The best smartphones to buy in 2024
You might have an idea of which smartphone you want to buy next. But there are more options than ever before that are solid — plenty of companies are making stellar handsets nowadays, at similar prices, all with comparable feature sets. That said, the choice isn’t always cut-and-dry. If you know you want an iPhone, your decision-making process is a bit easier. If you’re an Android person, you have even more options to choose from and more questions to answer before you spend any money. At target technology, we review phones regularly and have tested dozens over the years; so far for 2024, our top picks remain the same as they were last year, with Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro and Google’s Pixel 8 handsets sitting at the top of the list. Whether you’ve had your eye on them, one of Samsung’s new Galaxy S24 phones or another device, we’re here to help you decide which is the best phone to buy this year
Android or iOS?
When choosing the best smartphone, the debate between Android and iOS highlights the strengths and weaknesses of each operating system. Apple’s cohesive ecosystem facilitates seamless data sharing across iPhones, iPads, and Macs, allowing for effortless transitions of phone calls or music between devices. However, this integration comes with a trade-off, as exclusive services like Apple Messages are not accessible on other platforms.
On the other hand, Android offers a diverse array of handsets from manufacturers such as Google, Samsung, Sony, and more. Yet, Android devices often receive shorter software support and tend to have lower trade-in values. Ultimately, there is no definitive answer. It is essential to consider how your smartphone aligns with your other devices. Unless you are seriously dissatisfied with one OS and willing to adapt to another, switching from an iPhone to an Android phone (or vice versa) may not be practical, especially if others in your household use the same platform.
Cameras play a crucial role in smartphone selection since these devices often serve as primary cameras. While most mobile phones can capture excellent photos in ample lighting conditions, devices offering extensive optical zoom capabilities typically come at a higher price point.”
Mid-range smartphones often feature two rear cameras—a primary wide-angle lens and a secondary ultra-wide camera—and may struggle in low-light conditions. Each manufacturer offers unique features that cater to different preferences; for instance, Apple provides four color presets on its latest iPhones, while Google’s Pixel 8 includes innovative tools like dedicated long exposure and Action Pan modes.
When deciding between mmWave 5G and Wi-Fi 7, it’s worth noting that in 2024, most phones support at least Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6e and some form of 5G connectivity. While these are generally sufficient, opting for the fastest wireless speeds entails additional costs. mmWave 5G, for example, delivers gigabit download speeds, lower latency, and enhanced bandwidth on select networks. However, due to the need for advanced (and more expensive) modems, support for mmWave 5G is often absent in budget-friendly devices, including unlocked versions of phones like the Pixel 8.
Fortunately, mmWave 5G coverage is not as extensive as other 5G variants, so the absence of support may not significantly impact you based on your location and network provider. Similarly, Wi-Fi 7, available on premium handsets like the Galaxy S24, is less common in budget devices and necessitates a compatible router. If you don’t have a specific need for these technologies, their absence should not be a major deterrent when selecting a new phone.
Considering other features, mobile gamers will appreciate the 120Hz refresh rates found in devices like the Samsung Galaxy S23 or Apple iPhone 15 Pro. For users prioritizing extended battery life, opting for a larger iPhone or an Android phone with a battery capacity ranging between 4,000 and 5,000 mAh is advisable. Additionally, having a phone that supports reverse wireless charging can be convenient, enabling you to replenish compatible devices such as Samsung Galaxy Watches using select Samsung models.”
Apple iPhone 15 Pro
Best iOS smartphone
Screen size: 6.7-inch | Storage capacity: Up to 1TB | SIM support: Dual eSim | Battery Life: About two days
The changes to the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max may seem small when considered on their own, but together they add up to more than the sum of their parts. For the iPhone 15 Pro Max, in particular, the smaller, lighter titanium build means it might be within the realm of consideration for many shoppers for the first time. It’s no longer sharp and hefty like a weapon, but still has one of the longest-lasting batteries on the market.
The larger handset also gets a new 5x telephoto camera that helps it catch up to flagships on the Android side, which have had zoom lenses for years. Though Apple doesn’t outclass the competition on photography, it’s certainly closed the gap and you’ll find great cameras on both the Pro and Pro Max. They also have updated portrait effects and editing tools, so photography is improved whether you’re shooting faraway subjects or something just in front of you.
Both iPhone 15 Pro models have the new Action Button and USB-C charging, the latter of which will be more meaningful in a couple of years when the world presumably ditches Lightning at last. The Action Button, meanwhile, takes the often unused mute slider and gives you the option of mapping a frequently used shortcut to it, so you can quickly launch the camera, flashlight, voice recorder or magnifier. Having this many ways to configure the Action Button means it’s far more useful to more people than a simple toggle for silencing your phone.
This year’s A17 Pro chip not only brings excellent performance, but its six-core GPU also enables console-level gaming and hardware-accelerated ray tracing for realistic lighting effects. Later this year, you can dig into titles like Resident Evil Village and, in early 2024, Assassin’s Creed Mirage on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. You’ll also get a second-generation ultra wideband chip for improved precision object location, and reverse USB charging so you can power up your accessories in a pinch.
