Android vs iPhone

One of the best telephones in 2024: our 15 favourite smartphones proper now

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Navigating the ocean of smartphones in 2024 can really feel like a frightening process. With many wonderful choices from each Apple and Android manufacturers, pinpointing the proper machine in your wants might sound overwhelming. However don’t be concerned; we’re right here to simplify your search.

We have meticulously curated a listing of the top-performing smartphones obtainable, contemplating all the pieces from uncooked processing energy and digital camera capabilities to battery life, show high quality, and general design. Whether or not you prioritize a blazing-fast processor for demanding duties, a cutting-edge digital camera system to seize life’s moments, or a long-lasting battery to maintain you related all through the day, we’re assured you may discover your splendid match on our listing.

To additional refine your search, we have additionally compiled specialised lists highlighting the most effective iPhones and finest Android telephones, permitting you to dive straight into the ecosystem that most closely fits your preferences. So, loosen up, take a deep breath, and allow us to information you towards the cellphone that completely aligns together with your wants and wishes.

iphone 16 review 17

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iPhone 16

One of the best iPhone

Execs

  • Enjoyable, refreshing new design
  • Beautiful colours this yr
  • Digicam Management is so, so good
  • The Motion button guidelines
  • Wonderful digital camera system
  • Dependable battery life

Cons

  • 60Hz show, no always-on show
  • Gradual charging speeds
  • Apple Intelligence not but obtainable

Why you can purchase this: It is the most effective iPhone in the marketplace this yr general. Sure, it is lacking a number of the options from the iPhone 16 Professional collection, however that will likely be OK for most individuals.

Who it’s for: Anybody who desires a brand new cellphone, however does not count on to have any want for the “Professional” choices.

Why we picked the iPhone 16:

Apple has performed one thing exceptional with the iPhone 16. Among the many 4 fashions within the newest iPhone lineup, the bottom iPhone 16 is essentially the most reasonably priced and the least technically superior. Nevertheless, opposite to expectations, it has confirmed to be fairly attention-grabbing.

The iPhone 16 is a surprisingly refreshing and succesful smartphone. Whereas it has shortcomings, the positives are important sufficient to make these downsides straightforward to miss. When you’re contemplating a brand new iPhone this yr, you must critically take into account the iPhone 16.

So, must you purchase the iPhone 16? Completely.

Previously, the bottom mannequin iPhone typically felt like a transparent downgrade in comparison with its Professional counterparts, however that’s not the case this yr. Whether or not you have a look at design, efficiency, digital camera high quality, software program, or extra options just like the Motion Button and Digicam Management, selecting the iPhone 16 doesn’t require you to make important compromises in comparison with the iPhone 16 Professional.

So long as you can acclimate to the 60Hz display screen and the absence of an always-on show (which you possible will), most individuals will discover it onerous to justify selecting one of many dearer fashions over the iPhone 16. When you’re available in the market for a brand new iPhone this yr, that is the one to get.

iPhone 16

iPhone 16

One of the best iPhone

iphone 16 pro max review desert titanium 8

Christine Romero-Chan / Digital Tendencies

iPhone 16 Professional Max

One of the best iPhone runner-up

Execs

  • Stunning show
  • Highly effective efficiency
  • Digicam Management is a pleasant addition
  • Nice battery life
  • Improved ultrawide digital camera

Cons

  • It is too darn huge
  • Boring colours
  • Apple Intelligence not obtainable but

Why you can purchase this: In case you have the money, that is essentially the most highly effective iPhone you should buy, with the most important show ever on an Apple cellphone.

Who it’s for: Cell digital camera junkies will completely love this cellphone, which comes with the most effective cameras and the most important iPhone show obtainable. Did we point out Digicam Management?

**Why we picked the iPhone 16 Professional Max:

The iPhone 16 Professional Max is a strong machine with a compelling function set, however it’s not a needed improve for everybody. Customers of older iPhones, particularly these in search of a big bounce in digital camera capabilities, nonetheless, will admire the Professional Max’s superior telephoto lens and upgraded 48MP ultrawide lens. This interprets to a noticeable enchancment in picture high quality, notably in lowlight situations and when capturing distant topics.

Nevertheless, these already proudly owning an iPhone 15 Professional Max may wish to maintain off on the improve. The iOS 18.1 replace, with its Apple Intelligence options, guarantees to bridge the hole in AI capabilities, probably diminishing the Professional Max’s present benefit on this space. And, sure, Apple Intelligence is supported on final yr’s iPhone Professional Max.

The spectacular function set of the bottom iPhone 16 fashions provides to the choice’s complexity. Each the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus provide compelling additions just like the Motion button for fast shortcuts, Digicam Management for custom-made taking pictures modes, an improved ultrawide lens, new Photographic Kinds for personalised picture aesthetics, the highly effective A18 chip for enhanced efficiency, prolonged battery life, and a wider vary of coloration choices. These substantial enhancements make the usual iPhone 16 a powerful contender for customers in search of a stability of options and affordability.

