Best smartphone 2024: Apple and Android phones reviewed

The best phones you can buy right now - all reviewed and rated

If you’re in the market for a mobile upgrade, this is the list you’re looking for. From big-screen Androids to the latest iPhone flagship, we’ve reviewed the best smartphone options you can buy. And to help you pick which is the right fit for your pocket, we’ve ranked our favourites below.

To test the best smartphone options, our team takes every model out into the real world. That means binge-watching on the bus to measure battery life, snapping all day to bag an album of camera samples, and maxing out the graphics on Genshin Impact to assess processing power. After putting each contender through its paces, we highlight the winning handsets in this guide.

If you’re shopping specifically for the best Android smartphone, we’ve got a separate feature covering exactly that. We’ve also rounded up the best budget phones, the best mid-range mobiles, and our guide to the best small phones.

What’s the best smartphone?

We think the best smartphone you can buy is the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max (buy now). It’s an evolutionary iteration, but is excellent across the board. You get the pull-shaped Dynamic Island cutout, a trio of very capable cameras, unflappable A17 Pro silicon, and USB-C (finally). If you’re willing to pay, this is the best smartphone you can buy right now.

Other best smartphone recommendations

Is the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max not right for you? Here are four of the other best smartphones we’d recommend:

Best Android phone

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is superlative in almost every respect. Design, display, performance… add on the S-Pen stylus and some clever AI additions, and this is a fantastic all-rounder.

Best affordable smartphone

The Google Pixel 7a confirms that Google is a master of affordable phones and is a lesson in vanilla Android excellence. A neat design and top-spec camera smarts make it a wallet-friendly winner.

Best folding phone

The OnePlus Open, with streamlined styling, fantastic cameras and slick software, is now the premium foldable to beat. It features a useful 6.3in cover display and massive 7.82in display when unfolded.

Best phone for photography

The Google Pixel 8 Pro is the ultimate camera phone. It comes with a 50MP main camera, and 48MP wide and telephoto cameras, but it’s not the hard that makes it special – it’s the software. It’s almost impossible to take a bag photo with the Pixel 8 Pro thanks to Google’s clever AI smarts and editing.

The best smartphones you can buy today:

1. Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max

Pros

• Great camera improvements
• USB-C connectivity
• Lighter and nicer to hold

Cons

• USB 3 rather than Thunderbolt
• No desktop mode

Stuff Verdict

Apple refines its flagship with a better snapper, a slightly svelter form factor and USB-C (finally)

‍Apple iPhone 15 Pro specs

Screen

6.7in 2796×1290 OLED HDR, 460ppi

Processor

A17 Pro

RAM

8GB

Storage

256GB/512GB/1TB56GB/512GB/1TB

Software

iOS 17

Cameras

48+12+12MP (rear), 12MP (front)

Battery

4,441 mAh (est.)

Dimensions

76.7×159.9×8.25mm, 221g

This is the best iPhone Apple’s ever made. The camera revisions are great. USB-C was long overdue but is fantastic now it’s here. The Action button is useful. And all this builds on already top-notch components like the display, speakers and app ecosystem.

Of course, you might argue that too much change in the iPhone is iterative rather than revolutionary, although this complaint usually comes from tech journos jaded by dozens of phones flying past their noses every week rather than most normal people who upgrade their phones every other year.

So should you buy one? Not if you already own last year’s Pro Max. The differences aren’t big enough, unless you are a very keen photographer, desperate for USB-C, or have a fetish for chamfered edges. Everyone else? If you can afford it, and if you want the best Apple has to offer, the iPhone 15 Pro Max really is the best.

2. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Pros

• Sets new Android toughness standards
• Stellar performance and day-long battery
• Genuinely useful on-device AI

Cons

• Cameras haven’t progressed much in twelve months
• Missed the boat for Qi2 charging
• As expensive as non-folding flagships get

Stuff Verdict

Another epic Samsung flagship. New materials and screen upgrades go a long way, while the AI additions are perfect for productivity. It’s no longer the best phone for photography, though.

‍Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra specs

Screen

6.8in, 3088×1440 AMOLED, 120Hz

Processor

Snapdragon 8 Gen 3

RAM

12GB

Storage

256GB/512GB/1TB

Software

Android 14 with OneUI

Cameras

200+12+10+50MP (rear), 12MP (front)

Battery

5000mAh

Dimensions

162x79x8.6mm, 232g

If you’re shopping for the ultimate smartphone experience, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is top of the Android tree. Clad in Gorilla Glass Armor glass set in a titanium frame, it feels equal parts premium and rugged in the hand. Its sizeable 6.8in AMOLED display is sublime on the eyes, and finally swaps curved edges for a flat panel. That makes it a perfect pairing to the bundled S Pen stylus.

