2024 delivered a stunning array of smartphones, each boasting impressive power, innovative features, and captivating designs. Manufacturers focused heavily on AI integration, professional-grade cameras, and unique form factors. This curated selection highlights the best models, judged not only on specs but also on the overall user experience. Let's explore these standout devices and discover what makes them special.
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

- 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 flagship phones, seamlessly blending advanced AI with top-tier hardware. Its expansive 6.8-inch AMOLED display, boasting 2,600 nits of brightness and Gorilla Armor anti-glare, ensures exceptional visibility even in direct sunlight. The lightweight yet robust titanium build promises durability, while the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset delivers unparalleled performance and stunning graphics. The camera system is a highlight, featuring a new 50MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom for sharper, brighter images. AI-powered features like real-time call translation and smart photo editing enhance both functionality and usability. At $1,299, it's a premium investment for the ultimate smartphone experience.
iPhone 16 Pro Max

- 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 premium experience expected from an Apple flagship: a breathtaking 6.9-inch AMOLED display and the powerful A18 Pro chip. This iteration boasts slimmer bezels, a larger screen, and a unique Camera Control button for instant photo capture. Improvements include 4K video recording at 120fps for incredibly detailed slow-motion footage, and the enhanced Audio Mix feature for clearer sound. The extended battery life offers up to 33 hours of video playback, and 25W wireless charging adds to its convenience.
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

- 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 distinguishes itself with an exceptional camera system, making it a photography powerhouse. Its triple camera setup—50MP main, 48MP ultra-wide, and 48MP telephoto with 5x zoom—combined with features like Super Res Zoom (up to 30x), 8K upscaling, and the innovative Add Me feature, delivers stunning results in any lighting conditions. A new 42MP wide-angle front camera is perfect for group selfies. The Tensor G4 chip and AI enhancements like Magic Editor and Photo Unblur further elevate image quality. With its balanced color reproduction and extensive creative editing tools, this phone is a dream for photography enthusiasts.
CMF Phone 1 by Nothing

- Processor: Dimensity 7300 5G
- Display: 6.67-inch AMOLED
- Resolution: 2780 x 1264
- Battery: 5,500mAh
An excellent budget-friendly option, the CMF Phone 1 offers unique features such as customizable back panels, accessory compatibility (stands, wallet slots), and MicroSD expansion. Despite its affordable price ($230+), it boasts a bright 6.67-inch AMOLED display with 2,000 nits brightness, impressive battery life, and a clean Android experience. However, users should be aware of compromises: the Dimensity 7300 5G processor is suitable for everyday tasks but may struggle with 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 retains many flagship features. Its camera system, with a 13MP main sensor and a 13MP selfie camera, benefits from Google's AI prowess, producing bright and detailed images. AI-powered features like background removal and composition adjustments further enhance photo quality, making it a top performer in its budget category.
OnePlus 12

- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
- Display: 6.8-inch AMOLED
- Storage: Up to 512GB
- Battery: 5,000mAh
The OnePlus 12 excels in fast charging and high performance. Starting at $899, it offers a 6.8-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, and a triple camera system with a 50MP main sensor. Its standout feature is its incredibly fast 80W wired charging, achieving 50% charge in just 10 minutes. 50W wireless charging is another notable addition. While lacking generative AI features, it provides a balanced Android experience and impressive performance at a competitive price.
Sony Xperia 1 VI

- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
- Display: 6.5-inch Bravia HDR OLED (120Hz)
- Storage: 256GB
- Battery: 5,000mAh
The Xperia 1 VI caters to professional photographers, prioritizing high-quality cameras and powerful performance. Its elegant design is a hallmark. This model shifts from a 21:9 aspect ratio display to a standard one, improving versatility. The 48MP main camera, along with 12MP telephoto and ultra-wide lenses, delivers exceptional image quality. Professional features like macro mode and bokeh, combined with AI assistance, make it a compelling option for serious photography.
Oppo Find X5 Pro

- 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, it delivers stunning photography. Its partnership with Hasselblad has significantly improved image quality, with "Natural Colour Calibration" technology providing accurate and natural colors. The AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and fast charging (0-100% in 47 minutes) are further highlights. The 5,000mAh battery provides ample power.
OnePlus Open

- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
- Display: 6.3-inch (outer), 7.8-inch (inner)
- Storage: 512GB
- Battery: 5,000mAh
The OnePlus Open is a compelling foldable phone, offering a tablet-like experience in a compact form. Its 7.8-inch inner screen enables excellent multitasking with the "Open Canvas" feature, supporting up to three apps simultaneously. Folded, it's comparable in size and weight to an iPhone; unfolded, it transforms into a large, convenient screen. Its triple camera system (48MP main, 48MP ultra-wide, and 64MP telephoto) produces vibrant photos, particularly in blue and orange tones. 65W fast charging surpasses many competitors.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6

- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
- Display: 6.7-inch AMOLED
- Storage: 256GB / 512GB
- Battery: 4,000mAh
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 offers style and functionality in a flip-style design. It features a 6.7-inch AMOLED display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, and an improved camera system with a 50MP main sensor and a 12MP ultra-wide lens. The AI-powered Auto Zoom feature automatically adjusts focus based on the number of subjects. An upgraded 4,000mAh battery and new cooling technologies enhance efficiency. The outer screen provides interactive wallpapers and real-time translation. It's lighter and thinner than its predecessor while maintaining its stylish design and functionality.
This review covers ten of the best smartphones of 2024, each offering unique strengths and features. Whether you prioritize advanced cameras, long battery life, or budget-friendly options, this selection provides diverse choices to suit various needs and preferences. The ever-evolving world of technology ensures that each new generation of smartphones brings exciting innovations, empowering users with enhanced productivity, entertainment, and creative possibilities.