The Ultimate Guide: Top 10 Best Smartphones of [2024] for Unmatched Performance and Innovation
Discover the best of technology with our comprehensive list of the top 10 best smartphones in [2024]. Explore cutting-edge features, performance benchmarks, and user reviews to find the perfect device that suits your lifestyle. Stay ahead in the world of mobile innovation with our curated selection.
Table of Contents
Top 10 Smartphones 2023-24: Unveiling the Best Mobile Innovations and Performance Powerhouses
1. Google Pixel 8 Pro – Best phone for most people
The Pixel 7 Pro was already an excellent smartphone, but the Pixel 8 Pro takes things to the next level.
Not only does the Tensor G3 chip boost performance, but it also enables a range of genuinely useful software features. Many of these improve the photography experience, where Google’s advanced processing and capable lenses deliver consistently excellent photos.
Android 14 on the Pixel is the cleanest and most intuitive software on any smartphone, and it’ll now be supported by Google for an incredible seven years. Add in a luxurious, premium build and price that still undercuts the top-tier flagships, and the Pixel 8 Pro is a superb smartphone.
However, it’s not all good news. The battery life and charging could still do with improvement, while the big, heavy design won’t suit everyone.
If the latter is an issue for you, the regular Pixel 8 is a better bet. But there are a few other differences between them.
2. iPhone 15 Pro – Best iPhone
Pros
- Excellent cameras
- Superb display
- USB-C port
Cons
- Slow charging
- Missing Pro Max 5x optical zoom
The iPhone 15 Pro has a collection of small changes that, when combined, represent a significant upgrade.
A new titanium build is durable but noticeably lighter, and there’s also a new customisable Action Button to replace the mute switch. Apple’s A17 Pro chipset is the most capable on any smartphone, and delivers truly stellar performance, while the introduction of USB-C is undoubtedly a step forward.
The 6.1-inch display is relatively compact by modern phone standards, but it looks excellent and benefits from the 120Hz refresh rate. Battery life is generally solid, though you’ll still have to put up with slow charging speeds.
But despite the missing 5x optical zoom on the telephoto lens, the all-around camera experience is superb. Many apps now support the genuinely useful Dynamic Island, and iOS 16 is just as slick and intuitive as ever.
For most people, the iPhone 15 Pro is the sweet spot in Apple’s 2023 smartphone range.
3. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra – The phone with everything
Pros
- Outstandingly fast
- Very good cameras
- Excellent battery life
- Lovely premium object
Cons
- Slow 45W charging
- Poor selfie camera
- Huge premium object
If you want the phone on the market with the most features possible, the Galaxy S23 Ultra is it. It’s a big, expensive phone but you get every possible feature you could want in a smartphone in 2023 with incredibly good triple cameras, very good battery life that lasts well over a day, performance as fast as any rival phone, and of course, the now-unique S-Pen stylus tucked away in the phone for when you need it.
It’s one of few phones out there with a squared-off body and screen, but it feels good to hold thanks to top build quality and nicely tapered edges and screen. This design rewards you with the best screen of any phone, perfect for any app you can throw at it, and superlative for watching videos.
The 200Mp main camera is outstanding, particularly if you like slightly saturated colours that pop more than they do in real life. That’s not to say they look artificial though – the quality is superb with the versatility of an ultrawide and two separate 3x and 10 optical telephoto lenses that are all excellent. It;s a shame the selfie camera is terrible in low light.
4. Google Pixel 7a – Best value phone
Pros
- Phenomenal camera for the price
- Excellent Google software
- Strong performance
- Water-resistant
Cons
- Slow charging
- Wireless charging is unreliable
- Not as fast as the Pixel 7
- Only 90Hz display
The Google Pixel 7a takes all the best parts of 2022’s Pixel 6a – great camera, solid performance, several years of software support – and improves it with a better 90Hz screen and more premium design.
It’s a little more expensive at $499/£449/€509, but this is still one of the best value phones you can buy considering you really don’t lose much for this price compared to the $899/£849/€899 Pixel 7 Pro. With a smaller 6.1in display, the Pixel 7a is also much easier to use and pocket than many of the larger phones on this list, plus it has the same Tensor G2 chipset as the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro.
The 64Mp main camera is truly exceptional. There is no better phone camera for still images at this price, and barely any better at any price. You can also buy the phone in playful blue and coral colours, or stick to white or black if you prefer.
The charging is very slow, and the added wireless charging was unreliable in our testing. But if you want an Android phone with five years of software support that’s a good all-rounder with an incredible camera – here you go.
5. OnePlus 11 – Best value flagship phone
Pros
- Excellent screen
- Fast performance
- Competitive price
- Strong cameras
- Five years of software support
Cons
- No wireless charging
- Not fully waterproof
OnePlus has nailed the balance with the OnePlus 11, bringing a fully-featured premium smartphone for an outstanding price. At $699/£729/€849, the only things it noticeably misses out on are wireless charging and full waterproofing (we are more annoyed about the latter than the former).
