10 Must-Have Smartphones in the UK for Performance and Value

Looking for the best smartphones in the UK for 2025? You want a phone that is quick, takes clear photos, and is worth your money. The UK smartphone market is getting bigger, with sales expected to reach over 22 billion dollars this year. People care about how long the best smartphones last, as well as camera features and software updates. Look at this table to see what is important when choosing a smartphone:

You can find the best smartphones for every budget. There are expensive, cheap, and special choices available.

Key Takeaways

• Think about performance, camera quality, and battery life when picking a smartphone. These things affect how you use your phone every day.
• Make sure your phone gets software updates for a long time. This keeps your phone safe and working well. It is very important for Android devices.
• Decide how much money you want to spend. Find a phone that gives you the most for your money. Many phones have great features but do not cost a lot.
• Look for special things like water resistance and more storage space. These can make your phone last longer and work better.
• Watch for deals and trade-in offers to save money on your next phone. Buying at the right time can help you save a lot.

Best Smartphones 2025 UK

Do you want the best smartphones for 2025? Let’s talk about what makes a phone great. You care about how fast it works, how good the camera is, and how long the battery lasts. You also want the best android phones with new features and good software support. Some people want the best premium pick. Others want the best midrange phone. No matter how much you want to spend, you can find a phone that fits your needs.

When you look for the best smartphones, you should check these important features:

You want a phone that lasts all day. You want it to take clear photos and work quickly. The best smartphones have big screens and strong cameras. They also have smooth software. Some of the best android phones have extra parts you can add or are water resistant. If you want the best premium pick, you can get a phone with three cameras and a better screen. If you want the best midrange phone, you can find one with a long battery life and a good camera.

Here are some of the top phones for 2025 in the UK. Each phone is special for its features, how well it works, and its value. You will see the best smartphones for every budget. There are the best premium picks and the best midrange phones. Look at this table for a quick view of some of the best android phones:

You can find the best phones for games, photos, or daily use. The best smartphones in this list give you great value, top features, and strong performance. Get ready to see the best android phones for every need and budget!

1. Google Pixel 10 Pro XL

Best Phone Overall

You want the best phone overall for 2025? The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL stands out as the best choice for most people in the UK. This phone gives you top-tier performance, a superb camera experience, and excellent value for money. If you want the best value premium phone, this is the one you should check first.

Performance

You get strong performance with the Pixel 10 Pro XL. It uses the latest Google Tensor chip, so you can play games, stream videos, and multitask without lag. The best phone performance means you never have to wait for apps to load. Take a look at how it compares to other flagship phones:

You see, the Pixel 10 Pro XL delivers top-tier performance, even if some rivals score higher. For daily use, you get a fast and smooth experience.

Camera

The Pixel 10 Pro XL gives you one of the best camera setups. You get impressive cameras for both photos and videos. Experts at DXOMARK say this phone ranks among the best camera phones. You will love the still images, video quality, and color accuracy. The advanced AI tools help you get the best camera results every time.

• The Pixel 10 Pro XL offers a superb camera experience for photos and videos.
• You get impressive cameras with great exposure and dynamic range.
• The video features beat the iPhone 16 Pro Max in white balance and exposure.
• Some low-light and zoom shots could be better, but most users will be happy.

Value

You want the best value phone? The Pixel 10 Pro XL costs £1,199 in the UK. It sits between the iPhone 16 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra in price.

You get excellent value for money with this phone. It is the best value premium phone for people who want the best features without paying the highest price.

Pros

• Top-tier performance for all tasks
• Best camera for photos and videos
• Long software support
• Clean Android experience

Cons

• Price is higher than some rivals
• Low-light camera shots could be better
• No expandable storage

Best For

You should pick the Pixel 10 Pro XL if you want the best phone overall. It is perfect for anyone who wants the best camera, strong performance, and the best value phone in a premium package. If you care about the best camera phone and want a device that lasts, this is the best choice for you.

2. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

Performance

You want the best performance? The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra brings you the best speed and power Samsung has ever made. This phone uses the latest Snapdragon chip, so you can play the best games, stream videos, and switch between apps without any lag. You get a phone that feels fast every time you use it.

