6 Best Smartphones of 2024

The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are Apple's latest iPhones and an excellent choice if you're in the market for a new smartphone. Not only is the iPhone 15 Pro's screen display bright and crisp, but its performance is top-of-line. The new titanium design feels lighter than previous generations made of aluminum and the slightly rounded edges are as sleek as they are comfortable to hold. You can choose between four neutral shades, including black, blue, natural and white.

If having a high-quality camera is a priority for you, then you won't be disappointed with either the Pro or Pro Max. Both models feature three rear lenses that take crisp, high-resolution photos and videos, though the Pro Max has a slight edge thanks to a 5x telephoto camera (as opposed to 3x), making super zoomed-in shots possible. Photo editing has also improved over previous generations and one of our analyst's favorite features is being able to turn standard photos into portraits even after you've taken the shot.

The Pro Max has a larger 6.7-inch display (versus 6.1-inches on the Pro) and a more powerful battery, making it a great choice for anyone who likes a larger phone screen. Both models feature a 120Hz refresh rate that makes navigating the phone, streaming content or playing games feel fast and responsive. Also new to the iPhone 15 Pro is an action button that you can customize with a flashlight, magnifier, quick access to a favorite app and more, as well as USB-C charging (goodbye lightning cables!).

While our pros recommend the iPhone Pro or larger Pro Max for most people, consider the iPhone 15 if you're drawn to its pretty pastel colors and don't need the most premium camera or performance.

The Google Pixel 7a is one of Google's more affordable Pixels as newer generations have been released, but that doesn't mean it skimps on quality. It features a main camera lens and an ultra-wide lens for high-res, crisp photo and video quality, though you won't get some of the very latest editing features you'll find on the Pixel 8 Pro.

But if you're not a content creator or avid photographer, these may not be features you'll miss in the first place. For under $500, it's hard to find greater value and a better camera in a smartphone. Just keep in mind that you won't be able to get more than 128GB of storage, and it's not quite as water-resistant as the latest Pixels.

The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is one of the best Android smartphones you could get and certainly gives Apple a run for its money. Not only do our pros love its sleek, thin design and large display, but Samsung's S Pen is built-in so you can pull it out and use it whenever you're feeling extra productive (or want to give tapping with your fingers a rest). We love that you can use the pen to take selfies in addition to jotting down notes or drawing like you would on a tablet.

The Galaxy S23 Ultra's most sought after feature is its four rear cameras that enable you to take stunning photos and videos, even in low light. Plus, the phone's processor is extremely fast and responsive, which we notice when switching among apps and multitasking. Our pros also appreciate that the S23 Ultra features the most powerful battery of any of the Samsung smartphones featured on this list, though it's also one of the most expensive.

If you're an Android user or want to make the switch, the Pixel 8 Pro has one of the best cameras we've seen on a Google phone, which takes great selfies and has an impressive zoom. Our pros appreciate the on-device photo and video editing tools thanks to Google AI and other handy features like Magic Editor or Best Take, which lets you create the perfect shot directly from your phone.

The Pixel 8 Pro comes in three colors (black, white and blue) and its display is bright and the performance quick. It throws in a few extras like a call-screening feature so you can avoid spam, but even more creative is its temperature sensor that enables you to check whether your kid's bath is too hot or your coffee needs reheating. For a smaller (yet not quite as vivid) display or impressive camera, consider the more affordable Pixel 8.

Flip phones are back, and they're way better than they used to be back in the early 2000s (though the original Motorola Razrs will always have a special place in our hearts). Fast forward to the Galaxy Z Flip 5, which is one of the most compact smartphones we've tested this year yet still features a large display when fully open. It's the best of both worlds. Our pros love that it folds up nicely and should fit easily into most pockets. Plus, it comes in eight colors so you can choose what you like.

Though the Flip takes some getting used to, one of the phone's most unique features is its 3.4-inch flex window, or the cover screen where you'll find your favorite widgets like calendars, weather apps and more (all while the phone is folded). The Z Flip 5 also makes it super easy to take selfies or group photos by simply propping up the phone and using the timer or a palm gesture. Though the camera isn't quite as impressive as what you'll find on some of the more premium Androids, it's still fantastic for its value.

This foldable phone from Samsung feels like a smartphone and tablet in one. Folded up, you can use it like you would any other phone to text, check emails, take photos and more, or you can open it up for an entirely different experience. When unfolded, the 7.6-inch screen makes it a true joy to watch movies, research and even access Excel spreadsheets. Our pros like that it's not heavier than other smartphones like you would expect, and its three rear cameras pack a powerful punch with a 3x optical zoom lens. Though an S Pen isn't included, it's compatible so you can take your productivity even further.