Best Smartphones for 2024: A Detailed Review

The Google Pixel 8 Pro

 

The Google Pixel 8 Pro is a powerhouse of innovative features and elegant design. With its stunning 6.7-inch AMOLED display, the Pixel 8 Pro offers an immersive viewing experience, whether you're streaming videos, playing games, or browsing your favorite websites. Powered by the latest Google Tensor G3 chip, this smartphone delivers lightning-fast performance and exceptional efficiency, ensuring seamless multitasking and a lag-free user experience. The triple-lens rear camera system, featuring a primary 50MP sensor, an ultrawide 12MP lens, and a 48MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, captures breathtaking photos and videos, empowering you to capture life's precious moments in stunning detail and clarity. The Pixel 8 Pro's intuitive software, powered by Android 13, provides a wide range of features, including advanced photo editing tools, personalized recommendations, and seamless integration with other Google products and services. Its sleek and sophisticated design, available in a range of eye-catching colors, exudes both style and substance, making the Pixel 8 Pro one of the best smartphones available today.

 

Design and Build Quality

The Pixel 8 Pro continues Google’s tradition of a minimalist yet elegant design. The phone features a matte glass back and an aluminum frame, giving it a premium feel while ensuring durability. The soft curves and minimalist aesthetic make it visually appealing and comfortable to hold. The rear houses the iconic camera bar, a signature of the Pixel series, which blends seamlessly into the overall design.

The Pixel 8 Pro is designed with ergonomics in mind. Despite its 6.7-inch display, the phone is relatively lightweight and fits comfortably in hand. The placement of the volume and power buttons is intuitive, and the in-display fingerprint sensor is both quick and reliable. The matte finish on the back helps reduce fingerprints and provides a secure grip. There are four colours available for you to choose from: bay, mint, obsidian and porcelain.

 

Display

The 6.7-inch LTPO OLED display on the Pixel 8 Pro offers a resolution of 1344 x 2992 pixels @ 489 dpi, providing crisp and vibrant visuals. The colors are rich, and the contrast ratios are excellent, making media consumption a delight. The display supports a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and an overall fluid user experience.

The adaptive display technology dynamically adjusts the refresh rate based on the content being viewed, which not only enhances the viewing experience but also conserves battery life. Whether you're watching videos, playing games, or browsing the web, the display adapts to provide the best experience.

 

Performance

The Pixel 8 Pro is powered by the Google Tensor G3 chip, designed to deliver top-tier performance while maintaining efficiency. The octa-core CPU and GPU handle everything from intensive gaming to multitasking with ease. The device operates smoothly, with quick app launches and seamless transitions between applications.

The Tensor G3 chip is optimized for AI and machine learning tasks, enhancing features like real-time translation, voice recognition, and computational photography. This AI optimization ensures that the Pixel 8 Pro not only performs well but also offers intelligent features that improve the overall user experience.

 

Camera System

The Pixel 8 Pro is renowned for its camera system, and the latest iteration does not disappoint. The triple-camera setup includes a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 48MP telephoto lens. The main sensor captures stunning photos with incredible detail and dynamic range, while the ultrawide and telephoto lenses offer versatility for different shooting scenarios.

Night Sight mode has been further enhanced, allowing for impressive low-light photography with reduced noise and excellent color accuracy. The camera's computational photography capabilities ensure that even in challenging lighting conditions, the Pixel 8 Pro captures clear and vibrant images.

Video recording capabilities are top-notch, with support for 4K video at 60fps. The advanced stabilization features ensure smooth and steady footage, even when shooting handheld. The inclusion of cinematic pan and audio zoom features provides users with more creative control over their videos.

 

Battery Life and Charging

The Pixel 8 Pro is equipped with a 5050mAh battery, providing reliable all-day battery life. The adaptive battery technology learns user habits and optimizes power consumption, ensuring that the phone lasts longer between charges. With moderate use, the device easily lasts a full day, and even with heavy use, it performs admirably.

