Summary
Best Phones for 2024.. You want to buy a new phone but don’t know where to start. Don’t worry—I’ve tried almost every big release in the past few years, so I know how to tell the difference between the useless and useful features. Below, I’ve put together a list of the best options for iPhone and Android users.
What is the best phone right now?
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is the best phone overall because it has a great screen, a battery that lasts a long time, and a lot of cool features, some of which are driven by the company’s new generative AI model. Of course, the best phone in general might not be the best phone for you. Check out the list below for the other top choices.
No matter what you want or use the phone for, there’s a device for you. To simplify the decision, we’ve rounded up our top picks. Every phone on this list has been thoroughly reviewed and tested, and you’ll find options across iPhone and Android that fit different needs and different budgets.
What is the best Verizon phone for most people?
The $799 iPhone 15 is the best phone for iPhone fans. The A16 Bionic chip in it is one of Apple’s newest processors; it was in the iPhone 14 Pro from last year. This means that it should be able to run new software for many years to come. The iPhone 15 has the best mix of photo performance and features (like Dynamic Island) that will feel new to people who have used older iPhones. This should be enough to please most people.
Our guide will help you find the best phone for your needs. You can also read our tips on how to buy a new Apple iPhone or Android phone and find the best deals on phones.
Best iPhone for most people
iPhone 15
The iPhone 15 is a big step up for people who have older iPhones. It has the Dynamic Island, a USB-C port for easier charging, and a better camera with a higher resolution and a clearer zoom. The entry-level iPhone 15 from Apple feels like a bigger step forward than last year’s because it feels like a scaled-down version of the iPhone 14 Pro.
There are two sizes of the iPhone 15: the 6.1-inch iPhone 15 and the 6.7-inch iPhone 15 Plus. The A16 Bionic chip that they use is the same as in the iPhone 14 Pro. This should make the performance of iPhones that are a few years old much better. Apple’s second-generation ultra wideband chip is also in these phones. This chip adds a new feature that makes it easier to find family or friends in a crowd.
The iPhone 14 Pro from last year might be a better choice if you can still find it on sale at a third-party store, since it has a specialized zoom lens. When it comes to upgrades, the iPhone 15 is the most exciting one Apple has made in years. Check out our review of the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus.
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iPhone 15: Cost, features, and accessibility
Best all-round phone
iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max
Apple made its Pro models look better by making them smaller, giving them a new shortcut button, and giving them the smallest chip in the world. All of this was done while keeping the tried-and-true iPhone look. There was also more of a difference between the Pro and Pro Max types. The 15 Pro also has the same 3x telephoto camera as older models. The Pro Max, on the other hand, gets that zoom up to 5x, which is great for shooters.
The A17 Pro chip is what makes the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max work. It’s fast enough to run console-level games like Resident Evil Village. If the A17 Pro chip is the 15 Pro and Pro Max’s brain, then iOS 17 is their heart. There are many changes to the quality of life in the new OS. For example, StandBy mode, Check-In, Stickers in Messages, and better autocorrect for the keyboard are just a few examples. The iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max are some of the best phones that Apple or any other company has made this year. Check out our review of the Apple iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max.
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Apple iPhone 15 and 15 Plus Review
Best premium Android phone
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
The Samsung “Ultra” phone is still a great choice for mobile shooters who want a lot of screen room. It has a faster new chip, a better 5x optical zoom, and that famous big screen and 100x digital zoom. One of the first phones to have Samsung’s new Galaxy AI features is the Galaxy S24 Ultra. These features include tools for quickly translating text messages and phone calls, as well as Circle to Search, a new motion that lets you search Google for almost anything by drawing a circle around it. Like the last two versions, the Galaxy S24 Ultra has a S Pen built in for people who like to take notes or draw. The best thing about it might be that Samsung has promised to keep adding new versions of Android to these phones for seven years, so they won’t feel old any time soon.
Still, there are some major problems to think about. The price of this phone is $1,300, so if you want to update, look for trade-in deals. For that price, I had hoped that Samsung would have added more Galaxy AI features that are only available on the Ultra. For example, I thought they might have added features that use the S Pen. But Galaxy AI is the same on all Galaxy S24 phones, and it will soon be available on all Galaxy S23 phones as well. That way, you don’t have to buy Samsung’s most expensive phone if you only want those features.
