As we dive into 2024, the smartphone market continues to evolve at a rapid pace. With cutting-edge features and powerful performance, the best smartphones of this year offer an exciting array of options for tech enthusiasts and casual users alike. From impressive camera capabilities to lightning-fast processors, these devices are changing how we interact with technology in our daily lives.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top contenders for the best smartphones 2024 has to offer. We’ll take a close look at standout models like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 15 Pro Max, as well as innovative options from Google, OnePlus, and Xiaomi. Whether you’re after top-notch photography, smooth performance, or the latest in foldable technology, we’ve got you covered with our comprehensive roundup of the year’s most impressive devices.
Choosing the Right Smartphone in 2024
The smartphone market in 2024 offers an array of options, each with unique features and capabilities. To make an informed decision, it’s crucial to consider key factors that define the best smartphones of the year.
Processor Performance
The heart of any smartphone is its processor, which directly impacts overall performance. In 2024, top-tier devices are equipped with powerful chipsets that handle complex tasks with ease. The smartphone processor market is expected to grow from USD 20.47 billion in 2023 to USD 23.70 billion in 2024, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.8% . This growth reflects the increasing demand for high-performance devices.
Leading the pack are processors like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, found in flagship Android phones. These chips deliver stellar performance, often surpassing even the latest iPhones in graphics tests . Apple’s A17 Pro chip, powering the iPhone 15 Pro models, also stands out for its ability to handle console-tier video games .
For those seeking a balance between performance and affordability, options like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in mid-range phones offer impressive speed without the premium price tag.
Camera Capabilities
Camera quality remains a top priority for many smartphone users. The best camera phones of 2024 combine advanced hardware with sophisticated software and AI to produce stunning photos in various conditions.
High-megapixel sensors are becoming more common, with many flagship phones featuring 50MP or higher main cameras. However, it’s not just about the megapixel count. Sensor size plays a crucial role in image quality, especially in challenging light conditions. The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 15 Pro Max boast some of the largest sensors available in the US market .
Zoom capabilities have also seen significant improvements. For instance, the Galaxy S24 Ultra offers a 5x optical zoom with its new 50MP telephoto lens, allowing for detailed shots even at high magnifications .
Battery Life and Charging
Long-lasting battery life is essential for modern smartphones. In 2024, many devices offer two or even three days of use on a single charge, thanks to larger battery capacities and more efficient processors.
Some standout performers in battery life include:
- Sony Xperia 10 IV: Scored an impressive 24 hours and 52 minutes in the PC Mark battery test .
- Oppo Reno 11 F 5G: Offers two full days of use with its 5000mAh battery .
- iPhone 15 Plus: While Apple doesn’t disclose battery capacity, it delivers stellar battery life, often lasting two to three days with lighter usage .
Fast charging capabilities have also improved, with some phones like the OnePlus 12 able to go from empty to full in less than 30 minutes, thanks to its 80W charging in the US .
When choosing a smartphone in 2024, consider these key factors alongside your personal preferences and budget. The market offers a wide range of options, from high-end flagships to budget-friendly devices, each with its own strengths in processor performance, camera capabilities, and battery life.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: The All-Rounder
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra stands out as a top contender in the 2024 smartphone market. It combines cutting-edge technology with user-friendly features, making it a versatile choice for many users.
AI-Enhanced Features
Galaxy AI is a standout feature of the S24 Ultra. It offers a suite of AI-powered tools integrated into native Samsung apps. These include the phone app, Samsung Keyboard, Notes, and more . The AI features are a mix of on-device and cloud-powered capabilities. Users can choose to process all data on their device for enhanced privacy .
One of the most practical AI features is Live Translate. It provides real-time voice and text translations for phone calls within the native app . This feature breaks down language barriers, making it easier to communicate while traveling or working with international colleagues.
Chat Assist is another helpful tool. It helps users perfect their conversational tone in messages . The Samsung Keyboard can translate messages in real-time across 13 languages .
Professional-Grade Cameras
The Galaxy S24 Ultra boasts an impressive camera system. It features a 200MP main camera, capturing images in pin-sharp resolution and natural colors . The Quad-telephoto camera system offers 2x, 3x, 5x, and 10x optical zoom .
The new 50MP telephoto lens enhances the phone’s zoom capabilities. It works with the 50MP sensor to provide optical-quality performance at various zoom levels . The S24 Ultra also features improved Nightography capabilities. The larger pixel size, now 1.4 μm, captures more light in dim conditions .
For video enthusiasts, the S24 Ultra offers 8K video recording with optical 5x zoom . The Super HDR upgrade, combined with AI assistance, allows users to preview super-vivid photos and videos before capturing them .
