Tech Recap 2024: Best Smartphones Launched in 2024 That Set the Bar High
By Himani Jha | Updated Dec 11, 2024, 12:33 PM IST
2024 has been a landmark year for smartphone enthusiasts, with brands pushing the boundaries of technology like never before. From AI-powered features to stunning designs, the year’s smartphone launches have set new benchmarks in performance, photography, and innovation. Whether you're a gamer, a photography buff or a multitasker; check out our top picks here.
Best smartphones launched in 2024
The smartphone market in 2024 is more dynamic than ever, with brands fiercely competing to combine cutting-edge features and reliable performance. The latest wave of smartphones isn't just about sleek designs or robust hardware—they're turbocharged with artificial intelligence. Whether it's real-time language translation, AI-powered photo editing, or intelligent battery optimization, these devices are pushing the boundaries of what your phone can do.
At the top of our list is the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, a powerhouse that merges stunning design with exceptional functionality. With its immersive QHD+ display, top-tier camera system, and AI enhancements, it’s built to cater to tech enthusiasts and casual users alike. Close behind is the iPhone 16 Pro Max, which has raised the bar with its Photographic Styles feature, SLR-inspired camera control, and exceptional battery life, all backed by Apple’s upcoming AI platform.
For those intrigued by foldable phones, 2024 marks a turning point, with models offering more durable builds and larger, vibrant outer screens. However, their high price tags remain a barrier for many. But don't worry if you’re not ready to splurge; many older smartphones still deliver reliable performance, vibrant displays, and impressive camera capabilities.
So, is it time to upgrade? It depends. If your current phone meets your needs, the leap may not feel revolutionary. However, for those craving the latest tech and seamless AI integration, 2024’s lineup offers plenty of reasons to take the plunge!
Best smartphones launched in 2024
1. Best overall: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
At the top of our list is the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, a powerhouse that merges stunning design with exceptional functionality. With its immersive QHD+ display, top-tier camera system, and AI enhancements, it’s built to cater to tech enthusiasts and casual users alike. Close behind is the iPhone 16 Pro Max, which has raised the bar with its Photographic Styles feature, SLR-inspired camera control, and exceptional battery life, all backed by Apple’s upcoming AI platform.
For those intrigued by foldable phones, 2024 marks a turning point, with models offering more durable builds and larger, vibrant outer screens. However, their high price tags remain a barrier for many. But don't worry if you’re not ready to splurge; many older smartphones still deliver reliable performance, vibrant displays, and impressive camera capabilities.
So, is it time to upgrade? It depends. If your current phone meets your needs, the leap may not feel revolutionary. However, for those craving the latest tech and seamless AI integration, 2024’s lineup offers plenty of reasons to take the plunge!
Best smartphones launched in 2024
| Best phones launched in 2024 | Processor |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 5G AI Smartphone | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy |
| iPhone 16 Pro Max | A18 Pro chip with 6-core GPU |
| OnePlus 12 5G | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 5G | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 5G | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy |
| OnePlus 12R 5G | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform |
1. Best overall: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra pushes smartphone innovation to unprecedented heights, solidifying its status as the ultimate flagship of 2024. From its top-tier battery performance to its versatile camera system, the S24 Ultra outshines competitors in nearly every category. Its titanium frame and flat design elevate its aesthetics and enhance usability, especially with the S Pen. While still a large device, the revamped design makes it more practical without sacrificing its premium feel.
The unmatched OLED display offers exceptional brightness, vibrant colors, and an anti-glare finish that performs flawlessly in bright light. Behind the scenes, Samsung has optimized its camera software, delivering stunning photos in all scenarios, with noticeable improvements in portrait and zoom shots. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, it’s the fastest phone yet, outperforming even Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro in benchmarks.
With seven years of software updates, the Galaxy S24 Ultra ensures longevity, making it an investment in the future of mobile technology.
Users' feedback: Customers praise the phone's performance, battery life, and gaming capabilities. They find it a true flagship device with powerful features like AI and slo-mo. Many appreciate the solid battery life that lasts a full day with heavy use. The display quality and camera quality are also highly praised.
2. Best in performance: iPhone 16 Pro Max
The unmatched OLED display offers exceptional brightness, vibrant colors, and an anti-glare finish that performs flawlessly in bright light. Behind the scenes, Samsung has optimized its camera software, delivering stunning photos in all scenarios, with noticeable improvements in portrait and zoom shots. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, it’s the fastest phone yet, outperforming even Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro in benchmarks.
With seven years of software updates, the Galaxy S24 Ultra ensures longevity, making it an investment in the future of mobile technology.
