Top Rated Phones 2024
The Best Android Phones Money Can Buy Right Now
2024’s finest Android smartphones from the biggest and best brands. From ultra-flagships to budget / affordable options, these are the phones we recommend right now.
As of right now, the phones listed here are the best of the best when it comes to performance, camera tech, and overall support and usability.
— Richard Goodwin, Editor
Our Top Picks For 2024
60+ Phones Tested In Last 18 Months
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Detailed, Expert-Driven Testing Criteria
Each phone is run through a battery of tests, looking at everything from its battery performance to its screen brightness and multitasking abilities. We also use the phone as if it were our own.
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We care about what you buy. We know choosing a phone can be tricky. Our guides are designed to put the best, current tech in front of our readers, so they can make a more informed decision.
The Best Android Phones
High-end, performance-focussed & bleeding-edge specs and tech. These are the best Android phones right now…
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Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Like the iPhone 15 Pro Max, the S24 Ultra features an impressive camera system, a titanium frame for enhanced durability, one of the best displays you’ll ever encounter, S-Pen support, and very impressive performance and battery life.
It’s a very large, commanding phone too with its 6.8in Dynamic LTPO AMOLED and it is also one of the only Samsung phones that gets 100% of Galaxy AI’s capabilities as well.
For Android power users and content creator-types, it’s the go-to option right now.
Best For
Power users and tech enthusiasts who want the most advanced features and capabilities in a smartphone. It offers excellent performance, long battery life, versatile cameras, and cutting-edge AI features
Cheaper Alternative
A cheaper alternative would be the standard Galaxy S24 or S24+, which offer many similar features at a lower price point
Performance Improvements
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, The S24 Ultra offers significant improvements over its predecessor, the S22 Ultra. With AI enhancements built in, it delivers better-sustained performance and improved battery life
Cost of Ownership
The 256GB base model is $1,199 – $100 increase from the previous generation. However, it now comes with double the storage capacity. Other pricing options include 512GB for $1,399 and 1TB for $1,599
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Score Card
Tested: March 2024
In the Android space, there is one true king: Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra. It is the best option for camera aficionados, spec-lovers, photo geeks, and power users. It has masses of power, Galaxy AI, an impressive battery and the best screen in its class. Add in 7 years’ worth of Android updates and you’re all set.
What We Liked The Most About This Phone
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra truly impressed me with its exceptional display quality. The 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED screen delivers vibrant colors and sharp details, making everything from streaming videos to gaming a delightful experience
The quad-camera setup, led by a 200MP main sensor, captures incredibly detailed photos even in low light
The phone’s performance, powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, is top-notch, handling multitasking and demanding apps with ease. The battery life is immense as well.
What We Didn’t Like About This Phone
It’s a bulky device, which might be cumbersome for some users to handle comfortably
High price point, making it less accessible for budget-conscious buyers
Samsung’s One UI is generally smooth, there is still some bloatware pre-installed, which can be frustrating for users who prefer a cleaner interface.
Buy This Phone If You Want…
High-end performance. This phone is about as powerful as it gets right now in the Android space.
Excellent battery life, smart AI features. For content creators, this phone is a must-have; it’s perfect for shooting YouTube video, shorts, and photos for Instagram
You want the best screen on the market; it’s great for gaming, videos, and photo and video editing.
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Google Pixel 8 Pro
The Pixel 8 Pro brings Google’s best to the forefront with a stunning camera system, top-tier specs, and an exceptional display.
The Pixel 8 Pro is equipped with Google’s latest Tensor G3 chip, ensuring lightning-fast performance and AI enhancements that elevate everything from photography to smart features.
The camera setup is industry-leading, boasting a 50MP main sensor, a versatile ultra-wide lens, and an impressive telephoto lens that captures every detail. The 6.7-inch OLED display offers vibrant colors and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, making everything look fantastic.
Exclusive features like Magic Eraser and Live Translate, combined with the new Pro Motion feature for incredibly smooth scrolling, make the Pixel 8 Pro stand out. With up to 512GB of storage, there’s ample space for all your photos, videos, and apps.
Best For
Fast, reliable Android updates. You’ll get 7 years’ worth of updates, no waiting around. As soon as the update is out, you’ll get it.
Cheaper Alternative
The Pixel 8 is a great option for those that don’t want or need the Pro’s more advanced camera system
Performance Improvements
The Tensor G3 does offer improvements over the G2, particularly in AI capabilities and some benchmark scores, the overall performance gain is moderate.
Cost of Ownership
The cost of ownership for the Pixel 8 Pro starts at £999 in the UK and $999 in the USA
Pixel 8 Pro Score Card
Tested: March 2024
Google’s had a few swings and misses over the years with its Pixel phones, but the Pixel 8 Pro is a rock-solid handset with tons of useful features, a brilliant camera, and 7 years’ worth of Android updates.
