The Best Smartphones of 2024: A Detailed Analysis

Introduction: A Competitive Year for Smartphones

The year 2024 brought a wave of exceptional smartphones, making it tough to declare a definitive “best” among them. Each major release has its strengths and weaknesses, catering to different types of users. However, for me, the Galaxy S24 Ultra struggles to earn the top spot despite its reputation as a flagship Android device.

Distinct Identities in the Android Market

In recent years, the Android market has seen a narrowing of choices, with many devices feeling like minor variations of the same formula. Fortunately, 2024 broke that trend as leading brands embraced distinct identities. Yet, when we talk about “the best Android phones,” the options are still limited to a few flagship devices. At the forefront are the Pixel 9 Pro, Galaxy S24 Ultra, and OnePlus 12—the dominant players in the high-end segment. Adding the iPhone 16 Pro Max into the mix completes the list of top-tier smartphones.

The Contenders for the Top Spot

Pixel 9 Pro: A Polished and Improved Flagship

The Pixel 9 Pro (and its XL variant) emerged as one of the most improved devices of the year. Google refined its design, delivering a polished, modern look. The Tensor G4 chip provided excellent performance, and Google managed to maintain competitive pricing, keeping the Pixel 9 lineup accessible.

OnePlus 12: Value and Performance Combined

Meanwhile, OnePlus delivered an incredibly cohesive flagship with the OnePlus 12, excelling in hardware and camera performance while dramatically undercutting competitors on price. Despite these strengths, the OnePlus 12 isn’t without flaws. Its camera, though powerful, remains inconsistent in certain scenarios, and OxygenOS 14 still has quirks that occasionally disrupt the user experience.

A Tough Choice Between Pixel and OnePlus

Nevertheless, both the Pixel 9 Pro and OnePlus 12 stand out as the most compelling choices for 2024’s best smartphones. The Galaxy S24 Ultra, on the other hand, falls short of expectations in key areas.

The Galaxy S24 Ultra: Falling Short

Camera Performance: A Major Weakness

The Galaxy S24 Ultra is not a bad smartphone by any means. It excels in certain aspects and offers a reliable experience. However, when it comes to competition in the flagship space, it struggles to keep up. The most glaring weakness lies in its camera performance. Despite Samsung’s efforts to pack in advanced hardware, the camera frequently underdelivers. Motion shots, in particular, reveal its limitations, and the inconsistency makes it less reliable compared to competitors. Even in our review, we described the camera as “lackluster,” a disappointing outcome for a device of this caliber.

Software: Cluttered and Stagnant

Another drawback is Samsung’s One UI software. While it has improved slightly over the years, it remains cluttered and less intuitive than the competition. This contributes to a user experience that feels stagnant. Samsung appears to be relying on its reputation and brand loyalty, offering few standout features to truly differentiate the S24 Ultra.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Features and Longevity: Not Enough to Compete

The inclusion of the S Pen and Gorilla Armor are appreciated, as is the promise of seven years of Android updates, but these features aren’t enough to justify its high price point. Even the AI-driven features, while ambitious, remain constrained by the apps they’re tied to.

A “Safe” Smartphone

The Galaxy S24 Ultra is a comprehensive flagship device, but it feels like Samsung is on “cruise control.” The device checks most boxes, but it lacks the innovation or excitement to make it the leader in its category. Its battery life is solid, the Qualcomm chip delivers excellent performance, and the update policy is unmatched. Yet, the camera’s shortcomings and the lack of compelling unique features hold it back.

The Galaxy S24 Ultra is not a bad smartphone by any means. It excels in certain aspects and offers a reliable experience. However, when it comes to competition in the flagship space, it struggles to keep up. The most glaring weakness lies in its camera performance. Despite Samsung’s efforts to pack in advanced hardware, the camera frequently underdelivers. Motion shots, in particular, reveal its limitations, and the inconsistency makes it less reliable compared to competitors. Even in our review, we described the camera as “lackluster,” a disappointing outcome for a device of this caliber.

Pricing: A Complicated Factor

Pricing further complicates the equation. At $1,299, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is the most expensive non-foldable flagship in most markets. It’s hard to justify paying $200 more for the S24 Ultra over a Pixel 9 Pro XL, let alone $400 more than the OnePlus 12. Even compared to the iPhone 16 Pro Max, the Galaxy S24 Ultra doesn’t offer enough to warrant an additional $100. Samsung’s generous trade-in deals help soften the blow, but they often feel like an attempt to offset a price tag that many consumers are reluctant to pay outright.

The inclusion of the S Pen and Gorilla Armor are appreciated, as is the promise of seven years of Android updates, but these features aren’t enough to justify its high price point. Even the AI-driven features, while ambitious, remain constrained by the apps they’re tied to.

Conclusion: 2024’s Smartphone Landscape

Ultimately, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is a “safe” choice. It’s far from a bad phone and does many things well, but it doesn’t stand out as the best. Marques Brownlee’s selection of the S24 Ultra as the best phone award is understandable, given its all-rounder nature, but I believe Samsung needs to push harder to truly deserve such accolades.

In contrast, the Pixel 9 Pro and OnePlus 12 represent a shift toward innovation and value. Google’s focus on refining its Pixel lineup has paid off, delivering a polished product that excels in performance, software, and price. OnePlus continues to be a disruptor, offering flagship-level hardware and performance at a significantly lower cost, making it an easy recommendation for those looking for value without compromise.

2024’s smartphone market has shown that competition is alive and well. Each major brand is carving its own path, ensuring that consumers have options tailored to their needs. While the Galaxy S24 Ultra may not be my pick for the best, it remains a strong contender in a year filled with standout devices.