Smartphones are an essential part of our daily lives. They help us communicate, work, learn, entertain and more.
But with so many options available in the market, how do you find the best smartphone for your needs and budget in 2024?
After combing through extensive research and gathering insights from various industry players, this meticulously researched article will navigate you through the current trends, features and specifications of smartphones in 2024.
I will compare leading models across various brands and categories to provide you with invaluable insights into essential factors to consider and pitfalls to avoid when selecting your next smartphone in 2024.
Let’s get started!
- Processor: The Brain of Your Smartphone
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a smartphone is the processor.
The processor is the brain of your smartphone and it determines how fast and smooth your phone can run multiple apps, games and tasks.
In 2024, the most advanced processor for smartphones is the Qualcomm SM8650-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
This chipset is based on a 4 nm process and has eight cores, including a Cortex-X4 core that can reach up to 3.39 GHz.
It also has an Adreno 750 GPU that can handle 8K video recording and playback, as well as high-end gaming.
Some of the smartphones that use this processor are:
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
- OnePlus 12
- Motorola ThinkPhone
These phones are genuinely among the fastest and most powerful smartphones in 2024 and they can handle any task you throw at them.
However, if you are looking for a more affordable option, you can also opt for a smartphone with a Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset.
This processor is also based on a 4 nm process and has eight cores but with lower clock speeds and a less powerful GPU.
It can still run most apps and games smoothly but it may struggle with some of the more demanding ones.
Some of the smartphones that use this processor are:
- Realme 12 Pro
- Xiaomi Poco X6 Pro
- Samsung Galaxy A54
These phones are still very capable and offer great value for money but they may not be as future-proof as the ones with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset.
- Display: The Window to Your Smartphone
Another crucial factor to consider when choosing a smartphone is the display.
The display is the window to your smartphone and it affects how you view and interact with your content.
In 2024, the most common display type for smartphones is the Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X.
This gam offers high resolution, high refresh rate, high brightness and low power consumption.
It can also dynamically adjust the refresh rate depending on the content, which saves battery life and improves performance.
Some of the smartphones that use this display type are:
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy S24
- Google Pixel 8 Pro
These phones have stunning displays that can deliver vivid colors, sharp details and smooth animations.
However, if you are looking for a more budget-friendly option, you can also opt for a smartphone with an IPS LCD display.
This display technology is cheaper and more durable than AMOLED but it has lower contrast, lower brightness, and higher power consumption.
It also has a fixed refresh rate, which means it cannot adapt to the content.
Some of the smartphones that use this display type are:
- Samsung Galaxy A14 5G
- Motorola Moto G7 Play
- Nokia 2780 Flip
These phones have decent displays that can show clear and accurate colors but they may not be as impressive or immersive as the ones with the Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X display.
- Camera: The Eye of Your Smartphone
The third major factor to consider when choosing a smartphone is the camera.
The camera is the eye of your smartphone and it allows you to capture and share your moments and memories on social media.
In 2024, the most advanced camera for smartphones is the 200 MP main rear camera.
This camera has a large sensor size, a wide aperture, and a multi-directional PDAF system.
It can capture stunning photos and videos with incredible detail, clarity, and dynamic range.
Some of the smartphones that use this camera are:
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
- nubia Z60 Ultra
These phones have amazing cameras that can rival some of the professional DSLRs and mirrorless cameras.
However, if you are looking for a more affordable option, you can also opt for a smartphone with a 50 MP main rear camera.
This camera has a smaller sensor size, a narrower aperture, and a standard PDAF system.
It can still take good photos and videos with decent detail, clarity, and dynamic range.
Some of the smartphones that use this camera are:
- Realme 12 Pro
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+
- Infinix Smart 8 Pro
These phones have good cameras that can satisfy most of your photography and videography needs but they may not be as impressive or versatile as the ones with the 200 MP main rear camera.
- Battery: The Heart of Your Smartphone
The fourth and final factor to consider when choosing a smartphone is the battery.
The battery is the heart of your smartphone, and it determines how long your phone can last on a single charge.
In 2024, the most common battery capacity for smartphones is around 5,000 mAh.
This battery size can provide enough power for a full day of moderate to heavy usage, depending on the processor, display and other features of the phone.
Some of the smartphones that have this battery capacity are:
- Samsung Galaxy S24
- OnePlus 123
- UMIDIGI Power 5S.
These phones have long-lasting batteries that can keep you connected and entertained for hours.
However, if you are looking for a more exceptional option, you can also opt for a smartphone with a higher battery capacity, such as 6,000 mAh or 6,800 mAh.
This battery size can provide enough power for more than a day of heavy usage, or even two days of moderate usage.
Some of the smartphones that have this battery capacity are:
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy A548
- MMY P14 Pro Max 5G