What We Liked The Most About This Phone
Exceptional Camera Quality: The Pixel 8 Pro’s advanced camera system, including a 50MP main sensor and innovative AI features, delivers stunning photos in various lighting conditions.
Smooth Performance: Powered by the Tensor G3 chip, the phone offers fast and efficient multitasking, alongside cutting-edge AI enhancements for a seamless user experience.
Brilliant Display: The 6.7-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate provides vibrant colors and smooth visuals, perfect for media consumption and gaming.
What We Didn’t Like About This Phone
High Price Point: The Pixel 8 Pro’s premium features come at a steep cost, which may be a barrier for some potential buyers.
Limited Storage Options: While offering up to 512GB of storage, there’s no expandable storage option, which might limit users with extensive media libraries.
Battery Life Concerns: Although improved, the battery life may still fall short for heavy users, especially with high-resolution display and intensive tasks.
Buy This Phone If You Want…
If top-tier camera quality and innovative AI features are a priority, the Pixel 8 Pro is an excellent choice.
Ideal for those who want the latest Google technology and a seamless software experience, including timely updates and exclusive features.
While it’s a powerful and feature-rich device, the high price point means it’s best suited for those willing to invest in a premium smartphone experience.
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OnePlus 12
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, it delivers top-tier speed and efficiency, making it perfect for multitasking, gaming, and handling demanding applications with ease.
The device boasts a stunning 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. This, combined with HDR support, ensures vivid colors and deep contrasts, making it a treat for media consumption.
The triple-camera setup includes a high-resolution main sensor, an ultra-wide lens, and a powerful telephoto lens, providing users with the flexibility to capture a wide range of scenes and details.
Best For
Anyone bored of Apple / Samsung. Those that like well-priced flagship models. Fans of clean, useful software OxygenOS is great.
Cheaper Alternative
For the budget conscious, the Pixel 8a is a great option with its high-end features, AI smarts, and brilliant camera.
Performance Improvements
The OnePlus 12 offers a performance uplift of approximately 15-20% over the OnePlus 11, driven by the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, which enhances CPU, GPU, and AI capabilities, making it notably faster in tasks like gaming and video editing
Cost of Ownership
The OnePlus 12 offers excellent value for its high-end features, with a starting price of £799 in the UK and $849 in the USA, making it a more affordable flagship option compared to other premium devices.
OnePlus 12 Score Card
Tested: May 2024
The OnePlus 12 is one of 2024’s most slept-on phones. It looks great, it has reams of performance, and its camera is brilliant. Add in rock-solid battery life and silky-smooth, bloatware-free software and you’re looking at one hell of an Android phone.
What We Liked The Most About This Phone
The OnePlus 12 is powered by the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, ensuring smooth multitasking, gaming, and overall fast responsiveness.
The 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate provides stunning visuals and smooth scrolling, enhancing everything from video playback to daily interactions.
The triple-camera setup, including a high-resolution main sensor, ultra-wide lens, and a powerful telephoto lens, offers impressive photo and video quality across various conditions.
What We Didn’t Like About This Phone
Lack of Expandable Storage: Despite offering ample internal storage options, the OnePlus 12 does not support expandable memory, which may limit users needing extra space.
Unlike many flagship competitors, the OnePlus 12 lacks wireless charging capabilities, which could be a drawback for users accustomed to the convenience
While the OxygenOS is clean and fast, it lacks some of the deeper customization options found in other Android skins, potentially limiting personalization for power users.
Buy This Phone If You Want…
The OnePlus 12 is ideal for users looking for top-tier performance, offering a smooth and fast experience suitable for gaming and intensive applications.
If a vibrant, high-refresh-rate display is a priority, the OnePlus 12 delivers one of the best screens available in the market.
With its premium features and competitive pricing compared to other flagship devices, the OnePlus 12 offers excellent value, making it a strong choice for those seeking high-end specs without the highest price tag.
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Pixel 8a
The Google Pixel 8a offers a fantastic balance of affordability and performance, making it a standout choice in the mid-range market.
With its excellent camera, smooth software experience, and regular updates, it packs a punch for its price.
Add in timely Android updates, a reliable camera with impressive AI features, and a sleek design, it’s easy to see why the Pixel 8a is a favorite among budget-conscious users looking for a high-quality smartphone experience.
Best For
Anyone that wants massive value for money; the Pixel 8a packs in a ton of tech and AI smarts for way less than a flagship phone.
Cheaper Alternative
You can pick up last year’s Pixel 7 Pro for a considerable discount on the refurbished market. For newer models, go with Samsung Galaxy A55.
Performance Improvements
Runs Google’s Tensor G3 CPU which brings plenty of new AI capabilities and some modest performance improvements of the Pixel 7 Pro
Cost of Ownership
For less than $500/£419, you’re getting one of the best smartphone experiences on the market. This phone is incredible for its price.
