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Phones have become indispensable devices that almost function as an extension of oneself, and the best flagship smartphones of 2024 will have you covered on all bases. The flagships from different brands are great all around since they are the best of what's on offer, but each phone typically perfects only some aspects. You'll want to pick a flagship depending on what you value the most, whether it is a great display or powerful camera.
This article lists a few of the best flagship smartphones in 2024. They promise not only performance but also a glimpse into the future of mobile technology.
Note: This list is subjective and solely reflects the writer's opinions. Entry 4) and 5) are 512GB, while the rest are the prices for 256GB variants of those phones.
Best flagship smartphones to buy in 2024
1) Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra ($1,289)
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The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is one of the best flagship smartphones you can buy in 2024. It looks and feels premium with a titanium frame.
Samsung will be offering seven years of OS updates and security patches for this phone, so it's a good buy for those who want a device with a longer lifespan. OneUI feels snappy and Samsung DeX gives you something close to a desktop experience if you connect the S24 Ultra to an external display.
Samsung has been leaning into AI features rather heavily in an attempt to get ahead of the curve. The S24 comes with a host of such features, including generative wallpapers, writing assist, live translating calls, and photo/video editing capabilities with Galaxy AI.
The S-Pen is still the standout feature and a convenient way of signing documents or jotting down quick notes. The S24 also has the best camera tech in Samsung's lineup with a 200MP main sensor. The default camera app comes with a Pro mode that lets you tweak individual settings like you would be able to in a DSLR.
Pros
- Camera is one of the best.
- Lots of AI features, with more likely to be introduced in the future.
Cons
- The default keyboard has poor auto-correct.
- Some of the AI features, like writing assist, have a long way to go.
- S-Pen won't be useful for everyone.
2) Google Pixel 8 Pro ($999)
The Pixel 8 Pro is the best flagship smartphone from Google. Pixels have always been renowned for capturing incredible images and the Pixel 8 Pro continues this legacy. The phone's camera can take detailed photos in a variety of environments and lighting conditions. The video stabilization is also exceptional, with smoothness akin to shots taken on a gimbal.
Like Samsung, Google is also jumping on the AI bandwagon. The Pixel 8 Pro has features like call screening, circle to search, contextual quick replies during calls, summarizing the content of webpages using Google Assistant, and Magic Eraser to edit photos.
The combination of the 12 GB RAM and the Tensor G3 processor can handle day-to-day tasks effortlessly and provide a smooth and stutter-free overall experience. However, it does fall behind other flagship processors in terms of raw performance and benchmark numbers.
Many swear by the stock Android experience on the Pixel. With seven years of software upgrades, this phone will continue to run the latest version of Android until 2030.
Pros
- Incredible camera and image processing.
- Stock Android is free of bloatware.
- AI features are implemented well and not gimmicky.
- Often available at a discount.
Cons
- Tensor chips tend to run hot.
- Not the best option for gaming.
3) iPhone 15 Pro Max ($1,199)
Apple has made some of the best flagship smartphones over the years, and the iPhone 15 Pro Max is currently the leader of the pack. It has a titanium frame and weighs 221g, a significant upgrade over the previous Pro Max variant.
The 15 Pro Max captures sharp photos with great HDR and colors, and it is unmatched in terms of video quality on a smartphone. The ability to take 48MP photos also gives you some room to crop images without losing out on quality.
The Action Button is a new feature above the volume buttons that can be programmed to trigger a certain function, including toggling silent mode, turning on the flashlight, or opening the camera app.
iOS has a host of quality-of-life features like Dynamic Island and Dynamic Widgets. To top it off, the integration with the Apple ecosystem is rock solid, and you can use Continuity to copy and paste information between devices or AirDrop to instantly move files in the Apple ecosystem.
Pros
- Best videos on a mobile camera.
- Works well with other Apple devices.
- Apple Arcade has an interesting selection of games.
Cons
- Certain software limitations, like being limited to downloading apps through the App Store.
- Plus models have better battery life.
4) OnePlus Open ($1,399)
The OnePlus Open is a first-gen foldable, but it gets a lot of things right and deserves a spot on the best flagships smartphones. It has an aluminium frame with a vegan leather finish on the back plate that makes it feel like a notebook when unfolded.
The phone is great for multitasking, and OnePlus' 'Open Canvas' allows you to have three apps open side by side. They can then be run simultaneously, and you can use finger gestures to change the layout.
Similar to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, the OnePlus Open has a customizable Alert Slider that can be programmed for various functions. It also has a quad speaker system that delivers crisp sound. The Open is slated to get OS updates for four years and security patches for five years.
Pros
- Perfect for rmultitasking.
- Both outer and inner displays are top-notch.
- Convinient dock at the bottom allows to quickly swap out apps.
Cons
- Price is high.
- Some instances of display issues around the fold crease.
5) Xiaomi 14 Ultra ($1,140)
The 14 Ultra is Xiaomi's flagship offering. It has a huge circular camera and a back plate made of synthetic leather. The camera is the start of the show and can take natural looking photographs with a wide dynamic range. When it comes to video, it can record 4k footage at 120FPS. You can also buy attachable modules that give you a better grip and adjustable camera settings via a wheel, similar to what you'd find on a DSLR.
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra comes with a 90W charger that can take the battery from 0% to 50% charge in around 15 minutes. The phone will receive four years of OS updates and five years of security patches.
Pros
- Exceptional video recording.
- Fast charging with the 90W adaptor.
- More storage than the competition at this price.
Cons
- Shorter support period than the other phones on this list.
- Below average battery life.
The devices on this list are some of the best that money can buy. If you have the budget for it, then it's a good idea to get a premium phone since this will likely be the device you interact with the most during your day. The flagship phones on this list all have something unique to offer and you can't go wrong with any of them.
