Category: Phones

Discover the newest Android phones, from flagship to mid‑range, with honest insights on performance, design and value.

Best budget smartphone you can buy in 2025 – under $400

In 2025, the budget smartphone market is more competitive than ever, offering impressive features, solid performance, and sleek designs at wallet-friendly prices. Whether you’re a student, a casual user, or just someone who loves getting the best value for money, there’s a perfect device out there for you. In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best budget smartphones you can buy in 2025 — all under $400 — that deliver big on performance without the premium price tag.

This is a thorough guide to the top smartphones under $400, which include features like outstanding cameras, slick 120 Hz screens, and potent gaming-ready SoCs with 5G.

Google Pixel 7a – great camera, good battery life and updates

With 128 GB of storage, the Google Pixel 7a, which was released on May 10, 2023, costs less than $400 on Amazon. Its Tensor G2 processor, which Google has included, improves the performance of machine learning-based features, making it a great option for anyone looking for a small Google phone in 2025.

Among smartphones under $400, the Pixel 7a stood out with a 5-star rating in our assessment. It is the most affordable model in the Pixel 7 series, with features including wireless charging, 8 GB of RAM, and a refresh rate of 90 Hz.

With a 64 MP primary camera, a 13 MP ultra-wide lens, and a 13 MP selfie camera, the camera system has been much improved over its predecessor. Google’s sophisticated camera software guarantees that images captured with the Pixel 7a uphold the Pixel series’ excellent quality standards.

Google Pixel 7a
Pixel 7a has a 24-hour battery life and supports fast charging up to 72 hours with Extreme Battery Saver turned on.
~~$499.00~~$327.00Buy on Amazon

Apple iPhone SE (2022) – if you are in the Apple ecosystem

It is difficult to choose an Apple product under $400, but we firmly believe that the iPhone SE (2022) is the best option. Apple essentially discontinued the SE range in 2025 with the release of the iPhone 16e (review). Apple’s entry-level model is now the 16e, the company’s first new name since the 2020 “mini.”

Currently, the iPhone SE (2022) is only available through online retailers like Amazon. This budget iPhone features the powerful A15 Bionic chip, although it brings minimal upgrades compared to its predecessor. It offers a 12MP camera within a casing nearly identical to the iPhone SE (2020)—which itself resembles older models like the iPhone 8, 7, and 6s—and includes IP67 water resistance.

The most notable enhancement is 5G connectivity, which puts the iPhone SE (2022) on par with other smartphones under $400 on this list, aside from the improved SoC and more RAM (4 GB). After testing, we discovered that, despite certain issues, the gadget is still a great option for iPhone purchasers on a tight price.

Software support for the iPhone SE (2022), including complete iOS updates and security fixes, should last until roughly 2027 or 2028, according to Apple’s past trends. However, based on Apple’s future choices, precise timetables might change.

2022 Apple iPhone SE
Advanced single-camera system with 12MP Wide camera; Smart HDR 4, Photographic Styles, Portrait mode, and 4K video up to 60 fps
Good choice
~~$429.00~~$389.00Buy on Amazon

Samsung Galaxy A35 – for Samsung lovers

Surprisingly, Samsung chose not to distribute its well-liked Galaxy A55 in the US in 2024. As a mid-range substitute, the company instead unveiled the less expensive Galaxy A35.

In actuality, both models offer balanced camera capabilities, dependable battery life, and comprehensive software support, making them very comparable in terms of performance and specifications. The Exynos 1380 processor, which was used in the previous Galaxy A54 model, ensures seamless performance for daily use and light gaming on the A35.

Samsung has committed to providing software upgrades for the Galaxy A35 through 2029, making it the phone with the longest security support on this list. Although some more recent models provide even longer support, none of them now live up to this promise at this price point.

Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
6.6” FHD+ Super AMOLED w/Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ – Resolution 1080 x 2340 pixels
256GB 8GB RAM – MicroSD up to 1TB
$319.99Buy on Amazon

Nothing Phone (2a) – great battery life

Nothing’s newest low-cost smartphone, the Phone (2a), has a great design and well-balanced specs, making it one of the most attractive mid-range phones.

