OnePlus continues to impress with its Nord lineup, offering premium features at a mid-range price. The latest OnePlus Nord 4, launched in August 2024, upholds this tradition by blending high-end specifications with an attractive design. Let’s dive into an in-depth review of this promising device.
Design and Build
The Nord 4 showcases a premium build, featuring a glass front, aluminium back, and aluminium frame, a design usually seen in flagship devices. The phone’s dimensions (162.6 x 75 x 8 mm) make it slim and ergonomic, while the 199.5 g weight gives it a solid, balanced feel in hand. Notably, the device is IP65 certified, making it resistant to dust and water splashes—a feature that adds peace of mind for outdoor usage.
Colour Options:
Obsidian Midnight (classic black)
Mercurial Silver (sleek metallic)
Oasis Green (unique and vibrant)
The Nord 4’s aesthetic appeal and durability make it an excellent choice for those who value style and substance.
Display
The display is one of the Nord 4’s standout features. It sports a 6.74-inch Fluid AMOLED panel supporting 1 billion colours, ensuring vivid and accurate colour reproduction. The 120Hz refresh rate delivers smooth scrolling and enhanced gaming experiences, while HDR10+ adds richness to video content.
With a peak brightness of 2150 nits, the screen performs exceptionally well under direct sunlight. Whether binge-watching shows, gaming, or browsing, the display does not disappoint.
Key Display Specs:
Resolution: 1240 x 2772 pixels (~450 PPI)
Screen-to-body ratio: ~90%
Ultra HDR image support for dynamic and vibrant visuals
Performance
Under the hood, the OnePlus Nord 4 is powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chipset, built on a 4nm process. This octa-core processor combines raw power and efficiency, making the phone capable of handling intensive tasks, from high-end gaming to multitasking. The Adreno 732 GPU further enhances graphical performance, ensuring smooth visuals for gamers and creators alike.
The phone ships with Android 14 and OxygenOS 14.1, offering a clean, fast, customizable user interface. OnePlus guarantees four major Android updates, ensuring longevity and value.
Performance Benchmarks:
AnTuTu: 1,315,847 (v10)
GeekBench: 4791 (v6)
3DMark: 3080 (Wild Life Extreme)
Camera
The dual-camera setup on the Nord 4 strikes a balance between versatility and quality.
Rear Cameras:
50 MP (wide): Excellent for sharp and detailed photos, even in low light, thanks to PDAF and OIS.
8 MP (ultrawide): Perfect for group photos and landscapes, offering a 112° field of view.
The camera system supports 4K video recording at 30/60fps, with gyro-EIS ensuring stable footage.
Front Camera:
16 MP (wide): Delivers decent selfies with good detail but struggles slightly in low-light conditions.
While the camera setup is reliable, it lacks the versatility of triple or quad-camera systems offered by competitors.
Battery and Charging
The Nord 4 has a 5500mAh battery, which provides exceptional battery life. It lasted an impressive 14 hours and 41 minutes of active use during testing, making it ideal for power users.
What sets this phone apart is its 100W wired charging. OnePlus advertises a full charge in just 28 minutes, and real-world tests confirm its incredible speed. This feature is a lifesaver for users constantly on the go.
Audio and Connectivity
The Nord 4 features stereo speakers that produce clear and loud audio with a -24.6 LUFS rating (Perfect). Unfortunately, the phone lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, which might disappoint users who prefer wired audio devices.
Connectivity options are robust:
Wi-Fi 6 ensures faster and more reliable wireless internet.
Bluetooth 5.4 supports seamless connections and high-quality audio codecs like aptX HD and LHDC.
NFC and Infrared support add functionality, such as contactless payments and remote control capabilities.
Storage Options
The Nord 4 offers a range of storage configurations, catering to different user needs:
128GB/8GB RAM
256GB/8GB RAM
256GB/12GB RAM
512GB/16GB RAM
The UFS 4.0 storage (for variants above 128GB) ensures blazing-fast read/write speeds. However, the need for expandable storage might be a drawback for some users.
