Smartphone Awards 2024: The Best and Worst Phones of the Year




The smartphone market exploded in 2024 with numerous devices launched throughout the year, making it an exciting time for tech enthusiasts. This year's Smartphone Awards aim to recognize the standout phones and the disappointing ones across ten categories. Winners will receive custom trophies to celebrate their achievements.


Best Big Phone & Best Small Phone


Best Big Phone:

Winner: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra excels in space utilization, offering a stunning display with an effective anti-reflective coating. It boasts impressive camera capabilities and a long-lasting battery. The recent One UI 7 beta update adds to its allure, enhancing the software experience.


Runners-up:

  • ROG Phone 9: Known for its gaming features, including a large 6.8-inch screen and a powerful battery.
  • Vivo X200 Pro: Features exceptional camera hardware and a huge display, but falls slightly short in overall performance.


Best Small Phone:

Winner: iPhone 16

The iPhone 16 stands out as the best small phone this year, significantly improving over its predecessors. It features excellent cameras, enhanced battery life, and increased RAM while maintaining the same body size as the iPhone 16 Pro.


Runners-up:

  • Samsung Galaxy S24: A compact flagship with a 6.2-inch display, but still larger than older small phones.
  • Vivo X200 Mini: Offers solid performance but is still over 6 inches in size, highlighting the trend toward bigger devices.


Best Camera & Best Value


Best Camera:

Winner: iPhone 16 Pro

The iPhone 16 Pro continues to set the standard for smartphone photography. Its user-friendly design, manual controls, and variety of shooting formats make it the go-to choice for capturing high-quality images and videos.


Runners-up:

  • Google Pixel 8: Known for its AI-driven features and impressive image quality.

  • Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Offers consistently strong performance in both photos and videos.
  • Vivo X200 Pro: Features advanced camera hardware, especially in low-light situations.


Best Value:


Winner: Nothing Phone (2)A

Offering outstanding features for just $350, the Nothing Phone (2)A boasts a large display, long battery life, and a capable camera. Its smooth software experience makes it an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers.

Runners-up:

  • Google Pixel 8a: Competes well in the mid-range with an excellent camera but feels slightly underwhelming against its sibling, the Pixel 8.
  • CMF Phone 1: At $200, it provides great value with its unique design and accessibility features.


Best Battery & Best Design


Best Battery:

Winner: RedMagic 10 Pro

With a massive 7000mAh battery paired with the efficient Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, the RedMagic 10 Pro leads in battery performance. It allows for extended usage without frequent charging, making it ideal for gamers.


Runners-up:

  • Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Features a strong 5000mAh battery, balancing performance and longevity well.
  • OPPO Find X8 Pro: Offers a great battery life with fast charging capabilities.
  • Vivo X200 Pro: Comes with a robust battery, supporting high demands with quick charging.


Best Design:

Winner: Huawei Mate XT

The Huawei Mate XT impresses with its innovative tri-fold design, pushing the boundaries of smartphone aesthetics and functionality. Despite concerns about durability, its creativity makes it stand out.


Runners-up:

  • Nothing Phone (2)A: Features a unique transparent design that integrates well with its software.
  • CMF Phone 1: Known for its fun and eye-catching design, attracting buyers looking for flair.


Best Foldable, Most Improved, and Best of the Year


Best Foldable:

Winner: Pixel Fold 9 Pro

The Pixel Fold 9 Pro shines with significant improvements over its predecessor, including a thinner design and enhanced camera capabilities that make it a strong choice in the foldable market.


Runners-up:

  • Honor Magic V3: Offers thin design and solid hardware but lacks some polish.

  • Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: Continues to be a reliable option but struggles to innovate.


Most Improved:

Winner: Pixel Fold 9 Pro

This model represents a remarkable upgrade in design and functionality compared to the first version, showcasing improved cameras and a sleeker build.


Runners-up:

  • iPhone 16: Introduced various upgrades, making it a more competitive option.

  • OPPO Find X8 Pro: Improved display and performance enhance its overall value.


Bust of the Year

Winner: Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra

The Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra receives this award for not living up to expectations set by its predecessors. Its shift away from the compact, innovative designs that fans loved signals a worrying trend for small phones.


MVP Phone of the Year

Winner: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is crowned MVP for its all-around excellence. Much like golfer Scottie Scheffler, this phone excels in multiple areas, making it the most reliable choice for users seeking performance and functionality.


Runners-up:

  • Vivo X200 Pro: A strong contender with impressive features.

  • Google Pixel Fold 9 Pro: Its noteworthy design and usability offer plenty of value.

  • iPhone 16: The enhanced features elevate it within the ecosystem but do not surpass the Galaxy S24 Ultra.

Conclusion

The Smartphone Awards 2024 celebrate excellence and innovation across various categories. Winning smartphones highlight trends towards improved design, functionality, and value in a competitive market. 

Thank you to all readers for your support over the years, and stay tuned for next year's awards!

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