In the end, the iPhone 16 Professional Max caters to customers with particular wants and priorities. Its key strengths lie in its superior digital camera system with the improved telephoto lens, always-on show with a {smooth} 120Hz refresh price for a extra responsive consumer expertise, and complete images and videography options designed for professional-level content material creation. The iPhone 16 Professional Max will undoubtedly meet and exceed your expectations if these options are important to your workflow or way of life. Nevertheless, in case your priorities differ, exploring the iPhone 16 or ready for the Apple Intelligence replace on the iPhone 15 Professional Max might be equally viable and cost-effective choices.

iPhone 16 Pro Max

iPhone 16 Professional Max

One of the best iPhone runner-up

oneplus 12 review flowy emerald held in hand arch

Christine Romero-Chan / Digital Tendencies

OnePlus 12

One of the best Android cellphone

Execs

  • Stunning curved show
  • Flowy Emerald is a very distinctive coloration
  • Highly effective efficiency
  • Hasselblad digital camera system delivers nice outcomes
  • Two-day battery
  • Very quick wired and wi-fi charging

Cons

  • Again glass is slippery
  • Curved display screen has some annoyances
  • Giant dimension might be unwieldy

Why you can purchase this: It is a show-stopping premium flagship on the worth of an everyday flagship.

Who it is for: Anybody in search of the most effective Android has to supply.

Why we picked the OnePlus 12:

Whereas OnePlus by no means actually went away, it had been pushed into the shadows by sturdy choices from Samsung and Google. Properly, that interval has ended, as OnePlus is again, and the OnePlus 12 is without doubt one of the finest smartphones you should purchase — interval.

It isn’t truthful to explain most present telephones as featureless slabs, however subsequent to the OnePlus 12, they could as nicely be. This cellphone is distinct, with a good looking inexperienced design, gently sloping sides, and one of many extra unique-looking digital camera methods we have ever seen on a smartphone. There is a sturdy household resemblance with the OnePlus Pad, and it seems nice. It feels good, too, however be suggested it is a slippery cellphone — a case is extremely suggested.

That premium feeling extends to the show. The OnePlus 12 has a 6.8-inch LTPO AMOLED show, operating a 1440p decision (for a crisp 510 pixels per inch), with a 120Hz refresh price. If that is not sufficient, it additionally will get vibrant sufficient to be seen on the floor of the Solar, due to a peak brightness of 4,500 nits. Frankly, that is a bit of ridiculous and enormously overkill, as most different flagships sit across the 2,000 nits mark, and people are advantageous. However “overkill” was clearly what OnePlus had in thoughts, because the cellphone’s different specs are manner, manner past what they must be.

We’ll begin with essentially the most affordable a part of the spec sheet: The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3. Qualcomm’s newest processor is extremely quick, and it will not shrink back from any app or recreation you care to run in your huge display screen. It is a stupendously highly effective piece of equipment, so once we say it is essentially the most understated half, you realize OnePlus is not messing round. First comes the storage choices, which begin at 256GB and go as much as 512G. RAM is the place issues get actually bonkers, with the bottom mannequin getting 12GB. That is the identical quantity because the Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely — and it solely will get increased from there. Improve the storage, and also you get a lift in RAM, too, as much as 16GB.

The digital camera system is a bit of toned down, at the least in comparison with the RAM specs, however not by an excessive amount of. The rear digital camera system includes a 50MP fundamental lens, a 64MP periscope telephoto with a 3x optical zoom, and a 48MP ultrawide lens, and there is a 32MP selfie digital camera across the entrance. It is a stable suite, and it takes good photographs with reasonable colours. Portrait photographs generally is a little missing, and it generally struggles with transferring topics in low-light photographs, however these are comparatively small unfavourable factors.

The OnePlus 12 runs Android 14, beneath the Oxygen OS 14 pores and skin, and it is an awesome piece of software program, clear and uncluttered. OnePlus has promised 5 years of updates, which is an effective, if not stellar, promise.

Lastly, we’ll contact on the battery life. It’s, in a phrase, wonderful. You possibly can count on two days of battery life from the 5,400mAh battery with average use, and for the reason that recharging is tremendous quick, it will not spend lengthy on the charger both. Wired charging goes as much as 80W, whereas the 50W wi-fi charging is quicker than most flagship telephones’ wired charging. There’s even reverse wi-fi charging as much as 10W.

The OnePlus 12 is an authorized premium flagship killer, albeit at a flagship worth. It begins from $800, placing it on a stage foundation with the Samsung Galaxy S24 whereas providing specs on a stage with the S24 Extremely. It is an unimaginable piece of tech and completely our choose for the most effective Android cellphone you should purchase at present.

OnePlus 12

OnePlus 12

One of the best Android cellphone

google pixel 9 pro review 19

Christine Romero-Chan / Digital Tendencies

Google Pixel 9 Professional

One of the best Android cellphone runner-up

Execs

  • Stunning {hardware} and show
  • Compact dimension with out compromises
  • It is pink!
  • Lengthy battery life
  • Nice cameras
  • Principally good AI instruments
  • Seven years of updates

Cons

  • Gradual charging speeds
  • 128GB base storage

Why you can purchase this: It is the proper Android cellphone for somebody in search of a smaller handset.

Who it is for: Anybody who desires a top-tier smaller Android cellphone that is not made by Samsung.

Why we picked the Google Pixel 9 Professional:

Our Google Pixel 9 Professional reviewer likes this cellphone a lot that she’s contemplating ditching her iPhone. Sure, a long-time iPhone proprietor is contemplating heading over to Android.

This cellphone checks all of the containers — it has a good looking compact dimension, a premium really feel, an distinctive digital camera system with 5x optical zoom, and even a beautiful rose quartz colorway.

The Google Pixel 9 Professional contains a 6.3-inch Tremendous Actua OLED show with a 120Hz refresh price and is available in hazel, obsidian, and porcelain. Like different telephones within the Pixel 9 collection, it additionally features a newly designed digital camera shelf that now not extends to each side of the cellphone. It’s a formidable look that’s utterly completely different, however it doesn’t detract from the Pixel fashion Google has perfected over time.

