Best Phones Under $1000 (August 2025)
Update: We last updated this article on August 19, 2025, with the Google Pixel 10 Pro
As flagship phones become increasingly expensive every year, you need to shell out more money. From triple-folding phones to Ultras and Pro Maxes of the world, the prices keep getting higher and higher. However, you don’t need to sell your kidney to afford a good phone, as you can get one even if you have $1000 in your pocket. Whether you are a gamer, a photographer, a content creator, or just a casual user, here are the best phones under $1000 just for you.
Table of Contents
What You Can Expect From Phones Under $1000
What’s Still Out Of Reach
1. Apple iPhone 16 Pro: Best iPhone for Pro Users
Why We Recommend It:
TheiPhone 16 Prois the best iPhone under $1000. It has many upgrades, from the new Camera Control to incredibly thin bezels. The new A18 Pro is the most powerful chip in an iPhone, and there’s Apple Intelligence support, too. Oh, and speaking of improvements, you get a 5x telephoto from theiPhone 16 Pro Max. This means you no longer need to spend more for better cameras. Other camera features include the ability to shoot 4K at 120 FPS, new photography styles, and camera control for granular control over your photos. With faster charging speeds and a bigger battery, it’s the best Pro iPhone model in recent years. The only catch? The base models only come with 128GB of storage, and Camera Control isn’t in the most ideal position.
Who Should Buy It:
This is the go-to choice for users who want the full iPhone experience without opting for the bulkier Pro Max. With top-tier hardware, features like Camera Control and Apple Intelligence, it’s perfect for content creators, power users, and longtime iPhone loyalists. If you crave incredibly fast performance, great cameras, and a compact form factor, the iPhone 16 Pro is the one to go for.
Who Shouldn’t Buy It:
Power users and those with large hands will find the iPhone 16 Pro lacklustre. Furthermore, the Camera Control, despite being innovative, isn’t very useful due to its positioning. Apple Intelligence isn’t very “intelligent” compared to offerings from Samsung and Google. Also, if you don’t care about the telephoto lens, then you can save a lot of money with the base iPhone 16.
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2. Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus: Flagship Without “Ultra” Price Tag
Want the ultimate Samsung phone but can’t afford the S25 Ultra? TheSamsung Galaxy S25 Plusis your best choice for phones under $1000. It offers 90 per cent of the features in a more affordable package. You get the same Snapdragon 8 Elite as the Ultra with 12GB of RAM. All the Galaxy AI features you can imagine, from Now Brief to Audio Eraser, work out of the box. It’s also one of the few phones that ships with the latest One UI 7 and comes with 7 years of OS updates. If you can live without the S-Pen and those crazy 200-megapixel cameras on the Ultra, you can save some money and get the same experience with the S25 Plus.
Pick the S25 Plus if you want a screen that dazzles and battery life that lasts, without dipping into Ultra price territory. Perfect for media lovers, multitaskers, or anyone who prefers a bigger display than the base S25. With 7 years of updates and great cameras, it’s an easy recommendation
If you want the S-Pen or the best cameras on a Samsung phone, the S25 Plus might not be the one. In this case, it’s better to invest in the Ultra due to its bigger canvas and productivity-centric features. Also, the pricing of the S25 Plus is pretty close to the Ultra and Edge, which makes it a bit hard to recommend.
3. OnePlus 13: An Almost Flagship Phone
What if a flagship killer transformed into an almost flagship smartphone? The answer is theOnePlus 13, one of the best phones under $1000. Like the S25 series, it has the Snapdragon 8 Elite for smooth performance. It is also one of the few phones on the list to sport a 6.82-inch 2K quad curved screen, which is flat on the front and curved on all four edges.For photography, it has a versatile 50-megapixel triple camera in collaboration with Hasselblad, and it can capture stunning photos. OxygenOS 15 is the star of the show and is one of the smoothest skins on Android. You also get 4 years of OS updates, an IP69 rating, magnetic wireless charging, and a massive 6,000mAh battery with 100W charging.
With the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite, smooth software, and reliable cameras, the OnePlus 13 is perfect for power users. It delivers an almost flagship-like experience without the price. The premium vegan leather design and magnetic wireless charging are just some bonuses you can’t get at this price.
