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The iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max have everything I’ve come to expect in a year-over-year upgrade. The 6.3-inch iPhone 16 Pro and 6.9-inch iPhone 16 Pro Max have a slew of upgrades including one of the best batteries on any phone I’ve tested as well as. In our testing it will easily last a day on a single charge.

The phones also have larger displays, outstanding photo and video chops, high-resolution slo-mo, a new Camera Control button, iOS 18 goodies and a handful of Apple Intelligence tools. The negatives are as thin as the borders around the new screens: You only get 128GB of storage for $1,000; there are only drab color options, and a the new camera button is easy to tap accidentally. Read our full iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max review.

Why we like it

This year the 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max have the exact same cameras — unlike the 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max, which had different telephoto options. Screen size, battery life and price should be the deciding factors when you’re choosing between the two. The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max are excellent phones worthy of a spot in your pocket (and mine) if you can afford them.

Who’s it best for

If you have an iPhone 12 Pro or older, upgrading to the 16 Pro makes a lot of sense. If you’re on a 13 Pro and still have a decent battery capacity, I’d say save your money. And if you’re on a 14 Pro or 15 Pro, there’s no need to upgrade. Also, I should note that the entry-level $999 iPhone 16 Pro only has 128GB of storage.

Who’s it not for

If you are looking for a budget phone or don’t need a phone with the latest features or tech.

The Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL have a lot going for them, from their shiny new designs and long software support period. But it’s the AI skills that really stand out, from the deep integration of the conversational Gemini Live, to the new Pixel Studio that creates weird and wonderful images from your text prompts.

The phones aren’t perfect. While the cameras are good and can take excellent photos in bright light, they’re just okay in low-light and in night mode. The best AI features will require a monthly subscription (though you get the first year for free) But if you’re keen to experiment with AI on your phone then the new Pixel 9 Pro range is a superb way to experience it. Read our Google Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL review.

Why we like it

Google’s Pixel line of phones has gone from strength to strength and its latest model is unquestionably the best phone the company has ever made. It’s not just the slick-looking design; the Pixel 9 Pro offers a superb camera system, a generous support period and a host of new AI skills making it one of the most accomplished Android phones around. The 9 Pro XL takes that further by accommodating a bright and vibrant 6.8-inch display.

Who’s it best for

It’s a great phone for those of you looking for an elegant everyday Android phone. The interface is easy to navigate and the camera takes great photos with almost no effort on your part. If you feel overwhelmed by the plethora of settings and menus on other Android flagships, Google’s Pixel 9 Pro is the way to go. If playing mobile games or watching videos on the go is a priority, opt for the larger Pixel 9 Pro XL.

Who’s it not for

If you don’t need the best cameras Google makes, consider the regular Pixel 9. I do like the fit and finish better on the 9 Pro, but it starts at $999.

Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra which has a lot of AI features, the best of which are interesting and the worst of which unreliable. Luckily, Samsung gets a lot of other things right on the S25 Ultra, which has a new Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, high-resolution ultrawide camera, and some sweet pro video tools that rival the iPhone 16 Pro. Samsung wisely kept all the best parts of last year’s Galaxy S24 Ultra (basically the entire phone including that antireflective display) but some of its worst parts, too, like the $1,300 price tag.
If you want the best screen you can find on any phone, get the S25 Ultra. If you want the most versatile phone cameras, get the S25 Ultra. If you want a stylus, get the S25 Ultra. But if your needs scale back on any of those fronts, the more affordable S25 options, or even last year’s S24 Ultra, may be worth considering. Read our full Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra review.

Why we like it

The reason to get the Ultra over its S25 siblings is its screen, which is truly the best I’ve seen on any phone, and the cameras, which are a step above what the S25 and S25 Plus have. Added video features like ability to record in Log format gets the Ultra as close as it’s ever been to the iPhone in terms of professional video capture.

Who’s it best for

If you have a Galaxy S22 Ultra or older, the S25 Ultra will seem like a significant upgrade. It’s harder to make that case for S23 Ultra owners, who, unless their phone’s battery is ailing or they can score an incredible discount, should otherwise sit this one out. And for you S24 Ultra owners, you don’t need this phone. Save your money and treat yourself to a nice steak dinner and a movie.

