Introduction
The year 2024 completely changed the way we interact with the world, and smartphones were at the center of it. With COVID-19 pushing us into lockdown, we all found ourselves turning to video calls and social networks to stay connected while quarantined. As much as we were forced into this new reality, it became clear that our phones were no longer just communication tools. They became sources of entertainment, ways to keep us distracted, and key to navigating a challenging year. Despite the world’s uncertainties, mobile tech continued to innovate, proving that phone makers didn’t drop the ball.
The Most Popular Android Phones In 2025, we can expect even more exciting changes as smartphones evolve further. With the momentum from last year’s rapid growth in features, we’ll see even more innovative devices that push the boundaries of what we thought was possible. Whether it’s for work, keeping us entertained, or staying connected to those around us, smartphones will continue to be indispensable.
Affordable Foldables: Making High-Tech Devices More Accessible
The idea of foldable phones has been around for a while, but they’ve always come with outrageous pricing that made them difficult for the average consumer to afford. The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip, Z Flip 5G, Z Fold 2, and Motorola Razr 5G were some of the standout models in 2024, but with prices reaching as high as $1,980, they were far from being considered mass consumer devices.
However, as we move into 2025, the expectation is that foldables will become more affordable, but that doesn’t mean they’ll be cheap. Models like the Z Fold 2 will likely maintain their $2,000 price points, while new models will appear in the mid-tier, with prices ranging from $800 to $1,500.
In 2024, Samsung took the lead by integrating 5G into its entire lineup of high-end phones, along with several mid-range options. This included the Galaxy S20 series, which came with the latest 5G technology but also a hefty price tag. As the year progressed, Samsung expanded its 5G offerings to more affordable models like the Galaxy A71 and Galaxy S20 FE. Soon, Apple, Google, and Nokia, among others, followed the trend. By the end of the year, 5G adoption was picking up speed.
Looking ahead to 2025, it’s clear that 5G will be available in even more phones. Thanks to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 700 series chipsets, the new connectivity standard is making its way into the mid-range. We can expect most mid-range phones to offer 5G. While it’s uncertain if we’ll see 5G in phones priced below $399, it’s definitely possible.
Fast(er) Displays: Smoother Experiences for Everyone
In 2024, one of the standout features we saw in smartphones was the rise of fast displays. Phone makers started ramping up their refresh rate from the usual 60Hz to 90Hz, 120Hz, and even 144Hz. This increase results in a smoother experience, especially when you’re scrolling through content or playing games. Devices like the ROG Phone 3 and the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra were among the first to offer these high refresh rates, making them more attractive to users who enjoy a fast, responsive screen.
The MediaTek Dimensity 700 series will support 90Hz, allowing cheaper handsets to adopt speedy screens. Hopefully, even Apple will recognize this trend and include faster screens in their upcoming devices. This shift will make fast displays more common, and everyone can enjoy a smoother mobile experience.
Under-Display Cameras: A Seamless Screen Revolution
The Axon 20 5G from ZTE introduced a groundbreaking innovation in 2020 with its under-display camera. This new technology uses transparent layers in the screen to let the camera take pictures without being visible, hiding the notch or punch hole that typically disrupts the screen’s appearance. The result is a more seamless screen experience, something users have long wished for in smartphones.
While ZTE led the way, Xiaomi quickly followed suit, announcing that it too would adopt under-display camera technology in the near future. Though the technology isn’t perfect yet, there’s no doubt that more phone makers will join in. With hidden cameras becoming the next big trend, this technology is expected to show up on more phones soon. As exciting as this development is, it’s clear that the idea of hidden cameras is gaining traction and will likely play a significant role in the future of smartphones.
8K Recording Proliferates: High-Resolution Video for the Masses
In 2025, we can expect 8K video capture to become more common across a wider range of smartphones, especially with lower price points. In 2020, we saw high-end phones like the Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S20 series lead the way, showcasing the power of 8K recording.
This year, we’re likely to see this feature expand beyond flagship models as chips supporting 8K capture become more accessible. With affordable 8K television sets entering the market, there will now be a real place to watch the stunning footage shot with these devices. As more flagships and mid-range phones get on board, 8K video will be a norm for more people to enjoy.
Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality: Expanding Digital Horizons
In 2025, augmented reality (AR) is finally gaining traction, with Apple and Google leading the charge. Both companies continue to invest heavily in AR-capable hardware and tools like ARKit to push the boundaries of what’s possible in AR. Although many may still overlook AR, its growing presence in everyday technology signals it’s here to stay.
Meanwhile, Qualcomm is also making significant strides, focusing on AR and VR functionality. The company’s chips are now found in nearly all self-contained VR systems like the Oculus Quest 2, which has become a major force in the gaming platform space. If you’ve watched recent TV commercials, you’ve likely seen Oculus’ push to make VR a mainstream experience.
As AR technology continues to mature, we’ll see even more widespread adoption in various industries, from gaming to practical applications in business and design. Virtual reality (VR) is also poised to expand beyond gaming, offering new immersive experiences for consumers and professionals alike.
Conclusion
smartphones in 2025 will continue to evolve, offering more exciting features than ever before. As technology advances, we can expect more affordable foldables, 5G integration, fast displays, under-display cameras, and 8K recording to become common. With augmented reality and virtual reality also making strides, smartphones will become even more versatile tools for both work and entertainment. As the industry grows, these innovations will bring new experiences, ensuring that smartphones remain at the forefront of our daily lives.