2024's Top 10 Smartphones: A Comprehensive Review
The year 2024 witnessed a surge in innovative smartphones, boasting powerful processors, cutting-edge features, and striking designs. Manufacturers prioritized AI integration, professional-grade cameras, and unique aesthetics. 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 flagships, seamlessly blending advanced AI with premium hardware. Its expansive 6.8-inch AMOLED display, boasting 2,600 nits of brightness and Gorilla Armor anti-glare, ensures exceptional visibility. The lightweight titanium chassis promises durability, while the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 delivers unparalleled performance. The 50MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom captures sharper, brighter images. AI-powered features, including real-time call translation and smart photo editing, enhance functionality. At $1,299, it's a premium investment for the ultimate mobile 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 expected premium flagship experience: a stunning 6.9-inch AMOLED display and the potent A18 Pro chip. Distinguishing features include slimmer bezels, a larger screen, and a dedicated Camera Control button for instant photo capture. 4K video recording at 120fps enables detailed slow-motion, while Audio Mix enhances sound clarity. The extended battery life (up to 33 hours of video playback) and 25W wireless charging add to its 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 images. A new 42MP wide-angle front camera is ideal for group selfies. The Tensor G4 chip and AI features like Magic Editor and Photo Unblur further enhance image processing. Its balanced color reproduction and creative editing tools make it 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
An excellent budget-friendly option starting at $230. Unique features include a swappable back panel, accessory compatibility, and microSD card expansion. Despite its affordability, it boasts a bright 6.67-inch AMOLED display, long battery life, and a clean Android experience. However, compromises exist: the Dimensity 7300 5G processor is suitable for everyday tasks but not demanding games, and low-light camera performance is limited. Network frequency support may also be restricted for some carriers.
Google Pixel 8a
- Processor: Tensor G3
- Display: 6.1-inch Actua HD
- Storage: 128GB / 256GB
- Battery: 4,492mAh
The Google Pixel 8a offers excellent value. Despite its compact size and lower price point, it delivers impressive camera performance with a 13MP main sensor and a 13MP selfie camera. Google's AI enhances image quality, making it a leader in its budget category. AI-powered features such as background removal and composition adjustments further improve photos.
OnePlus 12
Image: zdnet.com
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
- Display: 6.8-inch AMOLED
- Storage: Up to 512GB
- Battery: 5,000mAh
A strong contender for those prioritizing fast charging and high performance. Starting at $899, it features a 6.8-inch 120Hz AMOLED display, a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, and a 50MP triple camera system. Its exceptional 80W wired charging allows for a 50% charge in 10 minutes, and it also supports 50W wireless charging. While lacking generative AI features, 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
Targeted at professional photographers, the Xperia 1 VI emphasizes high-quality cameras and performance. Its elegant design is a standout feature. This iteration features a standard aspect ratio display instead of the previous 21:9, enhancing versatility. The 48MP main camera, along with 12MP telephoto and ultra-wide lenses, provides exceptional image quality. Professional features like macro mode and bokeh are included, alongside AI support for everyday shooting.
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 prioritizes camera capabilities with two 50MP main cameras and a 32MP front camera. Its partnership with Hasselblad significantly improves image quality. "Natural Colour Calibration" technology delivers accurate colors, though some may find them slightly less vibrant than those from Google Pixel devices. The 120Hz AMOLED display and fast charging (0-100% in 47 minutes) are notable features. The 5,000mAh battery provides up to two days of moderate use.
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 an ideal foldable phone, offering a tablet-like experience in a compact form. Its 7.8-inch inner screen excels at multitasking with the "Open Canvas" feature. When folded, it's comparable in size and weight to an iPhone. The triple camera system (48MP main, 48MP ultra-wide, 64MP telephoto) captures bright, vivid photos, particularly in blue and orange tones. 65W fast charging surpasses 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
A stylish flip phone with modern features. It boasts a 6.7-inch AMOLED display, a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, and an improved camera with a 50MP main sensor and a 12MP ultra-wide lens. The AI-powered Auto Zoom feature automatically adjusts focus. The upgraded 4,000mAh battery benefits from improved cooling technology. The outer screen offers interactive wallpapers and real-time translation. It's lighter and thinner than its predecessor while retaining functionality and style.
This review covers ten outstanding smartphones from 2024, each with unique strengths. Whether prioritizing advanced cameras, long battery life, or budget-friendly options, this selection offers a diverse range to suit individual needs. The rapid pace of technological advancement ensures continuous innovation, providing users with ever-improving mobile experiences.