Productivity is also boosted by genuinely helpful on-device AI abilities. Performance elsewhere is peerless, courtesy of a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 CPU running at higher speeds than any rival. The Ultra simply whizzes through almost every app, task and game. The top-spec S24 gets an overhauled zoom camera, with a higher pixel count sensor and 5x optical zoom doing a better job in low light than last year’s model, although the 200MP main snapper, 12MP ultra-wide and 10MP 3x zoom stay the same. That means rivals have caught up, and in some cases exceeded, the Samsung for picture quality. There’s very little in it, though.

You’ll pay handsomely for the privilege of squeezing an S24 Ultra into your pocket. But if you’re willing to do so, your reward will be the best Android smartphone you can buy right now.

3. Google Pixel 8 Pro

Stuff Verdict

Pixel 8 Pro continues Google’s run of phenomenal phone photography and is more AI-assisted than ever, but it isn’t a value champ like previous Pixels.

Pros

• Fantastic photos in all lighting
• Sharper styling goes far in justifying premium price

Cons

• Higher price makes rivals more tempting
• Battery life and charging speeds still merely OK for a flagship

‍Google Pixel 8 Pro specs

Screen

6.7in, 2992×1344 OLED w/ 1-120Hz, HDR10+

Processor

Google Tensor G3

RAM

12GB

Storage

128/256/512GB, 1TB (US only)

Software

Android 14

Cameras

50+48+48MP (rear), 10.5MP (front)

Battery

5050mAh

Dimensions

163x77x8.8mm, 213g

With a design that has matured like a fine wine, a simply stunning screen, and some of the most capable cameras you’ll find on a phone, the Pixel 8 Pro finally feels deserving of that ‘Pro’ label. Even if it comes at the expense of the smaller, cheaper Pixel 8.

Extensive software support means it could earn a place in your pocket for years to come – but that’s not to say there aren’t areas where rivals do things better.

Performance, battery life and charging speeds are good rather than great, and the growing reliance on generative AI is sure to divide opinions. The temperature sensor also feels like a flash in the pan right now.

Previous Pro Pixels had their sore spots, of course. And they also had value on their side. The Pixel 8 Pro still compares favourably on price with the iPhone 15 Pro Max and Galaxy S23 Ultra, but not by a lot. That means you have to be more of a Google die-hard to pick this over the very capable alternatives. You’ll be very happy with your purchase if you do.

4. OnePlus 12

Pros

• Sony LYT-808 sensor superb
• ProXDR display is epic
• Premium performance

Cons

• Price increase
• Few colour options
• Needs a 50W wireless charger
• Stuff Verdict
• A seriously compelling package thanks to the upgraded camera, powerful core specs and beautiful display.

‍OnePlus 12 specs

Screen

6.8in, 3168×1440 AMOLED, 120Hz

Processor

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3

RAM

12/16GB

Storage

128/256/512GB

Software

Android 14 with OxygenOS

Cameras

50+64+48MP rear, 32MP front

Battery

5000mAh w/ 100W wired, 50W wireless charging

Dimensions

164x76x9mm, 220g

Delivering killer specs at a competitive price point, the OnePlus 12 hits another home run – albeit maybe not quite so far out of the park this time around, on account of a price hike over last year’s effort. Its all-screen frontage still fits the modern mould, complemented by a tactile matte back. The display itself is simply brilliant, with dynamic refresh rates ranging from 1 to 120Hz.

A trademark alert slider marks it out as a OnePlus handset, while Hasselblad branding on the distinctive circular camera bump hints at enhanced shooting modes. Results are great in most conditions, with Pro and 12-bit RAW+ options offering useful flexibility for serious snappers and low-light seeing another improvement from last year.

Performance is predictably superb, while battery life proved impressively frugal throughout our testing. When the 5000mAh cell did run empty, 100W SuperVooc refuelling had it back to full in just over half an hour. If you’re after a flagship bargain, the OnePlus 12 comfortably undercuts every major big-screen rival.

5. Nothing Phone 2

Pros

• Refines everything that Made Phone 1 so fun
• Dependable performance and battery life

Cons

• Rivals still hold the crown for photography
• Not such great value in certain territories
• Stuff Verdict
• This beautiful big-screen blower has unique style and plenty of substance. Rivals have it beat in one or two areas, but none have Phone 2’s charm.

