The very best smartphones in 2024 compared
If you select a high-end smartphone, you possibly can normally make certain that you may get the most effective display, the most effective efficiency, and even the most effective digital camera. In the previous couple of years, high-end smartphones have grown increasingly more into luxurious units, be it when it comes to design, inner parts, or the more and more increased worth.
Talking of it: The foldable telephones, which are usually high-priced, have gotten increasingly more widespread, which is why we now additionally checklist two completely different classes in the most effective checklist: One for the flip telephones within the compact kind issue and the opposite for the bigger fashions within the “butterfly” format.
For this shopping for information, we now have divided smartphones into completely different classes to accommodate completely different budgets and forms of use. For instance, you’ll not discover the most recent 200 MP picture sensor or probably the most highly effective SoC in a mid-range smartphone. That is why we now have picked out a number of the most vital options that it is best to take into account when shopping for a smartphone.
nextpit recommends: These are the most effective smartphones in 2024
Need to know extra concerning the completely different smartphones? Within the following paragraphs, we briefly current our favorites and go into the benefits and drawbacks. As a result of relying on the consumer sort, a special smartphone is the right selection.
The very best smartphone of 2024: Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely
The king is lifeless, lengthy dwell the king—that is the motto for the most effective smartphone of the nonetheless younger yr. Final yr’s S23 Extremely from Samsung’s flagship collection is now being changed by the Galaxy S24 Extremely. At the moment, that is maybe the most effective smartphone ever, however in our opinion, it’s at the very least the most effective smartphone with Android.
Hardly something has modified on the skin. The design is nearly similar, however Samsung now makes use of titanium for the body, identical to its competitor Apple. The comparability between the Galaxy S24 Extremely and S23 Extremely would not reveal many different variations at first look. However do not let the virtually similar spec sheet put you off!
The 6.8-inch LTPO OLED show seems unchanged at first look however shines even brighter than its predecessor. This prime smartphone is now powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and the working system is the brand new One UI 6 interface based mostly on Android 14.
Absolutely the cracker: Samsung guarantees us a whopping seven years of Android and safety updates! Because of Galaxy AI, synthetic intelligence is meant to offer the Galaxy S24 Extremely an additional increase, however our tester Antoine just isn’t but utterly satisfied.
The digital camera setup additionally appears virtually unchanged, though the telephoto digital camera with 10x optical zoom has been changed by a digital camera with 5x zoom, which now boasts 50 MP.
The battery life can be completely convincing, because the benchmark check attests the S24 Extremely an excellent 19 hours. We’ll maintain quiet about the truth that it nonetheless solely fees at 45 W and that this charger just isn’t included within the field.
If you wish to safe this top-of-the-range field, you’ll have to pay at the very least $1300. However for that you just additionally get the most effective that’s at present accessible within the Android camp.
Good
- Premium titanium design
- Flat 120 Hz display, extra ergonomic, and as vivid as ever
- High efficiency and battery life
- Environment friendly and (barely) much less versatile digital camera module
- Built-in S Pen
- 7 Android updates & 7 years of safety updates
Unhealthy
- Costly
- Galaxy AI capabilities are nonetheless too gimmicky
- Charging velocity is much too sluggish
The very best iPhone 2024: Apple iPhone 16 Professional
Cellphone design has just about settled up to now 8 years because the launch of the iPhone X (or the Important Cellphone if you’re a smartphone database). To tell apart the 2024 iPhone 16 Professional from its predecessors, Apple added a multi-function button, the Digital camera Management, that serves as a shortcut not just for the digital camera app but additionally to the app’s settings. Opinions on its usefulness range wildly, however at the very least Apple is attempting.
The opposite new function for the iPhone 16 vary is “Apple Intelligence” a set of AI options which might be steadily rolling out. However these are additionally accessible on the 15 Professional telephones. Buzzwords apart, the iPhone 16 Professional additionally comes with a extra environment friendly processor and a beneficiant quantity of RAM, plus (barely) higher battery life and an even bigger show that retains the identical most brightness, however will be dimmed darker for evening use.
And as common, Apple introduced a few digital camera enhancements, with assist for 120 FPS recording at 4K decision, a 48-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a farther-reaching 5x zoom lens that provides some versatility however leaves a bit to be desired in intermediate ranges all the way down to the primary digital camera.
