Top 10 Smartphones to Buy in 2024

The smartphone market shows no signs of slowing down, with 2024 ushering in another wave of incredible new devices packed with cutting-edge innovations.

From displays that practically overfill the palm of your hand to cameras that can zoom in on subjects miles away, this year’s phones are absolute technological marvels.

Whether you’re an Android loyalist or an iPhone fan, a power user or someone looking for great value on a budget, there’s a smartphone released in 2024 that’s perfect for you.

All the major players like Samsung, Apple, Google, OnePlus, and more have pulled out all the stops.

To help you navigate all the flagship and affordable phone options, we’ve put together this definitive list of the top 10 smartphones to buy in 2024.

Read on to find the right fit for your needs and budget.

Top 10 Smartphones to Buy in 2024

2024 has seen a new crop of flagship smartphones arriving from all the major players like Samsung, Apple, Google, and others.

With so many excellent options on the market, it can be tough to decide which one is right for you.

Here’s a look at some of the best smartphones you can buy in 2024.

1. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Leading the Android pack is the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. This ultra-premium flagship pulls out all the stops with a gorgeous 6.8-inch AMOLED display, the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, up to an incredible 1TB of storage, and a powerful quad camera system headlined by a 200MP main sensor.

The S24 Ultra also features Samsung’s built-in S Pen stylus, amazing battery life from its 5,000mAh cell, and new AI-powered photography and productivity features.

It’s the total package, though it commands a lofty $1,299 (₦720,000) price tag.

2. Motorola Razr 40 Ultra

If you prefer the flip phone style of foldable, the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra (or Razr Plus) stands out at $999 (₦554,000).

The large 3.6-inch outer display lets you run any app without flipping it open, yet the 6.9-inch inner screen unfurls when you need more space.

Solid performance from the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip, all-day battery life, and an IP52 water resistance rating are other strengths.

3. Nothing Phone 2a

For those on a tighter budget, the $349 (₦193,000) Nothing Phone 2a delivers exceptional value.

It has an attractive 6.7-inch 120Hz AMOLED display, plenty of performance from the MediaTek Dimensity 7200 chip, good cameras led by 50MP main and ultrawide lenses, and brilliant battery life from its 5,000mAh cell.

The funky Glyph lighting system on the back is also eye-catching.

4. Xiaomi 14

The $849 (₦470,000) Xiaomi 14 boasts incredible cameras and performance for the money.

Its quad camera system is led by an outstanding 50MP main lens and is incredibly versatile, able to capture phenomenal photos in virtually any situation.

Performance from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip is also top-notch. Other highlights include a brilliant 6.7-inch 120Hz AMOLED display, fast 120W wired charging support, and solid battery life.

While Xiaomi’s software isn’t perfect, the hardware delivers a flagship experience at a relatively affordable price.

5. Google Pixel 8 Pro

Google’s latest Pixel 8 Pro is another top Android contender in 2024. Powered by Google’s outstanding Tensor G3 chip, it offers unbeatable AI-powered camera capabilities like Magic Editor for perfecting your photos after the fact.

The 6.7-inch QHD+ display, 5,050mAh battery, and clean Android 14 software experience make it a compelling option at $999 (₦554,000). Just watch out for somewhat average battery life.

6. iPhone 15 Pro Max

Over on the iOS side, Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro Max stands as the best iPhone you can buy.

The 6.7-inch ProMotion display is stunning, and the new A17 chip provides unrivaled performance.

The camera system is hugely versatile too, with a new 5x telephoto lens.

Other upgrades include a lighter titanium frame, USB-C charging, the fun Dynamic Island, and advanced AI capabilities.

It’s a pricey one at $1,199 (₦664,000), but it’s hard to beat for iPhone fans.

7. OnePlus Open

For those interested in foldables, the $1,699 (₦941,000) OnePlus Open tablet phone is worth a look.

This book-style foldable opens up to reveal a gorgeous 7.8-inch inner display while still being ultra-portable when closed shut.

It offers great multitasking capabilities, fast 65W wired and wireless charging, and reasonable triple cameras.

