 120Hz OLED show, a Tensor G3 chip, and succesful cameras backed by computation images. If you happen to’re feeling adventurous, the OnePlus 13 is the latest machine to function Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Elite 8 ship, with the quickest charging speeds and most waterproof construct we have examined.

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The Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely, essentially the most premium of the three flagship S telephones of 2025, is the perfect handset you should buy from the model. The brand new Galaxy AI mannequin embedded within the machine brings a bevy of generative AI capabilities, together with real-time telephone name translations, multi-app AI voice prompts, enhanced photograph and video enhancing, and a brand new AI Choose instrument that gives contextual shortcuts based mostly on what you hover over.

Like its predecessor, the S24 Extremely, the S25 Extremely is constructed with a big 6.9-inch AMOLED and a dependable 5,000mAh battery. Though the worth remains to be pretty inaccessible at $1,299, the telephone’s upgrades make it properly value it for customers holding onto three to four-year-old units. It helps that the S25 Extremely is manufactured from a light-weight but sturdy titanium body and options Corning’s new Gorilla Armor 2.

Evaluation: Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely

The S25 Extremely retains final yr’s anti-reflection display which, when paired with the bigger cooling chamber, makes it a improbable multimedia machine — whether or not gaming or watching motion pictures. Underneath the hood, the S25 Extremely contains an upgraded Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset for improved graphics and AI options and 12GB of RAM.

As for the brand new digicam system, the large improve comes within the type of a 50MP ultrawide lens that produces higher element and vividness when capturing each panorama and macro photographs. You may simply need to dwell with the truth that the S Pen now not helps Bluetooth gestures, which beforehand allowed customers to snap with a click on of the stylus key.

Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy | Show dimension: 6.9 inches | Storage choices: As much as 1TB | Rear cameras: 200MP fundamental, 50MP ultrawide, 50MP telephoto with 5x zoom, 10MP telephoto with 3x zoom | Entrance digicam: 12MP | Battery: 5,000mAh

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OnePlus has had its ups and downs over the previous 4 years, pivoting from value-driven smartphones to ultra-premium and again. In 2025, the corporate is doubling-down on the high-end market with the OnePlus 13, all whereas undercutting the likes of Apple and Samsung.

The OnePlus 13 begins at $899, which is cheaper than its closest (present) opponents, the $999 Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus and Google Pixel 9 Professional. This is every part you get for the worth: a big 6.8-inch, 120Hz AMOLED, a 6,000mAh battery, a triple digicam setup with a reliable 50MP fundamental lens on the helm, the most recent Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, and extra. Once more: $899, and that is earlier than the $100 low cost if you commerce in any telephone in any situation to OnePlus. Benefit from that.

Evaluation: OnePlus 13

Placing the worth facet apart, the OnePlus 13 shines with its charging pace, one thing you may rapidly take with no consideration when you notice that telephones haven’t got to take a seat by an outlet for 2 hours daily. The telephone’s 80W wired charging can energy it from 0% to 50% inside 10 minutes. A full cost takes lower than half-hour.

Simply as spectacular is the OnePlus 13’s IP69 score, which laps its predecessor, the OnePlus 12, in water resistance. By IP69 requirements, the brand new telephone can stand up to high-pressure, high-temperature water jets and humidity modifications. In different phrases, leaving the machine in a washer and dryer, and even dropping it in a pot of boiling soup, will not harm it.

OnePlus 13 tech specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite | Show dimension: 6.8 inches | Storage choices: 256GB/512GB | Rear cameras: 50MP fundamental, 50MP ultrawide, and 50MP telephoto | Entrance digicam: 32MP | Battery: 6,000mAh

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If bang on your buck is what you are after, contemplate the Google Pixel 8a. There are three key explanation why you can purchase the most recent Pixel over every other mid-range telephone: For $499, you get a snug 6.1-inch OLED that ramps as much as a 120Hz refresh price, a dependable 64MP digicam system, and Google’s catalog of AI options like Magic Editor, Audio Eraser, and Gemini, all backed by seven years of working system updates.

Software program is the secret with Google Pixel telephones, and the intensive assist supplied for the 8a collection, powered by a brand new Tensor G3 chip, ought to hold it feature-relevant for so long as till 2031. For reference, most telephones on this worth vary, together with final yr’s Pixel 7a, usually obtain two to 4 years of software program and safety updates.