Long-Term Software Support
Samsung has made a significant commitment to long-term software support for the S24 Ultra. The device will receive seven years of major Android upgrades and security updates . This means that even in 2031, the S24 Ultra should work just as securely as it does now .
This extended support adds value to the device, especially for those who prefer to keep their phones for longer periods. It also benefits users who buy older devices to save money, as the S24 Ultra will still have several years of software support even in 2025 or 2026 .
However, it’s worth noting that while software updates can extend a device’s life, hardware limitations may still affect performance over time. Older devices might struggle with the increasing complexity and demands of modern apps .
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra combines advanced AI features, professional-grade cameras, and long-term software support. These elements make it a well-rounded choice for users seeking a high-performance smartphone that will remain relevant for years to come.
iPhone 15 Pro Max: iOS at its Finest
A17 Pro Performance
The iPhone 15 Pro Max showcases Apple’s cutting-edge A17 Pro chip, a marvel of engineering that sets new standards for mobile performance. This 3-nanometer semiconductor manufacturing process allows for an astounding 19 billion transistors, a significant leap from its predecessor . The A17 Pro features two high-performance cores and four energy-efficient cores, delivering a 10% speed boost over the previous generation .
Apple claims the A17 Pro is the fastest single-threaded mobile CPU, rivaling high-end PCs . The efficiency cores are touted as the “most efficient mobile CPU,” offering three times the performance per watt compared to competitors . This balance of power and efficiency ensures the iPhone 15 Pro Max can handle demanding tasks while maintaining excellent battery life.
The neural engine, crucial for on-device machine learning tasks, has received a substantial upgrade. With 16 cores, it’s capable of an impressive 35 trillion operations per second, doubling its performance . This enhancement significantly improves features like voice recognition and photo indexing.
Gaming enthusiasts will appreciate the “groundbreaking” GPU in the A17 Pro. With six cores, it’s 20% faster than its predecessor and includes hardware-accelerated ray tracing . This feature allows for four times faster ray tracing compared to software-based rendering, enabling more immersive gaming experiences with higher frame rates .
ProRAW and ProRes
The iPhone 15 Pro Max’s camera system has received significant upgrades, particularly in its video capabilities. It now supports shooting Apple ProRes video in Log color profile at 4K resolution . This professional-grade codec, typically found in high-end video cameras, captures more data, resulting in superior footage quality .
The addition of Log color profile is a game-changer for videographers. It preserves more image information in highlights and shadows, allowing for greater flexibility in post-production color grading . To enable these features, users can navigate to Settings > Camera > Formats and toggle on Apple ProRes .
For photography enthusiasts, the iPhone 15 Pro Max offers ProRAW capabilities. This feature combines the versatility of RAW format with Apple’s computational photography, allowing for greater control in post-processing. The new 24-megapixel default resolution provides more detail and flexibility for editing .
Ecosystem Integration
The iPhone 15 Pro Max seamlessly integrates into Apple’s ecosystem, enhancing productivity and user experience. One standout feature is Continuity, which allows users to start tasks on one Apple device and continue on another . This seamless transition works across various Apple native apps, including Safari, Notes, and Calendar .
AirDrop, another ecosystem feature, simplifies file transfers between Apple devices. It’s particularly useful for photographers and videographers who need to quickly move media from their iPhone to a Mac for editing .
The device also supports Sidecar and Universal Control, turning an iPad into a secondary display for a Mac or allowing control of multiple Apple devices with a single keyboard and mouse . These features transform the iPhone 15 Pro Max from a standalone device into a crucial component of a broader, interconnected ecosystem.
The switch to USB-C connectivity further enhances the iPhone’s versatility. With USB 3.2 Gen 2 support, it offers data transfer speeds up to 10 Gbps, a significant improvement over the previous Lightning connection . This upgrade is particularly beneficial for professionals working with large ProRes video files or high-resolution photos.
Google Pixel 9 Pro: Smart Photography
Computational Photography Advancements
The Google Pixel 9 Pro takes smartphone photography to new heights with its advanced computational photography capabilities. The device features a triple rear camera system that includes a 50MP main camera, a 48MP ultrawide lens, and a 48MP telephoto lens . This setup allows for incredible image quality and versatility in various shooting scenarios.
One of the standout features is the improved HDR+ pipeline. Google has completely rebuilt this image processing algorithm to enhance contrast, exposure, colors, and shadows . This results in more true-to-life photos with better textures, skin tones, and overall image quality.
