Hey, Ivan here. As one of GSMArena’s editors and the person behind most of the photos in our reviews, my picks for the year’s best phones are heavily influenced by their camera performance. But I also value design, ergonomics, and that intangible “feel in the hand.” 2024 has been a year of surprises, not least because, for the first time in years, a Galaxy S Ultra didn’t stay in my pocket. Here’s my list of the top five phones of 2024.
1. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Let’s start with the familiar. The Galaxy S24 Ultra is an exceptional phone in many ways—its premium build, large display, and reliable performance remain unmatched in some markets. It’s also the only real choice for those who want a stylus in their daily driver.
When it comes to cameras, the S24 Ultra is impressive but no longer a standout. Its 3x and 5x zoom lenses deliver excellent results, but compared to rivals from vivo, Xiaomi, and Oppo, Samsung is falling behind in terms of hardware innovation. The Galaxy S24 Ultra remains a solid choice, but it’s clear that Samsung needs to push harder to maintain its edge.
2. Honor Magic V3
Samsung’s struggles extend to the foldable space, where the Honor Magic V3 steals the show. This foldable redefines expectations with its lightweight build, robust durability, and stellar displays.
The Magic V3 isn’t just a foldable; it’s a flagship that excels in every way. Its 90mm zoom lens delivers excellent telephoto shots, and it disproves the notion that foldables must compromise on battery life or charging speed. This is the foldable I’d gladly use as my main phone—its photography capabilities and overall execution are that good.
3. Google Pixel 9 Pro
Compact flagships always catch my eye, and the Google Pixel 9 Pro is no exception. It offers a perfect balance of performance, battery life, and camera quality, all wrapped in Google’s signature minimalist design.
While the Pixel’s 48MP 113mm telephoto lens is solid, its lack of close-focusing capability limited its appeal for me. Still, the Pixel 9 Pro captures that ineffable “Pixel magic,” and it’s a phone that makes you want to pick it up and use it.
4. vivo X200 Pro Mini
The vivo X200 Pro Mini might not be available outside China, but it’s easily one of the most exciting phones of the year. It packs an enormous 5,700mAh battery, blazing-fast charging, and a triple 50MP camera setup with Zeiss tuning.
It’s a shame vivo isn’t releasing this gem in Western markets because it makes its competitors look outdated in both features and design.
5. vivo X100 Ultra
Here’s the phone that dethroned my Galaxy S Ultra streak—the vivo X100 Ultra. From the moment I set it up, I was hooked. Its 85mm zoom lens is extraordinary, delivering photos that rival dedicated cameras. The entire camera system, including the main and ultrawide sensors, is impeccable, and vivo’s partnership with Zeiss continues to elevate its color science.
Beyond the camera, the X100 Ultra’s design and software are equally compelling. Origin OS feels polished and snappy, and while it required some tinkering to get Google services and wearables working seamlessly, the effort was well worth it. This is the phone that stayed in my pocket all year, and it’s my personal pick for 2024’s best phone.