Tech Desk
18 December 2025, 06:20 PM IST
From Pixel to iPhone, 2025 flagship devices set new standards for performance, AI features, battery endurance and photography
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, iPhone 17 Pro Max and Google Pixel 10 Pro XL | Photo: Samsung, Apple and Google
The smartphone landscape in 2025 has been nothing short of transformative. This year, manufacturers pushed the boundaries of innovation, delivering deeper AI integration, ultra-slim designs without compromising battery life, and a resurgence of high-performance foldable devices.
Flagship smartphones this year showcase advancements ranging from silicon-carbon batteries to camera systems that rival professional equipment. Together, they set fresh standards for performance, photography, and everyday usability. Here is a curated list of the standout flagship phones of 2025 shaping the next phase of mobile technology.
Best flagship smartphones of 2025
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Google Pixel 10 Pro XL
iPhone 17 Pro Max
Vivo X300 Pro
Oppo Find X9 Pro
Motorola Razr 60 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7
Xiaomi 15 Ultra
OnePlus 15
Realme GT 8 Pro
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
For power users demanding the ultimate “do-it-all” device, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra remains the gold standard. It is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, ensuring flawless gaming and multitasking. The device features a refined OneUI interface heavily integrated with generative AI, making daily tasks smoother than ever. With its stunning Dynamic AMOLED 2X display and a quad-camera system that continues to lead in zoom capabilities, the S25 Ultra is arguably the most complete flagship package of the year.
Google Pixel 10 Pro XL
Google’s latest offering is a masterclass in computational photography and software intelligence. The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL features a brilliant 6.8-inch Super Actua display and runs on the custom Tensor G5 chip, which enables exclusive AI features like real-time video processing. The camera system includes a triple 50MP rear setup and a 42MP front shooter for crisp selfies. Powering the experience is a robust 5,200mAh battery with 45W fast charging, ensuring the phone keeps up with its heavy AI workload throughout the day.
iPhone 17 Pro Max
Apple has once again refined its premium formula with the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Sporting a refreshed design in the striking new Cosmic Orange capability, it runs on the powerhouse A19 Pro chip. The camera system has seen a significant overhaul with a 48MP triple-lens rear setup and an upgraded 18MP selfie camera. Connectivity also sees a boost with Apple’s proprietary 5G modem. It’s a seamless blend of luxury and raw performance that keeps the iPhone at the top of the food chain.
Vivo X300 Pro
The Vivo X300 Pro cements its status as the photographer’s choice in 2025. At its heart is the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 chipset, delivering efficient, high-speed performance. The phone’s headline feature is its ZEISS-tuned camera system, specifically designed for portrait and low-light mastery. Vivo’s shift from FunTouch OS to the smoother, more intuitive Origin OS has also been widely praised. A massive 6,510mAh silicon-carbon battery ensures you can shoot photos all day without reaching for a charger.
Oppo Find X9 Pro
Balancing aesthetics with raw power, the Oppo Find X9 Pro is a stunning all-rounder. It packs a colossal 7,500mAh battery—one of the largest in its class—into a sleek chassis. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9500, it handles intensive tasks with ease. The device is also a camera beast, featuring a 200MP periscope telephoto lens that rivals dedicated cameras. Combined with a fluid software experience and rapid 100W charging, the Find X9 Pro is a top-tier contender for phone of the year.
Motorola Razr 60 Ultra
Motorola continues to dominate the flip-phone market with the Razr 60 Ultra. It boasts a massive 4-inch cover screen and a vibrant 7-inch LTPO AMOLED main display with a blistering 165Hz refresh rate. Under the hood lies the Snapdragon 8 Elite, paired with 512GB of storage. The dual 50MP rear camera system captures stunning detail, while the 4,700mAh battery supports 68W TurboPower charging. It successfully blends nostalgia with cutting-edge tech, offering a compact form factor without compromising on flagship specs.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7
Samsung has perfected the book-style foldable with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7. It is the thinnest and lightest Fold yet, featuring a 6.5-inch outer and a massive 8-inch inner AMOLED display. The device is a multitasking monster powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite and a 4,400mAh battery. Major upgrades include a new 200MP main camera that brings it to parity with the S-series Ultra.
Xiaomi 15 Ultra
Xiaomi’s 15 Ultra is a photography powerhouse designed to challenge traditional cameras. It features a quad-camera array with Leica optics, including a 1-inch 50MP main sensor and a revolutionary 200MP periscope zoom lens. The phone sports a 6.73-inch QHD+ AMOLED display with 3,200 nits peak brightness. Performance is handled by the Snapdragon 8 Elite, supported by a 5,410mAh battery and 90W HyperCharge. It’s a device built for creators who prioritize imaging above all else.
OnePlus 15
The OnePlus 15 is a testament to the brand’s “Never Settle” philosophy, delivering incredible specs at a competitive price. It features a groundbreaking 7,300mAh silicon-carbon battery paired with 120W fast wired charging. Performance is top-notch thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor and a buttery smooth 165Hz OLED display. The software experience is cleaner than ever with OxygenOS 16, making the OnePlus 15 a standout choice for enthusiasts who value speed, endurance, and a bloat-free interface.
Realme GT 8 Pro
Realme has disrupted the flagship market by offering premium specs at an aggressive price point. The Realme GT 8 Pro is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 SoC, coupled with 16GB RAM and 512GB UFS 4.1 storage. Its 6.79-inch QHD+ LTPO display dazzles with 2,262 nits peak brightness. Durability is a key focus with IP69 underwater protection. A 7,000mAh battery with 120W charging and a Ricoh-tuned camera system featuring a 200MP periscope lens make this the value flagship of the year.