Pricing and Availability
The OnePlus Nord 4 is competitively priced:
€389 / £349 / ₹27,999
Given its feature set, the Nord 4 offers excellent value for money, making it an attractive option for mid-range buyers.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Stunning Fluid AMOLED display with HDR10+ and Ultra HDR
Powerful Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 chipset
Excellent battery life and 100W fast charging
Sleek and durable design with an IP65 rating
Competitive Pricing
Cons:
No expandable storage
Average selfie camera
Lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack
Conclusion
The OnePlus Nord 4 is a stellar mid-range smartphone that excels in design, display, performance, and charging speed. While it has a few shortcomings, such as the absence of expandable storage and a primary selfie camera, the overall package offers incredible value for its price.
If you want a phone that delivers flagship-like performance without breaking the bank, the OnePlus Nord 4 is a top contender.
The Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro is a testament to gaming innovation. It combines cutting-edge hardware with premium build quality and gamer-focused features. Designed to deliver the ultimate mobile gaming experience, it doesn’t hesitate to make a bold statement with its design and performance.
The phone features a robust design with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front, Gorilla Glass on the back, and an aluminum frame, ensuring durability and style. It is unique to the ROG series and boasts a Mini-LED programmable matrix on the back, adding a gamer flair. Including pressure-sensitive gaming triggers enhances gameplay precision, while the IP68 water and dust resistance offers added durability—a first for ROG phones.
The 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display is a highlight. It offers a buttery-smooth 185Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support, making it perfect for gaming and media consumption. With a peak brightness of 2500 nits, the screen remains vibrant even in bright outdoor conditions. While the FHD+ resolution might seem modest compared to QHD displays, it balances sharp visuals and power efficiency.
Under the hood, the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip (3 nm) powers the ROG Phone 9 Pro, delivering unmatched performance. Paired with up to 24GB of RAM and the Adreno 830 GPU, the phone easily handles multitasking, gaming, and demanding apps. Benchmark scores speak for themselves, with an AnTuTu score of over 3 million and a GeekBench score exceeding 10,000, making it one of the fastest phones in the market. The advanced cooling system ensures the device stays cool during prolonged gaming sessions.
The ROG Phone 9 Pro’s camera setup is surprisingly impressive for a gaming phone. It features a 50 MP primary sensor with gimbal OIS for ultra-stable shots, a 32 MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and a 13 MP ultrawide lens. It supports 8K video recording at 30fps and HDR10+ video, making it a solid choice for photography enthusiasts. The 32 MP front camera ensures sharp selfies and smooth video calls, adding versatility to the phone’s capabilities.
Audio quality is another area where this phone excels. It has stereo speakers for an immersive sound experience and retains the 3.5mm headphone jack—a rarity in modern smartphones. Audiophiles will appreciate the 32-bit/384kHz Hi-Res Audio support, which ensures crystal-clear audio for wired and wireless connections.
Battery life is stellar, thanks to a massive 5800mAh battery that provides over 16 hours of active use. The phone supports 65W wired charging, which can fully charge the battery in just 46 minutes, as well as 15W wireless charging and 10W reverse charging for added convenience. The dual USB-C ports make charging while gaming seamless and comfortable.
Priced at €1300, the Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro is a premium device. Its gamer-centric design, powerful performance, vibrant display, and innovative features justify the price for those seeking an uncompromised gaming experience. While its weight and lack of expandable storage might deter some, it remains an exceptional choice for mobile gamers.
The ROG Phone 9 Pro is the ultimate companion for gaming enthusiasts. It delivers top-tier performance, unparalleled visuals, and various features tailored to gamers. If you’re serious about gaming on the go, this phone is worth every penny.
The Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max is a premium addition to Apple’s lineup, offering powerful performance, innovative design, and cutting-edge features. Here’s a detailed look at what this flagship model brings. Today we have a brief discussion of the iPhone 16 Pro Max review below
Design and Build Quality
The iPhone 16 Pro Max stands out with its titanium frame (grade 5), providing strength and durability while reducing weight. At 227 grams, it’s relatively manageable given its size. The Corning-made glass front and back ensure a sleek and modern look while maintaining resilience. With IP68 dust/water resistance, the phone can survive up to 6 meters underwater for 30 minutes, making it highly durable.
Display
Apple continues to excel in display quality with a 6.9-inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED screen. It offers a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling, HDR10, and Dolby Vision support for vibrant colors and contrast. With up to 2000 nits peak brightness, the display is easily visible outdoors. The Ceramic Shield glass provides extra protection, and the Always-On display is a convenient addition.
