The 'best' smartphone of 2025 confirmed - has the iPhone or Android come out on top?

We might only be halfway through the year, but we've already seen some stunning smartphones launched over the past few months. Apple surprised us all with the launch of its cheaper iPhone 16e, and all of the major Android manufacturers continue to unleash impressive call makers. So, who has come out on top so far in 2025?

The team at T3 have just answered that question with the technology specialists dishing out their yearly gongs. It seems if you want the very best smartphone, then you'll need to head to a Samsung store with T3 crowning the Galaxy S25 Ultra the "Best Phone" of the year.

It's no surprise that this premium device has collected this coveted award as it comes packed with upgrades including a fast processor, quad rear camera, better screen and a smart S Pen which tucks neatly inside its titanium shell.

The T3 awards aren't just about phones though. Its panel of experts also handed out another 82 awards. These include Product Of The Year (Nintendo Switch 2), Best Electric Car (Maserati GranTurismo Folgore), Best Headphones (Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3) and Best TV (Samsung S95F).

Other winners Apple, Nothing, Sonos, Google and Amazon. Samsung also grabbed the gong for Brand Of The Year.

Speaking about the awards, T3’s Editor-in-Chief, Mat Gallagher, said: “Each T3 award represents a stamp of authority,both for the brand in recognition of its product’s performance, but also for those looking to make a purchase.

"Our winners have been thoroughly tested by our experts and stand out in an often highly competitive market."You know that if you buy one of these products, you are getting the very best."

You can find the full list of winners at T3 here, but here's a pick of the top 18 gongs handed out in 2025.

Brand Of The Year • Samsung

Product Of The Year • Nintendo Switch 2

Best Smartwatch • Oneplus Watch 3

Best Smart Video Doorbell • Ring Battery Video Doorbell (2024)

Best Soundbar • Sonos Arc Ultra

Best Travel Headphones • Sony WH-1000XM6

Best Earbuds • Technics EAH-AZ100

Best Laptop • Apple MacBook Air

Best Mid-range Phone • Nothing Phone (3a) Pro

Best Folding Phone • Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold

Best Smart Speaker • Amazon Echo Show 21

Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner • iRobot Roomba Combo 10 Max

Best Electric Bike • Brompton G Line

Best Video Streaming • Service Apple TV+

Best Monitor • Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 (G80SD)

Best Wireless Speaker • Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Pro Edition

Best Hair Styling Tool • Dyson AirWrap

Best Air Fryer / Multicooker • Philips 5000 Series Dual Basket Airfryer with Steam