2024 is upon us, and new telephones are already being introduced left, proper and centre.
The smartphone market strikes quick, and there’s appears to be nearly no break between launches nowadays. So how will you presumably determine which is your best option for you?
Your first resolution will likely be between an iPhone or Android telephone – each are included right here. Then, how a lot are you keen to spend? Possibly a funds or mid-range telephone will provide all the pieces you’re in search of.
However for those who’re in search of the best possible of the very best, you’ve come to the best place. It’s extraordinarily tough to whittle down the tons of of telephones we evaluate every year to simply 10, however that’s precisely what we’ve performed right here.
We are able to simply advocate the entire handsets under, however every is ranked ‘finest’ for one thing. Whether or not you’re in search of nice cameras, efficiency, design or just worth for cash, there’s one thing that can enchantment to you.
Samsung, Google, Apple, Xiaomi, OnePlus, Honor and Motorola are all represented right here. Nothing, Nokia, Realme, Asus, Huawei, Vivo and Sony miss out, however you will see that them in different smartphone finest picks.
On the backside of the article, you’ll additionally discover detailed shopping for recommendation.
Why it’s best to belief us: Smartphones are our bread and butter right here at Tech Advisor. We’ve been reviewing them because the unique iPhone again in 2007, and 17 years later they’re extra necessary than ever. We carry out in-depth, real-world testing on each new Android and iPhone mannequin that’s value shopping for, transferring our foremost SIM card to it for a minimum of every week for probably the most genuine expertise doable.
Up to date 17 April 2024:Â In the newest replace, we added the Samsung Galaxy S24+.
Finest smartphone 2024
1. Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely – Finest total
Professionals
High-tier efficiencyÂ
Glorious, versatile camerasÂ
Excellent battery lifeÂ
Intelligent AI optionsÂ
Seven years of updates
Cons
CostlyÂ
Massive and ponderousÂ
Charging nonetheless solely 45W
Worth When Reviewed:
From $1,299.99
If cash isn’t any object, the S24 Extremely is the very best smartphone you should purchase proper now.
Samsung has put that prime price ticket to good use, delivering an excellent person expertise with no actual weaknesses. And there are a listing of main strengths, from unbelievable overclocked Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 efficiency to 5 distinct digicam lenses, every of which greater than maintain their very own.
You continue to get a beautiful 6.8-inch AMOLED show and built-in S Pen, but that is nonetheless a two-day telephone for many individuals when it comes to battery life.
What’s extra, the the software program expertise is the very best it’s ever been, with a slick One UI pores and skin over Android 14 and 7 years of each OS and safety updates. A choice of genuinely helpful AI options are the icing on the cake.
The S24 Extremely’s worth and large, cumbersome design aren’t for everybody. But it surely’s probably the most full smartphone cash should purchase.
Learn our full
Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely evaluate
2. Google Pixel 8 Professional – Finest for most individuals
Professionals
Luxurious construct high quality
Unbelievable cameras
Helpful software program options
Seven years of updates
Cons
So-so battery life
Gradual charging
Massive and heavy
Worth When Reviewed:
From $999
The Pixel 7 Professional was already a wonderful smartphone, however the Pixel 8 Professional takes issues to the subsequent stage.
Not solely does the Tensor G3 chip increase efficiency, it allows a variety of genuinely helpful software program options. Many of those enhance the pictures expertise, the place Google’s superior processing and succesful lenses ship persistently wonderful pictures.
Android 14 on the Pixel is the cleanest and most intuitive software program on any smartphone, and it’ll now be supported by Google for an unbelievable seven years. Add in an expensive, premium construct and worth that also undercuts the top-tier flagships, and the Pixel 8 Professional is an excellent smartphone.
Nonetheless, it’s not all excellent news. The battery life and charging might nonetheless do with enchancment, whereas the massive, heavy design gained’t go well with everybody.
If the latter is a matter for you, the common Pixel 8 is a greater guess. However there are a number of different variations between them.
Learn our full
Google Pixel 8 Professional evaluate
3. iPhone 15 Professional – Finest iPhone
Professionals
Glorious cameras
Very good show
USB-C port
Cons
Gradual charging
Lacking Professional Max 5x optical zoom
Worth When Reviewed:
$999
The iPhone 15 Professional has a group of small modifications that, when mixed, symbolize a big improve.