The device supports fast charging, enabling users to quickly top up the battery. Wireless charging is also supported, adding convenience for users who prefer a cable-free experience. The reverse wireless charging feature allows the Pixel 8 Pro to charge other compatible devices, enhancing its versatility.

 

Software Experience

Running on Android 14, the Pixel 8 Pro offers a pure and unadulterated Android experience. Google's Pixel devices are known for receiving timely updates, ensuring users always have access to the latest features and security patches. The interface is clean, intuitive, and free from bloatware, providing a smooth and enjoyable user experience.

The integration of AI into the software enhances the overall usability of the Pixel 8 Pro. Features like Google Assistant, Live Translate, and Call Screening leverage AI to provide smart and useful functionality. The AI-driven enhancements in photography and battery optimization further contribute to a superior user experience.

The Pixel 8 Pro integrates seamlessly with Google’s ecosystem, offering features like instant pairing with Pixel Buds, easy connectivity with Chromebooks, and smart home controls via the Google Home app. This integration provides a cohesive and connected experience for users who are invested in Google’s ecosystem.

Premium Design and Build Quality:

 

• Sleek Aesthetics: The OnePlus 12 features a modern design with a glass front and back, and an aluminum frame, giving it a premium look and feel.
• Ergonomics: The device is comfortable to hold despite its large size, thanks to its curved edges and slim profile.

 

Stunning Display:

 

• LTPO AMOLED Display: The 6.7-inch display with a resolution of 1440 x 3168 pixels offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast.
• 120Hz Refresh Rate: The high refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and fluid animations, enhancing the overall user experience.
• Adaptive Refresh Rate: The display can dynamically adjust its refresh rate to conserve battery life during less demanding tasks.

 

High Performance:

 

• Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Processor: The latest processor provides top-tier performance, handling multitasking, gaming, and demanding applications with ease.
• Ample RAM: With up to 16GB of RAM, the OnePlus 12 ensures smooth performance and quick app switching.

 

Versatile Camera System:

 

• Triple-Camera Setup: The OnePlus 12 includes a 50MP main sensor, a 48MP ultrawide lens, and a 32MP telephoto lens, offering versatility for different photography needs.
• Enhanced Low-Light Photography: Improved night mode capabilities deliver excellent low-light performance.
• Pro-Level Video Recording: Supports 4K video recording at 60fps, with advanced stabilization for smooth and steady footage.

 

Long-Lasting Battery:

 

• 5400mAh Battery: The large battery capacity provides reliable all-day usage even with heavy tasks.
• Fast and Wireless Charging: The device supports Warp Charge 100W for quick charging, and wireless charging adds convenience.

 

User-Friendly Software:

 

• OxygenOS 14: Based on Android 14, OxygenOS offers a clean, intuitive, and highly customizable user interface.

• Regular Updates: OnePlus is known for providing timely software updates and security patches.

High Price Point:

 

• Premium Cost: The OnePlus 12 is positioned as a high-end device, making it one of the more expensive options on the market. It doesn't cost as much as the iPhone 15 Pro Max or Galaxy S24 Ultra though.

 

No Expandable Storage:

 

• Fixed Storage Options: The device does not support expandable storage via microSD card, so users must choose their preferred storage capacity at the time of purchase.

 

Size and Weight:

 

• Bulkiness: The large display and robust build make the phone relatively heavy and bulky, which can be cumbersome for some users, particularly those with smaller hands.

 

Bloatware:

 

• Pre-Installed Apps: While OxygenOS is generally clean, some pre-installed apps might not be useful to all users, taking up storage space.

 

Battery Performance Under Intensive Use:

 

• Quick Drain: High refresh rate and intensive tasks can lead to faster battery drain, though adaptive refresh rate helps mitigate this to some extent.

