2024 has emerged as a year full of exciting advancements in the smartphone industry. If you’re in the market for a new smartphone, the choices are vast, catering to every type of user, from camera enthusiasts to power users and those looking for the best budget buy. Let’s explore the Best Smartphones to Buy in 2024, examining their pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.
Here are the Best Smartphones to Buy in 2024
1. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Overview: Best Smartphone to Buy in 2024 for Samsung
The list of the Best Smartphones to buy in 2024 has to include the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra which continues Samsung’s legacy of producing premium, feature-rich smartphones. Known for its stunning display, powerful performance, and impressive camera capabilities, the S24 Ultra is a favourite among users who want the best of everything in a phone.
Key Features:
- Display: The Galaxy S24 Ultra boasts a 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering crisp visuals and smooth scrolling.
- Camera: A 200MP primary sensor, complemented by ultrawide, telephoto, and periscope lenses, ensures exceptional photography in virtually any lighting condition.
- Processor: Powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, it delivers unparalleled performance in gaming, multitasking, and heavy apps.
- Battery: The 5,000mAh battery offers all-day endurance, supported by fast and wireless charging.
Pros:
- Industry-leading display that’s vibrant, with excellent colour accuracy.
- Incredible zoom capabilities (up to 100x) that push the boundaries of smartphone photography.
- A powerful processor that ensures lag-free performance, even with demanding applications.
Cons:
- Price: Starting at around £1,199, it’s among the most expensive smartphones on the market.
- Size and weight: The large screen comes at the cost of portability, making it bulky for one-handed use.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is ideal for power users and photography enthusiasts who are willing to invest in top-tier performance and features.
2. Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Overview: Best Smartphone to Buy in 2024 for iPhone lovers
Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max is another stellar addition to its flagship lineup, offering cutting-edge technology and a seamless user experience. The Pro Max model represents Apple’s highest-end smartphone, with notable upgrades over its predecessor.
Key Features:
- Display: A 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display that supports ProMotion technology with a 120Hz refresh rate.
- Processor: Powered by the new A18 Bionic chip, offering unmatched processing power and energy efficiency.
- Camera: The 48MP triple-camera setup provides excellent low-light performance, sharper images, and more detailed video recording, with up to 8K video support.
- Battery: Its 4,500mAh battery delivers all-day performance, with improved fast charging capabilities.
Pros:
- iOS ecosystem: Seamless integration with other Apple devices and services like iCloud, AirDrop, and FaceTime.
- Build quality: A premium design made from surgical-grade stainless steel and ceramic shield, ensuring durability.
- Software updates: Apple’s track record of long-term software support keeps your device updated for years.
Cons:
- Price: With a starting price of around £1,249, it is even more expensive than most high-end Android phones.
- Limited customizability compared to Android devices, which may be a downside for users who like to tweak their phone settings extensively.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is the go-to device for Apple enthusiasts and users who want the best from the iOS ecosystem.
3. Google Pixel 9 Pro
Overview: Best Smartphone to Buy in 2024 for Photography
The Google Pixel 9 Pro excels in software and photography. Known for its excellent computational photography, the Pixel 9 Pro is an ideal smartphone for those who prioritize camera quality and a clean Android experience.
Key Features:
- Display: A 6.8-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate provides vibrant colours and smooth performance.
- Processor: Powered by the custom Google Tensor G3 chip, it offers optimal performance tailored for AI-driven features.
- Camera: The 50MP primary camera stands out for its computational photography, delivering some of the best portrait shots and low-light photography.
- Battery: The 5,000mAh battery ensures solid battery life, backed by Google’s battery optimization technology.
Pros:
- Stock Android experience: Free from bloatware, offering a clean, fast user interface.
- Camera excellence: Google’s AI-powered photo processing is unbeatable in delivering high-quality images.
- Affordable compared to other flagship devices, making it a solid choice for those looking for value for money.
Cons:
- Performance: While the Tensor G3 is powerful, it’s not as fast as Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processors or Apple’s A-series chips.
- Limited availability: The Pixel series is not as widely available in all regions, and some markets may only get limited support.
The Google Pixel 9 Pro is perfect for photography enthusiasts and users who want a bloat-free Android experience at a competitive price.
4. Xiaomi 14 Ultra
Overview: Best Smartphone to Buy in 2024 for those on a budget
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra is on our list of the Best Smartphones to buy in 2024 as takes camera technology to the next level with its impressive photography features. Xiaomi has become a strong player in the flagship market, and the 14 Ultra is their ultimate offering for 2024.
Key Features:
- Display: A 6.73-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and Dolby Vision support.
- Processor: Powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, ensuring fast performance and power efficiency.
- Camera: The 1-inch 50MP main sensor, combined with ultrawide, telephoto, and periscope lenses, makes it one of the best camera phones on the market.
- Battery: A 5,000mAh battery supports ultra-fast 120W wired charging, with 50W wireless charging.
Pros:
- Impressive camera performance, particularly in low-light conditions, thanks to the large sensor.
- Value for money: At around £1,099, it offers many features found in more expensive competitors, making it a strong contender in the premium market.
- Premium build quality with an elegant design.
Cons:
- Software: MIUI has improved over the years but still feels cluttered compared to stock Android or iOS.
- Availability: Xiaomi’s flagship devices are not always readily available in all regions, with some markets experiencing delays.
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra is an excellent choice for photography enthusiasts who want flagship specs without breaking the bank.
