Are you considering what smartphone to buy next? However, there are now more options than ever before, and many companies are producing exceptional smartphones with impressive feature sets at similar price points. The decision-making process isn’t always straightforward. If you’re certain that an iPhone is the right choice for you, then your decision-making process will be more straightforward. For those who’re a discerning Android user, you’ll enjoy a wider array of options to choose from and additional queries to ponder before making a purchase. As a seasoned authority at Engadget, we continuously evaluate smartphones, having scrutinized numerous models over the years; thus far, our top recommendations for 2024 remain unchanged from last year’s lineup, with the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra and Google Pixel 7 Pro occupying the top slots. Here are the top smartphones of 2023: Should You Buy a Samsung Galaxy S24?
Android or iOS?
When searching for the most suitable smartphone, it becomes apparent that each operating system has its unique strengths and weaknesses. Within Apple’s cohesive environment, transferring data between iPhones, iPads, and Macs is remarkably effortless, thanks to the seamless integration of devices that enables smooth sharing of information and effortless handing off of phone calls or music from one device to another. While you’re simultaneously secured, you’re actually limited by the fact that messaging services like Apple Messages aren’t universally available across various platforms.
Android offers a significantly broader range of handsets from prominent manufacturers such as Google, Samsung, and Sony, among others. While Android phones do not benefit from the same magnitude of software support and often have lower trade-in values. There is no flawed response. When choosing a phone, consider how it will integrate with your existing devices and overall ecosystem? Unless you’re thoroughly disenchanted with one operating system and eager to learn another, it’s unlikely that switching from an iPhone to an Android phone (or vice versa) makes a great deal of sense – especially when everyone else in your household uses the same platform?
Cameras
As your primary digital camera and cellular phone often perform a dual function, selecting the right photographic equipment is crucial. Today, nearly every smartphone is capable of capturing stunning images with vivid color. If you’re after a prolonged optical zoom, you’ll likely need to upgrade to a more expensive device.
Typically, smartphones solely feature two rear cameras: a primary wide-angle lens and a secondary ultra-wide digital camera; however, they may often struggle in low-light conditions. Every smartphone manufacturer offers distinct customization options that cater to individual tastes, with Apple introducing four unique color profile presets on its latest iPhones, while Google’s Pixel 8 boasts innovative tools such as dedicated long exposure and Motion Pan modes, empowering users to tailor their experiences.
Why choose between cutting-edge connectivity options when you can have both? The future of wireless technology is all about speed and capacity, with mmWave 5G offering blazing-fast data transfer rates and Wi-Fi 7 promising even faster speeds with reduced latency. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, having both on your devices means staying ahead of the curve – whether that’s for gaming, streaming, or just plain old connectivity.
In 2024, many phones will boast Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6e capabilities, along with support for various 5G connections. To achieve the fastest Wi-Fi speeds available, however, comes at a premium. On certain networks, mmWave 5G enables gigabit-level download speeds, significantly reduced latency, and increased bandwidth. However, mmWave 5G’s added requirements for more delicate (and costlier) modems imply that support is typically lacking in cheaper devices, including the unlocked model of the flagship.
While mmWave 5G technology is impressive, its availability is limited compared to other 5G variants. Depending on your location and network provider, you may not be missing out on much if you buy a phone that doesn’t support mmWave capabilities at this time? Wi-Fi 7 has a similar situation as it’s available on select high-end devices, such as the Samsung Galaxy S24, but harder to find on more affordable smartphones? While Wi-Fi 7 demands support for millimeter wave (mmWave) 5G and Wi-Fi 7 itself, it’s not a decisive factor in purchasing a new phone unless you have a specific use case or are familiar with its benefits, making mmWave 5G or Wi-Fi 7 shortcomings less of an issue.
Different options to contemplate
Due to varying opinions on the most effective smartphone, it’s advisable to consider additional specifications that may be crucial to your preferences. Gamers will undoubtedly appreciate the enhanced gaming experience offered by smartphones such as the Samsung Galaxy S23 and Apple iPhone 15 Pro, which feature impressive 120Hz refresh rates. If prolonged battery life is crucial, consider opting for a larger iPhone model or an Android device featuring a battery capacity of approximately 4,000-5,000 mAh. Meanwhile, managing multiple devices can be smoother with a phone that supports wireless reverse charging, a feature found in some Samsung models, enabling power sharing with compatible wearables like the Galaxy Watch.
Photography by Cherlynn Low/Engadget
What’s the phone’s display size? Up to 1 terabyte of storage available? Does it feature twin eSIM capabilities? Approximately how long does its battery last on a single charge?
