Selecting the ideal smartphone from the available options can be daunting. With many choices ranging from large-screen Android devices to the latest iPhone flagships, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, fear not, as our mission is to guide you towards discovering the crème de la crème of smartphones.
Everyone’s needs are unique, and aligning your choice with your preferences is crucial. Are you an ardent video enthusiast seeking a device that can provide an immersive and enjoyable viewing experience? You may have a passion for photography and want a phone that can capture life’s most treasured moments with stunning clarity and detail. Alternatively, you might be a gamer or a multitasker who demands peak performance from your device when running resource-intensive apps.
Rest assured that the smartphones we present here have undergone meticulous research, testing and scrutiny to ensure they meet the highest functionality, performance, and user experience standards. We aim to empower you with comprehensive information so you can confidently make an informed decision, selecting the perfect smartphone that aligns seamlessly with your unique needs and desires. Whether you’re looking for an entertainment powerhouse, a photography maestro, or a multitasking marvel, we’ve got you covered.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Welcome to the era of mobile AI with the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, a titan among smartphones that marks the beginning of new levels of creativity, productivity, and possibility. Featuring a durable titanium frame and a stunning 6.8″ flat display, this marvel boasts an aesthetically pleasing design and cutting-edge technology that sets a new standard in the smartphone industry. The Galaxy S24 Ultra comes equipped with an industry-leading camera and a top-notch NPU, powered by AI to deliver unparalleled performance and image quality.
Pros:
- AI Integration: Introduces groundbreaking mobile AI capabilities, enhancing every interaction with your device.
- Titanium Strength: Features a robust titanium frame for increased durability and a sleek, modern look.
- Advanced Camera System: Boasts a powerful rear camera setup, including a 200MP wide-angle lens, allowing for incredible detail and clarity in every shot.
- Innovative Features: Offers unique functionalities such as Circle to Search with Google, Live Translate, and AI-powered editing options, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with a smartphone.
Cons:
- Premium Price: Reflects its advanced features and build quality, placing it at the higher end of the market.
- Complexity: The array of advanced features and AI integrations might overwhelm users seeking simplicity.
- Size and Weight: The large display and robust build may not appeal to those preferring a more compact device.
Apple iPhone 16 Pro
The iPhone 16 Pro introduces Apple’s A18 Pro chip, which powers new features like Apple Intelligence, offering a personalised and private user experience. With a sleek Titanium design, it is lighter and more durable than ever. The 16 Pro boasts a 48MP Fusion camera system, along with Camera Control, for an enhanced photography experience. Its 6.9 or 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR display with ultra-thin borders provides immersive visuals, and the Action Button adds extra convenience. Apple also ensures extended battery life with up to 33 hours of video playback.
Pros:
- Stunning Design: The titanium finish gives it a premium and durable look, with sleek, ultra-thin borders.
- Advanced Camera System: The 48MP Fusion and Ultra-Wide cameras, along with 10x optical zoom, offer versatile shooting options.
- A18 Pro Chip: Provides incredible performance, powering AAA gaming and advanced video editing features like 4K 120 fps Dolby Vision.
- Apple Intelligence: A personal assistant that boosts productivity while ensuring top-notch privacy.
Cons:
- High Cost: Like other flagship Apple models, the iPhone 16 Pro comes with a premium price point, which may not be suitable for budget-conscious consumers.
- Limited Customisation: Apple’s closed ecosystem may offer less flexibility compared to some Android devices.
OnePlus 12R
The OnePlus 12R epitomises the pinnacle of smoothness, with a design that blends elegance with advanced engineering. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, it’s designed for those who demand top-tier performance and innovative technology. The 4th Generation LTPO 120 Hz ProXDR Display ensures vibrant, ultra-bright visuals, while the Dual Cryo-velocity VC Cooling System keeps the device running smoothly under any condition. The 50MP SONY IMX890 Camera captures life’s moments with stunning clarity and colour.
Pros:
- Elite Performance: Equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for unmatched speed and efficiency.
- Impressive Display: Features a 120 Hz ProXDR display for hyper-real, ultra-bright visuals.
- Superior Cooling: Incorporates a Dual Cryo-velocity VC Cooling System for optimal performance.
- Advanced Camera: The 50MP SONY IMX890 Camera system offers exceptional image quality.
Cons:
- Availability: Initial release is limited to specific markets, potentially restricting access.
