You may need an concept of which smartphone you need to purchase subsequent. However there are extra choices than ever earlier than which can be stable — loads of firms are making stellar handsets these days, at related costs, all with comparable characteristic units. That mentioned, the selection isn’t all the time cut-and-dry. If you need an iPhone, your decision-making course of is a bit simpler. In case you’re an Android particular person, you may have much more choices to select from and extra inquiries to reply earlier than you spend any cash. At Engadget, we evaluate telephones usually and have examined dozens over time; up to now for 2024, our prime picks are at the moment Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro and Google’s Pixel 9 Pro. Whether or not you’ve had your eye on them, certainly one of Samsung’s Galaxy S24 telephones or one other gadget, we’re right here that will help you resolve which is the most effective cellphone to purchase this yr.
Android or iOS?
Once you’re trying to find the most effective smartphone, it turns into clear that every OS has its execs and cons. Apple’s tight-knit ecosystem makes it tremendous straightforward to share knowledge between iPhones, iPads and Macs or seamlessly hand-off cellphone calls or music from one gadget to a different. On the similar time, you’re successfully locked in, as providers like Apple Messages aren’t obtainable on different platforms.
As for Android, there’s a a lot wider vary of handsets from firms like Google, Samsung, Sony and extra. Nonetheless, Android telephones don’t get pleasure from that very same size of software program assist and sometimes have decrease trade-in values. In brief, there’s no flawed reply. Nonetheless, you’ll want to contemplate how your cellphone will slot in with the remainder of your units. So except you’re actually fed up with one OS and prepared to study one other, it most likely doesn’t make numerous sense to modify from an iPhone to an Android cellphone (or vice versa) – particularly if everybody else in your family is utilizing the identical platform.
Cameras
Since your cellular phone typically pulls double obligation as your major digicam, determining what sort of photograph instruments you need is essential. These days, virtually each cell phone can take an excellent image in vivid mild. However if you’d like a protracted optical zoom, you’ll most likely must improve to a costlier gadget.
Mid-range phones typically solely have two rear cameras (a major wide-angle lens and a secondary ultra-wide digicam) and may typically wrestle in low-light conditions. Every cellphone maker additionally has varied options that could be a greater match on your fashion, with Apple providing 4 completely different shade presets on the newest iPhones, whereas Google’s Pixel 9 Professional comes with neat instruments like devoted lengthy publicity and Motion Pan modes.
Will you get mmWave 5G or Wi-Fi 7?
The excellent news is that in 2024, most telephones have at the very least Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6e and assist for some type of 5G connectivity. Nonetheless, if you’d like the quickest wi-fi speeds doable, it’s going to value you just a little additional. For instance, on sure networks, mmWave 5G provides as much as gigabit obtain speeds, much less latency and higher bandwidth. However mmWave 5G additionally requires extra subtle (and pricier) modems, which suggests assist for it’s typically lacking on cheaper units.
On the intense aspect, mmWave 5G isn’t as extensively obtainable as different variations of 5G, so relying on the place you reside and what community you’re on, you is probably not lacking out on a lot proper now for those who purchase a cellphone that doesn’t assist it. It’s an analogous scenario for Wi-Fi 7, which is obtainable on some high-end handsets just like the Galaxy S24, however tougher to seek out on cheaper units. Wi-Fi 7 additionally requires you to have a compatible router, so except you want it or have a selected use case in thoughts, the shortage of assist for mmWave 5G or Wi-Fi 7 shouldn’t be a dealbreaker when in search of a brand new cellphone.
Different options to contemplate
As a result of not everybody agrees on what makes the most effective cellphone, you must take into consideration another specs that could be additional necessary for you. Cell avid gamers will nearly definitely respect the 120Hz refresh charges you get on telephones just like the Samsung Galaxy S23 or the Apple iPhone 15 Professional. Alternatively, if lengthy battery life is necessary, you’ll most likely need to go along with a bigger iPhone or an Android cellphone with a battery that’s between 4,000 and 5,000 mAh in measurement. In the meantime, if you end up juggling numerous units, it may be very nice to have a cellphone that helps reverse wi-fi charging, which on Samsung telephones even allows you to recharge the corporate’s Galaxy Watches.
