The Top 10 Phones ZDNET Readers Bought in 2025: A Surprising Flip to Minimalism Takes the Crown

As the holiday shopping frenzy approaches, with Black Friday deals already lighting up retailers like Amazon and Best Buy, ZDNET's data on reader purchases offers a fascinating snapshot of what tech enthusiasts truly value in 2025. Forget the hype cycles around ultra-premium flagships; our aggregate, privacy-protected insights from millions of interactions with reviews and guides paint a picture of pragmatic, diverse choices. From battery behemoths built for off-grid adventures to sleek gaming rigs and, yes, a retro flip phone that champions digital minimalism, this year's top 10 underscores a maturing market where utility often trumps spectacle.

What drives these picks? In an era of economic pressures and AI-driven efficiencies, readers are prioritizing longevity—be it in battery life, software support, or sheer usability—over raw pixel-pushing power. This isn't just consumer whim; it's a signal for developers and engineers crafting the next wave of mobile OS and hardware. Let's count down the list, drawing from ZDNET's rigorous testing and real-world analysis, to see why these devices resonated and what they mean for the smartphone ecosystem.

10. Blackview BV7300: The Rugged Powerhouse for Off-Grid Warriors

Kicking off the list is a niche contender that proves extreme designs have dedicated fans. The Blackview BV7300, a budget Android at around $200, sports a bulky frame housing a massive 15,000mAh battery—three times the capacity of typical flagships. This isn't your sleek daily driver; it's engineered for outdoor enthusiasts, complete with IP68/IP69K dust and water resistance, night vision capabilities, and even a built-in camping light.

For developers, this highlights the demand for specialized hardware integrations, like enhanced sensor APIs for low-light imaging, that extend beyond urban use cases. ZDNET's review praised its 'night vision superpowers' during off-grid testing, making it ideal for field engineers or hikers who need reliable connectivity without constant charging. If you're in devops or infrastructure roles requiring on-site mobility, this phone's endurance could be a game-changer.

9. Nothing Phone 3a: Midrange Magic with Glyphic Flair

Nothing's quirky ethos continues to charm, with the Phone 3a landing at #9. Priced at $380, it punches above its weight with a 6.7-inch LTPO OLED display hitting 3,000 nits of brightness, a versatile triple-camera array, and that signature transparent back etched with customizable Glyph lights for notifications.

This device's appeal lies in its software: Nothing OS 3.0, built on Android 15, emphasizes clean, bloat-free experiences with deep theming options. For programmers, it's a showcase of how lightweight UIs can optimize resource allocation on mid-tier Snapdragon 7-series chips, potentially inspiring efficient app development for emerging markets. ZDNET noted in their review that it rivaled pricier Pixels in daily use, proving that innovation doesn't require a flagship budget.

8. Samsung Galaxy A35 5G: The Enduring Budget King

Samsung's A-series remains a staple, with the Galaxy A35 5G holding strong despite being a 2024 release. Its 6.6-inch Super AMOLED screen and 5,000mAh battery make it a workhorse for everyday tasks, bolstered by four years of OS updates—a rarity in budget tiers.

Engineers will appreciate the Exynos 1380 chipset's balance of performance and efficiency, supporting features like Knox security for enterprise deployments. As ZDNET observed, this model's traction surged ahead of the A36's launch, signaling Samsung's successful formula of 'big screen and battery' that eases compromises in camera and speed. For cloud-integrated mobile workflows, it's a reliable, carrier-friendly option.

7. Motorola Razr Ultra: Foldable Excellence Redefined

Shifting to premium territory, the Motorola Razr Ultra (#7) revitalizes flip phones with flagship internals. Launched in spring 2025, it features a 4-inch outer display for quick glances and a 6.9-inch inner pOLED with 165Hz refresh, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite.

This device's engineering marvel—seamless hinge mechanics and minimal crease—appeals to UI/UX developers experimenting with multi-screen paradigms. ZDNET's comparison to the Galaxy Z Flip 7 favored the Razr's ultrawide camera and textured vegan leather back, which enhances grip for one-handed use. At $1,300 (now discounted), it's a testament to how foldables are transitioning from novelty to practical tools for multitasking pros.

