Spain’s smartphone market is booming, with nearly 97.5% of households owning at least one device. Chinese brands like Xiaomi dominate with a 30% market share, followed by Samsung and Apple. But popularity doesn’t always equal “best”—we’ve curated this list based on expert reviews, performance benchmarks, camera quality, battery life, and value for money, tailored to Spanish consumers who prioritize 5G connectivity, long software support, and affordability amid rising data plans from providers like Movistar and Vodafone. Whether you’re snapping photos in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter or streaming La Liga matches, these picks deliver. Prices are approximate in euros, based on current retailers like El Corte Inglés and Amazon.es.
1. Xiaomi 15 Ultra – The Ultimate Flagship Powerhouse
Xiaomi’s crown jewel for 2025 isn’t just Spain’s favorite brand—it’s a beast for creators and gamers. Priced around €1,499 for the 16GB RAM/512GB model, it boasts a stunning 6.73-inch 1440p LTPO OLED display with 120Hz refresh and Dolby Vision, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for buttery-smooth multitasking. The camera system shines brightest: a quad 50MP setup (wide, ultra-wide, 3.2x telephoto, 5x periscope) rivals pro DSLRs, excelling in low-light tapas nights. A massive 5,500mAh battery lasts two days, with 120W wired charging. IP68-rated and promised 5 years of updates, it’s ideal for tech-savvy Spaniards ditching Samsung for value.
2. iPhone 17 Pro – Apple’s Sleek All-Rounder
Apple’s latest reclaiming the throne at €1,249 (128GB), the iPhone 17 Pro blends premium build with AI smarts. Its 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED (120Hz ProMotion) is vibrant for editing 4K videos from the Camino de Santiago. The A18 Pro chip crushes benchmarks, while the camera trio—48MP main, 48MP ultra-wide, 12MP 5x telephoto—delivers natural colors and Cinematic mode. Battery life hits 20+ hours of mixed use, bolstered by a new 3,279mAh cell and MagSafe. With iOS 19’s Apple Intelligence features like real-time translation for multilingual chats, it’s perfect for iMessage loyalists in Madrid. Drawback: No expandable storage.
3. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra – The Versatile Productivity King
For €1,349 (256GB), Samsung’s S Pen-toting giant is a workhorse for professionals. A 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X (QHD+, 120Hz) display with anti-glare coating suits sunny Andalusian afternoons. The Snapdragon 8 Elite powers Galaxy AI tools like live call translation in Spanish/English. Cameras? A 200MP main sensor, 50MP ultra-wide, and dual 10MP telephotos (3x/10x) capture epic sunsets. The 5,000mAh battery endures 1.5 days with 45W charging, and seven years of updates future-proof it. Foldable fans might eye the Galaxy Z Fold 7 alternative, but this slab phone wins for stylus note-taking during siestas.
4. Google Pixel 10 Pro XL – AI and Camera Maestro
At €1,099 (128GB), Google’s Pixel steals hearts with pure Android and wizardly AI. The 6.8-inch LTPO OLED (120Hz, 3,000 nits) is a HDR dream for Netflix binges on the AVE train. Tensor G5 chip enables Magic Editor for photo tweaks and Gemini for contextual summaries. The camera magic—50MP main, 48MP ultra-wide, 48MP 5x telephoto—produces the most lifelike shots, especially portraits with skin tones true to Spain’s diverse crowds. A 5,060mAh battery with adaptive charging lasts all day, plus seven years of support. It’s the pick for privacy-focused users who value software over raw specs.
5. OnePlus 13 – The Budget-Friendly Speed Demon
Rounding out the list at €899 (256GB), OnePlus delivers flagship vibes without the premium price tag. Its 6.82-inch QHD+ AMOLED (120Hz) display hits 4,500 nits for outdoor visibility in Valencia’s markets. The Snapdragon 8 Elite ensures lag-free gaming, with OxygenOS 15 adding AI enhancements like audio eraser. Cameras (50MP triple array with Hasselblad tuning) impress for the cost, though not Ultra-level. The 6,000mAh battery with 100W SUPERVOOC charging refuels in 25 minutes—ideal for on-the-go lifestyles. With IP69 durability and four years of updates, it’s Xiaomi’s closest rival for value hunters.
Quick Comparison Table
| Rank | Model | Price (€) | Key Strength | Battery (mAh) | Camera Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Xiaomi 15 Ultra | 1,499 | Camera & Display | 5,500 | Quad 50MP, 5x periscope |
| 2 | iPhone 17 Pro | 1,249 | Ecosystem & AI | 3,279 | 48MP triple, 5x telephoto |
| 3 | Galaxy S25 Ultra | 1,349 | Productivity | 5,000 | 200MP main, 10x zoom |
| 4 | Pixel 10 Pro XL | 1,099 | Software & Photos | 5,060 | 50MP AI-enhanced triple |
| 5 | OnePlus 13 | 899 | Value & Charging | 6,000 | 50MP Hasselblad triple |
In Spain’s competitive scene, Xiaomi leads sales, but these models balance global excellence with local needs like EU-compliant chargers and eSIM for roaming in the EU. Check carriers for bundles—Vodafone often sweetens deals. Whichever you choose, flagships make upgrading worthwhile. What’s your must-have feature?