Users' feedback: Customers praise the phone's performance, battery life, and gaming capabilities. They find it a true flagship device with powerful features like AI and slo-mo. Many appreciate the solid battery life that lasts a full day with heavy use. The display quality and camera quality are also highly praised.
2. Best in performance: iPhone 16 Pro Max
The iPhone 16 Pro Max redefines premium smartphones, offering upgrades that make it familiar and refreshingly new. The standout Camera Control feature cleverly replaces the antenna gap, adding intuitive ways to manage photo and video settings. And let’s not ignore the stunning Desert Titanium finish—it’s an instant favorite, blending elegance with innovation.
With its biggest, brightest display ever, the iPhone 16 Pro Max excels in every environment, even under direct sunlight. The camera system takes a major leap, introducing refined tonal adjustments and high-speed video for smoother slow-motion shots. Early reviews rave about its cinematic quality.
Under the hood, the A18 Pro chipset ensures unmatched performance, handling every task with ease. Battery life impresses, too—this is Apple’s longest-lasting iPhone yet. Despite packing so much new tech, Apple has held the price steady, making the iPhone 16 Pro Max a premium device that delivers incredible value.
Users' feedback: Customers appreciate the phone's quality, battery life, and color accuracy. They find it worth buying with a smooth feel and no overheating issues. The color undertones are clear, and there are no green or white straight lines during use or reboot.
3. Best in battery: OnePlus 12 5G
With its biggest, brightest display ever, the iPhone 16 Pro Max excels in every environment, even under direct sunlight. The camera system takes a major leap, introducing refined tonal adjustments and high-speed video for smoother slow-motion shots. Early reviews rave about its cinematic quality.
Under the hood, the A18 Pro chipset ensures unmatched performance, handling every task with ease. Battery life impresses, too—this is Apple’s longest-lasting iPhone yet. Despite packing so much new tech, Apple has held the price steady, making the iPhone 16 Pro Max a premium device that delivers incredible value.
Users' feedback: Customers appreciate the phone's quality, battery life, and color accuracy. They find it worth buying with a smooth feel and no overheating issues. The color undertones are clear, and there are no green or white straight lines during use or reboot.
3. Best in battery: OnePlus 12 5G
The OnePlus 12 has been a standout flagship, offering a near-seamless Android experience, stellar performance, and significant camera improvements thanks to its partnership with Hasselblad. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, it competes with top-tier rivals like the Galaxy S24 Ultra, handling demanding games and multitasking with ease. Its 17-hour battery life is exceptional, complemented by 80W wired charging and the return of wireless charging—perfect for heavy users.
The camera setup now includes a 3x telephoto lens, a step up from its predecessor, delivering sharp, well-composed shots. However, low-light performance could use some refinement. Priced starting under Rs 60,000, the OnePlus 12 remains competitive, especially with trade-in offers offsetting its price hike.
That said, the OnePlus 13, already launched in China, is set to bring Snapdragon 8 Elite power and enhanced features, making it a tempting upgrade for those who can wait.
Users' feedback: Customers praise the phone's camera, speed, battery life, and display quality. They find it has an outstanding camera, fast performance, and good battery life. The screen is described as beautiful and the phone looks nice as a single piece.
4. Best for multitasking: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 5G
The camera setup now includes a 3x telephoto lens, a step up from its predecessor, delivering sharp, well-composed shots. However, low-light performance could use some refinement. Priced starting under Rs 60,000, the OnePlus 12 remains competitive, especially with trade-in offers offsetting its price hike.
That said, the OnePlus 13, already launched in China, is set to bring Snapdragon 8 Elite power and enhanced features, making it a tempting upgrade for those who can wait.
Users' feedback: Customers praise the phone's camera, speed, battery life, and display quality. They find it has an outstanding camera, fast performance, and good battery life. The screen is described as beautiful and the phone looks nice as a single piece.
4. Best for multitasking: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 5G
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 redefines premium foldable phones, packing a punch with its multitasking ability and stunning design. From its water-resistant build to its productivity-boosting capabilities, this "phablet" is in a league of its own. While it comes with a hefty price tag, it delivers more than double the functionality, making it an intriguing choice for those who demand the best.
The design is sleeker and more durable, with a barely-there crease and a premium finish in vibrant colors. The displays—a massive inner screen and a bright, full-sized outer display—are breathtaking, with S Pen compatibility adding a creative edge.
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, it delivers unmatched performance, rivaling even the latest iPhones. However, while the cameras offer solid results, they don’t quite match flagship standards. Battery life is reliable but falls short of expectations for a phone this size.