Evaluation: Google Pixel 8a

After all, some limitations are anticipated from a telephone on this worth vary, corresponding to the shortage of a devoted telephoto lens and a slower wired charging price (18W). Nonetheless, from my hands-on time with the Pixel 8a, I discovered it simply as able to capturing varied topics and types, and the presence of wi-fi charging makes up for the telephone taking a couple of minutes longer to totally cost than flagship handsets. A number of Reddit customers have additionally talked about the slower charging pace.

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In terms of digicam efficiency, you may’t go flawed with any of the flagship units from the large three (Apple, Samsung, and Google). Relying in your desire for coloration temperature and have set, it’s possible you’ll lean in direction of one producer over the opposite. Most of the time, Google’s Pixel digicam system satisfies most customers, and the most recent Pixel 9 Professional (and Professional XL) stays a champion for immediate capturing and post-processing.

Each sizes of the most recent mannequin function a dependable triple lens setup, with a 50MP main lens, a 48MP ultrawide, and a 48MP 5x telephoto lens for far-distance photographs. They’re backed by quite a few software program options like Google’s Tremendous Res Zoom (for as much as 30x zoom images), 8K video upscaling, and a brand new Add Me function that permits you to snap and merge two images, so everybody may be in the identical shot. There’s additionally a brand new 42MP selfie digicam that is sharper and captures a wider FOV than final yr’s 10.8MP sensor. That ought to play properly with group selfies and scenic photographs.

Evaluation: Google Pixel 9 Professional XL

Once more, real-time capturing is just half the battle with cell images; there’s additionally post-processing and the pliability of units with enhancing and tweaking topics. In that regard, the Pixel 9 Professional, powered by a brand new Tensor G4 chipset, could have essentially the most versatile and artistic photograph toolbox in the marketplace, with AI options like Magic Editor, Picture Unblur, and Greatest Take that may flip any unhealthy photograph into one.

All in all, the Pixel 9 Professional has one of the crucial versatile digicam programs in the marketplace, with an output that is balanced in coloration and usually satisfying to have a look at.

Google Pixel 9 Professional tech specs: Processor: Google Tensor G4 | Show dimension: 6.3 and 6.7 inches | Storage choices: 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB | Rear cameras: 50MP fundamental, 48MP ultrawide, and 48MP telephoto | Entrance digicam: 42MP | Battery: 4,700mAh/5,060mAh

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Whereas the OnePlus Open is arguably the better-equipped machine, the Google Pixel 9 Professional Fold is the perfect foldable telephone going into the remainder of 2025, due to its user-friendly kind issue and market-leading digicam system. Google took the normal smartphone route when refining the outer show of the Pixel 9 Professional Fold, choosing a shorter and wider panel than Samsung’s taller method.

Evaluation: Google Pixel 9 Professional Fold

Naturally, all of the content material you are used to consuming, like video streaming and social media, is portrayed in a well-recognized method; nothing feels disorienting or cropped out. Whereas the foldable would not match its Pixel Professional sibling spec-for-spec, the Pixel 9 Professional Fold really shines and greater than makes up for the “inferior” digicam system in lengthy publicity photographs and selfies, due to its self-standing nature.

The Pixel 9 Professional Fold additionally succeeds the earlier mannequin with a extra succesful Google Tensor G4 chipset; Google AI options like Pixel Screenshots, Reimagine, and Gemini Stay; and a lighter kind issue for a extra snug person expertise. All in all, Google modified practically all the precise locations with the Pixel 9 Professional Fold, sufficient to make it a sleeper hit that’s now on the high of our rating record.

Google Pixel 9 Fold tech specs: Processor: Google Tensor G4 | Show sizes: 6.3-inch exterior and 8-inch inside | Storage choices: 256GB or 512GB | Rear cameras: 48MP vast, 10.8MP ultrawide, 10.8MP telephoto | Entrance cameras: 10MP entrance | Battery: 4,650mAh

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Nothing is well the most popular Android maker in recent times, with a flashy clear design language that tugs the heartstrings of retro-tech fanatics. It is also one of many few (if not solely) new entrants within the smartphone market, becoming a member of the fray at a time when others have pulled out.

Luckily, Nothing Cellphone 2, the corporate’s successor to Nothing Cellphone 1, brings the sizzle and the substance to again it up. Powering the telephone is an improved Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor with as much as 12GB of RAM, which — from ZDNET’s testing — proved to be greater than sufficient for Nothing’s minimalist and digital wellbeing-focused software program expertise. One Reddit person identified that the Nothing Cellphone 2 “runs easily and the battery is extraordinary.”

