Year-ender 2025: Top smartphones launched in India this year

In 2025, we saw launch of Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7, Apple iPhone 17, Google Pixel 10, OnePlus 15 series, iQOO 15, Vivo X300, Motorola G96, Redmi Note 14, Xiaomi 15 and more in India.

In 2025, we saw the launch of a lot of exciting smartphones with visually pleasing designs, powerful processors and bigger batteries than the ones launched in previous years.

I had the opportunity to review several smartphones throughout the year. And, as we say goodbye to 2025, we are revealing our final list of the best phones reviewed this year.

Here they are:

Most versatile smartphone of 2025: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.

Though Samsung has played a safe game by not tinkering much with visually pleasing design language of the predecessor. It has improved the Galaxy S25 Ultra with meaningful upgrades, including a new main camera, a more powerful processor, and added Galaxy AI features. Additionally, it has managed to trim the thickness of the S25 Ultra while still storing a large 5,000mAh capacity cell, the same as the S24 Ultra.

The new phone manages to deliver more than a day of battery life. Also, the Google Gemini AI and Galaxy AI features, which are integrated deeper into the native apps and a few third-party applications, have set a higher benchmark in terms of delivering improved user experience and productivity.

And, with S Pen support, S25 Ultra becomes even more versatile and gives an edge over the rivals, which none of them can boasts off.

Most powerful mobile of 2025: Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max.

The iPhone 17 Pro Max is a powerhouse packed with meaningful upgrades across various aspects such as design, performance, and photography.

Also, it comes with a new thermal management system. Inside, it has an innovative vapour chamber, laser-welded into the chassis, a first for an iPhone to date.

It does an impressive job of efficient heat dissipation and keeping the iPhone stable and performing to its maximum potential (up to 40 per cent compared to the previous iteration). Compared to the previous iteration, there is a discernible change in how the iPhone behaves when playing games and recording high resolution videos for several minutes on the stretch.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max.

While it comes with a hefty price tag, its innovations and top-tier features make it a worthwhile investment for tech enthusiasts and photography professionals alike.

The iPhone 17 Pro comes in three storage options-- 256 GB at Rs 1,34,900, 512 GB at Rs 1,54,900, and 1 TB at Rs 1,74,900.

The iPhone 17 Pro Max comes in three storage options-- 512GB at Rs 1,49,900, 1TB at Rs 1, 89,900 and 2TB for Rs 2,29,900.

Best camera phones of 2025

Google Pixel 10 Pro

Google Pixel 10 Pro.

Though there is hardly any physical design change, it comes with a host of new capabilities and improvements to outrank the rivals in the premium smartphone class.

There are noticeable improvements in thermal performance, enhanced user experience while running gen AI features and does a fine job with delivering a full day of battery life under normal usage.

Another perk of owning the Pixel 10 Pro (also Pixel 10 Pro XL and 10 Pro Fold models) is that the owner will get a full year of the Google AI Pro plan with 2TB cloud storage worth Rs 23,400 free.

With the introduction of value-added features such as PixelSnap wireless charging, Journal app, and top-class gen AI features, Pixel 10 Pro is a very compelling smartphone for Apple iPhone users, who have long been thinking of switching to the Android party.

The Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL are available with 256GB of storage, can be preordered today starting at Rs 79,999, Rs 109,999, and Rs 124,999.

Vivo X300 Pro

Vivo X300 Pro.

Overall, the Vivo X300 Pro is an impressive premium camera phone.

Like with most flagship phones in the market, the new model's starting price is quite hefty compared to the predecessor. This is actually caused by increased costs of mobile silicon and storage chipsets, which are also in short supply worldwide.

Oppo Find X9

Oppo Find X9.

Besides delivering a stable performance, the premium Oppo Find X9 excels with its versatile cameras and impressive long-lasting battery life, making it a compelling alternative to other branded flagship phones.

The device is available in two configurations--12GB RAM + 256GB storage and 16GB RAM + 512GB storage for Rs 74,999 and Rs 84,999, respectively.

Best foldable phone of 2025: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7.

With the Galaxy Z Fold7, Samsung has reached really close to the perfect foldable phone design. When folded, it is as compact as a regular phone and more importantly, the cover display has the right 21:9 aspect ratio to use apps normally and doesn’t feel cramped up for space while typing messages or reading messages. When unfolded, the flexible display is great for multimedia consumption. Besides the sturdy build quality, it excels with smooth performance and photography.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 is available in three configurations-- 12GB RAM + 256GB storage, 12GB RAM + 512GB storage and 16GB RAM + 1TB storage -- for Rs 1,74,999, Rs 1,86,999 and Rs 2,16,999, respectively.

