Introduction
Smartphones have become an essential part of our daily lives, serving as our communication devices, cameras, entertainment centers, work tools, and much more. With hundreds of models released each year across various price points, choosing the right smartphone can be overwhelming.
This comprehensive guide aims to simplify the smartphone buying process by breaking down the key factors to consider, explaining important specifications, and providing recommendations across different price ranges. Whether you're a tech enthusiast looking for the latest flagship or a casual user seeking value for money, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
Last Updated: March 10, 2024
We regularly update our buying guides to reflect new product releases, price changes, and technological advancements.
Key Considerations When Buying a Smartphone
Before diving into specific recommendations, let's explore the most important factors to consider when purchasing a new smartphone in 2024:
Performance
The processor, RAM, and storage determine how fast your phone runs, how many apps it can handle simultaneously, and how much content you can store.
Display
Screen size, resolution, refresh rate, and panel type (OLED vs LCD) affect visual quality, smoothness, and battery consumption.
Camera
Camera quality, versatility (ultrawide, telephoto lenses), and computational photography features determine your photo and video capabilities.
Battery Life
Battery capacity, charging speed, and power efficiency affect how long your phone lasts and how quickly it recharges.
Other important factors include software experience, update policy, build quality, water resistance, connectivity options (5G, Wi-Fi 6E), and of course, price. The weight you give to each factor will depend on your personal needs and preferences.
Processor & Performance
The processor (or chipset) is the brain of your smartphone. In 2024, these are the leading mobile processors you'll encounter:
| Processor | Performance Level | Found In | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple A17 Pro | Excellent | iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max | Gaming, AR/VR, Pro apps |
| Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | Excellent | Galaxy S24 Ultra, OnePlus 12 | Gaming, AI tasks, multitasking |
| Google Tensor G3 | Very Good | Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro | AI features, photography |
| MediaTek Dimensity 9300 | Very Good | Vivo X100 Pro, OPPO Find X7 | Performance at lower cost |
| Snapdragon 7 Gen 2 | Good | Mid-range phones | Balanced performance, efficiency |
RAM considerations: For Android phones in 2024, we recommend at least 8GB of RAM for future-proofing. Power users should consider 12GB or more. For iPhones, even 6GB is sufficient due to iOS's efficient memory management.
Storage considerations: 128GB is the minimum recommended storage for most users. If you take many photos/videos or download lots of apps and games, consider 256GB or higher. Remember that many phones no longer offer expandable storage via microSD cards.
Display Technology
Smartphone displays have seen significant improvements in recent years. Here are the key display technologies and features to consider:
OLED vs LCD
OLED Advantages
Perfect blacks, infinite contrast, vibrant colors, better power efficiency with dark content, thinner panels
OLED Disadvantages
More expensive, potential burn-in over time, sometimes less bright than premium LCDs
LCD Advantages
More affordable, no burn-in risk, often brighter at max brightness
LCD Disadvantages
Greyish blacks, lower contrast, less power efficient, thicker panels
Our recommendation: For most users, an OLED display with at least 90Hz refresh rate and FHD+ resolution offers the best balance of visual quality, smoothness, and power efficiency. Premium phone buyers should look for LTPO OLED displays with adaptive refresh rates for the best experience.
Camera Systems
Smartphone cameras have become incredibly capable, with many flagship devices rivaling dedicated point-and-shoot cameras. Here's what to look for in 2024:
Key Camera Features to Consider
Sensor Size
Larger sensors capture more light, resulting in better low-light performance and dynamic range. Look for 1/1.7' sensors or larger in premium phones.
Computational Photography
Software processing is as important as hardware. Google Pixels, iPhones, and Samsung flagships excel at computational photography features like night mode, portrait mode, and HDR.
Versatility
Multiple cameras offer different perspectives: ultrawide for landscapes and tight spaces, telephoto for zoom, and macro for close-ups. Consider which of these matter most to you.
Video Capabilities
Look for 4K60fps recording, optical image stabilization (OIS), and good microphones if video is important to you. iPhones generally lead in video quality.
Megapixels aren't everything: While high megapixel counts (48MP, 50MP, 108MP, or even 200MP) can provide more detail in good lighting, they don't necessarily translate to better overall photo quality. Sensor size, lens quality, and image processing often matter more.
Our recommendation: For photography enthusiasts, the iPhone 15 Pro Max, Google Pixel 8 Pro, and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra offer the best overall camera experiences in 2024. For those on tighter budgets, the Google Pixel 7a and iPhone 13 provide excellent photo quality at mid-range prices.
Battery Life
Battery life remains one of the most important factors for smartphone users. Here's what to know about smartphone batteries in 2024:
Battery Capacity
Note: iOS devices typically need smaller batteries than Android phones for similar battery life due to better optimization.
Charging Speeds
Note: Many phones now ship without chargers. Check if you need to purchase a compatible fast charger separately.
Battery Degradation
All smartphone batteries degrade over time. After 2-3 years of regular use, expect 80-85% of original capacity. Some manufacturers now offer battery health features and replaceable batteries are making a comeback in select models.
Our recommendation: For the best battery life in 2024, look at phones like the iPhone 15 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, and OnePlus 12. If fast charging is a priority, Chinese brands like Xiaomi, OPPO, and OnePlus offer the fastest charging speeds, often exceeding 100W.
