Top 5 Best Smartphones in Singapore: Flagship Picks for Every Need
Singapore’s smartphone market is buzzing with innovation, from AI-powered cameras to ultra-slim foldables and blazing-fast 5G connectivity. With major carriers like Singtel, StarHub, and M1 pushing 5G adoption rates above 55%, the focus is on premium devices that deliver value, performance, and style. Whether you’re a shutterbug, a productivity pro, or just after the best battery life, these top picks—drawn from local sales data, expert awards, and user trends—stand out in stores like Challenger, Best Denki, and online via Lazada or Shopee.
We’ve ranked them based on a mix of HardwareZone’s Tech Awards winners, market share leaders, and real-world performance in Singapore’s humid climate and urban hustle. Prices are approximate SGD retail and may vary with promotions—check for telco bundles to save big.
1. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra – The Ultimate All-Rounder
The Galaxy S25 Ultra remains Singapore’s bestseller for Android fans, blending S Pen productivity with a camera system that’s unmatched for low-light shots in bustling hawker centres. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, it handles multitasking like a dream, while Galaxy AI features—like real-time translation for Grab rides—make it a local favourite.
Key Specs:
- Display: 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz refresh, HDR10+
- Camera: 200MP main + 50MP ultra-wide + 10MP/50MP telephoto (up to 100x zoom)
- Battery: 5,000mAh with 45W fast charging; lasts 1.5 days of heavy use
- Storage/RAM: Up to 1TB / 12-16GB
- Price: S$1,798 (256GB)
Why it tops the list: Its IP68 rating shrugs off tropical downpours, and it’s the go-to for Samsung loyalists dominating 20% of the market. If you want everything—foldable alternatives aside—this is it.
2. Apple iPhone 17 Pro – Seamless Ecosystem Mastery
Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro edges out the base iPhone 17 as the premium iOS choice, with A19 Pro chip delivering buttery-smooth performance and Apple Intelligence for smarter Siri interactions. It’s a hit among expats and professionals for its privacy-focused features and integration with AirPods and Apple Watch—perfect for Orchard Road shopping sprees.
Key Specs:
- Display: 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 120Hz ProMotion
- Camera: 48MP Fusion main + 48MP ultra-wide + 12MP telephoto (5x optical zoom)
- Battery: 3,582mAh; up to 29 hours video playback
- Storage/RAM: Up to 1TB / 8GB
- Price: S$1,649 (256GB)
Why it’s essential: Holding the largest market share in Singapore at over 30%, it’s the “safe” upgrade with seven years of updates. Battery life improved 15% over the iPhone 16, making it ideal for long commutes on the MRT.
3. OPPO Find X8 Pro – Camera Beast with Epic Endurance
Fresh off HardwareZone’s 2025 Tech Award for best premium Android, the Find X8 Pro shines with Hasselblad-tuned cameras that capture vibrant Nightscapes of Marina Bay Sands. Its massive battery and 80W charging make it a value king in the OPPO lineup, especially for shutterbugs who demand pro-level editing on-device.
Key Specs:
- Display: 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED, 120Hz, 4,500 nits peak brightness
- Camera: 50MP quad setup (main + ultra-wide + 3x/6x periscope) with AI enhancements
- Battery: 5,910mAh; 50% charge in 15 minutes
- Storage/RAM: Up to 1TB / 16GB
- Price: S$1,399 (256GB)
Why it ranks high: Exceptional battery life (up to two days) and value pricing beat competitors, plus it’s officially stocked at Singtel for easy 5G plans. A must for photography enthusiasts in Singapore’s diverse lighting.
4. Google Pixel 10 Pro – AI-Powered Pure Android
Google’s Pixel 10 Pro is the minimalist’s dream, with Tensor G5 chip unlocking exclusive AI tricks like Magic Editor for instant photo fixes and Call Screen for dodging spam during dinner. It’s praised for its clean software and seven years of updates, making it a smart buy for Google ecosystem users.
Key Specs:
- Display: 6.8-inch LTPO OLED, 120Hz, Gorilla Glass Victus 2
- Camera: 50MP main + 48MP ultra-wide + 48MP telephoto; best-in-class computational photography
- Battery: 5,050mAh with 45W charging
- Storage/RAM: Up to 1TB / 16GB
- Price: S$1,499 (256GB)
Why it’s a top pick: As the best for AI features, it’s ideal for Singapore’s tech-savvy crowd. Available at the Google Store in VivoCity, it edges out Samsung in natural photo colors—perfect for Instagram-worthy Clarke Quay nights.
5. Xiaomi 15 – Value Flagship Slayer
Rounding out our list, the Xiaomi 15 snagged HardwareZone’s nod for best value Android, packing Leica cameras and hyper-fast charging into a sub-S$1,000 body. It’s exploding in popularity for gamers and budget-conscious buyers, with HyperOS delivering a customizable experience that’s miles ahead of stock Android.
Key Specs:
- Display: 6.36-inch AMOLED, 120Hz, 3,000 nits brightness
- Camera: 50MP triple Leica setup (main + ultra-wide + 3.2x telephoto)
- Battery: 5,400mAh; 90W wired, 50W wireless
- Storage/RAM: Up to 1TB / 12-16GB
- Price: S$999 (256GB)
Why it’s unbeatable: At half the price of Ultras, it offers 90% of the performance—ideal for students or young professionals. Xiaomi’s growing 15% market share in Singapore is fueled by Lazada flash sales and solid 5G support.
Final Thoughts: What’s Right for You?
Singapore’s smartphone scene favors premium picks with strong local support, but trends like AI integration and foldables (e.g., Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 or OPPO Find N5 at S$1,899 on promo) are worth eyeing if you crave novelty. Prioritize 5G compatibility for M1 or StarHub plans, and test in-store for ergonomics. With Black Friday deals lingering into December, now’s the time to upgrade. For the latest prices, hit up iPrice.sg or telco sites—happy hunting!