Smartphone users are so widespread that it's difficult to pick one of the best phones of 2024. Some of us just want a big screen. Fast processor and a lot of memory Other people want the best camera. There are people out there who want the best budget phone and/or the best small phone. (They're usually the same thing.) They're just simple, cheap things that fit easily in your bag.
Like many things Your decision on which smartphone to buy begins with choosing a side: Android or iOS. The Android operating system, powered by Google, is the most popular operating system in the world. It has a market share of more than 70% worldwide, mainly because it is cheap and used by many small companies in developing markets. however, Android market share Behind Apple in the United States and Canada And recently the iPhone scored more than 50% of the US market. All for the first time
What phone should I buy?
If you don't want to spend money Lets analyze our best budget picks. Here's a little secret: Most of the best budget phones have features on par with their flagship siblings. If you don't care about having the best picture You can easily get a high-quality phone for under $500.
And a big question arises: iPhone or Android? Android still commands 70% of the global market share, but in the US, Apple devices account for nearly 50% of smartphones. The good news is that the differences and capabilities Interoperability between ecosystems isn't as bad as it used to be. Apple recently allowed iPhones to send messages with RCS, so while the green bubble remains, But you can also send high quality picture messages to your family. And you can send emoji to express your feelings to your friends.
You can choose the phone ecosystem that you are most comfortable with. Unless you're desperate to play. fortnite Native to your phone in the US, Android is currently the only place where you can get third-party app stores without much hassle. And even then it's not too easy. In other words, phones are always evolving. But the point is, you have to be comfortable with your choice about whether you'll use your phone for the next three, five, or seven years. (or until security updates are out)
Our editors independently test and review each product found in our buyer's guides. If you purchase something using our affiliate links, Gizmodo may earn a commission. Affiliate links do not influence our editorial content.
The best Android phones
Our pick: Google Pixel 9 Pro ($1,000)
Google Pixel phones have really upped their game in the last few iterations. The latest is easily the greatest. Google Pixel 9 Pro It offers a form factor reminiscent of the iPhone. If you're disappointed by the lack of sloped sides, You may want to wrap your hand around it to feel the weight.
It's a good phone with the Pixel's usual great set of cameras. One thing that might put you off is Google's integration of Gemini AI into every aspect of the device. You won't be able to use it and completely ignore it. It will become more prominent as Google expands Gemini Live. The Pro version also has extra camera features. And it's still the best size for most hands.
See Google Pixel 9 Pro Best Buy
The best Apple phones
Our pick: iPhone 16 Pro ($1,000)
In many ways iPhone 16 Pro It's so close to the iPhone 15 Pro, you won't be the only one doing a double take. But if you want the latest and greatest from Apple, this is it. Even if you ignore all the promises from Apple Intelligence, some additional features of the new phone make it a better phone. The camera controls do not change the way you use the phone. The camera picks up brighter details better.
The iPhone 16 might get even better with time. Apple promises you'll be able to use the shutter button like a DSLR camera, but we'll have to wait until that button arrives. The A18 Pro chip is faster than the CPU of previous iPhones. Plus, you don't You'll need to opt for the Pro Max to achieve this largest optical zoom.
However, if you don't need the additional camera sensor and faster chip. You should seriously consider the base iPhone 16 to save money. It has the A18 chip, camera controls, and iPhone 15 Pro Action button. Then you could save hundreds of dollars on your new phone.
See iPhone 16 Pro at the best price
The best budget phones
Our pick: Google Pixel 8a ($500)
Google's budget phone is still the most capable device at its price, the 7a is great and Google Pixel 8a Married to a strong form factor (It still retains Google's old sloped sides and camera bar.) It has access to most of Android 15 and the Gemini features you want from Google's ecosystem. It uses the same Tensor G3 chip as the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro. It has So much so that it's hard to recommend that most people buy a flagship phone when you're essentially getting better camera quality for over $200.