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 isn’t for the faint of wallet, but for those chasing innovation and style, it’s a game-changer in mobile technology.
Users' feedback: Buyers have said that the camera quality of the phone is excellent. All three camera set ups are good in their use cases environment. They also added that the software of the phone is it's USP.
5. Best in design: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 5G
The design is sleeker and more durable, with a barely-there crease and a premium finish in vibrant colors. The displays—a massive inner screen and a bright, full-sized outer display—are breathtaking, with S Pen compatibility adding a creative edge.
Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, it delivers unmatched performance, rivaling even the latest iPhones. However, while the cameras offer solid results, they don’t quite match flagship standards. Battery life is reliable but falls short of expectations for a phone this size.
The Galaxy Z Fold 6 isn’t for the faint of wallet, but for those chasing innovation and style, it’s a game-changer in mobile technology.
Users' feedback: Buyers have said that the camera quality of the phone is excellent. All three camera set ups are good in their use cases environment. They also added that the software of the phone is it's USP.
5. Best in design: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 5G
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, unveiled at Samsung’s Unpacked event in July, is a bold blend of nostalgia and modern tech. With its sleek clamshell design, it nods to the flip phones of the past while packing serious flagship power for today’s tech enthusiasts. Featuring a 6.7-inch AMOLED display, vibrant and crisp, and up to 512GB storage, this device is perfect for multimedia and productivity needs. The 4,000mAh battery, an upgrade over its predecessor, ensures all-day usage.
Under the hood, the Z Flip 6 boasts the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and introduces a vapor cooling chamber for better efficiency and less battery drain. The device is also thinner and lighter, making it ultra-portable. On the camera front, it sports an improved 50MP main sensor and AI features like Auto Zoom, perfect for capturing life’s best moments.
The Flex Window adds personality with interactive wallpapers, smart replies, and even Interpreter Mode for live translations. Compact yet feature-packed, the Z Flip 6 seamlessly merges fun and functionality, making it a game-changer in foldable technology.
Users' feedback: Customers have said that it's a stylish phone with good AI features. They shared that the compared to flip 4 and 5 it feels bit more durable.
6. Best in budget: OnePlus 12R 5G
Under the hood, the Z Flip 6 boasts the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and introduces a vapor cooling chamber for better efficiency and less battery drain. The device is also thinner and lighter, making it ultra-portable. On the camera front, it sports an improved 50MP main sensor and AI features like Auto Zoom, perfect for capturing life’s best moments.
The Flex Window adds personality with interactive wallpapers, smart replies, and even Interpreter Mode for live translations. Compact yet feature-packed, the Z Flip 6 seamlessly merges fun and functionality, making it a game-changer in foldable technology.
Users' feedback: Customers have said that it's a stylish phone with good AI features. They shared that the compared to flip 4 and 5 it feels bit more durable.
6. Best in budget: OnePlus 12R 5G
The OnePlus 12R marks a significant milestone with an impressive standard. Positioned as a midrange device under Rs 40,000, the 12R delivers high-end flagship features at a fraction of the price, making it a fantastic alternative to pricier options like the Pixel 8a. It’s a powerhouse in the midrange category, though its three years of software updates and a single extra year of security support may leave some wishing for more longevity, especially when compared to the Pixel 8a’s seven-year support.
However, it compensates with excellent performance and battery life, thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and an 18-hour endurance in testing. While the cameras fall short of flagship quality, the 12R excels in design, fast charging (80W), and overall value. If premium performance at a midrange price is your goal, the OnePlus 12R is hard to beat.
Users' feedback: Customers appreciate the phone's build quality, fast charging speed, and value for money. They find it reliable with a good battery life that lasts more than a day. The display and picture quality are also appreciated.
However, it compensates with excellent performance and battery life, thanks to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset and an 18-hour endurance in testing. While the cameras fall short of flagship quality, the 12R excels in design, fast charging (80W), and overall value. If premium performance at a midrange price is your goal, the OnePlus 12R is hard to beat.
Users' feedback: Customers appreciate the phone's build quality, fast charging speed, and value for money. They find it reliable with a good battery life that lasts more than a day. The display and picture quality are also appreciated.
Disclaimer: Times Shopping Guide is committed to bringing you the latest products from the best brands. Our selection is based on market research and positive consumer feedback. Times Shopping Guide is also a part of an affiliate partnership. In line with this, we may receive a portion of the revenue from your purchases. Please note that the product prices are subject to change based on the retailer's deals.
