Best Smartphones for Music and Movies in 2025

Explore the top smartphones for music and movies in 2025. Find your perfect multimedia device!

The Rise of Smartphones in Our Lives

Smartphones have become an integral part of our daily lives, more than ever before. Nowadays, we use our phones not just for making calls; they allow us to watch movies, listen to music, and take high-quality photos. The list goes on!

This evolution is primarily due to the support of HDR and OLED panels that significantly enhance performance. Most phones also support Dolby Atmos sound, meaning the immersive experience of watching movies on the go has never been better. Of course, the quality of a smartphone's image and sound is one of the most exciting aspects for us, so we take their performance in these areas into account.

Which Smartphone is Worth Your Pocket for Music and Movies?

So, which smartphone for music and movies deserves a spot in your pocket? With such a variety of prices, sizes, and quality, making a choice might be challenging. For instance, Samsung released a new series of smartphones this year, including the Samsung Galaxy S25 and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. But don’t worry — we’re here to help.

Below, you'll find the best smartphones we recommend. All of them have been tested by our team of experts, so if you’re buying one of these phones for listening to music and watching movies, you can rest assured that you’ve acquired a device approved by us.

Best Smartphones for Music and Movies 2025: Quick List

• Best Overall Smartphone for Music and Movies — Apple iPhone 16 Pro: The iPhone 16 Pro from Apple is an outstanding all-round smartphone with excellent attention to detail across the board. It’s a fantastic device for watching movies and listening to your favorite songs.
• Best Android Smartphone for Music and Movies — Sony Xperia 1 VI: If you’re looking for the most cinematic Android phone available, you’ve just found it.
• Best Budget Smartphone for Music and Movies — Sony Xperia 10 VI: The Xperia 10 VI proves you don’t have to spend a fortune to get excellent mobile performance.
• Best Mid-Range Smartphone for Music and Movies — Apple iPhone 16: While it’s not the cheapest mid-range phone, the iPhone 16 is worth its price.
• Best Samsung Smartphone for Music and Movies — Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: If you’re a Samsung fan, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is a reliable smartphone that surpasses its predecessor.

Detailed Overview of the Best Smartphones for Music and Movies in 2025

1. Apple iPhone 16 Pro — Best Overall Smartphone for Music and Movies

Technical Specifications:

• Screen Size: 6.3 inches
• Type: OLED
• Resolution: 1206 x 2622 (460 ppi)
• Operating System: iOS 18
• Battery Life: 27 hours video, 85 hours audio
• Dimensions: 150 x 72 x 8.3 mm
• Weight: 199 g
• Memory Options: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB

Pros:

• Detailed and impressive image quality
• Attractive and textured sound through headphones
• Dynamic speaker performance

Cons:

• Design feels too familiar
• Lacks Apple’s intelligent data at launch
• Camera control button feels out of place

The Apple iPhone 16 Pro meets all the criteria we considered when selecting an excellent smartphone. With impressive malware protection capabilities and enhanced image and sound quality, we rated it highly during testing.

Although the design hasn’t changed much, its elegant look and glass-titanium body make the device visually appealing. The A18 Pro processor, working alongside 8GB of RAM, can run console-level games.

When it comes to the camera, the 6.3-inch iPhone 16 Pro is an excellent smartphone, allowing for clear and detailed images with rich colors. It also features a wide brightness range from one to 2000 nits.

We were also impressed by the display on the iPhone 16 Pro. It's vibrant and rich, well-balanced and refined.

“As seen from 1917 in HDR10 (also on Netflix), the textures of clothing have barely noticeable color gradation that aren't visible on similar devices, like the Sony Xperia 1 VI.”

The sound quality is excellent, whether you’re using the stereo system or headphones. We tested the stereo system with the game Top Gun: Maverick and found the sound to be clean and energetic. They also have decent weight, although we wouldn’t count on them to replace a quality Bluetooth speaker if you want to play music loudly.