However there’s extra. In contrast to earlier Pixel fashions, this one is praised for its lengthy battery life, lasting about 24 hours between fees whereas performing on a regular basis duties. The quickest wired charging pace right here is 27W, which lets you get a 55% cost in about half-hour and simply over an hour for a full cost.

The Pixel 9 Professional additionally consists of one free yr of Google Gemini Superior and offers you seven years of software program updates.

When you love this cellphone however would like a bigger show, you’re in luck. Google has resurrected the XL label for the Pixel 9 Professional XL. This huge cellphone consists of all the good options of the common Professional mannequin however with a 6.8-inch Tremendous Actua show. That cellphone additionally provides wired charging of as much as 37W.

With the Pixel 9 Professional, Google gave small-phone lovers a pro-level expertise with out compromise.

Google Pixel 9 Pro

Google Pixel 9 Professional

One of the best Android cellphone runner-up

samsung galaxy a14 5g review back exterior in bush

Christine Romero-Chan / Digital Tendencies

Samsung Galaxy A14 5G

One of the best low-cost cellphone

Execs

  • Solely $200
  • Giant show with a 90Hz refresh price
  • 5,000mAh battery
  • 50MP rear digital camera, 13MP selfie digital camera
  • Respectable efficiency
  • Distinctive, textured again

Cons

  • Secondary cameras aren’t spectacular
  • No water or mud resistance
  • Quick charging as much as 15W solely

Why you can purchase this: The Samsung Galaxy A14 5G seems good and packs a punch for a finances worth.

Who it’s for: Consumers on a finances in search of a protected, good selection that will not disappoint.

Why we picked the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G:

Are you on a finances however need nice worth? Then you may’t go unsuitable with Samsung’s A-Collection telephones, that are wonderful for the worth. The Galaxy A14 5G is without doubt one of the newest entries within the household, and it is nicely value your consideration.

With the Galaxy A14 5G, you get a big, 6.6-inch LCD show that has a 1080p decision with a 90Hz adaptive refresh price. Although you do get some bezels across the show, the display screen itself seems good, has vibrant colours, and also you get comparatively {smooth} scrolling with the 90Hz refresh price. The design of the cellphone itself is straightforward and minimalistic, and the plastic again has a novel texture that helps offer you extra grip than the glass on most telephones.

The A14 5G has 4GB of RAM and a MediaTek MT6833 Dimensity 700 chip. So whereas it isn’t packing the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, it has respectable efficiency for the worth. It’s possible you’ll discover a tiny little bit of stutter when navigating the cellphone’s interface or opening up apps, however contemplating that the cellphone is simply $200, it is anticipated. It solely comes with 64GB of storage, however that may increase to 1TB by a microSD card. Samsung ships the A14 5G with Android 13 and OneUI 5, and you’ll get two main Android upgrades and 4 years of safety updates. For $200, you are getting a great quantity of longevity, particularly contemplating that this cellphone is 5G-capable.

The digital camera can also be fairly spectacular, as you get a 50MP fundamental shooter, with a 2MP macro and 2MP depth sensors. Due to the MediaTek chip, taking photographs is quick and the outcomes are fairly good for a $200 cellphone. When the cellphone was used to seize some in-motion photographs of a kid, the outcomes got here out fairly nicely. Colours are additionally vibrant and punchy, like most of Samsung’s different higher-end telephones.

And lastly, although the Galaxy A14 5G does not have wi-fi charging, it does have a large 5,000mAh battery that may final at the least two days with common use. However wired charging caps out at 15W, so it is a bit of gradual. Nevertheless, contemplating how a lot use you may get from a single cost, you will not be having to plug it in each night time.

Samsung Galaxy A14 5G

Samsung Galaxy A14 5G

One of the best low-cost cellphone

samsung galaxy a35 review hero

Andy Boxall / Digital Tendencies

Samsung Galaxy A35

One of the best low-cost cellphone runner-up

Execs

  • Mild and cozy to carry
  • IP67 ranking makes it sturdy
  • Essential digital camera takes enjoyable photographs
  • Lengthy software program replace dedication

Cons

  • Battery does not final two days
  • No wi-fi or quick charging

Why you can purchase this: The Samsung Galaxy A35 has the flagship seems and options with out the flagship worth.

Who it’s for: Anybody who desires a cellphone that appears like Samsung’s flagship S24 and has good efficiency — however for half the worth.

Why we picked the Samsung Galaxy A35:

The Samsung Galaxy A35 provides lots of flagship options for much less. For essentially the most half, it seems and feels just like the Galaxy S24, with a number of minor modifications, just like the raised part on the aspect of the cellphone for the amount and energy buttons. However the digital camera module seems the identical because the S24, so you can mistake it for the higher-end S24 from a distance.

The Galaxy A35 is barely larger than the S24 with a 6.6-inch Tremendous AMOLED show, and it even has a 120Hz refresh price on the display screen. This implies scrolling by the system and apps and enjoying video games is {smooth} and straightforward on the eyes, and the colours are vibrant and wealthy with deep blacks.

Although the chassis is product of plastic, the display screen has Gorilla Glass Victus Plus, so it is fairly sturdy, and it has an IP67 ranking. The cellphone feels good within the hand, and the elevated brightness to 1,000 nits makes it straightforward to see when outdoor.

