The summer and early fall seasons are always a great time for smartphone enthusiasts, and 2024 didn't disappoint. Samsung and Motorola showed us some excellent new foldables in July, and Google followed that up with its brand-new Pixel 9 series in August. Then, we got the iPhone 16 series in September, which includes four new models. If you're looking to buy a smartphone, now's a great time — the next launch to look forward to is the rumored Samsung Galaxy S25 series, which is a few months away.
We here at XDA test almost every flagship smartphone released to the public, so you can count on this roundup to find the right phone that suits your budget and needs. Whether you're looking for a versatile, do-it-all smartphone or a specialized phone for photography or gaming, this guide has you covered. Let's dive in!
Best phones in 2024
iPhone 16 Pro Max
The best smartphone you can buy right now
- SoC
- Apple A18 Pro
- Display
- 6.9-inch 1320 X 2868 OLED, LPTO, 1-120Hz, 2000 nits
- RAM
- 8GB
- Storage
- 256GB/512GB/1TB
- Battery
- 4,865mAh
The iPhone 15 Pro Max was our top smartphone pick, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max improves on that model in a few key ways. For starters, the new A18 Pro chip is the fastest mobile processor we've ever seen, and it doesn't overheat like its predecessor. Plus, iOS 18 is more customizable than ever, and Apple Intelligence is on the way. The premium chassis, customizable Action button, new Camera Control button, and titanium colorways are just a few things to love about this phone.
- Excellent camera system featuring 5x telephoto lens and improved video recording
- Premium titanium chassis now features a Camera Control button
- iOS 18 adds much-needed customization and the A18 Pro chip is the fastest in the world
- A relatively minor upgrade from the iPhone 15 Pro Max
- Design is very similar to past Pro models
- Apple Intelligence isn't available at launch
The iPhone 16 Pro Max might not feel like the biggest upgrade if you're coming from the iPhone 15 Pro Max. However, there are a ton of quality-of-life upgrades here that even iPhone 15 Pro Max users will appreciate — and you'll love the experience if you're coming from a much older phone. The best part about going with an iPhone 16 Pro or an iPhone 16 Pro Max this year is that the phones are identical apart from their sizes, so you can choose the form factor you like without losing out on key features.
While we're on the topic of displays, it's worth noting that both models are bigger this year. The iPhone 16 Pro has a 6.3-inch OLED screen, whereas the iPhone 16 Pro Max has a 6.9-inch OLED panel. For the Pro Max, there's a 2868x1320 resolution, and both phones have displays with 460 pixels-per-inch. They're also ProMotion screens with variable refresh rates between 1Hz and 120Hz. Brightness is solid, supporting 1,000 nits typical, 1,600 nits peak brightness while viewing HDR content, and 2,000 nits peak brightness outdoors. And, the screens can go as low as one nit for late-night viewing.
An underrated upgrade to the iPhone 16 Pro Max is the jump to the A18 Pro chipset. It's the fastest mobile processor on the planet, but that's beside the point. Our early testing indicates that the iPhone 16 Pro Max doesn't overheat like its predecessor did, most likely due to the second-generation 3nm chip, and that's the important part. The battery is also bigger and lasts longer, supporting up to 33 hours of video playback on the Pro Max. iOS 18 gives you more customization and new features, and Apple says Apple Intelligence will bring AI to these phones later this year (though it isn't available at launch).
Lastly, there's the camera. At a time when Android phone makers are trying to alter photos with AI and computational photography, Apple takes a different approach, providing a more natural color and lighting profile. You can change that with Photographic Styles, which are film-like software filters. There's also a Camera Control button that you can use as a physical shutter with a press, or use to modify settings with swipe and pressure gestures. The main sensor is 48MP, f/1.78 lens, and that's paired with a 48MP ultrawide sensor and a 5x telephoto lens.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is the best iPhone you can buy, but it's expensive. Frankly, it's more than most people need. We recommend checking out theiPhone 16 and seeing if the base model meets your needs before dropping over $1,000 on the Pro Max. With that being said, the Pro Max is the most popular tier for a reason.
iPhone 16 Pro Max review: All about the cameras
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is hyped around its AI capabilities, but most are not ready for roll out. Instead, get this phone for its great video recording.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
An incredible do-it-all phone with a versatile set of cameras
- SoC
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy
- Display
- 6.8-inch Quad HD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz refresh rate, 501 PPI, 2,600 nits peak brightness
- RAM
- 12GB
- Storage
- 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
The Galaxy S24 Ultra is Samsung's premium flagship phone for 2024, further refining everything Android enthusiasts love about this big, beautiful phone. It improves upon the already excellent Galaxy S23 Ultra in some meaningful ways to deliver a more refined experience.