The iPhone 16 Pro comes at a steep price, but it impresses with its capabilities as a portable movie-watching and music-listening device.

2. Sony Xperia 1 VI — Best Android Smartphone for Music and Movies

Technical Specifications:

• Screen Size: 6.5 inches
• Display Type: LTPO OLED
• Resolution: 1080 x 2340 pixels (396 ppi)
• Operating System: Android 14
• Memory Options: 256GB / 512GB
• RAM: 12GB

Pros:

• Crisp image with impressive contrast
• Detailed sound through headphones
• New aspect ratio better suited for everyday use

Cons:

• Speakers lack weight and power
• More expensive than most competitors

In the Xperia 1 VI, Sony chose a more popular approach, sacrificing some of our favorite audio and video features. Shouldn't that make it worse? Surprisingly, it doesn’t, as Sony balanced the retention of audio and video features with overall usability.

The 21:9 aspect ratio is the first casualty, and while we miss it for watching movies without borders, we found everyday phone use significantly improved. Moreover, the OLED display, presumably tuned by Sony's Bravia TV division, remains just as crisp, bright, and detailed as before, even if it no longer supports 4K.

Additionally, the headphone jack has survived another generation, and the Xperia 1 VI is another top-notch smartphone when it comes to headphone audio quality. Wired headphones sound rich, energetic, and engaging, and while the competing iPhone typically sounds a bit warmer and richer, Sony compensates with excellent synchronization and dynamic range.

Finally, the Xperia 1 VI features the latest Snapdragon processor from Qualcomm, along with a 120Hz display, making it highly responsive. Its impressive camera and intuitive shooting app make the Xperia 1 VI a great choice for budding photographers.

3. Sony Xperia 10 VI — Best Budget Smartphone for Music and Movies

Technical Specifications:

• Display Size: 6.1 inches
• Display Technology: OLED
• Memory Options: 128GB
• Weight: 164 g
• Operating System: Android 14
• Colors: Black/White/Blue

Pros:

• 21:9 aspect ratio for movies
• Detailed and three-dimensional image
• Engaging and appealing sound through headphones

Cons:

• Phone vibrates when using the speakers
• Some loss of dark details

It’s easy to think you’ll get the best phone by spending a lot of money, but the Sony Xperia 10 VI proves that’s not necessarily true. While its multimedia features don’t quite match up to the pricier models from Apple or Sony, it still offers great on-the-go entertainment.

In the Xperia series, Sony uses a strategy of economizing premium materials and camera specs while maintaining image quality to achieve a more affordable price. This pays off, as the Xperia 10 VI delivers a bright and balanced picture.

In our review, we noted: “The opening scene of ‘Blade Runner 2049’ features sharp outlines and a multitude of detailed textures on clothing, skin, and the environment. While the image may seem cooler than we’d like, overall, the colors remain balanced and well-coordinated, providing a pleasant natural look.”

Regarding sound quality, it’s very good through headphones. While playing a Taylor Swift song, we noted the sound was spacious and dynamic. Without headphones, the sound is less impressive but still acceptable, with the front stereo pair providing enough volume.

Keep in mind that the quality of the camera on the Xperia didn’t impress us during testing. It’s adequate for quick snaps, but if you’re serious about smartphone photography, this phone won't meet your needs.

If that doesn’t bother you and you’re drawn to the Xperia 10 VI’s performance for music and movies, it could be the perfect budget phone for you.

4. Apple iPhone 16 — Best Mid-Range Smartphone for Music and Movies

Technical Specifications:

• Screen: 6.1-inch OLED
• Resolution: 1179 x 2556
• Operating System: iOS 18
• Battery: 3561 mAh
• Weight: 170 g
• Dimensions: 14.6 x 7.2 x 19.8 cm
• RAM: 8GB

Pros:

• Rich and detailed image
• Excellent sound quality
• Many "pro" features in this regular model

Cons:

• AI features are missing at launch
• Camera control button feels out of place
• iPhone 15 is still available and cheaper

While the price of Apple smartphones can reach sky-high levels, the iPhone 16 is in a more affordable range for the tech giant. It offers a clear, bright, and appealing picture and rich, detailed sound, providing impressive video quality overall.

