5 best premium smartphones, UAE 2025: Elevate your tech game

Your pocket tech needs an upgrade, and we are here to tell you how. Aa the trends show, 2025 is all about premium smartphones that don’t just make calls but make statements. So, here is to looking at the photography lovers, the gaming guru, or if you just love flaunting the sleekest gadget on the block, these top-tier phones deliver performance, style, and features. From dazzling displays and powerhouse processors to AI magic and camera setups so sharp they practically do the editing for you, we’ve rounded up the five best premium smartphones ruling the UAE this year. So, buckle up, because your next obsession (and your ultimate flex) is just a scroll away.

For our list, we spoke to Mukund Gopal, a product specialist, in Dubai.

Pick the one that best suits your requirements and budget and get it as early as tomorrow with Amazon Prime.

1) Best Overall: Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra AI Phone

Pros

• Advanced AI features

• Exceptional display

• Powerful performance

Cons

• No expandable storage

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra has it all: Integration of AI features, such as generative photo editing and real-time voice translation, and a 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display delivers vibrant visuals, complemented by a robust Snapdragon 8 Elite processor ensuring smooth performance. Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the camera system, including a 200MP main sensor and dual telephoto lenses, capturing detailed images across various conditions. Additionally, the S Pen, though lacking Bluetooth functionality in this iteration, continues to boost productivity with its precise input capabilities.

However, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is not without its drawbacks. The removal of Bluetooth from the S Pen limits features like remote camera shutter control, potentially affecting users who relied on this functionality. While the device boasts a 5,000mAh battery, some users have reported that battery life could be more competitive, especially given the phone's high-performance components. Furthermore, the absence of expandable storage via microSD card may be a consideration for those requiring extensive local storage.

Nevertheless, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra offers a compelling package for users want a combination of solid features and performance. Its advancements in AI and photography set it apart in the premium smartphone market. However, potential buyers should weigh these benefits against considerations like the S Pen's reduced functionality and lack of expandable storage.

2) Best Flagship: Google Pixel 9 Pro - Unlocked Android Smartphone

Pros:

• High-quality display with excellent brightness and colour accuracy.

• Robust camera system with advanced AI features.

• Long-term software support with seven years of updates.

• Premium build quality and design.

Cons:

• Charging speeds are slower compared to some flagship competitors.

• The device can be slippery and may require a case for better grip.

The Google Pixel 9 Pro is Google's flagship smartphone for 2025, offering a blend of advanced AI features, top-tier camera capabilities, and a refined design. Featuring a 6.3-inch LTPO OLED display with a resolution of 1280 x 2856 pixels and a 120Hz refresh rate, the Pixel 9 Pro delivers vibrant colors and smooth visuals. The device boasts a premium build with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both front and back, and an aluminum frame, ensuring durability and a sleek aesthetic. Powered by Google's Tensor G4 chip and equipped with 16GB of RAM, the Pixel 9 Pro handles multitasking and AI-driven tasks efficiently. The 4700mAh battery offers up to two days of usage, though charging speeds are modest compared to some competitors, with 27W wired and 21W wireless charging options.
The triple rear camera setup includes a 50MP wide-angle lens, a 48MP ultra-wide lens, and a 48MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom. These cameras, combined with Google's AI enhancements, deliver exceptional photo and video quality, including features like Night Sight and Super Res Zoom.

3) Best Apple Phone: Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max (1 TB)

Pros

• Massive 1TB storage

• Titanium build

• A18 Pro Chip + 8GB RAM

• Advanced triple-camera system

• Promotion 6.9” display

• New ‘capture’ button

• Strong battery life

Cons

• No USB-C (if confirmed):

• No major design changes

• Limited AI features outside ecosystem

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max (1TB) looks good, and feels even better. Encased in a durable titanium frame, it features a 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, delivering vibrant visuals with ProMotion technology for smooth scrolling and responsiveness. Powered by the A18 Pro chip and 8GB of RAM, it ensures seamless performance across demanding applications and multitasking scenarios.

Photography aficionados will appreciate its advanced camera system, comprising a 48MP main sensor, a 48MP ultra-wide lens, and a 12MP 5x telephoto lens. This setup enables high-resolution photos and 4K video recording at 120 fps in Dolby Vision, capturing moments with exceptional clarity and detail. The device also introduces a new Camera Control button, allowing quick access to camera functions for spontaneous shooting.

With a substantial 1TB of internal storage, users have ample space for apps, media, and files. The iPhone 16 Pro Max supports MagSafe and Qi wireless charging, and boasts a battery life capable of up to 33 hours of video playback, catering to users who require longevity on a single charge. Enhanced Siri capabilities and Apple Intelligence features further augment the user experience, offering intelligent assistance and on-device processing for privacy and efficiency.

4) Best Foldable Phone: HUAWEI Mate X6

Pros

• Large, versatile displays

• Lightweight and slim

• Powerful performance

• Impressive camera system

Cons

• No Google services

• Fragility concerns

The HUAWEI Mate X6 features a dual-display setup: a 7.93-inch foldable LTPO OLED internal screen with a resolution of 2240 x 2440 pixels and a 6.45-inch external LTPO OLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2440 pixels. Both displays support a 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate, ensuring smooth visuals and responsiveness. Protected by Kunlun Glass 2nd Generation, the Mate X6 boasts enhanced drop resistance, making it more resilient to everyday accidents.

Under the hood, the Mate X6 is powered by the Kirin 9020 chipset, coupled with 12GB or 16GB of RAM and storage options ranging from 256GB to 1TB, depending on the model. The device runs on HarmonyOS 4.3, providing a seamless and intuitive user interface. Its triple-camera system includes a 50MP main sensor with a variable aperture (f/1.4-f/4.0), a 48MP periscope telephoto lens offering 4x optical zoom, and a 40MP ultra-wide lens. This setup enables high-quality photography with impressive detail and clarity. For selfies, the Mate X6 is equipped with 8MP cameras on both the inner and outer displays.

The device also excels in multitasking capabilities, allowing users to run up to three apps simultaneously on the unfolded screen, enhancing productivity and user experience. With a 5,110mAh battery, the Mate X6 supports 66W wired fast charging and 50W wireless charging, ensuring long-lasting usage and quick power-ups. Its IPX8 rating provides water resistance, adding an extra layer of durability.

5) motorola Razr 40 Ultra Dual-Sim

The Motorola Razr 40 Ultra Dual-SIM features a 6.9-inch foldable LTPO AMOLED display with a 165Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth visuals and vibrant colours. The external 3.6-inch pOLED display complements this with a 144Hz refresh rate, providing quick access to notifications and apps without unfolding the device. Under the hood, the Razr 40 Ultra is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset, coupled with up to 12GB of RAM and up to 512GB of internal storage, ensuring seamless performance for multitasking and gaming. The dual rear camera setup includes a 12MP wide-angle lens and a 13MP ultra-wide lens, capable of 4K video recording at 30/60fps. For selfies, the 32MP front camera delivers sharp and detailed images.

The device is equipped with a 3,800mAh non-removable battery, supporting 30W wired charging and 5W wireless charging, ensuring all-day usage. It also features stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support, providing an immersive audio experience.

Our recommendations are independently chosen by Gulf News editors. If you decide to shop through links on our website, we may earn an affiliate commission, as we are part of Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.