With a plethora of smartphones on the market, selecting the right one can be daunting, especially if you lean towards Android over iOS. ZDNET has tested and reviewed nearly every major smartphone released by Apple, Samsung (including the Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6), Google, OnePlus, and more to compile a definitive list of the best phones available now.
Top Picks for 2024
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Pros:
- Exceptional display
- Reliable quad-camera system
- Outstanding battery life
- Advanced AI features
Cons:
- Expensive, comparable to premium laptops
- Lacks Qi2 magnetic charging
- Can be bulky, especially with a case
iPhone 15 Pro Max
Pros:
- New customizable Action button
- Lightweight, comfortable design
- Supports new Apple Intelligence features
- High-quality 5x zoom camera
Cons:
- Shorter battery life
- Apple-branded cases need improvement
Google Pixel 8a
Pros:
- Affordable at under $500
- Bright 120Hz OLED display
- Seven years of OS updates
- Extensive AI features
Cons:
- No dedicated telephoto lens
- Smaller 6.1-inch screen might not suit everyone
- Limited to 18W wired charging
Google Pixel 8 Pro
Pros:
- Excellent camera quality
- Numerous AI-driven features
- 5,050mAh battery with LTPO display
- Competitive pricing
Cons:
- Stock Android can seem too minimal
- Fast charging limited to 30W
- More expensive than last year's model
OnePlus Open
Pros:
- Lightweight and thin foldable design
- Efficient multitasking features
- Fast 65W charging
- High base RAM and storage
Cons:
- Still pricey at $1,699
- No IP68 rating or wireless charging
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6
Pros:
- High-quality materials and build
- AI-powered Auto Zoom feature
- Improved external display
- Compact and portable design
Cons:
- No telephoto camera
- Expensive, even with trade-in offers
Asus Zenfone 10
Pros:
- Compact and ergonomic design
- Snappy performance
- Long battery life
- Affordable pricing
Cons:
- Limited water resistance
- Curved design can be slippery
- Average video recording quality
OnePlus 12
Pros:
- Smooth performance
- Fast 80W charging
- Premium build at a reasonable price
- Good main camera quality
Cons:
- Lower water resistance rating
- Slippery design for some users
- Video recording could be better
Best Phone Overall
After rigorous testing, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra stands out as the best phone overall, boasting a vivid display, dependable battery life, and numerous advanced features, including those powered by Samsung's new generative AI model. However, the ideal phone for you might differ based on your specific needs.
| Best Phone Model | Price | Storage Options | Screen Size | Battery Size | Processor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | $1,299 | Up to 1TB | 6.8" | 5,000mAh | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | $1,099 | Up to 1TB | 6.7" | 4,323mAh | A17 Bionic |
| Google Pixel 8 Pro | $999 | Up to 1TB | 6.7" | 5,050mAh | Tensor G3 |
| OnePlus Open | $1,699 | 512GB | 6.3" & 7.8" | 5,000mAh | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 | $1,099 | Up to 512GB | 6.7" | 4,000mAh | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
| Google Pixel 8a | $499 | Up to 256GB | 6.1" | 4,492mAh | Tensor G3 |
| OnePlus 12 | $799 | Up to 512GB | 6.8" | 5,400mAh | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 |
| Asus Zenfone 10 | $699 | Up to 512GB | 5.9" | 4,300mAh | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 |
Our top choice for the best overall phone is the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, featuring a large display, versatile camera system, ample storage options, a built-in S Pen, and a robust 5,000mAh battery. Here's how it compares with other top picks:
These phones offer a variety of features to suit different needs and preferences, ensuring there's a perfect option for everyone.