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There was no single agreed-upon “best” smartphone of 2024. This shortlist covers five standout choices—the iPhone 16 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, Google Pixel 9 Pro XL, OnePlus 12 and Honor Magic V3—selected for different strengths rather than presented as a universal ranking. Your best pick depends on whether you prioritize iOS, photography, a large screen, charging or a foldable design. These are retrospective 2024 recommendations, not a guide to October 2026 prices or stock.
How to read this 2024 shortlist
Year-end reviewers did not converge on one winner. TechRadar and Android Central favored the Google Pixel 9 Pro, while a Forbes year-end opinion chose differently; SuperSaf’s year-end video included a broader mix. Those are editorial judgments, not a shared, objective ranking. The five phones below represent notable options from those guides and comparisons, with the Honor included as a foldable rather than a direct substitute for a conventional phone.
The distinction between the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL matters: the Pro is the smaller model, while the XL is the larger-form candidate in this list. Android Central highlighted the smaller Pro, so the XL’s inclusion here should not be read as an award for that exact model.
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| Phone | Best fit | Why it stands out in the 2024 coverage | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max | People who prefer iOS, Apple services and a large conventional phone | A leading Apple flagship candidate; a separate camera comparison favored the iPhone 16 Pro. | The camera test was of the iPhone 16 Pro, not the Pro Max, so its result should not be transferred automatically. |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | Android users who want a large flagship and a broad camera comparison option | Appeared repeatedly in year-end roundups and camera comparisons. | Whether it is a better fit than another Android flagship depends on your priorities and current local price. |
| Google Pixel 9 Pro XL | Those who want the larger Pixel 9 Pro form factor | The Pixel 9 Pro family drew year-end praise, including awards for the smaller Pro. | The Pro and Pro XL are different sizes; coverage favoring the Pro does not establish the XL as the winner. |
| OnePlus 12 | People who value charging, display experience and Android | Android Central highlighted its fast charging, display and software. | These are that publication’s editorial assessments, not standardized head-to-head measurements. |
| Honor Magic V3 | Readers specifically interested in a foldable design | Appeared among notable 2024 phones in year-end coverage. | A foldable serves a different form-factor preference from a conventional slab phone. |
What matters most when choosing
Choose around your existing ecosystem
The iPhone 16 Pro Max is the iOS option; the other four are Android candidates. The sources do not establish one ecosystem as universally better. Consider the devices, services and account setup you already use, as well as whether you want to stay with them or switch.
#1 Best Overall
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Match the size and shape to how you use a phone
These choices are not all the same kind of device. The iPhone 16 Pro Max, Galaxy S24 Ultra, Pixel 9 Pro XL and OnePlus 12 are conventional large-phone candidates; the Honor Magic V3 is a foldable. If you want a smaller Pixel, compare the Pixel 9 Pro rather than treating the Pro XL as interchangeable. A foldable belongs on your list when its form factor is a priority, not simply because it appears beside slab phones in a roundup.
Interpret camera claims by the test, not the headline
Digital Trends compared the iPhone 16 Pro, Galaxy S24 Ultra, OnePlus 12 and Pixel 9 Pro, and named the iPhone 16 Pro its winner in that comparison. That result applies to that publication’s test and those exact models; it does not prove the iPhone wins every camera situation, and it does not directly establish a result for the iPhone 16 Pro Max or Pixel 9 Pro XL. Think about the photos and video you actually take, including whether zoom, still photos, video or consistency matters most to you.
Rank #2
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with Verizon, Spectrum, AT&T, Total Wireless, other CDMA carriers, it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- 4G LTE Bands: B1/B3/B5/B7/B8/B20/B28/B38/B40/B41
- Display: Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM) | 6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~385 ppi density)
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro)
Weigh software and AI features cautiously
Software and AI features were part of the 2024 differentiation among these phones, but availability can vary by model, region and software version. Verify that a specific feature is available where you live and on the exact phone you are considering rather than assuming a feature mentioned in coverage works everywhere.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsConsider charging as a priority, not a universal ranking
Android Central praised the OnePlus 12 for fast charging and long-lasting use. That is a publication’s assessment, not a standardized comparison across all five phones, so it supports considering the OnePlus when charging and display experience matter without establishing that it outperforms every rival in a controlled test.
Rank #3
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
Which camera is best, and should you switch to iPhone?
The available comparison evidence supports a narrower answer than a universal camera verdict: Digital Trends chose the iPhone 16 Pro in its four-phone test, but that does not settle every camera use case or establish the Pro Max result. If you already use Android, that one comparison alone is not a reason to switch. Compare the exact models using the kinds of photos and video you care about, and weigh camera preference against the cost and inconvenience of changing ecosystems. If you prefer iOS and its services, the iPhone may suit you; if your current Android setup works well, the Galaxy, Pixel, OnePlus or foldable Honor may be a better fit.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to check before buying one of these 2024 phones
A year-end recommendation does not establish October 2026 availability or value. Before purchasing, check listings in your country for the exact model and storage, seller, network version, warranty, return terms and price. The evidence behind this shortlist does not establish current prices or inventory, which can differ by market and retailer.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- GSM Unlocked: Enjoy seamless connectivity with your preferred GSM carrier. Compatible with T-Mobile, Metro PCS, AT&T, Cricket, Mint Mobile and other GSM networks. SIM card not included. For network compatibility, please check with your carrier. Note: Not compatible with CDMA networks like Verizon (Visible, Spectrum Mobile, US Mobile, Total Wireless, Straight Talk Wireless)
- Boundless Views: Enjoy immersive viewing on the spacious 6.5” HD+ display. Whether you're watching videos, browsing, or gaming, every detail comes through with stunning clarity.
- Smooth Performance, All Day: Powered by an efficient octa-core processor, the G35 ensures smooth performance for your everyday tasks. Enjoy faster app launches, seamless multitasking, and reliable speed.
- Snap, Share, Repeat: The G35 features a dual rear camera setup for sharp, detailed shots, and a front-facing camera that’s perfect for selfies and video calls. Capture every moment with ease and clarity.
- Effortless Access: Keep your phone secure with A.I. Face ID technology. Instantly unlock your G35 with just a glance. It's fast, easy, and secure.
Rank #4
- Charger NOT Included, 6.7" Super AMOLED FHD+, 90Hz Refresh Rate, 385 ppi, 800 nits (HBM), 1080x2340px, 5000mAh Battery
- 128GB, 4GB RAM, microSDXC, Exynos 1330 (5nm), Octa-Core, Mali-G68 MP2 or Mali-G57 MC2 GPU
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.8 (wide) + 5MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide) + 2MP, f/2.4 (macro), LED flash, panorama, HDR; Front Camera: 13MP, f/2.0, Android 14, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1
- 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100; 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/12/13/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/39/40/41/48/66/71, 5G: 2/5/25/41/66/71/77/78 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Nano-SIM + eSIM
- US Model – Global Connectivity – Compatible with Most GSM Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Straight Talk.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
