Based on the latest reviews, tests, and trends in France for 2025, here’s a list of the 10 best smartphones available, covering a range of price points and use cases, including performance, photography, battery life, and value for money. These selections are drawn from expert analyses and consumer preferences in the French market, focusing on models that stand out for their features and availability.
1. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
Why it stands out: The top Android flagship with a 6.9-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display (120Hz, 2600 nits), Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, and exceptional battery life (5000 mAh, up to 2 days). Its quad-camera system (200 MP main, 50 MP ultrawide, 10 MP and 50 MP telephotos) excels in versatility, with One UI 7 adding AI-driven features like the Now Bar.
Price: ~€879–€1302 (new), €799 reconditioned.
Best for: Gaming, multitasking, and premium performance.
Drawbacks: High price, S Pen lacks Bluetooth functionality.
2. Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Why it stands out: Apple’s top-tier model with a 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED (120Hz, 2000 nits), A18 Pro chip for unmatched performance, and a 48 MP triple-camera system (including ultrawide and telephoto). Offers 27+ hours of battery life and iOS 18 with robust software support.
Price: ~€1109–€1479.
Best for: iOS enthusiasts, video recording, and premium design.
Drawbacks: Expensive, slower charging (compared to Android competitors).
3. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Why it stands out: The photography king with a 200 MP main sensor, 48 MP telephoto, and 48 MP ultrawide, powered by Google Tensor G4. Its 6.8-inch LTPO OLED (120Hz, 3000 nits) and AI features (Gemini assistant) make it ideal for photo enthusiasts. Battery life is solid at 5060 mAh.
Price: ~€739 (reconditioned)–€1209 (new).
Best for: Photography, AI features, and clean Android experience.
Drawbacks: Slightly weaker battery life compared to competitors.
4. Honor Magic 6 Pro
Why it stands out: A high-performing flagship with a 6.8-inch OLED display (120Hz), Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, and a versatile triple-camera system (50 MP main, 180 MP periscope telephoto). Offers great value and up to 7 years of software updates.
Price: ~€699–€799.
Best for: Value-driven flagship performance, photography.
5. Xiaomi 15 Ultra
Why it stands out: A photography-focused flagship with a Leica-tuned quad-camera system and a 6.73-inch AMOLED LTPO (120Hz, WQHD+). Snapdragon 8 Elite ensures top performance, with 5400 mAh battery and 90W fast charging.
Price: ~€900–€1200 (estimated).
Best for: Photography enthusiasts, premium design.
Drawbacks: Shorter software support (4 years).
6. iPhone 16e
Why it stands out: Apple’s budget-friendly high-end option with a 6.1-inch OLED Super Retina XDR, A18 chip, and a single 48 MP camera. Offers excellent performance and battery life for its size.
Price: ~€669–€719.
Best for: Compact iOS devices, value for money.
Drawbacks: Single camera, no MagSafe.
7. Samsung Galaxy S25+
Why it stands out: A balanced flagship with a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X (120Hz), Snapdragon 8 Elite, and strong battery life (4900 mAh). Its camera system is slightly less advanced than the Ultra but still versatile.
Price: ~€699–€1053.
Best for: Those wanting a high-end Android without the Ultra’s size.
Drawbacks: Telephoto lens underwhelms.
8. Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G
Why it stands out: Best mid-range value with a 6.67-inch AMOLED (120Hz), 200 MP main camera, and 5100 mAh battery with 120W HyperCharge. MediaTek Dimensity 7200-Ultra ensures smooth performance.
Price: ~€309–€473.
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers, photography.
Drawbacks: No official waterproofing, MIUI may feel cluttered.
9. Motorola Edge 50 Fusion
Why it stands out: A solid mid-range option with a 6.67-inch OLED (144Hz), Snapdragon 7 Gen 1, and good battery life (4400 mAh). Its 50 MP main camera performs well in good lighting.
Price: ~€238–€254.
Best for: Mid-range performance, smooth display.
Drawbacks: Limited low-light photography.
10. Nothing CMF Phone 2 Pro
Why it stands out: A budget gem with a 6.55-inch AMOLED (120Hz), Dimensity 7300 Pro chip, and a 50 MP camera. Offers a clean, unique design and great value.
Price: ~€259.
Best for: Affordable style, clean software.
Drawbacks: Less powerful than flagships, limited camera versatility.
Notes:
- Availability in France: All models are available through major retailers like Fnac, Darty, Cdiscount, Amazon, or operator deals (e.g., SFR, Orange). Check for promotions, as prices vary.
- Choosing the right phone: Prioritize based on your needs—photography (Pixel 9 Pro XL, Xiaomi 15 Ultra), gaming (S25 Ultra, OnePlus 12), battery life (S25 Ultra, iPhone 16 Pro Max), or budget (Redmi Note 13 Pro+, Nothing CMF Phone 2 Pro).
- Software updates: Apple and Samsung offer 7+ years of updates, while Honor and Google provide strong support. Xiaomi’s shorter update cycle (4 years) is a consideration for long-term use.
