The best smartphones have revolutionized modern life by keeping us connected, informed, and entertained on the go. Whether you’re capturing memories, working remotely, or just staying in touch with loved ones, smartphones have become an indispensable tool for managing and enhancing everyday life.
Best Overall | Bang for Your Buck | Best on a Budget | Best Minimalist | Best Foldable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | iPhone 16 & 16 Plus | Google Pixel 8a | OnePlus 12R | Motorola Razr Plus |
 |  |  |  |  |
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is a powerhouse that excels in performance, camera capabilities, and productivity features, making it the best overall smartphone of 2024. | The iPhone 16 offers an unbeatable combination of premium features and affordability, making it the best value for your money. | The Google Pixel 8a is the best budget smartphone, offering impressive AI-powered features and a strong camera system at an affordable price. | The OnePlus 12R is a perfect choice for minimalists seeking top-tier performance and a sleek, clutter-free experience. | The Motorola Razr Plus is a compact foldable smartphone with a vibrant display and strong performance. |
What Is a Smartphone?
A smartphone is a handheld device that combines mobile phone capabilities with advanced computing features. It allows users to make calls, send texts, access the internet, use apps, and perform tasks like photography, video recording, and document editing. Powered by various operating systems, most smartphones today also offer high-quality displays, fast processors, and multi-functional apps. In short, smartphones are personal digital assistants designed to streamline daily tasks and communications.
Why Buy a Smartphone?
Smartphones offer a wide range of benefits, making them essential tools for people across different walks of life. First and foremost, they enable constant communication through calls, texts, and social media. Whether you’re managing work emails, video conferencing, or simply staying connected with friends and family, smartphones allow you to reach out from virtually anywhere. Additionally, they offer powerful tools for productivity, entertainment, and creativity. From checking weather updates to editing videos, modern smartphones can handle a variety of tasks.
Moreover, smartphones have become invaluable for accessing important services like banking, shopping, and navigation. With a smartphone, you can navigate cities using GPS, make payments through mobile banking apps, or even keep track of your fitness levels. With growing advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and smart features, such as voice assistants and AI-powered cameras, smartphones are making life more convenient and efficient.
Best Smartphones: What to Look For
Before purchasing a smartphone, consider the following features:
Best Overall: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Image credit: Samsung
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The Galaxy S24 Ultra stands out as the flagship Android phone for several reasons. With its 6.8-inch AMOLED display, featuring a 120Hz refresh rate, users can expect crisp visuals and fluid scrolling, perfect for both gaming and media consumption. The 200MP camera is designed for both day and night photography, allowing you to capture stunning details even in low light with its advanced Nightography feature. Additionally, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor ensures smooth multitasking, gaming, and app navigation.
The S Pen makes this device ideal for professionals or creatives who want to take notes, make edits, or doodle on the go. With 512GB of storage and 12GB of RAM, this phone is built for power users who need fast performance and ample space for apps, games, and files. Its ability to zoom up to 100x also brings out the finest details in photography. Although it carries a higher price tag, its performance, features, and future-proof 5G connectivity make it a worthy investment.
Bang for Your Buck: iPhone 16 & 16 Plus
Image credit: Apple
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The iPhone 16 brings premium features from Apple’s flagship models at a more accessible price. The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display ensures vibrant colors and sharp resolution, making it ideal for entertainment, reading, or browsing. Powered by the A18 chip, this phone delivers high-end performance, whether you’re gaming, multitasking, or editing photos. Additionally, the Dynamic Island and Ceramic Shield front add durability and a modern touch.
One of the standout features is its 48MP dual-camera system. This camera, with Night mode and Smart HDR 5, guarantees exceptional photos even in challenging lighting conditions. For anyone looking for a premium smartphone at a reasonable price, the iPhone 16 is a fantastic option, balancing power, style, and functionality in Apple’s signature ecosystem.
Best on a Budget: Google Pixel 8a
Image credit: Google
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The Google Pixel 8a brings Google’s signature AI capabilities and solid performance at a lower price point. Its 6.1-inch OLED display is vibrant and responsive, with smooth scrolling for everyday use. Despite its affordable price, the Pixel 8a doesn’t compromise on key features, boasting 5G connectivity and the Google Tensor G3 processor for snappy performance. The Photo Unblur feature fixes blurry images, while Best Take helps capture the perfect group shot.
For budget-conscious buyers, the Pixel 8a also delivers an Adaptive Battery that lasts over 24 hours, ensuring you have enough juice for your day-to-day tasks. Its IP67 water resistance adds durability, while Google AI makes everyday tasks, such as call screening and information searches, effortless. For the price, the Pixel 8a is a clear winner in the budget category.
Best Minimalist Smartphone: OnePlus 12R
Image credit: OnePlus
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The OnePlus 12R is designed for users who want a simple yet powerful smartphone. Its 6.78-inch AMOLED display provides an immersive viewing experience, and the 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth transitions. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, the phone offers seamless multitasking, gaming, and app performance. The 80W SUPERVOOC fast charging feature can fully charge the 5500mAh battery in just 35 minutes, so you can spend more time using the phone and less time charging it.
With its minimalist design and intuitive interface, the OnePlus 12R strips away unnecessary features while maintaining core strengths like speed and efficiency. The 3-camera system with a 50MP sensor ensures great shots, even in challenging conditions. Perfect for users who prioritize performance and clean design over extras, the OnePlus 12R is a premium phone without unnecessary frills.
Best Foldable Smartphone: Motorola Razr Plus
Image credit: Motorola
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With its sleek design and innovative features, the Motorola Razr Plus is a true flagship for foldable phones in 2024. Its foldable 6.9-inch pOLED display offers vivid colors and smooth transitions between apps, whether it’s folded or fully extended. While compact when closed, it unfolds to provide a generous screen for streaming, browsing, or multitasking, making it perfect for users who want the portability of a smaller device without sacrificing display size.
One of the key reasons the Razr Plus excels as the best foldable is its balance of form and function. Motorola has optimized the hinge mechanism, ensuring that it feels durable yet flexible for regular use. Combined with the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor, 8 GB of RAM, and 256 GB of internal storage, the Razr Plus doesn’t compromise on speed or power. Despite its slightly shorter battery life, this foldable marvel remains an excellent choice for those seeking a stylish, compact device with high-end capabilities.