Though seemingly minor, these alterations can have a profound cumulative impact, exceeding the sum of their individual parts. The iPhone 15 Pro Max’s more compact and lightweight titanium design makes it an attractive option for many consumers for the first time. Although it no longer exudes the sharpness and heft of a weapon, this device still boasts one of the longest-lasting batteries commercially available.
The flagship-quality smartphone features a newly designed 5x telephoto lens, enabling it to rival top-of-the-line Android devices that have long incorporated zoom capabilities. While Apple may not surpass its competitors in terms of picture quality, it has certainly narrowed the gap; both the Pro and Pro Max models feature impressive cameras. With state-of-the-art portrait results and advanced enhancement tools, photos are significantly improved regardless of whether you’re capturing distant subjects or something right in front of you?
Each fashion now features the brand-new Motion Button and USB-C charging, the latter being particularly noteworthy as it will likely become even more important in the future when the world is expected to abandon Lightning connections altogether? The Motion Button skillfully repurposes the typically idle mute slider, offering the flexibility to assign a frequently employed shortcut to it, thereby enabling swift access to frequently used features such as the camera, flashlight, voice recorder, or magnifier. By offering various configurations of the Motion Button, you’re making it significantly more valuable to others than simply having an on/off switch for muting your phone.
This year’s A17 Professional chip boasts exceptional performance, with its six-core GPU enabling console-quality gaming and accelerating ray tracing for photorealistic lighting effects. Later this year, users will have access to features such as and in the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, with early 2024 updates expected for these models. You’ll also receive a second-generation, extremely wideband chip for enhanced precision object location, as well as reversible USB charging capabilities that enable you to power up your devices when needed.
When considering these options collectively, the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max stand out not only as significant upgrades over their predecessors, but also as two of the best phones on the market today.
- The new ProMax series is designed to be even more portable, weighing in at a mere 1.5 kg and boasting a compact design that makes it easy to slip into your bag or backpack.
- Helpful zoom cameras
- USB-C: The Future of Connectivity Is Here Now
- Lengthy-lasting battery
- Can reversible charging via USB-C eliminate the frustration of misaligned connectors and lost productivity?
- The motion button can be tricky to execute effectively on larger smartphones.
- Boring colours
Photography by Sam Rutherford/Engadget.
6.2-inch display | Up to 256GB storage capacity | Supports 1x nano SIM and 1x eSIM | Lasts up to 20 hours
The last two generations of Pixels delivered immense value by harmoniously integrating practical features with robust hardware. Despite this, Google has made significant strides with its latest Tensor G3 chip, enhanced displays that shine brighter, improved cameras, and an array of practical AI tools. The peak brightness has increased to 2,000 or 2,400 candelas, dependent on the mannequin used, while still delivering realistic colors. Compared to last year’s devices, we’re now witnessing a substantial 20-25% enhancement in battery life.
The Pixel 8’s cameras are capable of absorbing additional light, resulting in even more vivid and high-quality images and videos. With the advent of innovative tools like Finest Take and Magic Editor, photographers now have a plethora of ways to craft the perfect image. With its newly acquired skills, such as enhanced voice-to-text accuracy, the ability to summarize or read out new articles, and text-proofing capabilities, the Google Assistant has become even more successful. However, what’s more notable is Google’s commitment to seven years of software support, a promise that surpasses many of its Android counterparts, solidifying the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro as a long-term investment for users.
- New Actua show
- Genuinely helpful AI options
- Tensor G3 chip
- Longstanding expertise in software development.
- $100 greater than earlier mannequin
David Imel for Engadget
Up to a 6.1-inch display | Storage: up to 512GB | Connectivity: 1 x nano SIM and twin eSIM | Battery life: up to 13 hours
We initially decided on a price point of $429, but investing an additional $170 in the iPhone 13 yields significant enhancements. Notably distinct is its significantly less antiquated design, boasting flat sides, advanced Face ID technology, and a seamless edge-to-edge display. The 6.1-inch OLED panel significantly outdoes the SE’s 4.7-inch LCD display in terms of size, yet the device as a whole remains only 0.33 inches taller and marginally thicker overall. That show is far healthier in its approach – brighter, sharper, and even more vivid and robust as well?
The iPhone 13 also shines when compared to the SE, boasting double the starting storage capacity at a generous 128GB. The 13-series camera features a sophisticated dual-camera setup, bolstered by an exclusive ultra-wide-angle lens dedicated to capturing expansive vistas and unique perspectives. At the entrance lies a cutting-edge selfie digital camera capable of capturing high-definition 4K video. Battery life is longer, too.
- Fashionable design
- Digital cameras’ efficiency has remained consistently strong across many applications.
- What specific models are you referring to? The ones that are top of the line in terms of performance? In that case, the new Intel Core i9 processors offer remarkable processing power.
