The best upcoming phones in the UK and US in 2025

Smartphones have been a key part of our lives for almost two decades, but the number of new product launches shows no signs of slowing down. Already, there are several high-profile smartphones due to launch in early 2024, including the Samsung Galaxy S24 series, OnePlus 12, Xiaomi 14 series, Honor Magic 6 Pro, Nothing Phone (2a), and Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra.

But we can expect more in the coming months, including devices from Samsung, OnePlus, Xiaomi, and Honor and devices from Apple, Google, and Motorola. In addition to the new phones, keep an eye on the software they will run on. Both Android 15 and iOS 18 are due for official release soon. Most flagship Android smartphones will use either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or the MediaTek Dimensity 9300. Still, successors in the form of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 and Dimensity 9400 are expected to arrive towards the end of the year.

For iPhone, a successor to the current A17 Pro could come in the form of an iPhone 16 Pro model. All the phones on this list are expected to launch in the UK, but some won't be in the US. We'll show you the expected availability for each device. If you don't want a brand-new device, you can get plenty of service with one of the best smartphones available today. Alternatively, you can opt for a refurbished phone to save a lot of money.

Here are some of the smartphones expected to launch in the coming months. Motorola Edge 50 Series – Launching in the UK, US launch yet to be confirmed Motorola’s Edge 50 series has three models this year, all coming to the UK. The mid-range Edge 50 Fusion, the high-end Edge 50 Pro, and the high-end Edge 50 Ultra share a premium design, sleek software, and AI features, but there are also many differences between them. The Edge 50 Ultra will attract the most attention, especially considering it’s the first phone to launch in Europe with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset. It also has a 6.7-inch 144Hz display, a 4500mAh battery with 125W charging support, and three cameras on the back, including a 3x telephoto lens. There's no word yet on availability in the U.S. Motorola has said it wants to expand the availability of the Edge series in North America, but that probably doesn't mean all three phones will be available there.

Google Pixel 8a – Likely UK and US launch

The last two generations of Google's mid-range phones were unveiled at the company's I/O developer conference, so 2024 will likely be no different. The design of the phone has been leaked, but it's not surprising to see subtle refinements to the aesthetics of the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro. The chipset will likely be upgraded to the Tensor G3 found in Google's flagship devices, and the refresh rate of the 6.1-inch display could increase from 90Hz to 120Hz. Only the two rear cameras (main and ultrawide) are expected to return, and there are no rumors of improvements to the battery capacity (4385mAh) or charging speeds (18W wired, 7.5W wireless).

Readmore about the Google Pixel 8a

Motorola Razr 50 Ultra/Razr+ (2024) – Possible UK and US launch

The Razr 40 Ultra, also known as the Razr+ (2023) in the US, launched in June 2023 and is still the best clamshell phone you can buy. Its successor will likely arrive in about a year, but rumors suggest there won't be any major changes. Expect the same 3.6-inch cover display, which now opens to reveal a 6.9-inch main screen. The chipset will likely be updated to at least the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, but hopefully the latest 8 Gen 3. And if Motorola can make some big improvements to the camera without increasing the price, we'll have a winner again.

Readmore about the Motorola Razr 50 Ultra

Asus Zenfone 11 – Possible UK and US launch

ASUS has already launched a new Zenfone model in 2024, but it will likely be a little different from the 2023 Zenfone 10. The Zenfone 11 Ultra is as big as its name suggests, combining a chunky design with a larger 6.8-inch display. It will also be significantly more expensive. Many believe this marks the end of ASUS' small phones, but there's still a chance we'll see another small phone. After all, why would ASUS call a large phone "Ultra" if it doesn't plan to release a regular model as well? If the smaller Zenfone 11 is released, it will likely be released around summer, given the previous two generations.

Readmore about the Asus Zenfone 11

NothingPhone (3) – Possible UK and US launch

ASUS has already launched a new Zenfone model in 2024, but it will likely be a little different from the 2023 Zenfone 10. The Zenfone 11 Ultra is as big as its name suggests, combining a chunky design with a larger 6.8-inch display. It will also be significantly more expensive. Many believe this marks the end of ASUS' small phones, but there's still a chance we'll see another small phone. After all, why would ASUS call a large phone "Ultra" if it doesn't plan to release a regular model as well? If the smaller Zenfone 11 does indeed appear, it will probably be around summer, considering the two previous generations.

Nothing has already released the Phone (2a) in 2024 more affordable phone than the Phone (2) and not designed to replace it. We are still expecting a successor later in the year, which will almost certainly be known as the Phone (3). 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 Interface of lights on the back is likely to stay, but there could be upgrades in other areas. There is room for improvement when it comes to cameras and the IP54 water and dust resistance. However, the battery life and software experience are already very good, especially for a mid-range phone. Hopefully, the price won't increase significantly.

Readmore about Nothing Phone (3)

If a smaller Zenfone 11 is coming, it will probably be around summer, given the previous two generations.

