Tech

Best Phone 2024: The 10 Best Smartphones You Can Buy

2024 is upon us, and new telephones are already being introduced left, proper and centre.

The smartphone market strikes quick, and there’s appears to be nearly no break between launches lately. So how will you presumably resolve which is your best option for you?

Your first resolution might be between an iPhone or Android cellphone – each are included right here. Then, how a lot are you keen to spend? Maybe a finances or mid-range cellphone will provide every thing you’re in search of.

But should you’re in search of the very best of the most effective, you’ve come to the precise place. It’s extraordinarily tough to whittle down the tons of of telephones we evaluation annually to only 10, however that’s precisely what we’ve carried out right here.

We can simply suggest the entire handsets beneath, however every is ranked ‘best’ for one thing. Whether you’re in search of nice cameras, efficiency, design or just worth for cash, there’s one thing that can attraction to you.

Google, Apple, Samsung, OnePlus, Motorola and Xiaomi are all represented right here. Nothing, Nokia, Realme, Asus, Huawei, Vivo, Honor and Sony miss out, however you will see that them in different smartphone finest picks.

At the underside of the article, you’ll additionally discover detailed shopping for recommendation.

Best smartphone 2024

1. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra – Best general

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra - Best overall

Pros

  • Top-tier efficiency
  • Excellent, versatile cameras
  • Very good battery life
  • Clever AI options
  • Seven years of updates

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Big and hulking
  • Charging nonetheless solely 45W

 

Price When Reviewed:

1499 Euro

If cash isn’t any object, the S24 Ultra is the most effective smartphone you should buy proper now.

Samsung has put that prime price ticket to good use, delivering an outstanding person expertise with no actual weaknesses. And there are a listing of main strengths, from unbelievable overclocked Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 efficiency to 5 distinct digital camera lenses, every of which greater than maintain their very own.

You nonetheless get a stunning 6.8-inch AMOLED show and built-in S Pen, but that is nonetheless a two-day cellphone for many individuals by way of battery life.

What’s extra, the the software program expertise is the most effective it’s ever been, with a slick One UI pores and skin over Android 14 and 7 years of each OS and safety updates. A number of genuinely helpful AI options are the icing on the cake.

The S24 Ultra’s value and massive, cumbersome design aren’t for everybody. But it’s essentially the most full smartphone cash should purchase.

2. Google Pixel 8 Pro – Best digital camera

Google Pixel 8 Pro - Best camera

Pros

  • Luxurious construct high quality
  • Incredible cameras
  • Useful software program options
  • Seven years of updates

Cons

  • So-so battery life
  • Slow charging
  • Big and heavy

The Pixel 7 Pro was already a superb smartphone, however the Pixel 8 Pro takes issues to the subsequent stage.

Not solely does the Tensor G3 chip enhance efficiency, it allows a variety of genuinely helpful software program options. Many of those enhance the images expertise, the place Google’s superior processing and succesful lenses ship constantly glorious images.

Android 14 on the Pixel is the cleanest and most intuitive software program on any smartphone, and it’ll now be supported by Google for an unbelievable seven years. Add in an opulent, premium construct and value that also undercuts the top-tier flagships, and the Pixel 8 Pro is an outstanding smartphone.

However, it’s not all excellent news. The battery life and charging might nonetheless do with enchancment, whereas the massive, heavy design gained’t swimsuit everybody.

If the latter is a matter for you, the common Pixel 8 is a greater guess. But there are a number of different variations between them.

3. iPhone 15 Pro – Best iPhone

iPhone 15 Pro - Best iPhone

Pros

  • Excellent cameras
  • Superb show
  • USB-C port

Cons

  • Slow charging
  • Missing Pro Max 5x optical zoom

The iPhone 15 Pro has a group of small adjustments that, when mixed, characterize a big improve.

A brand new titanium construct is sturdy however noticeable lighter, and there’s additionally a brand new customisable Action Button to exchange the mute swap. Apple’s A17 Pro chipset is essentially the most succesful on any smartphone, and delivers really stellar efficiency, whereas the introduction of USB-C is undoubtedly a step ahead.

The 6.1in show is comparatively compact by fashionable cellphone requirements, nevertheless it seems to be glorious and advantages from the 120Hz refresh charge. Battery life is usually stable, although you’ll nonetheless should put up with gradual charging speeds.