6. Motorola Moto G Power 2025: Value Meets Longevity

Motorola doubles down with the Moto G Power 2025 at #6, a $300 device emphasizing endurance via a 5,000mAh battery and MediaTek Dimensity 6300 for efficient 5G connectivity. The new textured back improves ergonomics, while wireless charging—a rarity here—adds convenience.

For mobile devs, the clean Android 15 build with gesture nav highlights Motorola's focus on stock-like experiences, reducing fragmentation issues in app testing. ZDNET lauded its 'flagship features at a fraction of the price,' ideal for secondary devices in dev teams or budget-conscious engineers needing solid battery for long coding sessions.

5. RedMagic 10 Air: Slim Gaming Beast

Gaming phones carve a lane with the RedMagic 10 Air at #5, a 7.6mm-thin powerhouse with a 144Hz AMOLED, Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, and 5,860mAh battery. At $699, it undercuts competitors while offering 512GB storage and active cooling for sustained performance.

This resonates with game devs and AI/ML practitioners pushing mobile graphics limits, as its ICE 14.0 cooling system prevents thermal throttling during intensive tasks like AR simulations. ZDNET's weeks-long trial found it outlasting Pixels in mixed use, underscoring how specialized cooling hardware is becoming essential for high-performance mobile computing.

4. Apple iPhone 16 Pro: The Last of Its Kind

No surprises with the iPhone 16 Pro at #4, a 2024 holdover that's set to be overshadowed by the iPhone 17 series. Its A18 Pro chip, titanium frame, and 48MP triple cameras deliver seamless iOS 18 integration, including Apple Intelligence features for on-device AI.

Developers in the Apple ecosystem will note this as the final model with the classic camera bump and black titanium finish, signaling shifts in design paradigms. ZDNET's side-by-side with the iPhone 17 Pro revealed meaningful upgrades in battery and display, but the 16 Pro's proven reliability keeps it relevant for secure, privacy-focused enterprise apps.

3. Motorola Moto G 2025: Sub-$200 Supremacy

Outpacing iPhones, the Moto G 2025 at #3 is a bare-bones winner under $200. With a 6.6-inch 90Hz display, 5,000mAh battery, and basic Snapdragon 4 Gen 2, it's perfect for kids, seniors, or backups—running stock Android with no frills.

This pick highlights the need for lightweight OS ports in emerging markets, where data efficiency trumps megapixels. ZDNET affirmed it 'has no business being this good,' excelling in call quality and app access without the bloat, a boon for programmers building inclusive mobile solutions.

2. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: The Flagship Standard

The Galaxy S25 Ultra nearly claimed the top spot, a behemoth with a 6.9-inch QHD+ 120Hz display, Snapdragon 8 Elite, and S Pen support. Galaxy AI enhancements like real-time translation and photo editing make it indispensable for productivity.

For tech leaders, its versatile 200MP camera system and seven-year update promise set benchmarks in long-term support, crucial for secure deployments. ZDNET recommends it over rivals for its completeness, now at a 15% discount—evidence that even in a value-driven year, premium polish endures.

1. Nokia 2780 Flip: The Minimalist Revolution

In the ultimate upset, the $90 Nokia 2780 Flip tops the charts—a KaiOS feature phone with physical buttons, FM radio, and basic 4G calling, sans apps or social media. It's the antithesis of smartphone excess, promoting distraction-free living.

This trend alarms and excites: for UX designers, it revives T9 input and simple interfaces, while for industry watchers, it reflects Gen Z's pushback against notification overload. ZDNET links it to rising 'dumb phone' adoption, with numbers showing iPhone ditches for minimalism. In a hyper-connected world, this Nokia reminds us that sometimes, less is more—potentially influencing hybrid OS designs that balance focus and functionality.

As 2025 wraps, these reader choices illuminate a market craving balance: power for the grind, simplicity for the soul. Whether you're upgrading for AI prowess or seeking a digital detox, these insights from ZDNET's editorial rigor guide smarter paths forward in mobile innovation.

Source: Adapted from ZDNET's analysis of reader purchase data and expert reviews, published November 14, 2025.