Good
- Excessive-quality workmanship with extra strong materials
- Improved digital camera, particularly at evening
- Noticeably longer battery life
- Digital camera Management button is de facto enjoyable
- Highly effective A18 Professional chipset
Unhealthy
- No main adjustments in comparison with the iPhone 15 Professional
- No Glowtime with out Apple Intelligence
Greatest digital camera telephone in 2024: Google Pixel 9 Professional
The Pixel household was beginning to really feel predictable within the design division, with rounded corners and a construct that did not really feel premium as its worth. All of it modified in 2024 with the Pixel 9 household, which additionally expanded with a small Professional mannequin that mixes the fundamental mannequin dimensions with the options of the Professional XL.
The Google Pixel 9 Professional is a aggressive (if a bit costly) choice for these on the lookout for a comparatively compact telephone with all of the flagship options, together with a telephoto lens, long-term software program assist, and even area of interest options corresponding to UWB or the quirky thermometer. The telephone’s efficiency is beginning to really feel missing, however the Pixel 9 Professional is the most effective compact digital camera you possibly can slot in your pockets.
Good
- Versatile cameras
- Wonderful show
- Good construct high quality
- The very best software program replace coverage
Unhealthy
- Outdated efficiency
- Gradual charging speeds
The very best mid-range smartphone: Google Pixel 7a
Do not essentially need a expensive flagship and on the lookout for a finances smartphone that also permits you to do all the pieces you need? Then the Pixel 7a is exactly the correct selection for you! The very best smartphone below $500 in 2024 has no mercy on the competitors and presents a fairly sturdy spec sheet and a really nice consumer expertise.
It has a 6.1-inch OLED show, a Tensor-G2 SoC, 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage for the most recent video games and apps, a powerful 64MP twin digital camera, and a 4,385-watt battery that may be recharged at 18 watts. The Pixel 7a additionally has a compact measurement, good efficiency, best-in-class photograph high quality, and wi-fi charging.
Though the charging velocity doesn’t precisely converse for the smartphone and Google doesn’t embody the charger, the Pixel 7a is undoubtedly the most effective mid-range smartphone you possibly can at present purchase.
Despite the fact that the 7a received a successor within the 8a mannequin, its continued availability coupled with sturdy reductions make it much more engaging, and that’s the reason we now have saved this suggestion as a substitute of changing it with the Pixel 8a.
Good
- Compact design
- High-notch efficiency
- Versatile and reliable digital camera
- All-day lengthy battery
- Wi-fi charging
Unhealthy
- Gradual charging time
- No energy adapter within the field
OnePlus Open: The very best foldable telephone in 2024
The OnePlus Open has already secured a spot on our checklist of the most effective foldable telephones, taking the lead because the go-to machine for this yr. Given its prowess, it is no shock to search out it on our 2024 prime smartphones checklist as effectively.
Foldable telephones have gotten more and more widespread, aren’t they? We have transitioned from viewing them as mere futuristic novelties to sensible each day drivers. Nevertheless, it is important to notice that not each foldable meets consumer expectations. Some is likely to be too expensive, whereas others may current minor setbacks.
Nevertheless, the OnePlus appears to have nailed it. The telephone boasts an interesting design, superior performance, and this is the most effective bit: it is extra “inexpensive” in comparison with its rivals. Although it is initially priced at $1,699, OnePlus Retailer presents an attractive trade-in deal, doubtlessly reducing the fee to $1,499.
Shifting our focus to its options, the OnePlus Open bears some resemblance to the Galaxy Z Fold 5 (assessment) in design however stands out with its distinctive appeal. Relating to charging? It is like a race automobile, all the time main the pack. Its multitasking capabilities, particularly the revolutionary ‘Latest fold’ and OnePlus Canvas, redefine productiveness.
Pictures fanatics will likely be thrilled with its Hasselblad 48 MP digital camera—an actual game-changer. Whereas some might imagine it is simply intelligent advertising that has us singing its praises, our staff has had hands-on expertise and the decision? We’re totally impressed. In brief, if a foldable is in your wishlist this yr, the OnePlus Open is a prime contender. It is feature-rich, and an absolute pleasure to make use of.
