Compiling a list of five smartphones I truly admire in 2025 has proven to be quite challenging. While my colleagues Ro and Sagar managed to narrow it down to four, and Ivan opted for three similar foldables, my selection features one personal favorite, a couple of crowd-pleasers, and two traditional picks.
Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold
Although I have no need for a foldable phone—I once experimented with a clamshell design and dabbled with a phone-minus-tablet option, neither of which suited my lifestyle—I can still appreciate the Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold. Primarily, I use my phone for scrolling through social media and messaging, seeking out premium cameras for those unexpected moments. Unfortunately, neither flexible design excels in that area.
Nevertheless, the Galaxy Z TriFold adapts well, functioning as a phone when required and transforming into a larger, more usable tablet when necessary. Its design offers superior protection for the flexible display compared to the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate.
Admittedly, the Z TriFold comes with a steep price tag—around €3,000. While its cameras might seem mediocre on a conventional mid-range phone, the device meets a different set of priorities. While these features may not align with my personal needs, I respect the innovation that Samsung has brought to foldable technology.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro and Google Pixel 10 Pro
I'm grouping the Apple iPhone 17 Pro and Google Pixel 10 Pro together because they represent the finest of their OS ecosystems. Every year, I find myself drawn to at least one, if not both. However, practicality often dictates that I move on.
There’s an indescribable quality to using Apple or Google products, and this remains consistent with their latest smartphones. From the premium feel of the materials to the stunning display and fluid animations, both phones exude excellence.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro • Google Pixel 10 Pro
These brands are the only ones incorporating Qi2 magnetic attachment capabilities into their designs, a feature I find compelling despite the lukewarm practicality of this concept in my specific use cases.
That said, I must admit that neither phone offers particularly thrilling cameras, and captivating photography capabilities are essential for me. Innovations like magnets and brand prestige can only impress to a certain extent.
vivo X300
My significant other was on the hunt for a replacement for her Pixel 7 Pro, armed with a specific set of requirements. Her patience paid off, as she eventually found the vivo X300, which checks all the boxes.
Unlike the Pixel 7 Pro, the X300 offers a compact design, advanced rear cameras, a superior selfie camera, and a long-lasting battery—attributes that are crucial for her. It’s safe to say she adores this phone, and that’s compelling enough for me to include it in my top five.
Oppo Find X9 Pro
The Oppo Find X9 Pro stands out as my personal favorite of the year. It epitomizes my preferences—offering an exceptional camera experience, a robust battery, and even a compatible case featuring a Qi2-compliant metal ring. What more could I ask for?
While Ultra-level phones do elevate the photography experience, many of these models are exclusive to China. I'm cautious about the prospect of global releases until I can test them firsthand. The Xiaomi models tend to receive international attention, yet I've had to adapt with my time spent using the vivo and Oppo devices instead.
A recent comparison between triple-camera phones reasserted my preference for the Oppo over the vivo X300 Pro in terms of my priorities. Despite my access to power sources, having an enhanced battery life is always appreciated. For a moment, I considered a vivo-centric family, but the X9 Pro outshines the X300 Pro.
While my list may lack exuberant enthusiasm, it is rooted in practicality. The pace of technological advancements has slowed, and while we may see exciting developments in one area, they often come accompanied by compromises in others. Nevertheless, I remain optimistic for what the upcoming flagship models will bring.
