2024 is the year AI took center stage in smartphones, with every brand racing to showcase their advancements. From AI-powered photography to instant translations, it feels like innovation is everywhere. But not all AI is groundbreaking—sometimes, basic reliability still wins. Today we’ll explore where AI truly enhances the smartphone experience and where it’s all just hype. Whether you want cutting-edge features or dependable performance, we’ll reveal the best (and worst) smartphones of the year, highlighting what truly makes a phone worth your investment.
So Deep Diven in Best and Worst SmartPhones of 2024
Most Improved Smartphone of 2024: Google Pixel Fold 9 Pro
Last year’s Google Pixel Fold was a letdown—thick bezels, an awkward crease, and it didn’t even fold flat. But 2024’s Pixel Fold 9 Pro? A complete transformation. Like that
- Refined Hardware: Slimmer, lighter, and sleeker—gone are the clunky bezels and bulk.
- Enhanced Display: Brighter screen with a smoother fold, making the crease barely noticeable.
- Upgraded Performance: Faster processor and refined software make multitasking seamless.
- Polished Software: Fold-specific features now feel purposeful, finally justifying the foldable price.
It’s no longer a joke—it’s a foldable worth buying.
Best Foldable Smartphone of 2024: Honor Magic V3
Foldable phones are evolving fast, and 2024 brought a surprising winner—the Honor Magic V3. It’s not just about being sleek; it’s about redefining what foldables can be. Here’s why it stands out:
- Stunning Design: The faux leather back and textured trim on the spine exude luxury, with barely-there bezels and an almost invisible crease.
- Paper-Thin Build: Despite its ultra-slim profile, it’s packed with advanced hardware.
- Superior Battery Life: The battery on the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is 5150 mah bigger, and it charges faster.
- Periscope Zoom Camera: A rare and powerful addition in foldables, enhancing photography.
- Stylus Support: Perfect for creatives, a feature Samsung dominates but now faces competition.
While Samsung’s software is slightly more polished, Honor’s hardware steals the show. It’s the foldable that feels truly next-gen.
Best Compact Smartphone of 2024: Xiaomi 14
In a world where small phones are fading, the Xiaomi 14 emerges as the compact champion of 2024. Here’s why it’s the standout choice:
- Compact Yet Powerful: It’s not as tiny as the Samsung Galaxy S24, but it’s still comfortably small and packs flagship power.
- Impressive Camera: Unlike many compact phones, Xiaomi 14 offers top-tier cameras that rival larger flagships, making it a joy for photography enthusiasts.
- Long-Lasting Battery: Despite its size, the battery life is excellent, outperforming most compact competitors.
- Fast and Customizable: Xiaomi’s HyperOS is fast, though it mimics iOS—great for those who enjoy personalization.
- Balanced Price and Performance: Delivers flagship quality without the compromise seen in other compact models.
Though it has fewer software updates (4 years vs. Samsung’s 7) and delayed Western releases, the Xiaomi 14 sets the bar for small, powerful smartphones.
Best Battery Smartphone of 2024: Vivo X200 Pro
Regarding battery life in 2024, one phone stands out—Vivo X200 Pro. So why it’s the battery king:
- Massive 6,000mAh Battery: This isn’t just a big battery; it’s a highly efficient powerhouse that maximizes every bit of juice, making it last far longer than most flagship phones.
- Flagship Performance: Unlike typical battery-centric phones, the X200 Pro delivers top-tier specs, ensuring it’s fast, powerful, and optimized.
- Android 14 Boost: Vivo capitalized on Android 14’s enhancements, which improved battery efficiency by around 10% across devices.
- Sleek Design, No Compromises: Despite the huge battery, the phone remains sleek and doesn’t feel bulky—proof of Vivo’s incredible engineering.
- Hard to Find, Worth the Hunt: Although tricky to purchase in the UK and US, it’s a testament to Vivo’s innovation that it’s recognized globally, not just as a product but as a symbol of excellence.
If you want the best in battery longevity without sacrificing performance, the Vivo X200 Pro is an easy winner.
Best Gaming Smartphone of 2024: ROG Phone 9 Pro
If you’re serious about mobile gaming, look no further than the ROG Phone 9 Pro—a powerhouse that’s unapologetically designed for gamers. Here’s why it outshines the competition:
1. Next-Level Performance with Snapdragon 8 Elite
- Packed with the brand-new Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, it delivers 30% more speed than its competitors.
- This is next-gen gaming on a phone—fast, fluid, and responsive.
2. Balanced Design: Gamery Yet Refined
- The pixel display on the back offers cool customization without going overboard on the “gamer aesthetic.”
- Sleek but edgy, it screams gaming without being too flashy or tacky.
3. Advanced Cooling for Marathon Sessions
- Efficient cooling system ensures the phone stays cool even during extended gaming sessions, keeping performance consistent.