Check out how the S25 Ultra compares to last year’s model:

The S25 Ultra gives you up to 46% better CPU performance and 36% better graphics than the S24 Ultra.

You will notice the best performance in every task, from gaming to editing photos.

Camera

The S25 Ultra gives you the best camera setup Samsung offers. You get sharp photos, bright colors, and strong zoom. The camera works well in most light, but you may see some noise in dark places. Autofocus is quick, but close-up shots can look soft.

You get the best zoom for far-away shots and the best camera for bright, colorful photos.

Value

You pay a premium price for the S25 Ultra, but you get the best features Samsung has. If you want the best performance and the best camera, this phone gives you great value for your money.

Pros

• Best performance for games and apps
• Best camera for zoom and bright photos
• Big, bright screen
• Long battery life

Cons

• Expensive
• Camera can show noise in low light
• Large size may not fit small hands

Best For

Pick the S25 Ultra if you want the best Samsung phone. It is the best choice for gamers, photographers, and anyone who wants the best performance and the best camera in one device.

3. Apple iPhone 16 Pro

Performance

You want the best iphone for speed and smooth use? The iPhone 16 Pro gives you top performance. You can open apps fast, play games, and edit photos without waiting. The new chip inside this iphone beats most other phones. Take a look at how the performance compares to the Samsung Galaxy S24:

You see, the iphone 16 Pro stands out for best performance. You get a phone that feels quick every time you use it.

Camera

You want the best camera for photos and videos? The iphone 16 Pro gives you sharp pictures and smooth videos. You get smart tools that help you record log video and use AI audio. Portrait mode makes your photos look professional. Here’s how the camera stacks up against other flagship phones:

• You get log video for better editing.
• AI audio tools help you record clear sound.
• Portrait mode gives you the best background blur.
• Low-light shots look good, but some rivals do better.
• The iphone 16 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra both offer best camera features, but each has strengths.

You can trust this iphone to give you the best camera for daily use.

Value

You want the best iphone for your money? The iphone 16 Pro starts at £999 in the UK. You can pick more storage if you need it, but the price goes up. Here’s a quick look at the prices:

You get strong value with the best iphone if you want top features and long support.

Pros

• Fast performance for games and apps
• Best camera for photos and videos
• Long battery life
• Bright and clear screen
• Strong build quality

Cons

• Price is high for top models
• No USB-C on base iphone
• Limited custom options

Best For

You should choose the iphone 16 Pro if you want the best iphone for speed, camera, and long life. This is the best pick for fans of Apple, people who love taking photos, and anyone who wants the best performance in a phone.

4. Google Pixel 9a

Performance

You want the best performance for your money? The Google Pixel 9a gives you just that. It uses the same Google Tensor G4 chip as the flagship Pixel 9, so you get smooth daily use. You can open apps, play games, and switch tasks without slowdowns. Here’s what you should know about the Pixel 9a’s performance:

• The Pixel 9a scores 4,229 on Geekbench 6 multi-core, close to the Pixel 9’s 4,358.
• You get the best experience for everyday tasks, even if it doesn’t match the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra’s 10,049 score.
• The difference between the Pixel 9a and Pixel 9 is small, mostly because the Pixel 9a has 8GB RAM and the Pixel 9 has 12GB.

You won’t feel left behind when you use the Pixel 9a. It keeps up with the best mid-range phones and gives you the best performance for its price.

Camera

The Pixel 9a’s camera stands out in the best way for a phone at this price. You get sharp photos and good video, even if you compare it to the best iphone or Samsung models. Here’s what makes the camera special:

• The Pixel 9a scores 134 in camera tests, with 143 for still photos and 126 for video.
• Portraits look great, but you only get 1.5x and 2x zoom, so you might miss some details in big scenes.
• Low-light shots look good with the main lens, but the ultrawide lens struggles in the dark.
• You get accurate colors and a wide dynamic range, but sometimes you see noise or less detail in low light.

You can trust the Pixel 9a’s camera for the best everyday photos, even if it doesn’t beat the top iphone or Samsung cameras.