- Premium fit and finish with a titanium frame and a clean design
- A versatile camera setup
- The Galaxy AI stuff is genuinely useful
- The 3X tele lens and ultra-wide sensors are old and showing its age
- Expensive price tag
Samsung's new Galaxy S24 Ultra is every bit as performant and feature-rich as theGalaxy S23 Ultra. If anything, the newer flagship brings more performance and features to the table thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy chipset and Galaxy AI. It remains one of the biggest and the most feature-packed Android phones out there, with nothing quite like it. It's very easy to recommend the Galaxy S24 Ultra as one of the top picks, so consider buying it if you'd rather buy an Android phone over an iPhone.
There is a lot to like about the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, but it shines particularly in the camera department. It sports an impressive array of cameras, which includes a 200MP f/1.7 main camera, a 12MP f/2.2 ultrawide camera, a 10MP f/2.4 telephoto camera, and a 50MP f/3.4 periscope telephoto lens. This versatile camera setup lets you capture photos and videos in various modes, and the results are quite commendable, too. The Samsung Galaxy phones that came out over the last few years have all had excellent cameras, and the Galaxy S24 Ultra is no exception.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra also comes with the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy chipset, which isn't all that different from the regular Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip. That's not necessarily a bad thing, though, as it's still going to deliver better performance overall compared to the flagships from last year. Samsung has also baked this phone with a ton of AI features, many of which are genuinely useful and will improve your overall experience of using the phone. Some other highlights of the phone include a massive 6.8-inch Quad HD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel with support for up to 120Hz refresh rate, a 5,000mAh battery, a new titanium frame that makes this model more sturdy, and an included S Pen.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra review: The most feature-packed, do-it-all phone in the world
The Galaxy S24 Ultra's new AI features along with (slightly) improved camera system and build make for the most maximal, do-it-all phone
OnePlus 12
A reliable Android phone that doesn't break the bank
- SoC
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3
- Display
- 6.82-inch, QHD+ (1440x3168 resolution) OLED, 1-120Hz, Gorilla Glass Victus 2
- RAM
- 12GB, 16GB
- Storage
- 256GB, 512GB
The OnePlus 12 is more affordable than many flagships but still offers lots of flagship-level features. Get this phone if you want a phone that's reliable and performs well, and won't burn a huge hole in your wallet.
- Sleek, good looking design
- Excellent Periscope zoom lens
- Much larger battery than U.S. competition
- No U.S. carrier presence
- Curved screen design feels outdated in 2024
OnePlus' latest flagship phone, the OnePlus 12, arrived in the U.S. a few weeks back, and it has replaced its predecessor as the best affordable flagship phone you can buy. It's not the most affordable phone at $800, but it brings plenty of noteworthy improvements over the outgoing model, which was already very easy to recommend. In fact, it's almost as good as the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, but at a far lower price.
The OnePlus 12 comes with Qualcomm's newSnapdragon 8 Gen 3, which is an excellent silicon that performs well and gets through all the tasks without a hitch. It also sports a new LTPO AMOLED panel that's slightly bigger and can get significantly brighter than the one on the OnePlus 11. The new panel is also protected with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 as opposed to the regular Gorilla Glass Victus. The base variant of the OnePlus 12 also starts with 256GB storage instead of 128GB, and you also get an improved Periscope lens on the new flagship.
OnePlus announced the newer OnePlus 13 in China, but we're still waiting for a global release. You may want to hold off on buying a OnePlus 12 unless you can find a great deal.
As far as the optics are concerned, you are looking at a 50MP f/1.6 main camera with OIS, a 48MP f/2.2 ultrawide camera, and a new 64MP f/2.6 periscope zoom camera. This Periscope zoom camera has a relatively large 1/2-inch sensor, allowing the OnePlus 12 to do a credible 6X zoom at near-lossless quality. It beats the iPhone 15 Pro Max's 5x zoom and goes neck-and-neck against the Galaxy S24 Ultra's 5x zoom. It's worth highlighting that the OnePlus 12 also packs a slightly bigger battery than the OnePlus 11, coming in at 5,400mAh, and it also comes with Android 14 out of the box.
