The smartphone has been a major part of our lives for almost two decades, but new launches are showing no signs of slowing down.
Last year saw some real high-profile phone launches, including the Samsung Galaxy S24 series , Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 , Google Pixel 9 series , Nothing Phone (2a) , and Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra , as well as the global OnePlus 12 , Xiaomi 14 series , and Honor Magic 6 Pro .
Barely the first month of 2025 has passed, and we already have witnessed more major launches, including the Samsung Galaxy S25 series , plus the global editions of the OnePlus 13 , OnePlus 13R and Honor Magic 7 series .
Chris Martin / Foundry
Alongside the new phones, also look out for the software that will run on them, with Android 15 and iOS 18 both being rolled out to all compatible devices.
Most flagship Android handsets will use either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite or MediaTek Dimensity 9400 , though look out for successors in the form of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 and Dimensity 9500 towards the end of the year.
On the iPhone, successors to the current A18 and A18 Pro are likely to debut with the iPhone 17 series , including a rumoured iPhone 17 Air.
We may also finally get to see the next model in the SE series, although this time it may be rebranded as the iPhone 16E .
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
All of the phones in this list are expected to launch in the UK, but some won’t make it to the US. For each device, we’ll make the expected availability clear.
If you don’t need a brand-new device, any of the current best smartphones will serve you very well. Alternatively, opt for a refurbished phone to save a significant amount of money.
Best new phones coming out in 2025
Here are some of the best phones we expect to see this year in roughly chronological order.
Asus Zenfone 12 Ultra – Expected UK launch in March 2025
Asus
Following the Zenfone 11 Ultra from last year, Asus officially unveiled the Zenfone 12 Ultra on 6 February 2025. However, with a launch offer extending from 6-28 February, it’s likely to begin shipping in early March.
Resembling a toned-down version of the ROG Phone 9 Pro , the Zenfone 12 Ultra is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, with up to 16GB RAM and 512GB storage. It also features a 6.78-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display with a 120Hz dynamic refresh rate (144Hz for gaming).
The camera setup includes a 50Mp main sensor with gimbal stabilisation, a 13Mp ultrawide lens, and a 32Mp telephoto lens with 3x zoom, plus a 32Mp front camera.
While its 5,500mAh battery supports 65W wired and 15W wireless charging, the phone runs Android 15 with advanced AI tools.
Xiaomi 15 series – Expected UK launch in early March 2025
Xiaomi
Following an initial launch in China in October 2024, Xiaomi is expected to release its 15 series globally in early 2025. However, we already know pretty much everything about them.
The 15 and 15 Pro are both powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite and boast a trio of 50Mp rear camera lenses. You also get 120Hz OLED displays, though the 15 Pro has a larger 6.73-inch panel, as opposed to 6.36 inches on the regular model. On the Pro model, you also get a larger battery but both phones support 90W fast charging.
What’s more, the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is also expected to launch globally at the same time as the rest of the series in the UK, but neither is expected in the US.
Nothing Phone (3a) series – Confirmed UK and US launch on 4 March 2025
Connor Jewiss / Foundry
But before we get the flagship Phone (3), Nothing has announced a release date for the mid-range Phone (3a), with which the all-new Phone (3a) Pro may also debut.
The Phone (3a) might feature a Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chip, 12GB RAM, and 256GB storage. Its 6.8-inch FHD+ AMOLED display will likely have a 120Hz refresh rate, running on Nothing OS 3.1 based on Android 15.
The rear camera setup may include a 50Mp main sensor, 8Mp ultrawide, and 50Mp telephoto with 2x optical zoom, alongside a 32Mp front camera. A 5,000mAh battery with 45W fast charging is also expected.
Details on the Pro variant are limited, but it may offer upgrades over the standard model.
Apple iPhone 16E/SE 4 – Expected UK and US launch in March 2025
Foundry
Apple took a four-year break between the first and second generations of iPhone SE, before releasing a third version in 2022.
Rumours suggest Apple may be preparing for a fourth generation to be released in 2025. If that materialises, big upgrades would be expected, including the rebranded naming.
The next iPhone SE, expected to be named iPhone 16E, might finally see Apple ditch the home button (and Touch ID) in favour of Face ID. That would almost certainly lead to a display larger than the current 4.7-inch panel.
Changes that are almost guaranteed are a move from Lightning to USB-C and a more powerful chipset, while Apple may also introduce the Action Button initially found on the iPhone 15 Pro models.
Google Pixel 9a – Expected UK and US launch in March 2025
Chris Martin / Foundry
The last three generations of Google’s mid-range phone were launched at the company’s I/O developer conference in May, but recent rumours suggest that won’t be the case again in 2025.
