10 Best New Smartphones 2025 in the United States

The OnePlus Open is an impressive new smartphone that stands out with its innovative design and top-tier specs. It features a unique foldable screen, with a 6.31-inch exterior display and a 7.82-inch interior display, both offering a vibrant viewing experience with Dolby Vision and 10-bit color. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth visuals, ideal for gaming and multimedia use. The phone's build quality is notable, using aerospace-grade materials and a custom hinge design that keeps it both durable and lightweight for a foldable device. However, this premium design does come at the cost of some added complexity and potential durability concerns inherent to foldable phones.

Powered by a Snapdragon processor and 16GB of RAM, the OnePlus Open promises fast and efficient performance for multitasking and high-demand applications. It offers extensive storage with 512GB, which should be ample for most users. The 4805 mAh battery supports 67W fast charging, allowing for quick recharges, but extensive use of the power-hungry display and processor might require more frequent charging.

The camera setup is a highlight, boasting a powerful triple camera system co-developed with Hasselblad. This includes a 48MP primary lens, a 48MP ultra-wide lens, and a 64MP periscope zoom lens, delivering excellent photo and video quality. On the software side, it runs on Android 13 with OnePlus's OxygenOS, known for its smooth user experience. Extras like Google One and YouTube Premium subscriptions add value, but note that they are only available for new accounts. Despite its strengths, the OnePlus Open's high price point and foldable design might not appeal to everyone, especially those looking for a more conventional smartphone experience.

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is packed with features aimed at providing an exceptional user experience. Its 6.8-inch edge-to-edge display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth, vibrant visuals, making it perfect for streaming and gaming. The display is also brighter and flatter, offering more viewing area. Powering the device is the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, coupled with 12GB of RAM, which promises fast and seamless multitasking. The 512GB storage is ample for most users, and the Android 14 with One UI 6.1 provides a user-friendly interface.

The S Pen adds a layer of convenience for note-taking and precision tasks, enhancing productivity on the go. The 200MP camera with 100x zoom and advanced Nightography feature make it a strong contender for photography enthusiasts, capturing detailed and clear images even in low light conditions. The fast-charging 5000mAh battery provides impressive longevity, with up to 45 hours of talk time, minimizing downtime.

The build quality is robust, with a sleek Titanium Black design that is both stylish and durable. However, at 233 grams, the phone is slightly on the heavier side, which might be a concern for some users. Additionally, the price point may be high for budget-conscious buyers. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is a top-tier choice for those seeking a feature-rich, high-performance smartphone.

The Google Pixel 8a is a solid choice if you’re looking for an unlocked Android phone with strong AI capabilities. Its 6.1-inch Actua display is both bright and responsive, ideal for smooth scrolling and video streaming. The phone boasts a 24-hour battery life, making it reliable for daily use without frequent charging. Camera quality is a standout feature, with Google AI enhancing photo clarity and group shots. The 8 GB RAM and A-Series processor ensure smooth performance, handling most tasks efficiently.

Storage at 128 GB is ample for many users, although there is no mention of expandable storage, which might be a limitation for those needing extra space. The phone operates on the latest Android OS, providing a seamless and up-to-date user experience. Build quality is sturdy with a sleek design in a 'Bay' color, weighing just 6.7 ounces which makes it lightweight and easy to carry. Security features are robust, helping to protect your data effectively.

However, those requiring higher storage or a larger screen might find it lacking. Additionally, while the camera and AI features are impressive, they may not appeal to users who don't prioritize these aspects. The Google Pixel 8a is ideal for users who value AI integration, camera quality, and a reliable battery life in a compact, well-designed smartphone.