The Finest Android Smartphones for 2024
Discovering the optimal Android smartphones can pose a problem, and narrowing down the alternatives to the right one may be much more daunting. That’s the place we step in. All year long, a large number of Android smartphones passes via our palms, facilitating the identification of the actually “finest” ones. Concurrently, this course of aids in pinpointing the gadgets that don’t benefit your consideration.
This assortment consists of one of the best Android smartphones that you may purchase for the time being. It covers a variety of telephones, every having its personal distinct options, comparable to lengthy battery life, glorious digicam capabilities, flip telephones, foldable telephones, and extra. No matter your particular wants, you’re certain to discover a appropriate possibility on this listing.
Finest Total Android Cellphone
Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra was introduced in January 2024, and thus far, it’s one of the best cellphone you should purchase. Samsung undoubtedly checked the entire containers with this one, however that additionally means a worth enhance this yr. The Galaxy S24 Extremely is now $1,299, that’s a $100 enhance over the Galaxy S23 Extremely from 2023.
With the Galaxy S24 Extremely, Samsung has included the easiest specs which can be out there, as you would possibly count on. This features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, 12GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. There are 512GB and 1TB fashions additionally out there. Moreover, it now has a 6.8-inch QHD+ show, which is flat. Beforehand, the Extremely fashions had been sporting curved shows. One of many causes for going flat this time round is the S Pen. With the curved show, it makes it more durable to make use of the S Pen, notably on the sides. I personally just like the flat show, as a result of it’s much less more likely to get scratches on the perimeters, and simply feels higher within the hand.
Talking of the show, Samsung is utilizing a brand new Corning glass, known as Gorilla Armor. This reduces the reflections on the Galaxy S24 Extremely fairly significantly. Evaluating this side-by-side with different telephones, you’ll be able to actually discover the distinction. It’s a small factor on the spec sheet, however in real-life, it’s an enormous deal.
One in every of my favourite options of this cellphone is definitely the battery life. We’re 12 hours of on display screen time simply with the Galaxy S24 Extremely. We just lately accomplished the battery take a look at and located that it lasted for 25 hours on video streaming. That’s practically 4 hours longer than the following group of telephones (iQOO 12 and iPhone 15 Professional Max). That’s relatively unbelievable and onerous to think about on the similar time because it does nonetheless have a 5,000mAh capability battery. Don’t fear; this one gained’t run out anytime quickly.
Lastly, the digicam. There was numerous discuss Samsung ditching the 10x telephoto for a 5x telephoto digicam, and nicely they did it. Nevertheless, it’s not fairly that straightforward. They went from a 10-megapixel 10x telephoto digicam to a 50-megapixel 5x telephoto digicam. Because of that added decision, you’re nonetheless getting the identical 10x optical zoom right here, as Samsung is cropping in on that 50-megapixel sensor. And in our testing, it does appear to work simply in addition to the 10x devoted telephoto lens from the Galaxy S23 Extremely.
Finest Foldable Android Cellphone
OnePlus Open
The OnePlus Open is the most recent foldable Android smartphone to hit the market, and it blew everybody else out of the water. Not solely does the OnePlus Open destroy the competitors on the spec sheet, but in addition in worth. It has a worth of $1,699, that’s $100 lower than the rivals, and it additionally provides some actually nice trade-in offers – like $200 off any cellphone in any situation, together with one which was on fireplace.
With the OnePlus Open, the corporate was seeking to follow its schtick whereas additionally making foldables higher. And this being OnePlus, meaning the most recent and biggest specs throughout the board. With a 6.31-inch 20:9 facet ratio entrance show, and a 7.8-inch major show, each of that are 2K decision, with adaptive 120Hz refresh charges and a peak brightness of two,800 nits. So it’s not onerous to consider that these are one of the best shows on a foldable. Inside, you’ll discover the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. It additionally has a 4,805mAh capability battery. These are killer specs for a foldable, with extra RAM, double the storage and a bigger battery than the competitors.
However OnePlus didn’t cease there. Not solely is that this a bigger battery, however it’s additionally one of many quickest charging ones, with 67W charging included. To not point out, the charger is included within the field. So you’ll be able to cost up in below an hour. The battery life on the OnePlus Open is sort of good. Really, I’ve been utilizing it for fairly a while, and I actually benefit from the battery life right here. It may generally get me via two days of utilization.
