In a year dominated by flagship powerhouses and innovative foldables, ZDNET readers upended expectations by crowning a $90 Nokia flip phone as the most popular buy of 2025. This list reveals a diverse appetite for everything from rugged adventurers to AI-enhanced giants, highlighting how value, battery life, and digital detox trends are reshaping smartphone choices. As Black Friday looms, these reader favorites offer a roadmap for tech-savvy shoppers seeking both cutting-edge features and intentional simplicity.