Hey, Ivan right here – I am one of many editors right here at GSMArena, however largely, I am the man behind the digicam. Which means that in selecting my fave telephones of the 12 months, I often put extra weight on their digicam efficiency. However I additionally care in regards to the really feel within the hand and the way in which they appear – I do take all their pictures for the evaluations in spite of everything.
I often finish the 12 months with a Galaxy S Extremely in my pocket however 2024 noticed the primary time this is not true. What a streak it was! From the Galaxy S20 Extremely that began all of it, all the way in which to the Galaxy S24 Extremely, which I purchased, used for half of the 12 months, and bought. So let’s begin there.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely
I’ve all the time advocated for the Galaxy S Extremely as among the finest cameraphones of the 12 months. Samsung hasn’t made it straightforward. vivo, Xiaomi, and Oppo’s Professionals and Ultras are including higher and higher {hardware}. However Samsung is completely satisfied to compete solely with Apple and Google. It is a cheap technique in markets the place Chinese language flagship cameraphones aren’t on sale, however right here at GSMArena HQ, the Galaxy S24 Extremely is dreadfully outgunned on imaging {hardware}.
Nonetheless, the Galaxy S24 Extremely is a wonderful telephone. It has a much bigger show than most, and it is the one actual selection if you would like a stylus. It is crafted to the best stage, and it is dependable to a fault. It is Samsung’s finest telephone and its most succesful cameraphone. Certainly, it takes great photographs and has a strong 3x and 5x zoom mixture that I cherished.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely
Honor Magic V3
Samsung’s dropping off is not a Galaxy S Extremely unique affair. The Galaxy Z Fold6 is simply as outclassed by its Chinese language rivals. The Honor Magic V3 actually deserves its center identify. The telephone is unbelievably gentle, but it is made to final. It has glorious screens in each high quality and measurement (and facet).
The Magic V3 will not be solely the foldable I would take as my predominant telephone for images, I would gladly select it no matter its kind issue. I like a 70mm to 85mm zoom digicam on my telephone – however I am going to give the Magic V3’s 90mm f/3.0 a move. The telephone additionally breaks the preconceived notion {that a} folding telephone must have a small battery with gradual charging. Excessive marks throughout!
Honor Magic V3
Google Pixel 9 Professional
As a result of I’ve used an enormous telephone for the previous few years, each time I grasp a compact flagship, one thing inside begins to yearn. I virtually purchased a Google Pixel 9 Professional out of the gate, however Google had provide points and the larger Professional XL was the one out there at launch. What may have been?
The Pixel 9 Professional has set of expertise, a good-size battery, and good cameras. And there is all the time been one thing particular a few Pixel telephone. In the end, although, the 48MP 113mm f/2.8 zoom digicam wasn’t attractive sufficient for me resulting from its size and lack of shut focusing.
Google Pixel 9 Professional
vivo X200 Professional mini
At an analogous measurement to the Pixel, vivo’s X200 Professional mini is an excellent higher telephone. It has a whopping 5,700mAh battery with ludicrous charging pace. I would wager that the triple 50MP digicam system with Zeiss brains will likely be strong.
Sadly, vivo will solely launch the X200 and X200 Professional to Western markets and is conserving the X200 Professional mini China-locked. It is an actual disgrace – this mini makes its rivals look silly.
vivo X100 Extremely
That is the telephone I’ve had in my pocket from the second our assessment was completed! As a result of I am often the primary one to arrange a telephone within the workplace, I received unique dibs with the vivo X100 Extremely. I used to be instantly drawn to its 85mm zoom digicam and shot a number of check samples for our ‘in for assessment’ article. I used to be blown away by the standard of the zoom pictures. I nonetheless am at present. The zoom digicam on the vivo X100 Extremely belongs on a devoted digicam.
All the digicam system is impeccable. It is most likely the snappiest shooter I’ve examined. The Zeiss shade tuning is gorgeous too. This telephone is the rationale I have not taken my two large cameras with me on journeys this 12 months.
And the remainder of the X100 Extremely is great. To me, Origin OS is miles prettier than Funtouch and feels smoother as properly. I’ve sacrificed a bit as a result of China-focused software program, however every thing I care about works after some devoted tinkering – my Galaxy Watch6 Traditional (this took numerous tinkering), Google Pockets, and so forth.
So there you might have it. Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely – gone, vivo X100 Extremely – the disruptor.
I have been a fan of Samsung because the early days (I’ve owned the Galaxy S, two Galaxy S3s, Galaxy S6, Galaxy S7, Galaxy Note10+, all the way in which to the Galaxy S24 Extremely) and I believe the corporate must push a bit on innovation as a result of for the time being, it is being outclassed by its Chinese language rivals.
Let’s examine what 2025 brings! Thanks for studying and have one!