Short answer — depends on what you value. Here are my top picks right now (United States, Oct 2, 2025), grouped by purpose so you can pick the “best” phone for your needs.

Top picks (quick)

• Best iPhone (overall): iPhone 16 Pro / Pro Max — best iOS experience, strongest app/OS ecosystem, top performance and long software support. (techradar.com)
• Best Android flagship (overall): Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra — top display, battery, and very capable cameras (200MP sensor + big zoom on Ultra). (androidauthority.com)
• Best Android alternative (value + power): OnePlus 13 — flagship specs at lower price, excellent performance and fast charging. (en.wikipedia.org)
• Best camera (if absolute photography is primary): Huawei Pura 80 Ultra (China-only hardware beating many flagships for camera scores) — outstanding imaging hardware, though limited/complicated availability outside China and no Google services. (en.wikipedia.org)
• Best foldable: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 (or Z Flip 7 if you prefer clamshell) — matured foldable experience, strong specs and software polish. (en.wikipedia.org)
• Best value / midrange: Google Pixel 9 (or Pixel 9a if available on sale) — excellent camera software and solid AI features for a lower price. Deals often make it very attractive. (androidcentral.com)

Why these (short explanations)

• iPhone 16 Pro / Pro Max: If you want the most consistent ecosystem, best-long term OS updates, and strong performance for apps/games, Apple remains the top pick. Newer iPhones usually deliver the best integration with accessories and services. (techradar.com)
• Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Samsung’s Ultra is the safest all-round Android flagship: best-in-class screen, very long software support, huge battery options, and extremely capable camera hardware/zoom. Good choice if you want a large-screen Android with every top feature. (androidauthority.com)
• OnePlus 13: Offers flagship silicon and fast charging at a significantly lower price than some competitors — great if you want performance and value. Reviewers have praised it as a strong challenger to Samsung. (en.wikipedia.org)
• Huawei Pura 80 Ultra: Reviews and camera rankings in 2025 place it at or near the top for imaging, but it’s primarily sold in China and may lack Google services and carrier support in the US. Good only if you can handle import/compatibility trade-offs. (as.com)
• Google Pixel 9 / deals: Pixel phones remain a top value because of Google’s photo/AI software; retailers/carriers often have steep discounts that make them excellent budget-conscious picks. (androidcentral.com)

If you want my single recommendation

• If you’re in the Apple ecosystem (or prioritize apps / resale / long updates): buy the iPhone 16 Pro (or Pro Max if you want the biggest screen/battery). (techradar.com)
• If you prefer Android and want the most complete flagship: buy the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. If you want similar performance for less money, consider the OnePlus 13. (androidauthority.com)

Price pointers (US, approximate ranges in Oct 2025)

• iPhone 16 Pro: flagship price range (check Apple/carrier promos). (techradar.com)
• Galaxy S25 Ultra: around $1,299+ (Ultra tier). (androidauthority.com)
• OnePlus 13: typically under flagship pricing (~$899-range at launch). (en.wikipedia.org)
• Pixel 9: often $649 or lower with deals. (androidcentral.com)

Final notes

• If you want, I can: (a) recommend the best phone specifically for your budget (give me a price range), (b) compare two models you’re deciding between, or (c) find current U.S. prices and best ongoing deals from retailers/carriers today. Which would you like?