The Sony Xperia 1 V

 

The Sony Xperia 1 V was released in 2023. It boasts a sleek and sophisticated design with a tall and narrow 21:9 aspect ratio display. The device is crafted from premium materials, including Gorilla Glass Victus on the front and back, and a metal frame. The Xperia 1 V features an advanced triple-lens rear camera system that includes a 12-megapixel main sensor, a 12-megapixel ultrawide sensor, and a 12-megapixel telephoto sensor with variable optical zoom. It also has a 12-megapixel front-facing camera for high-quality selfies and video calls. The Xperia 1 V is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, which provides exceptional performance for demanding tasks such as gaming and video editing. It comes with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of built-in storage, ensuring ample space for apps, media, and files. The device is equipped with a 5,000mAh battery that supports fast charging and wireless charging, ensuring long-lasting usage. The Xperia 1 V runs on Android 13 with Sony's custom user interface, providing a clean and intuitive user experience. Additionally, it features various other features, including a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, IP68 water and dust resistance, and stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support for immersive audio.

 

Design and Build Quality

 

The Sony Xperia 1 V boasts a sophisticated design with a focus on durability and premium feel. The phone features a Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front and back, paired with an aluminum frame, providing a sturdy build that can withstand everyday wear and tear. The matte finish on the back offers a refined look and reduces fingerprint smudges, enhancing the overall aesthetics.

 

The Xperia 1 V is designed with ergonomics in mind. Despite its large 6.5-inch display, the phone is slim and lightweight, making it comfortable to hold and use. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button is conveniently placed, allowing for quick and easy access.

 

Display

 

One of the standout features of the Xperia 1 V is its 6.5-inch 4K HDR OLED display. With a resolution of 1644 x 3840 pixels and a 21:9 aspect ratio, the display offers cinema-quality visuals with vibrant colors and deep blacks. The high pixel density ensures sharp and detailed images, making media consumption a truly immersive experience.

 

The 120Hz refresh rate provides smooth scrolling and fluid animations, enhancing the overall user experience. Whether you're gaming, watching videos, or browsing the web, the high refresh rate makes interactions feel more responsive and enjoyable.

 

Performance

 

Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, the Xperia 1 V delivers top-tier performance. The octa-core CPU and Adreno 740 GPU handle demanding tasks, from intensive gaming to multitasking, with ease. The device operates smoothly, with quick app launches and seamless transitions between applications.

 

Sony has incorporated an advanced heat management system in the Xperia 1 V to ensure consistent performance during extended use. The phone remains cool even during intensive tasks, preventing performance throttling and ensuring a smooth user experience.

 

Camera System

 

The Xperia 1 V features a versatile triple-camera setup, including a 48MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 12MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The main sensor, co-engineered with Zeiss, captures stunning photos with excellent detail and dynamic range. The ultra-wide and telephoto lenses add flexibility, allowing for diverse shooting scenarios.

 

The improved night mode ensures impressive low-light photography, with enhanced noise reduction and better color accuracy. The large sensor size and advanced image processing capabilities make night photography effortless and rewarding.

 

The Xperia 1 V excels in video recording, offering 4K HDR recording at 120fps. The advanced stabilization features ensure smooth and steady footage, even during handheld shooting. The Cinematography Pro mode provides manual controls over settings like ISO, shutter speed, and white balance, catering to professional videographers.

 

Battery Life and Charging

 

The Xperia 1 V is equipped with a 5000mAh battery, providing reliable all-day battery life. With moderate use, the device easily lasts a full day, and even with heavy use, it performs admirably. The efficient power management of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip contributes to the device’s overall battery longevity.

 

The device supports 30W fast charging, enabling a substantial charge in just a short period. Wireless charging is also supported, adding convenience for users who prefer a cable-free experience. Additionally, reverse wireless charging allows the Xperia 1 V to charge other compatible devices.

 

Software Experience

 

Running on Android 13 with Sony's Xperia UI, the Xperia 1 V offers a clean and intuitive software experience. The interface is designed to be user-friendly and customizable, providing a smooth and responsive experience. Regular updates ensure that users have access to the latest features and security patches.