Value

You want the best value? The Pixel 9a costs £499 in the UK, matching the Samsung A56 and beating the iphone 16e on price. Here’s a quick look at how it compares:

You get the best mix of features and price with the Pixel 9a. It’s the best pick if you want a phone that feels close to a flagship but costs much less than an iphone.

Pros

• Best performance for the price
• Best camera for daily photos and videos
• Clean Android software
• Long software support

Cons

• Not the best for heavy gaming
• Camera zoom is limited
• Ultrawide lens struggles in low light

Best For

Pick the Pixel 9a if you want the best mid-range phone. It’s perfect for students, families, or anyone who wants the best camera and performance without paying iphone prices. You get the best value and a phone that feels close to the best flagship models.

5. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7

Performance

You want the best foldable phone for performance? The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 gives you a fast and smooth experience every time you open it. You get the newest Snapdragon chip, which means you can play games, watch videos, and use many apps at once. The big screen lets you do more, and you never feel slowdowns. If you compare it to the best iphone, you see that the Fold 7 keeps up with top phones. You get the best multitasking features, so you can split the screen and use two apps side by side. The Fold 7 is the best choice if you want a phone that feels quick and powerful.

Camera

You want the best camera on a foldable phone? The Z Fold 7 finally brings a camera setup that matches the best flagship phones. You get a 200-megapixel wide lens, a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultra-wide lens.

The camera setup of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 includes a 200-megapixel wide-angle lens, a 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 12MP ultra-wide lens. While it performs well, the zoom capabilities are somewhat limited compared to competitors, particularly in terms of optical zoom range. The camera system is described as finally bringing a ‘good' camera experience to the foldable series, which was previously lacking.

You get sharp photos and bright colors. The camera works well for daily shots, but the zoom is not the best. If you compare it to the iphone, you see that the Fold 7 is close, but the iphone still wins for zoom and low-light photos. You get the best camera for a foldable, but not the best camera overall.

Value

You want the best value in a foldable phone? The Z Fold 7 costs more than most phones, but you get the best features and a big screen. If you want the best multitasking and the best camera in a foldable, this phone gives you strong value.

Pros

• Best foldable screen for multitasking
• Best performance for games and apps
• Best camera setup on a foldable
• Big battery for all-day use
• Premium build quality

Cons

• Price is higher than most phones
• Camera zoom is not the best
• Heavy and thick when folded
• Not as pocket-friendly as an iphone

Best For

You should pick the Z Fold 7 if you want the best foldable phone. It is the best choice for tech fans, people who want the best multitasking, and anyone who wants a phone that stands out. If you want the best camera on a foldable, this is the best option, but if you want the best camera overall, you may still prefer an iphone.

6. OnePlus 13

Performance

You want the best performance without paying iphone prices? The OnePlus 13 gives you just that. This phone feels fast every time you use it. You can open apps, play games, and scroll through social media with no lag. The OnePlus 13 scores high in synthetic benchmarks and real-world tests. Take a look at how it stacks up:

You get the best experience for daily tasks and gaming. The OnePlus 13 keeps up with the iphone and even beats some rivals in multitasking.

Camera

You want the best camera for creative shots? The OnePlus 13 stands out in this area. Here’s what you get:

• Long-range zoom that beats the Galaxy S25 Ultra and Pixel 9 Pro at 20x.
• Portrait photos with natural skin textures and sharp detail, better than the Pixel 9 Pro XL and Galaxy S25 Ultra.
• Sharper 3x zoom shots with less noise than the Galaxy S25 Ultra.
• The camera gives you a creative touch, making your photos look unique.

You can trust this camera for the best portraits and zoom shots. It may not always match the iphone for consistency, but it gives you the best creative results.

Value

You want the best value in a flagship phone? The OnePlus 13 costs £899 in the UK. That’s less than the iphone 16 Pro, Google Pixel 9 Pro, and Samsung Galaxy S24+. You get top features for less money.

You also get water and dust resistance, wireless charging, and a battery that lasts all day. The OnePlus 13 is the best all-rounder and should last you for years.

