Hot topics

The Best Smartphones You Can Buy in 2024

Best Smartphones October 2023
© nextpit

Read in other languages:

Which smartphone should you buy in 2024? To help you choose between models like the Galaxy S24 Ultra, iPhone 15 Pro, or Google Pixel 8 Pro, we have taken a closer look at the best camera smartphone, the most powerful smartphone, the best foldable smartphone, or the smartphone with the best price-performance ratio. In this buying guide, we recommend the best smartphones in 2024.

The best smartphones in 2024 in comparison

When you choose a high-end smartphone, you can usually be sure that you'll get the best screen, the best performance, or even the best camera. In the last few years, high-end smartphones have grown more and more into luxury devices, be it in terms of design, internal components, or the increasingly higher price.

Speaking of it: The foldable phones, which tend to be high-priced, are becoming more and more popular, which is why we now also list two different categories in the best list: One for the flip phones in the compact form factor and the other for the larger models in the "butterfly" format.

For this buying guide, we have divided smartphones into different categories to accommodate different budgets and types of use. For example, you will not find the latest 200 MP image sensor or the most powerful SoC in a mid-range smartphone. That's why we have picked out some of the most important features that you should consider when buying a smartphone.

Buying guide: What smartphones will offer in 2024

Every year, smartphone manufacturers try to add exciting new features to their models—from cameras to batteries to the form factor itself. Below are a few tips on what you should look out for when buying a smartphone in 2024.

What features do current flagship smartphones offer?

  • Form factor: Foldable displays are probably the most exciting development in smartphones in recent years. Thanks to flexible screens, the form factors of the phones themselves are also becoming more flexible. In 2024, you will have the choice between the ultra-compact Galaxy Z Flip 5, the butterfly foldable phone OnePlus Open, or the standard formats from iPhone to Google. You can find a current overview of the foldable smartphones here:
  • Cameras: The vast majority of upper-class smartphones offer at least three cameras on the back—for ultra-wide angle, standard wide angle and telephoto. Do not be blinded by the resolutions here: The difference between 12 and 108 megapixels is not as big as the numbers suggest. More important are factors like the sensor size or the image processing algorithms. You can read more about this in the respective smartphone tests or in the following article.
A detailed look at the Galaxy S23 Ultra's cameras
Essential for a top smartphone in 2024: A good camera! / © nextpit
  • Batteries: In 2024, the battery life of flagships is no longer really an issue. Even with intensive use, you can get through the day with the vast majority of models. However, the differences are bigger when it comes to charging: While OnePlus charges its smartphones completely with 67 watts in a few minutes, Apple and Samsung are more conservative. More information about batteries and fast charging can be found in the following article.
  • Display: First 60, then 90, 120 or 144 hertz: Over the past two years, smartphones have gotten faster and faster displays—and since 2021, finally also the Pro models of the iPhone 13. High refresh rates ensure a smoother display, whether in gaming or in everyday use. However, the high Hertz rates also eat away at the battery, so the manufacturers usually adjust the refresh rates depending on the displayed content. You can read more about screens via the following link.
  • Processing power & co.: You hardly have to worry about sufficient performance in a premium smartphone in 2024. All the better phones offer more than enough power for current games—and for everyday use anyway. The same applies to 5G, which is now standard on smartphones. However, you should carefully consider how much memory you need before buying. Expansion options via microSD card are almost non-existent in the upper class.

nextpit recommends: These are the best smartphones in 2024

Want to know more about the different smartphones? In the following paragraphs, we briefly present our favorites and go into the advantages and disadvantages. Because depending on the user type, a different smartphone is the perfect choice.

The current best smartphone of 2024: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

The Galaxy S24 Ultra's camera module is similar to last year's design.
In terms of design, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra's camera module is the same as last year's. / © nextpit

Read the full nextpit review of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra here

The king is dead, long live the king—that's the motto for the best smartphone of the still young year. Last year's S23 Ultra from Samsung's flagship series is now being replaced by the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Currently, this is perhaps the best smartphone ever, but in our opinion, it is at least the best smartphone with Android.

Hardly anything has changed on the outside. The design is almost identical, but Samsung now uses titanium for the frame, just like its competitor Apple.

The comparison between the Galaxy S24 Ultra and S23 Ultra doesn't reveal many other differences at first glance. But don't let the almost identical spec sheet put you off!

The 6.8-inch LTPO OLED display appears unchanged at first glance but shines even brighter than its predecessor. This top smartphone is now powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and the operating system is the new One UI 6 interface based on Android 14.