It delivers endurance with four years of security patches and three guaranteed Android updates, together with a positive user experience with Nothing OS. Although the most recent Snapdragon chipset is not included, performance remains dependable.

The Phone (2a) has the longest battery life in its pricing range thanks to its large 5000 mAh battery that supports 45W rapid charging. The remarkable 17 hours and 2 minutes of runtime that our battery testing revealed allowed for comfortable two days of use between charges and comparatively quick recharging.

The primary compromise is the camera’s poor quality, especially in dimly lit areas. With its appealing screen, reliable performance, and very long battery life, the Nothing Phone (2a) is a well-rounded mid-range choice.

Nothing Phone (2a)
Nothing phone (2a) boasts Co-engineered with MediaTek,the custom Dimensity 7200 Pro processor delivers the best performance with optimal power consumption.
NOTE:Only these carriers’ 5G network bands are supported,please check the bands before buying: T-Mobile n41,n66; AT&T n5,n66; Google Fi n41; Verizon Wireless n5,n38,n66; Cricket Wireless n5.
$414.54Buy on Amazon

Criteria for Selection

Our crew has carefully tested the top picks for our list of the best smartphones under $400, and we have added extra mentions to help you make an informed choice. Although this guide focuses on key aspects, I strongly advise reading our in-depth reviews before making a purchase.

We mainly took into account regular consumers looking for a balance between cost and usefulness while making this budget-friendly choice. To make sure you are selecting the greatest smartphone, I advise you to look over our larger list of top smartphones if flagship-level features or cutting-edge performance are important to you.

User Experience (UX). Smartphones priced around $400 often provide reliable performance for daily work, multimedia consumption, and casual gaming. Expect CPUs from the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 series or MediaTek Dimensity range, which offer outstanding value even though they are not the most recent generation.

Battery life and display quality are also important. We selected smartphones with batteries ranging from 4,500 to 5,000 mAh, which can last a full day. While charging speeds in this price range are moderate, often between 10W and 15W in the United States, these devices provide adequate endurance. Display technology is constantly advancing, with many devices offering Full HD+ resolutions and refresh rates of up to 120 Hz, including the increasingly popular OLED screens.

Although the camera’s performance is suitable for most daily uses, there are certain limits to consider. Higher-megapixel sensors are common, although their quality differs greatly from flagship models. We suggest care when using multi-camera systems, as extra lenses such as macro or depth sensors may have limited practical applications.

Software and carrier compatibility are other important issues. Smartphones in this category often receive fewer software updates—one to two major Android versions after launch—so double-check the device’s update policy before purchase. Additionally, check compatibility with your carrier, especially if purchasing unlocked smartphones.

April 8, 2025
5 things you miss buying an affordable Pixel 9A over a Pixel 9

Google’s upcoming midrange smartphone, the Pixel 9a, has finally been shown. It seems like a great deal on paper: you get a Tensor G4 chipset, a sizable 5,100 mAh battery, and a high-quality aluminum and plastic construction for $500.

You may be asking why you would pay $300 more for the basic Pixel 9 when the 9a has so many advantages. However, a lot of capabilities that are unavailable on the 9a are still available on Google’s 2024 flagships. The Pixel 9 has the following five features, while the 9a does not.

Quality build materials

With the Pixel 9a, Google is continuing its tradition of using plastic for its midrange Pixel phones. While the standard Pixel 9 has a glossy glass back and stainless steel side rails, the 9a has a plastic back panel with aluminum side rails.

However, that is not necessarily a bad thing for the 9a. Google’s new midranger feels good, according to AP’s Stephen Radochia, who also noted that the phone has a frosted texture on the plastic rear, giving it “a premium look and feel.”

Nevertheless, the standard Pixel 9 has a more upscale structure than the new Pixel 9a, thanks to its glass and stainless steel construction. The standard Pixel 9 has a little more personality than the 9a because it also has the recognizable pill-shaped camera bump.

Better cameras

The cameras are the primary visible distinction between the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9a. Whereas the cameras on the Pixel 9a are nearly flat with the phone’s rear, the Pixel 9 boasts a large, thick, pill-shaped camera bar. Better cameras are housed in the 9’s large camera bar than in the 9a.