But regardless of the lacking 5x optical zoom on the telephoto lens, the all-round digital camera expertise is excellent. Many apps now assist the genuinely helpful Dynamic Island, and iOS 16 is simply as slick and intuitive as ever.

For most individuals, the iPhone 15 Pro is the candy spot in Apple’s 2023 smartphone vary.

4. Google Pixel 7a – Best worth cellphone

Google Pixel 7a - Best value phone

Pros

  • Phenomenal digital camera for the value
  • Excellent Google software program
  • Strong efficiency
  • Water-resistant

Cons

  • Slow charging
  • Wireless charging is unreliable
  • Not as quick because the Pixel 7
  • Only 90Hz show

The Google Pixel 7a takes all the most effective elements of 2022’s Pixel 6a – nice digital camera, stable efficiency, a number of years of software program assist – and improves it with a greater 90Hz display screen and extra premium design.

It’s somewhat costlier at $499/£449, however that is nonetheless top-of-the-line worth telephones you should buy contemplating you actually don’t lose a lot for this value in comparison with the Pixel 7 Pro. With a smaller 6.1in show, the Pixel 7a can be a lot simpler to make use of and pocket than lots of the bigger telephones on this checklist, plus it has the identical Tensor G2 chipset because the Pixel 7 and seven Pro.

The 64Mp important digital camera is really distinctive. There isn’t any higher cellphone digital camera for nonetheless pictures at this value, and barely any higher at any value. You may purchase the cellphone in playful blue and coral colors, or follow white or black should you favor.

The charging could be very gradual, and the added wi-fi charging was unreliable in our testing. But if you’d like an Android cellphone with 5 years of software program assist that’s an excellent all-rounder with an unbelievable digital camera – right here you go.

5. OnePlus 12 – Great all-rounder

OnePlus 12 - Great all-rounder

Pros

  • Elegant, distinctive design
  • Superb display screen
  • Fast wired and wi-fi charging
  • Great important and telephoto cameras

Cons

  • Average wide-angle and selfie cameras
  • More costly than OnePlus 11
  • Limited water resistance

 

Price When Reviewed:

949 Euro

The OnePlus 12 is considerably costlier than the OnePlus 11, that means it not takes the title of finest worth flagship.

However, it nonetheless undercuts most flagships on value, but delivers every thing most individuals are in search of in a smartphone.

Performance from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset is excellent, whereas the 120Hz AMOLED display screen delivers a top-tier viewing expertise. Even the principle and telephoto cameras, a slight weak spot of some earlier OnePlus telephones, are actually among the many finest round. However, the broad angle and selfie cameras might nonetheless be improved.

Battery life is powerful, and it’s good to see the 100W quick charging is now mixed with quick 50W wi-fi charging.

OnePlus’ OxygenOS pores and skin (now over Android 14) continues to be glorious, although the dedication to 4 OS updates and 5 years of safety patches is a step down from the most effective of Google and Samsung (each seven).

But general, the OnePlus 12 is an outstanding smartphone that’s simple to suggest. If you’re in search of a foldable, contemplate the OnePlus Open as an alternative.

6. iPhone 15 – Best worth

(*10*)

Pros

  • Versatile USB-C
  • Useful Dynamic Island
  • Great efficiency
  • Good worth for cash

Cons

  • Display solely 60Hz
  • Slow charging

 

Price When Reviewed:

€949

There are two upgrades that make the common iPhone 15 immediately higher than 2022’s iPhone 14. The introduction of USB-C makes the gadget extra versatile, permitting you to simply join a variety of various equipment.

And then there’s the Dynamic Island, the pill-shaped cut-out used to show quite a lot of helpful info – it was beforehand unique to Pro fashions.

The iPhone 15 could be very related in different areas, however that’s often not a nasty factor. The A16 Bionic chip delivers small boosts to efficiency and energy effectivity, with the latter serving to ship stable batter life.

With slick iOS software program and a premium construct, it’s the most effective worth iPhone 15 mannequin you should buy. But if a better refresh charge show or quick charging are essential to you, you’ll be higher off elsewhere.