You get a 50MP fundamental digital camera with optical picture stabilization (OIS), in addition to a 8MP wide-angle digital camera and a 5MP macro lens. The front-facing selfie digital camera is 13MP. Pictures which can be taken with the A35 will seem vibrant, colourful, and vibrant. Nevertheless, as Samsung sometimes oversaturates colours, generally the first colours might have a bit of an excessive amount of punch to them, because it’s over amplified. However photographs with the ultrawide lens might seem a bit of bit uninteresting and washed out as a result of decrease megapixel depend. Fortunately, there are many instruments within the photo-editing suite to alter up your photographs if want be. The selfie digital camera is fairly common, and adequate to seize a fast selfie every so often.

Samsung put its Exynos 1380 processor inside, with a minimal of 6GB RAM that’s configurable as much as 12GB, and 128GB or 256GB storage, plus you could have a microSD card slot. Whereas the Exynos 1380 chipset will not be as quick as the brand new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 within the S24 collection, it is nonetheless fairly quick and performs nicely for the worth. It comes with Android 14 and One UI 6.1, which is identical because the S24. Samsung guarantees software program upgrades for the subsequent 4 years, with 5 years of safety updates.

Although the Galaxy A35 has a 5,000mAh battery inside, it will not get you thru two consecutive days with no cost in a single day. That stated, it ought to final a lot of the day if that is all you want. It fees at a most pace of 25W, and sadly, there is not any wi-fi charging.

Samsung Galaxy A35

Samsung Galaxy A35

One of the best low-cost cellphone runner-up

dont buy galaxy s24 ultra iphone 15 pro max do this instead oneplus 12r review 1

Joe Maring / Digital Tendencies

OnePlus 12R

One of the best cellphone worth

Execs

  • Smooth, polished design
  • High-notch show
  • Quick efficiency; runs cool
  • Wonderful battery life
  • 80W charging!
  • Unbeatable worth

Cons

  • Poor ultrawide and macro cameras
  • No wi-fi charging

Why you can purchase this: It is a true flagship killer, providing flagship specs on a finances.

Who it is for: Anybody who loves getting nice worth from their cash.

Why we picked the OnePlus 12R:

Love the OnePlus 12 however do not actually wish to spend $800? The OnePlus 12R is value having a look at as a substitute. It brings in lots of what makes the OnePlus 12 nice — together with sturdy specs, a novel design, and Oxygen OS — however at a a lot cheaper price. That is the most effective worth you may get on the cellphone market in 2024 by an extended shot.

The design is paying homage to the OnePlus 12 and 11, with a modern however slippery aluminum physique and a really distinctive digital camera suite that makes the cellphone stand out. The show is a bit of odd, with a 2780 x 1264 decision throughout the 6.78-inch AMOLED show, however due to the ppi of 410 and a 120Hz refresh price, it is quick and crisp sufficient that you just’re not prone to care concerning the odd numbers at play. Just like the OnePlus 12, it additionally tops out at 4,500 nits for brightness.

The flagship killer credentials are offered by the flagship specs. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor is final yr’s chip, however it’s nonetheless extremely highly effective and supplies distinctive efficiency. Add in 8GB or 16GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of inside storage. A cooling chamber inside additional bolsters the sturdy {hardware}, and ensures the cellphone runs cool even when enjoying demanding video games.

The digital camera is extra of a combined bag than its dearer cousin. The 50MP fundamental lens is nice, however the 8MP ultrawide lens is a little bit of a disappointment, and the much less stated concerning the 2MP macro lens, the higher. Fortunately, the 16MP selfie lens is an effective inclusion, and it means the digital camera system is an effective one, even when it isn’t essentially the most versatile round. It is greater than acceptable for $500, even whether it is massively outpaced on this regard by equally priced choices just like the Samsung Galaxy A54 or Google Pixel 7a.

The battery is one other return to glory, and even when there is not any wi-fi charging, wired charging as much as 80W means few will care. Average use may have this be one other two-day smartphone, and even 4 and a half hours of display screen time (demanding by most measures) left the cellphone at 43% at 11:25 p.m. after an extended day. That is a stellar efficiency and a real purpose to purchase this cellphone.

The OnePlus 12R is a real cut-price king. At $500, it has some sturdy competitors from Samsung and Google, however they typically cannot match the sheer oomph provided by the 12R’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and different flagship specs. OnePlus’s midrange cellphone is the cellphone to get for those who prize worth above all else.

OnePlus 12R

OnePlus 12R

One of the best cellphone worth

iphone 16 plus review back hand aqua

Andy Boxall / Digital Tendencies

iPhone 16 Plus

One of the best huge iPhone

Execs

  • Implausible {hardware} and colours
  • Huge, vibrant display screen
  • Quick, dependable, and feature-packed software program
  • Enjoyable digital camera and Digicam Management
  • Lengthy battery life

Cons

  • Solely a 60Hz refresh price
  • No always-on display screen

Why you can purchase this: This is rather like the most effective iPhone of the yr, however with a bigger show.

Who it’s for: You need essentially the most spectacular iPhone in the marketplace, however want a much bigger show than the iPhone 16 can present.

**Why we picked the iPhone 16 Plus:

The iPhone 16 Plus is a incredible machine that shares many options with our most advisable iPhone this yr, the regular-sized iPhone 16, however it has a bigger show. Nevertheless, this bigger display screen comes with a better price ticket, which can lead some customers to think about the iPhone 16 Professional Max as a greater possibility.

