10 Best Cell Phones 2025 in the United States

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is a high-end unlocked Android smartphone designed for users who want a large, sharp display and powerful performance. Its 6.9-inch screen offers a crisp 2560 x 1440 resolution, making videos and images look vibrant and detailed. The phone runs on the fast Snapdragon 8 Elite processor paired with 12GB of RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and quick app responses. With 512GB of storage, it provides ample space for apps, photos, and videos without needing extra memory cards. The battery is a strong 5000mAh, supporting up to 37 hours of talk time, which should comfortably last through a full day of heavy use, and it includes fast and wireless charging options.

Camera quality is a highlight, featuring an AI Night Mode for clear low-light photos and an Audio Eraser that reduces background noise in videos, along with advanced portrait features for polished selfies and portraits. It runs on the latest Android 15 with Samsung’s One UI 7, offering useful smart features like an assistant to handle multiple tasks at once and a helpful Now Brief for staying updated. The built-in S Pen adds convenience for note-taking and precise control.

The phone’s build is solid and stylish in Titanium Black, with water resistance for added durability. Its large size and weight (about 7.7 ounces) might feel bulky for some users. This phone is well suited for users who want a top-tier display, excellent camera capabilities, long battery life, and a smooth, feature-rich Android experience.

The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL is a premium unlocked Android phone that excels in many key areas. Its 6.8-inch Super Actua display delivers vibrant visuals with a bright 3,300-nit peak brightness and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, making it easy to view outdoors and enjoyable for scrolling or watching videos. Powered by the next-gen Google Tensor G5 chip paired with 16GB of RAM, it offers fast and responsive performance suitable for multitasking and demanding applications.

The camera system stands out with a triple rear setup featuring 50 MP resolution, 100x zoom, and 8K video recording, all enhanced by Google's advanced AI to produce sharp, detailed photos even in low light. The phone includes a strong 5200 mAh battery promising more than 24 hours of use and supports fast charging. Storage is ample at 512GB, providing plenty of space for apps, photos, and media. Running the latest Android 16, it offers a clean, updated user experience with the added Gemini AI assistant for natural voice and camera-based interactions.

Build quality is solid, featuring durable aluminum and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for protection against drops and scratches. Being unlocked, it offers flexibility with carriers such as Verizon, T-Mobile, and others. While its large size and weight (12.3 ounces) may feel bulky to some, and the premium price reflects its flagship features, the Pixel 10 Pro XL remains a compelling choice for those seeking a top-tier phone with excellent camera capabilities and smart AI features.

The Google Pixel 9a is a reliable smartphone with a strong focus on camera capabilities and smart features. Its 6.3-inch screen offers a sharp 1080 x 2400 resolution and a variable refresh rate up to 120 Hz, delivering smooth and clear visuals for everyday use, although it isn't as vibrant or large as some premium phones. The camera is enhanced by Google's AI, enabling impressive photos and detailed close-ups, making it suitable for casual photographers.

The phone features excellent battery life with a 5100 mAh capacity that can last over 30 hours on a full charge, along with an Extreme Battery Saver mode that extends usage up to 100 hours, ideal for long trips or heavy users. Powered by an AMD chip and 8GB of RAM, it provides smooth performance for typical apps and multitasking. With 128GB of storage, there is ample space for apps, photos, and files without the need for immediate upgrades.

Running on the latest Android 15, the Pixel 9a offers a clean and user-friendly experience backed by 7 years of security and OS updates to keep the device secure and current. Its robust build includes IP68 water and dust resistance and a scratch-resistant screen, suitable for daily use. Additional features include 5G connectivity, wireless charging, and dual SIM support, providing flexibility. The Pixel 9a is well-suited for users who prioritize camera features, battery life, and ongoing software updates in a durable, mid-range Android phone.