Pixel 8a Score Card
Tested: August 2024
The Pixel 8a is a standout mid-range device in 2024, offering a fantastic blend of Google’s software magic and hardware excellence. It brings a sleek design, reliable performance, and an impressive camera experience to the table, all at a highly accessible price point. With a clean, bloatware-free software experience and excellent battery life, the Pixel 8a is a superb option for those seeking quality without breaking the bank.
What We Liked The Most About This Phone
The Pixel 8a delivers smooth performance with the latest mid-tier chipset, ensuring responsive multitasking and daily operations.
Its 6.1-inch OLED display offers vibrant colors and sharp visuals, making it perfect for media consumption and browsing.
The dual-camera setup excels in photography, leveraging Google’s AI to produce stunning photos, particularly in low-light conditions.
What We Didn’t Like About This Phone
The Pixel 8a lacks a telephoto lens, limiting zoom capabilities compared to other devices in its range.
It does not support wireless charging, a feature that could be missed by users who value convenience.
While the device offers ample internal storage, there is no option for expandable memory, which could be a drawback for users with extensive media libraries.
Buy This Phone If You Want…
An excellent camera experience with Google’s renowned computational photography.
A pure Android experience with timely updates and minimal bloatware.
A well-rounded, affordable smartphone that doesn’t compromise on quality or essential features.
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Samsung Galaxy S24
The Samsung Galaxy S24 combines cutting-edge technology with a stunning design. It boasts an impressive display, a powerful processor, and a versatile camera setup, making it a top contender in the flagship category.
With superior performance, a vibrant AMOLED display, and a versatile camera system, the Galaxy S24 delivers a premium experience that’s hard to beat.
It’s also one of the most compact Android phones on the market too, with its 6.2in Dynamic AMOLED 2X display technology.
Best For
Tech enthusiasts who want the latest features and top-notch performance in a cheaper, more compact form-factor than the S24 Plus / Ultra
Cheaper Alternative
If you want to spend less but want access to solid camera tech and AI features, go with the Pixel 8 or Pixel 8a.
Performance Improvements
The Galaxy S24 features either the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or Exynos 2400 chipset (depending on region), which provides better performance compared to the Galaxy S23’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
Cost of Ownership
The Samsung Galaxy S24 is priced at $799 in the USA and £799 in the UK for the 128GB model, while the 256GB variant costs $859 in the USA and £859 in the UK
Samsung Galaxy S24 Score Card
Tested: March 2024
The Samsung Galaxy S24 is a premium flagship that excels in delivering a top-notch user experience. It combines powerful performance, a stunning display, and a versatile camera system in a sleek, stylish design. If you want a more compact phone, this is the one to go for.
What We Liked The Most About This Phone
The Galaxy S24 features a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors and smooth transitions, making it a joy for gaming and media consumption.
Powered by the latest Exynos/Snapdragon processor, it provides blazing-fast performance, ensuring seamless multitasking and a responsive experience.
The versatile camera setup, including a high-resolution main sensor and advanced AI capabilities, delivers exceptional photo and video quality, even in challenging lighting conditions.
What We Didn’t Like About This Phone
The high price point may be a barrier for some users, as it sits at the upper end of the market.
The lack of expandable storage limits the ability to increase capacity beyond the available internal options, which could be an issue for heavy media users.
The battery life, while decent, may not be as long-lasting as some competitors, especially under heavy use scenarios like gaming or video streaming.
Buy This Phone If You Want…
A premium, high-resolution display perfect for immersive media experiences.
Top-of-the-line performance with the latest hardware and software enhancements.
A versatile and powerful camera system that captures stunning photos and videos across various conditions.
Why These Phones?
Choosing the “best” phone is a nuanced task, often influenced by personal preferences and needs. While some swear by Apple’s iPhone and others are loyal to Samsung, the reality is that the ideal phone varies from person to person.
Our carefully curated list focuses on truly exceptional options available today. These flagship models represent the pinnacle of mobile technology, offering top-tier performance, cutting-edge features, and superior camera capabilities.
While they come with a premium price tag, they’re designed for users who demand excellence in every aspect of their mobile experience.
Our selection process is rigorous and user-centric. We emphasize long-term usability, conducting in-depth assessments of crucial factors such as battery life, reliability, camera performance, and display quality. Each phone on our list has proven its worth through extensive real-world testing.
It’s worth noting that software support can be a deciding factor for many users. In this regard, the Google Pixel 8 Pro and Galaxy S24 Ultra stand out with their robust update policies.
While Samsung matches Google’s commitment to seven years of major updates, Google typically rolls out updates faster. OnePlus offers a respectable five years of updates, though their release schedule may be slower.
Ultimately, any phone from our list will provide a top-tier experience.
Whether you value cutting-edge camera technology, seamless ecosystem integration, or long-term software support, there’s an option here that will exceed your expectations.
Frequently Asked
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