The 5 Best Android Phones of 2025 (Consumer Reports)
Consumer Reports has revealed its list of the best Android phones of 2025, based on extensive lab testing and long-term evaluations. The rankings take into account more than a dozen factors, including performance, display quality, battery life, camera performance, durability, and ease of use.
2025 was a strong year for Android devices. AI features became standard even outside the flagship tier, foldable phones matured into practical daily drivers, and camera systems continued to improve across the board. According to Consumer Reports, Samsung and Google once again dominated the rankings, offering strong options at every price level.
5 top-ranked Android phones of 2025
1. Google Pixel 9a
The Pixel 9a earned its spot as the standout budget phone of 2025. It brings Google's AI features, including on-device Gemini Nano, to a more affordable price point, while still delivering strong battery life and a solid build.
Consumer Reports praised its camera performance in particular, noting that it competes closely with last year's flagships despite its mid-range positioning. For users who want reliable performance and excellent photography without paying flagship prices, the Pixel 9a was rated as one of the best values of the year.
2. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7
Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip7 shows how far foldable phones have come. With improvements to the cover display and better integration of AI features, the Flip7 allows users to interact with key functions without fully opening the device.
Consumer Reports rated it on par with more expensive foldables, highlighting its portability and improved usability. While still not for everyone, the Flip7 is no longer just a novelty-it's a practical option for users curious about foldable phones without committing to Samsung's highest-end models.
3. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7
The Galaxy Z Fold7 continues Samsung's push toward large-screen productivity on mobile devices. Its book-style folding design makes multitasking easier, and the updated hinge improves durability compared to earlier generations.
Consumer Reports gave the Fold7 high marks for performance and display quality, but noted that its high price limits its appeal. It's an excellent device for power users who can take advantage of the large inner screen, though not a must-have for the average smartphone buyer.
4. Google Pixel 10 Pro
Photography remains the Pixel line's biggest strength, and the Pixel 10 Pro reinforces that reputation. With advanced AI-assisted camera features, a powerful zoom system, and long-term software support, it ranked exceptionally well in Consumer Reports' camera testing.
Among 2025 Android phones, it offered one of the best balances between premium features and price. Consumer Reports noted that it's one of the most affordable phones to receive a top-tier camera rating, making it an attractive choice for photography-focused users.
5. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
At the top of Consumer Reports' rankings sits the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Samsung's flagship impressed across nearly every category, from performance and display quality to camera capabilities and physical durability.
The device's AI-powered features, combined with a customized high-end processor, helped it achieve the highest overall score of any Android phone released in 2025. For users looking for the most complete Android experience available last year, Consumer Reports considers the Galaxy S25 Ultra the clear winner.
Consumer Reports reveal the Best Android Phones of 2025
Consumer Reports' 2025 rankings show a mature Android ecosystem with strong options at every level. Budget phones like the Pixel 9a now offer features that once required a flagship, while foldables such as the Galaxy Z Flip7 and Fold7 continue to refine their place in the market. At the high end, the Galaxy S25 Ultra set the benchmark for overall performance.
While the "best" phone still depends on budget and personal needs, these five models represent the strongest Android devices of 2025 based on independent testing and long-term reliability.
What's your favorite Android phone?
Great roundup of the best Android phones of 2025 according to Consumer Reports. Performance, battery life, and AI features clearly define this year’s top picks. Just like choosing the right smartphone, prioritizing hearing health matters too. Ear Solutions offers free hearing tests and advanced Bluetooth hearing aids to stay connected.
The best ones allow you to unlock the bootloader and install ROMs and offer the longest security and major update support.
And not a single Chinese phone, I can name at least 10 devices that are much better than those:
– Realme GT 8 Pro
– Realme 14 Pro+
– vivo iQOO Z10 Turbo+
– Oppo Reno14
– Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro+
– Xiaomi Poco F7
– ZTE nubia RedMagic 11 Pro+
– ZTE nubia Z80 Ultra
– Meizu Note 22 Pro
– Meizu 22
All those phones have much better specifications and much lower prices, those buying Google/Samsung are being ripped off.
I would say the article is based on phones that work in the US. As those other phones are better but do not have all the bands in the US. I wish they came with all US bands as more would buy those phones.
Under most people’s radar: The Umidigi G9 5G is also a very good budget phone. Even the two year old ones that stop at Android 14. They are still security updating those too. Works fine for me. But I use it mostly for travel, and a notebook too.
More like “according to companies who paid Consumer Reports”.
No, CR does not take payments from the companies that make what they review. Their funding comes mostly from subscribers.
Seconded!
I wish the content for each phone had some ‘byte’. Pricing, basic specs, dimensions…
this reads like it was used to fill ad-space for ‘Better Homes and Gardens’. I think your audience here is a tad more tech-savvy. And by tad, I mean considerably more.