The new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 makes the OnePlus 12 an excellent performer, and it's one of the main reasons why it's currently our top pick over the likes of the Google Pixel 9. There's also the new OnePlus 12R that comes with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip and an updated display with 4,500 nits of peak brightness, but don't expect it to have a good set of cameras, as it offers a fairly basic setup.
OnePlus 12 review: Almost as good as S24 Ultra, but at a far lower price
The OnePlus 12 is a fantastic Android phone that gets a lot of things right for the price. It even goes head-to-head with Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra.
OnePlus 12R
Can't go wrong with this for $500
- SoC
- Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
- Display
- 6.78" FHD+ OLED
- RAM
- 8/16GB
- Storage
- 128GB or 256GB
- Battery
- 5500mAh
The OnePlus 12R is the company's return to its super value roots, with a phone that offers a beautiful, immersive screen, a good main camera, and a large battery with fast charging, starting at $500. There are some compromises, such as a one-year-old Snapdragon chip and no actual zoom lens. But the value proposition is high.
- The screen, build quality and main camera are on par with Samsung's $700-$800 phones
- Large battery with fast charging and charger included
- Looks just as good as its flagship sibling
- Guaranteed only three years software updates
- No telephoto camera
- The frosted black version feels slippery in the hand
The OnePlus 12R is an excellent choice for value-conscious shoppers in the U.S. market, offering a good blend of cutting-edge features and affordability. This phone feels like it marks the company's actual return to its super-value roots, and there's very little competition for it right now. One key factor contributing to the OnePlus 12R's appeal is its powerful hardware.
OnePlus 12R may not have the latest Snapdragon chipset, but the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 that's at the heart of this phone is no slouch either. Pair that with up to 16GB of RAM, and you get a phone that ensures smooth multitasking, swift app launches, and a responsive user experience. It also stands out in the display department with a vibrant and immersive screen that supports high resolution, fast refresh rates, and brightness.
OnePlus has often been praised for its fast-charging technology, and the OnePlus 12R lives up to expectations with support for up to 80W charging. It also comes bundled with the supported charging brick, making it better than even some expensive flagships on this list. It doesn't support wireless charging, though, so keep that in mind.
There's nothing to write home about the triple-camera setup on the OnePlus 12R, but it has a solid 50MP main camera that delivers good results with a fast shutter. Just keep your expectations in check when it comes to its ultrawide and the Macro sensors, as they aren't particularly great. But don't let the average camera performance keep you from buying the OnePlus 12R, as it leaves very little room to complain about.
OnePlus 12R review: Best value phone in America right now
The OnePlus 12R is a $500 phone that can be easily had for $400, and it offers flagship display, large battery and near-flagship processor too
Google Pixel 8a
"Almost flagship" phone for $500
- SoC
- Google Tensor G3
- Display
- 6.1-inch OLED (1080x2400), 120Hz OLED, 2000 nits peak
- RAM
- 8GB LPDDR5x
- Storage
- 128GB/256GB UFS 3.1
- Battery
- 4,492 mAh
Google's latest mid-ranger brings a ton of improvements over last year's model, making it a great option for the budget-conscious. It has Google's Tensor G3, 8GB of LPDDR5x RAM, a 120Hz OLED display, and so much more in a more price-conscious package.
- Same curved design and Tensor G3 chip as Google's flagships
- Includes some of Google's new generative AI smartphone features
- Camera performance is still the best you'll find at this price point
- Google's mid-ranger is competing with more phones this year, including the OnePlus 12R
- Charging is still very slow
The Google Pixel 8a emerges as a compelling mid-range smartphone option in the U.S., offering a good blend of performance, camera prowess, and software experience that we have come to expect from Google's Pixel phones. Powered by the same Tensor G3 chip found in the flagship Pixel 8 Pro, the 8a handles everyday tasks and demanding applications without a hitch.
It's not as versatile as the Pixel 8 Pro model when it comes to the camera system, but I'd say it still excels thanks to Google's computational photography magic. You can expect to capture some good photos with rich detail and vibrant colors, especially in well-lit conditions. Notably, you also get all the software features like Magic Eraser and Photo Unblur to further enhance your editing capabilities. The software, however, is where the Pixel 8a truly shines, in my opinion. It ships with Android 14 out of the box, and Google is also promising seven years of updates, which is great for those who like to hold on to their phones for a long time. As a Pixel phone, you also get to enjoy features like Call Screen and Hold for Me.