Performance
Powered by the Apple A18 Pro chip (3 nm), this iPhone offers incredible speed and efficiency. The hexa-core CPU (2×4.05 GHz and 4×2.42 GHz) and 6-core GPU make it ideal for gaming, multitasking, and other intensive tasks. Benchmarks confirm its power, with an AnTuTu score of 1,723,557 and a GeekBench score of 7968, positioning it as one of the fastest smartphones available.
Camera
The iPhone 16 Pro Max has an impressive triple-camera setup:
48 MP main sensor with sensor-shift OIS and dual-pixel PDAF for sharp images.
12 MP periscope telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, enabling clear shots even at a distance.
48 MP ultra-wide camera for expansive shots.
The TOF 3D LiDAR scanner enhances depth sensing and AR capabilities.
It records up to 4K at 120 fps and offers Dolby Vision HDR, making it ideal for high-quality video enthusiasts. The 12 MP front camera with Dolby Vision HDR and 3D spatial audio capabilities makes for excellent selfies and video calls.
Battery and Charging
The 4685 mAh battery provides a solid 17+ hours of active use. Fast-charging options include PD2.0 wired charging (50% in 30 minutes) and 25W MagSafe wireless charging. Additionally, it offers reverse charging, which is useful for powering accessories on the go.
Connectivity and Other Features
The iPhone 16 Pro Max supports a range of connectivity options, including 5G, tri-band Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3, and USB Type-C 3.2. Enhanced with Ultra Wideband (UWB Gen 2), Emergency SOS, and satellite-based Find My feature, it brings more convenience and safety to users.
Verdict
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is a powerhouse that combines elegant design, top-notch performance, and a fantastic camera system. While priced at $1,199.99, it offers a blend of premium features and durability, making it ideal for those seeking a high-end smartphone experience.
Pros:
Stunning OLED display with 2000 nits brightness.
Powerful A18 Pro chip for top-notch performance.
Versatile and high-quality camera system.
Durable titanium frame and Ceramic Shield protection.
We will discuss today Android vs iOS which is best for you? Android and iOS – Both are the best modern mobile operating systems, but each has slightly different advantages and disadvantages in certain aspects. Here is a comparative analysis of the various elements of both, which will help you decide.
User Experience
iOS: iOS is easy to use, intuitive, and smooth user interface. The app design is seamless, and updates are available quickly. Android: Android has an easy-to-use, intuitive user interface. Users get different experiences as they are customized for various brands. Those who love customization will love Android more.
Customization and flexibility
iOS: iOS has limited customization options, but it also has limited options for app arrangement and themes. Android: Android is more flexible, as it is open source. The user can change the home screen, launcher, widgets, and everything else. Besides, there is a lot of freedom when installing apps.
App Availability and Quality
iOS: The iOS app store has more quality control, resulting in more quality apps. Many new apps also come to iOS first. Android: Google Play Store has many apps, but little attention is paid to security and quality.
Security
iOS: Apple maintains strict control over its ecosystem, so iOS’s security system is much stronger. Android: Google is also improving Android’s security, but it has some security risks as an open source.
Update and Support
iOS: iOS devices receive long-term software updates, released to all users simultaneously. Android: Different brands follow different Android updates policies, sometimes resulting in delayed updates.
Price and Variety
Android: Many options are available at different prices and specifications to buy the device based on one’s budget. iOS: iPhones are generally priced higher, so those willing to pay more for premium quality prefer iOS.
Decision
If you want security, fast updates, and a smooth and reliable experience, iOS might be a good option. On the other hand, if you are looking for customization, variety, and different budget devices, Android will be more suitable.
Smartphones are an essential part of the business world. They are not only a means of communication but also used to check emails, hold meetings, edit documents, and much more. Hence, there are a few things to consider while buying the best phone for business use.
Some important points while buying a phone for business use:
Display: A good display will help you work longer. OLED or AMOLED displays are generally better options. Processor: A powerful processor will help you run multiple apps simultaneously and get smooth performance. Memory: Sufficient RAM and storage will help you handle large files and multitasking. Battery: A long lasting battery will help you use the phone till the end of the day. Camera: If you often need to make video calls or scan documents, a good camera is very important. Security: Having a good security system is essential to keep your business information safe. Additional features: Some additional features like wireless charging, water resistance etc. can make your work easier.