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Review: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Still the best until you start taking pictures
The best Google has to offer
Google Pixel 8 Pro
Early on, we had some problems with the Google Pixel 8 Pro, mostly with how its cameras handled taking Raw files. However, after more tests and software changes from Google, we came to really like the Pixel 8 Pro. What’s great about it is that it looks great, the Android 14 software is easy to use, and the back camera can take really beautiful pictures. Google has added many new AI features to the phone as well. For example, there is a tool that uses generative AI to make wallpapers for the phone, and there is also a feature in the camera that lets you combine different faces from a series of burst images of a group of friends to make sure that everyone looks their best.
But one of the best changes is that Google has promised to keep the Pixel 8 series safe for seven years. That means you can still use this phone safely in at least 2030. These days, the 8 Pro isn’t as great as last year’s 7 Pro, but it’s still a great phone to think about, especially if you want to keep your phone for a long time.
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Google Pixel 8 Pro review
Best Android phone for most people
Samsung Galaxy S24
The new Galaxy AI features, better screens, or good pictures aren’t what I like most about the Samsung Galaxy S24. It’s about the battery life. Based on my tests, I can say that the Galaxy S24’s bigger battery can easily last all day on a single charge.
The S24 is a great, well-made phone that works great right out of the box, just like the S22 and S23, which were very similar. This resemblance to the S22 and S23 can be seen as either a strength, since the design shows three years of improvements, or a weakness, since parts like the camera hardware are pretty much the same as what came out in 2022. The great battery life, on the other hand, makes all of this less important. Someone will never say that they have too much battery life.
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Samsung Galaxy S24 review
Best Android phone under $700
Google Pixel 8
The Pixel 8 has many of the features of the more expensive Pixel 8 Pro but comes in a slightly smaller package and with a smaller price tag to match. You’ll find the Tensor G3 processor on board, along with Android 14 software that includes AI tools like the generative image wallpaper creator. It also comes with the same guarantee of at least seven years of security updates so this phone will still be going strong in 2030 — as long as you look after it.
The rear cameras are more cut back here though, as the base Pixel 8 lacks the 5x optical zoom camera seen on its bigger brother. I personally love that zoom lens, but then I’m a professional photographer. If photography isn’t a priority for you, you can save yourself a bundle and opt for the cheaper of Google’s new range. The Pixel 8’s higher price $699 seems worth it and makes you realize just how incredibly affordable the $599 Pixel 6 and 7 were and still are.
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Google Pixel 8 review
Best budget Google phone
Google Pixel 7A
The Pixel 7A, Google’s low-cost phone, made a big step forward in 2023. It has many of the same great features as the Pixel 7 but costs less. Since both the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7A use Google’s Tensor G2 engine, they can do many of the same things, like edit photos and translate languages. The 64-megapixel camera on the Pixel 7A also takes great photos that are just as good as the Pixel 7’s.
We still like the Pixel 7, but the Pixel 7A is a better deal for most people because it costs less. You should only get the Pixel 7 if you really need a slightly bigger screen and are ready to spend an extra $100 on it. The major changes between the Pixel 7 and 7A are that the Pixel 7 is built to last longer, charges a little faster, and can automatically charge devices that are suitable. Google says the Pixel 7’s camera sensor is bigger and more sensitive to light, but Lisa Eadicicco of tkgap didn’t see much of a change.
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Google Pixel 7a review
Most affordable iPhone
Apple iPhone SE (2022)
When it came out in 2022, Apple’s iPhone SE mixed an older style with the newest smartphone features, like 5G support and Apple’s A15 Bionic chip. It cost $429. One of the few phones on the market with a smaller 4.7-inch screen is also this one.
Still, the retro look, which is similar to the shape Apple has used since 2014, could be the thing you like or hate most about this phone. You could also look at the $499 iPhone 11, which has a bigger screen and Face ID, if you want a bigger iPhone in this price range. That phone, which came out in 2019, doesn’t have 5G connection.
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Cheapest Google phone
Google Pixel 6A
Lisa Eadicicco of CNET called the Google Pixel 6A the “best Android phone under $500” in her review. She praised its good speed, 5G connections, and great camera for the price. Although the Pixel 7A has since come out and has a better processor and camera, you can still get the Pixel 6A for even less money.
The screen on the phone is a 6.1-inch OLED with a response rate of 60Hz. It also has a 12.2-megapixel main camera and a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera. The Tensor chip makes photo technology possible, such as the Real Tone skin tone feature, Face Unblur, Night Sight for taking darker pictures, and the Magic Eraser, which can get rid of things you don’t want in a picture.
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Best foldable phone
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
With the Galaxy Z Flip 5, Samsung’s flip phone has come a long way in the past few years. The cover screen on the outside of the device has been greatly increased in size by Samsung. This means that you can now look up directions, take pictures, and send texts without having to open the phone. The Z Flip is a great choice because of this, along with its long battery life and strong build.
