Top 10 Smartphones for 2024: Unveiled!

2024's Top 10 Smartphones: A Comprehensive Review

The year 2024 brought a wave of impressive smartphones, showcasing advancements in AI, camera technology, and design. This review highlights ten standout models, focusing on both specifications and 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 (2600 nits brightness, Gorilla Armor)
• Storage: Up to 1TB
• Battery: 5000mAh

The S24 Ultra sets a new standard, blending cutting-edge AI with premium hardware. Its vibrant display remains comfortable even in bright sunlight, and the durable titanium build promises longevity. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 ensures exceptional performance, complemented by a 50MP telephoto lens (5x optical zoom) for superior photography. AI-powered features, including real-time call translation and smart photo editing, add significant functionality. At $1299, 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 a premium flagship experience. Its larger AMOLED display, enhanced by slimmer bezels, is paired with the powerful A18 Pro chip. A unique Camera Control button provides instant access to photography. Key improvements include 4K video recording at 120fps and the Audio Mix feature for enhanced sound. The extended battery life 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: 5060mAh

The Pixel 9 Pro XL excels in mobile photography. Its triple camera system (50MP main, 48MP ultra-wide, 48MP telephoto with 5x zoom) combined with Super Res Zoom (up to 30x), 8K upscaling, and the innovative "Add Me" feature, produces stunning results. A new 42MP wide-angle front camera is ideal for group selfies. Tensor G4 and AI features like Magic Editor and Photo Unblur further enhance image quality.

CMF Phone 1 by Nothing

Image: uk.pcmag.com

• Processor: Dimensity 7300 5G
• Display: 6.67-inch AMOLED (2000 nits brightness)
• Resolution: 2780 x 1264
• Battery: 5500mAh

This budget-friendly option ($230 starting price) offers unique features: customizable back panels, accessory compatibility, and microSD expansion. Despite its affordability, it boasts a bright AMOLED display, excellent battery life, and a clean Android experience. However, compromises include a processor better suited for basic tasks and less-than-stellar low-light camera performance. Network frequency limitations may also affect some users.

Google Pixel 8a

• Processor: Tensor G3
• Display: 6.1-inch Actual HD
• Storage: 128GB / 256GB
• Battery: 4492mAh

The Pixel 8a provides excellent value. Its compact size and lower price point don't compromise on key features, particularly its camera. The 13MP main and selfie cameras, enhanced by Google's AI, produce bright and detailed images, leading its budget class in photo quality. AI-powered features further improve photos through background removal and composition adjustments.

OnePlus 12

Image: zdnet.com

• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
• Display: 6.8-inch AMOLED (120Hz refresh rate)
• Storage: Up to 512GB
• Battery: 5000mAh

The OnePlus 12 prioritizes fast charging and performance. Its 6.8-inch AMOLED display, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, and triple camera system (50MP main) offer a compelling package. The standout feature is its 80W wired charging, achieving a 50% charge in 10 minutes. 50W wireless charging is also included. While lacking generative AI features, it provides a balanced Android experience at a significantly lower price than competitors.

Sony Xperia 1 VI

Image: sony.de

• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
• Display: 6.5-inch Bravia HDR OLED (120Hz)
• Storage: 256GB
• Battery: 5000mAh

The Xperia 1 VI caters to professional photographers. Its high-quality camera system (48MP main, 12MP telephoto and ultra-wide) delivers exceptional image quality, enhanced by professional features like macro mode and bokeh, and AI support for everyday use. Its elegant design sets it apart. The standard aspect ratio display improves versatility compared to its predecessor.

Oppo Find X5 Pro

Image: allround-pc.com

• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8
• Display: 6.7-inch AMOLED (120Hz)
• Storage: 256GB
• Battery: 5000mAh

The Oppo Find X5 Pro emphasizes camera capabilities, featuring two 50MP main cameras and a 32MP front camera. Its Hasselblad partnership enhances image quality, particularly with "Natural Colour Calibration." While some might find the colors slightly less vibrant than Google Pixel offerings, the AMOLED display (120Hz) and fast charging (0-100% in 47 minutes) are notable features.

OnePlus Open

Image: zdnet.com

• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
• Display: 6.3-inch (outer), 7.8-inch (inner)
• Storage: 512GB
• Battery: 5000mAh

The OnePlus Open excels as a foldable phone, offering a tablet experience in a compact form. Its 7.8-inch inner screen facilitates multitasking with the "Open Canvas" feature (up to three apps simultaneously). When folded, it's comparable in size and weight to an iPhone. The triple camera system (48MP main, 48MP ultra-wide, 64MP telephoto) produces vibrant photos, and 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: 4000mAh

The Z Flip 6 combines style and functionality. Its 6.7-inch AMOLED display, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, and improved camera (50MP main, 12MP ultra-wide) offer a compelling package. The "Auto Zoom" feature with AI enhances focus. The upgraded battery and new cooling technologies improve efficiency. The outer screen provides interactive wallpapers and real-time translation.

This review covers a diverse range of smartphones, each with unique strengths. Whether prioritizing camera quality, battery life, performance, or affordability, there's a device here to meet individual needs. The ever-evolving technology landscape promises even more innovation in the future.