The Pixel 9 features a 48 MP f/1.7 ultrawide camera in addition to a 50 MP f/1.7 primary camera. The new Pixel 9a features a 13 MP f/2.2 ultrawide and a 48 MP f/1.7 primary camera. The standard Pixel 9 will undoubtedly have the advantage, but those figures do not fully capture the situation. We will have to wait to test the 9a’s cameras to see how they perform.

More RAM

After four generations of Pixel phones with eight gigabytes of RAM, the Pixel 9 features 12 gigabytes. In contrast, the Pixel 9a continues to use 8 GB. For most users, that will still be more than enough, although the ordinary Pixel 9 has far more RAM than the 9a.

This memory disparity also affects on-device AI capabilities. Instead of using the Gemini Nano XS model seen on the regular Pixel 9, the Pixel 9a will use the Gemini Nano XXS variant. While the 9a’s Gemini Nano XXS model can only interpret text input, the Pixel 9’s more powerful on-device AI can handle multimodal inputs.

Faster charging

In comparison to other Android flagships, none of Google’s phones charge very quickly; nevertheless, the ordinary Pixel 9 outperforms the Pixel 9a in this regard. Depending on the charger you are using, the Pixel 9 can be charged wirelessly up to 15 watts and tethered up to 27 watts. In contrast, the Pixel 9a has a maximum wired charging capacity of 23 watts and a maximum wireless charging rate of 7.5 watts.

Ultrasonic fingerprint reader

Ultrasonic fingerprint scanners on the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro use sound waves to detect the surface of your fingertip. The Pixel 9a has an optical fingerprint sensor that uses light to optically scan the surface of your fingertip. Ultrasonic sensors are quicker and more precise than optical ones, but pixel phones’ optical sensors have always been fine. Even though it is a minor benefit, the basic Pixel 9’s ultrasonic sensor nonetheless gives it an edge over the Pixel 9a.

Buy Google Pixel 9
Google Pixel 9 with Gemini gets the best of Google AI first, so you can take amazing photos, make edits like magic, and get things done even easier
~~$799.00~~ $629.99Buy on Amazon

In many important aspects, the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9a appear to be fairly similar on paper, and the 9a even has several advantages over the standard 9. Naturally, there are a few features that the more costly 9 has that the 9a does not. It is too early to tell how much these improvements will matter to most users because we have not had a chance to test the 9a. In the coming weeks, we will have more to say on the comparison between the 9 and 9a.

April 6, 2025
Spring sale for Garmin Fenix 7 – lowest price ever

The Amazon Big Spring Sale has begun, and while it may not be as lucrative as Prime Day, you may still find a nice deal on a smartwatch. For example, the Garmin Fenix 7 is now available at its lowest price ever.

Right now, Amazon US is offering $300 off the Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar, which is currently $499 instead of $799. That is the lowest price ever on a still-impressive Garmin for adventure and the great outdoors.

Across the pond in the UK, there are a few discounts to choose from, but my favorite is this £499 Fenix 7X Solar, which is down from £649. That is not the lowest price we have ever seen, but it is a significant savings nonetheless.

Garmin Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar
With a $300 discount, this is the lowest price we have ever seen for the Garmin Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar at Amazon US. That includes solar charging, outdoor ruggedness, and all of Garmin’s industry-leading health and fitness tracking capabilities.
~~$899.99~~$529.99Buy on Amazon

While the Garmin Fenix 8 is the finest Garmin in 2025, the Fenix 7 still an excellent pick, especially at this price.

The 8 has a brighter AMOLED display, but if you prefer a solar option like the Fenix 7, you will not notice much of a difference.

Garmin fenix 7X Solar
Long-running solar powered multisport GPS watch with always-on 1.4” display and new ultratough athletic design uses the sun’s energy to extend battery life; a built-in LED flashlight keeps you going after dark
~~$799.99~~$622.96Buy on Amazon

The Fenix 8 performs better in terms of solar charging, and the newest model allows you to take phone calls, issue voice commands, and more.