While the 6.1-inch OLED screen may not be the largest, during testing, we found it delivered a colorful and detailed picture.

The iPhone 16 is equipped with the A18 processor and 8GB of RAM, allowing the device to support a plethora of AI features, including generative AI emoji, AI writing suggestions, and advanced photo editing, although the Apple Intelligence feature is currently absent.

When watching movies on the iPhone 16, the picture is vibrant and dimensional. We remarked: “In the opening scene of *1917*, we see clear details of clothing, skin, and environment, with tangible texture from the coarse fabric of the soldier's uniform and grainy mud on the trench walls they traverse.”

In terms of sound quality, it consistently delivers detailed and rich sound through headphones. The stereo sound system is excellent for watching shows or movies on the go, comfortably reproducing dialogues and sound effects with clarity and detail, even if they’re slightly muted in dynamics.

If you’re looking for a smartphone that offers quality sound and more than reliable virus protection without breaking the bank, this option is definitely worth considering.

5. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra — Best Samsung Smartphone for Music and Movies

Technical Specifications:

• Screen Size: 6.9 inches
• Display Type: Dynamic AMOLED
• Resolution: 1440 x 3120 pixels (498 ppi)
• Operating System: Android 15 (One UI 7)
• Memory Options: 256GB / 512GB / 1TB
• RAM: 12GB

Pros:

• Rich and appealing image
• ProScaler feature is very effective
• Clear and spacious headphone sound

Cons:

• Lacks low-level dynamics and depth
• Expensive
• Not suited for people with small hands

In addition to being packed with all the expected smartphone features, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra stands out among other models thanks to its superior video processing capabilities. Its “crisp and voluminous” image quality is partly due to the new image enhancement feature and ProScaler.

During testing, we remarked: “The S25 Ultra doesn’t waste time demonstrating how good its display is. In a scene from *John Wick*, where Kane is hired by the villain Marquis Vincent de Gramont, there are many clear details.”

The sound quality on the phone doesn’t quite match the image quality, but we still consider it a serious attempt by Samsung, describing it as “clean and voluminous.” It supports Dolby Atmos through stereo speakers (including the receiver and downward-facing speaker) and wired and wireless headphones.

Regarding other features, the S25 Ultra largely replicates what we liked in its predecessor, the S24 Ultra. The Galaxy AI system found in the S24 Ultra has been carried over to the S25 Ultra, including the incredibly useful Circle function for Google search, generative photo editing tools, real-time translation tools, and the Chat Assist feature. However, Samsung has improved this function for the S25 Ultra by adding a new large language model (LLM), which reportedly makes photo-filling tools in the editor more reliable and accurate.

Add to that lightning-fast performance, a quality camera system, and a new titanium frame, and we believe Samsung is on the right track. If the next-generation Galaxy smartphones can deliver sound with such fine tuning, Sony and Apple could be in trouble.

Consider Alternatives

Other Excellent Smartphones We Tested:

• Apple iPhone 15 Plus: The iPhone 15 Plus closely mirrors what we love about the Pro Max, but at a lower price. The large OLED screen with Dolby Vision support is sharp and vibrant, while the sound is equally good. It’s a fantastic all-round smartphone if you’re looking for an alternative to the Sony Xperia 5 V on iOS in this list.
• Google Pixel 8 Pro: The Pixel 8 Pro is Google’s loudest smartphone, but it’s not as precise as we’d like when it comes to synchronization, and it falls short of our favorites for video watching due to awkward shadow displays and an excessive focus on colors. As a smartphone, it’s hard to criticize, but the AV system performance still needs work.
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: Foldable phones have firmly established themselves, and Samsung’s latest model is a great option for those with money to spend. It offers a clear and bright picture, improved sound quality compared to the S24 Ultra, and all the latest Samsung AI features, making it an excellent choice for anyone needing a modern smartphone.

