The 10 best smartphones of 2024

2024's Top 10 Smartphones: A Roundup of the Year's Best

2024 saw a surge of impressive smartphone releases, boasting powerful processors, cutting-edge features, and innovative designs. Manufacturers focused heavily on AI integration, professional-grade cameras, and unique form factors. This curated list highlights the best models, judged not only on specifications but also on 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

Image: zdnet.com

• 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 expansive 6.8-inch AMOLED display, boasting 2,600 nits of brightness and Gorilla Armor anti-glare, ensures readability even in direct sunlight. The lightweight titanium build promises durability, while the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 delivers exceptional performance. The standout 50MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom captures sharper, brighter images. AI-powered features, such as real-time call translation and intelligent photo editing, enhance functionality. At $1,299, it's a premium investment for the ultimate smartphone experience.

iPhone 16 Pro Max

Image: zdnet.com

• 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 flagship experience: a stunning 6.9-inch AMOLED display and the potent A18 Pro chip. This iteration boasts slimmer bezels, a larger screen, and a novel Camera Control button for instant photo capture. Key improvements include 4K video recording at 120fps and the enhanced Audio Mix feature for clearer sound. The extended battery life (up to 33 hours of video playback) and 25W wireless charging add to its convenience.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

Image: zdnet.com

• 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 distinguishes itself with an exceptional camera system, making it a mobile photography powerhouse. Its triple-camera setup (50MP main, 48MP ultra-wide, 48MP telephoto with 5x zoom), combined with software features like Super Res Zoom (up to 30x), 8K upscaling, and the innovative "Add Me" feature, delivers exceptional image quality. The new 42MP wide-angle front camera is ideal for group selfies. The Tensor G4 chip and AI features like Magic Editor and Photo Unblur further enhance image processing. Its balanced color reproduction and extensive editing tools make it a photographer's dream.

CMF Phone 1 by Nothing

Image: uk.pcmag.com

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

An excellent budget-friendly option, starting at $230. Unique features include a swappable back panel, accessory support, and microSD card expansion. Despite its affordability, it offers a bright 6.67-inch AMOLED display, long battery life, and a clean Android experience. However, compromises include a mid-range processor (Dimensity 7300 5G), less-than-ideal 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 Pixel 8a offers a compelling budget-friendly alternative. Despite its compact size and lower price point, it retains many flagship features. Its camera, featuring a 13MP main sensor and a 13MP selfie camera, benefits significantly from Google's AI, resulting in bright, detailed images. AI-powered enhancements, such as background removal and composition adjustments, further elevate its photographic capabilities.

OnePlus 12

Image: zdnet.com

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

The OnePlus 12 excels in fast charging and high performance. Starting at $899, it features a 6.8-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, and a triple-camera system with a 50MP main sensor. Its standout feature is its 80W wired charging, enabling a 50% charge in 10 minutes. 50W wireless charging is also supported. While lacking generative AI features, it provides a balanced Android experience and impressive performance at a competitive price.

Sony Xperia 1 VI

Image: sony.de

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

Targeted at professional photographers, the Xperia 1 VI prioritizes high-quality cameras and performance. Its elegant design is a standout feature. This iteration features a standard aspect ratio display, improving versatility. The 48MP main camera, along with 12MP telephoto and ultra-wide lenses, delivers exceptional image quality. Professional features like macro mode and bokeh, combined with AI assistance, enhance usability.

Oppo Find X5 Pro

Image: allround-pc.com

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

The Oppo Find X5 Pro emphasizes camera capabilities, boasting two 50MP main cameras and a 32MP front camera. Its partnership with Hasselblad results in significant improvements to image quality. "Natural Colour Calibration" technology delivers accurate colors, although some may find them less vibrant than those from Google Pixel devices. It features a 120Hz AMOLED display and impressive charging speeds (0-100% in 47 minutes). The 5,000mAh battery provides extended usage.

OnePlus Open

Image: zdnet.com

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

The OnePlus Open is a compelling foldable phone offering a tablet-like experience in a compact form. Its 7.8-inch inner screen facilitates multitasking with the "Open Canvas" feature. When folded, it resembles an iPhone in size and weight. The triple-camera system (48MP main, 48MP ultra-wide, 64MP telephoto) produces bright, vivid photos, particularly in blue and orange tones. It also supports 65W fast charging.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6

Image: zdnet.com

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

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 system with a 50MP main sensor and a 12MP ultra-wide lens. The AI-powered Auto Zoom feature dynamically adjusts focus. The upgraded 4,000mAh battery benefits from improved cooling technologies. The outer screen offers interactive wallpapers and real-time translation. It's lighter and thinner than its predecessor while retaining functionality and style.

This overview covers ten of 2024's top smartphones, each with unique strengths. Whether you prioritize advanced cameras, long battery life, or budget-friendly options, this selection offers diverse choices to suit individual needs. The ever-evolving technology landscape continues to deliver innovative smartphones, expanding possibilities for productivity, entertainment, and creativity.