However, the Fenix 8 is approximately twice the price of this discounted Fenix 7, and overall, I would rather save the money. This is a lot of smartwatch for around $500/£500, and it should provide excellent health and fitness tracking for years to come.

April 2, 2025
#leak, the battery of the smaller OnePlus 13T is larger than that of the larger OnePlus 13.

The OnePlus 13T, a smaller device, is OnePlus’s current focus. Similar to the Find X8S from sibling company Oppo, this will have a 6.3-inch screen. Because of its amazing battery capacity, especially considering its small size, the OnePlus 13T is once again the subject of rumors.

A recent Chinese rumor claims that the 13T would be able to accommodate an enormous 6,200 mAh battery (with capability for 80W cable charging). This is quite an engineering achievement, considering that the much larger OnePlus 13 only has a 6,000 mAh battery.

What will Oneplus 13T offer

Apart from that, there has been conflicting speculation in the past on how many cameras this phone would feature; it has been suggested that it will have two or three. Either an 8 MP ultrawide or a 50 MP primary and a 50 MP telephoto with a 2x optical zoom.

The Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset is said to power the OnePlus 13T, which also boasts a screen with “1.5K” resolution and an optical fingerprint reader built right in. It is anticipated that the phone would have a glass back and a metal frame. Sadly, it is yet unknown whether the OnePlus 13T will have a worldwide release when it officially launches in April.

March 28, 2025
New OnePlus device coming, 6.83″ screen and Dimensity 9400+ chipset – OnePlus Ace 5V

A new upper-midrange phone with a flagship chipset – a “flagship killer,” if you will – is presently under development by OnePlus. Although the exact name is yet unknown, OnePlus Ace 5V and Ace 5S appear to be the two possibilities. In any case, it will be the replacement for the Ace 3V, which was released in March of last year.

The new gadget is expected to be powered by MediaTek’s forthcoming Dimensity 9400+ SoC and have a 6.83-inch “1.5K” LTPS OLED flat panel with a refresh rate of 120 Hz. It will sport a 50 MP primary camera instead of a telephoto on the rear.

The device will come with OnePlus’ new button, which replaces the Alert Slider, and have a “simple design” on the back, whatever that means. The battery’s capacity has not yet been determined, although it may be 7,500 mAh when plugged at 80W or approximately 7,000 mAh when charging at 100W. OnePlus is presumably still undecided on whether to favor a larger battery or faster charging.

Although the exact date of the phone’s official release is unknown, we believe it will not be more than a few weeks, especially considering that the predecessor is rapidly approaching its one-year anniversary.

March 20, 2025
Looking for a Airtag alternative on Android – Chipolo One

Find My Device, Google’s recently enhanced tracking network, is intended to serve as the Android counterpart to Apple’s Find My network. The new Point tracking gadgets from Chipolo are also meant to serve as the Android equivalent of Apple AirTags. Among the first third-party tracking apps to integrate with Find My Device are the Chipolo One Point item tracker and the Chipolo CardPoint wallet finder.

I was curious to compare these trackers because I have been using Apple AirTags for a long time. Fortunately, I received a few from Chipolo for this use. In the end, I found nothing unexpected, which is fortunate.

Chipolo key points

Chipolo’s new trackers assist you in finding misplaced objects by integrating with Google’s Find My Device network. Earlier Chipolo trackers were only compatible with the Chipolo app for iOS and Android or Apple Find My, not Find My Device. The only devices compatible with Chipolo’s point trackers are Android smartphones and Google’s Find My Device app.

Two varieties of Chipolo Point trackers are available at launch. The Chipolo One Point is a tracker that fits on a keychain and is perfect for monitoring things like baggage, backpacks, and keys. Up to a year should pass before the replaceable battery inside of it needs to be changed. The design of this product is strikingly similar to that of Apple AirTags.

Mostly intended for use in a wallet, the Chipolo Card Point is a credit card-sized, flat tracker. Additionally, it can be used to monitor other objects, such passports. Before the tracker needs to be replaced, the Card Point’s long-lasting, nonreplaceable battery can last up to two years.