Evaluation: Nothing Cellphone 2

The important thing promoting level of the Cellphone 2 is what Nothing calls the Glyph Interface, an meeting of LED strips on the again of the telephone that blinks in distinctive patterns relying on incoming alerts and notifications. It is a intelligent approach to leverage the clear again panel, encouraging customers to stare at their telephone screens much less. It is daring design philosophy, I do know.

For $549, the Nothing Cellphone 2 undercuts most flagships in the marketplace as we speak, just like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus and OnePlus 13, whereas providing a reliably charming smartphone package deal that design freaks and fashionistas adore.

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Deciding on the perfect compact telephone got here all the way down to the wire, with Motorola’s Razr Plus (2024) simply scraping by Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 6. I went hands-on with each units final summer time and was left impressed by each, however I finally sided with the Motorola as a result of it helps you to do extra with the outer show.

Evaluation: Motorola Razr Plus (2024)

Not solely is the outer show on the Razr Plus a formidable 3.6-inch panel, however the software program helps just about any app you throw at it, that means you may browse the online, play video games, scroll TikTok, and do different cell duties with out ever needing to flip open the machine. Samsung’s platform is extra restricted on this regard.

The under-the-hood upgrades in 2024 are significant, too, such because the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chip that is optimized for AI workloads, the 12GB of RAM, and the bigger 4,000mAh battery that may be charged wired or wirelessly. Motorola’s extra formidable new AI options like “Keep in mind this,” which is akin to Microsoft’s Recall, is anticipated to launch quickly, however for now, I am cautiously optimistic in regards to the firm’s newest flip telephone.

Motorola Razr Plus (2024) tech specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 | Show sizes: 4-inch exterior and 6.9-inch inside | Storage choices: 256GB | Rear cameras: 50MP vast, 50MP telephoto | Entrance digicam: 32MP vast | Battery: 4,000mAh

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If there’s one space wherein Android utterly dominates iOS, it is gaming. Whether or not you sport on current cell apps or take to the cloud for streaming, Android producers have spent the previous decade forging a brand new class of gaming-tailored smartphones, and the Asus ROG Cellphone 8 Professional could be the perfect in its class.

This is a rundown of its key gaming options: The telephone has a 165Hz refresh price show for buttery-smooth visuals, 16GB of RAM, the most recent Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset to energy by video games and background duties, capacitive aspect triggers which can be mappable to varied in-game features, an extra LED again panel that one Reddit person says is “screaming my identify,” and a 5,500mAh battery holding the lights turned on. It is a mouthful, I do know.

The newest mannequin additionally options varied AI instruments, like a wallpaper generator, to fit your theming preferences. For players, the telephone helps X Sense 2.0, which makes use of AI to study your in-game patterns in order that the telephone can robotically carry out duties for you, corresponding to choosing up objects as you progress round in Genshin Affect. I examined a number of of those AI options at CES and was impressed with how naturally Asus had embedded them into the telephone’s software program.

Maybe essentially the most important addition to of 2024 ROG Cellphone, and it is weird to assume that there is extra to all of the insanity above, is the bundled AeroActive Cooler. On the floor, it is a cooling fan that snaps onto the again cowl of the machine. When turned on, a small vent opens from the telephone, permitting any inside warmth to ventilate. The cooler doubles as a subwoofer for enhanced audio output and has further buttons to offer you extra controls if you’re gaming.

Asus ROG Cellphone 8 Professional tech specs: Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Show dimension: 6.78 inches | Storage choices: 512GB/1TB | Rear cameras: 50MP fundamental and 13MP ultrawide | Entrance digicam: 32MP | Battery: 5,500mAh

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All of those telephones run the identical base working system, however the person interface ranges from inventory Android to extra elaborate choices. First, it’s good to work out which inserts your wants greatest.

Digital camera efficiency throughout the board is strong for almost each telephone on the record, however some are higher than others. If you happen to plan to seize images as your main operate, then it is best to look to Google, Samsung, and even OnePlus.

If you happen to plan to spend $1,000 or extra, then you might also need your telephone to final for at the least a few years. You must contemplate firms with monitor report of normal updates, notably Google and Samsung, which at the moment promise seven years of software program assist.

