Even in 2025—an era of AI wearables, XR headsets, and smart assistants—the smartphone remains the most important personal device. This year pushed the industry forward with larger silicon-carbon batteries, more capable foldables, smarter cameras, and long-awaited upgrades to mainstream models.
After evaluating design, performance, battery life, cameras, software experience, and long-term value, here are the best smartphones of 2025, followed by the device that truly defined the year.
Best Big Smartphone of 2025: Xiaomi 17 Pro Max
Big phones should justify their size—and the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max does exactly that. Its massive 6.9-inch OLED display delivers immersive visuals, while the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 ensures top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and AI workloads.
What truly sets it apart, however, is battery life. Thanks to a 7,500mAh silicon-carbon battery, the phone easily lasts two full days, even with heavy use. Add a versatile triple-camera setup and a unique rear display for notifications and selfies, and the 17 Pro Max becomes one of the most feature-packed phones of the year.
Runner-up: Oppo Find X9 Pro
Best Compact Phone of 2025: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7
True compact phones are nearly extinct, but Samsung kept the category alive with the Galaxy Z Flip 7. When folded, it’s pocket-friendly and distraction-free. When opened, it transforms into a full-size smartphone with a 6.9-inch display.
The improved 4.1-inch cover screen makes the Flip 7 far more practical than previous generations, allowing users to reply to messages, navigate apps, and control media without opening the phone. It’s the best choice for users who want power without bulk.
Best Camera Phone of 2025: Oppo Find X9 Pro
Smartphone photography reached new heights in 2025, and the Oppo Find X9 Pro emerged as the clear winner. Its camera system delivers stunning consistency across all lenses, combining:
- Exceptional low-light performance
- Natural color science
- Industry-leading zoom clarity
The Find X9 Pro excels not only in photos but also in video, offering stable footage, accurate skin tones, and reliable autofocus. For content creators and photography enthusiasts, this is the most complete camera phone of the year.
Runner-up: iPhone 17 Pro
Honorable mention: Vivo X300 Pro
Best Value Smartphone of 2025: CMF Phone 2 Pro
The CMF Phone 2 Pro proves that great smartphones don’t need flagship pricing. It delivers:
- A smooth 120Hz display
- Dependable cameras
- Excellent battery life
- Clean, optimized software
For students, casual users, or anyone seeking maximum value per rupee, the CMF Phone 2 Pro stands out as the smartest budget-friendly choice of 2025.
Best Battery Life Smartphone: OnePlus 15
Battery technology took a leap forward in 2025, and the OnePlus 15 capitalized on it better than anyone else. Its 7,300mAh silicon-carbon battery offers up to three days of moderate use, without sacrificing charging speed.
Fast wired and wireless charging ensure minimal downtime, making the OnePlus 15 ideal for travelers and power users who value endurance above all else.
Best Smartphone Design of 2025: iPhone Air
The iPhone Air was the boldest design experiment of the year. Ultra-thin, incredibly light, and visually striking, it prioritizes elegance over excess.
While its smaller battery and limited camera setup won’t suit everyone, the iPhone Air proves that smartphones can still feel fresh and exciting in a mature market.
Best Foldable Phone of 2025: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
Foldables continued to improve in 2025, and the Galaxy Z Fold 7 remains the most reliable option. It may not be the thinnest or most powerful foldable, but it offers:
- Polished software
- Improved cover-screen usability
- Solid battery optimization
For users who want a foldable that works seamlessly every day, the Z Fold 7 is still the safest bet.
Most Improved Smartphone of 2025: iPhone 17
Apple’s biggest achievement this year wasn’t a new category—it was finally perfecting the base iPhone.
The iPhone 17 introduces:
- A 120Hz display
- A significantly improved selfie camera
- Increased base storage
- The same starting price as last year
These changes turn the regular iPhone into a complete flagship experience, eliminating the need to upgrade to the Pro model for everyday users.
Best Smartphone of the Year 2025: iPhone 17
The iPhone 17 wins Best Smartphone of the Year 2025 because it best represents what most users actually want.
It may not have the biggest battery or the most experimental design, but it delivers where it matters most:
- Smooth and reliable performance
- Excellent camera consistency
- Strong battery life
- Refined iOS experience
- Industry-leading long-term software support
For the first time in years, the base iPhone feels balanced, fairly priced, and complete. That makes the iPhone 17 not just a great phone—but the phone that defines 2025.
Runner-up: Xiaomi 17 Pro Max
Best Smartphones of 2025: Category-wise Comparison & Price in Nepal
| Category | Smartphone | Key Highlights | Why It Wins | Price in Nepal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Smartphone of the Year 2025 | iPhone 17 | 120Hz display, improved selfie camera, strong battery life, long-term iOS updates | The most balanced phone of 2025 with flagship experience at a reasonable starting point | 1,57,299-1,97,999 |
| Best Big Smartphone | Xiaomi 17 Pro Max | 6.9″ OLED display, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, 7,500mAh battery, rear mini display | Delivers unmatched battery life and performance for power users | Expected Price 127,000-148,000 |
| Best Compact Phone | Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 | Foldable design, 4.1″ cover screen, 6.9″ inner display | Combines portability with flagship-level usability | 154,999 |
| Best Camera Phone | Oppo Find X9 Pro | Advanced multi-lens system, excellent low-light and zoom, strong video stabilization | Most consistent and reliable smartphone camera system in 2025 | Expected Price 125,999-158,999 |
| Best Value Smartphone | CMF Phone 2 Pro | 120Hz display, clean UI, reliable cameras, strong battery | Outstanding performance and features for its price segment | 34,999-39,499 |
| Best Battery Life | OnePlus 15 | 7,300mAh silicon-carbon battery, fast wired & wireless charging | Easily lasts up to 3 days with moderate use | 1,59,999 |
| Best Smartphone Design | iPhone Air | Ultra-thin body, lightweight design, minimalist aesthetics | The most visually striking and innovative design of the year | 2,00,999 |
| Best Foldable Phone | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 | Refined multitasking, durable hinge, optimized software | The most polished and reliable foldable experience | 244,999-259,999 |
| Most Improved Smartphone | iPhone 17 | 120Hz display, better front camera, higher base storage | Apple finally delivers a complete base iPhone | 1,57,299-1,97,999 |
Final Verdict
2025 was one of the strongest years for smartphones in recent memory. From massive battery gains to refined foldables and long-overdue mainstream upgrades, the industry finally moved forward in meaningful ways.
Yet among all the innovation, the iPhone 17 stood out by doing something surprisingly difficult—getting everything right at once.