SamsungGalaxy Z Flip 6 – Possible UK and US launch

Samsung's sixth foldable phone is expected to arrive this summer. Judging by the previous generation, The larger cover display was only introduced on the Z Flip 5, so we don't expect any changes to this 3.4-inch panel or the 6.7-inch panel inside. The overclocked Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for the Galaxy might be replaced by the 8 Gen 3 version in some markets, while some places like the UK might get the Exynos 2400 instead. We expect some of the key software features from the Galaxy S24 series to make an appearance here, including new AI features and a year's worth of updates. Otherwise, improvements to the camera, battery life, and charging speeds would be welcome, but they're all a step behind the best non-foldable smartphones.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 & Z Fold 6 Ultra – Possible UK and US launch

Whenever the Z Flip 6 is released, we expect it to be accompanied by at least one new Z Fold 6 model. Samsung's folding book is a successful device, but its price makes it hard to recommend. The big rumor so far is that there will be two models, normal and Ultra. However, the Ultra version may not be released worldwide, and it's not clear what the differences between the two are. So far, the only concrete rumor is that the aspect ratio of the normal model's 6.2-inch external display will be changed, hopefully making it less tall and wide. However, it's unlikely there will be any major changes to the 7.6-inch internal screen. Like the Flip, the Fold 6 could switch to either the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or Exynos 2400 chipset. It could also get new AI features and seven years of software updates.

iPhone16 series – Possible UK and US launch888

Apple has been surprisingly consistent when it comes to introducing new iPhone flagship models, and the iPhone 16 model will likely be launched. Rumors suggest that there will again be four models: the iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max, with both Pro models said to have slightly larger displays and various camera improvements, including a new telephoto lens with higher zoom. The action button introduced in the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max is also expected to make its way to all four models in 2024. And the current A17 Pro chip will move to the 16 and 16 Plus, likely to be replaced by an even more powerful chip in the Pro versions.

Learn more about the iPhone 16

GooglePixel 9 series – Possible UK and US launch

A new Pixel flagship is released every October, so it would be a big surprise if Google deviates from that. The most likely scenario is that we will see two smartphones again, the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro. However, there are rumors that a second Pro model will be introduced, which could be larger itself, perhaps with a smaller display than the current 6.7-inch Pro. The regular Pixel 9 could also see a larger display than the current 6.2-inch model. Elsewhere, Google is likely to unveil a new Tensor G4 chipset that will power the device. However, it's unclear whether it will have more AI features than those already available. As always, the focus will be on the camera, which is also where Android 15 might make its debut.

Readmore about the Google Pixel 9 series

Xiaomi14T series – Possible UK and US launch

Xiaomi has launched at least one T-series phone in September or October every year for the past four years, so, likely, the 14T and 14T Pro will also be launched around this time. These can be considered cheaper versions of the Xiaomi 14 and 14 Ultra, which are in the upper mid-range market. Leaks suggest that the 14T Pro will use the MediaTek Dimensity 9300 chipset. The processor of the 14T has not been confirmed, but it will probably be slightly less powerful. Another major difference expected between the two is the loading speed. Xiaomi is likely to stick to the 67W and 120W seen in the 13T and 13T Pro, respectively. However, it's also possible that the 14T Pro is the only one that features wireless charging.

OnePlusOpen 2 – Possible UK and US launch

The original OnePlus Open is the best folding book you can buy, so we have high hopes for the second generation. It's unclear if OnePlus will continue to update it every year going forward. But if they do, it will probably be released in October. The only real upgrade we can say for sure is the new Qualcomm chipset - it will probably be the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 when it launches in 2023. There's no need to change the cover or the internal display because the camera is already so good. Instead, the main focus should be on improving battery life and optimizing more apps for the internal screen.

Readmore about the OnePlus Open 2

HonorMagic V3 – Possible UK launch in late 2024

Honor's foldable Magic V2 will finally arrive in the UK and Europe in early 2024. It has the best design of any foldable phone, but the delayed global launch has left it with an outdated chipset. It also needs to rework its software so that it feels truly optimized for the 6.43-inch and 7.92-inch cover displays. There's still no concrete news on a successor, but it would be surprising if the new model didn't hit the market, at least in China. The only upgrade we can be sure of is a new chipset. It'll probably be the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, but Honor might be better off waiting until the 8 Gen 4 arrives. Hopefully, the Magic V2's starting price of £1,699.99 will also be reduced.

Readmore about the Honor Magic V3

iPhoneSE 4 – Possible UK and US launch in early 2025

Apple left a four-year gap between the first and second generations of the iPhone SE, releasing the third version in 2022. If this two-year refresh cycle continues, we can expect the fourth generation in 2024. However, rumors suggest that Apple may wait until 2025 instead. If that happens, we can expect a major upgrade. With the next iPhone SE, Apple may finally ditch the home button (and Touch ID) in favor of Face ID. That would almost certainly mean a larger display than the current 4.7-inch panel. Changes that will almost certainly come include a switch from Lightning to USB-C and a more powerful chipset. Apple may also introduce an action button starting with the iPhone 15 Pro models.