We’re just a few days away from saying goodbye to 2025. But before we start the new year, let’s take a look at the smartphones launched this year that are worth every peso.
Here’s a look at five of the best options, why they’re worth it, and a few things to keep in mind.
First on our list is the nubia V80 Design, which has a 6.75-inch FHD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 800 nits brightness, making videos and scrolling smooth.
It runs MyOS 16 based on Android W and is powered by the Unisoc T7280 octa-core chipset.
You can choose 4GB or 8GB RAM with up to 4GB extended RAM, and storage is 256GB with a dedicated microSD slot.
The rear camera is 50MP with a 2MP depth sensor, while selfies come from a 16MP punch-hole camera.
A 5000mAh battery with 22.5W wired charging keeps the phone going all day.
Well, the design is simple and functional, and while the cameras are basic, it offer solid performance and expandable storage for its price.
And speaking of price, here are the available configurations of the nubia V80 Design along with its SRP.
SRP: PHP5,799 (4GB + 256GB) and PHP7,299 (8GB + 256GB)
READ: nubia V80 Design Review
Next, we have the Infinix GT 30 Pro, which is mainly built for gaming.
Its 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED display supports 144Hz refresh and 4500 nits peak brightness, which makes the visuals commendable.
It runs Android 15 with XOS 15 and the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Ultimate chipset, capable of handling games. RAM options are 8GB or 12GB, and storage is 256GB or 512GB.
Dual rear cameras include a 108MP main sensor and an 8MP ultrawide, while the front camera is 13MP.
It also carries a 5500mAh battery that supports 45W wired charging and 30W wireless charging.
Stereo speakers tuned by JBL enhance the experience. Since this is more focused on gaming, we can say that this is a good one for mobile gaming and media since it features a great chipset, and audio, plus wireless charging, which adds premium convenience.
However, the phone is a bit heavy and flashy at 188 grams. Also, it doesn’t support expandable storage, and the camera system isn’t as strong as some of the other devices on this list.
SRP: PHP13,999 (8GB + 256GB), PHP15,999 (12GB + 512GB)
We’re halfway through! Next on our list is the REDMI Note 14 5G. This device offers a 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh and a peak brightness of 2100 nits.
It runs Android 14 with HyperOS and is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7025 Ultra chipset.
RAM options are 8GB or 12GB with 256GB or 512GB storage, expandable up to 1TB via microSD.
Its triple rear cameras include a 108MP main sensor, 8MP ultrawide, and 2MP macro, with a 20MP front camera.
Inside, it carries a 5110mAh battery with 45W wired charging.
Yes, the cameras might be decent in daylight but average in low light, but what we do like here is that the device comes with expandable storage up to 1TB.
SRP: PHP13,999 (8GB + 256GB) and PHP16,999 (12GB + 512GB)
Fourth on our list is the TECNO CAMON 40 Pro 5G.
This one might be the one for those who are into photography! It comes with a 50MP main rear camera and a 50MP front camera.
Both selfie and rear cameras are great, especially for creators and social users.
Display-wise, it has a 6.78-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate, which is bright and smooth.
Under the hood, it is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultimate chipset with RAM options of 8GB or 12GB with 256GB storage.
The 5200mAh battery supports 45W wired charging. The device is lightweight, supports dual SIM 5G, NFC, and under-display fingerprint sensors.
Although the plastic back isn’t as premium as glass, the phone is very practical for photography and has good battery life.
Price: PHP12,999 (8GB + 256GB), PHP14,999 (12GB + 256GB)
For the final device, we have the POCO M7 Pro 5G, which we think is a reliable all-rounder.
It has a 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh and HDR10+.
It runs Android 14 with Xiaomi HyperOS and is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7025 Ultra chipset.
RAM options are 8GB or 12GB, storage is 256GB, and it supports microSD expansion up to 1TB.
Its dual rear cameras include a 50MP main and 2MP depth sensor, while selfies use a 20MP front camera.
It also has a 5110mAh battery with 45W wired charging.
Although NFC is missing, and the camera isn’t the best for low-light, the POCO M7 Pro 5G offers a great display and expandable storage, which makes it a value‑for‑money choice.
SRP: PHP10,999 (8GB + 256GB), and PHP11,999 (12GB + 256GB)
These are some of the standout smartphones of 2025 that offer great performance, solid cameras, and good value for your money.
Which of these smartphones would be your top pick? Or do you have a different one in mind? Let us know!
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