As there are so many smartphone choices out there, finding your ideal device may seem impossible. That’s why we compiled our list of 2024’s top smartphones as a resource to help narrow down the options and select which phone would suit you best.
Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro Max remains an attractive flagship option with state-of-the-art tech features and an outstanding camera system and has continued its sales momentum in 2018.
Asus Zenfone 10
Asus Zenfone 10 provides an ideal smartphone experience without requiring a large display. With its compact form factor and user-friendly software, this phone makes life simpler for those who prefer to avoid dealing with cumbersome devices.
Its screen can reach bright levels (though not as bright as flagship phones) while offering reliable colour reproduction and support for up to 144Hz refresh rates in certain games. It matches Samsung’s S23 flagship phones while surpassing the 90Hz peak rate on the Pixel 7.
The phone runs Android 13 and has some customization from Asus’ Zen UI. Its software is easy to navigate, making it ideal for both newcomers to Android as well as those who prefer iOS. Unfortunately, however, Asus offers only two years’ worth of complete software updates compared to Samsung’s four and Google’s three – something to be kept in mind if planning to keep this model for a long time.
Samsung Galaxy S24
Samsung’s top-of-the-line Galaxy S24 Ultra offers an expansive display, mighty processing power and an innovative stylus capable of handwriting or drawing directly on its touchscreen screen. Ideal for mobile gamers or anyone who prioritizes media consumption and creativity.
It stands out from other Android phones by including both an integrated stylus and toolbox of camera features, as well as offering long battery life. Unfortunately, its design remains virtually identical to last year’s model and uses the same flagship chip.
Samsung promises seven years of free OS upgrades and security updates compared to 4 for earlier Galaxy phones, making this one an attractive purchase option with several cellular service providers if you wish to spread out its cost over time. In fact, trade in an old smartphone such as an iPhone to help lower its initial price point!
Sony Xperia XZ2
Smartphones can be expensive — even if you opt for the less costly models available — but they’re an investment worth making, whether used professionally or to stay connected with friends and family.
Smartphone buying can be confusing. From Apple’s iPhone 15 series to Samsung’s Galaxy S24 range and Google Pixel Fold, there are endless choices when it comes to smartphones – but all should feature fast processors, vibrant screens and cameras capable of taking excellent photographs while lasting for at least 24 hours without charging up again.
Sony’s XZ2 stands out with its premium design that doesn’t shy away from bezels. While it can’t quite match the Galaxy S9’s all-purpose appeal or Pixel 2’s incredible camera, it still provides an excellent alternative – plus, it comes equipped with an entertaining slow-mo party trick!
OnePlus 12
OnePlus 12 stands out as an impressive device with its fast processor, vibrant display and long battery life – ideal for gaming and video content consumption. Furthermore, thanks to their partnership with Swedish camera maker Hasselblad, they boast one of the finest cameras around.
OnePlus 12 provides fewer AI features than Google Pixel phones or Samsung Galaxy models; however, software updates should deliver them eventually. While it might be expensive for some consumers, its premium foldable features, such as its functional secondary screen and impressive cameras, make this worth your while as an alternative to Google’s Pixel 8A.
Google Pixel Fold
When it comes to foldable phones, few can rival Google’s Pixel Fold. Boasting an industry-leading Snapdragon chip and providing exceptional performance even with demanding apps and games (CNET will conduct benchmark tests to assess overall computing performance soon), it offers unparalleled value.
The main 6.7-inch display boasts excellent resolution, colour saturation, and a 120Hz refresh rate – it’s also super bright for intense gaming sessions!
Google’s implementation of the internal display is truly outstanding, with some apps using it to split the screen in half vertically to give a clearer visual of live views or Gmail inbox; South Park Phone Destroyer feels more like playing on a tablet; and Ring doorbell apps showing more explicit camera feed images.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus
If you want cutting-edge features and a fantastic Ultra display with an S-Pen, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus is an unrivalled Android phone. Not only is its screen among the brightest we have ever seen, but its battery life is exceptional, too!
This Galaxy model’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip breezes through games and demanding apps with ease. Furthermore, its 6.8-inch* QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED screen delivers outstanding picture quality for movies or gaming sessions alike.
The Galaxy S24 Plus offers a premium design that is both durable and comfortable in your hand and provides helpful on-device AI for productivity. However, Pixel phones still edge out this smartphone when it comes to timely software updates and features like real-time language translation or photo editing; additionally, Samsung updated their camera setup with an extended 5x zoom lens.
Apple iPhone 15
Smartphones have evolved into incredible multifunctional devices capable of so much more than simply calling and texting; now used for checking email, navigating maps, following social media feeds and making contactless payments, they’re often the go-to device in daily life.
If you’re in search of a premium smartphone, few can rival Apple’s iPhone 15. Boasting an innovative chassis design and innovative camera features like Dynamic Island, plus compatibility with USB-C networks – its appeal cannot be denied!
Apple’s flagship iPhone 8 boasts an exceptional camera and is supported by years of software updates. Still, some may find the need for a dedicated Lightning port disqualifying for those already invested in the Apple ecosystem and Lightning accessories. As an alternative, the Google Pixel 8a offers similar performance at a more wallet-friendly price point while boasting sharp displays and top-of-the-line cameras, which is worth taking into consideration.
Google Pixel 8
This phone may cost more than most iPhones or Android alternatives, but it packs impressive performance with outstanding cameras into a slim, pocketable device. Furthermore, its seven years of security updates put it on par with Apple.
Its rear 50MP primary camera and 32MP selfie shooter deliver superior performance in daylight and low light settings, and they work flawlessly with Google’s image processing technology. Furthermore, this phone features a powerful, fast processor as well as vibrant displays for an unparalleled mobile media experience.
If you’re in the market for a high-end foldable with excellent battery life, the Pixel is one of the top choices available. Its closest competitors are Galaxy S23 FE and Nothing Phone (2), which offer more excellent value but aren’t equipped with AI features and camera tricks like those found on Pixel.
LG G7 ThinQ
Affiliate links on Android Authority may earn us a commission. Learn more. The LG G7 ThinQ, LG’s latest flagship smartphone, stands out from its competition thanks to features like its Super Bright Display, dedicated Google Assistant button, DTS:X surround sound technology, premium Qualcomm Snapdragon processor support and wireless charging capability.
Overall, LG’s G6 is a safe bet that won’t break new ground for them. Its camera technology is solid but not revolutionary; its features are iterative; it looks too similar to an iPhone; and, most significantly, it is overpriced by roughly $700. It is not an ideal recipe for success when coupled with its unassuming name – although it still does its job just barely! Maybe next year? Or the year after.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Samsung’s top-of-the-range Galaxy S24 Ultra is an exceptional user experience and looks stunning too, boasting outstanding cameras and an expansive, vibrant display, as well as on-device AI capabilities for productivity, an exquisite titanium frame that feels good in your hand and long battery life.
Its camera system also boasts significant advancement, featuring an improved 5x optical zoom and enhanced low-light performance. Furthermore, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip ensures seamless switching between apps and games without experiencing any slowdown whatsoever.
Samsung smartphones provide great value, offering multiple years of OS updates versus just four from Google and Apple. Their only real drawbacks include offering fewer generative AI features than some rivals, but they still provide a great experience overall.