If you can forgo those nice-to-haves then you’ll find yourself with a phone that has everything else you could want: amazingly fast performance, an excellent display, strong cameras including a very good main 50Mp lens, and four years of Android updates and five of security updates. That’s only matched in the Android world by Samsung and Fairphone (iPhones get the longest software support at more than five years).
The OnePlus 11 is also a slim and svelte phone despite its 6.7-inch screen, which isn’t the case with other huge phones. You can go for the green glossy model or the black version that has a matt, almost-silk-like finish to the back glass. It means it gets zero fingerprints, but it’s one of the slipperiest phones out there.
So long as you don’t mind the slightly laboured newer version of OxygenOS that often changes Android for change’s sake, then this is a great phone at a price that ensures you’ll get your money’s worth if you can make it last five years.
If you’re looking for a foldable, consider the OnePlus Open.
6. iPhone 15 – Superb all-rounder
Pros
- Versatile USB-C
- Useful Dynamic Island
- Great performance
- Good value for money
Cons
- Display only 60Hz
- Slow charging
There are two upgrades that make the regular iPhone 15 instantly better than 2022’s iPhone 14. The introduction of USB-C makes the device more versatile, allowing you to easily connect a range of different accessories.
And then there’s the Dynamic Island, the pill-shaped cut-out used to display a variety of useful information – it was previously exclusive to Pro models.
The iPhone 15 is very similar in other areas, but that’s usually not a bad thing. The A16 Bionic chip delivers small boosts to performance and power efficiency, with the latter helping deliver solid battery life.
With slick iOS software and a premium build, it’s the best-value iPhone 15 model you can buy. But if a higher refresh rate display or fast charging is important to you, you’ll be better off elsewhere.
7. Motorola Razr 40 Ultra/Razr+ – Best foldable phone
Pros
- Great outer display
- IP52 water resistance rating
- Good battery life
Cons
- Older chipset
- Not the best cameras
When you think of flip phones released in 2023, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 5 is probably the first one that comes to mind. But while it is worth considering, the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra (known as the Razr+ in some markets) is a better choice for most people.
The 3.6-inch, 144Hz outer screen is the main reason for this. Not only is it significantly larger than rivals, you can run any app you like on it. The 6.9-inch, 165Hz internal display is just as impressive, with a barely noticeable crease.
Despite two screens and a hinge, the Razr 40 Ultra feels impressively durable, and you also get an IP52 rating for water and dust resistance. Throw in solid battery life and a premium design, and you’ve got yourself a great foldable.
However, it’s not without compromise. The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset is now two generations out of date, while the cameras are a step down from the absolute best Android has to offer. But neither should be dealbreakers for most people.
8. Samsung Galaxy A14 – Best budget phone
Pros
- Premium design
- Great battery life
- Intuitive One UI software
Cons
- Average performance
- Slow 15W charging
- Camera struggles in less than optimal lighting
Samsung isn’t all about flagship phones and foldables – the company also makes some very good budget handsets. And the £150/$179 Galaxy A14 is the best evidence of this.
While not quite S23-level, the design is certainly inspired by Samsung’s flagships, and it looks almost as good. The 5000mAh battery also delivers excellent battery life, although that’s due in part to a basic 6.6in Full HD 60Hz panel.
Performance and cameras are the obvious downgrades compared to more expensive phones, but MediaTek’s Helio G80 chipset is still fine for everyday usage. And in good lighting, you’ll still be able to get good photos from the 50Mp main rear lens
Samsung’s One UI is also a big reason to buy the Galaxy A14 over rivals – it’s slick and intuitive. Slow charging and no 5G are the other main compromises, but this is still a great budget buy.
9. Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus – Goldilocks Android phone
Pros
- Bright, sharp, flat screen
- Great battery life
- Five years of software support
- Solid, versatile cameras
Cons
- Expensive
- 45W charging a little slow
- Software takes some tweaking
The Galaxy S23 Plus is a great choice if you don’t want a truly enormous Samsung phone with a pen (S23 Ultra) but do want a decent size display, top battery life and an excellent five years of software support.
We found the phone performed excellently in testing and comes equipped with three capable rear camera lenses without the bulk of other triple-camera phones out there. The design is a little plain, sure, but once you’ve got it in a case then you won’t mind anyway. The software takes more tweaking to get it to your liking compared to Pixel phones, but Samsung’s OneUI is more customisable than Google’s version of Android.
The phone feels premium in aluminium and glass, the display is truly excellent with good outdoor visibility and if all this seems great apart from it being to big for you then fear not – there’s also a regular Galaxy S23 that has a smaller display.
10. Xiaomi 13 Pro – Most versatile cameras
Pros
- Class-leading performance
- Excellent cameras
- Impressive 120W charging
- Solid battery life
Cons
- Unintuitive software
- Huge rear camera module
- Expensive
We’ll say it up top – this phone would be higher in this chart if Xiaomi’s MIUI software was better and more pleasant to use than it currently is. It’s a shame because the Xiaomi 13 Pro has some of the most accomplished hardware in the smartphone world.