Picture by Cherlynn Low / Engadget
Learn our full iPhone 15 Pro Max review
Display screen measurement: 6.7-inch | Storage capability: As much as 1TB | SIM assist: Twin eSim | Battery Life: About two days
The modifications to the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max could appear small when thought-about on their very own, however collectively they add as much as greater than the sum of their components. For the iPhone 15 Professional Max, particularly, the smaller, lighter titanium construct means it could be throughout the realm of consideration for a lot of consumers for the primary time. It’s now not sharp and hefty like a weapon, however nonetheless has one of many longest-lasting batteries available on the market.
The bigger handset additionally will get a brand new 5x telephoto digicam that helps it catch as much as flagships on the Android aspect, which have had zoom lenses for years. Although Apple doesn’t outclass the competitors on pictures, it’s definitely closed the hole and also you’ll discover nice cameras on each the Professional and Professional Max. Additionally they have up to date portrait results and enhancing instruments, so pictures is improved whether or not you’re taking pictures faraway topics or one thing simply in entrance of you.
Each iPhone 15 Pro fashions have the brand new Motion Button and USB-C charging, the latter of which will likely be extra significant in a few years when the world presumably ditches Lightning ultimately. The Motion Button, in the meantime, takes the customarily unused mute slider and provides you the choice of mapping a incessantly used shortcut to it, so you’ll be able to shortly launch the digicam, flashlight, voice recorder or magnifier. Having this some ways to configure the Motion Button means it’s much more helpful to extra individuals than a easy toggle for silencing your cellphone.
This yr’s A17 Professional chip not solely brings glorious efficiency, however its six-core GPU additionally permits console-level gaming and hardware-accelerated ray tracing for lifelike lighting results. Later this yr, you’ll be able to dig into titles like Resident Evil Village and, in early 2024, Murderer’s Creed Mirage on the iPhone 15 Professional and Professional Max. You’ll additionally get a second-generation extremely wideband chip for improved precision object location, and reverse USB charging so you’ll be able to energy up your equipment in a pinch.
When you think about all these options as an entire, the iPhone 15 Professional and Professional Max aren’t only a stable improve from their predecessors, they’re additionally among the many finest telephones round. – Cherlynn Low, Deputy Editor
- Smaller and lighter than earlier Professional Maxes
- Helpful zoom cameras
- USB-C is the way in which of the long run
- Lengthy-lasting battery
- Reverse charging through USB-C
- Motion button is tough to achieve on the bigger handset
- Boring colours
Learn our full Google Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL review
(Pixel 9 Professional) Display screen measurement: 6.3-inch | Storage capability: As much as 1TB | SIM assist: 1x nano SIM, 1x eSim | Battery Life: 24+ hours
Lastly, a smaller Pixel Professional. Google’s Pixel sequence has lengthy been among the best Android telephones round, with the Professional mannequin being the superior model. However it was all the time just a little too massive and too cumbersome for these of us who’ve smaller palms or need our telephones to slot in our pockets. Cue the Pixel 9 Pro, which is the littler model of the Pixel 9 Professional XL. As an alternative of a comparatively giant 6.8-inch display like that on its larger sibling, the usual Professional has a 6.3-inch show that’s straightforward to maneuver. No extra worrying about dropping your Pixel Professional simply since you fumbled whereas making an attempt to achieve the highest of the display!
Higher but, with the Pixel 9 Professional, Google hasn’t sacrificed any key characteristic to get to the smaller measurement, which means you may discover the identical digicam setup and efficiency in each handsets. The one actual variations are the display measurement, battery and charging speeds, because the non-XL mannequin recharges at a barely slower price. However the Pixel 9 Professional can also be a lot longer-lasting than the XL, notching nearly 25 hours on our battery check.
These distinctions apart, the Pixel 9 Professional lineup is our favourite Android cellphone due to its top-notch digicam efficiency, intriguing AI options and a basic grown-up vibe. Whereas earlier Pixel flagships had a colourful, blocky design that felt contemporary, this yr’s units really feel stable and refined. And, dare we are saying it, nearly like iPhones. With out the digicam bars, they’d be fairly exhausting to inform other than Apple’s telephones.
Presumably as a result of it is grown up a lot over time, however the Pixel telephones now value the identical as iPhones. The Pixel 9 Professional and iPhone 15 Professional each begin at $999, and although a few of us have come to consider Google’s handsets because the extra competitively priced possibility, this yr’s mannequin could be adequate to justify a premium worth. In case you nonetheless need one thing from the Pixel 9 household however do not need to pay $1,000, the bottom Pixel 9 remains to be a stable handset for most individuals. However because it stands, the Pixel 9 Professional is the most effective Android handset cash should purchase. — C.L.