There are many types of phones available in the market today. Some popular Best Phone for Business:
iPhone: iPhone is known for its superior build quality, powerful processor and security features.
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Samsung Galaxy: Samsung Galaxy phones are popular for their large displays, long-lasting batteries and multitasking capabilities.
samsung galaxy s24 ultra
Samsung Galaxy another best phone for business
Google Pixel: Google Pixel phones are known for their pure Android experience and amazing cameras.
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Google Pixel best mobile phone for business
It’s important to consider your own needs and budget to decide which phone is best for you.
Also, you can check various reviews on YouTube before buying the phone.
Buying a phone for business use is an important decision. The above information will hopefully help you choose the right phone.
There are some important things to consider how to choose a phone, which will help you choose the right phone that suits your needs. Here are some key points discussed:
Budget determination
It is important to determine your budget before buying a phone. Phones at different prices come with a variety of features and benefits. So fix the features you need according to the budget.
operating system
There are generally two main options for a phone’s operating system (OS): Android and iOS. Android phones come in a variety of brands and prices, but iPhones only have iOS. You can choose any of these two according to your needs and preferences.
Processor and performance
A phone’s processor and RAM play a major role in its performance. If you are into gaming, video editing, or multi-tasking, it is better to buy a phone with a good processor and enough RAM. Currently, several powerful processors are available in the market including Snapdragon, Exynos, Apple B-One.
Camera quality
Many people now buy phones for photography and videography. In this case the camera’s megapixels, sensor, and other features (eg: night mode, portrait mode) are important.
Battery backup and charging facility
You should know how your phone will get battery backup. If you use the phone for a long time, get a phone with more battery capacity and choose a phone with fast charging facility. Keep this in mind because the main problem of most smartphone users is low battery.
Display and screen size
The phone’s display quality and screen size play a big role in the user experience. If you plan to watch videos or play games, choose a phone with a large and high resolution display.
Storage capacity
If you need to store more apps, photos, videos, and documents, buy a phone with larger storage. Some phones also have a microSD card slot to expand storage.
Other features
Before buying the phone, you can also consider some additional features like fingerprint sensor, face unlock, water resistance, 5G support etc.
Keep these things in mind before buying a phone and select a right phone according to your needs. Come on now you will get a good quality phone that will make your daily work easier.
Looking for a new phone? You’re in the right place. Many new phones are launching, making it hard to know which ones are worth buying.
Choosing an iPhone is simpler because Apple only releases a few models each year. This means you have fewer choices. In contrast, Samsung Galaxy phones come in a wide variety. If you are sure you want a Samsung, that can help make your decision clearer.
If you’re thinking about any phone, including all Android devices, your choice becomes more complicated. This guide will help you.
We review every phone worth buying—over a hundred each year—but only the best make it here. If you’re looking for something more affordable, check out our guides on the best budget phones and best mid-range phones.
We recommend all the phones listed below, and each one has its unique strengths. Whether you want a phone with AI features, great cameras, excellent gaming performance, long battery life, a folding screen, or good value for money, you’ll find something that suits your needs.
Samsung, Google, Apple, Xiaomi, OnePlus, Honor, Motorola, and Nothing (through its sub-brand CMF) are included here. Nokia, Realme, Asus, Huawei, Honor, Vivo, and Sony are not featured, but you can find them in other smartphone buying guides. At the end of this article, you will also find helpful buying advice to help you choose the best phone for your needs.
We’ve walked you through the development of mobile networks from 2G to 5G. We’ve reported on the ups and downs of Windows Phone, BlackBerry, and LG phones.
Smartphone manufacturers have raced to create the biggest, brightest, and best displays. They’ve competed to offer faster processors and graphics for top mobile performance. We’ve seen a battle over how many cameras and megapixels they can fit into phones. There’s also been a focus on batteries that last longer than a day, and on new tech that makes phones water-resistant and improves sound quality.
Over the past 17 years, we’ve explored mobile hardware together. Today, it’s the software and advanced AI features that keep us engaged. We test every new Android and iPhone model extensively, using them as our main phones for the most accurate experience possible. This allows us to give you the best advice when you buy a new phone.
