Every year, top tech YouTubers gather on SuperSaf TV to share their favorite gadgets, and the anticipation for their smartphone choices for 2025 heading into 2026 was no different. This annual roundup brings together names like MKBHD, Linus Tech Tips, I Justine, Austin Evans, and more, giving us an insight into the devices these tech experts rely on daily. Here's what they chose this year.

Smartphones That Stood Out in 2025

If one trend dominated this year, it’s the ongoing innovation in foldable smartphones alongside the continued dominance of Apple’s iPhone lineup. Let’s dive into the specific models these creators are carrying into 2026.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7

Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 7 emerged as a recurring favorite. Nearly half of the influencers featured chose the Z Fold 7 as their Android phone of choice. Michael Fisher (Mr. Mobile), Austin Evans, and others lavished praise on Samsung for finally delivering a foldable device that balances thin form, robust performance, and seamless usability as both a phone and a tablet.

Austin Evans highlighted that "the outer display is no longer a compromise," making it feel like a complete smartphone even when closed. The Fold 7 features high-end displays, excellent cameras, good battery life, and solid software optimization, making it practical for a wide range of uses. However, its $2,000 price tag remains a barrier for some.

Michael Fisher noted that while Google’s competing Pixel Fold 10 Pro offered solid specs, software bugs and bulky hardware made it less appealing compared to the refined elegance of the Galaxy Z Fold 7. Pocket space, surprisingly, became a decider for many in choosing a foldable device this year.

iPhone 17 Pro Max: The All-Rounder

On the iOS side, Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max remained hugely popular. SuperSaf himself praised its camera quality, especially for capturing video, as well as its massive battery life. The A19 Pro chip powers the phone with seamless performance for any task.

I Justine and other creators reiterated the importance of cameras on the Pro Max, emphasizing its utility for high-quality photography and videos. Stokes called it "outstanding," specifically for video capture. Its design divided opinions, with some warming to its polarizing aesthetics and others unsure about certain features.

Tom the Tech Chap joined in, mentioning how the Pro Max has become "the daily driver" for most in the video. Its durability impressed him, with few micro scratches noticeable after regular use. Despite its hefty price, Apple’s flagship remains a dependable pick for tech enthusiasts.

Honor Magic V5 and Other Foldable Contenders

While Samsung’s Fold 7 dominated the foldable segment, it wasn’t without competition. Ash from C4 Tech preferred the Honor Magic V5, citing its lightweight build that felt like a regular phone even with a case on. This foldable also impressed with its 8-inch internal display and high-performance Snapdragon 8 Elite chip for gaming and multitasking.

The OPPO Find X9 Pro earned kudos from Tom the Tech Chap as his favorite all-round Android device, particularly for photography. Its design and processing capabilities made it another noteworthy smartphone of the year.

Compact Champions: iPhone Air and X300

While most creators leaned toward flagship or foldable devices, compact phones also had their shining moments. John Reinger chose the iPhone Air for its unique form factor. While admitting its compromises (smaller battery, less powerful cameras), he found its thin, sleek design “magical” and ideal for users valuing minimalist hardware.

Mr. Q highlighted the X300 Android phone, emphasizing its smaller size and subtle design. He praised the device for offering a great camera experience without a bulky frame. It’s a reminder that not all users need giant screens and cutting-edge power.

Outliers: OnePlus 15 and Pixel Creativity

MKBHD’s choice of the OnePlus 15 stood out. With its massive 7,300mAh battery, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, and optimized software, it’s a device built for endurance. MKBHD acknowledged it may not stay in his pocket for long into 2026, but he appreciated its reliability and practicality for his needs.

The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL also earned some mentions, particularly for its camera enhancements and software updates via Pixel Drops. However, creators often compared the Pixel phones unfavorably against Samsung’s Fold due to Pixel’s bulkier builds.

What Do These Choices Tell Us?

Reflecting on these picks reveals a few trends:

• Foldables have matured: Devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Honor Magic V5 show that foldable phones are no longer niche. They’re practical options for both everyday users and enthusiasts.
• Cameras remain king: The iPhone 17 Pro Max and OPPO Find X9 Pro stood out not just for hardware but for their ability to deliver outstanding photos and videos.
• Variety matters: While flagship phones dominate the market, compact, unique options like the iPhone Air and X300 remind us that personalization is key.

Top Smartphones of 2025	Key Features	Price Range
iPhone 17 Pro Max	Superb cameras, top-tier battery, A19 Pro chip	$1,199-$1,499
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7	Thin foldable, tablet functionality	$2,000
Honor Magic V5	Lightweight, gaming-friendly	Expected $1,500
OnePlus 15	7,300mAh battery	$999-$1,199
OPPO Find X9 Pro	Photography-focused, sleek design	$1,199-$1,399
iPhone Air	Minimalist, lightweight	$799-$899
X300	Compact Android, great photos	$699-$799

Takeaways

This year's roundup highlights a diverse smartphone market heading into 2026. Whether you're an iOS die-hard, a foldable enthusiast, or someone looking for a compact phone, there's a device tailored for your priorities. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 stood out across the board, proving foldables are no longer experimental gadgets but genuine daily drivers. Meanwhile, Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro Max solidified its place as an all-around powerhouse, and options like the Honor Magic V5 and OnePlus 15 offered unique advantages.

With so many great options available, deciding on the best smartphone really depends on your own use case—be it cameras, battery life, or cutting-edge form factors.

As 2026 kicks off, the competition in the smartphone industry remains fiercer than ever, promising even more groundbreaking devices for next year's roundup.