Top 5 Phones of 2025: Insights from Ivan at GSMArena
As the year comes to a close, it’s time to reflect on the devices that have defined the mobile landscape. Hello, I’m Ivan, one of the editors at GSMArena, where my role includes capturing the stunning phone shots featured on our homepage. I appreciate your continued support—it’s your engagement that makes this work worthwhile.
When it comes to mobile photography, I’ve always placed camera performance at the forefront of my decision-making. Interestingly, this year, there’s a noticeable absence of Samsung devices from my top picks. For quite a while, they haven’t been able to compete in the mobile camera space, which has led me to explore other brands and features.
My interest in foldable phones has grown significantly; I recall the initial allure of the Galaxy Z Fold4. By the end of 2025, it feels like foldable camera systems have reached almost the level of sophistication that I desire.
1. Oppo Find N5
The Oppo Find N5 has marked a new era for book-style foldables, setting a high benchmark when it launched in February. Following in the footsteps of the adored Find N3, this device boasts several enhancements. Notably, it features a more practical 6.5-inch cover screen while remaining slim and lightweight when folded. With a robust battery and fast charging capabilities, the Find N5 has longevity on its side.
The camera performance of the Find N5 is equally impressive, particularly with the main and telephoto lenses that capture sharp and dynamic images across various lighting conditions. While I considered switching from my trusty vivo X200 Ultra, I found myself preferring the more vivid color palette of vivo’s imaging.
2. Honor Magic V5
Hot on the heels of the Oppo Find N5 is the Honor Magic V5. Like its competitor, it features an elegant design and a slim profile, ensuring a comfortable feel when closed. The device also houses a substantial battery designed to last through a full day, although its charging speed is slightly less impressive.
The camera system is a highlight, providing satisfactory results for most users, though it didn’t quite reach the high bar set by my daily driver.
3. Oppo Find X9 Pro
Expectations aside, the Oppo Find X9 Pro pleasantly surprised me. Its aesthetics, feel, and construction immediately drew me in. The flagship model sports impressive specifications and is widely available, offering a compelling alternative to my mostly China-exclusive vivo X200 Ultra.
With a battery capacity of 7,500mAh, the device promises outstanding longevity. During my week-long testing, I found the camera capabilities to be top-notch. However, after a side-by-side comparison with the vivo X200 Ultra, I chose to remain loyal to vivo, mainly due to its more vibrant photography.
4. Huawei Mate X7
The Huawei Mate X7 represents a noteworthy contender in the foldable space. Although it’s too early to declare it the camera champion among foldables, early samples suggest its capabilities are promising. The 16/512GB edition features an impressive 50MP main camera, along with an appealing 81mm f/2.2 zoom, making it a compelling option for photography enthusiasts.
Though the design feels premium and aesthetically pleasing, the Mate X7’s reliance on Huawei’s custom silicon could pose challenges for battery life, especially compared to devices powered by Qualcomm or MediaTek’s latest chips. I’m eagerly awaiting the complete review to delve deeper into its potential.
5. The Future of OnePlus and Xiaomi
My favorite phone this year is the vivo X200 Ultra; however, I take a moment to express disappointment in OnePlus’ recent direction. Once a brand I cherished, OnePlus has taken steps backward in its camera technology with the OnePlus 15, opting for a smaller main camera sensor.
As for Xiaomi, a manufacturer known for high-end camera technology, I anticipated a new Mix Fold this year—but unfortunately, the Mix Fold 4 still holds the spotlight instead. Even so, it’s fascinating how it holds its own against competing foldables, with multiple zoom lenses that make it a compelling choice.
vivo X200 Ultra: My Top Pick
Unsurprisingly, the vivo X200 Ultra steals the show as my top device of 2025. I transitioned from the delightfully impressive X100 Ultra, and this upgrade has only solidified my admiration for vivo’s innovations. The 35mm main camera functions resemble that of a dedicated camera, akin to the Fujifilm X100 series, offering unparalleled versatility.
The device also features a remarkable 85mm zoom lens that excels in low-light captures while creating stunning bokeh. Coupled with a 14mm ultrawide lens featuring a 1/1.28-inch sensor, it enhances performance in various shooting conditions, especially for walkabout videos during travels.
What truly sets the vivo X200 Ultra apart is its color reproduction and image processing—qualities that yield photos with depth that captivate anyone who views them. Despite being a China-only model, its incredible capabilities allow it to stand out in a competitive marketplace.
For a glimpse at the stunning visual output, explore some of my favorite shots captured with the vivo X200 Ultra:
vivo X200 Ultra, assortment
For more insights and to explore the complete list, click Here.
Image Credit: www.gsmarena.com