It's a great option to consider for those who are looking to buy a reliable Android phone without breaking the bank. It's not necessarily worth an upgrade if you already have the Pixel 7a, but I definitely recommend picking up the Pixel 8a over the Pixel 7a if you are coming from a relatively older device. In fact, you can check out ourPixel 8a vs Pixel 7a comparison to learn more about the differences between the two.
Google Pixel 8a review: A great mid-ranger with Google's best AI tools for half the price
Google made the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro the first real "AI smartphones," and that now extends to the $500 Pixel 8a.
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
Can't go wrong with this for $200
The Samsung Galaxy A15 stands as a solid improvement to its predecessor the Galaxy A14 5G, as it brings some much-needed changes. Not only are you looking at improved performance, but you also get things like an improved display and software support. It leaves very little room to complain about for $200.
- Decent and reliable performance for the price
- A good AMOLED panel
- Solid battery life
- The build quality reflects its price tag
- No IP rating
Samsung's Galaxy A15 5G is an easy recommendation over the Galaxy A14 5G from last year, as the new phone brings a slew of changes that make it a great phone. Though the design has largely remained unchanged from the Galaxy A14 5G from last year, it brings some noteworthy changes on the inside that makes it great. It now features an AMOLED panel instead of an LCD, which will great improve the overall experience of using the phone. It's a tad smaller, coming in at 6.5-inch compared to 6.6-inch, but that's not necessarily a deal-breaker.
The software experience on the Galaxy A15 5G is going to be identical to its predecessor as they both run Android 14-based OneUI 6 out of the box. The newer phone, however, could be a bit snappy and smooth for day-to-day usage, thanks to the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ processor. It's a pretty good improvement over the Galaxy A14 5G's Dimensity 700 processor. You have the same 4GB RAM on the base variant of the Galaxy A15 5G as its predecessor, but the storage has been bumped to 128GB as opposed to 64GB.
The Galaxy A15 5G can last for up to two days on a single charge without demanding the charger, but keep in mind that it only supports a maximum of 15W charging. The Samsung Galaxy A15 5G's triple camera setup is just usage at best, so don't expect it to produce any stunning images. You get a 50MP f/1.8MP main lens, a 2MP f/2.4 macro lens, and a 2MP f/2.4 depth camera. The Galaxy A14 5G remains a good alternative to the Galaxy A15 5G, and you could consider picking it up if it's available at a cheaper price compared to the newer phone.
Samsung Galaxy A14 5G review: An overachieving budget phone
At $200, the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G outperforms many others in its price range. That's a low bar, but this phone is still an excellent choice.
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Pixel camera dominates, as usual
- SoC
- Google Tensor G4
- Display
- 6.8-inch Super Actua display, OLED, 2992x1344, 1-120Hz, up to 2000 nits (HDR) and 3000 nits peak brightness, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
- RAM
- 16GB
- Storage
- Up to 1TB
- Battery
- 5,060mAh
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is the true successor to the Pixel 8 Pro, now with a taller screen, an all-new Google Tensor G4 chip, and fully upgraded cameras for even better photos and video.
- The ultrawide and selfie cameras are upgraded from the Pixel 8 Pro
- The main camera is unchanged, but still great thanks to Google AI and computational photography
- Fresh design and a premium feel
- Not a major upgrade over the Pixel 8 Pro in all areas
- Tensor G4 still isn't the fastest SoC around
- Same camera system as smaller Pixel 9 Pro
Google added a third Pixel phone to its lineup this year, the Pixel 9 Pro XL, but it's not really a bigger version of the Pixel 9 Pro. Instead, the Pixel 9 Pro is a smaller version of the Pixel 9 Pro XL — which is close to the size of the Pixel 8 Pro, which earned our "best camera phone" title last year. That means you can either choose the Pixel 9 Pro or the Pixel 9 Pro XL if you want a great camera system, because the new Pixel 9 Pro XL is our top pick where camera quality is concerned.
Half of the Pixel 9 Pro XL's cameras are brand-new compared to thePixel 8 Pro. The selfie camera got a massive upgrade, moving from a meager 10.5MP shooter to a new 42MP f/2.2 sensor. Additionally, the ultrawide camera has been improved, as it's now using a quicker f/1.7 aperture. Although the 50MP f/1.7 main (wide) camera and periscope zoom lenses remain unchanged, they're still best-in-class. Google's computational photography and AI features make most Pixel 9 Pro XL photos turn out great.
