Phones are arguably the most important piece of tech in the modern world, even more so than a wallet, some would say. This is why smartphones are available in all shapes, sizes, and price points. They are essentially computers in our pockets that are capable of performing so many different tasks, including making calls, sending messages and emails, playing games, listening to music, watching movies, and more. The best part is that we don't need to be tethered to a desk or need to sit down every time we want to use our phones. When looking for a new phone, there are two main choices: Android or iPhone. The iPhone vs Android debate has seemingly reached a point where both sides are at peace with each other. Both stay in their lanes, but there is no doubt that Android users have a significantly wider pool of options to choose from, while iPhone users have to wait for Apple to release a newer model and then decide whether it is worth upgrading from their current model.

OEMs or Original Equipment Manufacturers release newer models every year to keep up with the advancements in technology, which floods the market with choice and makes phones obsolete fairly quickly. Buying a new smartphone can be both simple and straightforward or a significantly challenging task, given the myriad of options available on the market. This guide should help those looking for a new phone for themselves or someone else, based on various different categories. But, before making the purchase decision, you should also consider some important factors that will help you understand what's best for your use case. More on that at the end of the guide.

Updated on June 1st, 2024 by Vineet Washington: A "Best Mid-range" option has been added. Alternative options have also been added to some categories.

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Android purists are familiar with the advantages of a stock or a close to stock operating system, and it can’t get more stock than a Google phone. The Google Pixel 8 Pro is the latest and greatest offering from a company that is known for its software support and regular updates. The phone builds on the now mature Pixel platform and brings new AI features to a unique looking smartphone.

Pixel phones are highly recognizable, and the Pixel 8 Pro is no exception. The horizontal bar on the back that houses the cameras has become iconic at this point and a staple for Pixel phones. With the Pixel 8 Pro, users get the latest Android features, an amazing camera system, seven years of software and security updates, as well as a gorgeous display. There is a 6.7-inch 120Hz display up front that can reach a peak brightness of 2400 nits. It is powered by Google’s Tensor G3 chip, which has gotten a lot better compared to the first iteration.

The Pixel 8 Pro is backed by a 5050 mAh battery with support for 30W fast charging as well as wireless charging. It advertises a 24+ hour battery life and the phone should be able to deliver a full day with typical use. There are three beautiful colors to choose from, including Obsidian, Bay, and Porcelain, which ideally should be protected by a case, since the back panel is glass with a polished aluminum frame.

Coming to the cameras, there are three on the back of the Pro model. These include a 50 MP primary camera, a 48 MP ultrawide camera, and a 48 MP telephoto camera that can do 5x optical zoom. Google’s post-processing is one of the best in the game and the photography experience is enhanced by the availability of AI-based features like Magic Editor, Best Take, Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, and more.

For Android lovers, the Google Pixel 8 Pro is the best phone available right now. But for those willing to make some compromises on the camera system and display can pay about $200 less and get the regular Pixel 8.

While it makes sense to have the largest phone, the iPhone 15 Pro Max, as the best iPhone, the iPhone 15 Pro takes the cake thanks to the value proposition. It carries the same processor as its bigger brother, the same build quality, and almost the same camera system. It packs a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion, which means it can run at 120Hz depending on the content. There is a titanium frame and a glass back on the iPhone 15 Pro, giving it a premium feel that is also more durable.

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Apple has decided to keep the same cameras on the Pro Max and Pro models with three 48 MP shooters (primary, ultrawide, and telephoto) with the only difference being that the Pro Max model can do 5x optical zoom while the 15 Pro can only do 3x. What this essentially means is that iPhone 15 Pro users will be more than satisfied with the camera performance, especially considering that the latest iPhones take some of the best videos in the game. Furthermore, Apple’s hardware and software optimizations make it so that the transition between the three cameras feels a lot more seamless when compared to Android options.