If you value ultra-smooth UI animations or structured warranty and update support (as firms like Samsung or Apple provide), OnePlus may feel a bit niche. It also sits on the larger side, and while powerful, it might not offer as long a software support lifespan as some competitors.
4. Google Pixel 10 Pro: Best Compact Phone For Software And Cameras
Want a great software experience without compromising on AI features? Meet the Google Pixel 10 Pro. Not only does it fix the overheating issues and efficiency issues with the Tensor G5, but it is also the smartest phone in the room. With 7 years of OS updates and cool AI features like Magic Cues and Camera Coach, there are a lot of things in its favour. Furthermore, Google has also added its own MagSafe-like feature called PixelSnap for wireless charging. It’s the first Pixel phone in recent years that could emerge as a strong competitor to the iPhone.
The Pixel 10 Pro is perfect for stock Android enthusiasts and those who want a taste of those cool AI features. If you love Google’s clean interface, smart camera features, and fast software updates, the Pixel 10 is a natural fit. It’s especially attractive for people upgrading from an older Pixel (or even switching from an iPhone), since PixelSnap makes magnetic charging easy and familiar.
For those seeking raw performance or cutting-edge specifications, the Pixel 10 Pro isn’t for you. Tensor G5 still falls behind Snapdragon 8 Elite and the MediaTek Dimensity 9400 Plus. Also, PixelSnap is limited to 15W charging compared to 27W on the iPhone. Google doesn’t have a viable ecosystem to lure in Samsung and Apple users.
5. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7: Best Phone For Influencers
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 fixes all the complaints of the Z Flip 6. Not only do you get a bigger cover screen and a durable hinge, but you also get cool new AI features. With the latest One UI 8 and Gemini Live features, it’s the perfect flip phone for those who want a good software experience. Oh, and Samsung has also finally added Dex support, so you can alsouse your Flip as a remote desktop.
If you love unique designs, want a compact phone that still opens up into a full-size device, or like to multitask with dual-screen modes, the Z Flip 7 is a great fit. It’s also perfect for trendsetters who want a phone that stands out. The cover screen is great for sending those text messages, taking selfies, or simply for the show-off quotient alone.
If battery life is your top priority, or you want the very best camera hardware in the price range, the Z Flip 7 might not be ideal. Foldables also tend to require more careful handling, so it’s not the best choice for users who prioritize durability above all else.
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6. Motorola Razr Plus 2025: Most Feature-Packed Flip Phone
If you want the best flip phone that can do it all, then look no further than the Motorola Razr Plus 2025. It has a vegan leather back that gives it a premium look. Apart from the eye-catching design, you get a stunning 4-inch cover screen that lets you run any app. Compared to last year’s Razr, you get a new IP48 rating and a more durable hinge for long-term usage. The phone is powered by Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, which isn’t the fastest but is still powerful enough to handle all the AI tasks. Speaking of AI, you have plenty of Moto AI features, including Playlist Studio, Notification Summary, and more.
For those looking for an alternative to Samsung’s Z Flip lineup without compromising on specs, the Razr Plus 2025 is a great option. Whether you wish to relive the nostalgia of the original Razr or want a practical device for productivity, the Razr can do it all. With a price tag that is $100 less than the Z Flip 7.
The Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 isn’t the fastest processor, and most of the specs are similar to last year’s Razr Plus 2024. Also, it gets only 3 years of OS updates, which is less than other flagship phones, and the battery life is average at best.
Honorable Mentions
1. ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro: Ultimate Gaming Phone
For gamers and power users, the ASUS ROG Phone 9 is one of the best phones under $1000. Powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite, it can run all the games at the highest settings. You get pressure-sensitive Air Triggers, a dedicated game, two USB-C ports, and a 360-degree cooling system. Furthermore, ASUS also sells an accessory called the AeroActive Cooler X, so your phone remains cool even if you don’t. It is also one of the few phones in the world with a super smooth 185Hz refresh rate. To complete those gamery aesthetics, you get 85 programmable mini LEDs that form the AniME Vision display.
Hardcore gamers, streamers, or mobile esports fans who want to squeeze every ounce of performance from their device will love the ROG Phone 9 Pro. It’s made for those who play heavy games and demand ultra-smooth gameplay, precise control, and blistering speeds. It is the only gaming phone in the US with customizable gaming triggers and a dedicated cooling fan in it.