Whereas the iPhone 16 Plus provides nice options, just like the Motion Button, Digicam Management, and assist for Apple Intelligence, it does include some compromises in comparison with the iPhone 16 Professional Max. Notably, the show refresh price is 60Hz, whereas the Professional mannequin has a smoother 120Hz. Moreover, the battery lifetime of the iPhone 16 Plus is considerably missing, offering as much as 5 hours much less utilization between fees in comparison with the Professional model. The Plus mannequin additionally has a barely much less highly effective chipset and fewer storage choices.

Regardless of these drawbacks, the iPhone 16 Plus nonetheless delivers a large-screen expertise with out the premium “Professional” worth, although it lacks some standout options of the Professional fashions that some customers might discover well worth the improve.

iPhone 16 Plus

iPhone 16 Plus

One of the best huge iPhone

iphone se 2022 review starlight back in hand

Andy Boxall / Digital Tendencies

iPhone SE (2022)

One of the best small iPhone

Execs

  • Compact and lightweight
  • Very highly effective
  • Contact ID works rather well
  • Wi-fi charging
  • IP67 water resistance

Cons

  • Poor battery life
  • 60Hz display screen
  • 64GB will not be sufficient

Why you can purchase this: Apple’s newest iPhone SE (2022) is a pint-sized surprise that is highly effective, reasonably priced, and future-proof.

Who it’s for: These in search of a future-proof cellphone that matches of their pocket (and their hand).

Why we picked the Apple iPhone SE (2022)

Discovering a very small cellphone at present looks like looking for a needle in a haystack, however the iPhone SE (2022) is basically, actually small, with its tiny 4.7-inch Liquid Retina show with 60Hz refresh price. Sadly, the design feels a bit dated, cribbing the iPhone 8’s design, with chunky bezels and a Residence button with built-in Contact ID.

Wanting past its dimension, there’s lots going for the iPhone SE. Underneath the hood, you are getting Apple’s A15 Bionic chip with the identical efficiency spec because the iPhone 13 Professional. There’s additionally 4GB of RAM, 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB of storage, and an honest battery, although heavy use might even see you battle to make it by the day with a lot left within the tank. You may be up and operating pretty rapidly with 18W quick charging and Qi wi-fi charging.

You additionally get a single 12MP rear sensor and 7MP selfie digital camera, similar to the earlier iPhone SE. Nevertheless it’s Apple’s software program that makes a distinction right here, with Deep Fusion expertise, Sensible HDR 4, and Photographic Kinds, in addition to improved Portrait Mode. There is not any Night time Mode although, so taking pictures in low-light environments generally is a problem.

Add 5G connectivity, iOS 15 out of the field, and 5 – 6 years of OS updates, and it is simple to see why the iPhone SE (2022) is our greatest small smartphone. Sure, the design feels a bit old style, these bezels are fairly clunky, and there is not any charger within the field — however now we’re nitpicking. The iPhone SE (2022) comes priced at an unimaginable $429, so you will not want to interrupt the financial institution to afford it.

Apple iPhone SE (2022)

iPhone SE (2022)

One of the best small iPhone

google pixel 9 pro xl review back hazel 5

Joe Maring / Digital Tendencies

Google Pixel 9 Professional XL

One of the best huge Android cellphone

Execs

  • Google’s finest Pixel {hardware} but
  • Wonderful show
  • 16GB of RAM!
  • Actually incredible cameras
  • Useful AI instruments
  • Significantly better battery life
  • Seven years of updates

Cons

  • Pixel Studio is a multitude
  • Gradual charging speeds
  • 128GB of base storage

Why you can purchase this: It is the most important Pixel 9 cellphone you should purchase that is not a foldable.

Who it is for: Somebody who desires an excellent Android smartphone with an enormous show.

Why we picked the Google Pixel 9 Professional XL: It is the most effective Android-based cellphone with an enormous show.

For the primary time since 2019, Google has revealed a Pixel XL mannequin. The Pixel 9 Professional XL is the non secular successor to final yr’s Pixel 8 Professional, and it doesn’t disappoint. In truth, it’s an absolute game-changer.

This gorgeous masterpiece from Google redefines what a flagship smartphone must be. With its attractive flat body, redesigned digital camera bar, and impeccable construct high quality, the Pixel 9 Professional XL is a real murals.

Nevertheless it’s not nearly seems. Underneath the hood, this beast packs a punch with the highly effective Tensor G4 chip, a mind-blowing 16GB of RAM, and Google’s unparalleled digital camera prowess. From gorgeous low-light photographs to crisp ultrawide angles and spectacular zooms, the Pixel 9 Professional XL’s digital camera setup will go away you in awe. And with AI options like Auto Body and Add Me, your photographs will likely be picture-perfect each time.

However that is not all! The Pixel 9 Professional XL additionally boasts an excellent 6.8-inch Tremendous Actua Show, delivering vibrant colours and buttery-smooth efficiency. It additionally has a a lot improved battery life and quick charging capabilities to maintain you going all day (and night time) lengthy.

We have now a number of issues relating to this cellphone. Firstly, we discovered Pixel Studio to be disorganized. Secondly, the general charging pace was slower than anticipated primarily based on the specs. Lastly, the minimal quantity of storage is just 128GB. Sooner or later, we hope that Google and different distributors start providing smartphones with a minimal of 256GB of storage.

