As we approach mid-2025, the smartphone market has introduced various devices catering to various needs, from high-end flagships to innovative foldables and value-packed budget options. Here’s a curated roundup of the standout smartphones making waves this month.
📱 Flagship Smartphones
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Samsung’s latest flagship, the Galaxy S25 Ultra, continues its legacy of excellence. It boasts a 6.9-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, delivering vibrant visuals. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, it offers top-tier performance. The device also features a stylus, enhancing productivity and creativity. However, some users have noted that foldables like the Galaxy Z Fold 7 may offer more compact alternatives, though they come with their own set of trade-offs. Tom’s Guide+1The Guardian+1Tom’s Guide+4India Today+4India Today+4The GuardianTom’s Guide
iPhone 16 Pro
Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro sets a new standard in the smartphone industry. Equipped with the A18 Pro chip, it ensures seamless performance, even under heavy workloads. The 48MP main camera captures stunning photos and videos, while the flat AMOLED display offers an immersive viewing experience. Running on iOS 18, the phone guarantees timely updates and access to Apple’s latest features. India Today+1India Today+1
OnePlus 13
The OnePlus 13 is a worthy successor to its predecessor, the OnePlus 12. It features the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, a quad-curved AMOLED display with QHD+ resolution, and up to 24GB of RAM. The massive 6,000mAh battery ensures solid endurance, while features like an ultrasonic fingerprint reader, USB 3.2 port, and IP69 rating enhance its appeal. Unique additions such as Aqua Touch and Glove Mode make it versatile in various conditions. Despite these upgrades, the pricing remains competitive, starting at Rs 69,999 for the base variant with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage. India TodayNotebookcheck+3India Today+3India Today+3
📱 Foldable Phones
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7
The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is rumored to be the thinnest foldable phone yet, measuring just 3.9mm when open and 8.9mm when closed. While this makes it more portable, it may come at the cost of battery life, a major concern for potential foldable phone users. Despite improvements in hinge mechanisms and design, foldable phones still face challenges in app compatibility, high prices, and particularly battery efficiency. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is expected to retain its predecessor’s 4,000 mAh battery, which may limit gains in battery life even with the new, more efficient Snapdragon 8 Elite chip. In contrast, conventional flagship phones like the Galaxy S25 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max not only offer excellent performance but also boast significantly longer battery life, over 17 hours, at lower price points. Until battery performance is significantly improved, foldables like the Galaxy Z Fold 7 may remain niche devices rather than practical daily drivers for most users. Tom’s Guide
💰 Budget-Friendly Options
CMF Phone 2 Pro by Nothing
Priced under $300, the CMF Phone 2 Pro by Nothing offers exceptional value. It features a modular design, a 6.7-inch display, and a MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro processor. The device excels in battery life, lasting over 16 hours in tests. However, its camera system underperforms, especially in challenging lighting conditions. It’s also not ideal for heavy gaming or rugged use due to limited durability. Overall, it’s a great choice for budget-conscious users seeking a unique style and everyday performance. TechRadar+1India Today+1
🏆 Verdict
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Best All-Rounder: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra – for its display quality and battery longevity.The Guardian
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Best for Photography: iPhone 16 Pro – with its advanced camera capabilities.India Today+1India Today+1
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Best Value Flagship: OnePlus 13 – offering top-tier specifications at a competitive price.Tom’s Guide
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Best Foldable: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 – for its portability and design.Tom’s Guide
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Best Budget Pick: CMF Phone 2 Pro – for its unique design and battery life.TechRadar
Each of these smartphones caters to different user preferences and budgets, ensuring that there’s a perfect fit for everyone.