How they integrate with the Find My Device

I was perplexed by the configuration when I first got my Chipolo Point review trackers. At first, I assumed that you needed to configure them through the Chipolo app, which would somehow link them to Find My Device. But that is not how it operates. Everything went smoothly after I realized this.

Bringing it close to your Android device and pressing on it until a sound is heard is how you set up a tracker. A notice asking if you wish to set up the tracker then appears on the screen of your phone.

The Google Find My Device app allows you to see all of the information about the Bluetooth trackers once they are linked to your phone. Chipolo Point trackers allow you to share the tracker’s location with another person, find their current location, and sound an alert if they are close yet unlocatable. Additionally, you may view the device’s remaining battery life. Similar to AirTags, you may use your phone’s Bluetooth to activate step-by-step instructions to locate the trackers when they are close by.

It is crucial to remember that Google’s network protects user privacy by using anonymized reporting and end-to-end encryption for location data. Google’s Find My Device feature, similar to Apple Find My, will notify you if an unidentified device is tracking you. For instance, both networks discreetly notified me about each other when I fastened a Chipolo One Point to the same keychain as an AirTag.

Google pinpoints a tracker’s location using a combination of GPS, Wi-Fi, and cell tower signals.

A great tracker

It was a wise move on Google’s part to update Find My Device to enable tracking of non-Android devices. Third parties like Chipolo are finally launching helpful trackers as a result of that decision. In the upcoming months, more businesses will undoubtedly join the movement.

Both the One Point and the Card Point have really pleased me. They have a simple setup process (once you know how they operate), are reasonably priced ($28 for the One Point and $35 for the Card Point), and work flawlessly with Find My Device. Like other Chipolo trackers, I anticipate future iterations will be available in a variety of colors. I do not see any areas that require development beyond this.

Where to buy?

Chipolo ONE Point – 4 Pack
WORKS WITH GOOGLE’S FIND MY DEVICE NETWORK – Use Fast Pair to connect your Chipolo ONE Point to Google’s Find My Device app on your Android phone. After setup you can play a sound, locate it on a map or use Google’s Find My Device network to help you find it.
Best choice
$63.00Buy on Amazon

Chipolo Card Point
WORKS WITH GOOGLE’S FIND MY DEVICE NETWORK – Use Fast pair to connect your Chipolo CARD Point to Google’s Find My Device app on your Android device. After setup you can play a sound, locate it on a map or use Google’s Find My Device network to help you find it.
Best choice
~~$35.00~~ $24.00Buy on Amazon

Chipolo Point Bundle – 1X ONE + 1x Card Item Finder
Use Fast Pair to connect your Chipolo ONE Point to Google’s Find My Device app on your Android phone. After setup you can play a sound, locate it on a map or use Google’s Find My Device network to help you find it.
Best choice
$39.99Buy on Amazon

March 16, 2025
Great #deal for Chipolo One tracker – 20% off

If you ask me, there are far too many small details that each of us must keep track of on a daily basis. We have our phones, keys, wallets, and so on, and it is difficult to keep them all secure. So it is good to have a bargain on Bluetooth trackers that can perform the hard work for you. The Chipolo One Point Bluetooth tracker is currently available for $20, a 20% savings from its original price of $25.

The Chipolo One is our pick for the finest Bluetooth tracker in 2025. This variant is exclusively available for Android users and is compatible with Google’s Find My Device network. The tracker’s battery should last a year and is water resistant. Plus, it rings really loudly, so you do not have to worry about hearing it over background noise. Unlike Apple’s AirTag, it also has a hole for easy attachment to your keys.

Chipolo ONE Point
Key Finder, Bluetooth Tracker for Keys, Bag – Works with Google’s Find My Device app (Android only)
~~$25~~$20Buy on Amazon

The Chipolo Card Point is also on sale, down from $35 to $24, representing a 31% reduction. It is an excellent Bluetooth tracker for flat goods such as a wallet, passport holder, or pocketbook. It also supports Google‘s Find My Device network and has similar features such as water resistant and a pleasantly loud ring.