The Google Pixel 9 Professional XL is really a masterclass in smartphone engineering, setting a brand new commonplace for large flagship gadgets.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

Google Pixel 9 Professional XL

One of the best huge Android cellphone

samsung galaxy s24 review marble gray held 2

Christine Romero-Chan / Digital Tendencies

Samsung Galaxy S24

One of the best cellphone worth runner-up

Execs

  • Small and compact design
  • The flat edges are nice
  • Stunning and vibrant show
  • Lengthy lasting battery life
  • Highly effective efficiency
  • Improved coloration stability in photographs
  • Helpful Galaxy AI options

Cons

  • Matte glass feels slippery
  • No huge digital camera upgrades
  • Solely 25W wired charging

Why you can purchase this: It is all the pieces nice concerning the Galaxy flagship vary, however cheaper.

Who it is for: Anybody who desires a strong Android however prefers a less expensive cellphone.

Why we picked the Samsung Galaxy S24:

It is unsurprising that the usual Galaxy S24 is the smallest of the three flagship telephones that Samsung launched this yr. The 6.2-inch LTPO AMOLED show with 2600 nits peak brightness is 0.1 of an inch bigger than the S23, however attributable to Samsung shrinking the bezels, the S24 is barely narrower than final yr’s mannequin, although it’s barely taller consequently. As with the S24 Plus, the show is a delight to behold, with a dynamic 1-120Hz refresh price and a pair of,600 nits of brightness. Sadly, it is nonetheless restricted to a 1080p decision, however you may’t have all the pieces.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is as highly effective as we have seen elsewhere, and the smaller cellphone has extra modest however nonetheless highly effective specs, together with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage as commonplace. The battery continues to be good, however the 4,000mAh cell cannot go so far as the S24 Plus and can solely final a day. It is a stable full day, although, and you will typically have an honest quantity left within the tank, simply not sufficient to final a full second day. Charging is disappointing, too, being restricted to simply 25W. The 45W charging included on the Plus and Extremely fashions means the S24 feels underwhelming.

The unique worth of the Samsung Galaxy S24 was $800. Nevertheless, because it’s a bit older now, it’s sometimes obtainable at a decrease value. Its worth proposition is spectacular. Whereas it will not be as highly effective because the OnePlus 12 or have the digital camera capabilities of the Google Pixel 9, the Samsung Galaxy S24 nonetheless competes nicely in opposition to them. Moreover, it’s small and compact, which is unusual in most trendy, highly effective telephones.

Samsung Galaxy S24

Samsung Galaxy S24

One of the best cellphone worth runner-up

A person holding the Google Pixel 9, showing the camera.
Google Pixel 9

Andy Boxall / Digital Tendencies

Google Pixel 9

One of the best small Android cellphone

Execs

  • Wonderful design and construct high quality
  • Tremendous digital camera
  • Tactile haptics
  • Quick and dependable safety
  • Improved effectivity and battery life
  • Lengthy software program replace dedication

Cons

  • Display screen is not at all times vibrant sufficient
  • Gradual charging
  • Dearer than final yr

Why you can purchase this: It is a formidable “common” cellphone many individuals wish to purchase.

Who’s it for: Anybody who desires to spend a bit of bit much less, however nonetheless get a lot of the superior smartphone options.

Why we picked the Google Pixel 9:

The entry-level Google Pixel 9 provides lots of nice options for folk in search of a formidable Android cellphone — and it is priced lower than many different fashions in the marketplace.

Our reviewer raved concerning the Google Pixel 9 as a tool that genuinely impresses on all fronts, from its gorgeous design to its distinctive digital camera high quality. Whereas Google initially emphasised the cellphone’s AI options, the {hardware} steals the present with its mixture of class and performance.

The Pixel 9 is a surprising machine with its modern metallic body and stylish glass again in vibrant colours that catch the attention effortlessly; nonetheless, it’s not nearly look. The distinctive construct high quality provides it a premium contact and really feel.

The digital camera is really wonderful. It takes vibrant photographs that may make your social media posts stand out. Whether or not you take footage of surroundings or folks from all angles, the Pixel 9 takes gorgeous photographs. Positive, it lacks a telephoto lens just like the Professional mannequin, however its photographs are simply pretty much as good.

The standout function of this machine is its battery longevity and lightning-fast pace, due to its spectacular Tensor G4 processor. It effortlessly handles no matter you throw at it. The AI capabilities are additionally spectacular.

The Pixel 9 stands out as a designed smartphone that excels within the necessities. Priced at $799, it presents an possibility for people in search of a high-end Android expertise in a compact kind issue.

Google Pixel 9

Google Pixel 9

One of the best small Android cellphone

google pixel 9 pro fold review unfolding

Andy Boxall / Digital Tendencies

Google Pixel 9 Professional Fold

One of the best foldable cellphone

Execs

  • Good display screen for video games and video
  • Versatile and enjoyable digital camera
  • Lengthy software program replace dedication
  • Excellent construct and design
  • Skinny and well-balanced
  • Free yr of Gemini Superior

Cons

  • Gradual charging
  • Heavy
  • Costly

Why you can purchase this: Folding telephones are the longer term, and the Google PIxel 9 Professional Fold is our favourite, and the most effective to this point.

Who it’s for: Anybody in search of a strong cellphone in a foldable kind issue.