Who shouldn’t get it

The Galaxy S25 Ultra’s appeal is muddied by its $1,300 price. The regular Galaxy S25 has the same functionality, power and longevity, and it costs $500 less. Want a bigger screen? Consider the Galaxy S25 Plus. For the majority of people, the regular Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus will be a better fit.

When I tested the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus I was definitely impressed by the new photography features, the convenient Action button and the elegant build. I consider these phones to be top-notch choices for Apple fans. Parts of the iPhone 16’s key feature, Apple Intelligence, are now out, and the fact that these phones will support it means they’ll likely feel future-proofed for years to come. Aside from screen size (6.1 inches on the regular, 6.7 inches on the Plus), battery size and price, the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are identical in every way.

The iPhone 16 isn’t perfect — it’s missing an always-on display, and it feels like it’s been ages since Apple improved its wired charging speeds. But it checks all the important boxes and then some.

Why we like it

The iPhone 16 and 16 Plus rank so high in our testing because the phones appeal to both novice users and power players a like. They offer about 90% of the experience of Apple’s Pro models but cost hundreds of dollars less. Not only is the iPhone 16 a wonderful phone out of the box, Apple has a long track record of updating its software and security patches for years.

Who’s it for

When you think about how the Camera Control key, the Action button and the Dynamic Island come together, along with the camera and battery improvements Apple has made over the last several years, the iPhone 16 is a compelling upgrade for someone coming from an older iPhone, especially if that person is on an iPhone 13 or older. For those who don’t need the Pro’s extra photography prowess and battery life, the iPhone 16 won’t disappoint.

Who shouldn’t get it

I wouldn’t recommend buying the iPhone 16 just for the Camera Control button or the better ultrawide camera.

There’s a lot to like about the Pixel 9, from its respectable camera to its classy new design and lengthy 7-year timeline for software updates. But Google’s phones have always shined for their clean, slick software, and that once again applies to the Pixel 9 series. Pixels are also among the first to get new software updates, making them an ideal choice for those who want to get their hands on the latest version of Android first. Aside from Android updates, Google also brings new features to Pixel phones throughout the year through updates it calls Feature Drops.

The Pixel 9 comes with a few new AI tricks that you may find useful, like the ability to search for content in screenshots, generate images from scratch in the Pixel Studio app and add new objects in photos. These features aren’t must-haves, and they’re not without flaws. Plus, at a starting price of $799, the Pixel 9 has a higher bar to live up to. But the Pixel 9 feels like it belongs in that class of device. Read our full review for the Google Pixel 9.

Why we like it

The Pixel 9 and Google’s Gemini assistant still feel like a first step toward what the company is hoping to achieve: Making phone software more intelligent so that we can spend less time swiping, tapping, scrolling and digging. In the meantime, the Pixel 9 shines for its great camera, elegant design and clean software, just like the less AI-centric Pixels of years past.

Who’s it best for

If you’re a Pixel fan upgrading from an older phone, like the Pixel 6 or earlier, you’ll find a lot to love about the Pixel 9. But keep in mind that for the same price, Samsung’s Galaxy S25 has a brighter screen and a dedicated telephoto lens for taking zoomed photos.

Who’s it not for

If you want the absolute best cameras that Google makes, including having a dedicated telephoto lens, I’d recommend the Pixel 9 Pro.

Consider last year’s models: Apple no longer sells the iPhone 15 Pro Max, but you can still find it at third party retailers and often for hundreds less than the iPhone 16 Pro Max.

Protect your new phone with a case: Make your phone and its camera’s last longer with a case.

Don’t overlook affordable phones: The $499 Pixel 8A and $599 iPhone 15 can do almost everything that a new premium phone can do for a fraction of the price. Save some money and still take great snaps.

Wait for sales: Many of the best phone camera systems are found on more expensive models. Look for sales and discounts around major holidays, especially Amazon’s Prime Day and Cyber Monday.

Check if you’re already invested: Have you already bought a lot of iPhone camera accessories like a case or tripod? Stick with an iPhone if you still want access to them. Make sure your new iPhone will still work with your setup.