- Two generations previous
- Lightning port
- 60Hz refresh fee
- No telephoto lens
Photography by Sam Rutherford/Engadget.
6.1-inch display | Up to 256GB of storage | Dual-SIM support (1x nano SIM, 1x eSIM) | Up to 20.5 hours battery life
The Google Pixel lineup’s A-series models have long been regarded as top-tier midrange smartphones. With the integration of a Tensor G3 chip, the device leverages the same powerful and versatile AI capabilities found in Google’s flagship phones, complemented by excellent cameras, a stunning 120Hz OLED display, and impressive battery life. This innovative device also features practical conveniences such as IP67-rated resistance to dust and water, as well as slow but reliable 7.5-watt wireless charging via Qi technology. However, most notably, starting at $499, this premium option stands out as one of the finest choices currently available.
- Colourful 120Hz OLED show
- Robust battery life
- Glorious cameras
- Nice worth
- Gradual wi-fi charging
- Thick bezels
Photography by Sam Rutherford/Engadget.
Specifications:
• Screen size: 6.7 inches
• Storage capacity: Up to 1 TB
• Connectivity: Single nano SIM and a single eSIM
• Battery life: 21 hours
With a cutting-edge suite of sensors and a trifecta of cameras featuring a 50-megapixel primary sensor, a 48-megapixel ultra-wide lens, and a 48-megapixel telephoto camera with a 5x zoom capability, this device captures images that are sharper and more detailed than ever before. With the addition of Google’s renowned HDR+ processing, exceptional Evening Sight mode, and innovative features like Motion Pan, this smartphone empowers users to capture top-notch photos in almost any scenario. What truly elevates the Pixel 8 Pro to new heights is its cutting-edge arsenal of AI-driven editing tools. Finest Take enables individuals to curate their best expressions from multiple photos, ensuring a uniquely personalized result. As you wait, Magic Editor simplifies the process of eliminating distracting elements, reorganizing your content, or transferring issues around, with AI-powered assistance that seamlessly fills gaps. The Audio Magic Eraser for videos can significantly reduce ambient noise caused by wind, visitors, or other external sources, resulting in a more professional-sounding recording. With its cutting-edge hardware and sophisticated machine learning tools, the Pixel 8 Pro offers a comprehensive package for photography enthusiasts and videographers alike.
- New Tremendous Actua show
- Genuinely helpful AI options
- Tensor G3 chip
- Seven decades of software program heritage.
- New temperature sensor
- A lot improved battery life
- Configs now scale to occupy up to a massive 1TB of storage.
- $100 greater than earlier mannequin
- Setting up Face Unlock requires some effort.
Photograph by Sam Rutherford/Engadget
7.6-inch (primary) and 6.3-inch (folded) displays | Up to 1 terabyte of storage | 1 x nano SIM and 1 x eSIM support | Up to 23 hours of battery life
While some may have anticipated more dramatic design overhauls, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold2 remains an exemplary embodiment of a high-end, feature-rich foldable smartphone, showcasing its impressive versatility and adaptability. The latest device features the innovative Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, which boasts enhanced energy efficiency and improved power management capabilities. Its sleek, lightweight yet remarkably durable Enhanced Armor Aluminum casing is also noteworthy, offering a substantial reduction in weight while maintaining impressive sturdiness. The Galaxy S22 Ultra boasts an innovative ultra-wide angle camera sensor, in addition to an array of AI-driven features strategically placed throughout the device. The Z Fold 6 remains one of the rare foldables equipped with native stylus support, requiring an additional investment in one of Samsung’s S Pens. While a significant draw is undoubtedly the increased price tag of Samsung’s latest flagship, which now retails for a staggering $100 more than its previous model.
- Tremendous vibrant and colourful show
- Even lighter chassis
- Nice battery life
- Native stylus help
- Significantly pricier than its predecessors?
- The Galaxy S21 Ultra is a flagship smartphone that boasts impressive cameras, with features like 108MP main sensor and 40x space zoom.
- S Pen not included
- Charging speeds might be sooner
Photography by Mat Smith/Engadget
Here is the rewritten text:
Up to a 6.7-inch primary display and a compact 3.4-inch entrance screen; storage options include up to 1TB; features one nanoscale SIM card and one eSIM; battery life reaches approximately 23 hours.