However the massive factor for OnePlus is the software program. That is working OxygenOS 13.2 with Android 13 and can get Android 14 fairly quickly. However that’s nonetheless not the software program story; Open Canvas is. With Open Canvas, OnePlus has actually opened the display screen to help you do just about something. Mainly, consider this as having display screen actual property that’s bigger than the precise display screen. Open Canvas enables you to open a number of apps on the display screen without delay, and you’ll even push apps off-screen and maintain them open. Try this Instagram Reel I put collectively to see extra of what I imply right here.
The Open checks numerous containers for folks about foldables. And that features the show crease. With the OnePlus Open, the show crease is nearly non-existent. Certain, you’ll be able to see it in the appropriate mild if you happen to’re in search of it. However for essentially the most half, you’re not going to note the crease right here, and that’s relatively spectacular. I’ve been using the cellphone for just a little over a month thus far and by no means even thought concerning the crease. I can’t say the identical factor concerning the competitors, although.
Finest Android Flip Cellphone
Motorola Razr Plus
The Motorola Razr Plus is one other foldable that actually caught us all without warning. It’s like a return to kind for Motorola right here, coming again to the foldable house with one thing that’s not fairly an excellent high-end cellphone however fairly shut. The Motorola Razr Plus right here is priced at $999, and at that worth, you’re getting a very unbelievable flip cellphone.
Motorola has geared up the Razr Plus with a 6.9-inch FHD+ 165Hz adaptive show. It additionally comes with the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 inside, with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. Which is definitely extra base storage than numerous common, non-folding flagship telephones include. So good on Motorola for stepping up there.
The actual show-stealer with the Razr Plus is that front-display. It’s a 3.6-inch show that encompasses the complete entrance of the Razr Plus, together with the cameras. With this show, you’ll be able to simply test the time, your notifications, and the climate, and even take a fast selfie if want be. However extra importantly, you’ll be able to run full apps on this show. Nearly any Android app works on this major show, together with Google Maps, Spotify, and even TikTok. You too can play a collection of video games from Google’s GameSnacks right here on the principle show, which is the actual purpose why I like this show.
Regardless of having a 3,800mAh capability battery, the Razr Plus really has fairly respectable battery life. As I said in my Motorola Razr Plus review, “It’s not fairly on the extent of some non-folding telephones just like the Galaxy S23 Extremely, however it’s higher than the Pixel 7 Professional.” That’s fairly good for a folding cellphone, particularly given the a lot smaller battery capability right here.
Finest Finances Android Flip Cellphone
Motorola Razr (2023)
Usually, I might not embrace the identical producer for one of the best and one of the best finances of the identical class, however Motorola has completed it right here. They at the moment promote one of the best flip cellphone, in addition to one of the best finances flip cellphone within the Motorola Razr (2023). The Razr (2023) is a $699 flip cellphone, and in some points, it’s higher than the Razr Plus.
The Razr (2023) provides up a couple of totally different colours, although my favourite one is the Summer season Lilac colour, which is a pleasant purple colour right here. Motorola has encased the Razr (2023) in a fake leather-based materials that appears and feels unbelievable. It’s by far my favourite feeling flip cellphone, merely due to that and the curved sides. It simply makes it really feel so good within the hand.
It’s not pet canines and rainbows with the Motorola Razr (2023), although. To hit this worth, Motorola did want to chop some corners, and the largest nook was the digicam. It’s a 64-megapixel major sensor and a 13-megapixel ultrawide, and the sensors are doubtless high-quality, however the footage that come from them – are usually not. It’s truthfully most likely one of many worst digicam experiences that I’ve had on a cellphone in a few years. Fingers crossed, Motorola is ready to replace these cameras to be loads higher sooner or later.
Software program right here is absolutely good, like ASUS, Motorola does a inventory Android strategy, and it simply appears unbelievable on this 144Hz show. Motorola added some options that you may really use, like altering the clock fashion on the entrance show. And leaping into multi-window even sooner. Battery life has additionally been fairly respectable right here, with the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 powering the cellphone and a 4300mAh capability battery. It has been sufficient to get via a full day after which some.
Finest Finances Android Cellphone
Google Pixel 7a
The Google Pixel 7a is beginning to transfer out of that “finances” space and into extra of a “low-cost flagship” worth vary, however it’s nonetheless an awesome finances cellphone. Coming in at a beginning worth of $499. At this worth, you’re getting a fairly handsome 6.1-inch 90Hz show, the Tensor G2 processor with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. That’s not too shabby for a sub-$500 smartphone, to be fairly trustworthy. Now if you’re in search of one thing cheaper, I like to recommend testing our Best Budget Phones roundup.