The absolute cracker: Samsung promises us a whopping seven years of Android and security updates! Thanks to Galaxy AI, artificial intelligence is supposed to give the Galaxy S24 Ultra an extra boost, but our tester Antoine is not yet completely convinced.

The camera setup also looks almost unchanged, although the telephoto camera with 10x optical zoom has been replaced by a camera with 5x zoom, which now boasts 50 MP.

The battery life is also absolutely convincing, as the benchmark test attests the S24 Ultra an outstanding 19 hours. We'll keep quiet about the fact that it still only charges at 45 W and that this charger is not included in the box.

If you want to secure this top-of-the-range box, you will have to pay at least 1,449 euros. But for that you also get the best that is currently available in the Android camp.

The best iPhone 2024: Apple iPhone 15 Pro

Apple iPhone 15 Pro display with a colorful background
The iPhone 15 Pro has a great display / © nextpit

Here you can read the review of the iPhone 15 Pro

For us, the "Pro" model of Apple's current lineup is once again the best iPhone in 2024. The excellent triple camera of the iPhone 14 Pro with the 48 MP camera at the top has been improved in nuances in the iPhone 15 Pro. However, you might notice more significant differences to the predecessor in terms of performance.

The A17 Pro SoC, manufactured in a 3 nm process, will even bring AAA games to your iPhone in the future and promises a true performance boost that androids will only look at with envy.

Apart from the fact that you can look forward to groundbreaking performance and strong cameras, two things in particular stand out for us in the iPhone 15 Pro: First, there is the USB Type-C port, which has also found its way into the iPhones starting this year. However, keep in mind that the port complies with the USB 3.2 standard, but Apple nastily only includes a USB 2.0 cable.

Best camera phone in 2024: Google Pixel 8 Pro

Google Pixel 8 Pro
The Google Pixel 8 Pro continues to rely on the striking camera bar / © nextpit

Read the review of the Google Pixel 8 Pro

The Pixel series has also been updated recently, which is reflected in our best list. Let's start with the cold shower: While you could buy the brand-new Pixel 7 Pro for $899 last year, you will now fork out at least $999. That is still an acceptable price in the flagship league.

The excellent camera of the predecessor has been further improved in terms of hardware as well as software/AI. The triple cam still consists of a 50 MP main camera and a 48 MP telephoto camera. However, instead of the ultra-wide-angle shooter with 12 MP, there is now one with 48 MP as well. And guess what? The Google Pixel 8 Pro won our latest camera blind test.

The LTPO OLED display is convincing again this year, although the resolution of the 6.7-inch screen has dropped very minimally to 2,992 x 1,344 pixels. The Tensor SoC has been updated to the latest G3 generation and offers more performance than last year, but it cannot compete with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 to be honest.

However, there are big points for the software support. Google secures the title for the longest software support by assuring us of system and security updates for a full seven years. In plain language, this means that even Android 21 will still get this device.

The best mid-range smartphone: Google Pixel 7a

Google Pixel 7a review images
The Pixel 7a is the most versatile mid-range smartphone / © nextpit

Read the review of the Google Pixel 8 Pro

Don't necessarily want a pricey flagship and looking for a budget smartphone that still lets you do everything you want? Then the Pixel 7a is precisely the right choice for you! The best smartphone under $500 in 2024 has no mercy on the competition and offers a pretty strong spec sheet and a very pleasant user experience.

It has a 6.1-inch OLED display, a Tensor-G2 SoC, 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage for the latest games and apps, an impressive 64MP dual camera, and a 4,385-watt battery that can be recharged at 18 watts. The Pixel 7a also has a compact size, good performance, best-in-class photo quality, and wireless charging.

Although the charging speed does not exactly speak for the smartphone and Google does not include the charger, the Pixel 7a is undoubtedly the best mid-range smartphone you can currently buy.

OnePlus Open: The best foldable phone in 2024

OnePlus Open camera and cover screen highlighted
The Emerald Dusk color is very elegant, with its matte green derived from glass. / © nextpit

You can find the full review of the OnePlus Open

The OnePlus Open has already secured a spot on our list of the best foldable phones, taking the lead as the go-to device for this year. Given its prowess, it's no surprise to find it on our 2024 top smartphones list as well.

Foldable phones are becoming increasingly popular, aren't they? We've transitioned from viewing them as mere futuristic novelties to practical daily drivers. However, it's essential to note that not every foldable meets user expectations. Some might be too pricey, while others might present minor setbacks.

However, the OnePlus seems to have nailed it. The phone boasts an appealing design, superior functionality, and here's the best bit: it's more "affordable" compared to its rivals. Though it's initially priced at $1,699, OnePlus Store offers an enticing trade-in deal, potentially lowering the cost to $1,499.