8. Samsung Galaxy A15 5G

In the budget realm, Samsung’s $199 (₦110,000) Galaxy A15 5G is a standout option that doesn’t force many compromises.

It has a sleek design inspired by Samsung’s flagships and a bright 90Hz OLED display. The 5,000mAh battery provides all-day battery life too.

The 50MP main rear camera is also surprisingly capable for this price point. And you still get Samsung’s excellent One UI software with three years of Android updates.

Performance is modest and there’s no official IP rating, but those are acceptable trade-offs given the value.

9. Honor Magic 6 Pro

For shutterbug priorities, the $949 (₦525,000) Honor Magic 6 Pro excels with its superb quad-camera system.

Except for a subpar ultrawide lens, all the other cameras are incredible – especially the main sensor with its variable aperture that excels in low light.

The hardware is also impressive with the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, stunning design, and battery life that can reach two days.

Honor’s 3D face unlock is also highly secure. Software remains a weakness though, feeling cluttered at times.

10. Google Pixel 7a

Google’s $499 (₦276,000) Pixel 7a provides amazing photographic capabilities for less than its premium Pixel phones.

The 64MP main camera is exceptional, capturing great photos with Google’s fantastic post-processing.

You also get a great 90Hz OLED display, solid performance from the Tensor G2 chip, all-day battery life, and a premium design – not to mention clean Android software with years of updates.

Charging is quite slow and there’s no telephoto lens, but the overall package is still incredible value.

FAQs on the Top 10 Smartphones to Buy In 2024

What Is the Best Smartphone to Buy In 2024?

According to most reviews, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is considered the best overall smartphone released in 2024.

With its stunning 6.8-inch display, powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, versatile quad camera system led by a 200MP main sensor, and new AI features, it ticks every box as the total package.

What Is the Best Camera Phone in 2024?

The Google Pixel 8 Pro and Xiaomi 14 are frequently cited as having the best smartphone cameras in 2024.

The Pixel 8 Pro offers incredible computational photography through Google’s advanced AI processing.

The Xiaomi 14’s quad camera system is also acclaimed for its versatility and image quality across all lenses.

What Is the Best Budget Smartphone in 2024?

For affordable smartphones, the Nothing Phone 2a stands out at just $349.

It provides great value with its 120Hz AMOLED display, solid performance, good cameras led by 50MP main and ultrawide lenses, and excellent 5,000mAh battery life.

The Samsung Galaxy A15 5G is another budget winner at $199.

What Is the Best Small/Compact Smartphone?

If you want a powerful but pocketable phone, consider the 5.9-inch Asus Zenfone 10.

It packs flagship specs like the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip and up to 512GB of storage into its compact size. Battery life is also impressive.

What Is the Best Foldable Smartphone in 2024?

The OnePlus Open and Motorola Razr 40 Ultra are regarded as the top foldable phones.

The OnePlus Open impresses with its tablet-sized 7.8-inch inner display, while the Razr 40 Ultra’s large 3.6-inch outer screen stands out among flip phones.

What’s the Best Smartphone for Battery Life?

With massive batteries over 5,000mAh, phones like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, Google Pixel 8 Pro, Nothing Phone 2a, and OnePlus 12 are all lauded for their excellent battery endurance in 2024.

How Much Do the Best Phones Cost in 2024?

The most premium flagship phones command prices over $1,000 in 2024, with the Galaxy S24 Ultra at $1,299, iPhone 15 Pro Max at $1,199, and OnePlus Open foldable at $1,699.

More affordable but still excellent options range from $499 for the Google Pixel 7a to $849 for the Xiaomi 14.

To Sum Up

While dozens of new phones launch each year, only a select few can be considered the best of the best and make this list of top smartphones for 2024.

From ultra-premium Android flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and Google Pixel 8 Pro to Apple’s impressive iPhone 15 Pro lineup, reliable workhorses like the OnePlus 12, and incredible budget values such as the Nothing Phone 2a, there’s an amazing phone option no matter your priorities.

Innovations like foldable designs push the boundaries of what we can expect from mobile devices.

Ultimately, today’s top phones raise the bar for performance, display quality, camera capabilities, battery life, and advanced AI features.

Top 10 Smartphones to Buy in 2024