Best phone 2024
1. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra – Best overall from Top 10 Phones
Samsung galaxy s24 ultra
Pros
Cons
Great performance
Expensive
Excellent and versatile cameras
Large and heavy
Very good battery life
Charging speed is still only 45W
Smart AI features
Seven years of software updates
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Pros & Cons
Best Prices Today: $1,089.99
If money is not a concern, the S24 Ultra is currently the best smartphone available.
Samsung uses its high price to deliver an excellent user experience with few weaknesses. It has many strong features, including powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 performance and five impressive camera lenses.
You also get a beautiful 6.8-inch AMOLED display and a built-in S Pen. Many users find that the battery lasts for two days.
Additionally, the software is the best it has ever been, with a smooth One UI on Android 14 and seven years of both operating system and security updates. It also includes helpful AI features.
The S24 Ultra has a high price and a large, bulky design, which may not suit everyone. However, it is the most complete smartphone you can buy.
2. Xiaomi 14 Ultra – Best cameras
Xiaomi 14 Ultra
Pros
Cons
Great camera quality
High price, with Photography Kit sold separately
Attractive vegan leather design
Mixed reviews on HyperOS software
Beautiful curved screen
Excellent performance
Fast 90W charging
Xiaomi 14 Ultra Pros & Cons
Xiaomi’s flagship smartphones, especially the 14 Ultra, are known for their excellent photo quality. This model can really serve as a replacement for a DSLR camera for many users because of its high-quality and versatile camera system. It features four 50MP rear cameras and a 32MP front camera, all capable of taking fantastic photos in almost any setting.
Though it is pricey, there’s an optional Photography Kit that enhances the camera experience even more. The 14 Ultra also has a beautiful design, a stunning display, great performance, and solid battery life with 90W fast charging. This makes it one of the few phones worth its high price. However, not everyone can afford it, and the HyperOS software experience could be better.
These two issues keep it from ranking higher, but if photography is your main focus, this is the phone to buy. If you want something more affordable, the regular Xiaomi 14 offers nearly the same photography quality.
3. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL – A great alternative
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Pros
Cons
Great cameras
High price
Excellent display
Basic design
Top-notch software
Battery life could be better
Updates for seven years
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL Pros & Cons
Best Prices Today: $1,099
If the previous options don’t appeal to you, consider the Pixel 9. For the best experience, choose the new Pixel 9 Pro XL.
While it’s not as impressive as the Pixel 8 Pro, the 9 Pro XL still offers a great experience in most important areas.
The cameras stand out, capturing vibrant, high-contrast photos with clear details, even in low light. The ultrawide lens and 5x optical zoom make it a versatile camera system, and selfies from the upgraded front lens are excellent.
The 6.8-inch display is enjoyable to use, and Google’s Tensor G4 chipset provides reliable performance. The build quality is better than before, although some may find the new design too generic.
Google excels at creating a good software experience. The 9 Pro XL runs Android 14 and comes with seven years of OS and security updates, which is unmatched by other phones.
Battery life is decent but not outstanding, and the 37W charging is on the slower side. Ultimately, whether you buy the 9 Pro XL depends on if you think the higher price is worth it.
If not, consider the Pixel 9 Pro or the regular Pixel 9, but be aware that there are some downgrades.
4. Apple iPhone 16 Plus – Best iPhone
Apple iPhone 16 Plus
Pros
Cons
Large Super Retina XDR display
No 120Hz refresh rate
Smooth performance
Incomplete AI at launch
Excellent battery life
Starts with 128GB storage
Useful Camera Control button
Apple iPhone 16 Plus Pros & Cons
Best Prices Today: $929.99
The iPhone 16 Plus is a great choice in the 2024 lineup. It combines size, price, and features well.
Like the other models in the 16 range, it won’t have Apple Intelligence at launch. If that’s important to you, you might want to wait to see how good it is.
Otherwise, you get a solid all-around phone that will soon receive AI features. It’s closer to the Pro Max this time because the Action Button is now included, and the new Camera Control button is not just for Pro models.
The screen isn’t as large or impressive as the Pro Max, and it has a regular A18 chipset, but these will be good enough for most users. You also won’t have a telephoto lens or 1TB storage, but many people won’t mind these sacrifices for a lower price.
