The 10 best smartphones of 2024

2024's Top 10 Smartphones: A Comprehensive Review

The year 2024 delivered a stellar lineup of smartphones, boasting impressive power, innovative features, and striking designs. Manufacturers focused heavily on AI integration, professional-grade cameras, and unique form factors. This review highlights the best models, considering both specifications and real-world user experience.

Table of Contents

• Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
• iPhone 16 Pro Max
• Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
• CMF Phone 1 by Nothing
• Google Pixel 8a
• OnePlus 12
• Sony Xperia 1 VI
• Oppo Find X5 Pro
• OnePlus Open
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
• Display: 6.8-inch AMOLED
• Storage: Up to 1TB
• Battery: 5,000mAh

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra sets a new standard for 2024 flagship phones, seamlessly blending advanced AI with top-tier hardware. Its vibrant 6.8-inch AMOLED display (2,600 nits brightness, Gorilla Armor) offers exceptional visibility. The lightweight titanium build ensures durability, while the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 delivers blistering performance. The 50MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom captures stunning images, enhanced further by AI-powered features like real-time translation and smart photo editing. At $1,299, it's a premium investment for an unparalleled mobile experience.

iPhone 16 Pro Max

• Processor: A18 Pro
• Display: 6.9-inch AMOLED
• Storage: Up to 1TB
• Battery: Up to 33 hours video playback

The iPhone 16 Pro Max delivers the expected premium experience: a breathtaking 6.9-inch AMOLED display and the potent A18 Pro chip. Distinguishing features include slimmer bezels, a larger screen, and a dedicated Camera Control button for instant photo capture. 4K video recording at 120fps and the Audio Mix feature enhance multimedia capabilities. Extended battery life (up to 33 hours of video playback) and 25W wireless charging add to its convenience.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

• Processor: Google Tensor G4
• Display: 6.3 and 6.7 inches (AMOLED)
• Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB
• Battery: 5,060mAh

The Pixel 9 Pro XL excels in mobile photography. Its triple-camera system (50MP main, 48MP ultra-wide, 48MP telephoto with 5x zoom) combined with Super Res Zoom (up to 30x), 8K upscaling, and the innovative Add Me feature produces exceptional results. The 42MP wide-angle front camera is ideal for group selfies. Tensor G4 and AI-powered features like Magic Editor and Photo Unblur further enhance image quality. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is a photographer's dream.

CMF Phone 1 by Nothing

• Processor: Dimensity 7300 5G
• Display: 6.67-inch AMOLED
• Resolution: 2780 x 1264
• Battery: 5,500mAh

A budget-friendly option with unique features, the CMF Phone 1 starts at $230. Users can customize the back panel, add accessories, and expand storage via microSD. Despite its affordability, it boasts a bright 6.67-inch AMOLED display, excellent battery life, and a clean Android experience. However, compromises include a mid-range processor (Dimensity 7300 5G), less-than-stellar low-light camera performance, and limited network frequency support.

Google Pixel 8a

• Processor: Tensor G3
• Display: 6.1-inch Actua HD
• Storage: 128GB / 256GB
• Battery: 4,492mAh

The Google Pixel 8a offers a compelling budget-friendly alternative. Its compact size and lower price don't compromise on quality. The 13MP main and selfie cameras, enhanced by Google's AI, deliver impressive image quality. AI-powered features like background removal and composition adjustments further enhance photos.

OnePlus 12

• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
• Display: 6.8-inch AMOLED
• Storage: Up to 512GB
• Battery: 5,000mAh

The OnePlus 12 prioritizes speed and performance. Starting at $899, it offers a 6.8-inch AMOLED display (120Hz refresh rate), a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, and a 50MP main camera. Its standout feature is its incredibly fast 80W wired charging (50% in 10 minutes). 50W wireless charging is also included. While lacking generative AI features, it provides a balanced Android experience and powerful performance at a competitive price.

Sony Xperia 1 VI

• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
• Display: 6.5-inch Bravia HDR OLED (120Hz)
• Storage: 256GB
• Battery: 5,000mAh

The Xperia 1 VI targets professional photographers with its high-quality cameras and performance. Its elegant design is a notable feature. This iteration features a standard aspect ratio display, improving versatility. The 48MP main camera, along with 12MP telephoto and ultra-wide lenses, provides exceptional image quality. Professional features like macro mode and bokeh, combined with AI support, make it a powerful tool.

Oppo Find X5 Pro

• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8
• Display: 6.7-inch AMOLED (120Hz)
• Storage: 256GB
• Battery: 5,000mAh

The Oppo Find X5 Pro emphasizes photography with its dual 50MP main cameras and a 32MP front camera. The Hasselblad partnership enhances image quality, with "Natural Colour Calibration" producing accurate colors, although some may find them less vibrant than those from Google Pixel phones. It features a 120Hz AMOLED display and rapid charging (0-100% in 47 minutes). The 5,000mAh battery provides excellent battery life.

OnePlus Open

• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
• Display: 6.3-inch (outer), 7.8-inch (inner)
• Storage: 512GB
• Battery: 5,000mAh

The OnePlus Open is an excellent foldable phone offering a tablet experience in a compact form factor. Its 7.8-inch inner screen excels at multitasking with its "Open Canvas" feature. Folded, it's comparable in size and weight to an iPhone; unfolded, it's a large, convenient screen. The triple-camera system (48MP main, 48MP ultra-wide, 64MP telephoto) delivers vibrant photos. 65W fast charging surpasses competitors.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6

• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
• Display: 6.7-inch AMOLED
• Storage: 256GB / 512GB
• Battery: 4,000mAh

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 is a stylish flip phone with modern features. It includes a 6.7-inch AMOLED display, a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, and an improved camera with a 50MP main sensor and 12MP ultra-wide lens. The AI-powered Auto Zoom feature automatically adjusts focus. The 4,000mAh battery benefits from improved cooling technology. The outer screen offers interactive wallpapers and real-time translation. It's lighter and thinner than its predecessor.

This review covers ten of 2024's best smartphones, each with unique strengths. Whether you prioritize camera quality, battery life, affordability, or innovative design, this selection offers a diverse range of options to suit individual needs and preferences. The constant evolution of technology ensures that each new generation of smartphones brings exciting innovations, enhancing productivity, entertainment, and creativity.