Shifting our focus to its features, the OnePlus Open bears some resemblance to the Galaxy Z Fold 5 (review) in design but stands out with its unique charm. When it comes to charging? It's like a race car, always leading the pack. Its multitasking capabilities, especially the innovative 'Recent fold' and OnePlus Canvas, redefine productivity.

Photography enthusiasts will be thrilled with its Hasselblad 48 MP camera—a real game-changer. While some may think it's just clever marketing that has us singing its praises, our team has had hands-on experience, and the verdict? We're thoroughly impressed. In short, if a foldable is on your wishlist this year, the OnePlus Open is a top contender. It's feature-rich, and an absolute pleasure to use.

The best compact foldable: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 review
The larger outer display of the Galaxy Z Flip 5 is a pure game changer / © nextpit

Read the review of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5

It is becoming apparent that the flip form factor is maturing into the more popular foldable design. Therefore, we will also include these "flip phones" in their own category in our list of the best devices from now on. The first champion here is also a Samsung foldable with the Galaxy Z Flip 5.

However, we have discussed this internally for a while because Motorola has also sent a strong little horse into the flip race with the Moto Razr 40 Ultra (review). You are welcome to write us in the comments which of the two models you find stronger.

But now to the Galaxy Z Flip 5: While very little has changed in the Fold sibling, the new Flip 5 is happy about a significantly larger outer display. It has now grown from 1.9 inches to 3.4 inches and is thus much more functional.

This might not sound like a big improvement at first, but it turns out to be a real game changer in everyday use. You do not even have to open the smartphone for many processes now. By the way, Samsung has also improved the hinge in this model.

The Flip again has a Snapdragon heart in the form of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy and delivers flagship performance. The camera also performs above average, although the entire camera setup lacks a bit of versatility. Once again, two 12 MP cameras plus a 10 MP selfie cam are used.

Samsung also has room for improvement in terms of battery: The 3,700 mAh block does last for a day with average use. However, there is again no charger in the box, once more, the battery cannot charge very fast (plan for about one and a half hours per charge), and the battery runtime is not really convincing compared with other models.

What do you think of this list, and which upcoming smartphone are you looking forward to the most?


This article was updated in February 2024 with a new Editor's Choice. Existing comments have been kept.

The best smartphones under $1,000 

  Editor's recommendation The best iPhone The best camera phone Value for money The best foldable The most affordable
Product
Price
  • $799
  • $799
  • $999
  • $599
  • $999
  • $499
Picture Samsung Galaxy S24 Product Image Apple iPhone 15 Product Image Google Pixel 8 Pro Product Image Nothing Phone (2) Product Image Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Product Image Google Pixel 7a Product Image
Review
Review: Samsung Galaxy S24
Review: Apple iPhone 15
Review: Google Pixel 8 Pro
Review: Nothing Phone (2)
Review: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
Review: Google Pixel 7a
Offer*
nextpit receives a commission for purchases made via the marked links. This has no influence on the editorial content and there are no costs for you. You can find out more about how we make money on our transparency page.
Go to comment (308)
Camila Rinaldi

Camila Rinaldi
Head of Editorial

With over 10 years of reviewing smartphones and wearables, I recently became addicted to smart home gadgets. Even though I dove into the Apple ecosystem two years back, Android remains as one of my passions. Previously editor-in-chief of AndroidPIT and Canaltech in Brazil, I now write for the US market. I love my records and I believe that the best way to get to know a place is through its food.

View all articles
Liked this article? Share now!
Recommended articles
Latest articles
Push notification Next article
308 comments
Write new comment:
All changes will be saved. No drafts are saved when editing
Write new comment:
All changes will be saved. No drafts are saved when editing

  • 2
    Anjel Arobi Mar 22, 2022 Link to comment

    I love to use Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3


  • 49
    storm Feb 20, 2022 Link to comment

    Coming from already owning a phone that's doing everything I ask of it, none of these phones strike me as worthwhile. They're all software abusers of the consumer.

    There are phones coming to market that should be better at that critical thing than all of these phones. They'll likely be somewhat lesser hardware. But the hardware is more than adequate, it's the software that's so abusive right now.

    It's time for that to change if the companies want to sell me a phone.

    Camila RinaldiRubens EishimaZois Bekios Zannikos


  • Simone Costi 21
    Simone Costi Nov 8, 2021 Link to comment

    My LG V30 has just turned 3 years old and its battery has been worn out over time. I 'm also tired of being stuck with android 9. Should I replace the battery or should I wait for the Galaxy s22 Ultra and buy it?

