Quick Links
Choosing thebest phonein 2024 can be challenging because there are so many models to choose from, each with new AI tools,cameras, and other innovative tech features. We’ve made it easy with our list of the best phones, which includes models fromAppleandAndroidand options at every price, so nobody’s left out.
All the phones on our list were tested by our team of professionals who used them for work and play in their daily lives to see how they perform. However, a phone’s performance isn’t the only thing that we consider when putting together these rankings; we also place a strong emphasis on the price tag and overall value of a device. Our picks change regularly, given that new phones always launch, but you’ll find our latest rankings below.
How we test and review products at Pocket-lint
We don’t do arm-chair research. We buy and test our own products, and we only publish buyer’s guides with products we’ve actually reviewed.
Best overall phone
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
Subtle but meaningful upgrades
As all-round smartphone experiences go, it’s hard to top the biggest, most expensive iPhone. It’s got a fantastic - albeit a little complicated - camera system with great zoom, and the build and premium design are stunning, as is the display. All with really smooth, fast performance.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max: Effortless performance
The iPhone 15 Pro Max delivers a superb performance and some great upgrades, not just in terms of camera but design too. Here’s my review.
The iPhone 15 series launched in the latter half of 2023 and – among them – is the absolute beast, theiPhone 15 Pro Max.Apple has shaved a good chunk of weight off of its ultra-premium device by switching to titanium (instead of steel), but has given the biggest, most expensive model all the bells and whistles too.
The camera trio is fantastic, delivering superb, detailed, and color-rich results. The new 5x zoom camera extends the focal length range further than before. It’s fast, has a superb display, and the Action Button is surprisingly useful.
The thing that always gets us about the Pro range is how effortlessly it achieves tasks, even if that means running the most demanding games or - even - recording video at really high bitrates in ProRes LOG in the camera. It’s the most capable, most powerful and best-made iPhone on the market.
Best premium phone
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
The best of Samsung and AI
Samsung’s S24 Ultra is among the most powerful Android phones. It is our top choice because of its all-around performance and fantastic battery life in a quality titanium housing.
I spent 2 weeks with the Galaxy S24 Ultra, and it’s impressive(ly boring)
Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra checks all of the boxes for a modern flagship phone, including Galaxy AI. Here’s our full review of Samsung’s best.
Samsung’sGalaxy S24 Ultrais an all-around performer capable of multitasking, gaming, and other demanding tasks with aQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3processor and 12GB of RAM. Storage space varies between 256 GB and 1TB, and most buyers will probably get the middle 512GB option for its perfect balance of price and capacity. Another standout feature of the S24 Ultra is its amazing camera system, headlined by a 200MP main supported by innovative AI tools like photo assist to improve the experience.
There’s no shortage of screen space, and the S24 Ultra’s massive 6.8-inch display is also incredibly bright at 2,600 nits and has a 120Hz refresh rate for the gamers out there. The 6.39 x 3.11 x 0.34-inch body might be a bit chunky for smaller hands, but it weighs just 18.18oz because of its titanium construction and has enough space for the handy S pen. Durability isn’t bad either, with an IP68 rating to protect it from dust and moisture.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra isn’t cheap, but it offers smooth performance and includes the latest AI tools. It’s worth it if you use the camera, processing power, and other premium features, but many buyers will be better off with more affordable alternatives.
Best value phone
Google Pixel 8 Pro
Google’s newest Pro takes AI photo editing to the next level
The Pixel 8 Pro delivers some astonishing camera capabilities, thanks largely to some smart AI power behind the scenes, allowing some previously unimaginable photo and video tweaks. All in a great-looking device with great software and a great display.
Google Pixel 8 Pro: Google just went and reinvented smartphone photography
Is the Google Pixel 8 Pro more than just a vessel for AI?
The Pixel 8 Pro is an absolute top-tier Android phone, delivering some incredible AI-powered photography and video skills in a package that still has the best cameras on the market. It also has a really great display that’s big, bright, color-rich, and smooth.
Android 14– out of the box — doesn’t offer as many visual, big changes over Android 13, but the commitment by Google to offer seven years of updates on the Pixel 8 Pro is market-leading.
When you combine that with the attractive design and the promise of regular Pixel Drop software updates delivering fun new features every few months, you’re getting a brilliant Android device. And you get all of this on the right side of $1000.
Best mid-range phone
OnePlus 12R
Top-tier performance at a mid-range price
The OnePlus 12R is an excellent alternative to high-priced flagships because it offers smooth performance for most tasks and practical features without costing a fortune.