- Nice digicam options and improved telephoto digicam
- A yr of Gemini Superior without spending a dime
- Unbelievable battery life
- A gorgeous, vivid display that’s straightforward to make use of open air
- Tensor G4 runs cooler than its predecessor
- Slower charging speeds than the XL
- Not the most effective cellphone for gaming
David Imel for Engadget
Learn our full iPhone 13 review
Display screen measurement: 6.1-inch | Storage capability: As much as 512GB | SIM assist: 1x nano SIM, Twin eSim | Battery Life: As much as 13 hours
Our earlier decide right here was the $429 iPhone SE, however spend the additional $170 on the iPhone 13 and also you get some vital upgrades. Most notable is a far much less dated design, with flat sides, Face ID and an edge-to-edge show. The 6.1-inch OLED panel is far bigger than the SE’s 4.7-inch LCD display, but the gadget as an entire is simply 0.33 inches taller and solely marginally thicker. That show is best in each manner — brighter, sharper, extra vivid and extra sturdy in addition.
The iPhone 13 additionally helps MagSafe, not like the SE, plus it begins with twice as a lot storage at 128GB. As an alternative of the SE’s single-camera setup, the 13 has a superior dual-camera system with a devoted ultra-wide lens. Across the entrance, there’s a sharper selfie digicam that helps 4K video. Battery life is longer, too. — Jeff Dunn, Senior Reporter, Shopping for Recommendation
- Fashionable design
- Digital camera efficiency remains to be completely stable for many
- Ditto for processor, show and battery life
- Two generations previous
- Lightning port
- 60Hz refresh price
- No telephoto lens
Picture by Sam Rutherford / Engadget
Learn our full Google Pixel 8a review
Display screen measurement: 6.1-inch | Storage capability: As much as 256GB | SIM assist: 1x nano SIM, 1x eSim | Battery Life: Shut to twenty.5 hours
Google’s A-series Pixels have lengthy been a number of the finest midrange telephones available on the market. However now with the addition of a Tensor G3 chip, the Pixel 8a helps the identical highly effective and versatile AI capabilities you get on Google’s flagship telephones together with glorious cameras, a stunning 120Hz OLED show and nice battery life. The gadget additionally comes with creature comforts like IP67 mud and water resistance and handy (however gradual) 7.5-watt Qi wi-fi charging. However most significantly, beginning at $499, it could be among the best offers available on the market. — S.R.
- Colourful 120Hz OLED show
- Robust battery life
- Wonderful cameras
- Nice worth
- Gradual wi-fi charging
- Thick bezels
Picture by Sam Rutherford/Engadget
Learn our full Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 review
Display screen measurement: 7.6-inch (essential) 6.3-inch (folded) | Storage capability: As much as 1TB | SIM assist: 1x nano SIM, 1x eSim | Battery life: As much as 23 hours
Whereas we might have preferred to see some extra drastic design modifications, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6 stays one of the crucial versatile and well-rounded examples of an enormous, premium foldable cellphone. Its new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip delivers robust efficiency and improved vitality effectivity whereas its Enhanced Armor Aluminum chassis is noticeably lighter than earlier than (and a bit extra sturdy too). There’s additionally a brand new ultra-wide angle digicam sensor and a boatload of AI-powered options scattered all through the cellphone. Plus, the Z Fold 6 stays one of many few foldables with native stylus assist, although you’ll have to pay additional for certainly one of Samsung’s S Pens. Maybe the largest draw back is that Samsung’s newest flagship now prices $100 greater than its predecessor. — S.R.
- Tremendous vivid and colourful show
- Even lighter chassis
- Nice battery life
- Native stylus assist
- Much more costly than earlier than
- Identical essential digicam because the earlier two Z Folds
- S Pen not included
- Charging speeds could possibly be quicker
Picture by Mat Smith / Engadget
Learn our full Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 review
Display screen measurement: 6.7-inch (essential) 3.4-inch (entrance) | Storage capability: As much as 1TB | SIM assist: 1x nano SIM, 1x eSim | Battery life: As much as 23 hours
Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 6 has an upgraded digicam and a bigger battery than its predecessor. These two specs alone make the newest Galaxy flip-phone a extra tempting possibility, within the face of rival flagship telephones. The leap from a 12-megapixel to 50MP digicam means you’ll be able to select to seize extra element, or crop in for, successfully, a digital zoom. The entrance display has loads of house for framing your selfie pictures, and a brand new Auto-Zoom characteristic means it will probably even body unsupervised group pictures for you. Images is augmented by Samsung’s improved AI photograph enhancing instruments, which is far simpler to make use of.
