The 10 best smartphones of 2024

2024's Top 10 Smartphones: A Review 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, 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 (5x optical zoom) captures stunning detail, and AI-powered features like real-time call translation and smart photo editing enhance functionality. At $1,299, it's a premium 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 premium flagship experience: a breathtaking 6.9-inch AMOLED display and the powerful A18 Pro chip. Improvements 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. The extended battery life (up to 33 hours of video playback) and 25W wireless charging add 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 excels in mobile photography. Its triple-camera system (50MP main, 48MP ultra-wide, 48MP telephoto with 5x zoom) coupled 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 features like Magic Editor and Photo Unblur further enhance image quality. Exceptional color reproduction and editing tools make this 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

A budget-friendly option, the CMF Phone 1 offers unique features like customizable back panels and expandable storage. Despite its affordable $230 starting price, it boasts a bright 6.67-inch AMOLED display (2,000 nits), excellent battery life, and a clean Android experience. However, compromises include a processor suitable for basic tasks, 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 Pixel 8a provides excellent value. Its compact size and lower price point don't compromise on key features. The camera (13MP main, 13MP selfie) delivers impressive results thanks to Google's AI, offering class-leading photo quality. AI-powered enhancements like background removal and composition adjustments further enhance its capabilities.

OnePlus 12

Image: zdnet.com

• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
• Display: 6.8-inch AMOLED (120Hz)
• Storage: Up to 512GB
• Battery: 5,000mAh

The OnePlus 12 prioritizes fast charging and performance. For $899, it offers a 6.8-inch AMOLED display (120Hz refresh rate), a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, and a triple-camera system (50MP main). Its standout feature is its 80W wired charging (50% in 10 minutes), complemented by 50W wireless charging. While lacking generative AI, 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

The Xperia 1 VI caters to professional photographers. Its high-quality camera system (48MP main, 12MP telephoto, 12MP ultra-wide) delivers exceptional image quality, enhanced by professional features and AI assistance. The elegant design and standard aspect ratio improve everyday usability compared to its predecessor.

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 photography with its dual 50MP main cameras and 32MP front camera. Its partnership with Hasselblad results in improved image quality, particularly with "Natural Colour Calibration." The AMOLED display (120Hz), fast charging (0-100% in 47 minutes), and 5,000mAh battery round out its features.

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. Its 7.8-inch inner screen enables excellent multitasking with "Open Canvas." When folded, it's compact, unfolding into a large, convenient screen. The triple-camera system (48MP main, 48MP ultra-wide, 64MP telephoto) captures vibrant photos, and 65W fast charging is significantly faster than competitors.

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

The Z Flip 6 is a stylish flip phone with modern features. It features a 6.7-inch AMOLED display, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, and an improved camera (50MP main, 12MP ultra-wide) with AI-powered Auto Zoom. The upgraded battery and outer screen with interactive features and real-time translation add functionality. It's lighter and thinner than its predecessor while maintaining style and performance.

This review covers ten standout smartphones from 2024, each offering unique strengths. Whether prioritizing camera quality, battery life, or budget-friendliness, there's a device here for every need. The constant evolution of technology ensures that future smartphones will continue to push boundaries, offering even greater possibilities.