7 Best Phones in the United Kingdom 2025
As of 2025, the smartphone market in the UK is buzzing with innovation, from AI-powered cameras to foldables and ultra-thin designs. We’ve curated this list based on expert reviews from trusted UK sources, focusing on performance, battery life, camera quality, software support, and value for money. Prices are in GBP and reflect current retail averages from major outlets like Amazon, Currys, and Argos. Whether you’re after a flagship iPhone or a budget Android, there’s something here for every budget.
1. Apple iPhone 16 Pro – Best Overall iPhone
The iPhone 16 Pro remains the gold standard for iOS users, blending premium build quality with seamless integration into Apple’s ecosystem. It’s ideal for photographers and power users who want a compact yet powerful device.
Key Specs:
- Screen: 6.3-inch OLED, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Apple A18 Pro
- Cameras: Triple 48MP setup (main, ultrawide, telephoto) + 12MP selfie
- Battery: 3,582mAh (up to 27 hours video playback)
- Storage: Up to 1TB
Pros: Stunning photo quality, intuitive new camera button, blazing-fast performance.
Cons: Incremental upgrade from iPhone 15 Pro, some AI features delayed.
Price: £949
2. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra – Best Android Flagship
Samsung’s S25 Ultra dominates with its S Pen stylus and pro-level cameras, making it a versatile powerhouse for creatives and multitaskers in the UK market.
Key Specs:
- Screen: 6.9-inch OLED, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite
- Cameras: Quad 200MP setup (main, ultrawide, dual telephoto) + 16MP selfie
- Battery: 5,000mAh
- Storage: Up to 1TB
Pros: Advanced AI tools for editing and productivity, exceptional zoom capabilities, included stylus.
Cons: Bulky design, high price point.
Price: £1,249
3. Google Pixel 9a – Best Mid-Range Value
For those seeking flagship features without the premium tag, the Pixel 9a delivers Google’s clean Android experience and AI smarts at an unbeatable price—perfect for UK students or first-time buyers.
Key Specs:
- Screen: 6.3-inch OLED, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Google Tensor G4
- Cameras: Dual 48MP (main, ultrawide) + 13MP selfie
- Battery: 5,100mAh
- Storage: Up to 256GB
Pros: Matches Pixel 9 Pro performance, excellent daylight cameras, seven years of updates.
Cons: Basic design, slower charging speeds.
Price: £499
4. OnePlus 13 – Best Battery Life
The OnePlus 13 shines with its massive battery and rapid charging, offering flagship specs at a more accessible price—great for heavy UK commuters relying on all-day power.
Key Specs:
- Screen: 6.82-inch AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite
- Cameras: Triple 50MP (main, ultrawide, telephoto) + 32MP selfie
- Battery: 6,000mAh (100W wired charging)
- Storage: Up to 512GB
Pros: Epic endurance, vibrant Hasselblad-tuned cameras, smooth OxygenOS.
Cons: Shorter software support window, pricier than predecessors.
Price: £899
5. Nothing CMF Phone 2 Pro – Best Budget Innovator
Nothing’s CMF Phone 2 Pro brings fun, modular design to the affordable segment, appealing to UK users who want something quirky yet capable without breaking the bank.
Key Specs:
- Screen: 6.77-inch OLED, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Pro
- Cameras: Triple 50MP (main, ultrawide, telephoto) + 12MP selfie
- Battery: 5,000mAh
- Storage: Up to 256GB
Pros: Unique customizable accessories, solid telephoto lens, lively UI.
Cons: Average speaker quality, camera stabilization issues.
Price: £219
6. Samsung Galaxy S25 – Best Compact Flagship
If you prefer a pocketable powerhouse, the Galaxy S25 packs Ultra-level performance into a smaller form, ideal for UK professionals on the go.
Key Specs:
- Screen: 6.2-inch AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite
- Cameras: Triple 50MP (main, ultrawide, telephoto) + 12MP selfie
- Battery: 4,000mAh
- Storage: Up to 512GB
Pros: Lightweight and ergonomic, reliable all-day battery, AI-enhanced UI.
Cons: Cameras solid but not class-leading, interface can feel cluttered.
Price: £849
7. Xiaomi 15 Ultra – Best Camera Enthusiast
Xiaomi’s 15 Ultra is a zoom monster for photography buffs, with optional pro accessories that elevate it beyond standard flagships—available widely in the UK via Xiaomi’s site.
Key Specs:
- Screen: 6.73-inch AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite
- Cameras: Quad 200MP (main with 1-inch sensor, ultrawide, dual telephoto) + 32MP selfie
- Battery: 5,410mAh
- Storage: Up to 1TB
Pros: Unrivaled zoom and color accuracy, modular photography kit option.
Cons: Software can feel overwhelming, premium pricing.
Price: £1,299
These picks balance high-end flagships with accessible options, ensuring there’s a top phone for every UK lifestyle. Check for deals on sites like Amazon UK or EE for carrier bundles. If your needs lean toward foldables or gaming, let us know for tailored recommendations!
