After years in the industry, it takes more than flashy features or cutting-edge tech to make a smartphone truly memorable. Instead, my focus this year was on devices that deliver a well-rounded experience with little to no compromises. Here are my top five picks for 2024, phones that excelled in everyday usability, durability, and performance.
1. Xiaomi 14 Ultra
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra maintains its place as a flagship to beat. While not a revolutionary leap over its predecessor, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra, it refines what made that phone great.
- Design: The vegan leather back is grippy, durable, and a joy to hold. It’s one of the rare phones I confidently use without a case.
- Software: HyperOS is smooth, feature-packed, and dependable, despite average battery life.
- Camera: The dual telephoto lenses (3.2x and 5x) now support close-distance focusing, making the setup versatile. Macro shots are particularly impressive.
The Xiaomi 14 Ultra balances comfort, reliability, and top-tier performance, making it a standout flagship for 2024.
2. OnePlus 12
The OnePlus 12 rekindles my appreciation for the brand. While its camera may not be a showstopper, it offers a complete package that’s hard to ignore.
- Performance: Top-tier hardware, excellent display, and a flagship SoC deliver consistent performance.
- Battery: With excellent endurance and blazing-fast charging, it stands out as one of the most efficient devices of the year.
- Software: OxygenOS continues to evolve, offering an intuitive and feature-rich experience.
The OnePlus 12 proves that a flagship doesn’t need to break the bank, making it my go-to recommendation for anyone seeking a high-performance phone at a competitive price.
3. Xiaomi 14T/14T Pro
The Xiaomi 14T series offers incredible value in the upper-midrange segment, especially for photography enthusiasts.
- Cameras: With significant improvements, these phones excel in both photos and videos, rivaling more expensive flagships.
- Performance: Powerful hardware, bright displays, and speedy charging make these devices highly capable.
For anyone looking for a premium experience without paying flagship prices, the Xiaomi 14T and 14T Pro are unbeatable options.
4. iQOO 13
The iQOO 13 was an unexpected gem, delivering impressive performance and features at a competitive price.
- Camera: A dedicated zoom lens and excellent overall camera performance make it a standout in its segment.
- Battery: Exceptional battery life and fast charging add to its appeal.
- Performance: Powered by the new Snapdragon 8 Elite, the iQOO 13 handles intensive tasks without breaking a sweat, maintaining near-maximal CPU performance during prolonged stress tests.
The iQOO 13 is a testament to what a well-balanced phone can achieve, offering premium features at an affordable price.
5. Honorable Mentions
While my list focuses on well-rounded performers, many other devices left their mark this year. From Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra to Google’s Pixel 9 Pro, 2024 was a year full of innovation and competition. However, these five devices stood out for their balance of price, performance, and practicality.