5. OnePlus Nord 4 – Best value phone
OnePlus Nord 4
Pros
Cons
High-quality build
Unique design may not appeal to everyone
Excellent display
Ultrawide camera underperforms
Strong main camera
Lacks a telephoto camera
Good battery life
Six years of security updates
OnePlus Nord 4 Pros & Cons
Best Prices Today: $499
For the past few years, Google’s A-Series phones have been great value for money in the smartphone market. However, the Pixel 8a now faces strong competition from the OnePlus Nord 4.
The Nord 4 stands out with excellent build quality, featuring a sturdy aluminum body. It also has a beautiful 120Hz OLED screen, strong performance, and long battery life.
If you like the design, you should note that the camera has some drawbacks. There is no telephoto lens, so zoom shots can be disappointing. The ultrawide camera may look good but doesn’t perform as well as expected.
If you mainly use the main camera, you will be satisfied. Plus, the Nord 4 offers six years of security updates, making it almost as long-lasting as the Pixel 8a.
Overall, the OnePlus Nord 4 is the best choice if you want a mid-range phone.
6. Motorola Razr 50 Ultra/Razr+ (2024) – Best foldable phone
Motorola Razr 50 Ultra
Pros
Cons
Great outer display
Competitors offer longer software support
Improved camera quality
Can heat up noticeably
Unique software features
Weak internal camera
Good battery life
Motorola Razr 50 Ultra Pros & Cons
When you think of flip phones released in 2024, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 6 is probably the first one that comes to mind. However, the Motorola Razr 50 Ultra (called the Razr+ in some places) is a better choice for most people.
The main reason is its large 4-inch, 165Hz outer screen. It is bigger than its competitors and you can use any app on it easily. The 6.9-inch, 165Hz internal display is also impressive, with a crease that is hard to notice.
While it doesn’t match the best camera phones, the Razr 50 Ultra’s rear cameras take good photos in different settings. Motorola chose a 2x telephoto lens instead of an ultrawide lens, and the internal selfie camera is not very good.
Motorola offers smooth software, good battery life, and decent charging speeds. Though the Z Flip 6 excels in some areas, like longer software support, the Razr is a better overall choice for most users.
If you want a cheaper option, consider the regular Razr 50. If you prefer a book-style foldable phone, check out the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
7. Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max – Best Premium iPhone
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
Pros
Cons
Great display
AI features are not fully developed at launch
High-quality design and build
Only 8GB of RAM
Strong performance
Pricey
Long battery life
Handy camera control button
Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Pros & Cons
Best Prices Today: $1199.99
This phone might not be the right choice for everyone because of its size and price. However, Apple includes everything you could want, making it a top option for those who want the best in every category.
It continues Apple’s strengths: stylish design, strong performance, and great cameras. The Max offers the best features, as long as you can handle its size day-to-day. If you’re upgrading from an iPhone 14 or earlier, you’ll notice a big improvement, even if it looks similar to the previous model.
The key highlights are its impressive 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, advanced camera technology with the new Camera Control, the powerful A18 Pro chip, and the best battery life available on an iPhone.
Currently, a downside is that Apple Intelligence isn’t yet available across the range. If this feature is important to you, it may be worth waiting for more information on Apple’s AI capabilities.
8. OnePlus 12 – Great all-rounder
OnePlus 12
Pros
Cons
Stylish and unique design
Average wide-angle and selfie cameras
Excellent screen
More expensive than the OnePlus 11
Fast charging with wires and wirelessly
Limited water resistance
Great main and telephoto cameras
OnePlus 12 Pros & Cons
Best Prices Today: $799.99
The OnePlus 12 costs more than the OnePlus 11, so it isn’t the best value flagship anymore.
However, it is still cheaper than most flagship phones and offers what many users want in a smartphone.
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip provides excellent performance, and the 120Hz AMOLED screen gives a great viewing experience. The main and telephoto cameras are now among the best available, though the wide-angle and selfie cameras could use some improvement.
The battery life is good, and it features 100W fast charging along with 50W wireless charging. OnePlus’ OxygenOS, now over Android 14, remains strong, but it offers four OS updates and five years of security patches, which is less than Google and Samsung’s seven years.
Overall, the OnePlus 12 is a great smartphone that is easy to recommend. If you want a foldable phone, check out the OnePlus Open instead.
