The smartphone world is a tough arena where even minor advantages can determine a phone's success. While hardware upgrades have taken a backseat, AI-powered software is the new game changer. As someone who follows the industry closely, I've seen how this shift has played out. It's not just about the specs anymore; it's about how smart your phone is.

After a year of intense testing, evaluating over 40 smartphones, there's one clear winner: the OnePlus 13. It wasn't an easy decision. We put these phones through rigorous tests, looking at everything from performance and battery life to camera quality and software features.

Our team of experts, including senior editors and product testers, spent countless hours figuring out what made each device stand out. It was a collaborative effort where we discussed and debated the merits of each phone. We finally narrowed down the list to 20 potential winners.

With a ranked voting system in place, each editor selected their top five, with the OnePlus 13 emerging as the clear winner. It secured almost twice as many votes as the runner-up and received a vote from every single member of our awards team. I wasn't really surprised because the OnePlus 13 was a hot favorite from the start.

In his review, Ryan Haines gave the OnePlus 13 a five-star rating, and he was right. The OnePlus 13 delivered on all fronts. It introduced massive silicon batteries, offered super-fast charging, had an impressive camera with surprisingly excellent zoom, and came in a sleek design. It also undercut the competition on price, making it an even more attractive option.

The OnePlus 13 stood out as a symbol of excellence. It proved that OnePlus, the "Flagship Killer" of old, could still create a killer flagship in today's market. However, the staggered Western release created a peculiar situation. The OnePlus 13 launched in China in November 2024 but didn't arrive in the US and Europe until January 2025. This meant that two OnePlus flagships launched in the same year. The fact that the OnePlus 13 won our top award while the OnePlus 15 didn't even make the shortlist speaks volumes about how disappointing the latter was.

It's crucial that OnePlus learns from the success of the OnePlus 13 because a step back could mean the end of this awesome revival.

Other Notable Phones

The OPPO Find X9 Pro secured the second spot, which is well-deserved. It boasts a staggering 200MP telephoto lens, a massive 7,500mAh silicon-carbon battery, and razor-thin display bezels. However, its limited availability is a major drawback, especially for US buyers.

Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7, their luxury offering, came in third. It's the best the Z Fold series has ever been, with a slim and durable design, a usable outer screen, and flexible cameras. While it's expensive, it's a true ultra-tier device.

Interestingly, this year marks the first time since 2020 that a Pixel phone hasn't landed in the top three. However, it's more a testament to the fierce competition than any failure on Google's part. The Pixel 10 Pro XL and Pixel 10 Pro still offer the best point-and-shoot camera, comprehensive software, and exclusive features powered by Gemini.

In conclusion, 2025 has been an interesting year in the smartphone world. While the OnePlus 13 took home the top prize, there were many other excellent devices that deserve recognition. I am eager to see what the future holds in CES 2026!