**Why we picked the Google Pixel 9 Professional Fold:

The Google Pixel 9 Professional Fold redefined our smartphone expertise after just some weeks of use. Its gorgeous folding display screen, good for immersive gaming and video playback, is a real game-changer. The versatile digital camera system captures unimaginable photographs in nearly any surroundings, and the intensive modifying instruments turn into much more pleasurable to make use of on the expansive unfolded display screen. Past its multimedia prowess, the Pixel 9 Professional Fold boasts distinctive construct high quality and a considerate design that addresses frequent ergonomic challenges typically present in foldable telephones.

Whereas the machine does have some drawbacks, corresponding to a slower charging pace and noticeable weight, its strengths as a conveyable leisure powerhouse far outweigh these minor imperfections. The intuitive software program enhances the consumer expertise, making it a pleasure to navigate and personalize. When you’re in search of a cutting-edge foldable cellphone and are prepared to put money into premium expertise, the Google Pixel 9 Professional Fold, priced at $1,799, is a extremely compelling alternative.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold

Google Pixel 9 Professional Fold

One of the best foldable cellphone

motorola razr plus 2024 review 13

Joe Maring / Digital Tendencies

Razr Plus (2024)

One of the best flip cellphone

Execs

  • A {smooth}, sturdy hinge
  • Pretty leather-based again
  • Implausible cowl display screen
  • A lot-improved cameras
  • Dependable battery life
  • Ample charging choices
  • Enjoyable and charming software program

Cons

  • Tinny audio system
  • Three years of OS upgrades

Why you can purchase this: It seems nice, boasts quick efficiency, and has a enjoyable and foldable kind issue and bespoke colours.

Who it’s for: Anybody in search of their first foldable who prefers a extra compact flip design.

Why we picked the Razr Plus (2024):

Say good day to the Motorola Razr Plus 2024 — the folding cellphone that has all of it, and has leapfrogged the Galaxy Z Flip 6 to get onto this listing. This cellphone is gorgeous with its modern leather-based again, buttery-smooth hinge, and crowd pleasing colours.

Nevertheless it’s extra than simply beauty. The Razr Plus 2024 packs a incredible 4-inch cowl display screen (sure, you learn that proper), letting you keep within the loop with out unfolding. A beautiful 6.9-inch interior show awaits if you unfold it with vibrant colours and silky {smooth} refresh charges as much as 165Hz.

Cameras are a significant improve, too — snap drool-worthy photographs with the 50MP fundamental digital camera, rise up shut with the 2x telephoto lens, and say goodbye to blurry footage due to OIS. Plus, that huge cowl display screen doubles as a viewfinder for the last word selfie expertise.

Efficiency? Battery life? Charging speeds? The Razr Plus 2024 checks all of the containers. And let’s bear in mind Moto’s delightfully whimsical software program that provides a enjoyable contact to your each day grind. Our solely main complaints about this cellphone are its tinny audio system and the truth that Motorola supplies solely three years of OS upgrades, which compares unfavorably to the seven years provided by different producers.

General, nonetheless, it is a premium foldable that genuinely delivers. The Razr Plus 2024 is the flip cellphone to beat this yr.

Motorola Razr Plus 2024

Razr Plus (2024)

One of the best flip cellphone

motorola razr 2024 review spritz orange tent fold cover display moo

Christine Romero-Chan / Digital Tendencies

Motorola Razr (2024)

One of the best low-cost folding cellphone

Execs

  • Tremendous-compact design
  • Giant cowl display screen with always-on show
  • Improved hinge design
  • Good cameras
  • Lengthy battery life
  • Crease may be very minimal
  • Enjoyable colours

Cons

  • Ultrawide digital camera is not the most effective
  • Solely three years of OS upgrades
  • No reverse wi-fi charging

Why you can purchase this: Not everybody wishes all options on a flip cellphone. If that’s you, that is the one you need.

Who’s it for: Anybody who desires a no-hassle smartphone expertise.

Why we picked the Motorola Razr (2024):

The way forward for foldables is right here, and it is a steal. The brand new Motorola Razr 2024 is a game-changer in foldable telephones. At simply $700, it is an unimaginable worth that packs a critical punch.

This clamshell magnificence turns heads with its attractive 6.9-inch foldable show, super-compact design, and enjoyable coloration choices like Spritz Orange. Nevertheless it’s not only a fairly face — the Razr 2024 boasts spectacular specs like a big 3.6-inch cowl show, nice cameras, and robust battery life.

When you’re in search of drawbacks of this cellphone, they do exist. Sadly, the Razr 2024 solely consists of three years of OS upgrades. As well as, it lacks reverse wi-fi charging and the ultrawide digital camera efficiency is subpar. Nonetheless, Motorola nailed the foldable expertise with out breaking the financial institution. Whether or not you are a foldable fan or wish to attempt one thing new, the Razr 2024 is a must have!

Motorola Razr 2024

Motorola Razr (2024)

One of the best low-cost folding cellphone

Steadily Requested Questions

Which working system is finest for you?

There are two main gamers in smartphone working methods: Apple’s iOS, and Google’s Android. Choosing between them goes to kind an enormous a part of your smartphone alternative, proper? Kind of.

Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android are utterly separate methods, so any apps or video games you purchase on one is not going to switch over to the opposite. When you’re closely invested into one or the opposite already, that ought to play an element in whether or not you wish to purchase a cellphone operating the opposite OS. However do not let it put you off completely: Many of the apps you may discover on one, you may additionally discover on the opposite, and even when your purchases will not switch over, you may nonetheless have the ability to to seek out the identical normal expertise from the free apps you employ.

