GSMArena editor Sagar recently shared his top smartphone picks from 2025. His list highlights three devices he personally enjoyed using throughout the year. The selections include the Infinix GT 30 Pro, Realme GT 8 Pro, and the iQOO 15, each chosen for distinct features and user experiences. The tech journalist emphasized that these were his personal favorites, not necessarily the highest-rated phones overall.[gsmarena]
Infinix GT 30 Pro Shines for Gamers
Sagar praised the Infinix GT 30 Pro as a strong all-around smartphone, especially for gaming enthusiasts. The phone features a Dimensity 8350 Ultimate system-on-chip, providing robust performance. Its 144Hz AMOLED screen offers smooth visuals, and bypass charging helps maintain battery health during intense gaming sessions. A standout feature is its customizable GT Shoulder Triggers, which are capacitive touch buttons on the side.[gsmarena+1]
These GT Shoulder Triggers significantly enhanced Sagar's gaming experience, particularly in "Call of Duty: Mobile." He noted they reduced response time and allowed for creating combos, improving his performance compared to other smartphones, including some flagships. The device also includes LED lights on its back cover, adding to its gamer-centric design.[gsmarena+1]
Realme GT 8 Pro Delivers Flagship Experience
The Realme GT 8 Pro made Sagar's list as a successor to his 2024 favorite, the Realme GT 7 Pro. He noted the GT 7 Pro was the first Realme phone outside China since 2020 that truly felt like a flagship. The GT 8 Pro continues this trend with significant upgrades and a comprehensive spec sheet.[gsmarena+1]
This smartphone was among the first in India to feature the flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 SoC, ensuring a smooth, lag-free user experience. Sagar found gaming on the Realme GT 8 Pro enjoyable, with minimal performance drops even after an hour of playing games like "Call of Duty: Mobile". Its powerful processor and overall performance made it a compelling choice for the tech editor.[gsmarena+1]
iQOO 15 Named Sagar's Top Pick
The iQOO 15 stood out as Sagar's most favorite smartphone of 2025. While it shares some visual similarities with its predecessor, the iQOO 13, the iQOO 15 introduces notable design changes. The new model features a flat rear panel and a matte finish metal frame on its Legend edition. This design choice not only helps prevent smudges but also gives the phone a more premium look and feel.[gsmarena+1]
Sagar mentioned that iQOO adopted the flat design language based on user demand, despite his personal preference for more ergonomic curved designs. The phone's overall premium build and user-driven design evolution contributed to its status as his top choice for the year.[gsmarena+1]
Sagar, an editor at GSMArena.com, published his personal list as the new year began. His selections provide insight into devices that offered enjoyable and high-performing experiences throughout 2025.