Featuring an advanced digital camera and significantly enhanced power supply with a larger battery than its preceding model. The new Galaxy flip phone becomes an irresistibly enticing option amidst competing flagship devices, driven by just these two specifications. With the jump from a 12-megapixel to 50-megapixel digital camera, you gain the flexibility to choose whether to capture more detail or crop in for a successful digital zoom. The entrance display offers ample space to frame your selfie photographs, featuring an innovative Auto-Zoom function that effortlessly captures unsupervised group shots with precision. The pictures are enhanced by Samsung’s advanced AI photography refining tools, making them significantly easier to utilize.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 boasts a potent Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, rendering it equally impressive in performance to the S24 Ultra and Z Fold 6. Revealing the primary display’s full capabilities will unveil a radiant experience, boasting an unparalleled brightness of up to 2,600 nits. Samsung claims its latest foldable display is the brightest yet, designed to provide an enhanced viewing experience both indoors and out.
While the design has undergone minimal changes, the focus on cutting-edge AI software and techniques comes at a cost: reduced cover display functionality; however, it still retains its portability, remaining the most widely adopted foldable device to date.
- Higher cameras
- Longer battery life
- Enjoyable generative AI methods
- Dearer than its predecessor
- The design is akin to a culmination of past experiences.
- Restricted front-screen utility
- Sluggish charging
Different smartphones we have examined
Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely
Samsung’s latest flagship smartphone boasts an ultra-durable titanium frame, a significant boost in performance courtesy of the powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, and a substantial extension in battery longevity. The corporation refined its premier telephoto lens to boast a 5x optical zoom, rendering it more practical in a broader range of situations. Despite offering significant advancements, the most substantial improvement comes in the form of a comprehensive suite of AI tools, featuring the capacity to review written content, modify images, and transcribe audio files with ease. By integrating the industry’s best smartphone app with an integrated stylus, you’d create a genuinely impressive top-of-the-line mobile device. Regrettably, the S24 Extremely’s hefty price tag of $1,300 makes it inaccessible to all but those fortunate enough to possess deep financial reserves.
OnePlus 12
While the device may not have been able to surpass the latest Pixel in terms of overall performance, its impressive specifications at an affordable price make it worth noting. With lightning-fast performance from its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, a stunning 6.8-inch, 120Hz OLED display that offers crisp visuals, and an impressive battery life that surpasses expectations in the smartphone realm, this device truly stands out. OnePlus also introduced support for wireless charging for the first time in several generations, along with a respectable but not exceptional IP65 rating for dust and water resistance. Despite its massive digital camera module resembling an awkward appendage, the device produces unexpectedly crisp images. While a starting price of $800 stands out as the most significant advantage, the OnePlus 12’s value proposition lies in its $200 price discount compared to the Pixel 8 Pro and similarly equipped S24+.
FAQs
What features are essential to you in a smartphone?
When choosing the best smartphone, it ultimately depends on how you plan to use your device? Today’s top smartphones excel at delivering the basics flawlessly – effortless calling, seamless texting, and reliable internet access. If your smartphone has become an indispensable companion, you may find yourself considering investing in a top-of-the-line device that can meet your evolving needs and preferences. Will this investment yield better overall performance, cutting-edge camera technology, and a phone that will last for several years? If you’re not dependent on your phone for every aspect of your life, you may be able to find a balance between performance and cost by opting for a capable device that doesn’t break the bank.
The cost of a smartphone varies widely depending on factors such as brand, model, storage capacity, and operating system. Budget-friendly options like refurbished or older models can start around $100-$200, while high-end flagships with advanced features can cost upwards of $800-$1,000. On average, the price range for most smartphones is between $300-$600.
Smartphones’ prices range from around $300 to upwards of $1,500. While affordable smartphones often sacrifice some features to stay budget-friendly, they typically make compromises on overall performance, design, camera capabilities, and additional features to keep costs in check. While high-end smartphones may boast powerful processors, advanced camera systems, and innovative form factors such as flip or fold designs, While many people can find a phone that meets their needs within this wide price range, our research suggests that most top-notch smartphones currently available cost between $500 and $1,000.
With a smartphone in hand, you’re capable of doing everything from checking your email and browsing the internet to taking stunning photos and editing videos.
Smartphones are essentially miniature, portable computing devices that enable users to perform tasks such as checking email, browsing social media, viewing map directions, making contactless payments, and more. Beyond the basics such as placing phone calls and sending texts, we expect modern smartphones to offer a wide range of capabilities. Smartphones’ impact on compact cameras has been profound, thanks to their high-quality, built-in cameras and the fact that many smartphones are now just as portable – if not more so – than dedicated compact cameras.
How lengthy do smartphones final?
Smartphones are lasting for many years, and people are holding onto them for longer periods of time than they used to. Software programme updates and battery performance are crucial factors influencing a mobile device’s lifespan, with both having a significant impact on overall reliability. Apple guarantees five-year price protection for software programme updates on its latest iPhones, mirroring Google’s commitment to providing identical support for its Pixel phones. Samsung phones will receive four years’ worth of Android updates from their initial release date. As your phone ages, its charging speed and battery life may decline due to consistent use and recharging.
