Despite the rapid evolution of AI devices, smart glasses, and XR headsets, smartphones remain the centerpiece of personal computing in 2025. The Smartphone Awards 2025 spotlight the industry’s most notable releases of the year, from folding phones to high-end flagships and budget devices, honoring innovation, design, and performance. Here, we dive into the standout winners and highlights that define this year’s smartphone landscape.
Dominating the Big Screen: Best Big Phone
The category for best big phone sees fierce competition as most devices push larger displays. This year, the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max took the trophy for its expansive 6.9-inch screen that maximizes utility without sacrificing portability. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5—recognized as the most powerful chip of 2025—it boasts triple 50-megapixel cameras and an impressive 7,500mAh silicon-carbon battery. Notably, it includes a nearly 3-inch 1,000-nit, 120Hz screen on the back for notifications and camera preview, setting it apart in both function and design.
Small but Mighty: Best Small Phone
With the overwhelming trend towards larger phones, finding a standout small phone is rarer than ever. This award goes to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7, a foldable that strikes a perfect balance between compactness and usability. When unfolded, it offers a generous 6.9-inch display, but its clever design with a 4.1-inch cover screen allows users to manage notifications and communications without unfolding, reducing distractions and making it highly practical for everyday use.
Lens Leaders: Best Camera of 2025
The crown for smartphone photography in 2025 goes to the Oppo Find X9 Pro. With a versatile quad-camera setup—including a 200-megapixel telephoto sensor—and true color sensor to enhance accuracy, it delivers exceptional photos across scenarios. It supports full 50-megapixel shots even at high zoom and offers rich video capabilities like 4K at 120fps and Dolby Vision, making it a versatile powerhouse. Runner-up honors go to the iPhone 17 Pro, known as the undisputed king of video quality and integration, appealing strongly to videographers and social media creators alike.
Long-Lasting Powerhouses: Best Battery
Battery technology took a meaningful leap this year, particularly with the advent of silicon-carbon tech. The OnePlus 15 wins best battery for its colossal 7,300mAh capacity paired with rapid 120W wired and 50W wireless charging, marking a new benchmark for endurance and convenience. Other notable mentions include the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max with its 7,500mAh battery and innovative 22.5W reverse wireless charging, and the colossal 11,000mAh battery of the Doogee S200 Ultra, which stretches usage significantly.
Design and Innovation: The Design Award and Foldables
The iPhone Air claimed the design award by daring to challenge norms with its impossibly light and thin body. Its minimalist elegance redefines what a smartphone can feel like, despite compromises like a single camera and smaller battery. Meanwhile, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 stood out as the best foldable—offering a balance of reliability, software optimization, and form factor refinement that makes it arguably the most practical foldable for daily use.
Most Improved and MVP: Reflecting Growth and Excellence
Apple’s iPhone 17 was both the Most Improved phone and the MVP of 2025, transforming the baseline iPhone into a full-fledged flagship experience by integrating a 120Hz display, upgraded selfie camera, and larger base storage without increasing price. This leap made it one of the most complete phones of the year, easily recommended across the board. Xiaomi 17 Pro Max also earned praise as a runner-up MVP with its impressive design and feature set, rivaling even premium competitors.
Conclusion
The Smartphone Awards 2025 underscored the enduring relevance of smartphones amidst technological diversification. From flagship giants maximizing screen real estate to innovative foldables redefining portability, the year’s winners illustrate a diverse and competitive market. Advances in camera technology, battery life, and design sophistication continue to elevate user experience, while budget-friendly options break new ground in value and fun. As we look forward, these devices set a high bar for 2026, promising even more innovation and refinement in the world’s most indispensable tech companions.