 

Sony has integrated several unique features into the Xperia 1 V, enhancing its appeal to creative professionals. The Creator Mode, for instance, provides accurate color reproduction for media professionals, while the Game Enhancer mode optimizes performance and offers tools for gamers. The integration with Sony’s Alpha cameras allows for seamless control and transfer of images, making it a powerful tool for photographers.

Premium Design and Build Quality:

 

• Elegant Design: The Xperia 1 V features a sleek and sophisticated design with a matte glass back and an aluminum frame, providing a premium feel and look.
• Durability: With Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both the front and back, and an IP68 rating, the device is resistant to water and dust, ensuring long-term durability.

 

Exceptional Display:

 

• 4K HDR OLED Display: The 6.5-inch display offers a stunning 1644 x 3840 resolution, delivering incredibly sharp and vibrant visuals with excellent color accuracy.
• 120Hz Refresh Rate: The high refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and fluid animations, enhancing the overall user experience.

 

High Performance:

 

• Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Processor: The latest processor provides top-tier performance, handling intensive tasks, gaming, and multitasking with ease.
• Ample RAM: With 12GB of RAM, the Xperia 1 V ensures smooth performance and quick app switching.

 

Professional-Grade Camera System:

 

• Triple-Camera Setup: The Xperia 1 V features a 48MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide lens, and a 12MP telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. The cameras are co-engineered with Zeiss optics, delivering excellent photo and video quality.
• Advanced Photography Features: Features like Real-Time Eye AF, 4K HDR video recording at 120fps, and professional manual controls make it a great tool for photographers and videographers.
• Low Light Performance: Improved night mode and large sensor size enhance low-light photography capabilities.

 

Long-Lasting Battery Life:

 

• 5000mAh Battery: The large battery ensures reliable all-day usage even with heavy tasks.
• Fast and Wireless Charging: Supports 30W fast charging and wireless charging, along with reverse wireless charging for added convenience.

 

User-Friendly Software:

 

• Android 13 with Xperia UI: The clean, intuitive interface provides a smooth user experience, with minimal bloatware and a focus on performance.
• Regular Updates: Sony ensures timely software updates and security patches.

 

Audio and Multimedia:

 

• High-Resolution Audio: The Xperia 1 V supports high-resolution audio, Dolby Atmos, and has a 3.5mm headphone jack, catering to audiophiles and multimedia enthusiasts.
• CinemaWide Display: The 21:9 aspect ratio is ideal for watching movies and videos, providing a more immersive viewing experience.

High Price Point:

 

• Expensive: The Xperia 1 V is a premium device, which may be a barrier for those who are looking for a new phone on a tight budget.

 

Size and Weight:

 

• Bulkiness: The large display and robust build make the phone relatively heavy and bulky, which can be cumbersome for some users, especially those with smaller hands.

 

Battery Performance Under Intensive Use:

 

• Quick Drain: While the battery life is generally good, intensive use with high-refresh-rate activities or demanding apps can lead to faster battery drain.

 

Proprietary Features:

 

• Learning Curve: The professional-grade camera features and manual controls can have a steep learning curve for users who are not familiar with advanced photography.

 

No Expandable Storage:

 

• Fixed Storage Options: The Xperia 1 V does not support expandable storage via microSD cards, so users need to choose their preferred storage capacity at the time of purchase.

Comparing The Top 5 Smartphones

 

Each of these devices offers a unique blend of features, catering to different types of users. Let’s explore how these top-tier smartphones compare, focusing on their design, user experience, camera capabilities, and overall performance.

 

Overall Design

 

The iPhone 15 Pro Max continues Apple's legacy of premium craftsmanship, featuring a sleek and durable build with surgical-grade stainless steel and ceramic shield. Its minimalist design exudes elegance and luxury, making it a favorite for those who value aesthetics.

 

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra boasts a more futuristic look with its curved edges and expansive display. It maintains the brand's commitment to quality with a robust aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass protection, offering both style and substance.

