Our picks at a glance
Paid link: buttons go to the retailer. Prices change often, so we link to the current price instead of listing one.
Comparison table
| Feature | Best overallApple iPhone 17 | Compact AndroidSamsung Galaxy S25 | CameraGoogle Pixel 10 | ValueGoogle Pixel 9a | Budget SamsungSamsung Galaxy A56 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verdict | Buy | Buy | Buy | Buy | Buy |
| Typical price | £799–£850 | £650–£800 | £700–£800 | £400–£500 | £350–£450 |
| Best for | iPhone users | Compact Android | Camera | Value | Budget Samsung |
| Key feature | 120 Hz display and strong cameras | Compact flagship with 7 years of updates | Excellent camera and clean Android | Flagship-like camera at mid-range price | Solid mid-range with long updates |
| Screen | 6.3" | 6.2" | 6.3" | 6.3" | 6.7" |
| Storage | 256 GB | — | — | — | — |
| Updates | — | 7 years | 7 years | 7 years | 6 years |
| Where to buy | Check Price Paid link | Check Price Paid link | Check Price Paid link | Check Price Paid link | Check Price Paid link |
Apple · Smartphones
Apple iPhone 17
120 Hz display and strong cameras.
- Buy it if
- you want an iPhone that lasts years
- Skip it if
- you prefer Android
Pros
- Long updates
- Great cameras
- 120 Hz screen
Cons
- Pricey
- Slow charging vs rivals
Key specifications
- Screen
- 6.3"
- Storage
- 256 GB
Samsung · Smartphones
Samsung Galaxy S25
Compact flagship with 7 years of updates.
- Buy it if
- you want a compact Android flagship
- Skip it if
- you want the biggest battery
Pros
- Compact
- Great display
- Seven years of updates
Cons
- Average battery
Key specifications
- Screen
- 6.2"
- Updates
- 7 years
Google · Smartphones
Google Pixel 10
Excellent camera and clean Android.
- Buy it if
- you want great photos and Google features
- Skip it if
- you play heavy games
Pros
- Great camera
- Clean Android
- Seven years of updates
Cons
- Chip runs warm
Key specifications
- Screen
- 6.3"
- Updates
- 7 years
Google · Smartphones
Google Pixel 9a
Flagship-like camera at mid-range price.
- Buy it if
- you want a great camera for less
- Skip it if
- you want premium build
Pros
- Great camera
- Long updates
- Good battery
Cons
- Plastic back
Key specifications
- Screen
- 6.3"
- Updates
- 7 years
Samsung · Smartphones
Samsung Galaxy A56
Solid mid-range with long updates.
- Buy it if
- you want Samsung on a budget
- Skip it if
- you want a top camera
Pros
- Long updates
- Good screen
- IP67
Cons
- Average chip
Key specifications
- Screen
- 6.7"
- Updates
- 6 years
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Who this list is for
Smartphones from budget to flagship, compared on camera, battery, updates and value. We show what each model does best, what it typically costs in the UK and who should skip it.
How we chose
We compared manufacturer specifications, UK warranty terms, running costs and typical UK prices, then gave every product a clear verdict: Buy, Consider or Skip. Our verdicts are based on this research, not on lab tests we have not done.
What to look for
- Check how many years of updates the phone gets.
- Battery life matters more than benchmarks.
- SIM-free plus a SIM-only deal often saves money.
Buying in the UK
Buying SIM-free and pairing it with a UK SIM-only plan is usually cheaper over two years than a contract phone.
Frequently asked questions
Contract or SIM-free?
SIM-free plus SIM-only is usually cheaper overall, if you can pay upfront.
How long will my phone get updates?
Google and Samsung flagships now get around seven years; iPhones typically six or more.