Explore the cutting-edge technology and innovative features of the best smartphones in 2024. From advanced cameras to powerful processors, discover the top picks tailored to your every need in this ultimate smartphone guide.
iPhone 13 Pro Max
Although not a 2024 release, the iPhone 13 Pro Max remains a strong contender on the used market, offering excellent value for its price. If you’re looking for a powerful phone with an exceptional camera and battery life, the 13 Pro Max is still worth considering.
Key Features:
- Large, stunning 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion
- Powerful A15 Bionic chip
- Exceptional triple-camera system with LiDAR scanner for enhanced photography and AR experiences
- Impressive battery life
- Premium design with durable stainless steel frame
Why It’s Still a Good Choice:
The iPhone 13 Pro Max delivers flagship-level performance and features at a more accessible price point than the latest models. Its A15 Bionic chip can handle demanding tasks and gaming smoothly, while its camera system captures stunning photos and videos. The long battery life ensures you can go all day without needing a charge.
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
Though not a 2024 release, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra remains a powerhouse deserving of a spot on this list. This phone offers a premium experience that easily rivals newer models, often at a more appealing price point.
Strengths:
- Exceptional Camera System: The S21 Ultra boasts a versatile quad-camera setup with incredible zoom capabilities and stunning image quality.
- Stunning Display: The Dynamic AMOLED 2X display delivers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and an incredibly smooth 120Hz refresh rate.
- Powerful Performance: Equipped with a top-tier Snapdragon processor, the S21 Ultra can handle demanding apps and games with ease.
- S Pen Support: A unique feature in the Android world, the S21 Ultra offers S Pen integration for note-taking, drawing, and precise navigation.
Who should consider this phone?
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is an ideal choice for users who prioritize a top-notch camera experience, a beautiful and responsive display, and powerful performance. Its S Pen support also makes it an excellent option for productivity-focused individuals.
Google Pixel 6
While not a 2024 release, the Google Pixel 6 remains a compelling option for budget-conscious consumers looking for a powerful and feature-rich smartphone. Released in 2021, the Pixel 6 still boasts impressive specs and capabilities that rival some of the newer models on the market.
One of the most significant advantages of the Pixel 6 is its exceptional camera. Equipped with a 50MP wide-angle lens and a 12MP ultrawide lens, the Pixel 6 captures stunning photos and videos with incredible detail and clarity. Google’s renowned computational photography prowess is on full display here, with features like Magic Eraser and Night Sight delivering professional-grade results.
Another area where the Pixel 6 continues to impress is its smooth and responsive performance. Powered by Google’s own Tensor chip, the Pixel 6 handles demanding apps and games with ease. Moreover, the Pixel 6 receives the latest Android updates directly from Google, ensuring a consistently fast and fluid user experience.
For users seeking a stylish and durable device, the Pixel 6 features a unique and eye-catching design. Its two-tone finish with a prominent camera bar sets it apart from the competition. Additionally, the Pixel 6 boasts a durable build with Gorilla Glass Victus protection on the front and an aluminum frame, ensuring resistance against scratches and drops.
OnePlus 9 Pro
Although no longer the new kid on the block, the OnePlus 9 Pro remains a solid contender in 2024. This phone made waves upon its release with its impressive specs and continues to offer great value for its price.
Key Features:
- Display: 6.7-inch AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate, QHD+ resolution
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 888
- Camera: 48MP main camera, 50MP ultrawide, 8MP telephoto
- Battery: 4,500 mAh battery with 65W fast charging
Who is it for?
The OnePlus 9 Pro is an excellent choice for users looking for a flagship experience without the flagship price tag. Its powerful processor, stunning display, and versatile camera system make it a great all-rounder.
Sony Xperia 1 III
The Sony Xperia 1 III, while technically a 2021 release, continues to be a compelling option for smartphone enthusiasts in 2024, especially those who prioritize a specific set of features.
Strengths:
- Exceptional Display: The Xperia 1 III boasts a stunning 6.5-inch 4K HDR OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. This makes it a fantastic choice for mobile gaming, content consumption, and creative work, offering unparalleled visual fidelity and smoothness.
- Advanced Camera System: Sony leverages its expertise in camera technology to equip the Xperia 1 III with a versatile triple-lens system and advanced software features. Photographers and videographers will appreciate the professional-grade controls and capabilities.
- Powerful Performance: Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor, the Xperia 1 III delivers flagship-level performance, making it more than capable of handling demanding apps and multitasking with ease.
Things to Consider:
- Price: As a premium device, the Xperia 1 III comes with a high price tag, especially compared to some newer models with similar specifications.
- Battery Life: While not bad, the Xperia 1 III’s battery life is not its strongest point, especially when taking full advantage of features like the 4K display and 120Hz refresh rate.
Overall, the Sony Xperia 1 III remains a unique and powerful smartphone in 2024, particularly suited for users who prioritize its exceptional display, advanced camera system, and strong performance.