Speaking of artificial intelligence, the Pixel 9 Pro XL is all about it. The smartphone features a Tensor G4 chip that leaves past thermal woes in the past and brings marginally-improved performance. However, the Tensor G4 processor is still nowhere near the Apple A17 Pro or Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipsets in terms of raw power. Instead, the Pixel 9 Pro XL tries to wow buyers with AI features likePixel Screenshots and Add me, as well as a polished software experience overall. This time around, the Pixel 9 Pro XL ships with Android 14, so you'll have to wait for the Android 15 update to come later.
Rounding out the experience is a 6.8-inch Super Actua display, which looks excellent thanks to a 2992x1344 resolution and a 3,000-nit peak brightness rating. The chassis is overhauled, too, to provide a more premium feel similar to an iPhone. At $1,100, it's expensive, but it continues the industry trend of big and beefy phones commanding four-digit price tags.
Pixel 9 Pro XL review: Google's best hardware ever, and some AI smarts too
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL brings a major redesign that looks and feels great, but still, this phone is all about generative AI
Google Pixel 9
Not all that small, but definitely mighty
- SoC
- Google Tensor G4
- Display
- 6.3-inch Actua display, OLED, 2424x1080, 120Hz, up to 1800 nits (HDR) and 2700 nits peak brightness, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2
- RAM
- 12GB
- Storage
- 128GB or 256GB
- Battery
- 4,700mAh
Powered by the Google Tensor G4 chipset, the Pixel 9 boats some notable upgrades including a brighter display, a new camera system, and a revamped design. It's a more ambitious phone than the aging Galaxy S24 at the same price.
- Upgraded ultrawide camera
- Redesigned chassis with smaller bezels and a bigger screen
- Plenty of Google AI smarts within
- It's $100 more expensive than last year
- Tensor G4 still won't wow users in terms of raw performance
- Charging speeds are still woefully slow
The Google Pixel 9 is our pick for the best compact flagship, because you get a lot in a relatively small form factor. However, the small phone is dying as a concept, and even the Pixel 9 is fairly large with a 6.3-inch display. This phone competes with the OnePlus 12 for the title of best affordable flagship, but the Pixel 9 falls short in a few areas. It lacks a telephoto lens, has a worse processor, and slower charging speeds. Still, I wouldn't blame you for picking the Pixel 9 over the OnePlus 12 for its compact size, excellent camera, and overall-great software experience.
Like the Pixel 9 Pro XL, the base Pixel 9 has an improved ultrawide camera sensor. It's now a 48MP, Quad-PD sensor with a 123° field of view. Unfortunately, the Pixel 9 doesn't feature a telephoto lens for optical zoom, but Super Res Zoom provides optical-quality digital zoom at 2x. The main camera is unchanged, but it's a 50MP, Octa-PD wide camera with an f/1.68 aperture and a 1/1.31" image sensor size that still holds up in 2024. Compared to theSamsung Galaxy S24, the Pixel 9's camera system is much more ambitious and performs better in most situations.
The $800 Pixel 9 has the same Tensor G4 processor as the $1,100 Pixel 9 Pro XL, and that's one of the perks of going with a compact Pixel. It also shares many of the impressive generative AI features with the more expensive Pixels, like Add me and Pixel Screenshots. However, it's worth noting that the Tensor G4 still lags behind the competition from Apple and Samsung. For daily use, the Pixel 9 holds its own and feels just as snappy as any other flagship in this price bracket.
The Pixel 9 is roughly the same size as theGoogle Pixel 8, but it packs a slightly-larger 6.3-inch Actua display and features slimmer bezels. This screen has a resolution of 1080 x 2424 at 422 pixels-per-inch, and it's a great OLED panel with a variable refresh rate between 60Hz and 120Hz. My favorite part of the Google Pixel 9 is the excellent brightness of its display, which makes it visible in most — if not all — conditions. We'll have to see whether the upcoming Galaxy S25 challenges the Pixel 9, but for now, Google has the best compact flagship phone.
Google Pixel 9 review: This is the most polished compact flagship yet
Google is putting Apple, Samsung, and OnePlus to shame in one small, but crucial area.
OnePlus Open
The best foldable phone you can buy right now in the U.S.