Apple’s iOS is certainly the extra unified expertise. Since solely Apple makes gadgets that use iOS, it decides the way it seems, feels, and features — right down to the final transition. Android is much more fluid and dynamic. Whereas Google has its personal design selections, different producers are free to alter the appear and feel as they like by creating what’s generally known as a “pores and skin.” Samsung’s One UI might be the most effective recognized of those. Whereas this has its benefits, generally these modifications could make a cellphone really feel drastically completely different. Typically that is higher, generally it is worse. When you at all times know what you are going to get with iOS, Android generally is a bit extra of a combined bag.

Software program updates are hit by this similar dynamic. Apple’s management means it will possibly push out updates on day one or two of a brand new patch or iOS model being obtainable. Google can do this for its personal Pixel gadgets, however updates to telephones made by Samsung, Nokia, OnePlus, or different producers will take longer — largely as a result of every firm must ensure the replace works with its personal pores and skin or software program. Consequently, it may be anyplace between weeks and months earlier than some Android telephones get up to date to the most recent model of Android. This may be necessary when updates comprise bug fixes or safety patches, and even when these are pushed by as a precedence, they’re going to nonetheless be touchdown later than they might on iPhone.

In the end, whereas there are variations between the 2 working methods, there are way more similarities in the case of Android and iOS. Each have largely the identical collection of apps and video games, and the day-to-day expertise is way the identical. Whereas there positively are variations, swapping to Android from iPhone (or vice versa) will not go away you confused.

Can smartphones get viruses?

Whereas it’s doable to get viruses on iPhones or Android telephones, what most individuals imply once they say “virus” is malware. Technically, the time period virus means software program that infects a number, inserts itself into an current program, after which spreads that an infection by self-replicating. They’re a really small share of malware and intensely uncommon on smartphones, however malware is not. You must positively take into consideration the right way to defend your smartphone from hackers as a result of a bit of frequent sense can prevent from having to work out the right way to take away malware out of your cellphone.

What’s an unlocked smartphone?

A locked smartphone is tied to a selected service’s community, so in case your cellphone is locked to Verizon, for instance, you may solely use it with a Verizon SIM and repair plan. An unlocked smartphone can be utilized on any community. When you’ve paid in full in your cellphone, then it must be free to unlock. We have now a information that may present you the right way to unlock a cellphone on each service. You may as well purchase some nice unlocked telephones that may work with any service straight out of the field.

How lengthy ought to a smartphone final?

Realistically, you must count on to get two to a few years out of your smartphone. You possibly can prolong the lifetime of any smartphone by taking correct care of it and it is at all times value looking for good protecting instances. There are additionally a great deal of good waterproof telephones to select from these days. The issue with many Android telephones is that producers and carriers are gradual to push out software program updates, so the software program can turn into dated and even insecure over time. With that stated, Samsung lately set new requirements for updates, promising seven OS updates and 7 years of safety updates on choose Galaxy gadgets together with the Galaxy S24 and Z Fold 6 collection, and 4 upgrades and 5 years of safety updates on the Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5, and predecessors the Z Flip 4 and Z Fold 4. Apple can also be recognized for its prolonged updates promise, whereas Google now provides seven years of Android OS updates and safety updates for the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Professional.

How do pay as you go telephones work?

Pay as you go cell telephones work identical to another cellphone, however they arrive with no month-to-month contract or long-term dedication. You often pay for service upfront. Whenever you purchase a pay as you go cellphone they have a tendency to return with a set variety of minutes, textual content messages, and presumably a set quantity of cellular information. This removes the possibility of any overage fees. Whenever you run out, you merely high up by shopping for extra minutes, texts, and information in chunks.

What ought to I do with my outdated smartphone?

The obvious factor to do together with your outdated smartphone is to move it on to another person. If you wish to present it, then ensure to wipe it first; we now have guides on the right way to wipe your Android cellphone and the right way to manufacturing facility reset an iPhone. You might also wish to flip that outdated cellphone into money, by which case you may wish to learn up on the right way to promote your smartphone. It’s possible you’ll resolve to maintain it as a spare in case your new smartphone breaks, however you can additionally repurpose it with the suitable apps. It is higher to move it on to somebody who can use it or discover one other use for it than let it languish in a drawer. If you cannot consider a great way to reuse your smartphone then take into account donating it or recycling it.

When you nonetheless have not discovered what you are in search of, then we even have concepts about the most effective rugged telephones, finest telephones for teenagers, and the most effective gaming telephones.

How we check

A cellphone is a lot greater than its spec sheet. Your whole life is saved on it, out of your photographs and contacts to your music and your favourite apps. For that purpose, we take nice care once we evaluate telephones to advocate solely the best possible on the market.

We use every cellphone we evaluate as our each day driver for an prolonged interval to check out all of the options. We do benchmarks, play video games, take photographs, plunge them in water, and use them till their batteries expire. Then we cost ’em up and do it once more. We check gadgets like actual folks use gadgets. We’re not in some stuffy lab performing obscure assessments. We’re operating across the cities we reside in utilizing these telephones identical to you employ your telephones. Then we take into consideration every cellphone as compared with its opponents to decide: Must you purchase this cellphone or one thing else? If the reply is “one thing else,” we inform you what to purchase as a substitute.

Smartphone innovation has peaked, and the variety of radical new options that come out every year is shrinking. As such, if you’re shopping for a cellphone, you are shopping for a tool that will likely be with you 24/7 for a number of years. It is a wide selection, and issues like apps, a product ecosystem, buyer assist, and safety must be necessary elements in your shopping for determination.






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