What is that we look for in a smartphone? The answer is simple: these days, it should be able to help us communicate, keep us entertained, and have a fantastic camera to capture our important moments. Are we missing something? Well, it should be our best companion in every way possible; now, this sounds enough.
In 2023, we saw many Smartphones, and in our blogs, we tried to cover almost all of them, from iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max to Samsung Galaxy S23. Some were an instant hit; some were not so much; our website has detailed reviews.
We are already in 2024, so we should know our options for the year regarding smartphones. We have developed a detailed list of smartphones to make your 2024 easier by helping you choose your best companion.
iPhone 15
The recently launched iPhone 15 significantly improves the base iPhone, making it the best affordable phone.
Display: The 6.1-inch Super XDR OLED screen is bright and responsive but has a 60Hz refresh rate like the iPhone 14. However, it now features Apple’s Dynamic Island.
Design: Unlike the iPhone 14, the iPhone 15 introduces a fresh design with a new glass panel on the back and a USB-C port.
Performance: Powered by the A16 Bionic chipset from the iPhone 14 Pro, the iPhone 15 offers impressive speed and is among the most powerful phones of 2022.
Battery life: With 20 hours of video playback, 80 hours of audio playback, and a 50% recharge in 30 minutes (with the optional 20W charger), the iPhone 15 provides reliable daily performance.
Camera: While the iPhone 15 keeps two lenses on the back, the primary 48MP camera is a significant upgrade from the iPhone 14, matching the quality of the iPhone 14 Pro.
Is it Worth the Price: Unlike previous standard models, the iPhone 15 stands out as a great value product, challenging the trend of minor upgrades compared to the Pro-level counterparts.
iPhone 15 Specs
| Specs | iPhone 15 |
| Capacity | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Display | Super Retina XDR display 6.1‑inch (diagonal) all‑screen OLED display |
| Chip | A16 Bionic chip |
| Camera | 48MP Main 12MP Ultra Wide 12MP 2x Telephoto |
| Power | Video playback Up to 20 hours Video playback (streamed) Up to 16 hours Audio playback Up to 80 hours |
| Battery | Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery |
| Charging | USB-C connector with support for: Charging DisplayPort |
iPhone 15 Pro Max
The iPhone 15 Pro Max is undoubtedly the best iPhone in 2023, especially if money is not an issue for Apple enthusiasts. The smaller iPhone 15 Pro is also great, especially if you prefer its more practical 6.1-inch size. However, the larger iPhone 15 Pro Max is superior due to its 5x periscope zoom lens.
Display: The iPhone 15 Pro Max features an excellent 6.7-inch Super XDR OLED screen (with ProMotion), unchanged from the iPhone 14 Pro Max.
Design: Similar to the smaller version, the iPhone 15 Pro has a stunning titanium design that can handle accidental drops better than its predecessor. Adding a USB-C port and configurable Action button makes it more versatile.
Performance: Apple’s new A17 Pro chipset delivers mobile gaming performance comparable to high-end PCs, making the iPhone 15 Pro Max one of the most powerful phones on the market.
Battery life: In our tests, the iPhone 15 Pro Max lasted 28 hours with mixed-use and recharged to 50% in just over 30 minutes. While impressive for its size and power, some phones charge faster.
Camera: With a groundbreaking 5x periscope zoom lens – a first for iPhones – the iPhone 15 Pro Max boasts a 48MP quad-pixel primary lens and a 12MP ultra-wide lens, making it the most capable iPhone for mobile photographers.
Is it Worth the Price: Like the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is expensive and may not be considered excellent value. However, considering the features, it still offers a lot for the price.
iPhone 15 Pro Max Specs
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | Specs |
| Capacity | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Display | Super Retina XDR display 6.7‑inch (diagonal) all‑screen OLED display 2796‑by‑1290-pixel resolution at 460 ppi |
| Chip | A17 Pro Chip |
| Camera | Pro camera system 48MP Main: 24 mm, ƒ/1.78 aperture, |
| Power | Video playback Up to 29 hours Video playback (streamed) Up to 25 hours Audio playback Up to 95 hours |
| Battery | Built‑in rechargeable lithium‑ion battery |
| Charging | USB-C connector with support for: Charging DisplayPort |
iPhone 13
The standout feature of the iPhone 13 is its impressive battery life. Unlike earlier iPhones, the iPhone 13 has a significantly better battery performance, lasting throughout our daily testing without running out of power. The A15 Bionic chipset, a new addition, enhances the phone’s overall power and efficiency, allowing smooth multitasking with its 4GB of RAM.
