Top Smartphones of 2024: Ranked by Ben Sin

 



Top Smartphones of 2024: Ranked by Ben Sin


By: Ben Sin | December 28, 2024


Each year, I test nearly every flagship phone, from globally dominant brands to regional exclusives. Below is my ranked list of the seven favorite phones of 2024, not necessarily the “best” by objective standards but those that resonated with me the most as a tech enthusiast.



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7. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra


Samsung’s latest Ultra model remains polished and functional with its built-in stylus, powerful Qualcomm chip, and excellent multitasking features. However, it offers little innovation compared to its predecessors, and its camera system lags behind its Chinese competitors.



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6. iPhone 16 Pro Max


Apple continues its steady march with minor updates. The new image processing engine significantly improves photo quality, aiming for a “real camera” aesthetic. While still the most powerful and user-friendly device in the iOS ecosystem, its lack of camera hardware innovation leaves it behind Android contenders.



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5. Oppo Find X8 Pro


Oppo returns to the global market with a beautifully designed phone featuring one of the smoothest user interfaces (ColorOS). Its dedicated camera button enhances its appeal, but the camera hardware and color processing lag slightly behind Vivo and Xiaomi.



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4. Xiaomi 14 Ultra


Xiaomi cements its position as a trendsetter with a stunning device that boasts two zoom lenses and Leica-inspired portrait photography. While the phone excels in hardware, Vivo's superior image processing keeps Xiaomi just shy of the top.



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3. Honor Magic V3


The thinnest and lightest foldable phone yet, the Magic V3 solves previous foldable phone issues, offering a sleek design that feels like a traditional smartphone when folded. Despite its impressive form factor and large battery, it can’t outshine the revolutionary innovations above it.



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2. Huawei Mate XT


The world's first double-folding phone represents a leap in mobile design. The Mate XT transforms from a compact phone into a near full-sized tablet, exciting tech enthusiasts worldwide. However, its exorbitant price and software limitations due to U.S. sanctions hold it back.



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1. Vivo X200 Pro & Vivo X100 Ultra (Tied)


These two Vivo flagships stand out for their unmatched 200-megapixel Periscope zoom lens, superb color processing, and industry-leading portrait modes. The phones deliver natural bokeh and stunning detail, elevating mobile photography to a near-professional level. Vivo's software, OriginOS, rounds out the experience with smooth animations and excellent functionality.



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Final Thoughts on 2024


This year saw major strides in smartphone photography and foldable innovation. With 2025 on the horizon, the focus may shift to AI, battery efficiency, and slimmer designs, but the bar set by devices like the Vivo X200 Pro will be hard to surpass.



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Stay tuned for next year’s rankings and let’s see if 2025 can surpass this year’s incredible lineup!


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