With the iPhone 15 series, Apple finally gave in and decided to go with a USB Type-C port instead of its typical Lightning port (thanks to the European Union). Those who were hesitant about getting into the Apple ecosystem because of the Lightning connector can now reconsider because of this more universal port, which opens up a bunch of new possibilities. Not to mention, the iPhone 15 Pro is powered by the extremely powerful A17 SoC, which boasts incredible gaming performance. It is capable of running console-level games like Resident Evil 4 and Assassin's Creed Mirage.

You can also check out the iPhone 15 Plus for $100 less, but you will miss out on the A17 Pro SoC, ProMotion, Titanium frame, and the telephoto camera, though you will gain screen real-estate and a better battery life.

When it comes to gaming, Asus is a prominent brand in the space with its gaming laptops, desktops, and gaming accessories. Another area where the company excels is gaming phones and the ROG Phone 8 Pro is a fine example. It packs the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen3 SoC accompanied by more than enough RAM and a 165Hz 6.78-inch display. The phone is pretty huge, so people with smaller hands may want to look at something else.

The large size makes way for a beefy 5500 mAh battery that not only supports 65W fast charging but also Qi wireless charging. Even though it is an expensive offering, there are three decent performing cameras on the back, but that is to be expected from a gaming forward phone.

Speaking of which, the ROG Phone 8 Pro brings quite a few gaming related features, such as shoulder buttons or AirTriggers, an improved cooling system, dual-stereo speakers, and dual USB Type-C ports. Asus also makes some accessories for the phone, like the AeroActive cooler and ROG Tessen mobile controller. There is also a customizable screen on the back that is hidden till it turns on.

Those looking for a dedicated gaming phone will be completely satisfied with the ROG Phone 8 Pro. Alternatively, gamers could also consider the Nubia Redmagic 9 Pro, which also boasts similar gaming-related features. Furthermore, there are only minor differences between the ROG Phone 8 Pro and the ROG Phone 8, so make sure to check out Game ZXC's detailed review on the non-Pro model.

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For the past few generations of the Galaxy S series, Samsung has been improving the cameras, especially when it comes to zoom capabilities. The Galaxy S24 is the culmination of more than 10 generations of seeing what works best. It features four cameras on the back, with the primary being a 200 MP shooter, accompanied by a 50 MP camera, a 12 MP shooter, and a 10 MP camera. While the Galaxy S24 Ultra can do 5x optical zoom, it can digitally zoom up to 100x, which is quite impressive when considering there is no giant camera bump on the back.

The primary camera delivers great looking photos in all lighting conditions while the 12 MP camera covers the ultrawide shots. Along with the hardware, Samsung has also worked on its software and post-processing. It has also implemented several AI-based features that further improve the photography and videography experience on the phone.

Besides the camera, the Galaxy S24 Ultra has a premium build, a solid 5000 mAh battery, and an S Pen that hides within the phone. The phone is powered by the latest Snapdragon SoC and delivers impressive performance in both gaming and daily tasks. Do note that it is a large phone with a 6.8-inch flat display that is framed by Titanium and protected by Corning Gorilla Armor. The edges are relatively sharper this time around.

The Galaxy S24 Ultra is the best phone when it comes to the camera system. Another phone with a great camera system is the iPhone 15 Pro Max, but like the Galaxy offering, it has a premium price point.

The battery life of a phone is not just defined by the size of the battery, but also how quickly it can charge back up, as well as the software optimizations made by the manufacturer. This is where the OnePlus 12R stands out. It not only packs a massive 5500 mAh battery which can easily last an entire day, if not more, when it eventually runs out, the 80W wired charging will bring the phone back to 100 percent in just 31 minutes. Surprisingly, it has even more battery capacity than its flagship sibling, OnePlus 12, which costs significantly more.

The OnePlus 12R does not compromise on other aspects either. It is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen2 SoC and features a 6.78-inch 120Hz display that can reach 1600 nits peak brightness. There is a triple camera setup in the back that includes a 50 MP primary, an 8 MP ultrawide, and a 2 MP macro shooter. The photos and videos from the OnePlus 12R will not be winning any awards, but they will definitely do the job.