5. OnePlus 12 Pro
Overview: Best Smartphone to Buy in 2024 for a flagship-like experience
The OnePlus 12 Pro is another strong entry in the flagship market. Known for delivering premium features at a slightly lower price point than the competition, OnePlus continues to appeal to users who want flagship features without the hefty price tag.
Key Features:
- Display: A 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures a smooth and responsive experience.
- Processor: Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, it handles multitasking and gaming with ease.
- Camera: A 50MP primary camera and advanced image processing make the OnePlus 12 Pro a solid contender in the camera department.
- Battery: The 5,000mAh battery supports 80W wired and 50W wireless charging, ensuring rapid recharge times.
Pros:
- OxygenOS: A near-stock Android experience with useful customizations and optimizations.
- Excellent performance with fast app loading times and smooth transitions.
- Fast charging: OnePlus continues to lead the market with some of the fastest charging capabilities.
Cons:
- Camera performance: While good, it’s not quite on par with the Pixel 9 Pro or iPhone 16 Pro Max, particularly in low-light settings.
- Brand recognition: OnePlus doesn’t have the same level of brand cachet as Samsung or Apple, which may matter to some buyers.
The OnePlus 12 Pro is ideal for users who want a flagship-like experience without paying top-tier prices.
6. Google Pixel Fold
Overview: Best Smartphone to Buy in 2024 for Google Pixel
2024 has seen a surge in foldable phones, and the Google Pixel Fold is among the best options available. It offers a perfect combination of innovation, functionality, and camera performance, making it a standout choice for foldable enthusiasts.
Key Features:
- Display: A 7.6-inch folding OLED display, alongside a 5.8-inch external display, provides flexibility for multitasking.
- Processor: Powered by the Google Tensor G3, offering performance on par with Google’s flagship smartphones.
- Camera: Like the Pixel 9 Pro, it comes with a 50MP camera, known for its excellent photo quality and Google’s computational photography.
- Battery: A 4,800mAh battery that supports fast charging, ensuring longevity even with extensive use of the larger screen.
Pros:
- Foldable design: Offers the portability of a regular phone combined with the large-screen experience of a tablet.
- Exceptional camera: Computational photography from Google is as strong as ever, delivering sharp, vibrant photos.
- Software: Google’s stock Android ensures smooth performance, with optimizations for the foldable format.
Cons:
- Durability concerns: Foldables are inherently more prone to wear and tear due to the flexible display.
- Price: At around £1,499, it’s one of the most expensive phones on the market.
The Google Pixel Fold is ideal for tech enthusiasts and users who want to experience the cutting edge of smartphone innovation.
7. Sony Xperia 1 VI
Overview: Best Smartphone to Buy in 2024 for Sony
Sony’s Xperia 1 VI continues to focus on offering the best media creation tools for enthusiasts and professionals. This phone is particularly appealing to photographers, videographers, and audiophiles.
Pros:
- Display: The 4K OLED display on the Xperia 1 VI is one of the sharpest displays on any smartphone, making it ideal for content creators and media enthusiasts.
- Camera: Sony’s dedication to photography shines with the 12MP triple-camera setup, complete with manual controls, RAW capture, and other professional-grade features tailored for photographers and videographers.
- Audio: With Hi-Res Audio support and a 3.5mm headphone jack, the Xperia 1 VI is a rare find for audiophiles who value premium sound quality.
Cons:
- Price: At over £1,200, the Xperia 1 VI is one of the most expensive smartphones, especially for a device that caters to a niche market.
- Software: While Sony provides a clean Android experience, the phone’s heavy focus on niche features may not appeal to the average consumer.
8. Oppo Find X7 Pro
Overview: Best Smartphone to Buy in 2024 for Oppo
Oppo’s Find X7 Pro is one of the most innovative flagships in 2024, combining premium hardware with unique design elements. This phone is for users who want the best of everything without compromise.
Pros:
- Display: The 6.8-inch 120Hz AMOLED screen is bright and vibrant, perfect for watching videos, gaming, and using productivity apps.
- Camera: The 50MP primary camera, developed in partnership with Hasselblad, delivers exceptional colour accuracy and dynamic range, especially in daylight conditions.
- Design: The Find X7 Pro features a stunning glass back design with bold colours and a unique look that stands out in the market.
Cons:
- Software: While ColorOS is feature-rich, it may feel bloated to users who prefer a cleaner software experience.
- Price: Starting at around £1,099, the Find X7 Pro is priced similarly to other high-end flagships, which could be a deterrent for budget-conscious buyers.
Conclusion
This list of the Best Smartphones to Buy in 2024 offers a wide range of smartphones tailored to different user needs. Whether you’re looking for the best camera, the fastest processor, or a foldable design, there’s something for everyone. The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 16 Pro Max lead the market in sheer power and performance, while the Google Pixel 9 Pro and Xiaomi 14 Ultra offer compelling alternatives with their superior camera technology.
The OnePlus 12 Pro is a great choice for budget-conscious users who don’t want to sacrifice performance, and the Google Pixel Fold stands out for its innovative design. Whichever phone you choose, 2024 is shaping up to be an exciting year for smartphone technology.
Arthur is a senior member of the communications team who has worked at several well-known companies over the past 10 years. As a writer with many years of experience in the technology sector, focusing on reviewing mobile phones and accessories, he has written about many products or has been hands-on with them at some point