The Pixel 9 Pro’s Night Sight capabilities have also seen significant improvements. The larger pixel size, now 1.4 μm, captures more light in dim conditions . This enhancement extends to video as well, with Night Sight Video allowing users to capture sharp footage in low-light situations .
AI-Powered Editing Tools
Google has introduced a suite of AI-powered editing tools that push the boundaries of smartphone photography. The Magic Editor feature has been expanded with new capabilities like Reimagine, which allows users to alter photos using text prompts . This tool can change elements such as the sky, ground, or objects in the image, offering creative possibilities previously limited to professional editing software.
Another noteworthy addition is Auto Frame, which uses AI to suggest better framing options for photos after they’ve been taken . This feature can even generate wider views of images, filling in the blanks around the subject using generative AI.
Zoom Enhance is a powerful post-capture tool that intelligently fills in gaps between pixels and predicts fine details . This allows for high-quality zooming after the photo has been taken, enhancing the overall flexibility of the camera system.
Clean Android Experience
The Pixel 9 Pro offers a clean Android experience, integrating seamlessly with Google’s ecosystem of apps and services. This integration extends to the camera app, where features like Add Me make group photos easier by allowing the photographer to be included in the shot .
The device also benefits from Google’s commitment to long-term software support. Users can expect regular updates that not only improve security but also potentially introduce new camera features and enhancements over time .
The Pixel 9 Pro’s camera system, combined with its AI-powered editing tools and clean Android experience, offers a compelling package for photography enthusiasts. It strikes a balance between powerful hardware and intelligent software, allowing users to capture and create stunning images with ease.
OnePlus 12: Fast and Smooth
Rapid Charging Technology
The OnePlus 12 sets a new standard for charging speed in smartphones. It features a massive 5,400mAh battery, which is a significant increase from previous generations . This larger capacity translates to exceptional battery life, with the device consistently outperforming many competitors in rigorous testing .
What truly sets the OnePlus 12 apart is its charging capabilities. In the US, the phone supports 80W fast charging, which can take the device from empty to 50% in just 12 minutes . Impressively, the OnePlus 12 can charge faster wirelessly than most phones can while plugged in, reaching 50% in only 23 minutes .
For users outside North America, the OnePlus 12 offers even more impressive charging speeds. It supports 100W wired charging, allowing for a full recharge in about 26 minutes, or from empty to half full in a mere 11 minutes . The device also boasts 50W wireless charging, which can fully charge the phone in 55 minutes .
Fluid Display
The OnePlus 12 features a stunning 6.82-inch display that offers an immersive viewing experience. Its high resolution ensures pin-sharp content, while vibrant colors do justice to colorful Netflix shows and neon-toned mobile games .
One of the standout features is the variable refresh rate, which ranges from 1 to 120Hz. This adaptive technology optimizes performance for various tasks, particularly enhancing the gaming experience . OnePlus claims this is the brightest display ever on a phone, boasting a peak brightness of 4,500 nits .
The display also incorporates advanced eye care features. It uses 2160 Hz PWM Dimming technology, which helps reduce eye strain during extended use . Additionally, the screen supports HDR10+, HDRVivid, and Dolby Vision, ensuring high-quality visuals across different content types .
OxygenOS Optimizations
The OnePlus 12 runs on OxygenOS, which has evolved to offer a smoother and faster user experience. At the heart of this optimization is the next-generation Trinity Engine, which fine-tunes the CPU, RAM, and storage for improved performance and stability .
These optimizations are particularly noticeable in gaming. The device handles demanding games like Genshin Impact, PUBG, and Asphalt 9: Legends with impressive smoothness, delivering 60 frames-per-second gameplay without lag or stuttering .
OxygenOS also focuses on power efficiency. Despite the phone’s powerful performance, it manages to deliver excellent battery life. In a YouTube streaming test at maximum brightness, the OnePlus 12 showed minimal battery drain, dropping to only 95% after three hours of continuous playback .
The operating system includes several features to help users optimize battery usage. These include options like Automatic Optimize, Don’t Optimize, and Ask Always, allowing users to tailor the phone’s power management to their needs .
Xiaomi 14 Ultra: Camera Innovation
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra stands out as a groundbreaking device in the realm of smartphone photography. It boasts a Leica quad-camera configuration that offers an impressive range of focal lengths from 12mm to 120mm . This setup allows users to capture stunning images in various scenarios, from wide-angle landscapes to detailed close-ups.
Leica Optics
At the heart of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s camera system lies the LEICA VARIO-SUMMILUX 1:1.63-2.5/12-120 ASPH lens set . This professional-grade optical system enhances light intake by 36%, resulting in superior low-light performance and reduced image noise . The main camera features a large 1-inch LYT-900 image sensor with a 14EV dynamic range, ensuring exceptional image quality even in challenging lighting conditions .
