Apple's base iPhone 16 doesn't compete with its top-tier siblings on every mark. Still, it provides an enjoyable smartphone experience thanks to its dependable performance, competitive camera system, reasonable battery life, and long-term software support. And with plenty of color choices available, you can find the one that best suits your personality.

The iPhone 16 is an excellent value for people who don't need the latest smartphone technology and want to save a few hundred dollars over other models in the lineup.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is a premiere flagship with a gorgeous screen, fast performance, long battery life, and powerful cameras covering super-wide and 100x telephoto views. Galaxy AI-enhanced photo editing and assistant tools, along with S Pen stylus support, make it a productivity powerhouse. Most importantly, Samsung promises seven years of OS updates for it.

Professionals who need advanced multitasking features and artists who relish the included stylus should find that the S25 Ultra does everything they need.

The Galaxy Z Fold 6 offers among the most screen real estate of any device that still fits in your pocket. It unfolds to reveal a high-resolution, 7.6-inch display that's excellent for watching video. On the productivity front, the phone supports multi-window workflows, comes with Galaxy AI enhancements, supports Samsung's S Pen stylus (not included) for handwriting notes, and offers the DeX mode, which allows the phone to act like a PC when you pair it with a monitor.

The Z Fold 6 is a high-end device for buyers who prioritize productivity over everything else. No other phone we've tested provides as much versatility.

Google's sub-flagship Pixel 9 costs hundreds less than the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 XL and still offers all the most important features from the Pro-grade devices. You get excellent cameras, advanced AI-assisted photo editing capabilities, and plenty of Google Gemini features to help make your life easier. An IP68 rating and seven years of software support are also highlights, as are the bright screen and solid battery life.

If you want Google's version of Android, system updates before everyone else, and long-term software support, all wrapped up in an appealing design, the Google Pixel 9 is a worthwhile choice at an reasonable price.

The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G is one of the best budget-friendly phones available. For less than $200, it provides a large screen, excellent battery life, capable cameras, and a long-term software commitment from Samsung. We're also fans microSD card slot and improved durability thanks to an IP54 rating.

If you're shopping on a strict budget, the Galaxy A16 is an excellent value that can withstand the demands of daily life.

The iPhone 16 Pro Max is Apple's most advanced phone. It has the largest screen, longest battery life, most capable cameras, and fastest performance. Thanks to Pro Res support and Apple's excellent first-party software, it's especially suitable for media capture and creation and supports Apple Intelligence.

Apple's top-tier smartphone is ideal for those who prioritize videography, photography, and other creative pursuits.

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL has one of the best camera systems of any smartphone. It can take quality telephoto pictures and record high-resolution video at fast speeds. The selfie camera is also excellent, and Google’s AI-based photo and video editing tools further enhance the experience. Among the phone's other benefits are that it gets new versions of Android first and enjoys long-term support from Google. It also has an incredibly bright screen and improved battery life.

If photography is your primary interest, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is a top choice thanks to its combination of capable camera hardware and AI-assisted processing. Its 6.8-inch screen also makes it an excellent choice for those who want a large screen for consuming content.

If you're in the market for a clamshell-style folding phone, Motorola's Razr+ is one of the best available. It has an appealing design, satisfactory battery life, and flexible cameras. More importantly, its external display supports an advanced user interface that lets you deal with alerts and messages without fully opening your phone. An IPX8 rating also means that it is fully waterproof.

If you want to spend less time looking at your phone, the Moto Razr+ can help thanks to its capable outer display. It folds down to a very portable size, too.