What a yr it’s been! With over 600 smartphones hitting the market in 2024, narrowing it down to only 5 favorites was no small feat. However right here we’re, trying again on the ones that actually stood out.
After practically a decade at GSMArena, I discover it laborious to be impressed by midrange telephones, so this checklist is full of flagships. There’s one exception, however there is a good purpose for that.,
With out additional ado, listed below are my high 5 telephones of 2024 – no rankings, as they’re all the perfect in their very own means!
Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely
At first look, the Galaxy S24 Extremely doesn’t look like an enormous leap ahead – it’s very a lot in keeping with the Galaxy Ultras of 2023 and 2022. So why is it on my checklist? As a result of it’s a no-nonsense Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 powerhouse that simply works.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely (left) and Galaxy S23 Extremely (proper)
The up to date 5x periscope digicam is a welcome change from the earlier 10x zoom, which felt extra like a gimmick. Now, I can seize crystal-clear photographs of my sleeping cat with out disturbing my fluffy companion – what’s to not love?
Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely
Certain, it’s a modest improve, and I get why some followers may hesitate to name it essential. However for me, efficiency is king, and the S24 Extremely delivers in spades.
Google Pixel 9 Professional XL
Google does the easy issues like nobody else. The Pixel 9 Professional XL is a pleasure to make use of, with its clear, bloat-free Android expertise that simply feels… proper.
Admittedly, this isn’t an enormous leap from the Pixel 8 Professional. A barely extra highly effective Tensor G4 chip and a bump in wired charging velocity are the principle upgrades, however the selfie digicam is top-notch, and the consumer expertise is unbeatable. For me, that’s sufficient to earn it a spot on this checklist.
Realme GT 7 Professional
Whereas Samsung and Google stubbornly stick with their slow-charging weapons, Realme is charging (pun supposed) into the long run with its 120W SuperVOOC. The GT 7 Professional looks like a 2025 telephone, due to its Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and an extremely skinny, highly effective battery.
This yr, Realme lastly gave its GT flagship greater than only one good digicam. The 3x telephoto lens is a delight, and upgrades just like the ultrasonic fingerprint scanner and ultra-bright show make this telephone actually spectacular.
Nothing Cellphone (2a)
It is time to swap gears. The Cellphone (2a) is my decide for the perfect funds gadget of the yr. In a market flooded with midrange choices, this one stands out.
It’s obtained extra energy than the best-selling Galaxy A55, sooner charging, higher cameras than the Redmi Be aware 13 Professional, and appears that go away the Realme 13 Professional+ within the mud. It’s additionally cheaper than its barely newer sibling (2a) Plus, making it a no brainer for worth hunters.
Honor Magic V3
I’ll admit it – I’ve a comfortable spot for foldables, even when they don’t completely match my wants. However the purpose the Magic V3 makes the checklist is not its slim physique or completely usable cowl display screen, however fairly sturdiness.
Just a few years in the past, the thought of a very rugged foldable was laughable. However the Magic V3 adjustments that – it’s a foldable you possibly can (nearly) toss round in frustration and nonetheless depend on afterward.
Whereas we’re on the subject of foldables, the Huawei Mate X6 deserves an honorary point out. It’s lovely and difficult, however I can’t justify the eye-watering €2,000 value for what’s basically an underpowered foldable.