March 13, 2025
Redmi K80 Ultra will come with a huge battery, packing over 7000mAh

When we last heard about it, the Redmi K80 Ultra was expected to have a battery with a minimum capacity of 6,500 milliliters. However, it was back in January. We have a new rumor from China today that makes it much more specific. Without a doubt, the usage of Si/C technology will enable the K80 Ultra to have a 7,400 mAh or 7,500 mAh battery.

According to reports, the phone will be powered by MediaTek’s as-yet-unannounced Dimensity 9400+ SoC and have a 6.8-inch “1.5K” LTPS OLED flat screen with symmetrical bezels on all sides.

The round camera island will be positioned in the upper left corner of the back, and the frame will be made of metal. The Redmi K80 Ultra will enable 100W wired charging. An IP68 grade for water and dust resistance and an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint reader were also suggested in earlier speculations.

The formal introduction of the K80 Ultra may still be a long way off, considering it arrived in July of last year. Stay tuned since there will definitely be fresh rumors regarding it in the interim.

February 22, 2025
March 2 is the global launch date for the Xiaomi 15 Ultra.
Xiaomi will create excitement at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 in Barcelona next month by revealing the eagerly awaited Xiaomi 15 Ultra on March 2. Viewed through detailed, high-resolution photos published by Android Headlines, the high-end smartphone features an innovative form factor that draws inspiration from Leica’s iconic designs. It also boasts best-in-class mobility advancements and an enhanced camera system.

Inspired by vintage Leica cameras such as the SL2 Silver Edition, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra boasts an eye-catching two-toned finish with high-end glass and simple leather. The gadget retains Xiaomi’s recognizable circular camera module, but it now sports an upgraded quad-camera setup with Leica branding and an outward-facing periscope tele lens.

The device uses Xiaomi’s high-end four-curved micro-arc design, which has a discreetly arched front and rear glass and an unobtrusive display. Xiaomi Shield Glass 2.0 protects the 6.73-inch display panel, which has an exceptionally detailed resolution of 3200 x 1440 and variable refresh rate support from 1-120 Hz.

Cutting-Edge Camera System

The imaging capabilities of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra represent a significant upgrade, featuring:
- A 50MP main camera with Sony LYT-900 one-inch sensor and OIS
- A 50MP ultra-wide camera with the Samsung JN5 sensor
- A 50MP tele lens with the Sony IMX858 sensor, 3x optical zoom
- A first-in-industry 200MP periscope telephoto camera with Samsung HP9 sensor, together with an optical zoom of 4.3x – A 32 megapixel selfie camera for great selfies
Performance

The device’s core components are a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite CPU, 16GB of RAM, and up to 1TB of storage. Along with its massive 5410mAh battery, the gadget supports reverse wireless charging at 10W and wired charging via 90W HyperCharge. It also offers an 80W wireless HyperCharge system.

HyperOS 2, an Android 15 operating system, with enhanced security via under-screen ultrasonic fingerprints, is included with the Xiaomi 15 Ultra. The device has two speakers, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C, and an IP68 degree of dust and water resistance. It weighs 229 grams and measures 161.3 x 75.3 x 9.48 mm, providing high-end performance without sacrificing usefulness.

The fact that the smartphone actually comes with a charger will be especially welcomed by European users, demonstrating Xiaomi’s dedication to simplicity.
February 16, 2025
Top 10 smartphones in 2025 that are using Silicon-Carbon batteries

Newest

Silicon-carbon battery technology, which offers greater energy density, quicker charging times, and enhanced durability, is being quickly adopted by the smartphone industry. Silicon-carbon batteries, as opposed to conventional lithium-ion batteries, enable bigger capacities in smaller designs, guaranteeing longer battery life without adding bulk or weight to the phone.

This cutting-edge battery technology, which was introduced in a number of premium smartphones in late 2024 and early 2025, significantly improves charge cycles, heat management, and power efficiency. The top ten most recent smartphones using silicon-carbon batteries are examined in detail, along with the features that set them apart.

