Top 6 Smartphones To Watch This Year

This year is exciting for tech enthusiasts as the world's biggest smartphone brands prepare to unveil their flagship devices. With a focus on cutting-edge technology and user-friendly features, these smartphones aim to set new benchmarks for performance, design, and innovation. Whether it's Samsung's next-gen foldables, Apple's highly anticipated iPhone 17 lineup, or Google's ambitious Pixel 10 series, these devices promise to transform how we think about mobile technology. The competition among these top players is fierce, from breathtaking camera upgrades and powerful AI features to lightning-fast processors and bold new designs. Let's look closer at the top six smartphones that are set to dominate headlines and redefine expectations this year.

Samsung's Galaxy S series has long been a benchmark for premium smartphones, and the upcoming Galaxy S25 series is set to continue this legacy. The series, which includes the Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra models, is expected to launch in early 2025. All models are anticipated to be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, ensuring top-tier performance.

The Galaxy S25 Ultra is expected to feature a 6.8-inch OLED display with a 1-120Hz LTPO refresh rate, providing smooth visuals and efficient power consumption. Regarding photography, the S25 Ultra is rumoured to include a 200MP primary sensor, a 50MP ultrawide lens, and telephoto lenses, enhancing its versatility in capturing high-quality images. Battery life is expected to be robust, with the S25 Ultra housing a 5,000mAh battery supporting 45W wired and 25W wireless charging. The Galaxy S25 series will launch in the U.S. in early 2025, continuing Samsung's tradition of delivering high-quality smartphones.

Expected to launch on January 22, 2025

Expected launch price: $1,299.99

Apple's iPhone series continues to dominate the smartphone market, and the upcoming iPhone 17 series is expected to build upon this legacy. While specific details are limited, the iPhone 17 series is anticipated to feature a new A-series processor, enhancing performance and efficiency. The series is expected to include multiple models, including the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max, each offering varying screen sizes and features to cater to different user preferences.

Battery life is expected to improve, with the Pro models featuring larger batteries and more efficient power management. The iPhone 17 series will launch in the U.S. in September 2025, continuing Apple's tradition of delivering high-quality smartphones focusing on user experience.

Rumoured to be released in September 2025

Expected price for the base model: $799

Google is set to continue its tradition of pushing the boundaries of smartphone technology with the release of the Pixel 10 series in late 2025. The Pixel 10 lineup is expected to consist of multiple models: the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and the innovative Pixel 10 Pro Fold. Each model will target a different market segment, ensuring that there is something for everyone, from those seeking a compact powerhouse to those looking for cutting-edge foldable technology.

The Pixel 10 Pro is expected to be the star of the series. With a compact yet premium design, it delivers the best of both worlds in terms of performance and portability. Google's focus on user experience will continue, with the Pixel 10 Pro offering a sleek design and top-tier display technology. Meanwhile, the Pixel 10 Pro XL is rumoured to feature a larger screen and more advanced specifications for users who prefer a more immersive experience, with enhanced multitasking capabilities and superior graphics performance.

Expected to launch at a point in August 2025

The Google Pixel 10 is expected to be priced around $899 for the 128GB model, with potential price hikes pushing it closer to $1,000 due to the new Tensor G5 chipset.

OnePlus is expected to launch the OnePlus 13 series globally on January 7, 2025. The standard OnePlus 13 is rumoured to feature a 6.82-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor. The camera setup is anticipated to include a 50MP primary sensor with optical image stabilization, a 48MP ultra-wide lens, and a 12MP telephoto lens. The device may also offer a 6,000mAh battery with 100W fast charging. Pricing details are yet to be confirmed, but the OnePlus 13 is expected to be competitively priced in the premium segment.

The OnePlus 13's pricing details have not yet been officially disclosed, but it is set for a global launch on January 7, 2025.

Xiaomi's Mi 15 Ultra is expected to feature a 6.8-inch AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate. The device is anticipated to be powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9300 processor, with up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. The system will include a 200 MP rear camera, offering exceptional photography capabilities. A 5,000mAh battery with fast charging is also anticipated. The Mi 15 Ultra is scheduled to launch in May 2025.

As 2025 unfolds, these smartphones are expected to offer a range of features catering to diverse user preferences, from advanced camera systems and powerful processors to innovative designs and AI capabilities. While specific release dates and features are subject to change, these devices are set to impact the smartphone market significantly.

Expected to launch in May 2025

Expected price: $1,640 (equivalent to the £1,299 price in the UK for the 14 Ultra)

Motorola’s Edge 60 Ultra is set to make a big splash in the high-performance smartphone market when it is released in late April or early May 2025. This device is expected to feature a massive 6.82-inch OLED display with a 165Hz refresh rate, providing an exceptional visual experience for users who prioritize fluid scrolling and gaming. The high refresh rate is a game-changer for mobile gamers and video streamers, ensuring smooth motion, reduced lag, and a more immersive viewing experience.

The Edge 60 Ultra will be powered by the cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, delivering unparalleled performance, especially in processing power and energy efficiency. This chipset is expected to enable seamless multitasking, lightning-fast app launches, and a smooth user experience, whether playing graphic-intensive games, streaming 4K content, or running demanding applications.

Anticipated for release in late April or early May 2025,

The expected price for the 512GB model is €999 (approximately $1,070)

The smartphone market is shaping to be exciting, with flagship models from renowned manufacturers like Samsung, Apple, and OnePlus set to take centre stage. These devices offer enhanced performance, better cameras, longer battery life, and cutting-edge features such as satellite connectivity and foldable displays. As consumers, we can expect a wide variety of options that cater to different preferences and needs, making 2025 a year of innovation and versatility in mobile technology. Whether you're looking for a high-performance flagship, a foldable device, or a phone with unique features, the upcoming models will surely raise the bar for what we expect from our smartphones.