Best smartphones 2025: we rank the 7 benchmarks iPhone 17 Pro, Galaxy S25 and Pixel 10 Pro

The smartphone market is evolving fast, driven by fluid screens and more reliable night-time photography. This guide provides a summary of concrete benchmarks to help you make a well-considered purchase.

What to look for before buying

Grip counts from the very first minute. For lasting comfort, aim for a sharp screen with 120 Hz refresh rate, then check brightness in sunlight. What’s more, autonomy is determined by capacity (around 5,000 mAh ) and software efficiency. The most balanced smartphones combine reasonable size with good endurance.

Software support changes the perceived lifespan. Several brands now guarantee up to 5 to 7 years of updates, making the purchase more secure. However, policies vary from range to range and region to region, so be sure to read the official commitments. Well-maintained smartphones retain their performance and value.

Photo and video: understanding the promises

A good photo module is more than just the number of megapixels. The size of the sensor is progressing, with formats approaching 1 inch on the top of the range. Optical stabilization and HDR algorithms are just as important as raw optics. Modern smartphones are also banking on fluid video in 4K60.

“A good purchase is not the most expensive one, but the one that suits your uses.”

Multiple focal lengths offer useful options for everyday use. An ultra-wide-angle lens is useful for tight scenes, while a clean telephoto lens helps with portraiture. So check color consistency between lenses. Smartphones with homogeneous processing produce more natural-looking albums.

Autonomy, charging and durability

Actual autonomy depends on your pace, not just the battery. Also, a large capacity helps, but the chip and screen remain decisive. Fast charging can go up to 120 W, which reduces waiting time. Smartphones that manage battery health extend their life cycle.

• Define your main uses before deciding on your budget.
• Weigh up the importance of long updates.
• Test the grip and weight in-store.
• Compare autonomy in real use, not in theory.
• Rate photos and videos of scenes that concern you.

Robustness isn’t limited to the datasheet. A rigid chassis, resistant glass and IP68 certification all help when on the move. The right to repair is progressing, with more accessible parts and tutorials. Smartphones that are easy to repair cost less to maintain.

Security follows a precise rhythm of patches. Monthly patches now close sensitive loopholes and boost confidence. Local authentication and default confidentiality are also worth careful consideration. Well-secured smartphones protect your data over the long term.

Performance and mobile games

Speed is more than just a benchmark score. In practice, a good balance of CPU, GPU and NPU guarantees responsiveness and calculated photos. What’s more, an 8 GB RAM cradle and fast UFS storage make everything run smoothly. Powerful smartphones hold their breath over many years.

Cooling plays a key role in gaming stability. A well-designed chassis limits throttling and maintains frames per second. As a result, check for heat build-up during long sessions and in 5G mode. Durable smartphones remain stable even under heavy load.

Prices, offers and good timing

Budget guides the short list. Between €300 and €500, there are already solid models for most tasks. Above €1,000, you pay for the best screen and advanced photography. Refurbished smartphones offer a safe route with warranty.

Timing influences perceived value. For example, declines often follow launches, then major sales periods. As a result, a few weeks’ watch can save you a great deal of money. Smartphones bought at the right time remain a wise choice.

Before you decide, take a model in hand. Also, test readability, vibration and speaker quality. Adjust the size of the icons and the keyboard to check comfort. In short, a quick test reveals what the data sheet doesn’t say.

• smartphones