- Ecosystem Integration: May not offer as comprehensive an ecosystem as competing brands.
Google Pixel 9 Pro
The Google Pixel 9 Pro brings Google’s most advanced AI capabilities, housed in a durable and sustainable design. Powered by the Google Tensor G4 chip and 16GB of RAM, the Pixel 9 Pro offers unmatched performance with seven years of OS and security updates. Its 6.3-inch Super Actua display provides true-to-life colours with up to 120Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for gaming and everyday use. The camera system is its crown jewel, with a 50 MP main sensor and 48 MP ultrawide camera that deliver professional-level photos and videos.
Pros:
- Incredible Camera System: The 50MP primary camera and 48MP ultrawide offer detailed, high-resolution photos, along with 30x Super Res Zoom and up to 20x video zoom.
- Bright, Smooth Display: The Super Actua display is bright even in sunlight, with a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and gaming.
- Sustainable Design: Made from recycled materials, with 100% recycled aluminium and plastic-free packaging.
- Extended Software Support: Seven years of updates for OS, security, and Pixel Drops.
Cons:
- Poor Peak and Sustained Performance: The chipset struggles with peak loads and sustained performance over time.
- Some Gemini tools lack polish: Certain AI-based features still feel underdeveloped.
Nothing Phone (2a) Plus
The Nothing Phone (2a) Plus continues Nothing’s tradition of combining a striking design with impressive hardware. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7350 Pro 5G chipset and featuring a 6.7-inch AMOLED display, it delivers a smooth and vibrant viewing experience with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and peak brightness of 1300 nits. The 50MP triple camera setup ensures high-quality photos and videos, while the unique Glyph Interface adds a creative touch to interactions. Designed with sustainability in mind, the phone also offers fast charging, extended battery life, and the Nothing OS 2.6 built on Android 14 for seamless performance.
Pros:
- Impressive Display: The 6.7-inch AMOLED screen with HDR10+ and adaptive refresh rate ensures vivid and smooth visuals.
- Powerful Performance: The MediaTek Dimensity 7350 Pro 5G chipset paired with 20GB RAM (12GB + 8GB RAM booster) handles multitasking and gaming efficiently.
- Innovative Glyph Interface: Allows for creative and functional interactions with 15 unique features using the LED lights on the back of the phone.
- Competitive Pricing: Despite its unique features, Phone (2a) Plus comes at competitive pricing, making it accessible to a broader audience.
Cons:
- Incredibly Hard to Maintain Design: The back attracts grime and dust easily, making it difficult to keep clean.
- Poor Display Brightness: The screen brightness isn’t as strong as some competitors, making outdoor visibility challenging.
- No eSIM Support: Lacks eSIM capability, which may be a drawback for users who prefer this feature.
Sony XPERIA 1 VI
The Xperia 1 VI from Sony is a standout premium device that expertly combines innovative camera technology with robust entertainment features. It boasts an extended 85-170mm optical telephoto lens, enhancing its formidable camera setup with real optical zoom for unmatched image quality. This device is tailor-made for creators, offering a wide range of focal lengths, including 16mm, 24mm, and 48mm, perfect for capturing everything from expansive landscapes to detailed portraits. The 6.5-inch FHD+ HDR OLED display, powered by BRAVIA, ensures vivid, high-contrast viewing experiences, further enhanced by Sunlight Vision, which boosts brightness in direct sunlight.
Pros:
- Professional-Grade Camera: Sony XPERIA 1 VI is tailored for photography and videography enthusiasts. It offers advanced camera options for detailed, professional-grade photography and features a next-gen Exmor T mobile sensor.
- Superior Display Technology: Features a 120Hz refresh rate, BRAVIA-powered engine for enhanced colour and detail, and Sunlight Vision for improved outdoor visibility.
- Extended Battery Life: Two days of battery life supported by a vapour chamber cooler to optimise performance.
Cons:
- Complex Camera Modes: The camera’s manual modes may be complex for casual users.
- Niche Appeal: Sony XPERIA 1 VI has niche appeal, targeting a specific segment of smartphone users.
ASUS Zenfone 11 Ultra
The Zenfone 11 Ultra redefines elegance and performance, merging a glossy and matte finish to reflect ASUS’s commitment to design and functionality. It features a range of colours inspired by Earth’s diverse terrains, offering a visual and an experiential tribute to natural beauty. The smartphone is built with recycled materials, emphasising ASUS’s focus on sustainability. Performance-wise, the Zenfone 11 Ultra is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, enhancing CPU and GPU speeds significantly compared to its predecessors, and it’s equipped to handle intense gaming sessions thanks to its adaptive refresh rate of up to 144Hz.
