Best Phones of 2024 Tested: August Top Picks
As we progress into 2024, the smartphone industry continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace. With manufacturers rolling out new devices packed with cutting-edge features and innovative designs, choosing the right phone can be overwhelming. To help you navigate this competitive market, we’ve tested and reviewed the top phones available as of August 2024. Whether you’re looking for a flagship model with all the bells and whistles or a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on quality, our guide covers the best picks across different categories.
1. Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
Best Overall
Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro Max stands at the pinnacle of the smartphone market, offering a combination of design, performance, and ecosystem integration that is hard to beat. This flagship model builds on the success of its predecessor with significant upgrades in almost every department.
Key Features:
- Display: 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion technology, offering a 120Hz refresh rate.
- Processor: A17 Bionic chip, the fastest in any smartphone, ensures seamless performance.
- Camera: A new 48MP triple-camera system with enhanced low-light performance and AI-driven photography features.
- Battery Life: All-day battery life with support for fast charging and MagSafe wireless charging.
- Software: iOS 18, offering enhanced customization, privacy features, and seamless integration with Apple’s ecosystem.
Why It’s a Top Pick:
The iPhone 15 Pro Max is the best choice for users who want a premium device that excels in all aspects, from gaming and photography to everyday tasks. Its robust build quality, coupled with the unmatched software experience, makes it the best overall smartphone in 2024.
2. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Best Android Flagship
Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra continues to be the go-to choice for Android enthusiasts, boasting top-tier specifications and an array of features tailored for power users.
Key Features:
- Display: 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 144Hz refresh rate, delivering stunning visuals.
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (in most regions) ensures top-notch performance.
- Camera: Quad-camera setup with a 200MP main sensor, 10x optical zoom, and advanced night mode capabilities.
- Battery: 5,500mAh battery with 65W fast charging and 50W wireless charging.
- Software: One UI 6.0 based on Android 14, offering a smooth, customizable user experience.
Why It’s a Top Pick:
The Galaxy S24 Ultra is the ultimate Android phone, offering a perfect blend of power, versatility, and cutting-edge technology. Whether you’re a photographer, gamer, or multitasker, this device has everything you need to enhance your mobile experience.
3. Google Pixel 8 Pro
Best Camera Phone
Google’s Pixel series has always been synonymous with photography excellence, and the Pixel 8 Pro takes it a step further with AI-driven enhancements that make it the best camera phone of 2024.
Key Features:
- Display: 6.7-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support.
- Processor: Google’s custom Tensor G3 chip optimized for AI and machine learning tasks.
- Camera: Triple-camera system with a 50MP main sensor, 48MP ultra-wide, and a 12MP telephoto lens. AI features like Magic Eraser, Real Tone, and Night Sight are better than ever.
- Battery: 5,000mAh battery with 30W wired charging and 23W wireless charging.
- Software: Android 14 with exclusive Pixel features and timely updates directly from Google.
Why It’s a Top Pick:
The Pixel 8 Pro is the best choice for photography enthusiasts and anyone who values Google’s clean, user-friendly software. The camera’s AI capabilities are unparalleled, making it easier than ever to capture stunning photos in any situation.
4. OnePlus 12
Best Value Flagship
OnePlus continues its tradition of delivering high-end features at a competitive price with the OnePlus 12. This phone strikes an excellent balance between performance, design, and affordability.
Key Features:
- Display: 6.7-inch Fluid AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+.
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, ensuring flagship-level performance.
- Camera: Triple-camera system with a 50MP main sensor, 50MP ultra-wide, and 64MP telephoto lens.
- Battery: 5,000mAh battery with 100W wired charging and 50W wireless charging.
- Software: OxygenOS 14 based on Android 14, offering a clean, fast, and customizable user experience.
Why It’s a Top Pick:
The OnePlus 12 offers flagship-level performance and features at a lower price point, making it an excellent choice for those who want premium quality without the premium price tag.
5. Xiaomi 14 Pro
Best Flagship Killer
Xiaomi has made a name for itself by offering high-spec devices at affordable prices, and the Xiaomi 14 Pro is no exception. It provides almost everything you’d expect from a flagship, but at a fraction of the cost.
Key Features:
- Display: 6.73-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and Dolby Vision support.
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for high-speed performance.
- Camera: Quad-camera setup with a 50MP main sensor, 50MP ultra-wide, 50MP telephoto, and 50MP periscope lens.
- Battery: 4,800mAh battery with 120W wired charging and 50W wireless charging.
- Software: MIUI 15 based on Android 14.
Why It’s a Top Pick:
The Xiaomi 14 Pro offers flagship features at a mid-range price, making it the best choice for budget-conscious buyers who don’t want to compromise on quality or performance.
6. Sony Xperia 1 VI
Best for Media Consumption
Sony’s Xperia 1 VI is a niche device that excels in media consumption, offering features tailored for cinephiles, photographers, and gamers.
Key Features:
- Display: 6.5-inch 4K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, perfect for watching movies and playing games.
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, optimized for multimedia tasks.
- Camera: Triple 12MP camera system with features geared towards professional photographers and videographers.
- Battery: 5,000mAh battery with 30W wired charging and 15W wireless charging.
- Software: Android 14 with Sony’s custom enhancements for media and photography.
Why It’s a Top Pick:
If you consume a lot of media on your phone or are into mobile photography and videography, the Xperia 1 VI offers the best display and camera experience, with features designed to deliver top-tier performance in these areas.
7. Oppo Find X6 Pro
Best Design
Oppo has consistently pushed the boundaries of smartphone design, and the Find X6 Pro is their most visually striking and ergonomically refined device to date.
Key Features:
- Display: 6.8-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate.
- Processor: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, delivering fast and efficient performance.
- Camera: Triple-camera setup with a 50MP main sensor, 50MP ultra-wide, and 50MP periscope lens.
- Battery: 5,000mAh battery with 100W wired charging and 50W wireless charging.
- Software: ColorOS 14 based on Android 14, with unique features and customization options.
Why It’s a Top Pick:
The Oppo Find X6 Pro is perfect for those who value both aesthetics and performance. Its premium build quality, coupled with a stunning design, makes it a standout device in 2024.
8. Google Pixel Fold
Best Foldable
2024 has seen significant improvements in foldable technology, and the Google Pixel Fold is leading the charge with its practical design and user-friendly experience.
Key Features:
- Display: 7.6-inch inner OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 5.8-inch outer display.
- Processor: Tensor G3 chip, optimized for multitasking and foldable use cases.
- Camera: Dual-camera system with a 48MP main sensor and a 12MP ultra-wide lens, with AI enhancements.
- Battery: 4,800mAh battery with 30W wired charging and 23W wireless charging.
- Software: Android 14 with special foldable features, including improved multitasking and app continuity.
Why It’s a Top Pick:
The Pixel Fold is the best choice for those who want a foldable phone that doesn’t compromise on functionality or performance. Its seamless integration of hardware and software makes it the most practical foldable on the market.
9. Asus ROG Phone 8
Best for Gaming
The Asus ROG Phone 8 is built specifically for gamers, offering the best performance and features for mobile gaming in 2024.
Key Features:
- Display: 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time.
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