Earlier this summer season, I revealed my review of the Google Pixel 7a, and I stated that it had one of the best digicam in its class, and I nonetheless stand by that. The Pixel 7a has a 64-megapixel major sensor and a 13-megapixel ultra-wide. Now, you would possibly assume, based mostly on that, the Pixel 7a has a greater digicam than the Pixel 8, however that’s not true. The Pixel 8’s digicam is a bodily bigger sensor, although it’s solely 50-megapixels. So, whereas the Pixel 7a has a smaller sensor, it nonetheless takes good pictures, and a superb little bit of that comes all the way down to Google’s personal post-processing.
On the software program entrance, this did launch with Android 13 and has now been up to date to Android 14. The Pixel 7a will proceed to get OS updates till 2026 and safety updates till 2028. Google’s Pixel software program is one of the best within the enterprise. Google doesn’t add numerous apps and options that you simply’ll by no means use. Actually, it has added numerous options that you’ll certainly use. Like Name Screening and Maintain for Me. These are each completely good options from Google and ones that I exploit on a regular basis. They work simply as meant, and so does the spam-calling characteristic.
Finest Gaming Android Cellphone
ASUS ROG Cellphone 7 Final
The ASUS ROG Cellphone 7 Final is sort of a moist dream for cellular avid gamers. It actually hits each field on the spec sheet. Nevertheless, this isn’t an affordable cellphone. With a beginning worth of $1,399. However while you see the specs which can be on this cellphone, it’ll make extra sense.
That is the “Final” variant of the ROG Cellphone 7, so ASUS spared no expense right here. It features a gorgeous 6.78-inch 165Hz FHD show powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. It additionally has an enormous 6,000mAh capability battery inside, which is ideal for enjoying video games.
In our overview of the ASUS ROG Cellphone 7 Final, we talked about that the battery life right here is stellar. Which, with a battery that giant, you’d count on that. We had been capable of play video games for hours and nonetheless have loads of battery life. In fact, while you do have to high up, ASUS does assist 65W charging on the ROG Cellphone 7 Final. We examined it and located it might take the cellphone from 0% to 100% in round 42 minutes. That’s relatively spectacular for such a big battery.
The ASUS ROG Cellphone 7 Final additionally has a cool LED panel on the again that may present various things, in addition to totally different equipment that you may put onto the cellphone. Making it extra of a gaming console that matches in your pocket.
Finest Compact Android Cellphone
ASUS Zenfone 10
Not everybody desires an enormous cellphone, and fortunately, ASUS has heard all of you. The Zenfone 10 continues on with the ASUS legacy of making a flagship cellphone in a small footprint. The Zenfone 10 has a 5.9-inch show, one of many smallest available on the market in 2023. And it’s solely $699, making it a fairly unbelievable worth.
The Zenfone 10 can be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and sports activities a 144Hz show, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage. I’m matching the specs of most telephones on this listing, that are loads bigger. ASUS additionally packed it with a 4,300mAh capability battery that may get you thru the day. After I reviewed this cellphone earlier this yr, I discovered that I used to be capable of get two full days on a cost, and that’s with being a heavy person. I used to be fairly impressed with the battery lifetime of this cellphone. Particularly given its dimension, it’s capable of hold in there with the Galaxy S23 Extremely.
In the case of software program, it does run Android 13, and it’s a reasonably inventory model of Android. That’s one thing else I like about this cellphone. ASUS didn’t layer on a thick pores and skin like another producers do, as a substitute it included a couple of options to make the expertise higher. Together with a change to the fast settings, which you should utilize ASUS’ personal tackle fast settings, or return to Google’s inventory strategy.
The one draw back to the Zenfone 10 goes to be the cameras. It has a 50-megapixel major sensor and a 13-megapixel ultrawide. On paper, they sound high-quality. And that’s true, they’re. However they’re fairly fundamental. You’ll get some good footage from this digicam, as I discovered in my review of the Zenfone 10, however don’t count on something unbelievable.
Finest Digital camera Android Cellphone
Google Pixel 8 Professional
The Google Pixel 8 Pro is, by no shock, our decide for one of the best digicam cellphone working Android. This could not shock you one bit, contemplating how good Google’s cameras have been in recent times. The Google Pixel 8 Professional did obtain a worth enhance this yr over the Pixel 7 Professional, so now it begins at $999 for 128GB of storage. Nevertheless, we’d advocate spending the additional $60 to leap to 256GB of storage.
In our review of the Google Pixel 8 Professional, I discussed that that is “The Smartest Android Smartphone”. So what does that imply? Effectively, Artificial Intelligence, as you may need anticipated. Google has been all-in with AI for fairly a couple of years now, however with the Pixel 8 Professional, they’re taking issues a bit additional, bringing Generative AI into the combination. And it’s doing so in a couple of alternative ways.
