The 10 best smartphones of 2024

In the outgoing year of 2024, the smartphone market has delighted us with powerful new releases, advanced features, and unexpected innovations. Manufacturers are focusing on artificial intelligence, professional-grade cameras, and unique designs. In this selection, we’ve gathered the best models that impress not only with their specs but also with the real-world user experience. Let’s dive into which devices deserve attention and why.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

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The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra sets a new benchmark for flagship smartphones of 2024, combining advanced AI capabilities with top-tier hardware. The massive 6.8-inch AMOLED display, with 2,600 nits brightness and Gorilla Armor anti-glare coating, ensures comfortable use even under bright sunlight. The lightweight yet durable titanium body makes the device long-lasting, while the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset delivers incredible performance and graphics.

The camera gets special attention: the new 50MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom allows for sharper and brighter shots. AI-based tools like real-time call translation and smart photo editing make the Galaxy S24 Ultra not only powerful but also incredibly functional. Priced at $1,299, it's worth it if you're looking for the ultimate smartphone experience.

iPhone 16 Pro Max

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The iPhone 16 Pro Max offers everything you'd expect from a premium flagship: a stunning 6.9-inch AMOLED display and the powerful A18 Pro chip. This new model stands out from its predecessors with slimmer bezels, a larger screen, and a unique Camera Control button that allows you to instantly launch the camera and snap a photo without touching the screen.

Among the improvements are the ability to record video in 4K at 120fps, perfect for detailed slow-motion footage, and the Audio Mix feature that delivers clearer sound. The expanded battery lasts up to 33 hours of video playback, and the 25W wireless charging support makes the device even more convenient.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

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The Pixel 9 Pro XL stands out among other flagships with its exceptional camera, making it a true master of mobile photography. The smartphone features a triple camera system: 50MP main, 48MP ultra-wide, and 48MP telephoto with 5x zoom. Combined with software features like Super Res Zoom (up to 30x), 8K upscaling, and the new Add Me feature to merge two photos into one, the Pixel 9 Pro XL delivers stunning shots in all conditions.

Notably, it also boasts a new 42MP front camera with a wide-angle lens, perfect for group selfies. The image processing is top-notch, thanks to the Tensor G4 chip and AI functions like Magic Editor and Photo Unblur, which can turn imperfect photos into great shots. With balanced color reproduction and numerous creative editing tools, this phone is a true find for photographers.

CMF Phone 1 by Nothing

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The ideal choice for those looking for a quality smartphone at an affordable price. Starting at $230, this phone offers several unique features, such as the ability to manually swap the back panel, add accessories (like a stand or wallet slot), and expand memory with a MicroSD card.

Despite its affordable price, the Phone 1 boasts a bright 6.67-inch AMOLED display with 2,000 nits brightness, excellent battery life (5,500mAh), and a clean version of Android without unnecessary bloatware. However, at this price, users should be prepared for some compromises: the Dimensity 7300 5G processor is suitable for basic tasks but not heavy gaming, and the camera isn't perfect in low-light conditions. Also, the limited network frequency support might be an issue for Verizon users.

Google Pixel 8a

The Google Pixel 8a is the perfect choice for those looking for a quality smartphone at an affordable price. Despite its compact size and lower cost compared to flagship models, the Pixel 8a retains many features that make it a serious contender among budget devices.

The smartphone has a great camera with a 13MP main sensor and a 13MP selfie camera. Thanks to Google's AI support, photos on the Pixel 8a turn out bright and detailed, making it the best in its class for photo quality. AI also helps improve photos, such as removing unwanted background elements or adjusting composition.

OnePlus 12

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A great choice for those who value fast charging and high performance. Starting at $899, this smartphone offers a 6.8-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, and a triple camera with a 50MP main sensor. However, OnePlus 12's standout feature is its charging speed. It supports 80W wired charging, which can charge the battery to 50% in just 10 minutes, while a full charge takes less than 30 minutes. It also supports 50W wireless charging, a feature missing in the previous model.

While OnePlus 12 doesn't focus on generative AI features, it provides a balanced Android experience and impressive performance for a price that's several hundred dollars less than competitors like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus and Google Pixel 9 Pro.

Sony Xperia 1 VI

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The Xperia 1 VI is a smartphone aimed at professional photographers, with an emphasis on high-quality cameras and excellent performance. The device’s design also stands out with elegance and thoughtful finishing. Compared to the previous model, the Xperia 1 V, the new version ditches the 21:9 aspect ratio display in favor of a standard one, making it more versatile for everyday use.

The smartphone features a 48MP main camera, as well as 12MP telephoto and ultra-wide lenses that provide excellent image quality, especially for professionals. The camera supports many professional features, such as macro mode and bokeh, along with AI support for everyday shooting convenience.

Oppo Find X5 Pro

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The Oppo Find X5 Pro is a smartphone that puts the camera front and center. With two 50MP main cameras and a 32MP front camera, it offers stunning photography capabilities. The model has garnered attention due to its partnership with Swedish company Hasselblad, which has made significant improvements to image quality. The "Natural Colour Calibration" technology provides natural and accurate colors, making the photos more expressive, although some users may find them slightly dull compared to those from the Google Pixel.

The smartphone features an AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and impressive charging speed — from 0 to 100% in just 47 minutes. The 5,000mAh battery provides up to two days of moderate use, and the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 processor handles any task with ease.

OnePlus Open

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The OnePlus Open is the perfect foldable smartphone for those looking for a tablet format in a compact body. Its 7.8-inch inner screen ensures excellent multitasking with the "Open Canvas" feature, which allows you to open up to three apps simultaneously. When folded, the phone’s size and weight resemble that of an iPhone, but when unfolded, it transforms into a thin, convenient screen for work.

The phone features a triple camera (48MP main, 48MP ultra-wide, and 64MP telephoto), delivering bright and vivid photos, especially in blue and orange tones, which will appeal to video and photography enthusiasts. Additionally, it supports 65W fast charging, which is significantly faster than competitors like the Samsung Z Fold 5 and Google Pixel Fold.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6

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The stylish flip-style smartphone with modern features. It is equipped with a 6.7-inch AMOLED display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, and an improved camera with a 50MP main sensor and 12MP ultra-wide lens. The new Auto Zoom feature with AI automatically adjusts the focus based on the number of people in the frame.

The Z Flip 6 also boasts an upgraded 4,000mAh battery that operates more efficiently thanks to new cooling technologies. The outer screen offers interactive wallpapers and a real-time translation mode. The smartphone is lighter and thinner, while still maintaining its functionality and stylish design.

We have reviewed the top 10 devices of the outgoing year, each standing out with its features, performance, and functionality. Whether you're looking for a flagship with advanced cameras, a smartphone with excellent battery life, or a budget-friendly option with great capabilities, among the models we've presented, you're sure to find the perfect choice for you. 

Technology continues to evolve, and every new smartphone brings something innovative, offering users more opportunities for productivity, entertainment, and creativity.

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