It comes in Blue Shadow, Silver Shadow, Jetblack and Mint (online exclusive) colour options.

Best gaming phone of 2025: iQOO 15

iQOO 15.

iQOO 15 is a well-packaged phone. It delivers smooth performance, immersive gaming experience, excellent battery life, comes with impressive build quality, and has a really good camera.

Though the device's starting price is way more than the predecessor's, the device is worth the hefty price.

It should be noted that there is a huge increase in the costs of premium mobile silicon and RAM chips; OEMs have no choice but to inflate the price of the premium phones.

iQOO 15 series comes in two variants— 12GB RAM + 256GB storage and 16GB RAM + 512GB storage— for Rs 72,999 and Rs 79,999, respectively.

Best smartphone with long battery life: OnePlus 15R

OnePlus 15R.

The photography hardware is not the best in its class, but it does a decent job. However, OnePlus 15R punches above its weight in delivering smooth performance and long battery life, all thanks to custom-developed, powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 silicon.

Best value-for-money premium phone: Xiaomi 15

Xiaomi 15.

Xiaomi 15 is an excellent premium Android phone. It has top-class build quality, robust design, great display and a very powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, which can run any apps and games without breaking a sweat. And, delivers great with long battery life.

And, the icing on the cake is the impressive Leica camera system. It takes stunning photos in all light conditions.

Xiaomi 15 (12GB RAM + 512GB storage) costs Rs 64,999 and the 15 Ultra (16GB RAM + 512GB storage) is priced at Rs 1,09,999. For a limited time, they can be purchased for Rs 59,999 and Rs 99,999, respectively via special launch offers.

Also, the company is offering photography kit for Xiaomi 15 Ultra and is sold separately for Rs 11,999 in India.

Best compact phones of 2025

iPhone 17

Apple iPhone 17.

With premium features such anti-reflective coating, 120Hz refresh rate, powerful Apple A18 silicon, and new cameras packed into the iPhone 17, it offers exceptional value, making the upgrade to the Pro model feel unnecessary.

The iPhone 17 is available in lavender, mist blue, sage, white, and black. And, it comes in two storage options--256GB and 512GB -- for Rs 82,900 and Rs 1,02,900, respectively.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7.

Though Galaxy Z Flip7 hasn't undergone a drastic design change like the Z Fold7, it has unique design elements to stand apart from the competition.

The compact flip-style is the perfect design for a phone. The device features a massive 6.9-inch screen and can instantly fold in half its size. This is such a meaningful space-saving feature; it helps me put both the earphone case and the phone in the same pocket.

Also, it comes with better build quality, and longer battery life compared to the predecessor.

There is not much change in photography hardware over the 2024 model, but still, the device does a fine job getting really good snaps.

And, I am particularly impressed with Samsung's gen AI tools and photography editing features. They set a new benchmark for premium phones.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 comes in two configurations-- 12 GB RAM + 256 GB storage and 12GB RAM + 512GB storage-- for Rs 1,09,999, and Rs 1,21,999, respectively.

OnePlus 13s

OnePlus 13s.

It may appear small in the hands, but the OnePlus 13s is a powerful Android premium phone. It excels with build quality, super smooth performance, amazing camera hardware and delivers good on long battery life.

Also, the gen AI features are promising and with future updates, the OnePlus 13s will only get better over time.

In India, OnePlus 13s is be available in two configurations-- 12GB RAM + 256GB storage and 16GB RAM + 512GB storage-- for Rs 54,999 and Rs 59,999, respectively

Vivo X200 FE

Vivo X200 FE 5G.

Vivo X200 FE is pocket dynamite. By design, it is small in demeanour, but it packs a punch with a powerful processor, a big battery and a feature-rich camera. It will find traction among niche customers, who want a powerful phone in a small package. And, is less expensive compared to other premium phones in its class.

The new Vivo X200 FE comes in three colours-- Amber Yellow, Luxe Grey, and Frost Blue. It is available in two configurations for 12GB RAM + 256GB storage and 16GB RAM + 512GB storage for Rs 54,999 and 59,999, respectively.It supports all major graphics-rich games available on the Google Play store and delivers good stable performance. It also efficiently dissipates heat when operating heavy-duty tasks.

Also, it has the best-gen AI features compared to other rival brands in its class. The object eraser and other gen AI photography tools are the best I have seen on a phone to date.

