2025's Best Phones Were Also Its Wackiest

By John Pranay (Editor)

A surprisingly exciting year for smartphones has come to a close, marked by a proliferation of innovative designs and materials. The best phones of 2025 were also among the most unusual, with manufacturers pushing the boundaries of style and sustainability. In this year of varied styles, devices ranging from budget-friendly options to high-end flagships have caught the attention of consumers and critics alike.

The year began with the release of the CMF Phone 2 Pro, a sub-$300 phone that defied its budget price with its interchangeable backplates and modular design. Fairphone followed suit with The Fairphone (Gen. 6), achieving a 10/10 repairability score from iFixit while offering similar customization options. Motorola's Razr folding flip phones also made a splash, with the company introducing a range of materials and textures, including Alcantara, vegan leather, and Forest Stewardship Council-certified wood. Google and Samsung also entered the foldable market, with the Pixel 10 Pro Fold and Galaxy Z Flip7, respectively.

Smartphones have long been criticized for their stale designs and lack of innovation. However, 2025 marked a turning point, with manufacturers embracing sustainability and creativity in their products. This shift is not without precedent; previous years have seen a rise in minimalist and eco-friendly designs, such as the Light Phone III and the Minimal Phone. The success of these devices has paved the way for more experimentation in form and function.

The impact of these innovative designs extends beyond the world of smartphones. Manufacturers like Motorola and Fairphone are leading the charge in sustainability, offering devices that are not only stylish but also environmentally friendly. The introduction of foldable phones has also raised concerns about durability, but manufacturers like Google and Samsung have made significant strides in addressing these issues. The humanitarian impact of these devices is significant, with many consumers seeking out more eco-friendly options.

As we look to the future, it is clear that the smartphone industry will continue to evolve. Apple's rumored folding iPhone is expected to make a significant impact, and the learnings from the iPhone Air will likely inform its design. The introduction of Qi2 magnets by Google has also raised the bar for wireless charging, and it will be interesting to see how other manufacturers respond. Upcoming releases and announcements will provide further insight into the direction of the industry.

This year's crop of innovative smartphones suggests that the industry is shifting towards a more sustainable and creative approach to design. Manufacturers are no longer content to simply churn out iterative updates; instead, they are pushing the boundaries of what is possible with their products. As consumers, we can expect more attention to be paid to the environmental impact of our devices, and a greater emphasis on style and functionality. This trend is not limited to smartphones; it is a broader shift towards a more thoughtful and responsible approach to technology.

On balance, this event screens as Bullish in our sentiment view.

1. 2025's Best Phones Were Also Its Wackiest — https://www.wired.com/story/expired-tired-wired-wacky-phones

Methodology: This analysis combines real-time data aggregation from manually selected global sources with advanced AI synthesis, engineered to provide neutral and data-driven insights.