Pros

• Best performance for the price
• Best camera for portraits and zoom
• Long battery life
• Durable build with IP68/69 rating
• Wireless charging

Cons

• Gaming performance drops after long sessions
• Camera consistency not always as strong as iphone
• No expandable storage

Best For

Pick the OnePlus 13 if you want the best mix of performance, camera, and price. It’s perfect for anyone who wants the best features without paying iphone prices. You get the best creative camera, the best battery life, and a phone that feels fast every day.

7. Xiaomi 15 Pro

Performance

You want the best performance for gaming and work? The Xiaomi 15 Pro gives you just that. This phone uses the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, which means you get lightning-fast speeds every time you open an app or play a game. You get 12GB of DDR5X RAM and super-fast UFS 4.0 storage, so you never have to wait for anything to load. The advanced cooling system keeps the phone cool, even when you play games for hours. If you want the best phone for multitasking, this one stands out. Many people say the Xiaomi 15 Pro feels faster than most phones, even the latest iphone.

• Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset for top performance
• 12GB RAM and fast storage for smooth multitasking
• Advanced cooling for long gaming sessions
• Lightning-fast speeds for both games and work

Camera

You want the best camera for every moment? The Xiaomi 15 Pro brings a Leica branded camera system with a huge one-inch main sensor. You get multiple high-resolution lenses, including a 200MP telephoto camera for amazing zoom. This camera lets you take sharp photos, even from far away. You can shoot slow motion and night videos, just like the best iphone or Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. Reviewers say the Xiaomi 15 Pro gives you the best results in almost any situation. Long-range photos look clear and detailed, making this camera one of the best you can get.

• Leica camera system with one-inch main sensor
• 200MP telephoto lens for the best zoom
• Great for slow motion and night video
• Rivals the best iphone and Samsung cameras

Value

You get strong value with the Xiaomi 15 Pro. You pay less than some flagship phones, but you still get the best features. If you want the best performance and camera without paying iphone prices, this phone is a smart pick.

Pros

• Best performance for gaming and work
• Best camera for zoom and night shots
• Fast charging and long battery life
• Premium design

Cons

• Not as easy to find as an iphone in some stores
• Software updates may not last as long as iphone
• No official water resistance rating

Best For

Pick the Xiaomi 15 Pro if you want the best phone for gaming, photos, and everyday use. It is perfect for anyone who wants the best features without choosing an iphone. If you want the best camera and the best performance, this phone is one of the best choices in 2025.

8. Vertu Signature Touch 2025

Performance

You want the best luxury phone that feels fast every time you use it? The Vertu Signature Touch 2025 gives you the best performance in the luxury market. You get a robust processor and plenty of RAM, so you can multitask without slowdowns. The vibrant display makes games and videos look their best. You can switch between apps and never worry about lag. Many people compare the performance to the best iphone models, and you will notice the difference right away. If you want the best experience for daily use, this phone stands out.

• The processor keeps everything running at its best.
• The display shows vivid colors and sharp details, making it one of the best screens you can get.
• You can open apps quickly, just like on an iphone.
• The best luxury phones need strong performance, and Vertu delivers.

Camera

You want the best camera on a luxury phone? The Vertu Signature Touch 2025 gives you a high-quality rear camera for detailed photos. You can take selfies and make video calls with the front-facing camera. The camera works well in most light, but it may not beat the best iphone for night shots. If you want the best camera for portraits and daily photos, Vertu is a strong choice.

• The rear camera captures sharp images, so your photos look their best.
• The front camera is great for selfies and calls, just like on an iphone.
• You get good color and detail, but the best iphone still wins for low-light shots.
• The camera is one of the best features on this luxury phone.

Value

You want the best mix of luxury and technology? The Vertu Signature Touch 2025 combines luxury lifestyle with strong specifications. You get the best engineering and exclusive features. The phone appeals to people who want the best and love high-end design. If you want a phone that feels special and works as well as an iphone, Vertu is the best choice for you.

