Greater than 17 years after Apple popularised the smartphone, 2024 has been one other vital milestone in its growth.
Nearly each flagship telephone this yr has featured synthetic intelligence (AI) of some description, providing instruments for photograph enhancing, textual content technology, real-time translation and extra.
However for all of the AI developments this yr, the basics of an incredible telephone stay the identical: efficiency, show, cameras, software program and battery life. And these handsets do it higher than any others.
Try all of the winners on this yr’s Tech Advisor Better of 2024-25 Awards.
Greatest New Cellphone of the Yr – Winner: Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
There’s no such factor as an ideal telephone, however the Galaxy S24 Extremely is the closest any firm has ever come.
This 6.8-inch beast excels in just about each key space, that beautiful giant show combining with stellar Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 efficiency and two full days of battery life for many individuals.
There’s no such factor as an ideal telephone, however the Galaxy S24 Extremely is the closest any firm has ever come
Throw in a number of the finest cameras round, user-friendly software program with helpful Galaxy AI options and a class-leading seven years of updates, and it’s clear Samsung is on to a winner. You even get a helpful built-in S Pen stylus.
Should you don’t thoughts a giant telephone and are joyful to pay for it, that is the final word Android handset and a worthy winner.
Learn our full Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely evaluation
$1,089.50
$1299.99
$1379.97
$1419.99
Greatest New Cellphone of the Yr – First Runner-Up: Xiaomi 14 Extremely
Chris Martin / Foundry
Telephones have been most individuals’s most well-liked strategy to take photographs for some time, however they’ll by no means fairly compete with devoted cameras – till now.
Mixed with the elective Images Package accent, the Xiaomi 14 Extremely is a real DSLR substitute for most individuals. It actually feels such as you’re utilizing a correct digicam, with unbelievable photographs to match.
This combines fantastically with the beautiful vegan leather-based design and beautiful 6.7-inch show, with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 delivering excellent efficiency as soon as once more. Robust battery life and 90W quick charging make it much more interesting.
Xiaomi’s HyperOS software program isn’t probably the most intuitive (although completely usable), which is the one actual purpose the 14 Extremely isn’t the general winner.
Learn our full Xiaomi 14 Extremely evaluation.
Greatest New Cellphone of the Yr – Second Runner-Up: Google Pixel 9 Professional XL
Jon Mundy / Foundry
The Pixel 9 Professional XL would possibly sound like a brand-new telephone, but it surely’s truly a direct successor to 2023’s Pixel 8 Professional.
An up to date design maintains the Pixel’s signature look, whereas construct high quality is now higher than ever. There are additionally a variety of AI options, a few of that are genuinely helpful.
Elsewhere, the 9 Professional XL retains all the pieces that made the Pixel 8 Professional so nice. Meaning unbelievable cameras and the slickest software program of any telephone, to not point out the seven years of updates. The 6.8-inch show is healthier than ever, too.
Battery life is first rate, however turns into extra problematic when charging remains to be gradual. It’s nonetheless undoubtedly a superb telephone, although.
Learn our full Google Pixel 9 Professional XL evaluation.
$1,099
$1099
$1199
$1529.98
For extra nice choices, see our full information to one of the best telephones you should buy. You might also be desirous about all of the 2023-24 award winners.