It is available in two variants--12GB RAM + 256GB storage and 12GB RAM + 512GB storage for Rs 80,999, and Rs 92,999, respectively

Samsung Galaxy S25

Samsung Galaxy S25 series.

The Galaxy S25 is the smallest among the three Galaxy S25 series launched in India. It is created to cater niche segment of consumers who like to own a compact phone. But, it is no less powerful than the other two siblings.

It supports all major graphics-rich games available on the Google Play store and delivers good stable performance. It also efficiently dissipates heat when operating heavy-duty tasks.

Also, it has the best-gen AI features compared to other rival brands in its class. The object eraser and other gen AI photography tools are the best I have seen on a phone to date.

It is available in two variants--12GB RAM + 256GB storage and 12GB RAM + 512GB storage for Rs 80,999, and Rs 92,999, respectively

Best upper mid-range phones of 2025

1) OnePlus Nord 5

OnePlus Nord 5.

OnePlus Nord 5 is a solid, well-rounded phone. It comes with praiseworthy build quality, delivers stable lag-free performance and long battery life. It has decent photography hardware.

The Nord 5 is available in dry ice, marble sands, and phantom grey --colour options. It comes in three configurations-- 8GB RAM + 256GB storage, 12GB RAM + 256GB storage and 12GB RAM + 512GB storage-- for Rs 31,999, Rs 34,999 and Rs 37,999, respectively.

2) iQOO Neo 10

iQOO Neo 10 5G.

iQOO Neo 10 is a complete package. It not only looks like a premium iQOO 13, but also performs like one. It delivers super smooth performance without the slightest hint of sluggishness.

It excels in gaming, photography and most importantly, it delivers long battery life as well.

iQOO Neo 10 is available in two colours-- Inferno Red and Titanium Chrome. It comes in four configurations-- 8GB RAM + 128GB storage, 8GB RAM + 256GB storage, 12GB RAM + 256GB and 16GB RAM + 512GB storage-- for Rs 31,999, Rs 33,999, Rs 35, 999 and Rs 40,999, respectively.

3) Oppo Reno14

Oppo Reno14 5G.

Oppo Reno14 is not just good in aesthetic design elements, but also a top-class workhorse.

Even though the device has the same chipset as the predecessor, it excels with smooth, lag-free performance, even while running gen AI apps.

It also has an amazing camera and offers a full day of battery life. Fast charging is another plus point for the device.

The device comes in three configurations-- 8GB RAM + 256GB storage, 12GB RAM + 256GB storage and 12GB RAM + 512GB storage-- Rs 37,999, Rs 39,999 and Rs 42,999, respectively.

4) Motorola Edge 60 Pro

Motorola Edge 60 Pro.

Motorola's Edge 60 Pro is not just a gorgeous phone but also a reliable performer. Whatever the tasks are, be it switching between multiple apps or playing games, it works smoothly.

Also, it takes pretty amazing photos in the sunlight. And, delivers good on a long battery under normal usage.

The device comes in Pantone Dazzling Blue, Pantone Shadow and Pantone Sparkling Grape colours. It will be available in two configurations-- 8GB RAM + 256GB storage and 12GB RAM + 256GB storage-- for Rs 29,999 and Rs 33,999, respectively.

5) Vivo V50

Vivo V50 series.

Vivo V50 is a moderate upgrade over the predecessor. However, good camera hardware and reliable Qualcomm chipset that powers gen AI features, the device maintains edge over rival brands in its price range.

The Vivo V50 is available in three configurations-- 8GB RAM + 128GB storage, 8GB RAM + 256GB storage and 12GB RAM + 512GB storage-- for Rs 34,999, Rs 36,999 and Rs 40,999.

Best mid-range phones of 2025

1) OnePlus Nord CE 5

OnePlus Nord CE 5.

OnePlus Nord CE 5 is a well-balanced mid-range phone. It has nice build quality, delivers smooth performance and has amazingly long battery life. Even the camera hardware is quite good for its asking price.

The Nord CE 5 is available in black infinity, marble mist and nexus blue colour options. It comes in three configurations-- 8GB RAM + 128GB storage, 8GB RAM + 256GB storage and 12GB RAM + 256GB storage-- for Rs 24,999, Rs 26,999 and Rs 28,999, respectively.

2) Nothing Phone 3a Pro

Nothing Phone (3a) Pro.

Nothing's mid-range phone is jam-packed with the right features and aptly priced for the Indian market.

It has excellent build quality. It does good with day-to-day performance, and most importantly, excels with battery life. The camera is decent for its price.

