Looking for a New Smartphone in 2025? 6 Considerations

If you’re looking for a new smartphone, you might get overwhelmed with all the options on the market. Narrowing down the features you want can help you make the best decision.

Here are six considerations when finding the right smartphone for you.

1. Camera

Are you an aspiring photographer? Do you want to avoid taking a separate camera to every important event? The camera on your smartphone could be your favorite tool.Google and Apple are leading the way in producing high-resolution images that rival some of the top cameras on the market, but there are other top contenders.

Google’s Pixel 7 Pro offers its “magic eraser,” which uses artificial intelligence to replace colors and textures, editing out distractions.

The Apple iPhone 14 Pro has an improved 48-megapixel sensor for better color and clarity. Its camera can also produce better photo clarity in dark environments.

If you can afford the asking price, Samsung’s Galaxy S23 Ultra is hard to beat, thanks to its 200-megapixel camera. Combined with a 100x optical zoom, you can produce some stellar images.

2. Size

With more tech often comes larger phones that are great for video watching and game playing. However, if you’re looking for a new smartphone that fits in your pocket, consider one of the following options.

Apple iPhones have “minis” of their newer models, which are often similar sizes to the original models. The SE is a similar size and is more affordable. Both options have identical features to their larger counterparts but have lower-quality cameras and less storage.

Samsung has a couple of pocket-sized options, including the Galaxy Z Flip 4, which provides a unique user experience that can expand its display as it unfolds. The Galaxy S23 is also a strong contender, with well-performing graphics in a compact shell.

3. Durability

While most new smartphones can handle small drops, some stand out. Consider a rugged smartphone if you have a job or hobby that puts your phone in a perilous situation. These phones have specialized designs that can take a beating. However, they still offer great graphics and call quality.

The Nokia XR20 is one of the top new rugged smartphones on the market, with built-in bumpers, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, nice graphics and an emergency button.

The Doogee S96 GT is a non-bulky option that can withstand a large impact. It’s inexpensive but still has a nice camera and fast processor.

If you like to mix modern practicality with nostalgia, the Unihertz Titan Slim is the perfect choice. Its small size is packed with power and has a physical keyboard for anyone who tires of touch screens

4. Charging

A long-lasting charge is valuable, especially if you travel or work long hours. Many smartphones sacrifice this capability to make room for more storage and better cameras. However, there are excellent options with long-lasting battery life without relying on an external accessory, such as a power bank.

The best conventional smartphone for this is the Asus ROG Phone 6 Pro, which lasts over 15 hours.

The iPhone 14 Pro MAX isn’t too far behind, with a nearly 14-hour battery.

Moto G Power 2022s are a great low-cost option for a battery life that rivals the iPhone.

5. Compatibility

With multi-tasking a part of life for many workers, the need to easily sync data between devices is more significant than ever.

Androids provide some of the best compatibility options out there, as they can easily connect to almost any Google or Windows device.

It’s hard to beat the smooth transition between Apple products. With the tap of a button, documents and photos seamlessly transfer between iPhones, iPads, MacBooks and iMacs.

6. Price

Of course, price is a major consideration for many buyers looking for a new smartphone who want as many perks as possible on a budget.

The Galaxy A14 5G is a quality smartphone with all the features you’d expect, like a great display, nice camera quality and internet and gaming capabilities. This is one of the cheapest brand-name smartphones, priced at less than $200.

The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G 2022 isn’t much more than the Galaxy and is one of the only  Moto phones with a tap-to-pay option. It also comes with a stylus for easy typing and writing.

Google’s Pixel 6A is one of the best affordable options, costing less than $500. It comes with the basic features of the more expensive Pixels, including the Magic Eraser.

The SE is the way to go if you’re looking for a less expensive iPhone. It has all the standard iPhone features in a compact package.

Choosing the Right Smartphone for You

With so many options on the market, there is much to consider when choosing your next smartphone. Knowing the best options for your needs will help you make the right decision.