Reportedly, pre-orders for the Pixel 9a will begin on 19 March 2025, with shipping and availability in stores expected a week later.
The phone will likely include the same Tensor G4 chip found in the Pixel 9 series . However, one of the standout changes in the Pixel 9a might be its design, particularly the camera setup, which could be very different from the standard models.
Elsewhere, the primary sensor might drop from 64Mp to 48Mp, and the battery life should also be improved over its predecessor.
Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge – Expected UK launch in April 2025
Samsung
Alongside the Galaxy S25 series, Samsung did its “one more thing”, revealing the Galaxy S25 Edge. Although the Korean brand hasn’t confirmed a release date, reports suggest an upcoming launch in the UK and 38 other markets, albeit not in the US.
The phone is expected to be an ultra-thin 6.4mm flagship, reviving the Edge branding for the first time since 2016. It might feature a 6.7- to 6.8-inch 120Hz OLED display and high-end cameras, including a 200Mp main lens, a 50Mp ultrawide, and possibly a 50Mp telephoto with 3.5x zoom, though some reports suggest only two rear cameras.
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip with 12GB RAM, the same as the rest of the S25 series, it will likely run One UI 7 on Android 15 with seven years of updates. Battery life is uncertain, with leaks pointing to a 3000-3900mAh capacity, 25W fast charging, and 15W wireless charging.
Pricing is expected to range between £999/$999.99 and £1,249/$1,299.99.
Motorola Razr 60 series – Expected UK and US launch in March or April 2025
Jon Mundy / Foundry
Motorola is set to expand its foldable phone lineup with the Razr 60 series as well, expected to include the Razr 60 and Razr 60 Ultra. The Ultra model has received certification in India, suggesting a possible release as early as March 2025.
Design improvements are expected, including a more durable hinge, a slimmer profile, and reduced display crease visibility. The main display could also enhance brightness and refresh rates, while the external cover screens may become more functional.
Performance upgrades may include the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset for the Ultra model and improved RAM options. Camera enhancements could involve better sensors, improved low-light performance, and AI-driven features.
While battery life may improve with larger capacities and more efficient power management, faster charging speeds could also be introduced.
Motorola Edge 60 series – Expected UK and US launch in April or May 2025
Jon Mundy / Foundry
The Motorola Edge 60 series is expected to launch in Q2 2025, with the Edge 60 Ultra likely priced at £849.99/€999. It may feature premium materials, a durable Gorilla Glass upgrade, and a 144Hz, 2500-nit display.
Performance could improve with the Snapdragon 8 Elite, while the camera setup (50Mp main, 50Mp ultrawide, 64Mp telephoto) may see video enhancements as well. Battery life should remain strong with a 4500mAh battery and support for 125W wired plus 50W wireless charging.
Launching with Android 15 and Hello UX, Motorola is expected to extend software support to match industry standards.
OnePlus Open 2 – Expected UK and US launch in the first quarter of 2025
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
The original OnePlus Open is the best book-style foldable you can buy, so we have high hopes for the second generation.
Latest rumours indicate that OnePlus plans to launch the Open 2 in the first quarter of 2025. If true, the OnePlus Open 2 might be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite . It might also feature a substantial 6,000mAh battery.
There’s no reason to change the cover or internal displays, while the cameras are already very good. Instead, focusing on improving battery life and getting more apps optimised for that inner screen should be the priority.
Nothing Phone (3) – Expected UK and US launch in summer 2025
Henry Burrell / Foundry
While Nothing released the Phone (2a) in 2024, it was more of an affordable version of the Phone (2) that wasn’t designed to replace it.
That’s why we’re still expecting a successor, which is expected to debut sometime in 2025. While Nothing has confirmed an event for 4 March, it’ll be reserved exclusively for the Phone (3a) Series .
Rumours suggest it’ll move to the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 , which would be a big upgrade compared to the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 found on the Phone (2).
Elsewhere, its characteristic ‘Glyph Interface’ of lights on the back is likely to stay, but there could be upgrades in other areas.
There’s room for improvement when it comes to cameras and the IP54 water and dust resistance. But the battery life and software experience are already very good, especially for a mid-range phone.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 & Z Flip 7 – Expected UK and US launch in August 2025
Luke Baker
Following the launch of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 in July 2024, Samsung’s seventh generation of foldables are expected around the same time in 2025.
While both are expected to be only a minor upgrade compared to the more refined 2024 models, Samsung might also introduce Special Edition and FE versions of both foldables.
Google Pixel 10 series – Expected UK and US launch in August 2025
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Until 2024, new Pixel flagships were released in October. The Pixel 9 series , on the other hand, was released in August.