OnePlus 13

The OnePlus 13 boasts a 6000mAh dual-cell silicon-carbon battery with the highest dual-cell design energy density at 805Wh/L. This gives the phone more endurance while maintaining a small form factor. It supports 50W wireless flash charging, magnetic charging, and 100W SuperVOOC wired charging, which charges the phone from 0% to 100% in just 36 minutes.

In addition to the battery, the OnePlus 13 has a 6.82-inch BOE X2 2K+ AMOLED screen with DisplayMate A++ certification and a maximum brightness of 4500 nits. The Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, up to 24GB LPDDR5X RAM, and 1TB UFS 4.0 storage power it. The phone still has a 50MP Sony LYT-808 primary camera, a 50MP ultra-wide camera, and a 50MP 3X periscope telephoto lens. Additionally rated IP68 and IP69, it has a high level of water and dust resistance.

OnePlus 13
OnePlus 13 has a 6.82-inch BOE X2 2K+ AMOLED screen with DisplayMate A++ certification
$899Check on Amazon

iQOO 13

The third-generation silicon-carbon 6150mAh battery that powers the iQOO 13 can be charged with 120W wired fast charging in as little as 30 minutes. Its 44W UFCS and 100W PPS charging ensure a flexible and effective power management system, even though wireless charging is not an option. Additionally, a 360° surround antenna system is integrated within the phone to maximize network performance for mobile gaming.

The gadget has a 6.82-inch BOE Q10 2K+ AMOLED screen with a refresh rate of 144 Hz and a maximum brightness of 4500 nits. It has a Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, 1TB UFS 4.0 storage, and up to 16GB LPDDR5X RAM. It features a 50MP Sony IMX921 primary sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide camera, and a 50MP 2x telephoto lens on the front of the camera.

Vivo X200 & X200 Pro

The Vivo X200 Pro has a 6000mAh battery that supports both 30W wireless and 90W wired charging, while the Vivo X200 has a 5800mAh silicon-carbon battery with 90W wired fast charging.

MediaTek’s Dimensity 9400 SoC powers both phones, which have up to 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage and up to 16GB LPDDR5X RAM. A 200MP Samsung HP9 periscope telephoto camera with Zeiss APO certification that offers 3.7x optical zoom and OIS is also included with the X200 Pro. The series is extremely durable due to its IP69+IP68 dust and water resistant ratings.

Redmi K80 & K80 Pro

While the basic Redmi K80 has a 6550mAh battery with 90W fast charging but no wireless support, the Redmi K80 Pro has a 6000mAh silicon-carbon battery that supports 120W fast charging and 50W wireless charging. According to Xiaomi, the new silicon-carbon compound lowers heat generation during high-performance jobs and lengthens battery life.

The Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC powers the K80 Pro, while the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 powers the K80. Both devices come with up to 16GB LPDDR5X RAM and 1TB UFS 4.0 storage. While the ordinary K80 replaces the telephoto lens with an 8MP ultra-wide camera, the Pro edition has a 50MP Light Fusion 800 primary sensor with OIS, a 50MP 2.5x telephoto camera, and a 32MP ultra-wide camera. Both phones are rated for water and dust resistance with IP68 and IP69.

Xiaomi 15 & 15 Pro

In contrast to the Xiaomi 15 Pro, which has a 6100mAh capacity and supports 90W wired and 50W wireless charging, the Xiaomi 15 is powered by a 5400mAh silicon-carbon battery. An ultra-high energy density of 850Wh/L is another feature of the Pro model’s battery that guarantees a longer lifespan and greater efficiency.

The Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC, up to 16GB LPDDR5X RAM, and up to 1TB UFS 4.0 storage are features of both devices. The Xiaomi 15 Pro has a 5X periscope telephoto lens, while the Xiaomi 15 has a 50MP Light Fusion 900 primary sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide lens, and a 50MP 2.6X telephoto camera. Both variants have IP68 water resistance and ultrasonic fingerprint scanners.

Xiaomi 15 5G
International Model
$959.50Amazon

Realme GT 7 Pro

With its 6500mAh silicon-carbon battery and 120W rapid charging, the Realme GT 7 Pro can reach 50% charge in just 14 minutes. With the maximum 10% silicon content in the industry, it can prolong battery life for up to four years. It only has a 5800mAh battery in India, though.