Display: The iPhone 13 features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a resolution of 2532 x 1170. The display is clear and bright, with improved brightness levels for better visibility in direct sunlight.
Design: The iPhone 13 follows the flat-edge design introduced with the iPhone 12 series. While it has a slightly more angular appearance than previous models, it remains comfortable for one-handed use. Notably, the iPhone 13 series is IP68 dust and water-resistant, capable of surviving in water up to six meters deep for 30 minutes. While not fully waterproof, it can handle occasional water exposure.
Performance: The iPhone 13 exhibits a noticeable improvement in benchmarking results, although the everyday experience may feel similar. The A15 Bionic chipset, combined with 4GB of RAM, ensures efficient and smooth performance. While not a groundbreaking change for current iPhone users, it’s a significant upgrade for those using much older iPhone models.
Battery life: Throughout our testing, the iPhone 13 consistently lasted the entire day, with some charge remaining for an additional couple of hours. While it may not offer the most extended battery life compared to some Android alternatives, it represents a substantial improvement for Apple, making the iPhone 13 more appealing to potential buyers.
Camera: The iPhone 13 includes two rear cameras – a 12MP wide camera with an f/1.6 aperture and a 12MP ultrawide camera with an f/2.4 aperture and a 120-degree field of view. There is no telephoto shooter, relying on digital zoom for distant shots.
Is it Worth the Price: The iPhone 13 is the most affordable iPhone without the old Home button, providing a robust and capable phone with excellent power management. While not the cheapest option in the market, Apple’s commitment to delivering consistent software updates for all iPhones enhances its overall value, making it a compelling choice for many buyers.
iPhone 13 Specs
| iPhone 13 | Specs |
| Capacity | 128GB, 256B, 512GB |
| Display | Super Retina XDR display 6.1‑inch (diagonal) all‑screen OLED display 2532‑by‑1170-pixel resolution at 460 ppi |
| Chip | A15 Bionic Chip |
| Camera | Dual 12MP camera system: Main and Ultra Wide cameras Central: ƒ/1.6 aperture Ultra Wide: ƒ/2.4 aperture and 120° field of view 2x optical zoom out |
| Power | Video playback Up to 19 hours Video playback (streamed) Up to 15 hours Audio playback Up to 75 hours |
| Battery | Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery |
| Charging | USB-C to Lightning Cable |
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra outshines its predecessor, the Galaxy S22 Ultra, in various aspects, making it a significant upgrade in 2023. It boasts a faster chipset, sturdier materials, and an impressive camera sensor with more megapixels. However, it’s worth noting that the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is expected to be released in January.
Display: The Galaxy S23 Ultra offers a large and bright AMOLED screen. Although it’s not the brightest and lacks Dolby Vision support, the 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth visuals for watching movies or playing games.
Design: The Galaxy S23 Ultra features a sleek glass front and back, with a gently curved display leading to the frame. While not as seamless as the S22 Ultra, it still looks stunning. The new, natural color tones add to its appeal, providing a delightful visual experience.
Performance: Equipped with a custom, overclocked Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, the Galaxy S23 Ultra sets the benchmark for Android phones. It performs excellently in real-life scenarios, handling high-resolution games and 8K video shooting effortlessly.
Battery life: While we always want more battery life, the Galaxy S23 Ultra impressed in review tests, lasting longer than many recent devices. It maintains a 5,000 mAh battery, typical for flagships, but effectively manages power consumption.
Camera: The Galaxy S23 Ultra is the best camera phone with various lenses and shooting modes for serious photography. The addition of an expert-level app enhances its versatility.
Is it Worth the Price? The Galaxy S23 Ultra has a hefty price tag, being a four-figure phone in every region. However, Samsung is known for trade-in and carrier-related deals, providing opportunities to get this feature-packed device at a more affordable price.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Specs
| Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | Specs |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Display | 6.8″Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity-O QHD+, Edge Screen 120Hz Adaptive Refresh Rate 500ppi, 1,750nit (Outdoor Peak) |
| Battery | 5,000 mAh |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen2 Mobile Platform for Galaxy |
| Camera | Ultra Wide Camera Rear:200MP Wide 12MP Ultra Wide 10MP Tele 3X Optical Zoom 10MP Tele 10X Optical Zoom 100X Space ZoomFront:12MP |
Google Pixel 8 Pro
The Pixel 8 Pro stands out as Google’s ambitious Pixel, featuring significant camera upgrades for pro photographers and a custom-built Tensor G3 chipset for Google’sGmachine learning features. Google is confident in its performance, offering an unprecedented seven years of significant updates, longer than any other phone maker.