Select this Android telephone…	If you’d like…
Samsung Galaxy S25 Extremely	The general greatest with practically no compromises. Purchase this telephone if you would like a tool that delivers on show and digicam high quality, AI options, and battery life. It additionally comes with an S Pen stylus for precision inputs.
Google Pixel 9 Professional Fold	One of the best foldable telephone in the marketplace proper now, whether or not you are based mostly within the US or not. The Pixel 9 Professional Fold is constructed with consolation in thoughts and nails the smartphone necessities.
Nothing Cellphone 2	A terrific-looking Android telephone that places {hardware} and software program design first. The Nothing Cellphone 2 has a singular Glyph Interface function and a comparatively reasonably priced beginning worth of $599.
Google Pixel 9 Professional	A clear and minimal software program expertise and several other Google-exclusive perks, like Add Me and Video Enhance, distinguish the Pixel 9 Professional from the remainder of the competitors.
OnePlus 13	A telephone that takes lower than half-hour to utterly high up, with different specs which can be simply as succesful. One of the best is its $899 beginning worth, which undercuts its flagship opponents.
Google Pixel 8a	Arguably the perfect sub-$500 telephone in the marketplace proper now, with a digicam system that rivals flagships and a relatively snug kind issue in comparison with the business norm.
Asus ROG Cellphone 8 Professional	A high-performance package deal that comes with all of the options needed for an fulfilling gaming expertise. That features aspect triggers and a cooling fan add-on.
Motorola Razr Plus (2024)	A compact telephone that does not compromise on efficiency. It is uncommon to seek out such a mix, however that is precisely what you are getting with this clamshell foldable.

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ZDNET’s assessment group spends upwards of a yr testing the ins and outs of each main Android launch, evaluating the day-to-day efficiency, digicam high quality, battery life and endurance, and extra. This is a breakdown of each issue we contemplate earlier than we make suggestions:

Design and ergonomics: How good a telephone seems and feels performs an enormous function in lots of customers’ shopping for journeys, so we contemplate these features closely when testing.
Efficiency: A number of components have an effect on a telephone’s efficiency, together with LTE/5G sign, battery life, and background duties. Subsequently, we usually start our evaluations with a totally charged handset, with all background duties closed, and with as secure of a cell connection as doable.
Digital camera high quality: ZDNET assessments telephone cameras by capturing lots of of images and movies of varied topics and in varied lighting situations. We additionally evaluate the output to that of older fashions.
Battery life and charging: It is also necessary for us to guage how lengthy telephones final underneath mild, reasonable, and heavy utilization, how lengthy they take to recharge, and the way they do it (wired, wi-fi, or each).
Particular options: These options distinguish examined units from a bustling smartphone market and hopefully carry added worth to customers, not the other.
Pricing and availability: Past finances issues, we additionally observe if a telephone is offered within the US or solely internationally.

For a extra intensive breakdown, take a look at our complete telephone testing methodology web page.

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Customizability stays one of many largest vantage factors of Android, although Apple has finished a commendable job over the previous two to a few iOS variations to offer its customers extra autonomy. It’s also possible to anticipate Android telephones to assist essentially the most revolutionary options within the cell business, like foldable shows and sooner USB-C charging. The caveat of being extra experimental is that Android telephones are usually not as constant and dependable as iPhones.

On the flip aspect, iPhones are infamous for his or her stability and ease of use. If you happen to’re not one to tinker together with your devices, then you definately’ll match proper into the iOS ecosystem. Options like iMessage and FaceTime are additionally key differentiators when evaluating iPhones to Android. These two options alone can dictate your resolution.

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If you’re somebody who likes to have the latest telephone doable, then sure. The Samsung Galaxy S25 line was unveiled with many alternative interesting options like improved cameras, an upgraded processesor, and higher battery life.

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Kerry Wan’s smartphone recommendation

I’ve used dozens of smartphones previously yr alone, studying the ins and outs — the information and tips — to take advantage of out of my handset. Listed below are my three largest tips on caring for your smartphone in 2025:

Dashing up your smartphone

One thing I all the time do when establishing a brand new Android telephone is dialing up animation and transition speeds. You are able to do this by turning on Developer Choices, a backend catalog of system settings meant for builders to entry (however guidelines have been meant to be damaged, proper?).