It’s one of the first phones you can buy outside of China that has a 1in camera sensor, tech that is hotly tipped to level-up smartphone cameras in the next couple of years, but Xiaomi got there early doors. In our testing, the larger sensor area takes in more light, resulting in sensational low-light photography and a level of detail not found on smaller sensors. Throw in a capable 50Mp telephoto sensor and a 50Mp ultrawide and you’ve got a great set-up, despite the large camera bump.
The phone runs the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, powering through
Topics:
- samsung galaxy s ultra
- google pixel pro
- best smartphones
- samsung galaxy z fold
samsung galaxy s ultra
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra SummaryThe phone sports a 6.8-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and support for HDR 10+. It has a peak brightness of 1750 nits. The display is crisp and can also take input from the S Pen Stylus. Powering the phone is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 SoC paired with 12GB of RAM.
google pixel pro
- Display: 6.7-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate and 3120 x 1440 pixel resolution.
- Camera: 50 MP triple camera and 11.1 MP front camera.
- Processor: Google Tensor 2.8 GHz octa-core processor with 2 cores clocked at 2.8 GHz and 2 cores clocked at 2.25 GHz.
- RAM: 12 GB.
- Storage: 128 GB, not expandable.
- Battery: 5003 mAh.
- OS: Android 12, upgradable to Android 14.
- Dimensions: 75.9 × 163.9 × 8.9 millimeters (2.99 × 6.45 × 0.35 inches).
- Weight: 210 g.
samsung galaxy z fold
Certainly! The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold is a foldable smartphone that combines a traditional smartphone form factor with a larger foldable display, providing users with a versatile and immersive experience. As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, here are some key details about the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold:
- Design: The Galaxy Z Fold features a foldable design with a hinge mechanism that allows the device to fold and unfold. This design enables users to use it as a regular smartphone when folded and as a larger tablet-like device when unfolded.
- Display: It typically comes with two displays – an external display for regular smartphone use and a larger foldable display on the inside for a tablet-like experience. The internal foldable display is known for its AMOLED technology and vibrant colors.
- Specifications: The device is equipped with high-end specifications, including a powerful processor, ample RAM, and a considerable amount of storage. These specifications vary depending on the model and the release year.
- Cameras: The Galaxy Z Fold usually features a set of high-quality cameras, both on the front and rear. The cameras are designed to deliver a versatile photography experience.
- S Pen Support: Some versions of the Galaxy Z Fold support the S Pen, which is Samsung’s stylus accessory. This allows users to take notes, draw, and perform various tasks with precision.
- Software: The device runs on Samsung’s customized user interface based on Android. It is optimized for the foldable form factor, providing a seamless user experience when transitioning between the folded and unfolded states.
- Battery: The Galaxy Z Fold is equipped with a battery that is designed to provide sufficient power for both the smartphone and tablet modes.
- Price: The price of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold can be relatively high compared to traditional smartphones, reflecting its premium features and innovative design.
It’s important to note that details and specifications may vary across different models and versions of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold, and there may have been new releases or updates . I recommend checking the official Samsung website or reliable sources for the latest and most accurate information on the specific model you are interested in.
at apple from
samsung galaxy z flip
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip
| Galaxy Z Flip 5G In Mystic Bronze | |
|---|---|
| Battery | 3300 mAh |
| Display | Dynamic AMOLED, HDR10+, 1080 × 2636, 6.7 in (17 cm), ~22:9 aspect ratio, 425 ppi |
| External display | Super AMOLED, 112 × 300, 1.1 in (2.8 cm), 8:3 aspect ratio, 291 ppi |
| Sound | Dolby Atmos stereo speakers |
- How long should a smartphone last?
- The average lifespan of a smartphone is 2.58 years, but it can vary depending on the make and model. Some say that iPhones last 4–10 years, while Samsung phones last 3–6 years. Others say that most users use their iPhones for 3–4 years before upgrading
What should I do with my old smartphone?
Here are some things you can do with your old smartphone:
- Use it as a backup phone, webcam, or storage device. You can also turn it into a home security camera, digital photo frame, or portable media player.
- Sell your phone online through classifieds, auction sites, or reseller portals.
- Donate your phone to a charity of your choice. Before donating, make sure to erase any personal information from the phone.
- Recycle your phone if it’s not functional enough to donate or you don’t want to sell it. Many stores and businesses have drop boxes for old electronics that can be brought to processing facilities.
- Use as an emergency phoneWipe the phone, put in a pre-paid SIM card, and store it in your car or bag.
- Use as a baby monitorPlace the phone near your baby’s bed or cot and video call it over Wi-Fi. You can also use a specialist app like BabyCam.
- What is the best phone in 2023?
- How to choose the best phone for you