4. Upgraded Cameras for Casual Photography
- Surprisingly strong camera setup:
- 50MP main camera for sharp photos.
- 3x optical zoom for added versatility.
- A gaming phone that doubles as a solid camera phone? Yes, please.
5. Subtle Software with Hidden Gamer Features
- ROG’s software has matured, offering a cleaner interface while still hiding deep gaming customization options.
- No longer in-your-face “gamer,” but still packed with powerful tools for fine-tuning your experience.
6. Minor Trade-off: Slightly Reduced Speaker Quality
- To slim down the bezels, they’ve dialed back the speaker quality a bit—still great but not as mind-blowing as previous ROG models.
7. No RGB? No Problem
- While RGB isn’t a centerpiece, the ROG Phone 9 Pro proves that raw power and clever design matter more than flashy lights.
For anyone who wants to dominate mobile gaming, the ROG Phone 9 Pro is the ultimate choice. It’s not just a phone—it’s a weapon for gaming enthusiasts.
Best Budget Smartphone of 2024: CMF Phone 1
Budget phones are often about compromise, but the CMF Phone 1 breaks that mold. It’s not just another affordable device—it’s a budget smartphone with a refreshing sense of purpose. Let’s dive into why this one stands out in the crowded $200 market.
1. Specs That Punch Above Their Weight
- At its price point, it covers all the essentials: a solid display, smooth performance, and reliable battery life.
- Nothing feels cheap or lacking—you get the performance you’d expect from higher-priced devices.
2. Modular Design for Practicality
- Modular components set it apart. If you damage the back, no worries—just swap it out.
- Want to customize? Add a phone stand or a secure wallet attachment with ease.
3. Ecosystem of Accessories
- Unlike most budget phones, CMF has built an ecosystem of accessories specifically for this phone.
- No fancy magnetic tricks here, but it’s highly practical, offering more flexibility than other budget devices.
4. Durability Meets Versatility
- The phone’s modularity means better longevity. Damage doesn’t spell doom—you can repair or modify it without breaking the bank.
- Ideal for users who want a phone that adapts to their needs rather than forcing them to upgrade.
5. More Than Just a Budget Phone
- While most budget phones focus on delivering the bare minimum, the CMF Phone 1 is functional, customizable, and innovative at its core.
- It’s a device that gives you control without sacrificing quality or affordability.
In a sea of budget options from brands like Redmi, Realme, and Poco, the CMF Phone 1 feels special. It’s practical, affordable, and genuinely different—proof that budget phones don’t have to be boring.
Best Mid-Range Smartphone of 2024: Xiaomi 14T
Choosing the best mid-range smartphone for 2024 wasn’t easy—it felt like a constant debate. Xiaomi, Samsung, OnePlus… each one had its strengths. But after careful consideration, the Xiaomi 14T emerged as the winner. Why it’s the standout mid-range phone this year:
1. Premium Experience Without the Flagship Price
- The Xiaomi 14T delivers a flagship-like experience while remaining budget-friendly.
- From the moment you hold it, you’ll notice the attention to detail—it’s solid, sleek, and polished, reminiscent of higher-end devices.
2. A Stunning Display That Impresses
- It boasts a higher resolution screen compared to its main rival, the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE.
- Slimmer bezels and vibrant colors make for an immersive viewing experience, perfect for streaming, gaming, and more.
3. Powerful Performance and Efficient Battery
- Equipped with more RAM, it handles multitasking with ease, staying smooth even during demanding tasks.
- The 5000 mah battery and faster charging of 67 watts ensure you’re powered throughout the day—something Samsung falls short on in this category.
4. Camera That Surprises
- The 50MP zoom camera is a game-changer. Even with only a 2x optical zoom, it outshines Samsung’s 8MP 3x zoom camera, delivering sharper and more detailed shots.
- While it lacks a dedicated ultra-wide camera, its main shooter more than compensates, ensuring crisp, vibrant photos.
5. Thoughtful Design and Build
- Xiaomi clearly invested more into the design and usability of the 14T, making it feel like a well-rounded device.
- From its slim profile to its careful construction, it doesn’t just look good—it feels good too.
6. OnePlus Nord 4 and Samsung S24 FE: Close Contenders
- The OnePlus Nord 4 brought back nostalgia with its metal build, but its soft ultra-wide camera held it back.
- Samsung’s Galaxy S24 FE offered wireless charging and a faster chip, but its overall feel was underwhelming compared to Xiaomi’s polished approach.
Why Xiaomi 14T Wins
When you compare features side by side—display, battery, RAM, camera—the Xiaomi 14T doesn’t just match the competition; it surpasses it in key areas. It’s a phone that shows care, precision, and value, making it the clear mid-range champion for 2024.