Display: The Pixel 8 Pro, branded as Super Actua, is a standout feature, reaching 2,400 nits at peak brightness and maintaining 1,600 nits even in indirect sunlight. The Pixel 8 Pro display surpasses the iPhone 15 Pro Max in almost every aspect.
Design: The Pixel 8 Pro has a more rounded design on the corners and a flatter display, making it easier to hold and providing a better view of content. The finish is lovely, and the colors are classy, making it the best-looking Pixel phone from Google so far.
Performance: The Pixel 8 Pro performs well in pushing games and graphics to new heights, though it may not win competitions. It handles favorite games and high-resolution videos smoothly, but other phones like the iPhone 15 Pro or even older Android phones offer a better visual experience.
Battery life: The Pixel 8 Pro lasts a full day of use thanks to its larger battery than the Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus or Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max. Google packed in the largest possible battery, making it one of the most long-lasting.
Camera: While some photos taken with the Pixel 8 Pro looked better than those from the iPhone 15 Pro Max, especially night and low-light images, there were exceptions. The Pixel 8 Pro boasts the unique Magic Editor, combining generative AI with Google’s GMagic Eraser for easy image fixes and changes.
Is it Worth the Price? Google often offers discounts, especially during sales seasons. It’s recommended to wait for a deal when considering a Pixel phone; as good as the phone is, it feels like an even better buy when priced a bit lower.
Google Pixel 8 Pro Specs
| Google Pixel 8 Pro | Specs |
| Display | Super Actua display Full-screen 6.7-inch (170-millimetre) display 20:9 aspect ratio 1344 x 2992 resolution |
| Memory and Storage | 12 GB LPDDR5X RAM 128 GB / 256 GB UFS 3.1 storage |
| Processor | Google Tensor G3 |
| Camera | Rear Camera 50 MP Octa PD wide camera 1.2 μm pixel width ƒ/1.68 aperture 82° field of view 1/1.31″ image sensor size Front Camera 10.5 MP dual PD selfie camera 1.22 μm pixel width ƒ/2.2 aperture Auto-focus 95° ultrawide field of view |
Google Pixel 7
While the Pixel 7a might seem like the go-to budget option, Google has consistently discounted the Pixel 7 over the past year, making it a worthwhile choice even if you have to pay a bit more. Despite the ongoing availability of the Pixel 6a at a great low price, opting for the Pixel 7 is justified for better durability, wireless charging, and significantly improved photography.
Display: Sporting a Full HD+ resolution and 20:9 aspect ratio, the Pixel 7’s7display reaches up to 1000 nits regularly and can peak at 1400 nits (25% brighter than the Pixel 6’s6display). This brightness boost improves visibility in bright environments.
Design: The Pixel 7 shares similarities with the Pixel 6 and Pixel 8, but each year brings new color options. The lemongrass hue offered for the Pixel 7 is particularly appealing. The metal camera bar, tinted based on the chosen color, enhances the budget device’s overall aesthetic. Notably, it boasts an IP68 rating for water resistance, significantly improving over its predecessor.
Performance: Although the Pixel 7 doesn’t match the raw power of phones with Qualcomm’s QSnapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 chip, such as the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, the difference is not likely to be significantly noticeable in everyday use. Despite not having the raw horsepower of some competitors, the Pixel 7 holds its own, especially in AI tasks.
Battery life: While the Pixel 7’s 74,355mAh battery might sound large, some may wish for a bigger capacity, especially compared to its 4,614mAh battery. Nevertheless, the phone lasts a full day, even with activities like streaming, gaming, and extended TikTok sessions.
Camera: The Pixel 7 features the same 50MP primary camera as the Pixel 7 Pro and a similar 12MP ultra-wide lens. It also includes a 10.8MP punch-hole selfie camera, 4K video recording at 60fps, and 10-bit HDR video capture support. The Tensor G2 chip enhances the camera experience through advanced processing and software capabilities.
Is it Worth the Price? It’s impossible not to pay the total retail price for this phone, as Google and Amazon frequently offer discounts. The Pixel 7 has been sold for less than $449 / £449 / AU$749 on many occasions, especially on Amazon. Waiting for a deal can get you the best budget phone at a more affordable price.