Pros

• Best luxury design and materials
• Strong performance for daily use
• Best camera for portraits and selfies
• Exclusive features you won’t find on an iphone
• Vibrant display for the best viewing experience

Cons

• Price is much higher than an iphone
• Camera is not the best for night shots
• Software updates may not last as long as on an iphone
• Not as easy to find as an iphone
• Some features are more about luxury than performance

Best For

Pick the Vertu Signature Touch 2025 if you want the best luxury phone. It is the best choice for people who want the best design, the best camera for portraits, and the best performance in a luxury package. If you want a phone that stands out and feels better than an iphone, Vertu is the best option for you.

9. Nothing Phone (3)

Performance

You want a phone that feels fast every day. The Nothing Phone (3) gives you the best performance for its price. It uses a Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chip and up to 16GB of RAM. You can open apps, play games, and watch videos without lag. Many users say the phone stays smooth, even when you switch between tasks. The 5,500mAh battery lasts a day and a half with normal use. If you watch a 2-hour 4K video, you only lose 9% battery. Gaming for an hour drops the battery by 15%. You get about 7 hours of screen time and still have 14% battery left. This makes the Nothing Phone (3) one of the best choices for battery life and performance.

Camera

You want the best camera for photos and videos? The Nothing Phone (3) stands out in this area. It has a 50 MP main camera, a 50 MP ultra-wide camera, and a telephoto lens. The selfie camera is also 50 MP. You get sharp photos and smooth videos. The phone beats the Phone (3a) Pro in video features like stabilization and slow-motion. The main camera gives you the best photos in good light. The Phone (3a) Pro does better for selfies and low-light shots, but the Nothing Phone (3) wins for main camera and video.

• The Nothing Phone (3) leads in main camera photos.
• You get the best video quality with strong stabilization.
• The selfie camera is good, but not the best for low light.
• The camera setup is one of the best in this price range.

Value

You get the best value if you want a phone that feels close to an iphone but costs less. The Nothing Phone (3) gives you top performance, a strong camera, and long battery life. You do not pay iphone prices, but you get many of the best features.

Pros

• Best battery life for daily use
• Best performance for the price
• Best camera for main photos and video
• Unique design that stands out from any iphone
• Clean software with fast updates

Cons

• Not the best for low-light selfies
• No wireless charging like some iphone models
• Fewer accessories than iphone
• Camera can struggle in very dark places
• Not as many color choices as iphone

Best For

Pick the Nothing Phone (3) if you want the best mix of performance, camera, and battery life. It is the best choice for people who want a phone that feels like an iphone but want to save money. You get the best features for daily use, and the phone stands out with its design. If you want the best value without paying for an iphone, this is the best pick for you.

10. Poco F6 Pro

Performance

You want the best performance without spending iphone money? The Poco F6 Pro gives you just that. This phone uses a Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chip, so you get fast speeds for games, videos, and daily tasks. You can open apps quickly and switch between them with no lag. Many people say the Poco F6 Pro feels as smooth as an iphone, even when you play the best games. You get up to 16GB of RAM, which means you can keep lots of apps open. The battery lasts all day, so you do not have to worry about running out of power. If you want the best performance for less, this phone stands out.

Camera

You want the best camera for your money? The Poco F6 Pro gives you a triple camera setup. The main camera is 50MP, and you also get an ultra-wide and a macro lens. You can take sharp photos in daylight, and the camera app is easy to use. Many users say the camera gives you results close to an iphone, especially for social media. Night shots look good, but the iphone still wins in very dark places. The selfie camera is strong, so you get the best photos for your profile. If you want the best camera on a budget, this phone is a top pick.

Value

You want the best value? The Poco F6 Pro is the best budget phone for 2025. You get features that feel close to an iphone, but you pay much less. The phone costs around £499, which is a great deal for the best performance and camera.

Pros

• Best performance for the price
• Best camera for photos and selfies
• Big, bright screen
• Fast charging
• Feels like an iphone for less

Cons

• Camera is not the best in low light
• No wireless charging like some iphone models
• Software updates may not last as long as iphone
• Design is not as premium as an iphone

Best For

Pick the Poco F6 Pro if you want the best budget phone that feels close to an iphone. It is the best choice for students, families, or anyone who wants the best features without paying iphone prices. You get the best mix of performance, camera, and value in one phone.