Pros:
- Impressive Display: Boasts a 6.78-inch Flexible E6 AMOLED display with exceptional colour accuracy and a high peak brightness of 2500 nits for superb visibility even in direct sunlight.
- Powerful Snapdragon Processor: Equipped with the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, it offers a 30% faster CPU and a 25% quicker GPU compared to its predecessors, providing top-tier performance for all types of tasks and applications.
- Advanced Camera System: Features a triple-lens setup with a 50 MP main camera, 32 MP telephoto, and 13 MP ultrawide lens, equipped with cutting-edge stabilisation and high-resolution capabilities.
Cons:
- Uncompetitive Software Update Policy: Offers fewer software update cycles compared to competitors, potentially leading to outdated software over time.
- Weak Photo Processing: General photo processing quality is subpar, affecting the overall photography experience.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 is a stylish and compact foldable phone designed for those who want a blend of high performance and self-expression. With Galaxy AI at its core, the Z Flip6 provides powerful features, from hands-free selfies to stunning night portraits. Its 50MP Pro-level camera offers detailed photography, and the FlexWindow brings added convenience with real-time previews and AI-based Suggested Replies. Additionally, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor powers a smooth experience, while the 4000 mAh battery ensures all-day usage.
Pros:
- Compact and Sleek Design: The most compact Z Flip yet, with a foldable form factor and vibrant colour options.
- Innovative FlexWindow: Allows easy interactions, including taking hands-free selfies and using Suggested Replies without unfolding the phone.
- Powerful Performance: Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and 50MP rear camera ensure top-tier speed and image quality.
- AI Enhancements: Galaxy AI elevates photography, translations, and user experience.
Cons:
- Limited Flex Window Functionality: Despite the enhanced cover screen, Flex Window is still limited in what it can do, reducing its potential.
- High Price: It’s more expensive than some competing foldables.
OPPO Find N3 Flip
The OPPO Find N3 Flip redefines the flip phone category with its expansive cover screen and top-of-the-line camera system. It is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9200, ensuring swift and reliable performance. The device boasts a 6.8-inch main screen and a 3.26-inch cover screen, both delivering vibrant visuals and smooth operation. The camera setup includes a 50MP main camera, a 32MP telephoto camera, and a 48MP ultra-wide angle camera, offering versatility and quality in every shot.
Pros:
- Large Cover Screen: Sets a new benchmark for flip phones, enhancing usability and aesthetics.
- Flagship Camera System: Features a comprehensive camera setup for superior photography capabilities.
- Sleek Design: Offers a compact and lightweight form factor, without compromising display size or quality.
- High-Performance Chipset: The MediaTek Dimensity 9200 ensures fast and efficient operation, enhancing the user experience.
Cons:
- Battery Capacity: While offering fast charging, the battery size may not match the longevity seen in non-flip smartphones.
- Durability Concerns: As with all foldable devices, potential users should consider long-term durability under daily use.
Motorola Razr+
The Motorola Razr+ brings the iconic flip phone into the modern era with a host of impressive features designed to enhance everyday usability and multitasking capabilities. Sporting the largest external display on any flip phone, the Razr+ allows users to easily interact with notifications, apps, and more without ever having to open the device. This model integrates advanced technology with user-friendly functionality, standing out in the market for its unique combination of style and practicality.
Pros:
- Cutting-Edge Processor: Powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 mobile platform, it offers exceptional AI performance, supports advanced applications, and provides a fast, responsive user experience.
- Advanced Moto AI Features: Comes equipped with innovative AI-driven features such as Magic Canvas, which allows users to create custom wallpapers from text prompts, showcasing the blend of creativity and technology.
Cons:
- Average Inner Screen Quality: The inner display of the Razr+ is described as just okay, which might disappoint users expecting a premium visual experience from a high-end foldable smartphone.
- Middling Camera Performance: The camera performance does not stand out, particularly in challenging lighting conditions, affecting the overall usability of photography enthusiasts.
Editor’s note: This listicle has been updated to reflect the most recent information as of 21 September 2024. We strive to provide the latest and most accurate data to ensure our readers have up-to-date information.