The OnePlus 12R is so good I had to remind myself it’s a budget phone
With the 12R, OnePlus has returned to its roots by proving you don’t have to spend $1,000 for a stellar phone.
The OnePlus 12R might come at a mid-range price, but it offers enough performance to take on last year’s flagships with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. It’s available in two flavors, with the entry-level model having 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage and the higher-spec version sporting 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. Camera quality is decent for a mid-range phone and includes a 50MP main, an 8MP ultra-wide, and a 2MP macro for photos and videos.
This phone is available in stylish Iron Gray and Cool Blue with a sturdy 7.03 oz aluminum housing measuring 6.43 x 2.96 x 0.35 inches. Everything looks clear and vivid on the 120Hz 6.78-inch AMOLED display protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2. The 5500 mAh battery should last a day of regular use and is easily topped up again with the included 100W charger.
Many buyers are unwilling to pay premium prices for features they don’t need, and the OnePlus 12R provides a viable alternative with fantastic performance for around half the cost of some flagship rivals. It might lack features like wireless charging and an SD slot, but it’s expected considering the price and doesn’t detract from the phone’s overall value.
Best budget phone
Google Pixel 7a
Budget bliss
Google’s Pixel 7a is the best option for savvy buyers because the Tensor G2 chipset and 8GB of RAM can handle most tasks and offer a smooth user experience for a low price.
Google Pixel 7a: Mid-range might
Google’s updated mid-range phone boosts the quality over the previous iteration - but its biggest competitor might be from Google itself.
Google’s Pixel 7a is one of the best options for budget-conscious buyers because it offers capable performance for a price nearly anyone can afford. Under the hood is the company’s proprietary Tensor G2 chipset and 8GB of RAM, which isn’t the fastest but should be fine for browsing, emails, and other daily tasks. You also get 128GB of internal memory, which helps to keep the price down and gets the job done.
For a budget-friendly phone, the 7a has a sturdy aluminum body with an IP67 rating to protect it from dust and moisture. It’s pretty compact and light, too, at 5.98 x 2.87 x 0.35 inches and 6.84 oz, making it ideal for buyers with smaller hands who don’t enjoy carrying huge slabs with them. The 6.1-inch OLED display offers vivid colors and has a decent 90Hz refresh rate for a smooth experience.
It’s amazing how much Google fits into the Pixel 7a, considering its price, and it performs admirably against many pricier rivals. The smooth and streamlined user experience without bloatware is a joy to use and makes up for its minor drawbacks, like the mediocre brightness and lack of an adaptive refresh rate.
The bottom line: What is the best phone to buy right now?
The best phone we’ve tested is Apple’s latest and greatest plus-sized Pro, the iPhone 15 Pro Max, due to its big, bold, and beautiful display and seamless melding of software and hardware. It doesn’t come at a low cost, but Apple’s Pro iPhones tend to be worth the investment because of how long Apple supports them and how well they work.
iPhone 15 Pro Max
For a more premium option, we chose the Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra because of its incredible AI tools, fantastic camera, and included stylus. It’s not radically different from S23 Ultra that came before it, but it is without a doubt the best smartphone Samsung has ever made. Of course, you don’t have to spend the price of a new laptop to get a good phone, relative to our other picks, the Pixel 8 Pro is an excellent budget pick because it gives you a flagship camera and AI experience for less than $1000.
How did we choose the best phone?
We used Pocket-lint’s reviews as our primary experience for picking these phones, because first-hand experience is the best way to determine the quality of a phone. All the phones on this list have adequate performance for daily tasks like browsing, emails, and watching content. The premium models take things to another level with enough performance to handle multitasking, gaming, and demanding apps.
Modern phones are packed with features that often heavily contribute to their pricing. Our list has a mix of high-end models packed with the latest AI tools, other new features, and more budget-friendly options that should get the job done for most buyers. We think our expensive picks justify their cost in terms of performance and features, but the budget-friendly options punch above their weight considering their price. It’s more a matter of what specific features you’re looking for and how much you’re willing to pay.
Q: Can a smartphone last for five years?
Smartphones can last for five years, depending on how you use them, although the hardware can become outdated, and the battery will degrade. Brands like Google and Samsung are now offering seven years of software updates for their products, so you’ll always have up-to-date features and security.
Q: Which is best between Apple and Android?
Both have pros and cons, and it’s up to you which you prefer. Apple is known for its smooth performance and seamless integration among products in its ecosystem, although it is pricey and allows limited customization. Android phones are available at various prices from different brands, but the user experience and hardware quality can be mixed.