9. CMF Phone 1 – Best budget phone
CMF Phone 1
Pros
Cons
Stylish and unique design
No NFC feature
No unwanted extra software
Limited water and dust protection
Good performance
Basic cameras
Fun accessories
CMF Phone 1 Pros & Cons
CMF, a sub-brand of Nothing, has focused on wearables and audio products in the past. Their first smartphone, the Phone 1, is a clear success. It looks fun, has solid core features, and is priced at just $199.
The design stands out, with a back panel that you can easily swap out. It also has options for a lanyard, kickstand, or card wallet, all sold separately. Even if these extras don’t interest you, the Phone 1 offers strong performance and an attractive display, which are essential for any modern smartphone.
Battery life is decent, and Nothing offers a unique Android experience with no extra apps cluttering the phone.
However, the lack of NFC means you can’t use contactless payments, which could be a dealbreaker. The cameras and water resistance could also be better. For long software support, consider Samsung’s Galaxy A15 5G or A15 4G.
Overall, the CMF Phone 1 is currently the best budget smartphone available.
10. Samsung Galaxy S24+ – Superb all-rounder
samsung galaxy s24 plus
Pros
Cons
Great display
No S Pen support
Strong performance
No Micro-SD support
Helpful AI features
Still quite pricey
Excellent battery life
Seven years of updates
Samsung Galaxy S24+ Pros & Cons
Best Prices Today: $797.99
Many people find the Galaxy S24+ to be the best choice in Samsung’s Galaxy S24 range. While it doesn’t support the S Pen and uses the Exynos 2400 chip in the UK (the US models have the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3), it is still an excellent phone.
The model we tested performed well, especially with its high-quality 6.7-inch display and premium design. The cameras are good, and the battery life is great.
It also includes key features from the S24 Ultra, like helpful AI tools and an impressive seven years of software updates. Despite some slow charging and a high price, there’s not much to complain about..
Your buying guide for the best phones in 2024
When choosing a phone, consider these factors: build quality and design, display, performance, cameras, battery life, software, and value for money.
In 2024, a flagship phone usually starts at about £700/$700 and can cost over $1,000/£1,000. If you’re on contract in the UK, expect to pay between £30 and £50 per month, but it can be higher for expensive phones and more data.
In the US, you can often find better contract deals on phones than in the UK and Europe.
This list includes some of the best smartphones available right now. While many are flagships, there are also mid-range and budget options that offer great features for their price.
Buying a phone outright usually gives you the best value. However, we know not everyone can afford to pay a large amount at once. If you can, make sure to get a SIM card and plan along with your phone. If you need one, check out the best SIM-only deals.
Smartphones buying advice
Should I buy an iPhone or Android phone?
There are two main mobile operating systems to consider: Android and iOS. Most phones use Android, with Android 14 being the latest version. Although Apple’s iOS, currently at version 18, has a smaller market share, developers often release their apps on iOS first. This makes it one of the best app stores available.
If you want to switch from an Android phone to an iPhone, or vice versa, it’s easy to transfer your contacts and some other data. However, you cannot transfer paid apps or certain app data, like WhatsApp backups. Keep this in mind if you are thinking about changing your platform, and make sure to research any specific questions you have about the process.
Should I buy an unlocked phone?
An unlocked phone is not tied to any specific mobile network. When you buy an unlocked phone, you usually pay for it outright, without a SIM card or contract.
Buying an unlocked phone is often a better deal than getting one on a contract, if you can afford the upfront cost. The main exception is with iPhones. Because iPhones are popular, carriers often lower the price to attract buyers, but this usually means you must commit to a long contract.
If you can pay for an unlocked phone, you will likely spend less over time. You also won’t be locked into a long contract. You can buy a new phone whenever you want without needing to pay to get out of a contract or sign up for another two years.
Just make sure that the phone you’re buying is truly unlocked and not tied to a specific network.
Which SIM or mobile plan should I get?
When choosing a phone, consider the type of SIM card it needs. If your phone needs a nano-SIM, make sure to get one. Most phones on this list use a nano-SIM, except for some iPhone models in the US that use eSIM.
For most people, it’s better to use a physical SIM card for now. Most networks will send you a SIM card that works in three sizes, so you can easily pop out the one you need.
If you’re buying a SIM-free or unlocked phone, you likely already have a SIM card to use.
4G is good enough for most users. But if you want 5G, ensure both your phone and SIM card support it.