While the Z Flip 5 is our best flip phone, there are still some things you should know about it. It’s still pricey for a phone without a zoom camera at $1,000. Not all apps can be used on the front screen like they can on the Motorola Razr Plus.
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Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Review
Best phone with a stylus
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G
The Moto G pen 5 is a great choice if you want a cheap phone with a basic pen and 5G support. You can store a pen in the phone, and it comes with a Notes app to help you get things done. This phone has a strong 4,000-mAh battery, 128GB of internal storage, and three cameras on the back.
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Other phones we looked at
On the outside, the $699 iPhone 14 has the same flat-sided metal style as the iPhone 13. Apple pretty much just repackaged the iPhone 13 Pro on the inside, leaving out the zoom camera and high-refresh-rate screen. The end result is beautiful, and the iPhone 14 is a good step up for most people. As well as Crash Detection, it has satellite connection so you can send emergency texts even when you’re not near a cell tower. The inside of the iPhone 14 was also redesigned to help get rid of heat better and make it easier and cheaper to fix the glass back.
With the $450 Samsung Galaxy A54 5G, you can get a phone that works well for a very low cost. It has a 6.4-inch screen, an octa-core processor that’s powerful enough for daily tasks and light games, and a camera that takes good pictures while you’re out and about. Most people will not need more room than the 128GB it comes with, but microSD cards up to 1TB can be used to add more.
Things to think about before you buy a Verizon phone
Don’t forget to buy a case or screen cover for your phone. This will keep it safe and raise its worth when you want to sell it.
Look at the sales: During the holidays, phones are often on sale.
First, go to a store: You should try out a phone in person before deciding whether you love it or hate it.
Think about getting a cheaper phone: This year’s middle phones always get some features from last year’s top-of-the-line phones.
See if you have already put money in: Have you already bought a lot of movies and apps for your iPhone? If you still want to use them, stick with an iPhone. You should also stay on the Android side of the fence if you have a lot of apps for it. If not, switching systems is easy.
How we test phones
We put every phone through real-life tests that look at its style, speed, photos, battery life, and total value. We write up our first review, which is then updated whenever there are new software changes or when we want to compare it to new phones from Apple, Samsung, Google, and OnePlus.
Picture taking
These days, photography is a big part of most phones, so we take pictures and movies of different things in different places and with different lights. It’s something we do with any new camera modes, like the Action mode that came with the iPhone 14 line or the Unblur photo tool that came with the Google Pixel 7 line.
Time on battery
There are different ways to test batteries. We check how long a phone lasts during a normal day of use and how well it works during focused activities like games, video calls, and watching media. As an easy, repeatable way to check battery life, we also play videos. This test isn’t always part of the original review, but it is sometimes added later in an update.
How to measure performance
For our review, we use testing apps to check how well each phone works, along with our own personal experiences with the phone. Things that matter are how the images and pictures look. Are they easy to move? Do they lag or stutter? We also test how quickly the phone can be turned horizontally or vertically and how quickly the camera app opens and is ready to take a picture.
What makes a good phone camera?
Today’s phones all have some kind of camera setup on the back, and most of them have more than one, like ultrawide or telephoto zooms. More expensive phones, like the iPhone 15 Pro, have bigger image sensors, better lenses, and image stabilization that lets in more light. This means that they can take pictures with more clarity and beautiful colors, both during the day and at night. Usually, the more you pay, the better the quality. The most advanced features are only found on the most expensive flagships.
What is the best phone case?
For almost every phone on the market, there are a lot of case choices. The best case for you depends on what you need it for. A lot of cases are only there for style. If you want to take your smartphone on a more tough trip outside, you should look for more specialized rugged cases. These cases will help keep your phone from getting light scratches and scuffs.
How long should a phone battery last?
Even the most expensive smartphones should be able to last a full day of mixed use on a single charge. So, it should still have some power left over at the end of the day. But, when you plug it in next to your bed at night, it should be fully charged.
How much storage should my phone have?
Most phones come with at least 128GB of storage space, which is plenty for apps, games, and songs saved on the phone itself. You should plan what you’ll do with your phone. Picking a bigger version might be best if you want to download and play a lot of games.
What makes a phone a smartphone?
Smartphones let you do more than just make calls; they connect to the internet for web browsing, you can download apps and games, and they typically have cameras capable of taking — and displaying — photos and videos. In short, they’re just what we know of today as a “phone,” and everything on this list qualifies as a smartphone.
Which is the right phone for you?
It can be hard to decide which phone to buy. Having a list of the features you must have, on the other hand, can help you choose. For professionals who are on the go or who travel a lot for work, you should get a phone that can connect to both LTE and Wi-Fi and last at least a full day on a full charge.