The smartphone has a 6.78-inch 1.5K OLED display with a maximum brightness of 6000 nits and is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC. It has a 50MP 3x periscope telephoto camera, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 50MP primary camera.

Redmi Note 14 Pro+

With a 6200mAh silicon-carbon battery that has an energy density of 814Wh/L and 6% silicon content, the Redmi Note 14 Pro+ has a small form factor and a long lifespan. It has Surge G1 and Surge P2 battery management chips for increased power efficiency and enables 90W wired rapid charging.

The phone has 512GB of storage, up to 12GB of RAM, and a Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor. It has a 50MP primary camera, an 8MP ultra-wide sensor, a 50MP 2.5X telephoto lens, and a 6.67-inch 1.5K OLED screen. For increased durability, the device also has IP66, IP68, and IP69 classifications.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro
6.67″ CrystalRes AMOLED displayResolution: 2712 x 1220 (1.5K resolution)Refresh rate: Up to 120HzTouch sampling rate: Up to 480HzBrightness: 3000nits peak brightness
Good choice
$374.99Buy on Amazon

Honor 300 & 300 Pro / Ultra

With its 5300mAh silicon-carbon battery, the Honor 300 can facilitate 100W fast charging, reaching 59% in 15 minutes and 100% in 35 minutes. In addition to having 5300mAh silicon-carbon batteries, the Honor 300 Pro and Ultra models also have 80W wireless charging, which guarantees quick and effective power supply. Longer battery life and better power retention are made possible by the high-density silicon-carbon combination.

Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (Standard) and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (Pro and Ultra) power the Honor 300 series. For eye protection, the gadgets include 6.7-inch and 6.78-inch OLED screens with a maximum brightness of 4000 nits and 3840Hz PWM dimming. A 50MP front camera, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 50MP primary sensor make up the camera configuration. The Pro and Ultra variants also come with a 50MP 3x or 3.8X periscope telephoto lens. Additionally, they are IP65 dust and splash resistant.

Oppo Find X8 & X8 Pro

A 5630mAh silicon-carbon battery powers the Oppo Find X8, while a larger 5910mAh silicon-carbon battery powers the Find X8 Pro. Both devices enable 80W SuperVOOC wired charging, 50W wireless charging, and 10W reverse wireless charging. The ultra-high silicon content of the Find X8 Pro’s battery ensures longer endurance and improved heat management during rapid charging.

The MediaTek Dimensity 9400 SoC powers both devices, together with up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage. The Find X8 Pro has a 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED screen with Dolby Vision support and a peak brightness of 4500 nits, while the Find X8 has a 6.59-inch AMOLED display. The X8 Pro adds a 50MP 6x periscope zoom lens to the camera system, which consists of a 50MP main sensor, a 50MP ultra-wide camera, and a 50MP 3x periscope telephoto lens. Both variants have water and dust resistance ratings of IP68 + IP69.

Honor Magic 7 & Magic 7 Pro

A 5650mAh silicon-carbon battery powers the Honor Magic 7, and a 5850mAh silicon-carbon battery powers the Magic 7 Pro. Both devices support 80W wireless charging and 100W cable fast charging. Longer runtimes are made possible by the improved energy density provided by silicon-carbon technology, which also preserves elegant designs. Advanced cooling technologies, including as graphite sheets and stainless steel VC cooling, complement the increased battery efficiency and guarantee peak performance even under demanding conditions.

The Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC powers both phones, together with up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 1TB of UFS 4.0 storage. The Magic 7 Pro sets itself apart with a 50MP primary sensor, an ultra-wide lens, and a 200MP periscope telephoto camera with 3x optical and 100x digital zoom. Although it lacks the sophisticated telephoto capabilities, the Magic 7 has a comparable camera arrangement. With its 1-120Hz LTPO OLED screens, IP68 and IP69 ratings, and Magic UI 9.0, the Honor Magic 7 Series combines state-of-the-art technology with exceptional endurance, securing its place as a flagship challenger in 2025.

February 12, 2025