Xiaomi Mi 11
The Xiaomi Mi 11 is a powerful and stylish smartphone that offers excellent value for money. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor and has a 6.81-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The Mi 11 also has a triple rear camera system with a 108MP main sensor, a 13MP ultrawide sensor, and a 5MP macro sensor.
Here are some of the key features of the Xiaomi Mi 11:
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor
- 6.81-inch AMOLED display
- 120Hz refresh rate
- Triple rear camera system (108MP + 13MP + 5MP)
- 20MP front-facing camera
- 4,600mAh battery
- 55W wired fast charging
- 50W wireless fast charging
The Xiaomi Mi 11 is a great option for users who are looking for a powerful and affordable flagship smartphone.
Oppo Find X3 Pro
Released in early 2021, the Oppo Find X3 Pro might not be the newest phone on the market, but its impressive specs and features mean it’s still a worthy contender in 2024, especially if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly flagship option.
What We Like:
- Stunning Display: The Find X3 Pro boasts a gorgeous 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering incredibly smooth scrolling and vibrant colors.
- Powerful Performance: Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor, the Find X3 Pro can handle demanding tasks and the latest games with ease.
- Unique Camera System: The phone stands out with its innovative “microscope” macro lens, allowing for incredibly detailed close-up shots.
What to Consider:
- Software Updates: Being an older model, the Find X3 Pro may not receive the same length of software updates as newer releases.
- Battery Life: While the battery is decent, it might not last as long compared to more recent flagship devices.
Asus ROG Phone 5
Launched in early 2021, the Asus ROG Phone 5 might not be the newest device on the market, but its impressive specs and gaming-centric features make it a worthy contender even in 2024. This phone is a beast when it comes to performance, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G Mobile Platform, making it a powerhouse for demanding mobile games and applications.
Here are some key features that make the Asus ROG Phone 5 stand out:
- 144Hz AMOLED Display: Experience incredibly smooth and responsive visuals with the ultra-fast refresh rate display.
- AirTrigger 5 Control System: Gain a competitive edge in your favorite games with the ultrasonic touch sensors, offering customizable input for a console-like experience.
- 6000mAh Battery with 65W Fast Charging: Enjoy long gaming sessions and quickly power up your device with the massive battery and fast charging capabilities.
Who should consider the Asus ROG Phone 5 in 2024? If you’re a dedicated mobile gamer on a budget, the ROG Phone 5 still offers top-tier performance and features that can rival even newer devices. Its powerful processor, high refresh rate display, and gaming-centric features make it a compelling choice for an immersive and competitive mobile gaming experience.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3
Released in 2021, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3, while not a 2024 release, remains a compelling option for those seeking the pinnacle of foldable technology. Its refined design, powerful performance, and S Pen support make it a true productivity powerhouse.
Here’s a closer look at what makes the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 special:
- Innovative Folding Design: The star of the show is undoubtedly the folding design. Unfold the Z Fold 3 to reveal a tablet-sized 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED display, perfect for multitasking and immersive content consumption. When folded, it transforms into a pocketable 6.2-inch smartphone for everyday use.
- S Pen Support: The Z Fold 3 is the first foldable phone to support Samsung’s S Pen. This opens up a world of possibilities for productivity, creativity, and note-taking.
- Powerful Performance: Powered by a flagship processor and ample RAM, the Z Fold 3 can handle demanding tasks, from gaming to video editing, with ease.
- Versatile Camera System: Capture stunning photos and videos with the Z Fold 3’s triple-camera system. The under-display camera on the main screen ensures an uninterrupted viewing experience.
Why it might be right for you in 2024:
- You’re looking for a productivity powerhouse that can replace both your phone and tablet.
- You value the unique experience and versatility of a foldable device.
- You want the latest and greatest technology, even if it’s not from the current year.
Nokia XR20
The Nokia XR20 is a unique offering in the smartphone market, focusing on ruggedness and longevity. While it may not be the flashiest phone of 2024, its durable design and extended software support make it a compelling choice for a specific type of user.
Key Features:
- Exceptional Durability: The XR20 boasts a MIL-STD-810H certified build, meaning it can withstand drops, extreme temperatures, and even submersion in water.
- Long-Lasting Software: Nokia promises three years of OS updates and four years of security updates, ensuring the phone remains secure and up-to-date for longer than many competitors.
- 5G Connectivity: Equipped with 5G capabilities, the XR20 is ready for the next generation of mobile internet speeds.
- Competitive Price Point: The XR20 offers its robust feature set at a price that undercuts many flagship devices.
Who is it for?
The Nokia XR20 is ideal for individuals who prioritize durability and longevity. This includes those with active lifestyles, people working in demanding environments, or anyone who wants a phone that can keep up with their needs for years to come.
Conclusion
With cutting-edge features and innovative designs, the best smartphones of 2024 cater to diverse consumer needs, offering superior performance and functionality. From powerful cameras to seamless connectivity, these top picks redefine the smartphone experience.