When you consider all these features as a whole, the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are not just a solid upgrade from their predecessors, they’re also among the best phones around. – Cherlynn Low, Deputy Editor
Pros
- Smaller and lighter than previous Pro Maxes
- Useful zoom cameras
- USB-C is the way of the future
- Long-lasting battery
- Reverse charging via USB-C
Cons
- Action button is hard to reach on the larger handset
- Boring colors
Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro
Pixel 8) Display size: 6.2-inch | Storage capacity: Up to 256GB | SIM compatibility: 1x nano SIM, 1x eSim | Battery Life: 20+ hours
The preceding pair of Pixel iterations delivered considerable value, blending intelligent functionalities with robust hardware. Yet, in the case of the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, Google has significantly enhanced its offerings with the introduction of the novel Tensor G3 chipset, enhanced displays, improved cameras, and an array of beneficial AI utilities. The maximum brightness now reaches 2,000 to 2,400 nits, contingent upon the model, while maintaining the production of lifelike colors. Notably, this enhancement is coupled with a battery life increment of 20 to 25 percent compared to the previous year’s devices.
The cameras on the Pixel 8 capture more light, resulting in further enhancement of your photos and videos. Additionally, with the introduction of features like Optimal Capture and Enchantment Editor, there exist additional avenues for crafting the ideal shot. The Google Assistant has also seen advancements in capability, featuring new functionalities such as enhanced accuracy in voice input, the capacity to summarize or verbalize new articles, and proofreading your written communications. Crucially, Google’s pledge to provide software support for seven years—exceeding the industry standard for Android phones—positions the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro for long-term viability. – Sam Rutherford, Senior Correspondent
Advantages
Fresh Actua screen
Truly beneficial AI functionalities
Tensor G3 chipset
Software support for seven years
Drawbacks
$100 more than the previous iteration
Apple iPhone 13
Best midrange iPhone
Display size: 6.1-inch | Storage capacity: Up to 512GB | SIM compatibility: 1x nano SIM, Dual eSim | Battery Life: Up to 13 hours
Our former recommendation was the $429 iPhone SE, but by investing an additional $170 in the iPhone 13, you unlock significant enhancements. One standout feature is the considerably more contemporary design, featuring flat edges, Face ID, and a borderless screen. The 6.1-inch OLED display surpasses the SE’s 4.7-inch LCD screen in size, yet the overall device is only 0.33 inches taller and slightly thicker. This display excels across all metrics—brightness, sharpness, color vibrancy, and durability.
Unlike the SE, the iPhone 13 is MagSafe-compatible and boasts a starting storage capacity of 128GB, doubling that of the SE. Instead of the SE’s single-camera configuration, the 13 boasts an advanced dual-camera system with a dedicated ultra-wide lens. On the front, there’s an improved selfie camera supporting 4K video. Additionally, the battery life is extended. — Jeff Dunn, Senior Correspondent, Purchase Recommendations
Advantages
Contemporary design
Camera performance remains robust for most users
Likewise for processor, display, and battery life
Drawbacks
Two generations behind
Utilizes Lightning port
60Hz refresh rate
Lacks a telephoto lens
Google Pixel 8a
Display size: 6.1-inch | Storage capacity: Up to 256GB | SIM compatibility: 1x nano SIM, 1x eSim | Battery Life: Approximately 20.5 hours
Google’s A-series Pixels have consistently stood out as top-tier midrange smartphones. With the introduction of the Tensor G3 chip, the Pixel 8a now boasts robust AI capabilities akin to Google’s flagship models, complemented by exceptional cameras, a stunning 120Hz OLED display, and impressive battery longevity. The device is further equipped with features like IP67 dust and water resistance, as well as convenient albeit leisurely 7.5-watt Qi wireless charging. Priced starting at $499, it emerges as one of the most attractive deals in the market. — S.R.
Advantages
Vibrant 120Hz OLED display
Robust battery performance
Outstanding camera capabilities
Excellent value proposition
Drawbacks
Slow wireless charging
Thick bezels
Google Pixel 8 Pro
Display size: 6.7-inch | Storage capacity: Up to 1TB | SIM compatibility: 1x nano SIM, 1x eSim | Battery Life: 21 hours
With an array of advanced sensors, including a 50-MP primary camera, a 48-MP ultra-wide lens, and a 48-MP telephoto camera offering 5x zoom capabilities, the Pixel 8 Pro now captures crisper and more intricate images than ever before. Enhanced by Google’s exceptional HDR+ processing and leading Night Sight mode, alongside features like Action Pan, this smartphone excels at producing high-quality images in diverse scenarios. However, what truly elevates the Pixel 8 Pro is its latest set of AI-driven editing tools. Best Take enables users to select the best facial expression from multiple images for each person captured. Meanwhile, Magic Editor simplifies the process of eliminating distractions, adjusting compositions, or rearranging elements, with AI seamlessly filling in any gaps. For video recording, Audio Magic Eraser significantly reduces background noise from various sources, such as wind and traffic. Combining upgraded hardware with advanced machine-learning capabilities, the Pixel 8 Pro emerges as a comprehensive solution for capturing photos and videos. – S.R.
Advantages
Innovative Super Actua display
Beneficial AI functionalities
Tensor G3 chip
Software support for seven years
Inclusion of a new temperature sensor
Significantly enhanced battery life
Storage configurations extended up to 1TB
Drawbacks
$100 more expensive than its predecessor
Face Unlock configuration may pose challenges