Choose the Best Phone

Picking the best phone can feel tricky. You want a phone that fits your life. Start by thinking about what matters most to you. Do you want the best gaming phone? Maybe you care about the best camera or the longest battery life. Some people want the best value. Others want the best iphone for style and features.

Here’s a simple way to find your best match:

1. Performance
   If you love gaming, you need the best gaming phone. Look for a phone with a strong chip and lots of RAM. The best gaming phones run games smoothly and never lag. You want a phone that keeps up with you, even during long gaming sessions.
2. Camera
   Do you take lots of photos? The best camera helps you capture every moment. Some phones have special camera features for night shots or selfies. If you want the best camera, check reviews and sample photos.
3. Battery
   You want a phone that lasts all day. The best battery keeps you gaming, texting, and streaming without worry. Some phones charge fast, so you get back to gaming quickly.
4. Features
   Think about what features you use most. Do you want wireless charging? Maybe you want water resistance or a big screen for gaming. The best gaming phone often has extra features like cooling systems or special gaming modes.
5. Value and Budget
   Set your budget. The best phone for you gives you the most features for your money. You do not need to buy the most expensive iphone to get the best experience. Many phones offer great value and still feel like the best.

Tip: Make a list of your top needs. Match those needs to the best phone on this list. If you want the best gaming phone, focus on performance, battery, and gaming features. If you want the best camera, look for camera reviews and sample shots.

You know your needs best. Use this guide to find the best phone for you. The best gaming phone, the best camera, or the best battery life—it’s your choice!

Find Deals

You want the best smartphone, but you also want the best price. You can save money if you know where to look. Here are some easy ways to find the best deals in the UK:

1. Shop Online vs In-Store
   You can check prices on websites like Amazon, Currys, and Argos. Sometimes, online stores offer better deals than local shops. You can compare the best battery life, camera, and performance features before you buy. If you want to see the iphone in person, visit a store and ask about special offers.
2. Trade-In and Upgrade Programs
   You can trade in your old iphone or Android phone for credit. Many stores and carriers offer upgrade programs. You get the best value when you swap your old device for a new one with better battery, camera, and features.
3. Timing Matters
   You can wait for big sales. Black Friday, Boxing Day, and back-to-school events bring the best prices. You can find deals on the best iphone, Android, and budget phones. If you want the best battery or camera, watch for new releases. Older models drop in price when new phones come out.
4. Carrier Offers
   You can check deals from EE, O2, Vodafone, and Three. Carriers often bundle the best phones with data plans. You get extra features like free streaming or insurance. Ask about discounts for students or family plans.

Tip: Sign up for store newsletters. You get alerts when the best deals go live. You can also follow brands on social media for flash sales.

You can find the best deals if you stay patient and compare options. You get the best battery, camera, and performance for less money.

You want the best phone for your life. The best picks on this list give you the best performance, the best camera, and the best value. If you love the best iphone, you find the best iphone for your needs here. The best iphone stands out for style and speed. The best android phones also give you the best features. You get the best battery, the best camera, and the best price. The best advice? Pick the best iphone or best android that fits your budget. Stay alert for the best deals and the best new releases. The best choice is always the best for you.

FAQ

What is the best smartphone for gaming in 2025?

You want fast gaming? Pick the OnePlus 13 or Xiaomi 15 Pro. Both phones have strong chips and big batteries. You get smooth gameplay and quick loading times.

Tip: Look for phones with cooling systems if you play games for hours.

Which phone has the longest battery life?

Nothing Phone (3) and Poco F6 Pro last the longest. You can browse, watch videos, and play games all day. These phones charge quickly, so you spend less time plugged in.

Do these phones get regular software updates?

You get regular updates with Google Pixel, iPhone, and Samsung models. These brands support their phones for years. You stay safe and get new features.

Can I trade in my old phone for a new one?

Yes, you can trade in your old phone at most UK stores. You get credit toward your new device. Ask about trade-in deals before you buy.

Which phone is best for taking photos?

You want sharp photos? Choose Google Pixel 10 Pro XL or iPhone 16 Pro. Both phones have top cameras. You get clear pictures in any light.

Note: Try portrait mode for the best results.