How to Choose the Best Smartphone for Music and Movies?

Choosing a smartphone that best meets your needs is more challenging than it seems and can actually turn out to be more difficult than selecting the best TV or headphones. You use your smartphone every day, and for many of us, it’s an essential part of daily life. This is where key features come into play: long battery life, a comfortable design, and a screen that’s not too big or too small.

Many of us also buy smartphones through contracts, which are often for 24 months, so you need to plan ahead. Will the phone you choose have a powerful enough processor and RAM to last for two years? What software platform do you want: Apple’s iOS, which is only available on iPhones, or Google’s Android, which is used by companies like Samsung, Sony, and OnePlus? And does the phone have enough features to keep you using it during that time, like a versatile camera or support for microSD cards for memory expansion?

However, if you need the highest AV performance (like we do), things get clearer and more straightforward. You’ll want an OLED display with deep blacks and bright colors, with an aspect ratio of 18:9 or 21:9 and minimal bezels — perfect for continuous content viewing as the director intended.

Most phones come equipped with displays supporting 1080p or 1440p resolutions, and some even offer 4K displays in higher-end models. Since smartphone displays are much smaller than TVs and even tablets, they often have very high pixel densities, so high resolution isn’t always a priority. Don’t stress if your phone doesn’t have the latest screen technology.

Sound is equally important, and mobile audio systems have significantly changed over the past few years. Many models now include stereo speakers that combine the speaker and receiver, creating impressively loud and voluminous sound. However, what modern smartphones gain, they also take away, as in the case of the 3.5mm headphone jack, which is now endangered on modern devices.

Considering all these key factors, many find choosing a new phone a daunting task and dread the end of their contract. But don’t worry; all the models listed above are fully approved by us, and that should suffice to help you make a decision.

What is the Difference Between iOS and Android?

Every phone has an operating system (similar to Windows on PCs) that powers it and allows you to navigate and use its features. There are two main operating systems to choose from: iOS and Android. iOS is only available on Apple phones, while Android, created by Google, is open-source, meaning any phone manufacturer can install it. Some even add their skins on top and — for better or worse — load exclusive apps.

Generally, Android is more customizable than iOS, and in general, Android phones are cheaper than iPhones. However, nowadays, the gap between them is likely minimal, and it often comes down to personal preference.

Which is Better: iOS or Android?

The answer to this question is almost entirely subjective and, if this isn’t your first smartphone, largely depends on which platform you’re accustomed to. Both come with extensive app ecosystems, cloud storage, and other compatible devices, so it can sometimes feel like you’re tied to whatever you initially chose.

At least in the case of Android, the wide range of manufacturers means you have plenty of options when it comes to phones, and nothing is stopping you from almost seamlessly switching from Samsung to Sony or from OnePlus to Google. Many Android users cite customization freedom as a significant advantage, but there’s also something to be said about Apple’s more restricted approach.

More strict control over apps and services ensures more stable performance of iOS devices across various devices; with an iPhone, you always know what you’re getting.

Is Resolution the Most Important Screen Feature?

Resolution is a good place to start, but perhaps the more pixels, the better if you’re dealing with a display that fits in your pocket, so you don’t need to worry about your phone’s screen being 4K. Instead, pay attention to pixel density (or PPI, which means pixels per inch).

You’ll be using your phone in different lighting conditions, so consider the maximum brightness, measured in nits. The brighter the screen, the better it can handle direct sunlight, so you’ll be able to see it better on sunny days. Refresh rate is another factor to consider. The higher the number, the smoother the operation should be, though many phones now have displays with variable refresh rates that change depending on what you’re asking the phone to do.

This means that when scrolling or watching video, the refresh rate will be high, but it can be very low to enable an always-on display.

All the phones on our list are equipped with OLED screens, which provide the best contrast, but cheaper phones often utilize LCD screens.

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