7. Motorola Razr 40 Ultra/Razr+ – Best foldable cellphone

Motorola Razr 40 Ultra/Razr+ - Best foldable phone

Pros

  • Great outer show
  • IP52 water resistance ranking
  • Good battery life

Cons

  • Older chipset
  • Not the most effective cameras

When you consider flip telephones launched in 2023, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 5 might be the primary one which involves thoughts. But whereas it’s value contemplating, the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra (generally known as the Razr+ in some markets) is a better option for most individuals.

The 3.6-inch, 144Hz outer display screen is the principle cause for this. Not solely is it considerably bigger than rivals, you may run any app you want on it. The 6.9-inch, 165Hz inside show is simply as spectacular, with a crease that’s barely noticeable.

Despite two screens and a hinge, the Razr 40 Ultra feels impressively sturdy, and also you additionally get an IP52 ranking for water and mud resistance. Throw in stable battery life and a premium design, and also you’ve acquired your self an awesome foldable.

However, it’s not with out compromise. The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset is now two generations outdated, whereas the cameras are a step down from the very best Android has to supply. But neither must be dealbreakers for most individuals.

Read our full

Motorola Razr 40 Ultra evaluation

8. Samsung Galaxy A14 – Best finances cellphone

Samsung Galaxy A14 - Best budget phone

Pros

  • Premium design
  • Great battery life
  • Intuitive One UI software program

Cons

  • Average efficiency
  • Slow 15W charging
  • Camera struggles in lower than optimum lighting

Samsung isn’t all about flagship telephones and foldables – the corporate additionally makes some excellent finances handsets. And the £150/$179 Galaxy A14 is the most effective proof of this.

While not fairly S23-level, the design is definitely impressed by Samsung’s flagships, and it seems to be nearly pretty much as good. The 5000mAh battery additionally delivers glorious battery life, though that’s due partially to a primary 6.6in Full HD 60Hz panel.

Performance and cameras are the plain downgrades in comparison with costlier telephones, however MediaTek’s Helio G80 chipset continues to be high-quality for on a regular basis utilization. And in good lighting, you’ll nonetheless have the ability to get good images from the 50Mp important rear lens

Samsung’s One UI can be an enormous cause to purchase the Galaxy A14 over rivals – it’s slick and intuitive. Slow charging and no 5G are the opposite important compromise, however that is nonetheless an awesome finances purchase.

If you really need 5G, the Galaxy A14 5G can be obtainable for £219.99/$199.99, nevertheless it’s not simply the connectivity that’s totally different there.

Read our full

Samsung Galaxy A14 evaluation

9. Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus – Goldilocks Android cellphone

Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus - Goldilocks Android phone

Pros

  • Bright, sharp, flat display screen
  • Great battery life
  • Five years of software program assist
  • Solid, versatile cameras

Cons

  • Expensive
  • 45W charging somewhat gradual
  • Software takes some tweaking

 

Price When Reviewed:

1099

The Galaxy S23 Plus is a good selection should you don’t need a really monumental Samsung cellphone with a pen (S23 Ultra) however do need a first rate dimension show, prime battery life and a very good 5 years of software program assist.

We discovered the cellphone carried out excellently in testing and comes geared up with three succesful rear digital camera lenses with out the majority of different triple-camera telephones on the market. The design is somewhat plain, certain, however when you’ve acquired it in a case you then gained’t thoughts anyway. The software program takes extra tweaking to get it to your liking in comparison with Pixel telephones, however Samsung’s OneUI is extra customisable than Google’s model of Android.

The cellphone feels premium in aluminium and glass, the show is really glorious with good out of doors visibility.

and if all this appears nice aside from it being to huge for you then concern not – there’s additionally a daily Galaxy S23 that has a smaller show.

However, chances are you’ll wish to contemplate the newer S24+ and even common S24.

Read our full

Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus evaluation

10. Xiaomi 13 Pro – Most versatile cameras

Xiaomi 13 Pro - Most versatile cameras

Pros

  • Class-leading efficiency
  • Excellent cameras
  • Impressive 120W charging
  • Solid battery life

Cons

  • Unintuitive software program
  • Huge rear digital camera module
  • Expensive

 

Price When Reviewed:

1.299 Euro

We’ll say it up prime – this cellphone could be larger on this chart if Xiaomi’s MIUI software program was higher and extra nice to make use of than it at present is. It’s a disgrace, as a result of the Xiaomi 13 Pro has a few of the most completed hardware within the smartphone world.