‍Nothing Phone 2 specs

Screen

6.7in, 2410×1080 OLED, 120Hz

Processor

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1

RAM

8/12GB

Storage

128GB/256GB/512GB

Software

Android 13

Cameras

50MP+50MP (rear), 32MP (front)

Battery

4700mAh

Dimensions

162x76x8.6mm, 201g

Nothing has taken everything we loved about its debut smartphone effort and turned things up a notch. The glyph interface? It’s smarter now, with more LEDs that better represent countdown timers, incoming notifications and even how long until your Uber driver will turn up. The transparent design? It’s slicker, with slightly curved rear glass that better sits in your hand and a larger 6.7in screen.

Performance is very respectable for a mid-range phone, using last year’s flagship chip, and while the camera hardware hasn’t changed significantly, there are still image quality gains in both daylight and nighttime settings. It’s the NothingOS 2.0 that stands out the most, though: it’s a fantastic spin on Android with consistent styling that puts widgets front and centre. For the money, it’s a very tempting alternative to a Pixel 8 Pro or OnePlus 11.

6. Google Pixel 7a

Pros

• Fantastic still images for a mid-range phone
• Performance punches above its price bracket

Cons

• Price bump over last year’s effort
• Charging speeds remain behind rivals
• Stuff Verdict
• The latest cut-price Pixel isn’t quite as cut-price as its predecessor, but still delivers a software and shooting experience that’s second to none

‍Google Pixel 7a specs

Screen

6.1in, 1080×2400 OLED, 60Hz

Processor

Google Tensor G2

RAM

8GB

Storage

128GB

Software

Android 13

Cameras

64+13MP (rear), 13MP (front)

Battery

4385mAh

Dimensions

152x73x9mm, 193g

We’ve long been fans of Google’s affordable phones, and the Pixel 7a only continues that record. While not quite as wallet-friendly as its predecessor, this is still as well-rounded a phone and as streamlined an Android experience as you’ll get for the cash. There’s none of the Nothing Phone 1’s snazzy lighting, but the composite shell does a stellar impression of the glass used by its premium cousins. You’re also getting pure Android 13, which the 7a’s Tensor G2 CPU runs without a stutter.

Where the Pixel 67 really excels is in the shooting stakes. With powerful algorithms in its arsenal, almost every image it captures is balanced, noise-free and packed with detail. There’s no telephoto, but autofocus is rapid, while the combination of high pixel count main camera and Night Sight smarts pull true-to-life stills from tricky late-night scenes.

The addition of luxuries like wireless charging and a 90Hz refresh rate, missing on the outgoing Pixel 6a, mean you’ll struggle to find a better all-round Android experience for less.

7. Sony Xperia 1 V

Pros

• All the manual modes a pro snapper or videographer could want
• Stunning screen and great sound

Cons

• Cameras not as point-and-shoot friendly as rivals
• Serious money
• Stuff Verdict
• Another zero-compromise flagship that borrows its best bits from each Sony division. Shoots fantastic stills and videos – though not everyone will want to put in the effort

Sony Xperia 1 V specs

Screen

6.5in, 1644×3840 OLED, 120Hz

Processor

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1

RAM

12GB

Storage

256GB

Software

Android 12

Cameras

12+12+12MP (rear), 12MP (front)

Battery

5000mAh

Dimensions

165x71x8.3mm, 185g

The Xperia 1 V isn’t a mainstream mobile, and Sony’s fine with that. It’s a phenomenally capable Android handset, with exceptional performance, a cinematic 4K display and day-long battery life. And it’s packaged in the smartphone equivalent of a sharp business suit. But it has a very clear target market: photographers.

Rapid burst shooting, extensive manual options and stellar image quality make it a serious tool for skilled snappers. Daylight results had exceptional clarity in testing, while images remained sharp, balanced and largely free from noise in low light thanks to an all-new main sensor that relies on pixel-binning cleverness and a new auto Night mode. The 1 V also retains the continuous optical zoom lens of its predecessor, getting you closer to subjects without digital trickery. Sony’s camera app is comprehensive, while object-tracking autofocus is unnaturally fast.

It’s true that rival devices do more to hold your hand, often for a smaller outlay. But fans with deep pockets won’t be disappointed.