A brand new titanium construct is sturdy however noticeable lighter, and there’s additionally a brand new customisable Motion Button to exchange the mute swap. Apple’s A17 Professional chipset is probably the most succesful on any smartphone, and delivers really stellar efficiency, whereas the introduction of USB-C is undoubtedly a step ahead.
The 6.1in show is comparatively compact by fashionable telephone requirements, nevertheless it seems to be wonderful and advantages from the 120Hz refresh fee. Battery life is mostly stable, although you’ll nonetheless should put up with gradual charging speeds.
However regardless of the lacking 5x optical zoom on the telephoto lens, the all-round digicam expertise is great. Many apps now assist the genuinely helpful Dynamic Island, and iOS 16 is simply as slick and intuitive as ever.
For most individuals, the iPhone 15 Professional is the candy spot in Apple’s 2023 smartphone vary.
Learn our full
Apple iPhone 15 Professional evaluate
4. Google Pixel 7a – Finest worth telephone
Professionals
Phenomenal digicam for the value
Glorious Google software program
Robust efficiency
Waterproof
Cons
Gradual charging
Wi-fi charging is unreliable
Not as quick because the Pixel 7
Solely 90Hz show
Worth When Reviewed:
$499
The Google Pixel 7a takes all the very best components of 2022’s Pixel 6a – nice digicam, stable efficiency, a number of years of software program assist – and improves it with a greater 90Hz display and extra premium design.
It’s somewhat costlier at $499/£449, however that is nonetheless among the finest worth telephones you should purchase contemplating you actually don’t lose a lot for this worth in comparison with the Pixel 7 Professional. With a smaller 6.1in show, the Pixel 7a can be a lot simpler to make use of and pocket than lots of the bigger telephones on this record, plus it has the identical Tensor G2 chipset because the Pixel 7 and seven Professional.
The 64Mp foremost digicam is actually distinctive. There isn’t any higher telephone digicam for nonetheless photographs at this worth, and barely any higher at any worth. You can too purchase the telephone in playful blue and coral colors, or stick with white or black for those who favor.
The charging could be very gradual, and the added wi-fi charging was unreliable in our testing. However if you need an Android telephone with 5 years of software program assist that’s all-rounder with an unbelievable digicam – right here you go.
Learn our full
Google Pixel 7a evaluate
5. OnePlus 12 – Nice all-rounder
Professionals
Elegant, distinctive design
Very good display
Quick wired and wi-fi charging
Nice foremost and telephoto cameras
Cons
Common wide-angle and selfie cameras
Costlier than OnePlus 11
Restricted water resistance
Worth When Reviewed:
From $799 | Mannequin reviewed $899
The OnePlus 12 is considerably costlier than the OnePlus 11, which means it now not takes the title of finest worth flagship.
Nonetheless, it nonetheless undercuts most flagships on worth, but delivers all the pieces most individuals are in search of in a smartphone.
Efficiency from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset is great, whereas the 120Hz AMOLED display delivers a top-tier viewing expertise. Even the principle and telephoto cameras, a slight weak spot of some earlier OnePlus telephones, at the moment are among the many finest round. Nonetheless, the huge angle and selfie cameras might nonetheless be improved.
Battery life is robust, and it’s good to see the 100W quick charging is now mixed with quick 50W wi-fi charging.
OnePlus’ OxygenOS pores and skin (now over Android 14) remains to be wonderful, although the dedication to 4 OS updates and 5 years of safety patches is a step down from the very best of Google and Samsung (each seven).
However total, the OnePlus 12 is an excellent smartphone that’s straightforward to advocate. For those who’re in search of a foldable, think about the OnePlus Open as a substitute.
Learn our full
OnePlus 12 evaluate
6. Xiaomi 14 – Finest cameras
Professionals
Unbelievable pictures
Flawless efficiency
Tremendous-fast charging
Gorgeous display
Cons
HyperOS software program annoyances
Might be fingerprint magnet
Worth When Reviewed:
Unavailable within the US
The Xiaomi 14 is the very best handset the Chinese language firm has ever made for most individuals. Its £849 beginning worth undercuts many rivals, but it presents a top-tier person expertise in lots of areas.