Worst Smartphone of 2024: HMD’s Nokia Skyline
When HMD, the company behind Nokia, launched the Nokia Skyline, we all had high hopes. Unfortunately, this phone quickly became the disappointment of 2024. Here’s why it earned a spot at the bottom of the list:
1. Uninspired Design
- The design is a confusing mess—a sharp, angular body combined with a rounded screen, creating a look that’s neither sleek nor modern.
- It feels like a half-finished attempt as if someone started to design a smartphone but gave up halfway through. It’s not just unappealing; it’s downright awkward to look at.
2. Cameras That Sound Good but Deliver Mediocre Results
- On paper, the cameras sound impressive, but in practice, they underperform.
- Getting a great shot takes work—there’s no immediate wow factor, and the results often feel flat. It’s frustrating for anyone hoping for a reliable camera experience.
3. Laggy Performance
- Despite being a 2024 release, the Skyline suffers from frequent lags. Apps stutter, and transitions feel clunky, making the overall experience feel sluggish.
- This kind of performance shouldn’t be acceptable for a smartphone in 2024, especially at this price point.
4. Short Software Support
- While competitors like Samsung offer 5-7 years of software support, HMD barely manages to offer two years of updates—a massive drawback for anyone looking for a phone that will age gracefully.
- Two years is far behind the industry standard, leaving users in the dust when it comes to future updates.
5. Underwhelming Vibration Motor
- The tiny vibration motor is one of the worst we’ve seen in recent years. It’s weak, barely noticeable, and adds nothing to the user experience. It feels like they didn’t even try to make it feel premium.
6. Early Discounts Say It All
- The Skyline is already being heavily discounted within months of release, and it’s not hard to see why.
- When a phone drops in price that quickly, you know it’s not living up to expectations.
A Missed Opportunity
- The Nokia Skyline had the potential to be a solid budget option, but it’s hard to recommend something that feels incomplete and underwhelming.
- It’s clear that HMD dropped the ball here, for worst smartphone of 2024. Don’t waste your money on this one.
Best Smartphone of 2024: Vivo X200 Pro
If you’re looking for a premium smartphone in 2024, the Vivo X200 Pro takes the crown. Here’s why this phone stands out, and why it’s truly the top contender:
1. Unmatched Performance
- Origin OS on the Vivo X200 Pro is a game-changer—smooth, fast, and responsive. It feels like you’re using a phone from the future, with no lag and buttery transitions.
- Using this phone genuinely feels like you’ve unlocked a cheat code to early access next-gen tech.
2. Photography Excellence
- The camera is shockingly good—it’s like Vivo took the best features from every flagship phone and put them all into one.
- Impressive image quality for both low-light and bright environments, making it a versatile camera for all situations. You won’t miss out on any detail.
3. Battery Life
- The battery life is fantastic, easily lasting through a full day of heavy use without breaking a sweat.
- Pair this with fast charging, and you’ve got a phone that stays powered up when you need it most.
4. Sleek Design with a Few Quirks
- While the design is premium and sleek, it’s a bit sticky to the touch. However, this is a small issue compared to everything else the phone offers.
5. AI Features & Software Innovations
- Vivo’s software is highly optimized, with intelligent features that are actually useful, adding to the overall experience.
- AI photography gives you sharp, true-to-life images, almost as if the phone anticipates your next shot.
6. A Hidden Gem
- Unfortunately, the Vivo X200 Pro isn’t the easiest phone and tricky specific markets like the UK and US. But if you’re lucky enough to get your hands on it, it’s worth it.
- If you’re looking for something similar and easier to find, the Oppo Find X8 Pro is an excellent alternative. Both phones share core DNA, thanks to being under the same parent company.
7. Why It’s the Champion of 2024
- The Vivo X200 Pro is everything you want in a flagship phone—top-tier performance, camera quality, and battery life.
- If you’re willing to look past some minor issues with availability, this phone sets the standard for what flagship smartphones should be in 2024.
So, if you’re after a device that truly brings something special to the table this year, the Vivo X200 Pro should be your number one choice. It’s a future-proof device, and while it’s not the most accessible, its innovation and performance make it the best smartphone of 2024.
Conclusion: Best and Worst SmartPhones of 2024
The smartphones of 2024 showcase impressive advancements, from AI-powered features to foldable innovations. The most improved phone is the Google Pixel Fold 9 Pro, offering a refined design and smoother performance. Honor Magic V3 leads foldable with superior design and features. Xiaomi 14 stands out as the best compact phone, while Vivo X200 Pro excels in battery life. ROG Phone 9 Pro dominates the gaming phone category. The CMF Phone 1 is a standout budget option with a modular design, and the Xiaomi 14T is the top mid-range phone. In contrast, Nokia Skyline disappoints with poor design, lagging performance, and limited updates.