3) Redmi Note 14

Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 5G.

4) iQOO Z10

iQOO Z10 5G series.

For the last few years, emerging player iQOO has grown big in India. It offers ultra-top end phones like iQOO 13 for less than half the price of the competitors in its class.

Now, with the new Z10, it is offering a feature-rich mid-range phone with massive battery and reliable Qualcomm chipset and doesn't cost much compared to the rival brands.

Even the camera is really good. It takes stunning images in the daylight and supports several gen AI-based tools such as AI Eraser to enhance photography experience.

Considering the overall aspects, iQOO Z10 is a really good value-for-money phone for college students and also senior citizens who want to spend time watching videos on social media platforms and movies/ TV series on OTT apps.

It comes in --glacier silver and stellar black -- colours. It is available in three configurations-- 8GB RAM + 128GB storage, 8GB RAM + 256GB storage and 12GB RAM + 256GB storage--for Rs 21,999, Rs 23,999 and Rs 25,999, respectively.

5) Poco X7 Pro

Poco X7 Pro.

Design-wise, though there is no 'wow' factor, the Poco X7 Pro is a really good performer in terms of functioning smoothly and delivering long battery life. It also does a fine job with photography.

It is available in two configurations -- 8GB RAM + 256GB storage and 12GB RAM + 256GB storage- for Rs 27,999 and Rs 29,999, respectively.

Best budget phones of 2025

1) Redmi 15

Xiaomi REDMI 15 series.

With a big, beautiful display, a reliable Qualcomm chipset and a massive battery, Redmi 15 is a perfect option for people who spend more time consuming multimedia content and playing games.

Even the camera is good enough to get nice pictures in most of the light conditions.

It comes in three variants-- 6GB RAM + 128GB storage, 8GB RAM + 128GB storage and 8GB RAM + 256GB storage-- for Rs 14,999, Rs 15,999 and Rs 16,999, respectively.

2) CMF Phone 2 Pro

CMF Phone 2 Pro.

CMF Phone 2 Pro offers more than we look for in a mid-range phone under Rs 20,000 price range. It has the most unique design language inside out and the build quality too, is praiseworthy.

It does not come with any third-party pre-loaded apps, except for Nothing and Google Core apps. The camera does a fine job in almost all light conditions.

It delivers good on smooth performance and long battery life. Have to appreciate Nothing Inc for offering a free silicone case and screen-guard and a charger along with data cable. It will greatly help first-time buyers who want to upgrade from a feature phone to touchscreen-based smartphones.

The CMF Phone 2 Pro comes in four colours— white, black, orange and light green colour. It is available in two configurations— 8GB RAM + 128GB storage and 8GB RAM + 256GB storage— for Rs 18,999, and Rs 20,999, respectively.

3) iQOO Z10X

iQOO Z10x.

iQOO Z10x is a great value-for-money budget Android phone. It has gorgeous design language and comes with US military grade durability features in addition to water-splash resistance capability.

Performance wise, it does a fine job and even gaming too, it works good. Even photography too, it takes pretty good images in almost light conditions.

And, most importantly, it excells in terms of battery life. It can easily last one and half days with normal usage.

It comes in ultramarine and colours and will be available in three configurations- 6GB RAM + 128GB storage, 8GB RAM + 128GB storage and 8GB RAM + 256GB storage- for Rs 13,499, Rs 14,999 and Rs 16,499, respectively.

4) Motorola Moto G96

Motorola Moto G96 5G.

Motorola Moto G96 may appear slim in design, but it comes with a reliable processor to deliver smooth performance. Also, under normal usage, it can easily last a full day. And, the camera is good in a natural sun-lit environment.

As noted earlier, the device is available in four PANTONE-certified colours-- Greener Pastures, Cattleya Orchid, Ashleigh Blue and Dresden Blue.

It comes in two configurations-- 8GB RAM + 128GB storage and 8GB RAM + 256GB storage-- for Rs 17,999 and Rs 19,999, respectively.

5) Redmi 15C

REDMI 15C 5G.

Redmi 15C comes packed with the right features to deliver a good user experience. It excels with top-class build quality, delivers good performance and long battery life.

Also, the big display is great for multimedia consumption indoors, and the camera is decent for its asking price.

The Redmi 15C comes in three colours--Dusk Purple, Moonlight Blue and Midnight Black.

It is available in three configurations-- 4GB RAM + 128GB storage, 6GB RAM + 128GB storage and 8GB RAM + 128GB storage-- for Rs 12,499, Rs 13,999, and Rs 15,499, respectively.

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