View Google Pixel 8a at Amazon
best big phone
Our pick: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra ($1,300)
at Galaxy S24 Ultra Better than its predecessor, it has the same 200 MP main camera with 100x digital zoom as the Galaxy S23 Ultra for taking photos of planes, trains (from a distance) and birds. The telephoto lens is better than this model. The S24 Ultra has a higher resolution 50 MP sensor. With 5x optical zoom, compared to the S23 Ultra's 10MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, images taken from further away are sharper than the ones you get on the S23 Ultra.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra is also more comfortable to hold, thanks to its square edges. Better for long term handling. Especially if you can use the S Pen that holds it. which you can use to write, draw, and crop images off-screen Or use the remote to take selfies. This isn't a phone for everyone, though. But it's a smartphone that has everything you need, anytime, anywhere. Which makes the $1,300 starting price a little more palatable at the end of the day.
View the Galaxy S24 Ultra at Samsung.
Also consider: iPhone 16 Pro Max ($1,200)
The Max is everything we love about the Pro, but in a bigger, smarter body. Even though you don't get anything more than a bigger shape for a meatier glove with the Max, the iPhone 16 Pro is still a great phone for Apple fans.
See iPhone 16 Pro Max at the best price.
best small phone
Our pick: Samsung Galaxy S23 ($800)
For Android users, get the smaller one. Samsung Galaxy S23 Try This 6.1-inch device is just what the doctor ordered if you're used to giant screens taking up valuable space in your pocket. The Galaxy S23 has improved night photography over its predecessor. Enough to compete head-to-head with Google's algorithm.
And although the display is smaller than usual, it's Samsung's signature Super AMOLED with a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, so using it feels smoother than what you'd experience with the 90Hz Google Pixel 7. The only caveat is the Galaxy's size. The small S23 doesn't support UWB, which you might want to get the most out of what you're paying your carrier for each month.
Also consider: Apple iPhone 15 ($800)
If you're still looking for a small, portable phone that's committed to the Apple lifestyle, the 6.1-inch model iPhone 15 It's also worth considering. Apple has integrated this device with iPhone 14 ProIts A16 Bionic processor has a little extra power. There's also last year's Dynamic Island. And like the Pro, it now uses USB-C.
The best foldable phone
Our pick: Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold ($1,800)
For many years, Samsung reigned supreme over foldable products. But eventually the competition caught up with him. Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold It's a big improvement from the 2023 Pixel Fold. It's thinner and snappier. Equivalent to a wonderful feeling OnePlus Open From 2023 onwards, there are strong cameras. (Although it's not technically as capable as the flagship Pixel 9 Pro) and its software is greatly optimized, with an easy-to-use split screen.
It still lacks the multiple app windows that Samsung has. Galaxy Z Fold 6And its performance isn't on par with flagship chipsets from Qualcomm and Apple, even though it costs $1,800. If all of this puts you off, Just remember that half the reason you use the Fold is because of the hinge. Google's phones feel good, and that's why we chose them.
See the Google Pixel 9 Pro at Best Buy
Best foldable flip cap
Our pick: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 ($1,100)
I have a problem with the Samsung flip, mainly because it's very limited with the apps and widgets you can use on the external screen. however at Samsung Galaxy C Flip 6 Foldable build quality Doing more than six repetitions gives an advantage. It's fast and has a solid camera with a 50 MP photo option for those concerned about the durability of foldables. This is the only flip cover rated IPX dustproof. It's also a beautiful phone. What we like most is the yellow back with gold trim. If you're looking for a phone that looks good as an accessory This might be your best bet.
See the Galaxy Z Flip 6 at Samsung.
Also consider: Motorola Razr 2024 ($700)
The Galaxy Z Flip 6 is priced at $1,100 MSRP, so you'll be sure to find it on sale or at a trade-in. But no matter what It is still an expensive device for its limitations and that. $700 2024 Motorola Razr– It uses a less capable CPU. And its camera doesn't match up to its competitors. But the price is $700.
and therefore You get a phone that's very open about which apps you can use on the 4-inch external display. The display is so large that it wraps around the camera button. It's a strange and sometimes awkward phone. Most vegan leather and vegan suede are not required. Still, it's a brave and fun phone, and simply the cheapest foldable you can find today.
View Motorola Razr 2024 at Amazon
This list is updated regularly with new recommendations and product forecasts.
Want more Gizmodo consumer electronics? Check out our advice on The best laptop– best tvand The best headphones– If you want to learn about the next big thing Please see our instructions. Everything we know about the iPhone 16–