8. Motorola Moto G82

Pros

• Superb screen for the cash, with high refresh rate
• Stabilised main camera takes impressively clear snaps

Cons

• More powerful rivals don’t cost much more
• Macro camera doesn’t add much value

Stuff Verdict:

It won’t set your world on fire, but the G82 is long-lasting all-rounder that offers excellent value for money

‍Motorola Moto G82 specs

Screen

6.6in, 2400×1080 AMOLED, 120Hz

Processor

Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G

RAM

6GB

Storage

128GB (expandable)

Software

Android 12

Cameras

50+8+2MP (rear), 16MP (front)

Battery

5000mAh

Dimensions

160.9x8x74.5mm, 173g

Not everyone wants to spend the best part of a grand on a smartphone. If your budget’s smaller by two thirds, this sub-£300 smartphone is a steal. The Motorola Moto G82 packs an OLED display with 120Hz refresh rates, a generous 5000mAh battery and an optically stabilised 50MP camera. All features you’d expect from handsets costing a chunk more.

Sure, there are some signs of the compromises required to reach its price point. Its plastic build doesn’t break the G-series mould, while the 2MP macro camera is little more than a token addition. The Snapdragon chip inside won’t set any benchmark records, either.

But thanks to Motorola’s minimal take on Android, overall performance is far from shabby. The main sensor also impresses, producing detailed, realistic images, while the packaging is neat and no-nonsense. If you want a mid-tier mobile that nails the basics at a keen price, this is your pick.

9. OnePlus Open

Pros

• Fabulous build and a high hardware specification
• Brand new camera tech

Cons

• Digital zoom struggles in low light
• Cost, obviously

A brilliant build, capable cameras and some of the best software for multitasking on a foldable phone. The OnePlus Open is the best book-style foldable around, and even costs less than big-name rivals

‍OnePlus Open specs

Screen

6.3in, 2484×1116 AMOLED w/ 120Hz (outer)

7.82in, 2440×2268 AMOLED w/ 120Hz (inner)

Processor

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2

RAM

16GB

Storage

512GB

Software

Android 13 w/ OxygenOS

Cameras

48MP + 64MP + 48MP (rear), 32MP (cover), 20MP (inner)

Battery

4805mAh

Dimensions

153x143x5.8mm (unfolded), 153x73x11.7mm (folded), 245g

It’ll leave a bend in your bank balance, but OnePlus’ first foldable sets a new benchmark for the category. It’s as sturdy and stylish as you’d expect for the price, while only being barely heftier and thicker than a normal handset while folded.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor is zippy in the extreme. Top-tier shooting skills come from a trio of clever cameras, with the lead sensor using an all-new stacked design developed by Sony for added low light chops. With colourful OLED tech and 120Hz adaptive refresh rates, the outer panel is as good as you’ll find on any flagship phone. Yet it’s the lesser of the two: the 7.82in screen inside is bright, smooth and vibrant, offering acres of space.

OnePlus has also pulled a blinder with its clever multitasking modes, which let you mix full-screen and split-screen apps with gesture swipes. It’s easily the best we’ve used on a foldable phone. The fact you can grab one for less than either Google Pixel Fold or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 only cements its five-star status.

10. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

Pros

• Fabulous build and a high hardware specification
• Clever camera tech

Cons

• Digital zoom struggles in low light
• Cost, obviously

Stuff Verdict

Productivity that’s unrivalled in the Android world, some very capable cameras and plenty of performance. Superceded by the S24 Ultra now, but only just.

‍Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra

Screen

6.8in 3088×1440 OLED w/ 120Hz, HDR10+, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2

Processor

Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 octa-core

RAM

8/12GB RAM

Storage

256GB/512GB/1TB on-board

Software

Android 13 w/ OneUI 5.1

Cameras

200MP, f/1.7 w/ PDAF, laser AF, OIS + 12MP, f/2.2 ultrawide w/ PDAF +

10MP, f/2.4 telephoto w/ PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom + 10MP, f/2.2 telephoto w/ PDAF, OIS, 10x optical zoom rear.

12MP, f/2.2 front w/ PDAF

Battery

5000mAh w/ 45W wired charging, wireless charging, reverse wireless charging

Dimensions

163x78x8.9mm, 234g

Sure, it might have been usurped by the newer Galaxy S24 Ultra above, but the Galaxy S23 Ultra is still a cracking smartphone, especially when you take into account its current offers. If you can pick it up at a discounted price, you’re getting almost the same aesthetic and performance of the newer Galaxy S24, for less.

Admittedly, it’s not slathered in titanium. And its zoom game is slightly weaker. But apart from that, it’s still plenty powerful, and comes with a cavalcade of S Pen smarts for productivity fiends to lose themselves in. If you’re not fussed about Samsung’s new AI, and zoom smarts, then the Galaxy S23 absolutely will not disappoint — especially when you take its current deals into account.

Sourced from Stuff‍