If you're in the market for a new smartphone in 2025, you can, and should, be very picky.
So many different use cases exist for these small handheld devices, from power players who don't even put their phone down to eat, to the creative types who use their mobile devices to bring audio and visual art and, more important, hilarious new memes into our lives.
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On the flip side, LED and OLED screens can be painful for some people to stare at for even short periods, while others struggle with serious issues of overconsumption, unable to stop endlessly scrolling.
As shiny new touchscreen gadgets roll out into the market almost every year, with them comes the opportunity for prospective buyers to be extra selective and choose the smartphone that's the best fit for their specific lifestyle.
I went on a hunt for the perfect smartphone for a few different types of users and leaned on AI search tools ChatGPT and Claude to do the heavy lifting when reviewing specs and use cases. I only used the free versions, which could be why these tools recommended older phones for me. Keep in mind that there are newer versions of each phone from Apple and Samsung, the iPhone 16 and Galaxy Z Fold 6, respectively, out now.
Here's how AI helped decide which smartphone is perfect for each user and recommendations on the best smartphone to buy for specific needs.
You can also check out the CNET smartphone buying guide that was written by CNET's phone experts as a comparison to AI.
Phones for visual impairments
Light Phone menu screen
The new Light Phone 3 Light Phone 3
Not everyone can enjoy the pleasures of a high-def screen, and in fact for some it's a real pain. A small contingent of smartphone users have experienced eye strain significant enough for them to want to leave LED and OLED screens behind entirely. ChatGPT and Claude suggested E-ink smartphones for such people.
If you want to avoid color screens altogether, the Light Phone 3 -- which launched Thursday -- is available for order and preorder in two models: the Light Phone II priced at $299 and the Light Phone III priced at $599.
The New York-based team who created the Light Phone aimed the design and functions of this E Ink device at people who value features like calling, text and GPS but who don't want or need glossy, full-color LED/OLED screens.
The creators of the Light Phone say they're interested in providing a gentler, more mindful experience with their low-key E Ink smartphone, but the AI tools recommended the Light Phone specifically for users who want the benefits of mobile smartphone features, like cameras and the ability to listen to and store music and podcasts, without the danger of eye strain.
A phone for mental health help
The Google Pixel 9A
The Google Pixel 9A James Martin/CNET
Screen junkies looking to kick the habit of constantly staring into the social media abyss are recommended smartphones with mental wellness features and some with minimalist user interfaces and features. The idea is you'd use these types of phones to help protect your peace when the digital world proves too intense.
While iPhones offer options aimed at enhancing your mental and physical health journey through body metric tracking such as sleep scheduling and screen time monitoring, ChatGPT and Claude suggested the Google Pixel (with Digital Wellbeing features), which provides a host of options designed to protect your precious sanity from the perils of the modern age.
The Android operating system allows you to create multiple profiles -- one for work and one for personal use, for example -- making it easy to hide all your professional apps when you're not on the clock. You can also schedule your work profile to turn on and off at particular times, making disconnecting from work demands automatic. iPhone/iOS also have this, called Focus modes.
Phones for power users
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 half open
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 offers more screen to do more things at once. The AI search tools recommended an earlier version. Lisa Eadicicco/CNET
For those looking to do all their professional or school work on their smartphones, the two AI tools recommended a list of the usual suspects, including the latest iPhone and Samsung models. There were also some suggestions for people who heavily use Microsoft products such as Teams.
These phones tout some intelligent hardware and software integrations to make working on documents, presentations and group projects easier from anywhere, so those of you who want to live the dream of working poolside or at your favorite public park, take note.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro / iPhone 15 Pro Max: The AI tools recommended Apple's iPhones largely for users who are looking to maximize their mobile device use, citing rich features and an ever-growing App Store as useful benefits for people looking to do everything from play to work.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5: This foldable touchscreen smartphone was highly recommended by the AI search tools for its wide real estate and ease of use with productivity and professional apps and software.
Another advantage is Samsung's operating system, which allows multiple apps to be open on the folding screen at the same time and even supports a floating window. The Fold also supports Samsung's S Pen for when you'd like to write out notes or sketch ideas on the Fold.
Phones for filmmakers and content creators
OnePlus 13R phone in use or display
The OnePlus 13 Mike Sorrentino/CNET
Big screens and generously sized imaging chips play a critical part in AI's recommendations for smartphones ideal for content creators and filmmakers. The iPhone is listed above, but the AI tools also suggested some lesser-known options like devices from Xiaomi, OnePlus and Sony.
Xiaomi 13 Pro: Featuring a fancy camera lens and larger-than-average imaging chip, AI search tools all recommended this model for creative types looking to make cinema-worthy masterpieces on the go. Although the AI tools again recommended the older model, there is a Xiaomi 15 Ultra now.
OnePlus 12: Thinner and lighter touchscreens are a hallmark of these smartphones and AI search tools cited a fast operating system, Dolby-branded vision and sound, high-quality zoom and a fancy-pants lens from high-end camera manufacturer, Hasselblad, as being more than capable of making your high-quality content creation dreams come true. The AI tools again recommended the older model, but there is a fresh OnePlus 13 out now.
Sony Xperia 1 VI (no longer sold in the US): Key selling points outlined with AI search tools for this device include a creator mode display that features professional video controls as well as the claim that the camera can shoot crystal clear images and footage of close-up and far away subjects.
Is AI helpful in choosing phones?
As a final note of caution, as always, make sure you double-check anything AI tells you about its smartphone recommendations, in case it's hallucinating or drawing incorrect info from some weird place online. During research for this piece, for instance, ChatGPT wrongly assumed some E Ink reading tablets are capable of native smartphone functions such as calling, texting and running social media apps.
AI training data may also be outdated, like how both tools recommended older models of phones rather than the current versions.
So make sure you do a quick search on anything an AI tool suggests to you, and cross-reference them with CNET's best phones lists.