The BEST Smartphones of 2024!

Summary

In 2024, the smartphone landscape was dominated by AI advancements, with Samsung leading the charge in AI features. Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold marked a major improvement in foldable phones, while the Vivo X200 Pro emerged as the best overall flagship, combining cutting-edge hardware, stellar camera performance, and long-lasting battery life. The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and the iPhone 16 also impressed, but Vivo's innovation set it apart. Despite availability challenges in some regions, the Vivo X200 Pro earned the top spot, with the Oppo Find X8 Pro offering a similar experience for those seeking accessibility.

Takeaways

• 😀 **AI in Smartphones**: Samsung leads the AI race in 2024 with its Galaxy S24 Ultra, offering stable AI features like live text translation, while Apple and Google lag behind in innovation, especially in Europe.
• 📱 **Most Improved Foldable**: The Google Pixel 99 Pro Fold significantly improved from its disappointing predecessor, offering better build quality, thinner design, and enhanced software, while Honor’s Magic V3 outshines both in hardware.
• 🖼️ **Best Compact Phone**: Xiaomi 14 excels in the compact phone category, offering excellent cameras, long battery life, and a solid all-around experience, while the iPhone Mini concept failed due to size and price constraints.
• 🔋 **Best Battery Life**: Vivo X200 Pro's 6000 mAh battery and optimized software provide the best battery life in 2024, making it the go-to phone for power users.
• 🎮 **Best Gaming Phone**: ROG Phone 9 Pro dominates the mobile gaming category with its next-gen Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, superior cooling system, and gamer-friendly software, despite a slight reduction in speaker quality.
• 📸 **Best Camera**: Vivo X200 Pro wins for its superior camera system, offering amazing portrait modes, a 200 MP zoom camera, and excellent video quality, surpassing both the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.
• 🏆 **Best Flagship Phone**: Vivo X200 Pro takes the overall flagship title for its incredible performance, battery efficiency, and camera capabilities, though it’s not easy to find in regions like the US or UK.
• 😩 **Worst Phone of 2024**: Nokia Skyline (HMD) is criticized for its poor design, bad camera performance, and limited software support, earning it the title of the worst phone in 2024.
• 📱 **Samsung’s Foldables**: Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6 are solid foldable options, with stable software and improved hardware, but Honor’s Magic V3 edges them out in terms of design and performance.
• 🛠️ **Modular Budget Phone**: CMF Phone One offers modular features at an affordable $200 price point, allowing users to swap accessories like phone stands or wallets, making it a unique and practical budget phone choice.

Q & A

What makes the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra stand out in 2024?

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra stands out for its advanced AI capabilities, including real-time live translations and AI-enhanced photography. Its battery life is also exceptional, and the inclusion of the S Pen in the device adds extra functionality.

How does the Honor Magic V3 compare to other foldable phones in 2024?

The Honor Magic V3 is considered the best foldable phone of 2024 due to its slim profile, premium build, and versatile camera setup. Despite Samsung’s dominance in the foldable market, Honor’s offering provides a more refined hardware experience.

Which compact phone is considered the best in 2024, and why?

The Xiaomi 14 is considered the best compact phone of 2024. It offers flagship-level performance, an excellent camera, and impressive battery life, all while maintaining a compact size that is ideal for users who prefer smaller devices.

What makes the ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro the best gaming phone in 2024?

The ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro excels in mobile gaming due to its new Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, superior cooling system, and gaming-optimized software. It also includes a high refresh rate display, offering an immersive and smooth gaming experience.

Why is the Vivo X200 Pro praised for its camera in 2024?

The Vivo X200 Pro is praised for its 200 MP camera sensor and exceptional software optimization, which delivers superior image quality. The camera’s versatility and consistency across various conditions make it a standout choice for mobile photography.

What is the standout feature of the Vivo X200 Pro’s battery life?

The Vivo X200 Pro’s battery life is exceptional thanks to its 6,000mAh battery and efficient power management. The device’s ability to last throughout the day even under heavy use is one of its strongest selling points.

Why is Vivo X200 Pro considered the best overall phone of 2024?

The Vivo X200 Pro is considered the best overall phone of 2024 due to its combination of a top-tier camera, outstanding battery performance, sleek design, and smooth user experience. Despite limited availability, it offers the best value in its class.

What are the challenges associated with the Vivo X200 Pro’s availability?

The Vivo X200 Pro is difficult to obtain in regions like the US and UK, making it less accessible for many potential buyers. However, alternatives like the Oppo Find X8 Pro, which shares similar features, are more widely available.

How does iOS 18’s Control Center change impact user experience?

iOS 18 introduces a new Control Center design that many users find confusing. It includes a full-screen music widget that seems redundant, and there are duplicated controls in both the widget and the homepage, which may detract from usability.

What are the criticisms of iOS 18’s Photos app?

The new Photos app in iOS 18 has been criticized for being slower to navigate and confusing in terms of its layout. These changes are seen as unnecessary and have negatively impacted the overall user experience for some iPhone users.