The 7 best cell phones of 2024 go way, way beyond talking and texting

Posted by Admin April 18, 2024 Shopping

The 7 best smartphones in 2024 — Google, Samsung

The latest smartphone can handle so much more than just calls or texts. They’re powerful communications, productivity, fitness and entertainment devices — plus so much more. But that also means that smartphone shopping can get confusing, especially since there are so many really great options.

Whether you’re an iPhone or Android user, our in-house tech experts have compiled this roundup of our favorites models right now — and there’s something here for everyone, regardless of your budget or the features you’re looking for from a new phone.

To learn more about these and other smartphone options, be sure to check out our coverage of the best Android smartphones and best folding smartphones. You can also check out our full review of the popular Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max and OnePlus 12 smartphones. And if you’re looking to switch from an Apple iPhone to an Android phone, or transition from an Android phone to an iPhone, we’ve got you covered.

The best smartphones for 2024

Let’s take a look at our picks for the best smartphones you can get right now. Regardless of which smartphone you’re interested in, you can always save money if you trade in an older phone, activate the phone with a cellular service provider at the time of purchase, or agree to finance the phone and commit to one or two years of service with a specific provider.

Best iPhone overall: Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max

Best Buy

The iPhone 15 Pro Max is Apple’s flagship smartphone, and it’s full of the latest tech, not to mention the line’s best camera setup yet. You get a beautiful, durable, aerospace-grade titanium casing in your choice of colors.

New to this version of the iPhone is an action button, which you can assign to perform a specific task, like launching the Camera app or turning on the flashlight. The phone itself is powered using Apple’s own A17 Pro processor, which incorporates a six-core GPU. This means that photos, videos (including TV shows and movies), games and anything else you’re viewing on the Super Retina XDR touchscreen will look fantastic — with vibrant colors and plenty of detail.

We’re huge fans of the iPhone 15 Pro Max’s enhanced camera and how it performs in a wide range of shooting situations, including low light. Be sure to check out our full-length, hands-on review of the iPhone 15 Pro Max for more information on the camera setup and the phone’s other features.

iPhone 15 Pro Max has a USB Type-C port on the bottom. But it also supports wireless charging and MagSafe. Battery life has been improved over the iPhone 14 Pro Max, plus you get access to all of the latest functions incorporated into iOS 17. Like all iPhone models, this one comes with an impressive collection of preinstalled apps, including the new Journal app. For anyone who’s already an Apple fan or who’s thinking about switching to an iPhone, the iPhone 15 Pro Max offers the most robust collection of features and functions of all the iPhone models.

There are plenty of ways to pick up one of these iPhones, and prices vary based on configuration and other options. (Buying it outright can cost around $1,199, but financing or choosing a certain service plan can go a long way toward saving you money.) We recommend going through one of the cellular service providers below.

Best Android smartphone overall: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

If you’re an Android fan who needs a higher-end phone with plenty of processing power, you can’t go wrong with Samsung’s top-of-the-line Galaxy S24 Ultra.

This phone features a stunning 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x touchscreen display and is one of the few to include a stylus that handwrites or draws right on the screen.

We’re huge fans of the phone’s main, rear-facing camera, which offers a whopping 200MP resolution. It captures breathtaking still images or video, while taking advantage of the up to 2x and 10x optical zoom, or the up to 100x digital zoom offered by this phone’s rear camera setup.

When it comes to viewing your own video, as well as movies, photos, or any type of animated graphics, you get an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz, along with a peak brightness of 2,600 nits. Thanks to the phone’s titanium housing and IP68 rating, the S24 Ultra is both durable and water-resistant. And as you’d expect, for wireless connectivity, it supports 5G, Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. You also get a choice of seven colors.

This latest edition of the phone is loaded with new features and functions. The Circle to Search feature lets you draw a circle around anything on the screen. Within seconds, you’ll learn all about whatever it is you’ve circled. This feature uses advanced AI and works in conjunction with Google.

Also, for the first time, the phone offers real-time language translation during phone calls and texts. The Note Assist feature can whip up a text summary of a recording or document. Record a meeting, lecture or conversation and have the phone compose an easy-to-review, bulleted list of key points.

Best budget iPhone: Apple iPhone SE (3rd Generation)

Maybe you don’t need all the bells and whistles of an iPhone 15 Pro Max. No problem. Apple offers this less expensive iPhone SE (3rd Generation). This is a smaller phone with a less powerful processor, but it runs the same iOS 17 (or later) version of Apple’s operating system as every other current iPhone model. It also comes with the same collection of pre-installed apps and access to nearly 2 million apps on the App Store.

The iPhone SE is water-resistant, offers a 4.7-inch touchscreen, and can easily handle all of the basic tasks people need from a smartphone — audio and video calls, texts and email. Web surfing, viewing photos, and streaming music or podcasts is also no problem for this phone.

The cameras offer lower resolution than what you’d find in other current iPhones, but you’ll still take decent photos and videos using the iPhone SE. For the average user, we recommend at least 128GB of internal storage, but if you plan to store a lot of content, the 256GB version is definitely the way to go.