Firstly, with wallpapers. Now you can generate wallpapers utilizing synthetic intelligence and make some relatively spectacular wallpapers. Actually, the wallpaper within the Pixel 8 Professional image above was made utilizing Generative AI on-device. The one criticism I’ve about these wallpapers is that they’re type of restricted proper now, and you’ll’t export these to make use of on different gadgets. Hopefully, each of these issues change sooner or later.
Then there’s the cameras. Google did improve the ultrawide digicam right here, so it’s now 48-megapixels, similar to the telephoto 5x digicam. And the principle digicam continues to be a 50-megapixel shooter. However that’s not likely the adjustments that we wish to concentrate on with the Google Pixel 8 Professional digicam. It’s AI. Google has added a couple of AI options right here within the Pixel 8 Professional digicam, together with Magic Editor, which I completely love. The Magic Editor will use Generative AI to vary how your picture appears. It may change the sky, take away objects, make objects bigger or smaller, and even stylize portrait pictures. And that is simply a few of what it may well do. It’s really actually spectacular what it may well do, as talked about in my overview of the Pixel 8 Professional.
The opposite massive AI characteristic goes to be Finest Take. When this leaked out earlier than the occasion, it sounded very creepy, however in follow, it’s not. Mainly, what Google has completed right here is that while you go to take a gaggle shot, it’s utilizing burst mode. So it’s taking a number of pictures of the scene. And there’s all the time somebody that’s not trying on the digicam or not smiling. With Finest Take, you’ll be able to change particular person folks’s faces to 1 that was taken in one other picture. Making it a lot simpler to get everybody trying good in your group picture.
In fact, we will’t overlook about the remainder of the {hardware} on the Pixel 8 Professional. It has the Tensor G3 processor inside, which works fairly nicely; it’s an enormous improve over the G2. And likewise permits Google to vow seven years of updates. So the Pixel 8 Professional (and Pixel 8) will get updates till 2030 – meaning Android 21! It additionally has a fairly spectacular show. We’re a 6.7-inch QHD+ show that has a peak brightness of two,400 nits. So no extra squinting to see your cellphone exterior. In follow this show appears unbelievable, it’s onerous to place this cellphone down as a result of it does have such a superb show on-board.
Finest Battery Life Android Cellphone
OnePlus 12
The OnePlus 12 is already considered one of my favourite telephones of 2024, and yeah I do know it’s early – it’s solely January. However that simply exhibits how nicely OnePlus hit it out of the park with the 12. OnePlus nailed nearly every part right here, together with the battery life and worth. The OnePlus 12 is accessible in two variants, one with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage for $799, and the opposite with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage for $899. That’s very aggressive, and less expensive than equally specced telephones.
Now let’s discuss battery life. OnePlus was capable of enhance the capability this yr, bringing it to five,400mAh, which implies you’re getting unbelievable battery life right here. We had been capable of get 10+ hours of display screen time fairly persistently. OnePlus says that this can be a two-day cellphone, and that’s completely true. I’ve gotten two days out of this with ease, and that’s one thing I hope to see extra of in 2024.
However that’s not the one nice characteristic of the OnePlus 12, the digicam setup is fairly unbelievable too. OnePlus has outfitted the 12 with a 50-megapixel major sensor, a 64-megapixel 3x telephoto digicam, and a 48-megapixel ultrawide digicam. That telephoto digicam is ready to crop in and offer you a 6x optical zoom too. And to be trustworthy, the photographs from this digicam look so unbelievable. It’s shortly turn out to be considered one of my favourite Android smartphone cameras.
Prepared for a mindblowing spec? 4,500 nits. That’s proper, the 6.82-inch show on the OnePlus 12 is ready to hit 4,500 nits of peak brightness. Now, it solely hits this brightness in a small portion of the display screen, so some assume it’s a gimmick. However let me inform you, within the winter, when the solar is reflecting off of the snow, and also you’re being blinded with sun shades on (or transitions, in my case), you’re nonetheless capable of see the show with none points, it’s not a gimmick. This can be a curved show, nevertheless, which I want it was not. A flat show would have made this the right cellphone for 2024. Hopefully, the OnePlus 13 shall be a flat show.
Did you overlook concerning the worth? Effectively, let me remind you. All of that is out there for simply $799. And that’s earlier than the $100 off OnePlus will provide you with for buying and selling in any cellphone. It might have been run over by a tractor, and also you’ll nonetheless get $100 off. That’s such an insane deal right here, for what’s a very unbelievable cellphone.
