Best Smartphones of 2024: Features and Reviews

As 2024 continues to unfold, the smartphone market is flooded with new releases from top brands, each offering cutting-edge technology, sleek designs, and powerful performance. Whether you’re after an all-around flagship device, a budget-friendly option, or a smartphone with specific features like advanced cameras or long-lasting batteries, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a roundup of the best smartphones of 2024, highlighting their standout features and what makes them shine.

1. Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max

Key Features:

• Display: 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, ProMotion (120Hz)
• Processor: A17 Pro Chip
• Camera: Triple 48MP (main) + 12MP (ultra-wide) + 12MP (telephoto), LiDAR Scanner
• Battery: Up to 29 hours of video playback
• Storage Options: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
• OS: iOS 17
• Other Features: USB-C port, Dynamic Island, Titanium design, Always-on display, 5G connectivity

Review: The iPhone 15 Pro Max is the ultimate flagship offering from Apple in 2024. With its stunning design, premium materials, and the powerful A17 Pro chip, it delivers exceptional performance. The camera system is state-of-the-art, with impressive low-light capabilities and powerful zoom features, making it ideal for photography enthusiasts. The USB-C charging port offers convenience, and the new titanium design makes it lighter and more durable. For iPhone users seeking the best performance and camera quality, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is a top contender.

2. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Key Features:

• Display: 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz refresh rate, 1750 nits peak brightness
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (Global), Exynos 2400 (Europe/Asia)
• Camera: Quad 200MP (main) + 12MP (ultra-wide) + 10MP (periscope telephoto) + 10MP (telephoto)
• Battery: 5000mAh, 45W fast charging
• Storage Options: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
• OS: Android 14 with One UI 6.0
• Other Features: S Pen support, 5G, IP68 water and dust resistance, Under-display fingerprint sensor

Review: The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is the epitome of Android excellence, combining stunning display technology with an exceptional camera system. The 200MP main sensor is an industry-leading feature that enables incredible detail and precision. The S24 Ultra also continues to refine its zoom capabilities, providing excellent 100x space zoom shots. The 120Hz AMOLED display delivers vibrant colors and smooth motion, making it perfect for both gaming and media consumption. For users who need power, performance, and photography versatility, the Galaxy S24 Ultra remains one of the best choices in 2024.

3. Google Pixel 9 Pro

Key Features:

• Display: 6.7-inch LTPO OLED, 120Hz refresh rate
• Processor: Google Tensor G3 chipset
• Camera: Triple 50MP (main) + 12MP (ultra-wide) + 48MP (telephoto)
• Battery: 5000mAh, 30W fast charging
• Storage Options: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
• OS: Android 14
• Other Features: Google AI-enhanced photography, Titan M2 security chip, 5G support

Review: The Google Pixel 9 Pro builds on the Pixel’s legacy of offering some of the best camera experiences in smartphones, with its AI-powered photo enhancements that improve even the most mundane shots. The Pixel 9 Pro excels in computational photography, particularly in areas like portrait mode, night sight, and astrophotography. Powered by the new Tensor G3 chip, the device delivers smooth performance while enhancing AI tasks and machine learning. If photography is your priority and you’re an Android user, the Pixel 9 Pro offers one of the most refined camera experiences available.

4. OnePlus 12

Key Features:

• Display: 6.7-inch Fluid AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
• Camera: Triple 50MP (main) + 48MP (ultra-wide) + 32MP (telephoto)
• Battery: 5000mAh, 100W fast charging
• Storage Options: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
• OS: OxygenOS based on Android 14
• Other Features: 5G, In-display fingerprint sensor, Alert Slider

Review: The OnePlus 12 offers incredible value for its performance, design, and features. OnePlus has built a reputation for delivering flagship-grade smartphones at competitive prices, and the OnePlus 12 is no exception. It comes with a gorgeous 120Hz AMOLED display, the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, and lightning-fast 100W fast charging that can power the device from 0 to 100% in under 30 minutes. Its camera system is impressive, delivering rich detail and vibrant colors in both photos and videos. If you’re looking for a premium Android device without breaking the bank, the OnePlus 12 is an excellent choice.

5. Xiaomi 14 Pro

Key Features:

• Display: 6.73-inch AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
• Camera: 50MP (main) + 50MP (ultra-wide) + 50MP (telephoto)
• Battery: 5000mAh, 120W fast charging
• Storage Options: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
• OS: MIUI 15 based on Android 14
• Other Features: 5G, IP68 water and dust resistance

Review: The Xiaomi 14 Pro stands out with its excellent all-around performance, sleek design, and value proposition. The camera setup is robust, featuring three 50MP sensors that offer exceptional quality across various shooting modes, including wide-angle and telephoto. The 120W fast charging is a standout feature, allowing users to fully charge the phone in under 30 minutes. Xiaomi continues to offer a balanced smartphone with great performance and camera prowess at a price that’s often lower than its competitors. For those looking for top-tier specs at a more affordable price point, the Xiaomi 14 Pro is a fantastic choice.

6. Motorola Edge+ (2024)

Key Features:

• Display: 6.7-inch OLED, 144Hz refresh rate
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
• Camera: Triple 50MP (main) + 50MP (ultra-wide) + 12MP (telephoto)
• Battery: 5100mAh, 68W fast charging
• Storage Options: 256GB, 512GB
• OS: My UX based on Android 14
• Other Features: 5G, In-display fingerprint sensor

Review: The Motorola Edge+ (2024) offers a sleek design, powerful performance, and an impressive camera system that holds up well against more expensive flagship devices. The 144Hz OLED display ensures smooth visuals, ideal for gaming and multimedia consumption. The camera system is versatile, and Motorola’s camera software has significantly improved over previous generations, making it more competitive in low-light situations. The fast charging is another highlight, providing a quick boost when you’re in a rush. If you want a flagship experience with a more affordable price tag, the Edge+ is a solid option.

7. Sony Xperia 1 V

Key Features:

• Display: 6.5-inch 4K OLED, 120Hz refresh rate
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
• Camera: Triple 48MP (main) + 12MP (ultra-wide) + 12MP (telephoto)
• Battery: 5000mAh, 30W fast charging
• Storage Options: 256GB, 512GB
• OS: Android 14
• Other Features: IP68 water resistance, 5G, Professional-grade video recording

Review: The Sony Xperia 1 V is a unique offering that caters to creators, photographers, and videographers. The 4K OLED display is a standout feature, offering unparalleled resolution for media consumption. Sony’s camera system is also geared towards professional content creators, with impressive video recording capabilities that include real-time autofocus and 4K HDR recording. If you’re someone who values multimedia creation, the Xperia 1 V is a top choice, thanks to its exceptional screen, powerful camera system, and pro-level video features.

Conclusion

In 2024, the smartphone market offers an impressive array of devices across all price ranges and feature sets. Whether you’re looking for the absolute best in performance and design, or you’re on a budget but still want great features, there’s a smartphone that fits your needs. From Apple’s premium iPhone 15 Pro Max to Google’s computationally advanced Pixel 9 Pro, Samsung’s versatile Galaxy S24 Ultra, and OnePlus’ value-driven OnePlus 12, each phone brings its own strengths. Whatever you choose, these devices are the cream of the crop in 2024’s competitive smartphone landscape.