The iPhone SE (3rd Generation) is the ideal starter iPhone for a child age 10 and up, or older adult who wants an affordable and compact iPhone. Its price starts at just $429 (but often goes on sale for less). There are plenty of ways to pick up one of these iPhones, but we recommend going through one of the cellular service providers below.

Best budget Android smartphone: OnePlus 12R

The new OnePlus 12R is certainly not the least expensive Android phone; we’ve seen models priced under $100, but you don’t get the robust collection of features, functions and cutting-edge technology that’s built into this scaled-down version of the OnePlus 12 smartphone.

Since this is a new model, OnePlus is offering generous trade-in deals. Right now, you can trade in any phone, in any condition, and get an instant $100 credit toward the purchase price of the OnePlus 12R. If you have a higher-end phone to trade in, OnePlus is offering up to $400 in trade in credit. There’s also an extra 10% discount being offered to students.

The OnePlus 12R is future-proof for the next several years, since three major Android updates and four years of security updates are guaranteed. This phone comes in your choice of a gray or blue casing. The core configuration includes 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, which can be upgraded to 16GB of RAM with 256GB of storage. The unlocked phone comes with a USB Type-A to USB Type-C cable and an 80W power adapter. For wireless connectivity, the phone supports 5G, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3 and NFC.

When it comes to streaming video, you’ll benefit from Dolby Vision, HDR10 and HDR10+ support. The internal dual stereo speakers support Dolby Atmos. This is one of the first smartphones to offer Wi-Fi 7 support. It also have one of the brightest displays and highest battery capacities out there. Battery life is up to two days. If you’re seeking an Android phone that offers really good value, not to mention top-notch features, we’re very impressed with the OnePlus 12R and know you will be too.

Best folding smartphone: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5

Folding displays have grown extremely popular. They offer the same cutting-edge capabilities and large displays as regular smartphones, but they fold into a compact size that easily fits in a pocket.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 has both an outer display (3.4 inches) and a 6.7-inch main display (when it’s open and unfolded). The main Super AMOLED display offers an adaptive refresh rate up to 120Hz and a maximum brightness of 1,750 nits, so the display showcases bright and vivid content in virtually any lighting situation.

Many features are accessible even when the phone is folded. The phone itself is powered using the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. Choose between 256GB or 512GB for internal storage.

While the Galaxy Z Flip 5 is not for power users, it definitely offers the functions an average person needs to get the most out of their smartphone — communication, productivity, entertainment, health and fitness. The phone comes in eight colors. But what most people seem to love most about this phone is that, when it’s folded, it measures just 3.35 x 2.83 x 0.59 inches. When opened, it measures 6.5 x 2.83 x 0.27 inches. It weighs a mere 6.6 ounces.

Honorable mention: Absolutely flipping for the Motorola Razr+

If you like the design of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5, but want a lower-cost option, check out the Motorola Razr+. You can easily find this phone on sale for around $700. It works with all major U.S. carriers, since it can be purchased as an unlocked phone.

When folded, the outside 3.6-inch pOLED touchscreen display still lets you do plenty of basic functions, like seeing incoming messages or caller ID information without having to open the phone. When the phone is open, you get access to a large and vibrant 6.9-inch pOLED touchscreen.

This phone runs the latest version of Android and comes with 256GB of internal storage. While the camera system is not as robust as the Galaxy Z Flip 5, you do get a 32MP front-facing camera, along with both a 12MP (main) and 13MP (ultra-wide) rear-facing camera. Thanks to the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor, you can expect really good overall performance and speed from this phone that folds up to easily fit in a pocket.

Best large screen folding smartphone: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5

Operating system: Android 13 | Display size: 7.6 inches (inside), 6.2 inches (outside) | Display type: AMOLED 2x Infinity Flex | Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile for Galaxy | RAM: 12GB | Storage options: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB | Battery: 4.400mAh | Dimensions: 6.11 x 5.12 x 0.25 inches (open), 6.11 x 2.64 x 0.56 inches (folded) | Weight: 8.92 ounces | Charging options: Wired or wireless | Stylus: Yes (S Pen) | Front camera: 10MP (cover screen), 4MP (under display main screen) | Rear camera: 50MP (wide), 12MP (Ultra-Wide), 10MP (Tele 3x optical zoom) | Water resistant rating: IPX8 | Max. screen brightness: 1,750 nits

When it comes to smartphones designed for power users, two screens are better than one, but three screens unlock even more capabilities — and that’s exactly what the Galaxy Z Fold 5 offers. On the outside of the phone, there’s a stunning 6.2 inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x Infinity-O display that offers a 120Hz refresh rate and a maximum brightness of 1,750 nits. This allows you to run apps and use the phone without having to unfold it.