- SoC
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform
- Display
- Primary: 7.82-inch; secondary: 6.31-inch
- RAM
- 16GB LPDDR5X
- Storage
- 512GB UFS 4.0
The OnePlus Open is the company's first foldable, featuring a sleek design, a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform chip, advanced camera system, and more. It is available in two colorways and starts at $1,500.
- Excellent displays
- Impressive camera hardware
- Great multitasking capabilities
- Main camera takes in too much light
- A bit on the expensive side
OnePlus Open is essentially just a rebranded Oppo Find N3 Fold, but that doesn't take away from the fact that it's a great foldable phone. In fact, it's among the most polished phones I've used all year, and I highly recommend it to those who are in the market to buy a new foldable. The OnePlus Open was better than both thePixel Fold and the Galaxy Z Fold 5 in many ways, making it the best foldable phone you can buy in the U.S. Now that theGalaxy Z Fold 6 is out, has anything changed? Not really, because Samsung barely upgraded the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and the OnePlus Open is still the more complete and ambitious package.
The OnePlus Open may not be the thinnest or the lightest foldable on the market, but it's sturdy and well-constructed, and it's also very comfortable to use both folded and unfolded. Both a 7.8-inch folding screen and a 6.3-inch secondary screen on this phone are LTPO 3.0 panels with refresh rates that vary between 1-120Hz. They also support a peak brightness of 2,800 nits, which is simply great. The highlight of this phone, however, is the internal display, which leaves no visible crease when it's unfolded. It also has a matte finish that keeps fingerprints and reflections at bay.
OnePlus Open also comes with a great set of cameras that are capable of taking some stunning shots, and it also has a powerful set of internals to go against the latest flagships out there. I suggest reading our OnePlus Open review to learn more about the phone, its cameras, and all the multitasking features you get as a part of OxygenOS. The OnePlus Open is still a better foldable phone than the Galaxy Z Fold 6, as mentioned in ourOnePlus Open vs Galaxy Z Fold 6 comparison, but Samsung's best folding phone is still a great alternative to consider.
OnePlus Open review: The best foldable phone in America
The OnePlus Open brings awesome Chinese foldable hardware and adds software that's optimized for a Western crowd.
Motorola Razr+ (2024)
Still better than Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 6
- SoC
- Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 Mobile Platform
- Display
- 6.9" FHD+ pOLED display (2640 x 1080) | 413ppi | LTPO | Foldable AMOLED | HDR10+ | 10-bit | 120% DCI-P3 colorgamut, 4.0" pOLED display 1272 x 1080 | 417ppi | LTPO | Flexible AMOLED | HDR10+ | 10-bit | 100% DCI-P3 colorgamut
- RAM
- 12GB LPDDR5X
- Storage
- 256GB built-in storage UFS4.0
- Battery
- 4000mAh non-removable
The 2024 Motorola Razr+ features a few subtle (but welcome) upgrades over its predecessor. These include a new Snapdragon processor, boosted RAM, a larger cover display, and useful AI features.
- Motorola is finally offering AI features on Razr foldables
- The cover screen is bigger and it's basically a full-fledged Android phone now
- Great performance with the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 mobile platform
- Camera performance is spotty in poor lighting conditions
- There isn't an ultrawide camera here
Motorola stole Samsung's clamshell foldable crown last year with theMotorola Razr+ (2023), and this year's Razr+ (2024) simply continues that success. Somehow, Motorola managed to make the Razr+ cover screen even bigger, as it now sports a 4-inch pOLED panel. That's bigger than an iPhone 5s, for what it's worth. Make no mistake: the Razr+ cover screen can basically be used as its own Android phone, and that's what makes this devicebetter than the Galaxy Z Flip 6.
Quality is just about perfect when it comes to the Razr+ displays. The cover screen not only has that beautiful pOLED panel, but also has a variable refresh rate up to 165Hz. Opening up the phone reveals a 6.9-inch FHD+ pOLED display with a 2640 x 1080 resolution, and it looks similarly great. This display is slightly bigger than the one on the Galaxy Z Flip 6, and the crease is pretty discreet. The entire thing is a compelling package, with a better IPX8 water-resistance rating than last year's model. Unfortunately, it's no longer dust-resistant.
Performance is excellent, and it's one of the key areas Motorola improved on the Razr+ (2023). The new Razr+ (2024) is powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 Mobile Platform and 12GB LPDDR5X memory, so it's super fast. Plus, Motorola added some key AI smarts this year, and that's a necessity for any phone trying to remain competitive in 2024. The battery is bigger this year, and the 4000mAh capacity is sure to result in better battery life. The cameras are pretty great, too, featuring 32MP (f/2.4, 0.7 μm) or 8MP (f/2.4, 1.4um) QuadPixel sensors.
