George's Top 5 Phones of 2025: A Unique Perspective
A challenging task: Creating a list of favorite phones in a year like 2025 is no easy feat, especially when your colleagues are falling short. Ro and Sagar managed four, and Ivan's list is a foldable affair. So, George presents a 'Top 5' with a twist—a personal pick, some crowd favorites, and a couple of traditional choices.
Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold: George has no love for foldables, preferring a phone for messaging and a PC for serious tasks. But the TriFold is versatile, transforming from a phone to a tablet with a larger screen than its foldable peers. It protects its display better than the Huawei Mate XT Ultimate, but it's pricey. Despite average cameras, George appreciates its innovation.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro and Google Pixel 10 Pro: These two are like two sides of the same coin, offering a unique experience that's hard to quantify. The glass feels premium, the displays are brilliant, and the overall user experience is refined. Both support Qi2 magnetic attachment, a feature George desires despite its questionable practicality. However, their cameras leave much to be desired.
vivo X300: George's better half sought a Pixel 7 Pro replacement with specific criteria. The vivo X300 delivered—a compact phone with excellent rear and selfie cameras, and a large battery. It ticked all the boxes, earning a spot on the list.
Oppo Find X9 Pro: George's ultimate favorite is the Find X9 Pro—a top-tier cameraphone with a massive battery and a first-party case with a Qi2-compliant metal ring. While Ultra-level cameraphones offer more, their limited availability outside China is a concern. The Find X9 Pro's victory over the vivo X300 Pro in a camera comparison sealed its place, offering better battery life and meeting George's priorities.
George's list is practical, reflecting the current state of the market. With upgrades becoming more incremental, it's harder to get excited about new phones. Will the upcoming Ultra models change that? Let's find out and feel free to share your thoughts on these choices in the comments. Do you agree with George's picks, or do you have your own favorites for 2025?