That features the cameras, which take among the finest pictures we’ve ever seen on a smartphone. With high-quality foremost, ultrawide, 3.2x telephoto and selfie lenses, it’s additionally impressively versatile.
Different key strengths embrace stellar efficiency from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, a beautiful 120Hz AMOLED display and a quick 90W charger included within the field. Battery life is stable, too.
Nonetheless, whereas Xiaomi’s software program expertise has a brand new title, HyperOS is frustratingly just like its predecessor MIUI. Alongside a rear that’s vulnerable to fingerprint smudges, it’s the one actual motive to not purchase the telephone, however will probably be a dealbreaker for some individuals.
Learn our full
Xiaomi 14 evaluate
7. iPhone 15 – Finest worth iPhone
Professionals
Versatile USB-C
Helpful Dynamic Island
Nice efficiency
Good worth for cash
Cons
Show solely 60Hz
Gradual charging
Worth When Reviewed:
From $799
There are two upgrades that make the common iPhone 15 immediately higher than 2022’s iPhone 14. The introduction of USB-C makes the gadget extra versatile, permitting you to simply join a variety of various equipment.
After which there’s the Dynamic Island, the pill-shaped cut-out used to show a wide range of helpful data – it was beforehand unique to Professional fashions.
The iPhone 15 could be very comparable in different areas, however that’s normally not a foul factor. The A16 Bionic chip delivers small boosts to efficiency and energy effectivity, with the latter serving to ship stable batter life.
With slick iOS software program and a premium construct, it’s the very best worth iPhone 15 mannequin you should purchase. But when the next refresh fee show or quick charging are necessary to you, you’ll be higher off elsewhere.
8. Motorola Razr 40 Extremely/Razr+ – Finest foldable telephone
Professionals
Nice outer show
IP52 water resistance ranking
Good battery life
Cons
Older chipset
Not the very best cameras
Worth When Reviewed:
$999.99
Once you consider flip telephones launched in 2023, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 5 might be the primary one which involves thoughts. However whereas it’s value contemplating, the Motorola Razr 40 Extremely (often called the Razr+ in some markets) is a better option for most individuals.
The three.6-inch, 144Hz outer display is the principle motive for this. Not solely is it considerably bigger than rivals, you’ll be able to run any app you want on it. The 6.9-inch, 165Hz inner show is simply as spectacular, with a crease that’s barely noticeable.
Regardless of two screens and a hinge, the Razr 40 Extremely feels impressively sturdy, and also you additionally get an IP52 ranking for water and mud resistance. Throw in stable battery life and a premium design, and also you’ve acquired your self an important foldable.
Nonetheless, it’s not with out compromise. The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset is now two generations outdated, whereas the cameras are a step down from the best possible Android has to supply. However neither ought to be dealbreakers for most individuals.
Learn our full
Motorola Razr+ (2023) evaluate
9. Samsung Galaxy A15 5G – Finest funds telephone
Professionals
Smooth design
Strong foremost digicam
Glorious battery life
Easy 90Hz show
Cons
Gradual efficiency
No IP water resistance ranking
Comparatively gradual charging
Worth When Reviewed:
$199
Samsung isn’t all about flagship telephones and foldables – the corporate additionally makes some excellent funds handsets. And the £199/$199.99 Galaxy A15 5G is the very best proof of this.
Whereas not fairly S24-level, the design is actually impressed by Samsung’s flagships, and it seems to be nearly nearly as good. The 5000mAh battery additionally delivers wonderful battery life, regardless of that includes a good 90Hz OLED show.
The A15 5G doesn’t have a world-class digicam system by any means, however the 50Mp foremost rear lens is surprisingly good for such an inexpensive telephone.
One UI can be an enormous motive to purchase the Galaxy A15 5G over non-Samsung rivals – it’s slick and intuitive. And three years of Android OS updates is a lot for most individuals.
Efficiency isn’t wonderful, there’s no official water or mud resistance and charging is proscribed to 25W, however these are compromises value making once you’re spending so little and getting so much.
For those who don’t want 5G, the Galaxy A15 4G can be obtainable for £169, nevertheless it’s not obtainable within the US and there are different downgrades.