One of the most innovative features is the variable aperture system in the main camera. It ranges from f/1.63 to f/4.0, allowing for precise control over depth of field and exposure . This stepless aperture control brings the full exposure triangle – aperture, shutter speed, and ISO – to smartphone photography, a feature typically reserved for professional cameras .
The Leica quad-camera system includes:
- A 23mm main camera with a 50MP sensor and 8P lens
- A 75mm floating telephoto camera with a 50MP sensor and 6P lens
- A 120mm periscope camera with a 50MP sensor
- A 12mm ultra-wide camera with a 50MP sensor and 7P lens
This versatile setup enables users to capture a wide range of subjects, from expansive landscapes to detailed macro shots as close as 5cm .
Pro-Level Manual Controls
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra caters to photography enthusiasts and professionals with its extensive manual controls. In Pro mode, users can adjust aperture, shutter speed, ISO, exposure value, focal length, color temperature, and focus . This level of control allows for creative expression and precise image capture in any situation.
The device supports 16-bit DNG RAW photo capture, preserving a wealth of detail for post-processing . This feature is particularly valuable for professional photographers who require maximum flexibility in editing their images.
The camera app offers two distinct photographic styles: Leica Authentic Look and Leica Vibrant Look . These presets allow users to quickly achieve their desired esthetic without extensive post-processing. Additionally, the device includes Leica filters and the iconic Leica classic shutter sound, further enhancing the premium camera experience .
8K Video Recording
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra pushes the boundaries of smartphone videography with its 8K video recording capabilities. Users can capture 8K footage at 30fps, preserving an unprecedented level of detail . For those who prefer lower resolutions, the device also supports 4K recording at various frame rates, including 24fps, 30fps, 60fps, and even 120fps for smooth slow-motion footage .
The device’s video capabilities extend beyond just high resolution. It features MasterCinema, which records high-dynamic-range videos in 10-bit Rec.2020 color space . This ensures that videos capture a wide range of colors and maintain detail in both highlights and shadows, resulting in cinematic-quality footage.
For audio, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra incorporates a 4-Mic array, enabling surround-sound recording and directional audio capture . This feature, combined with Audio Zoom, allows for studio-quality sound recording directly on the smartphone.
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra represents a significant leap forward in smartphone camera technology. Its combination of Leica optics, pro-level controls, and advanced video capabilities make it a powerful tool for both amateur and professional photographers and videographers.
Best Foldable Phones of 2024
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 stands out as a top contender in the foldable phone market. This latest iteration boasts significant improvements over its predecessors. The device is thinner and lighter, weighing just 8.4 ounces, comparable to many conventional big-screen phones . Despite its enhanced portability, Samsung hasn’t compromised on durability. The Z Fold 6 features stronger glass and improved resistance to dust.
One of the most exciting aspects of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 is its Galaxy AI features. These include tools that capitalize on the Fold’s unique design. For instance, users can access Google Gemini from the cover display, while Sketch to Image utilizes the expanded drawing surface to transform sketches into stylized illustrations . The Note Assist feature is particularly useful for transcribing and summarizing meeting notes.
The Z Fold 6 is powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, which enhances on-device and hybrid-based AI capabilities . The upgraded hinge design contributes to the phone’s slimmer profile while maintaining durability to withstand 200,000 bends or more throughout its lifespan . The main display boasts an impressive brightness of 2,600 nits, making it an excellent canvas for various activities .
Google Pixel Fold 2
Google’s second attempt at a foldable phone, the Pixel Fold 2, addresses many of the shortcomings of its predecessor. The device features a thin and light redesign that aligns with contemporary foldable standards. It introduces several new AI features that enhance the user experience. For example, the Add Me feature uses augmented reality to easily include the photographer in photos .
The Pixel Fold 2 boasts an exceptionally bright main display, reaching an outstanding 2,319 nits in testing, making it the brightest screen tested in a notebook-style foldable phone . Despite producing lower benchmark scores, the Tensor G4 chip powering the device delivers improved battery life, lasting 11 hours and 36 minutes in testing .
Google has implemented its own “Flex Mode,” which works better than Samsung’s version. When partially folded, the Pixel Fold 2 offers a more stable and inviting viewing experience, especially for watching videos . The camera system on the Pixel Fold 2 is particularly noteworthy, delivering reliable and high-quality photos across its various lenses .