The Z Flip 6 now has a strong Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, so it’s simply as highly effective because the S24 Extremely and Z Fold 6. Unfold the principle display and also you’ll discover one which’s brighter than ever (as much as 2,600 nits). Samsung says that is its brightest foldable show but, making it simpler to make use of and skim open air.
The design hasn’t modified a lot and a concentrate on new AI software program and tips comes at the price of restricted cowl display utility, however it’s nonetheless as pocketable as ever and remains to be probably the most mainstream foldable but. — Mat Smith, Editor, UK Bureau Chief, Publication
- Higher cameras
- Longer battery life
- Enjoyable generative AI tips
- Costlier than its predecessor
- Design is sort of equivalent to final yr
- Restricted front-screen utility
- Sluggish charging
Different smartphones we have examined
Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely
For its newest super-premium cellphone, Samsung gave the S24 Ultra a extra sturdy titanium body, quicker efficiency due to a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip and a for much longer battery life. The corporate additionally tweaked its longest telephoto lens with a 5x optical zoom so it is extra usable in a wider vary of conditions. However the greatest improve is a brand new full suite of AI instruments, which incorporates the flexibility to proofread texts, edit pictures and transcribe recordings. And once you tack on the most effective show obtainable on a cellphone as we speak and a built-in stylus, you may have a really compelling flagship handset. Sadly, beginning at $1,300, the S24 Extremely is a bit too costly to suggest to anybody with out deep pockets.
OnePlus 12
Whereas the OnePlus 12 wasn’t in a position to unseat the newest Pixel, it’s value mentioning as a result of it provides highly effective specs for the cash. It incorporates a speedy Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, an enormous and vivid 6.8-inch, 120Hz OLED display and the most effective battery life we’ve seen on any cellphone up to now. OnePlus additionally introduced again assist for wi-fi charging for the primary time in a number of generations, together with a great (however not nice) IP65 ranking for mud and water resistance. And regardless that its large digicam module appears a bit ungainly, its images are surprisingly sharp. However the most effective factor is that, with a beginning worth of $800, the OnePlus 12 prices $200 lower than its greatest opponents.
FAQs
How do I do know which smartphone is the most effective for me?
Whereas selecting the most effective smartphone could be difficult, it largely comes right down to how you propose on utilizing the gadget. All the finest telephones obtainable now get the fundamentals proper — you’ll have the ability to make calls, textual content and entry the web with out many hiccups. In case your smartphone is your most used gadget, chances are you’ll need to contemplate paying for a tool on the upper finish of the value spectrum. That can get you higher total efficiency, higher-quality cameras and a cellphone that may final for a few years. In case you don’t use your cellphone for every thing, you could possibly compromise on efficiency and additional perks and spend much less on a still-capable handset.
How a lot is a smartphone?
Smartphones vary in worth from $300 to over $1,500. One of the best price range telephones obtainable now will often compromise on total efficiency, design, digicam prowess and additional options to maintain prices down. On the flip aspect, the most costly telephones could have highly effective processors, triple-camera arrays and even flip or fold designs. Most individuals will discover a cellphone that matches their wants someplace in the course of that vast worth vary — we’ve discovered that a lot of the finest smartphones obtainable proper now value between $500 and $1,000.
What are you able to do on a smartphone?
Smartphones are basically small, transportable computer systems that allow you to do issues like verify e mail, browse social media, comply with map instructions, make contactless funds and extra. That is all on prime of the fundamentals like making cellphone calls and texting, which we’ve come to count on in all fashionable cell telephones. Smartphones have additionally largely changed compact cameras due to their high-quality, built-in shooters, and the truth that most smartphones as we speak as simply as transportable, if no more so, as compact cameras.
How lengthy do smartphones final?
Smartphones can final years and individuals are holding on to their phones longer now than ever earlier than. Software program updates and battery life are two of the largest elements that may have an effect on cellphone longevity. Apple guarantees 5 years value of software program updates for its newest iPhones, and Google guarantees the identical for its Pixel telephones. Samsung telephones will get 4 years value of Android updates from the time they launch. As for charging speeds and battery life, your cellphone can deteriorate over time as you utilize and recharge your cellphone frequently.
Current updates
August 2024: Up to date to incorporate the Google Pixel 9 Professional.
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