MKBHD 2025 Smartphone Awards Review

2025 Technology Review: why smartphones maintained their dominance over AI wearable devices and which models dictate future trends.

The Return of Smartphones and Technological Maturity

While the tech industry feverishly tried to push smart glasses, XR headsets, and various AI-wearable accessories onto consumers, 2025 became the year when the smartphone solidified its position as the central hub of digital life. In his annual “Smartphone Awards 2025,” one of the most influential tech reviewers, Marques Brownlee (MKBHD), highlighted a year dominated by the breakthrough of silicon-carbon batteries, the refinement of foldable devices, and an unexpectedly shaken Apple product line.
It was not a year of revolution, but rather an evolutionary leap, as manufacturers finally addressed long-standing issues—from battery life to display refresh rate standards.

When Size Becomes Functionality, Not a Burden

Winner: Xiaomi 17 Pro Max

In a market where nearly every flagship is “large,” Xiaomi triumphed not due to size, but because of their meaningful use. This model features a massive 6.9-inch display, but unlike competitors, it utilizes every millimeter. The device is powered by the year’s most powerful chip, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, but the true standout feature is the functional rear display. This allows for high-quality selfies with the main 50 MP cameras and managing notifications without turning on the main screen.

Runner-Up: Oppo Find X9 Pro

Although it fell short of the winner, the Oppo flagship is a true technological beast with a 6.8-inch display and an incredible 200 MP periscope telephoto lens. MKBHD noted that while the device is excellent, Xiaomi offered a slightly more comprehensive package.

The End of Traditional ‘Small’ Phones and the Era of Foldables

Winner: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7

2025 confirmed the fact: the traditional small candy bar phone is dead. It has been replaced by modern foldable phones. The Z Flip 7 won not because it is small, but because it offers the best of both worlds. When closed, it fits into any pocket, and its 4.1-inch external display allows for quick replies to messages without the danger of doom scrolling. When opened, it becomes a full-fledged 6.9-inch flagship.

Honorable Mentions

It was noted that previously considered “small” models (e.g., Asus Zenfone or base iPhones) have grown to 6.3 inches diagonally, thus no longer qualifying as compact by previous standards.

Photo Versatility vs. Video Quality

Winner: Oppo Find X9 Pro

Oppo triumphed due to consistency and versatility. The four-camera system, led by a 50 MP main sensor and stunning 200 MP telephoto lens, along with Hasselblad color calibration, achieved excellent results. An especially notable accessory turns the phone into a 10x optical zoom camera while maintaining 50 MP resolution in nearly all lighting conditions.

Runner-Up: iPhone 17 Pro

Apple remains the undisputed king of video. The 17 Pro introduced Genlock support—a professional feature for synchronizing cameras in studios. While it fell short of Oppo in photo versatility, it is still the most reliable video camera in your pocket.

Budget Class No Longer Needs to Look Cheap

Winner: CMF Phone 2 Pro

At just $279, the phone from Nothing’s subsidiary became the surprise of the year. MKBHD described it as a device that feels twice as expensive. The bright 120 Hz display, 5000 mAh battery, and clean, modular design prove that a cheap phone doesn’t have to be poor quality.

Honorable Mentions

• Moto G Play: Dominates the under $200 category with a massive battery and headphone jack.
• Pixel 9a: Offers the cleanest software and excellent cameras for around $400.

Silicon-Carbon Technology Breakthrough

Winner: OnePlus 15

2025 will be remembered as the year when silicon-carbon batteries became a mainstream phenomenon. The OnePlus 15 packed an astonishing 7300 mAh battery into a standard thickness body. Tests showed that the phone lasts three days of intensive use. With 120 W fast charging added, the user’s relationship with the power outlet has fundamentally changed.

Honorable Mention: Dooji S200 Ultra

This is a rugged brick phone with an 11,000 mAh battery, designed for those who prioritize longevity over ergonomics.

Engineering Boldness and Aesthetics vs. Practicality

Winner: iPhone Air

This is the most controversial winner, described as “a stunning ornament.” The iPhone Air sacrificed battery life and cameras (it has only one lens) to achieve impossible thinness and lightness. While MKBHD acknowledged he couldn’t use it daily, the award is given for engineering boldness and the premium feel in hand.

Technological Maturity vs. Innovation

Winner: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7

Samsung has finally refined the hardware. The Z Fold 7 has become the most reliable everyday foldable phone. It is thinner than its predecessors, making it comfortable to use when closed, yet maintains top-tier multitasking performance. It may not be the brightest, but it is the most polished model.

Runner-Up: Pixel 10 Pro Fold

Google’s foldable model came in second due to cleaner software and a more user-friendly screen format, although it slightly lags behind the seventh-generation Samsung device in technical reliability.

From Placeholder Product to Recommendation

Winner: Base iPhone 17

For many years, the base iPhone was a model that reviewers recommended with caution. In 2025, that changed. The iPhone 17 finally received a 120 Hz ProMotion display, doubled base memory, and a high-quality selfie camera from the Pro series. It has become truly a great phone.

Confusing Product Strategy and Poor Value

Winner: iPhone 16

In a confusing move, Apple released the entry-level iPhone 16 alongside the 17 series. This model shocked reviewers: a 60 Hz display, one camera, and no modern connectivity features, yet priced almost like a premium model. It was a terrible value proposition compared to both the CMF Phone 2 Pro and the base iPhone 17.

The Phone that Defined 2025

Winner: iPhone 17

The MVP award is given not for the highest specifications, but for versatility. The base iPhone 17 won because it became a “complete package.” By correcting historical mistakes (display frequency and memory), Apple created a device that is strong 8/10 in every category. It is the easiest phone to recommend to the widest audience.

Runner-Up: Xiaomi 17 Pro Max

If you’re looking for a phone that does everything (maximum specifications, battery, displays), this is the “maximalist” answer to Apple’s minimalist winner.