Of course, the clear competitor to Razr+ is theGalaxy Z Flip 6, which recently launched. That phone isn't bad, but it's handily behind Motorola from a hardware standpoint. There are two reasons you may want to go with Samsung anyway: software support and resale value. It took Motorola a full year to bring Android 14 to the Razr+ (2023), which isn't ideal. Samsung is also offering seven years of support on the Z Flip 6, and that's outstanding. Typically, Samsung phones are worth more in trade-in rebates and resale value than Motorola phones. With all that said, if you're looking for the best clamshell foldable phone you can buy today, it's clearly the Razr+ (2024).
Motorola Razr (2024) and Razr+ (2024) review: Foldables are mature now
The external screen is bigger than an iPhone 5s
Asus ROG Phone 8
The ultimate Android gaming phone
The Asus ROG Phone 8 improves upon its predecessor with the latest hardware. It's powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, which is sufficient for playing the most demanding Android games. It may not have all the bells and whistles as its bigger brother, it has the same internal hardware for a slightly lower price.
- Packs the same core specs as the Pro model
- Support for fast-charging and wireless charging
- IP68 rating
- The design is not for everyone
Asus has a strong lineup of gaming phones, and the ROG Phone 8 secures the top spot to become one of the best options for gamers. This particular phone improves upon the ROG Phone 7, our previous pick for the best gaming phone. The new handset doesn't disappoint when it comes to performance thanks to things like the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, up to 16GB of LPDDR5X memory, UFS 4.0 storage, and more.
Another highlight of this phone is its 6.78-inch Dynamic AMOLED display that comes with support for up to 165Hz refresh rate. It's an excellent panel for media consumption, and you'll have a great time playing games on it. Another highlight of the ROG Phone 8 is its 5,500mAh battery, which, with 65W fast charging, allows you to game for long hours without worrying about charging. The battery on the ROG Phone 8 is a bit smaller than what you get on the ROG Phone 7, but it retains the charging speed while adding support for wireless charging.
Asus announced that it plans to reveal the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro later this month, so you may want to wait and see what a newer model might hold before buying this one.
The ROG Phone 8 is a bit lighter than its predecessor, but it's still on the heavier side at 225g. It's not necessarily a deal-breaker if you are coming from similar gaming phones that are known to be bulky, but you'll definitely feel the added heft when switching from other mainstream flagships on this list. The ROG Phone 8, just like its predecessor, stands as an excellent choice for those seeking a dependable Android device designed specifically for gaming. We haven't had a chance to review the ROG Phone 8 yet, but it stacks up very well against the other gaming phones.
Best gaming phones in 2024
Enjoy gaming on the go? Here are the best gaming smartphones whatever your budget.
Lots of great phones to pick
Out of all the phones on this list, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is the best one for most people. It has a powerful processor, great camera system, and a downright impressive software experience. There are a lot of changes to iOS 18 that even Android users can appreciate, like greater customization options. It's also widely available, has a large ecosystem of apps and accessories, and holds resale value well.
There are plenty of reasons to choose another Android phone instead, but you can't go wrong with the iPhone 16 Pro Max. If you're not a power user, going with the base iPhone 16 can net you a similar experience while saving you a fair bit of cash.
The only phone that comes close to matching the general performance and experience of the iPhone 16 Pro Max in the Android world is the Galaxy S24 Ultra, and, as such, it's the runner-up on this list. That being said, we've also added some other options to this list, including Pixel 9 Pro XL, OnePlus 12, and more, so be sure to check out the complete list before making a purchase decision.
iPhone 16 Pro Max
- SoC
- Apple A18 Pro
- Display
- 6.9-inch 1320 X 2868 OLED, LPTO, 1-120Hz, 2000 nits
- RAM
- 8GB
- Storage
- 256GB/512GB/1TB
- Battery
- 4,865mAh
- Ports
- USB-C
Apple's newest and biggest iPhone gets a slightly larger screen, new A18 Pro chip, a better ultra-wide camera, a new physical button for controlling the camera, and the ability to run Apple Intelligence. But with many Apple Intelligence features not quite ready, the overall experience here is still very similar to last year's iPhone, although it's a bit better in every way.