OnePlus has also implemented a vapor chamber cooling system that it says is the largest it has ever used. This helps to keep the phone cool when under load and also when charging rapidly. This also means that the gaming experience will be excellent. Users should note that the display curves on the sides, so the typical issues like accidental touches and light reflections would be present here as well.

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Ideally, this phone should have been a contender for the best budget category, but because of how Google has decided to price it, the Pixel 8a stands at the top of the mid-range category. It starts at $500 and that gets you 128 GB of storage and 8 GB of RAM. The phone is powered by the same Tensor G3 SoC present inside the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, which means it will easily churn through day-to-day tasks and even deliver great gaming performance.

With the Pixel 8a comes Google's impressive software support and AI tech. Starting with software, not only will the Pixel 8a be one of the first devices to receive the latest Android versions, but it will also be supported up till May 2031 with security and Android updates. The Pixel 8a also gets AI features like Circle to Search, Gemini integration, Pixel Call Assist, and various photo editing tools. The camera performance is not as impressive as the Pixel 8 Pro but very close to it, which is great considering it is about half the price.

The Pixel 8a is on the compact side, with a 6.1-inch 1080 x 2400 OLED display and 120Hz refresh rate. It also supports up to 2,000 nits peak brightness. The phone is quite light as well, at just 188 grams, but Google has still managed to fit an almost 4500mAh (4492mAh) battery inside. It should be able to last through an entire day and the company says that with the Extreme Battery Saver mode, it can last up to 72 hours.

Alternatively, the Nothing Phone 2a is also a contender for the best mid-range category, and it arguably is the best design in any smartphone, along with the unique Glyph lighting interface on the back. And, for about $40 less than the Pixel 8a, you can get 12GB RAM and 256GB storage.

Samsung seems to have a hold on both ends of the price spectrum with its premium Galaxy S series and the more budget-friendly Galaxy A series models. The Galaxy A54 is the best budget phone thanks to its sub $400 price point and impressive features like a 5000 mAh battery, a 6.4-inch 120Hz display, 5G connectivity, and a triple camera setup.

There are no fancy metals or glass armor on the Galaxy A54, but it has a solid plastic body which is more rugged and durable thanks to its IP67 dust and water resistance. Samsung has also promised four OS upgrades and five years of security updates, making it an even more attractive package. It is powered by the Exynos 1380 SoC, which is not as powerful as its Snapdragon counterpart, but it is capable of running most games without issues.

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The photos and videos from the Galaxy A54’s cameras are not the greatest, but they are far better than some of the other budget options. Those looking for better camera performance and are willing to spend a little extra should go for the Google Pixel 7a.

When it comes to budget friendly iPhones, there aren’t too many options to begin with and Apple fans will need to go back two or more generations to get a budget model. The iPhone 13 was released in 2021 but still offers good value in the Apple ecosystem. It is powered by the A15 chip which is now two generations old, but Apple will continue to support the phone with software updates till 2028, so those who purchase the phone in 2024 will still get to use it for a long time with newer operating systems and features.

Other than software support and the fact that it is in the Apple ecosystem, the iPhone 13 doesn’t offer a ton of features. There is a dual 12 MP camera setup on the back and up front is a 6.1-inch Retina XDR display with a giant notch up top. At about $600, the iPhone 13 is still not a cheap phone but is a relatively budget-friendly option that still makes sense in 2024.

Those looking for something cheaper, but still in the ecosystem can check out the iPhone SE (3rd Gen). However, going with the iPhone SE in 2024 would be a major compromise with its single rear camera and a tiny 4.7-inch display.

Manufacturers like Samsung and Motorola have been in the folding phone game since before everyone else and the maturity shows with their designs. However, brands like Google and OnePlus have also learned from the pioneers and come up with their own designs. The OnePlus Open, because of the value it offers, is the best foldable phone on the market.

