I’ve by no means been so excited to witness one other yr go by and so many wonderful firms launching so many wonderful merchandise.
Android Central takes delight in how a lot time we spend on our critiques. We do intensive testing, being attentive to how firms have carried out and, in some circumstances, underperformed.
However we’re not going to speak about losers; we’re going to speak about winners, and this previous week, we confirmed you what number of wonderful firms outperformed.
Whether or not it was Google’s Pixel 9 Professional, the Oura Ring 4, the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus, or the Meta Quest 3s, because the Editor-in-Chief of Android Central, I can state with all my conviction that this has been an unbelievable yr.
Android Central congratulates all of the winners. You all deserve it, and we’re very enthusiastic about all of the gadgets and providers that you’ll launch in 2025!
The Google Pixel 9 Professional took the crown as Android Central’s favourite telephone of the yr, mixing revolutionary options like Gemini AI and Pixel Screenshots with a compact design that also packs triple rear cameras. Its user-friendly AI enhancements and constant efficiency saved the staff coming again, at the same time as different telephones outscored it in particular areas. In the meantime, the OnePlus 12 made a triumphant return to relevance with its silky-smooth software program, blazing-fast charging, and eye-friendly OLED show, incomes it a well-deserved runner-up spot.
The Pixel 9 Professional wasn’t the one standout this yr. We additionally named one of the best foldable telephone, worth telephone, and most improved Android model, amongst different classes. Whether or not it was the Honor Magic V3’s smooth design and versatile screens, the Pixel 8a’s unbeatable mid-range worth, or OnePlus’s resurgence throughout segments, 2024 supplied one thing distinctive for each Android fanatic. You’ll be able to learn extra about all our high telephone picks for the yr.
The Pixel Watch 3 emerged as our clear decide for one of the best smartwatch of 2024, delivering an ideal steadiness of fashion, performance, and efficiency. Its bigger show, slimmer bezels, brighter display screen, and smoother refresh fee made it a standout improve. Google fans notably liked its seamless integration with Google Residence, making it a centerpiece for linked gadgets. The watch’s improved operating instruments and smooth design gained over many people, with a number of staff members switching to it this yr.
Past the Pixel Watch 3, we additionally topped winners in different classes like one of the best good ring, wearable, and extra. You’ll be able to examine all our high picks for 2024 and discover out what made them stand out.
The Meta Quest 3S earns our decide for one of the best XR headset of 2024, delivering unmatched worth at simply $299. With upgraded controllers, full-color passthrough imaginative and prescient, and a next-gen Snapdragon chipset, it supplies an accessible but highly effective expertise for brand new customers and a straightforward improve for Quest 2 homeowners. Bundled with Batman Arkham Shadow totally free, it has sparked a wave of unbelievable combined actuality video games and set the stage for next-gen VR experiences in 2025. Remember to learn extra in regards to the winners of one of the best gadgets for good glasses and video games.
Samsung shocked everybody this yr with the Galaxy Chromebook Plus, the thinnest 15.6-inch Chromebook ever launched. Weighing simply 2.58 kilos, it’s remarkably light-weight but filled with options like a full-size HDMI port and a microSD card slot. Its standout innovation is the brand new “Fast Insert Key,” designed to streamline interactions with Gemini throughout ChromeOS, enhancing productiveness in each Google and third-party apps.
The Galaxy Chromebook Plus set a brand new normal in design and performance, incomes its spot as one of the best Chromebook of 2024. Whereas different contenders, just like the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus, impressed with its versatility and convertible designs, Samsung’s providing stole the highlight. You can discover extra in regards to the Chromebook class and our different winners
Spotify stays our high decide for finest music streaming service in 2024, persevering with to dominate with 252 million subscribers and 640 million month-to-month lively customers. The app’s user-friendly interface and revolutionary options like AI-generated playlists preserve customers engaged regardless of the long-awaited Hello-Fi tier nonetheless being absent. Spotify’s capability to evolve with new plans and options ensures it stays forward of the competitors. YouTube Music, because the runner-up, continues to enhance with tweaks to its UI and AI options, making it a stable contender for these searching for an alternate. Readers can discover the winners in different classes, together with Greatest Video Streaming Service, Greatest Android App, and extra.
Thinborne takes the crown as one of the best telephone case producer of 2024, standing out in a crowded market with its ultra-slim, sturdy aramid fiber circumstances. This small Texas-based model impressively integrates options like MagSafe into its impossibly skinny designs, providing each model and performance with out compromising on safety. For these searching for premium craftsmanship and innovation, Thinborne stays unmatched.
Within the wi-fi headphone area, the Sonos Ace debuts as our high decide for 2024, combining the immersive sound high quality of Sonos’ house theater ecosystem with portability. These over-ear headphones boast Dolby Atmos help, built-in WiFi for seamless integration with Sonos soundbars, and aggressive lively noise cancellation. Whereas first-generation limitations like restricted app EQ choices exist, the Ace’s hi-res audio and groundbreaking options sign an thrilling step ahead. Learn in regards to the winners in different classes.