Additionally: Greatest telephones for battery life: Nice battery, even higher efficiency

To activate Developer Choices, go into your About Cellphone web page within the settings and search for the Construct Quantity. Faucet on that seven instances, and it is best to see a pop-up indicating that Developer Choices has been turned on. Now, the activated tab will seem in the principle settings record. From there, scroll down till you discover Home windows, Transition, and Animator length scale. Faucet into every and change from 1x (default) to 0.5x to double the pace of your telephone’s animations.

Optimizing your battery well being

To protect your telephone’s battery life, it is best to cost it between 20% and 80% and by no means let it drop to 0% or cost absolutely to 100%. It is because the warmth generated from overcharging the telephone can burn (or degrade) the battery, lowering its variety of cost cycles. This phenomenon is the rationale why you should not cost your telephone in a single day or go away it plugged in for an prolonged time frame.

When unsure, after a yr or two of utilization, contemplate getting your telephone’s battery swapped to refresh its cost cycles. You may be amazed at how properly it features once more.

Tips on how to hold your telephone clear

Except you are invested in a repairs and guarantee plan like Samsung Care, contemplate suiting your telephone with a protecting case and/or tempered glass display protector. Past drop safety, the 2 equipment will stop the telephone from getting scratches, scuffs, and different blemishes and might significantly cut back the possibility of water harm. For what it is value if a producer claims its telephone is rated IP68, meaning the machine can stand up to mud ingress and be submerged in water for as much as half-hour at 1 meter deep.

The fantastic thing about Android is that you’ve got plenty of choices. So the reply to “Which model is greatest?” will depend on your function, person interface, and design preferences. If you happen to desire a extra minimalistic method to {hardware} and software program, Google’s Pixel line will serve you greatest. If you’d like every part however the kitchen sink in a smartphone, go together with Samsung. For extra distinctive worth propositions like ultra-fast charging and a {smooth} interface, give OnePlus telephones a strive.

Finances can also be value contemplating, however as we speak, each main producer, together with Google and Samsung, affords Android telephones in each worth class (finances, mid-range, and premium) so it will not be your largest decider.

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Within the grand scheme, Apple is essentially the most dependable smartphone model, with the longest, most constant assist of all producers. If we’re Android makers solely, then Samsung would take the crown, with a promise of as much as seven years of software program updates for its newest telephones, expansive provider assist throughout the US (and abroad), and one of the crucial dependable restore and insurance coverage infrastructures.

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The newest model of Android is 99% of the time additionally the perfect model. For the time being, that is Android 15.

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The newest model of Android is Android 15, which was formally launched on October 15, 2024, to Google Pixel telephones, and is regularly rolling out to different producers.

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The newest model of Android will likely be supported by most smartphone releases in recent times, together with the next:

Google Pixel 6 collection to Pixel 9 collection (foldables included)
Samsung Galaxy S21 collection to S25 collection (foldables and A-series fashions included)
OnePlus 11 to OnePlus 13 collection
Choose Sony, Motorola, Nothing, Xiaomi, Honor, Vivo, and Oppo fashions

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To generalize, most shoppers will likely be selecting between iOS and Android, and between the 2, iOS is the safer working system.

The principle purpose is that the abundance of Android telephones and app makers means there are extra alternatives for hackers and information thieves to entry your private info and/or set up malware. How these assaults are prevented and managed varies throughout producers, with some OEMs like Google doing a greater job than others like Xiaomi.

Whereas iOS on iPhones could really feel extra restrained and restricted in customizations, that ends in a extra protected and safe software program expertise, from app availability on the shop to the way you obtain recordsdata on-line.

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Whereas Apple’s iPhone 14 made headlines for its eSIM integration, the digital service additionally works — and has for a while — with Android units, together with the most recent Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy, and OnePlus smartphone. As all the time, it is best observe to seek the advice of together with your native provider earlier than changing to eSIM.

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Moreover the Motorola Razr Plus, the Samsung Galaxy S25 is a worthy runner-up, with a 6.2-inch AMOLED, as much as 512GB of storage, and a flat-edge design that makes all of it the better to handle with one hand. Throughout ZDNET’s testing, the small-but-mighty Android proved able to dealing with apps and companies usually run on bigger units.

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Are there various smartphones value contemplating?

Outdoors of this record of fantastic choices, listed below are worthy options that may certainly delight you, together with foldables, finances picks, and extra.

Smartphones Reviewed & In contrast

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