It’s one of many first telephones you should buy outdoors of China that has a 1in digital camera sensor, tech that’s hotly tipped to level-up smartphone cameras within the subsequent couple of years, however Xiaomi acquired there early doorways. In our testing, the bigger sensor space takes in additional mild, leading to sensational low mild images and a stage of element not discovered on smaller sensors. Throw in a succesful 50Mp telephoto sensor and a 50Mp ultrawide and also you’ve acquired an awesome arrange, regardless of the big digital camera bump.

The cellphone runs the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, powering by way of each activity with ease, and it has nice battery life in addition. It’s additionally value contemplating the costlier Xiaomi 13 Ultra, however that’s overkill for most individuals.

Now, if it weren’t for that pesky software program…

Read our full

Xiaomi 13 Pro evaluation

Your shopping for information for the most effective telephones in 2024

When selecting a cellphone it’s best to contemplate these items: construct high quality and design, show, efficiency, cameras, battery life, software program and worth for cash.

Generally talking, a flagship cellphone in 2024 will begin at round £700/$700 however can price over $1,000/£1,000 in some circumstances. On contract, you’re taking a look at between £30 and £50-per-month on common within the UK however you may spend much more if you’d like an costly cellphone and many cell information.

In the US you may usually discover excellent contract offers on telephones, higher than within the UK and Europe.

It’s value noting that whereas this checklist highlights the most effective smartphones obtainable proper now, that doesn’t explicitly imply flagships (though they do characteristic closely right here). There are entries that cross over with our mid-range and finances cellphone round-ups too, however earn their place right here primarily based on the capabilities and high quality on provide in relation to their value.

Buying a cellphone outright will often provide the finest worth, however we respect funds in the true world don’t at all times accommodate such huge one-off purchases. If you may, you’ll clearly want a SIM card and plan, in addition to the cellphone. If you don’t have already got one, try our greatest SIM-only offers.

FAQ


1.

Should you purchase an iPhone or Android cellphone?

There’s multiple cell working system, however actually solely two value speaking about: Android and iOS.

The overwhelming majority of telephones immediately run Android – Android 14 being the newest publicly-released model. Apple’s iOS platform, at present on iOS 17, could have a decrease market share however builders nearly at all times launch their apps on iOS first. As a results of this strategy, it has top-of-the-line app shops you could find.

If you’ve got an Android cellphone or iPhone and wish to transfer to a cellphone working the opposite OS (working system), it’s pretty simple to switch your contacts and different choose information from one to the opposite. What you may’t transfer are paid-for apps and sure app information (like WhatsApp backups), so preserve this in thoughts should you’re contemplating a change of platform – and analysis any particular issues you’ll have in regards to the course of.

2.

Why do you have to purchase an unlocked cellphone?

An unlocked cellphone is one that’s not tied to any specific cell community operator. Buying ‘unlocked’ often means shopping for the cellphone outright and not using a SIM card or contract hooked up.

The most essential level is that an unlocked cellphone is nearly at all times a greater deal than shopping for a cellphone on contract – should you can afford it.

The solely actual exception to this is Apple’s iPhones – due to their conventional recognition, operators usually subsidise the price of shopping for an iPhone with a purpose to lock you right into a profitable long-term deal.

Generally talking, should you can afford the upfront price of the handset, you’ll pay much less over the lifetime of your cellphone by shopping for unlocked.

More importantly, you aren’t locked right into a prolonged contract. If you need a new handset at any time, you should buy one with out having to up-purchase your manner out of mentioned contract or commit to a different two years.

Just you should definitely make sure the cellphone you’re getting will not be locked to a sure community.

3.

Which SIM or cell plan do you have to get?

One different factor to contemplate is the dimensions and form of the SIM required on your cellphone. Make certain you get a nano-SIM if a nano-SIM is what your cellphone requires.

For the document, each cellphone on this checklist takes a nano-SIM, other than some iPhone fashions within the US, which use eSIM.

But for most individuals, it’s finest to stay with a bodily SIM card for now. Most networks ship you a SIM card in three totally different sizes, so you may simply come out the one you want.

If you’re in search of a SIM-free or unlocked cellphone, you most likely have already got a SIM card you’d like to make use of.

4G connectivity continues to be high-quality for most individuals. But if you’d like 5G, be certain that each the cellphone and the SIM assist it.

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