Software & Updates
Software experience and update policy have become increasingly important factors when choosing a smartphone. Here's what to consider:
| Brand | OS Updates | Security Updates | UI Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple | 5-7 years | 5-7 years | Clean, consistent, less customizable |
| 7 years (Pixel 8 series) | 7 years (Pixel 8 series) | Clean, AI-focused, highly integrated | |
| Samsung | 4 years (flagships) | 5 years (flagships) | Feature-rich, customizable, some bloatware |
| OnePlus | 3-4 years (flagships) | 4 years (flagships) | Clean, fast, close to stock Android |
| Xiaomi | 3 years (flagships) | 4 years (flagships) | Feature-packed, iOS-inspired, ads in some regions |
iOS vs Android: This choice often comes down to personal preference and ecosystem investment. iOS offers better privacy controls, longer support, and seamless integration with other Apple products. Android offers more customization, diverse hardware options, and deeper integration with Google services.
Our recommendation: If long-term software support is a priority, Apple iPhones and Google Pixels offer the best update policies. Samsung has significantly improved its update commitment for flagship and mid-range devices as well.
Our Top Smartphone Picks for 2024
Based on our extensive testing and research, these are our top smartphone recommendations across different categories:
iPhone 15 Pro Max
Best For
Photography enthusiasts and Apple ecosystem users
Pros
- Exceptional camera system
- Industry-leading performance
- Premium build quality
- Long software support
Cons
- Expensive
- No USB-C port
- Limited customization
Key Specifications
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Best For
Power users who want the ultimate Android experience
Pros
- Versatile camera system with 10x optical zoom
- S Pen functionality
- Gorgeous display
- Excellent performance
Cons
- Expensive
- Large and heavy
- Can run hot under load
Key Specifications
Google Pixel 8 Pro
Best For
Photography enthusiasts who want a clean Android experience
Pros
- Exceptional computational photography
- Clean Android experience
- Seven years of software updates
- Impressive AI features
Cons
- Battery life could be better
- Slower charging than competitors
- Occasional software bugs
Key Specifications
Note: Prices may vary based on storage configuration, promotions, and retailer. We recommend checking current prices before making a purchase decision.
Best Budget Smartphones in 2024
You don't need to spend $1,000+ to get a great smartphone experience. Here are our top budget-friendly recommendations that offer excellent value:
Google Pixel 7a
Pros
- Great camera for the price
- Clean Android experience
- Regular updates
Cons
- Average battery life
- Slow charging
Samsung Galaxy A54
Pros
- Great display
- Good camera system
- Water resistance
Cons
- Mediocre performance
- Bloatware
Nothing Phone (2a)
Pros
- Unique design
- Clean software
- Good performance for price
Cons
- Average camera
- Limited availability
Budget Buying Tip
Consider last year's flagship models when shopping on a budget. They often receive significant price cuts after new models launch while still offering excellent performance and features.
Smartphone Comparison by Price Range
To help you compare options across different price ranges, we've created this comprehensive comparison table:
Flagship Phones ($800+)
| Device | Processor | Display | Camera | Battery | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | A17 Pro | 6.7" OLED 120Hz | 48MP + 12MP + 12MP | 4,400 mAh | $1,199 |
| Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 | 6.8" AMOLED 120Hz | 200MP + 12MP + 10MP + 10MP | 5,000 mAh | $1,299 |
| Google Pixel 8 Pro | Tensor G3 | 6.7" OLED 120Hz | 50MP + 48MP + 48MP | 4,950 mAh | $999 |
Mid-Range Phones ($400-$800)
| Device | Processor | Display | Camera | Battery | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Pixel 7a | Tensor G2 | 6.1" OLED 90Hz | 64MP + 13MP | 4,385 mAh | $499 |
| Samsung Galaxy A54 | Exynos 1380 | 6.4" AMOLED 120Hz | 50MP + 12MP + 5MP | 5,000 mAh | $449 |
| iPhone 13 | A15 Bionic | 6.1" OLED 60Hz | 12MP + 12MP | 3,240 mAh | $599 |
Budget Phones (Under $400)
| Device | Processor | Display | Camera | Battery | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nothing Phone (2a) | Dimensity 7200 | 6.7" OLED 120Hz | 50MP + 50MP | 4,700 mAh | $349 |
| Motorola Moto G Power | Snapdragon 662 | 6.6" LCD 90Hz | 50MP + 2MP + 2MP | 5,000 mAh | $249 |
| Samsung Galaxy A14 | Exynos 850 | 6.6" LCD 90Hz | 50MP + 5MP + 2MP | 5,000 mAh | $199 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some of the most common questions we receive about smartphone buying:
Conclusion
Choosing the right smartphone in 2024 comes down to understanding your priorities and budget. For those seeking the absolute best regardless of price, the iPhone 15 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, and Google Pixel 8 Pro stand out as our top recommendations.
For most users, mid-range options like the Google Pixel 7a and Samsung Galaxy A54 offer an excellent balance of performance, features, and value. Budget-conscious shoppers should consider the Nothing Phone (2a) or last year's discounted flagships.
Remember that the 'best' smartphone is subjective and depends on your specific needs. Consider how you use your phone daily, which features matter most to you, and which ecosystem (iOS or Android) you prefer or are already invested in.
We hope this guide has helped clarify the key factors to consider when purchasing a new smartphone. If you have any questions or need personalized recommendations, feel free to leave a comment below.
About the Author
Alex Johnson, Senior Tech Editor
Alex has been reviewing smartphones for over 10 years and has hands-on experience with more than 500 devices.