OnePlus managed to price the OnePlus Open lower than the competition from Samsung and Google, yet deliver a better overall experience. In its folded state, the phone is slimmer and lighter than both the Galaxy Z Fold5 and the Google Pixel Fold. When opened, it showcases a 7.82-inch display that is not just bigger but sharper as well, and while maintaining its slim form factor, the OnePlus Open packs a 4805 mAh battery that is one of the biggest batteries ever in a foldable phone (Pixel Fold has a 4821 mAh battery).

Foldable phones have carved out a niche for themselves and there are people who are more than willing to take the plunge into this form factor. More than the specs on paper, using the OnePlus Open feels premium thanks to its fast inner and outer displays, its relatively slim and light form factor, a robust hinge mechanism, and snappy Snapdragon processor.

Factors to Consider when Looking for the Best Phone in 2024

Operating system: Those who are already in the Apple ecosystem would benefit more from an iPhone and, for everyone else, the choice is wide open. The ecosystem is almost as big of a selling point for Apple devices as the device itself. This doesn’t mean that people in the Apple ecosystem should never get an Android. Because of how well Apple products work with each other, it makes sense to get an iPhone for some people. The transition from Android to iPhone or the other way around does take some getting used to. Android still offers greater customizability and some additional features, like superfast charging that iPhones don't consider to be necessary. Furthermore, Apple has finally switched to USB Type-C from its proprietary Lightening connector, which does make things more universal.

Budget: The budget is often the first thing users decide on when it comes to phones, but things get a bit more complicated when carrier plans are involved, as they make the more premium offerings more accessible. Nevertheless, there are plenty of options in every budget, so having a strict figure in mind can help narrow down the choices. You can find great performers for as low as $300 and as high as $1500.

Battery life: One of the most important features of a phone is battery life. Phones that can deliver a full day of use without having to charge in the middle are believed to have the best battery performance and gone are the days where phones used to last for several days without having to charge. Most phones these days pack sufficient battery for a single day of use, but it depends on the type of usage throughout the day. It’s safe to say that a bigger battery is the way to go for everyone. Fortunately, a lot of newer phones come with a minimum of 5000mAh capacity, which can give you a full day of use. Different manufacturers also implement various tweaks in software to optimize battery life, like shutting down background apps and clearing memory. Some brands do this more aggressively than others.

Camera: Another essential feature of a smartphone is good cameras. Most phones come with multiple cameras and are capable of delivering decent pictures and videos. However, enthusiasts would need something better than just ‘decent’ performance. Not just the megapixels, but the software processing and post-processing features contribute to how good the photography and videography experience is. Pixel phones, newer iPhones, and Samsung Galaxy S series flagships currently sit at the top when it comes to photography and videography. A healthy collection of cameras includes a high-resolution primary shooter, an ultra-wide sensor, and a telephoto sensor, as these cover all aspects of photography. While Android devices show a noticeable difference between the picture quality of the different lenses, iPhones are best when transitioning from one lens to the other while zooming in or out.

Size: Phones have reached a size where they cannot be used with just one hand, other than a handful of options. Those with smaller hands would prefer phones that are under 6 inches or just higher. On top of that, manufacturers have been trying to fit even bigger screens on phones, which has led to the rise of foldable smartphones. A lot of users don't mind the readjustments required to reach the corners of the phone and would much rather prefer the biggest display possible. There are advantages to having a bigger display, such as better immersion when watching videos or movies and more screen real estate for multitasking.

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FAQ

Q: What cell phone has the longest lifespan?

In terms of continued software support, Apple supports its devices anywhere from four to eight years. Google has started to give four to seven years of support. Samsung offers three to seven years. Brands like OnePlus, Oppo, Xiaomi, and others offer up to four years.

Q: How often should one replace their phone?

While there is no specific time period after which one should get a new phone, any phone will get outdated (either by a newer model or new industry trends) in about two to three years. However, a phone can be used as long as the company supports it with software updates or till it starts to feel sluggish.