If you want to get your kid their first smartphone, you might want to look for one that is cheaper and doesn’t have as many features. This will help you avoid both wasting and misusing the phone. If you’re a content maker or other creative worker, you’ll want a phone with great cameras on both the front and back so you can take pictures and videos for social media.
Get the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra : A high-quality smartphone that can be used by almost any type of person. The only smartphone in 2024 with a pen built in is this one.
The iPhone 15 Pro Max: The best iPhone you can get for your money. The screen is big, the battery lasts the longest, and the camera system is like having a bunch of different tools in one.
The Google Pixel 8 Pro:Â You have access to a top-of-the-line camera experience. Magic Editor and Best Take are just two of the AI-powered camera tricks that make the Pixel 8 Pro stand out.
The OnePlus Open:Â The best folding phone to tablet you can buy. And if you use your phone a lot, the charging and multiple tools will be very helpful.
The Motorola Razr Plus:A foldable in the style of a flip that is small and useful. This is the best foldable for most people because it has a big 3.6-inch screen on the outside and the first dust-resistant build on the market.
Nothing 2a Phone:Â This is a cheaper smartphone that doesn’t skimp on speed or battery life. The Phone 2a also has a style that makes it easier to hold, and Nothing’s signature Glyph Interface is on the back for an LED-based warning system.
A OnePlus 12:A long-lasting phone that only takes 30 minutes to charge from 0% to 100%. At $799, the OnePlus 12 is also a pretty good deal.
Zenfone 10 from Asus:Â The phone is small and easy to carry around, but it doesn’t skimp on speed or specs. The Zenfone 10 is also priced fairly; it starts at $699.
Factors to consider when choosing a phone
We choose which phones to buy by trying them in real life, studying them for weeks, talking to coworkers, industry experts, and researchers who have also used the smartphones themselves, and then picking the best one from all of them.
In the end, the following things are taken into account when we make this list:
Design: A slab design only lets you do so much, but shoppers can choose from a range of options, such as different sizes, colors, materials, and even the ability to bend a screen in half. That’s why we have a suggestion for each form factor.
For many of us, our smartphones are the most important thing in our lives. That’s why the best ones are fast and can do most of the things you ask them to do.
The camera is one of the best things about smartphones, and how consistent and reliable it is can make or break the whole mobile experience. When we were making this list, we tested every gadget both during the day and at night.
Battery: All of the options in this guide should let you use them for at least one day with light use. What gadgets can fast charge and/or charge wirelessly is also something we think about.
While price points are important, getting the most for your money is the most important thing when buying a phone. You can be sure that you’re getting the most for your money with these choices.
What is the #1 best phone?
As was already said, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is the best phone right now. It has almost all the features you could want in a mobile computer. In terms of features, Samsung’s new Ultra flagship has more than any other phone on the market. It has a big, bright screen, creative AI, and four cameras.
Which phone is best for money?
The OnePlus 12R is another great choice for the money that isn’t on this list. The device has a big 6.7-inch screen with a refresh rate of 120Hz, a 50MP main camera system, a 5,500mAh battery that lasts longer than batteries in more expensive phones, and 80W cable charging. It costs $499. The big deal-breaker is OnePlus’s bold trade-in offer. If you trade in any phone, in any shape, the company will give you $100 off, bringing the 12R’s price down to $399.
Which phone has the best camera?
It’s hard to choose between the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, the Google Pixel 8 Pro, and the iPhone 15 Pro Max. Samsung’s 200MP rear camera with 100x Space Zoom can take pictures of things as far away as the moon. People have always thought that Google’s Pixel phones had the best point-and-shoot cameras and the easiest to use cameras. There are two great modes on the iPhone 15 Pro Max that will help you get the shots you need if you’re a filmmaker at heart.
How long should a phone battery last?
Most phone batteries can be used for about 22 hours after being fully charged. This is enough time to stay linked on the way to and from work, on planes, and at home in the evenings. Actually, the amount of time you can use your phone depends on the type of phone you have and what you use it for.
One example is the new iPhone 15 Pro Max, which has a battery life of 29 hours. But if you regularly browse social media or watch songs and videos, you’ll definitely get less than that.
How much storage should my phone have?
The base storage on most smartphones is 128GB, which is more than enough room for most people to download apps and songs, take pictures, and record movies. You’ll need more room, though, if you’re a creative or mobile worker. A lot of smartphones can store up to 512GB or even 1TB of data, and you can always sync your phone with your favorite cloud storage service to make room on your phone’s internal storage.