While we don’t know if Google will change its established release schedule this time too, we expect the Pixel 10 series to be released earlier in the year once again.
What’s more, the 2024 launch also brought changes to the number of models. In addition to the standard Pixel 9 and 9 Pro, Google also unveiled the larger Pixel 9 Pro XL, as well as a successor to the Pixel Fold in the form of the 9 Pro Fold, this time as part of the flagship smartphone series.
So we expect to get as many as four models this time too. Google is also likely to reveal a new Tensor G5 chipset to power them.
And as usual, expect cameras to be a major focus, and this may be where we see Android 16 make its debut.
Apple iPhone 17 series – Expected UK and US launch in September 2025
Chris Martin / Foundry
Apple has been remarkably consistent when it comes to launching new flagship iPhone models. This year, they’re also likely sticking to their set course, as we expect the iPhone 17 series to be launched in September 2025.
As usual, Apple should unveil the iPhone 17, 17 Plus, 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max. However, one addition is expected, namely the rumoured iPhone 17 Air. While we still don’t know for sure, it could be a thinner and more powerful model that will be positioned above the Pro models.
Major changes may also affect the Pro models themselves. Although rumours are contradictory on this point, the design and materials used in the construction of the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max could be much different from what we know from the iPhone 16 series .
Honor Magic V4 – Expected China launch in July 2025, global release in September 2025
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
The Honor Magic V4 is expected to be one of 2025’s top foldable phones, with major upgrades in battery life, performance, and design.
The device is expected to remain ultra-thin while using Honor’s ‘Super Steel’ hinge for durability and retaining its IPX8 water resistance. It will likely feature a 6.43-inch LTPO OLED cover display and a 7.92-inch inner OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate.
Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite, it’s expected to include at least 12GB RAM and 512GB storage, along with improved cooling. The camera system may see upgrades, possibly with a larger sensor and enhanced telephoto zoom, while selfie cameras are expected to remain dual 20MP.
A major leap in battery life is also expected, with a potential 6,000mAh capacity, alongside 66W wired and 50W wireless fast charging.
Honor Magic 8 series – Expected China launch in late 2025, global release in early 2026
Foundry | Alex Walker-Todd
The series will likely feature a premium, lightweight design with a 6.8-inch LTPO AMOLED display (or 6.3-inch for a rumoured Mini model) and a Snapdragon 8 Elite processor with up to 1TB storage.
Cameras may see upgrades, building on the Magic 7 Pro’s 50Mp main sensor, 200Mp periscope zoom, and 50Mp ultrawide lens. The front camera is expected to retain 3D face scanning.
Battery capacity could reach 7,000mAh, with 100W wired and 80W wireless charging. The series will likely launch with MagicOS 9 or 10, with improved security and long-term software support.
AI-driven enhancements through MagicOS could also improve efficiency and performance.
Xiaomi 16 series – Expected China launch in late 2025, global release in early 2026
Xiaomi
The Xiaomi 15 series has just been released in China, with a global launch still pending. However, speculation about the upcoming Xiaomi 16 series has already begun.
Expected to be released in late 2025 in China first, the series may feature a premium design with ultra-thin bezels, Dragon Crystal Glass, and IP68 resistance. Displays could include a 6.36-inch OLED for the base model and a 6.7-inch LTPO OLED for the Pro and Ultra versions.
The performance will likely be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 or its successor, with up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage. Cameras are expected to receive major upgrades, including periscope telephoto lenses across all models. The Ultra could feature a 200Mp periscope telephoto camera, while the Pro may benefit from Leica tuning.
Battery capacities may reach 6,000mAh, with 90W wired and 50W wireless charging. The series will likely run on HyperOS 2, based on Android 15.
OnePlus 14 series – Expected China launch in late 2025, global release in early 2026
Foundry | Alex Walker-Todd
The OnePlus 14 and 14R are expected to launch in China around October or November 2025, with a global release in early 2026.
Design-wise, the OnePlus 14 series is expected to continue the flat-edged look of its predecessor, featuring premium materials and IP68/IP69 water resistance. Its displays should remain a high-end AMOLED panels from BOE, with possible improvements in brightness and efficiency.
Performance will likely be driven by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 for the OnePlus 14, with the 14R using a slightly lower-tier chipset. Their RAM options may range from 12GB to 16GB, with storage up to 1TB for the flagship model.
There’s a rumour that camera system could see a major upgrade, possibly introducing a 1-inch sensor for better low-light performance, alongside AI-powered enhancements. On the other hand, the OnePlus 14R may offer a similar setup with slightly reduced capabilities.
A 6000mAh silicon-carbon battery should return, with 100W wired and 50W wireless charging for the OnePlus 14, while the 14R may support 80W wired charging without wireless support.
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