If gaming isn’t your top priority, there are more balanced and sleeker options out there that excel in cameras, software polish, and battery life. The ROG’s gamer aesthetics, weight, and software may feel overkill for general users. Also, ASUS’s software support isn’t stellar, so the update frequency might not be the fastest.
2. Sony Xperia 1 VII: The Camera Phone For Experts
Still fancy those days when phones launched with microSD card slots and 3.5mm slots? Well, the Sony Xperia 1 VII wants to bring back that nostalgia. It has a 6.5-inch LTPO OLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate. The phone has no notch or hole punch, meaning you get stereo speakers for an immersive experience. Sony has improved its software policy to provide 4 years of OS updates, although it still falls behind Google and Samsung. Powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and 12GB of RAM, it’s powerful enough to handle all your heavy tasks. Coming to the main highlight, the phone: there’s a triple camera setup with ZEISS optics. You get an improved 48MP ultrawide-angle camera and a Camera button like the iPhone 16 series.
This phone is perfect for visual artists, filmmakers, and anyone who prioritizes screen fidelity and advanced filmic controls. If you’re looking for a phone that doubles as a portable studio, the Xperia 1 VII offers unmatched precision and color accuracy.
If you want AI features, quick software updates, or cutting-edge hardware, the Xperia 1 VII isn’t for you. Since it’s not officially available in the US, finding parts and service can be difficult. Compared to other flagships, it’s also relatively more expensive for what it offers
3. Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge: For Sleek Phone Lovers
The Galaxy S25 Edge packs flagship specs into one of the slimmest designs Samsung’s made. It sports a 6.7″ QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, Snapdragon 8 Elite performance, a fantastic 200 MP camera, and draws just 163 g thanks to a titanium frame.
If you want top-tier performance and camera quality in a phone that’s both beautiful and ultra-slim, the S25 Edge is perfect. Powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite, you’re able to play Genshin Impact at the highest settings. Furthermore, you get the latest One UI 7 out of the box with 7 years of OS updates. The S25 Edge also borrows the 200MP primary from the Ultra, although it misses out on a telephoto lens. You also get all the Galaxy AI features apart from Samsung Dex and Knox security.
What’s the catch, then? Well, you get a measly 3,900mAh battery due to the slim form factor with 25W of charging. The thermals aren’t the best, and there’s no telephoto lens, unlike other phones in this segment. If thin and lightweight phones are what you desire, the S25 Edge is the one for you. Otherwise, the S25 Plus is a much better bet.
4. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: Best Android Money Can Buy
No list of best phones is complete without theSamsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. If budget isn’t an issue and you want the ultimate Android smartphone, the S25 Ultra is worth checking out. Like the rest of the S25 series, it’s powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite. But what sets it apart is the overall experience. You get a built-in S Pen to jot down all your intrusive thoughts. It is the only phone with a massive 6.9-inch 2K AMOLED panel and an anti-reflective coating. With 7 years of OS updates and AI features that actually work, you are getting a better experience than your iPhone friends.
If you want the best experience on Android with AI features, S-Pen, and great cameras, the S25 Ultra is the one for you. Grab the S25 Ultra if you crave the best in productivity, photography, and display quality wrapped in a future-proof package. It’s ideal for professionals, creatives, note-takers, and anyone who demands the most from their phone—performance, versatility, and longevity all in one.
Compared to some of the other flagships, the S25 Ultra doesn’t have features like Silicon Carbon battery or superfast charging. Also, it doesn’t have the Bluetooth feature found in the S24 Ultra. Due to the expensive price, you can get much better features in the S25 or S25 Plus at a much lower price.
That’s it, folks; these are the best phones under $1000. ensure to bookmark this page, as we will update it whenever a new phone worthy of being added to this list is launched. Also, you can tell which phone you are currently using and why in the comments section below.
Abeer Chawake
A part-time gamer and a full-time Tech Writer. Abeer is a tech enthusiast who keeps track of all the trending gadgets and smartphones. When he isn’t busy smashing words with his keyboard, you can find him playing the latest PC Games or binge-watching TV Shows.