Google Pixel 7 Specs
| Google Pixel 7 | Specs |
| OS | Android 13 |
| Display | Full-screen 6.3-inch (160.5 mm)¹ display 20:9 aspect ratio FHD+ (1080 x 2400) OLED at 416 PPI |
| Memory and Storage | Memory 8 GB LPDDR5 RAM Storage 128 GB / 256 GB UFS 3.1 storage |
| Battery | Beyond 24-hour battery life Up to 72-hour battery life with Extreme Battery Saver Minimum 4270 mAh Typical 4355 mAh |
| Processor | Google Tensor G2 |
| Camera | Rear Camera: 50 MP Octa PD Quad Bayer wide camera Front Camera: 10.8 MP |
| Charging | They are fast charging up to 50% charge in about 30 minutes6 with Google 30W USB-C. The charger with USB-PD 3.0 (PPS) is sold separately. |
One Plus Open
The OnePlus 11 returns to the company’s original focus by offering top-notch performance and notable specs while making some trade-offs to provide a more affordable option than significant competitors like Samsung and Apple. Unlike its rivals, OnePlus simplifies its lineup without confusing Pro and versions. The OnePlus 11 retains the strengths that make OnePlus stand out, providing an overall excellent experience.
Display: The OnePlus 11 boasts a vibrant display. The AMOLED screen supports a refreshing rate of up to 120Hz, which is noticeable in fast-paced games with numerous particle effects. It also features Dolby Vision and HDR10+ for accurate colors. While it could be brighter, overall, the display is fantastic.
Design: The OnePlus 11 is a sleek device with a glossy finish, especially if you opt for the green color. The back has a prominent camera array, making it distinctive among iPhones and Galaxy. However, it lacks an IP68 rating for water resistance. The phone includes the popular mute switch for quick noise control.
Performance: Equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 platform, the OnePlus 11 is speedy and efficient. Although the Samsung Galaxy S23 is slightly faster, the difference is hardly noticeable in everyday use. The OnePlus 11 handles games and apps with ease.
Battery life: The battery life is decent, but the charging speed is exceptional. With the included charger, you can fully charge the battery in less than 30 minutes. Outside the US, where higher voltage is the norm, charging is even faster. However, the phone does not support wireless charging.
Camera: Featuring a Hasselblad-branded camera setup, the OnePlus 11 captures impressive portraits and excellent landscape photos. However, the images may have a distinct look and feel. The camera excels in specific scenarios but struggles with versatile shots like distant zoom or macro close-ups.
Is it Worth the Price? Staying true to OnePlus’sOtradition, the OnePlus 11 offers impressive performance at a solid value. While it may not be the most affordable flagship, the phone delivers a large screen, unique cameras, and other standout features, making it a compelling choice in its price range.
OnePlus Open Specs
| OnePlus Open | Specs |
| Display | Size: 7.82″, measured diagonally from corner to corner Resolution: 2440*2268 (2K), 426 ppi Aspect Ratio: 1.0758:1 Screen-to-body ratio: 89.6% Refresh Rate: 1-120 Hz dynamic |
| Performance | Operating System: OxygenOS 13.2 based on Android™ 13 CPU: Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform |
| Battery | 4,805 mAh (Dual-cell, 3295+1510 mAh, non-removable) 67W SUPERVOOC Charging |
| Chip | 5G Chipset: X70 |
| Camera | Main Front Camera (on main/primary display) Megapixels: 20 Sensor Size: 1/4″ Lens Quantity: 4P Pixel Size: 0.7 µm Electronic Image Stabilization: Yes Focal Length: 20 mm equivalent Autofocus: Fixed Focus Aperture: ƒ/2.2 Field of View: 91° |
Motorola Razr Plus
The Motorola Razr Plus (or the Razr 40 Ultra outside the US) is the best foldable phone, especially for flip phones, and it is a whole new kind of smartphone, offering more than any other phone. It’s a compact communicator, a pocket mirror, and a small map when closed. This phone finally gives a good reason to fold a display in half, making you wonder when other top phone makers will catch up.
Display: Unlike other flip phones, the Razr Plus doesn’t just use the cover screen for basic tasks. This isn’t just for checking the weather or simple notifications; you can run full apps on this display. The large folding internal screen makes the Razr Plus stand out even without the external display.
Design: When folded, the two halves of the phone come together smoothly, creating a sealed crease with a gentle curve around the edges. The Viva Magenta color adds to this impression, making the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 look boxy in comparison. When closed, the Razr Plus has no visible gap, setting it apart from other flip phones.
Performance: While benchmark scores might not be the highest, real-world performance tells a different story. Despite using the same platform as the previous model, the Razr Plus performs better than expected, surpassing its predecessor.