Upon unfolding the phone, you’ll see a large, 7.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x Infinity Flex Display, which also has a 120Hz refresh rate and maximum brightness of 1,750 nits. This is really two screens that can be used as one to give you plenty of on-screen real estate when running a single app. Or you can multitask and run two apps side-by-side. And since this phone comes with an S Pen stylus, you can handwrite or draw on each touchscreen. We love that these are AMOLED displays, because they showcase vivid and accurate colors, impressive detail and fluid animations and action.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 is great for running work and personal productivity apps, but it’s just as ideal for streaming video content and gaming, so you can use this phone to its full potential in every aspect of your life and the Android OS will adapt. At the time of purchase, choose between 256GB, 512GB or 1TB of internal storage.

The phone comes in your choice of six housing colors. Other features we love about this phone are the advanced camera setup, robust sounding speaker system and that the phone takes full advantage of Google’s latest AI functions. Battery life is up to 21 hours.

Best Android phone for power users: Google Pixel 8 Pro

Google is the company that created the Android operating system. So, if you’re looking for a smartphone that fully capitalizes on the features of this OS, we suggest a phone also developed by Google. Right now, the Google Pixel 8 Pro is the company’s flagship smartphone.

The Pixel 8 Pro offers features on par with many higher-end Android phones, but is less expensive. It also works seamlessly with all of the other mobile devices in the Google’s Pixel ecosystem, which includes a tablet, smartwatch, wireless earbuds and a nice selection of smart gear.

This is the first smartphone that incorporates Google’s AI, called Gemini Nano, in many preinstalled apps and features. You also get access to the newest Android features like Circle to Search, advanced call screening, enhanced Google Assistant and more powerful language translation.

We’re also excited about the phone’s upgraded cameras and video editing capabilities. Google has promised seven years of security, OS and feature updates for this phone. For anyone who wants to truly maximize what’s possible from the Android OS and use their smartphone as a powerful communications, productivity, and entertainment tool, the Google Pixel 8 Pro is a versatile and affordable option — especially for power users.

What’s the best smartphone right now?

Here are five things to consider before making your smartphone purchase:

Operating system: If you want an iPhone, those are not upgradable after purchase, so you’ll need to select a configuration with enough storage. Even though most Android phones have a microSD memory card slot, whichever smartphone model you choose, we recommend one with at least 256GB of internal storage.
Display size and type: How easy is the phone to hold in your hand? The display size dictates the size of the smartphone and how much content you can see. The display type, refresh rate, and maximum brightness also impact how you see text, graphics, animation, photos, video and more.
Internal storage: Most smartphones give you a choice about how much storage (in gigabytes) the phone will have. For the average person, 128GB or 256GB is plenty, but for power users, 512GB or 1TB is better. While the internal storage of iPhones cannot be upgraded after purchase, many Android phones have a built in microSD memory card slot that allows you to increase storage with a memory card.
Camera: If you’ll shoot photos or video using the phone’s camera system, the resolution and tools built into the phones is also important. All smartphones have a front- and rear-facing cameras. The higher the resolution of these cameras (measured in megapixels), the better. A main rear-facing camera of at least 48MP will shoot really good-quality images.
Battery life: The battery’s capacity (measured in milliamp hours or mAh) determines how long a phone can work between charges. But how you use the smartphone will affect its battery life. The higher the battery’s capacity, the longer it will last.

Should you finance or buy a new smartphone?

When you buy a new phone, you can often buy it outright, or finance it over 24 to 36 months (with 0% interest). If you have an older phone to trade in, you can get credit for that phone and apply that to your purchase. Look for a trade-in offer that gives you instant credit, not credits on your phone bill over time.

Ideally, you want to purchase an unlocked version of a phone outright, so you can activate it with almost any cellular provider, and then trade it in or upgrade the phone whenever you like. If you finance the smartphone through a provider, the phone may be locked, so it can only be used with that provider. And the length of your financing term will affect when you can upgrade to a new model.

Apple and many U.S. cellular providers allow you to pay a bit extra and to let you upgrade your phone annually. The AT&T Wireless version is called AT&T Installment Plan with NextUp. You’re basically renting your phone and will never own it. The monthly financing fee for your phone is separate from the cost of service. Meanwhile, if you’re willing to switch your cellular provider, most will offer financial incentives and help you buy your way out of a contract.

Some smartphone manufacturers, like Samsung, often offer their own incentives. If you buy a new smartphone from a cellular provider, shop around for the best deal and most generous trade-in offers. Start deal shopping on the websites for AT&T Wireless, Verizon and T-Mobile. Throughout the year, you can also find deals on the latest smartphones at Amazon, Walmart or Best Buy.

If you’re interested in switching phone carriers, check out our money-saving advice on how to do it smartly.

Whether you need to know about the very best laptop computers, the latest TVs, TV soundbars, desktop computers, smartphones, tablets, home projectors, or any other types of tech, we’re constantly expanding and updating our coverage to offer the most informative, timely and accurate shopping advice.

Jason R. Rich

Jason R. Rich (www.JasonRich.com) is an internationally recognized consumer technology expert with more than 30 years’ writing experience. He’s also an accomplished author and photographer. One of his most recently published books, The Remote Worker’s Handbook: How to Effectively Work From Anywhere ($24.99, Entrepreneur Books) is now available from Amazon and wherever books are sold.