    Rubens Eishima


    • Rubens Eishima 29
      Rubens Eishima
      • Admin
      • Staff
      Nov 12, 2021 Link to comment

      If Android updates are important, one option to consider (depending on where you live) is the Pixel 6.


      • Simone Costi 21
        Simone Costi Nov 27, 2021 Link to comment

        I don 't like google 's design approach, as well as I don' t like the stock Android OS. Because of that, I 'm not considering devices with a non-customized UI. I 've also been a Samsung fan in the past (I also liked the Touchwiz UI), so the Google Pixel is definitely not a good choice for me!
        Last, but not least, only samsung devices allow to disable fast charge, meaning that I can choose to charge at a maximum of 5V and 2A ( or maybe 3), no matter how much powerful is the charger I use.

        Rubens Eishima


  • 49
    storm Oct 31, 2021 Link to comment

    Pixel and Fairphone are the only phones of interest to me on the list. My phone is more productivity focused and so gaming level features aren't worth the money. I've been very satisfied with mid tier phones for quite a while now.

    Zois Bekios Zannikos


  • 49
    storm Jun 23, 2021 Link to comment

    I guess I don't wAnt to wave a flag. None of these interest me at all


  • 5
    Zeeshan_sid Mar 24, 2020 Link to comment

    I think LG phones are good


  • 26
    Andrew Burgin Mar 18, 2020 Link to comment

    Motorola Edge should be released soon,and with Samsung now struggling with the sales of there new S20 models,they have got stop over pricing there phones,or they will be struggling soon,and its there own problem cause by copying the pricing policy of Apple


  • 49
    storm Mar 18, 2020 Link to comment

    OnePlus is too expensive to merit best value.


  • 3
    Kimberley M. Williams Dec 26, 2019 Link to comment

    The upgrades are coming day by day but there is some new phone nowadays and it is amazing


  • 3
    Sajibuzzaman Nov 6, 2019 Link to comment

    Thanks


  • Ronald Fwanio 4
    Ronald Fwanio Nov 3, 2019 Link to comment

    Been Using Galaxy Note 8 for 3 years and S10+ for awhile and they have the best Specs and Features!! Lovin' it!!


  • David Martrano 29
    David Martrano Nov 1, 2019 Link to comment

    I've been using the s10+ since it's release. This phone is simply a pleasure to use. I really have no complaints. All the premium features. Display, cameras & battery are excellent, there is no finer even after 8 mos of very heavy use!

    GT Ohh


  • GT Ohh 14
    GT Ohh Oct 31, 2019 Link to comment

    I'm rockin a Samsung Galaxy S10 and loving it, my only gripe is the lack of an LED notification. That said its great so far. My wife has the Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ and she says its the best device shes ever owned. Does anyone know when Samsung is releasing android 10 & the new One UI 2?


  • marco sarli 39
    marco sarli
    • Admin
    Oct 29, 2019 Link to comment

    Only expensive ones


  • eSparkBiz 14
    eSparkBiz Jun 7, 2019 Link to comment

    Android phones are the best in terms of cost because iPhones are expensive! Recently, one of my friends has bought Huawei P30 Pro. This phone has excellent features and less price.


  • 5
    Steven Clark Seeds May 1, 2019 Link to comment

    £234 as 'best value'?! Come off it. My Moto G5+ was £159 nearly 2 years ago, the G6 and its Play version are now similarly priced...
    While I'm at it, imo it's high time smartphone users, makers and commentators started demanding that ALL battery-powered devices (not only phones...) have batteries that can be replaced by the user. Getting a new phone because the battery is failing is simply unsustainable - and we all KNOW that in our hearts of hearts...

    Pat


  • Say What?? 3
    Say What?? Apr 30, 2019 Link to comment

    The Mate 20 X has the best battery life. I get around 11-13 hours of screen on time daily. The S9+, Note 9 would be one of the best phones if they gave us a non edge screen version. I'm not a fan of the curves.


  • Ross Downer 2
    Ross Downer Dec 25, 2018 Link to comment

    Why is there a crappy iPhone on the middle of your main image when you are talking about android. No android user would be stupid enough to fall into the the Apple arena. I would rather not have a phone then buy Apple. Bring on the Galaxy F. I have used all of the phones above and in my opinion the Samsung Note 9 and Galaxy S9 are by far the best paired with the Galaxy watch they are fantastic.

    Dwarfer66

Show all comments
Write new comment:
All changes will be saved. No drafts are saved when editing