Battery life: Motorola has done a commendable job fitting a large battery into the thin folding shell of the Razr Plus. The phone has a larger battery than the iPhone 14 Pro, though Apple manages power slightly better. Although it might not last a full day on a single charge, using the Razr Plus is so enjoyable that it’s worth it.
Camera: The camera may not have the best quality. In photos of flowers, red tones were overblown, and details were lost. Pictures in the woods had either unnaturally blurry or digitally oversharpened backgrounds, with deep black lines dividing objects.
Is it Worth the Price? The Razr Plus comes with a high price tag, but it’s the first clamshell foldable phone we’d recommend to anyone, not just those interested in flip phones or those seeking the latest trend.
Motorola Razr Plus Specs
| Motorola Razr Plus | Specs |
| Display | Main display: 6.9″ FHD+ pOLED display External display: 1.5″ OLED display ResolutionMain display: FHD+ (2640 x 1080) | 413ppi, External display: 194 x 368 | 282ppi |
| OS | Android 13 |
| Processor | Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 Mobile Platform |
| Internal Storage | 128GB |
| Memory | 8GB LPDDR4X |
| Battery | 4200mAh non-removable |
| Charging | 30W TurboPower™ charging support (charger sold separately), 5W wireless charging support (charger sold separately |
Best SmartPhone 2024: Wrapping it Up
In this blog, we have tried to create a mini-review of the top picks of smartphones for 2024 for you. We have tried to include all the new and trending phones towards the end of 2023 and will hopefully continue to be the most picked in 2024.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max stands out with its exceptional A17 Pro chipset, delivering a gaming and performance experience comparable to high-end PCs. Its camera system, including the groundbreaking 5x periscope zoom lens, further solidifies its position as a top contender in the smartphone market.
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra impresses with its improvements over the S22 Ultra, featuring a faster chipset, durable materials, and a camera system that rivals professional setups. The display, battery life, and overall performance make it a flagship device that caters to the demands of tech enthusiasts.
Google 8 Pro introduces significant camera upgrades and the Tensor G3 chipset, showcasing the company’s commitment to providing an exceptional photography experience. The device maintains Google’s Signature design and offers a compelling option for users seeking a versatile and feature-rich smartphone.
Motorola redefines the foldable phone category with the Razr Plus, presenting a unique blend of design and functionality.
Ultimately, your best phone depends on your preferences and priorities. Whether you prioritize camera capabilities, gaming performance, or unique design features, the top smartphones 2024 offer diverse options to cater to every user’s needs.
As technology evolves, we hope to get more innovations in 2024 and remain at the receiving end.
FAQ’s
Q: What are the best phones for 2024?
A: The best phones for 2024 include the latest flagship models from top brands such as Apple, Samsung, and Google. These phones offer cutting-edge features, impressive performance, and innovative designs to meet the needs of different users.
Q: How do I choose the best phone for me?
A: When choosing the best phone, consider your budget, preferred operating system (Android or iOS), camera quality, battery life, and special features like 5G connectivity or foldable screens. Evaluate your priorities and compare different models to find the best fit for your needs.
Q: What are the critical features of a new phone?
A: Some key features to consider when buying a new phone are the camera quality, battery life, processing power, display type resolution, storage capacity, and special features like fast charging, water resistance, and 5G connectivity. Assessing these features will help you make an informed decision
Q: What are the benefits of buying an unlocked phone?
A: Buying an unlocked phone offers the flexibility to choose your preferred carrier or switch between carriers without being tied to a specific network. Unlocked phones also allow for easy international travel as they can be used with local SIM cards in other countries.
Q: What are the best Android phones with excellent camera quality?
A: The best Android phones known for excellent camera quality in 2024 include models from Samsung, Google, and other top manufacturers. These phones offer impressive photography capabilities, such as high-resolution sensors, advanced image processing, and innovative camera features to capture stunning photos and videos.
Q: How can I find the best value phone in 2024?
A: Finding the best value phone in 2024 involves considering a balance of performance, features, and price. Look for phones offering solid performance, quality components, and useful features at a reasonable price, ensuring you get the most for your money.
Q: What are the main factors when buying a flagship phone?
A: When buying a flagship phone, consider the latest processor, high-quality display, advanced camera system, long-lasting battery, 5G capability, and innovative features unique to flagship models. Evaluating these factors will help you make an informed decision on your purchase.
Q: Are there any budget-friendly phones that offer the best of the best features?
A: Yes, there are budget-friendly phones in 2024 that deliver top-notch features such as impressive camera quality, fast charging, high-performance processors, and quality displays. These phones provide a compelling combination of features and affordability, making them suitable choices for users who want great features without a high price tag.
