What a year it has been! With over 600 smartphones hitting the market in 2024, narrowing it down to just five favorites was no small feat. But here we’re taking a look at the things that really stood out.
After almost a decade at GSMArena, I find it hard to be impressed by midrange phones, so this list is full of flagships. There is one exception, but there’s a good reason for it.
Without further ado, here are my top five phones of 2024 – no ranking, because they’re all the best in their own way!
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
At first glance, the Galaxy S24 Ultra doesn’t seem like a huge leap forward – it’s in line with the 2023 and 2022 Galaxy Ultra. So why is it on my list? Because it’s a no-nonsense Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 powerhouse that just gets the job done.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (left) and Galaxy S23 Ultra (right)
The updated 5x periscope camera is a welcome change from the previous 10x zoom, which felt like a gimmick. Now, I can take crystal-clear shots of my sleeping cat without disturbing my furry companion – what’s not to love about that?
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
| 256GB 12GB RAM | ₹ 95,989 |
$774.67 |
| 512GB 12GB RAM | ₹ 111,950 |
$899.95 |
| Show all prices | ||
Sure, it’s a minor upgrade, and I understand why some fans might be hesitant to call it necessary. But for me, performance is paramount, and the S24 Ultra performs very well.
google pixel 9 pro xl
Google does simple tasks like no one else. The Pixel 9 Pro XL is a joy to use, with its clean, bloat-free Android experience that just feels…right.
Admittedly, it’s not a huge leap from the Pixel 8 Pro. The slightly more powerful Tensor G4 chip and a bump in wired charging speeds are the main upgrades, but the selfie camera is top notch, and the user experience is unbeatable. For me, that’s enough to earn a spot on this list.
realme gt7 pro
While Samsung and Google are sticking to their slow-charging guns, Realme is charging into the future with its 120W SuperVOOC. The GT7 Pro feels like a 2025 phone thanks to its Snapdragon 8 Elite chip and incredibly thin, powerful battery.
This year, Realme finally gave its GT flagship a more than decent camera. The 3x telephoto lens is a joy, and upgrades like the ultrasonic fingerprint scanner and ultra-bright display make this phone truly impressive.
Nothing Phone (2A)
It’s time to change gears. The phone (2A) is my pick for best budget device of the year. In a market full of midrange options, this one stands out.
It has more power than the best-selling Galaxy A55, faster charging, better cameras than Redmi Note 13 Pro and its looks leave even the Realme 13 Pro+ in the dust. It’s also cheaper than its slightly newer brother (2A Plus), making it a go-to for value seekers.
Honor Magic V3
I’ll admit it – I have a soft spot for foldables, even if they don’t exactly match my needs. But the reason why the Magic V3 is included in the list is not because of its thin body or perfectly usable cover screen, but because of its durability.
A few years ago, the idea of a truly sturdy foldable was ridiculous. But the Magic V3 changes that – it’s a foldable that you can (almost) throw around in frustration and still rely on later.
While we’re on the subject of foldables, the Huawei Mate X6 deserves an honorable mention. It’s beautiful and tough, but I can’t justify the eye-watering €2,000 price tag for an essentially underpowered foldable.