Motorola Razr+ (2024)
Motorola has made significant improvements to its Razr+ model for 2024. The most notable upgrade is the larger 4-inch outer screen, an increase from its predecessor’s 3.6-inch display . This enhancement allows users to do more without opening the device, including browsing the web, playing games, and scrolling through social media apps .
The Razr+ (2024) introduces a new 50MP telephoto camera with 2x optical zoom, complementing its main 50MP camera. This addition enhances the phone’s photography capabilities, allowing users to get closer to their subjects . The device also features an updated camcorder mode that can record video in both horizontal and vertical orientations.
Under the hood, the Razr+ (2024) is powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chip, optimized for AI workloads. It comes with 12GB of RAM and a larger 4,000mAh battery that supports both wired and wireless charging . These upgrades contribute to improved performance and longer battery life, addressing common concerns with foldable devices.
Budget-Friendly Options
Google Pixel 8a
The Google Pixel 8a stands out as an excellent choice for budget-conscious consumers. Priced at USD 499.00 for the 128GB version, it offers remarkable value . This device boasts the same Tensor G3 processor found in the flagship Pixel 8 series, ensuring top-notch performance . The Pixel 8a features a 6.1-inch Actua display with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing a smooth and vibrant visual experience .
Camera enthusiasts will appreciate the Pixel 8a’s 64MP main camera, which captures detailed and colorful photos in various lighting conditions . The phone also includes a 13MP ultrawide camera and a 13MP selfie camera, offering versatility for different shooting scenarios .
One of the most significant advantages of the Pixel 8a is its software support. Google promises seven years of OS, security, and Feature Drop updates, making it a long-lasting investment . The device also features a 4,492 mAh battery, supporting both fast charging and wireless charging capabilities .
Samsung Galaxy A55 5G
Samsung’s Galaxy A55 5G offers a compelling package for those seeking a balance between features and affordability. The phone sports a large 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, perfect for media consumption and gaming . Its octa-core Exynos 1480 chip provides ample power for everyday tasks and even handles demanding games like Genshin Impact and PUBG at decent frame rates .
The Galaxy A55 5G comes with a triple rear camera setup, including a 50MP main camera, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 5MP macro camera . While it may not match the Pixel 8a’s camera performance, it still delivers solid exposures and sufficient detail for social media sharing.
Samsung has committed to four years of Android software support and an additional fifth year of security support for the A55 5G, ensuring the device remains up-to-date and secure for years to come .
OnePlus Nord 4
The OnePlus Nord 4 impresses with its combination of performance and value. It features a large 6.74-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 2,150 nits, offering an immersive visual experience . Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 SoC, the Nord 4 delivers strong performance for both everyday tasks and gaming .
One of the Nord 4’s standout features is its massive 5,500 mAh battery, which provides exceptional longevity. In a 3-hour YouTube battery drain test, the Nord 4 lost only 11% of its charge, outperforming both the Galaxy A55 and Pixel 8a . The device also supports 100W wired charging, allowing for a full charge in under 30 minutes .
While the Nord 4’s camera performance may not match its competitors, it makes up for it with its overall value proposition. OnePlus has committed to four Android OS upgrades, ensuring the device remains current for years to come .
Conclusion
The smartphone landscape of 2024 offers an exciting array of options for every type of user. From cutting-edge flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 15 Pro Max to innovative foldables and budget-friendly choices, there’s something for everyone. These devices push the boundaries of what’s possible, with advanced AI features, powerful cameras, and long-lasting batteries.
As technology continues to evolve, smartphones are becoming more than just communication tools. They’re now powerful computers in our pockets, capable of handling complex tasks and enhancing our daily lives. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, a mobile gamer, or just someone who wants a reliable device, the smartphone market of 2024 has you covered with its diverse and feature-rich offerings.
FAQs
What is the top smartphone to buy in 2024?
In 2024, the leading smartphones based on expert reviews include the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, Google Pixel 8 Pro, OnePlus 12, Nothing Phone 2, Google Pixel 8a, Sony Xperia 1 VI, and OnePlus Open.
What are the projections for smartphone sales in 2024?
According to the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker, global smartphone shipments are expected to increase by 5.8% in 2024, reaching a total of 1.23 billion units.
What are the top 10 smartphones of 2024?
The top smartphones of 2024, as tested and ranked, include the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, Google Pixel 9 Pro, Google Pixel 8a, iPhone 15, Samsung Galaxy S24, OnePlus 12, and iPhone 15 Pro as some of the best overall choices.
Which smartphone is currently considered the best in the world?
As of now, the best smartphones include the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max known for its excellent camera features, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra which includes an S Pen for artists, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 praised for its large inner display, and the Google Pixel 8a which offers great value for its price.