Good
- Consumer-friendly when open or closed
- Alert Slider onboard
- Wonderful digital camera efficiency
- Dependable and constant efficiency
- All-day battery life
- Speedy 67 W SuperVOOC charging
Unhealthy
- No room (but) for unique UI customization between shows
- Omitted wi-fi charging for design
The very best compact foldable: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6
After an enormous improve in 2023 with a bigger exterior show, Samsung performed it conservatively in 2024 with the Galaxy Z Flip 6. In the meantime, its rivals Motorola and Xiaomi launched flip foldables with even larger shows, and within the case of the Xiaomi Combine Flip, a strong battery.
Nonetheless, our suggestion goes to the nice previous Samsung Flip in 2024. Regardless of the rivals’ enhancements (and even leaps over the South Koreans), the Galaxy Z Flip 6 nonetheless has a bunch of benefits, like higher mud resistance, a greater monitor report of reliability on the foldable show, and an unmatched seven years of safety and software program updates.
Samsung upgraded the telephone with the present highest-performing chip within the Android ecosystem, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 additionally present in our prime choose, upgraded the battery to a 4000 mAh capability, and elevated the RAM by 50% (from 8 to 12 GB), the latter most likely as a result of reminiscence necessities of AI.
Talking of AI, the Flip 6 packs a bunch of nifty options, together with the auto-framing function when taking photos, plus all the opposite stuff lined in Casi Drees’ Galaxy AI assessment.
The Galaxy Flip worth remains to be excessive, and there have been principally no upgrades on the subject of the shows and charging. Even so, Samsung appears assured that its rivals are nonetheless taking part in catch up, so the primary impediment to nice gross sales for the Z Flip 6 are most likely the reductions provided on the earlier era telephone.
Good
- Sturdy design with IP48 mud resistance
- Seven years of software program updates
- Wonderful efficiency with Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
- Improved 50MP foremost digital camera
- All-day battery life
Unhealthy
- 10% costlier, beginning at $1,099
- Tough one-handed use
- The outer show lacks app assist
- The digital camera struggles with dynamic vary
- Gradual recharge, no charger included
Shopping for information: What smartphones will provide in 2024
Yearly, smartphone producers attempt to add thrilling new options to their fashions—from cameras to batteries to the shape issue itself. Beneath are a number of tips about what it is best to look out for when shopping for a smartphone in 2024.
What options do present flagship smartphones provide?
- Kind issue: Foldable shows are most likely probably the most thrilling growth in smartphones in recent times. Because of versatile screens, the shape elements of the telephones themselves are additionally changing into extra versatile. In 2024, you’ll have the selection between the ultra-compact Galaxy Z Flip 5, the butterfly foldable telephone OnePlus Open, or the usual codecs from iPhone to Google. Yow will discover a present overview of the foldable smartphones right here:
- Cameras: The overwhelming majority of upper-class smartphones provide at the very least three cameras on the again—for ultra-wide angle, normal vast angle and telephoto. Don’t be blinded by the resolutions right here: The distinction between 12 and 108 megapixels just isn’t as large because the numbers recommend. Extra vital are elements just like the sensor measurement or the picture processing algorithms. You’ll be able to learn extra about this within the respective smartphone assessments or within the following article.
- Batteries: In 2024, the battery lifetime of flagships is not actually a problem. Even with intensive use, you may get by way of the day with the overwhelming majority of fashions. Nevertheless, the variations are larger on the subject of charging: Whereas OnePlus fees its smartphones utterly with 67 watts in a couple of minutes, Apple and Samsung are extra conservative. Extra details about batteries and quick charging will be discovered within the following article.
- Show: First 60, then 90, 120, or 144 hertz: Over the previous two years, smartphones have gotten sooner and sooner shows—and since 2021, lastly additionally the Professional fashions of the iPhone 13. Excessive refresh charges guarantee a smoother show, whether or not in gaming or in on a regular basis use. Nevertheless, the excessive Hertz charges additionally eat away on the battery, so the producers normally regulate the refresh charges relying on the displayed content material. You’ll be able to learn extra about screens through the next hyperlink.
- Processing energy & co.: You hardly have to fret about adequate efficiency in a premium smartphone in 2024. All the higher telephones provide greater than sufficient energy for present video games—and for on a regular basis use anyway. The identical applies to 5G, which is now normal on smartphones. Nevertheless, it is best to fastidiously take into account how a lot reminiscence you want earlier than shopping for. Growth choices through microSD card are virtually non-existent within the higher class.
What do you consider this checklist, and which upcoming smartphone are you wanting ahead to probably the most?
This text was up to date in November 2024 with up to date picks. Present feedback have been saved and could seem out of context.