Learn our full
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G evaluate
10. Samsung Galaxy S24+ – Very good all-rounder
Professionals
Glorious show
Robust efficiency
Helpful AI options
Unbelievable battery life
Seven years of updates
Cons
No S Pen assist
No Micro-SD assist
Nonetheless fairly costly
Worth When Reviewed:
From $999
For many individuals, the S24+ is the candy spot in Samsung’s Galaxy S24 vary. When you miss out on the S Pen assist and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (within the UK; US fashions nonetheless get it), it’s nonetheless a incredible telephone in its personal proper.
They Exynos 2400-powered mannequin we examined nonetheless presents excellent efficiency, particularly when mixed with that high-quality 6.7-inch show and premium design. The cameras are good and battery life is great.
Different key options from the S24 Extremely do make it right here, together with the helpful AI options, and very good seven years of software program updates.
Moreover gradual charging and a still-premium price ticket, there’s little or no to dislike right here.
Learn our full
Samsung Galaxy S24+ evaluate
Your shopping for information for the very best telephones in 2024
When selecting a telephone it’s best to think about this stuff: construct high quality and design, show, efficiency, cameras, battery life, software program and worth for cash.
Typically talking, a flagship telephone in 2024 will begin at round £700/$700 however can value over $1,000/£1,000 in some instances. On contract, you’re between £30 and £50-per-month on common within the UK however you’ll be able to spend much more if you need an costly telephone and plenty of cell information.
Within the US you’ll be able to typically discover excellent contract offers on telephones, higher than within the UK and Europe.
It’s value noting that whereas this record highlights the very best smartphones obtainable proper now, that doesn’t explicitly imply flagships (regardless that they do function closely right here). There are entries that cross over with our mid-range and funds telephone round-ups too, however earn their place right here primarily based on the capabilities and high quality on provide in relation to their worth.
Shopping for a telephone outright will normally provide the finest worth, however we admire funds in the true world don’t all the time accommodate such massive one-off purchases. For those who can, you’ll clearly want a SIM card and plan, in addition to the telephone. For those who don’t have already got one, try our greatest SIM-only offers.
FAQ
Must you purchase an iPhone or Android telephone?
There’s multiple cell working system, however actually solely two value speaking about: Android and iOS.
The overwhelming majority of telephones at present run Android – Android 14 being the most recent publicly-released model. Apple’s iOS platform, at present on iOS 17, could have a decrease market share however builders nearly all the time launch their apps on iOS first. On account of this method, it has among the finest app shops you’ll find.
When you’ve got an Android telephone or iPhone and wish to transfer to a telephone working the opposite OS (working system), it’s pretty straightforward to switch your contacts and different choose information from one to the opposite. What you’ll be able to’t transfer are paid-for apps and sure app information (like WhatsApp backups), so hold this in thoughts for those who’re contemplating a change of platform – and analysis any particular considerations you might have in regards to the course of.
Why do you have to purchase an unlocked telephone?
An unlocked telephone is one that’s not tied to any explicit cell community operator. Shopping for ‘unlocked’ normally means shopping for the telephone outright with out a SIM card or contract connected.
An important level is that an unlocked telephone is nearly all the time a greater deal than shopping for a telephone on contract – for those who can afford it.
The one actual exception to this is Apple’s iPhones – due to their conventional recognition, operators typically subsidise the price of shopping for an iPhone with the intention to lock you right into a profitable long-term deal.
Typically talking, for those who can afford the upfront value of the handset, you’ll pay much less over the lifetime of your telephone by shopping for unlocked.
Extra importantly, you aren’t locked right into a prolonged contract. If you need a brand new handset at any time, you should purchase one with out having to up-purchase your approach out of mentioned contract or commit to a different two years.Â
Simply you’ll want to make sure the telephone you’re getting isn’t locked to a sure community.
Which SIM or cell plan do you have to get?
One different factor to think about is the scale and form of the SIM required on your telephone. Be sure you get a nano-SIM if a nano-SIM is what your telephone requires.
For the document, each telephone on this record takes a nano-SIM, other than some iPhone fashions within the US, which use eSIM.
However for most individuals, it’s finest to stay with a bodily SIM card for now. Most networks ship you a SIM card in three totally different sizes, so you’ll be able to simply come out the one you want.
For those who’re in search of a SIM-free or unlocked telephone, you most likely have already got a SIM card you’d like to make use of.
4G connectivity remains to be high-quality for most individuals. However if you need 5G, be sure each the telephone and the SIM assist it.