 

Google's Pixel 8 Pro emphasizes a clean, functional design with subtle curves and a matte finish that feels great in the hand. It's understated yet sophisticated, appealing to users who appreciate simplicity and practicality.

 

The OnePlus 12 stands out with its bold design choices, including vibrant color options and a unique camera module. It's a device that makes a statement, ideal for those who like their tech to be as distinctive as their style.

 

Sony's Xperia 1 V keeps the classic Sony design language alive with a more industrial look. Its tall, narrow form factor and textured finish provide a unique grip and aesthetic that caters to multimedia enthusiasts and professionals.

 

Usability

 

Apple's iOS is known for its smooth, intuitive interface, and the iPhone 15 Pro Max is no exception. It offers seamless integration with other Apple devices, making it a top choice for those already embedded in the Apple ecosystem.

 

Samsung's One UI on the Galaxy S24 Ultra provides a highly customizable and feature-rich experience. It’s perfect for power users who like to tweak their device to their exact preferences. Samsung DeX also adds a layer of versatility, turning your phone into a desktop-like experience.

 

Google's Pixel 8 Pro offers the purest Android experience, with timely updates and exclusive features like the new Google Assistant and enhanced AI capabilities. It's the go-to phone for Android purists and those who prioritize software over hardware.

 

OnePlus’s OxygenOS on the OnePlus 12 is renowned for its near-stock Android feel combined with powerful customization options. It strikes a balance between simplicity and functionality, catering to users who want the best of both worlds.

 

Sony's Xperia 1 V runs a near-stock version of Android, with a few Sony-specific enhancements geared towards multimedia use. Its focus on content creation tools, like Cinema Pro and Creator Mode, makes it ideal for creatives and videographers.

 

Camera

 

The iPhone 15 Pro Max excels with its advanced camera system, offering impressive computational photography features and ProRAW capabilities. It's a fantastic choice for users who want point-and-shoot simplicity without compromising on quality.

 

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra pushes boundaries with its high-resolution sensors and versatile zoom capabilities. It's designed for photography enthusiasts who want to capture everything from wide landscapes to distant details.

 

The Pixel 8 Pro continues Google's tradition of exceptional photo quality, especially in low-light conditions. Its computational photography magic, backed by powerful AI, makes it one of the best cameras for those who want to capture stunning shots effortlessly.

 

OnePlus 12’s camera system has improved significantly, offering versatile shooting modes and enhanced low-light performance. It's a solid all-rounder, ideal for users who want a reliable camera without the steep price tag of other flagships.

 

Sony’s Xperia 1 V is a dream for content creators, featuring pro-grade camera controls and exceptional video recording capabilities. It’s the preferred choice for professionals who need precise control over their photography and videography.

 

Battery life and Performance

 

The iPhone 15 Pro Max, powered by Apple’s latest A-series chip, delivers unparalleled performance and efficiency. It’s optimized for gaming, multitasking, and everything in between, with battery life that easily lasts through a busy day.

 

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra is no slouch either, equipped with the latest Snapdragon processor. It handles intensive tasks with ease, and its large battery ensures you won't be left searching for a charger midday.

 

Google’s Pixel 8 Pro, with its custom Tensor chip, focuses on AI-driven performance improvements. It offers smooth operation and smart features that enhance the overall user experience, with battery optimization that keeps it running longer.

 

OnePlus 12 packs a punch with its latest Snapdragon processor, providing swift and responsive performance. Coupled with fast charging, it ensures that you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time enjoying your device.

 

Sony's Xperia 1 V, while not always matching the raw power of some competitors, excels in efficiency and heat management. Its performance is reliable, and its battery life supports prolonged use, especially in media-intensive tasks.

 

Verdict

 

Every high-end smartphones have pretty much the same drawbacks: They are all heavy and bulky due to large displays and high-capacity batteries. If you are playing resource-hungry games or do a lot of multitasking, they also drain battery quite fast. This is something that you cannot fix easily as fast processors and large displays along with other hardware need a lot of power to run properly.

 

Choosing the best flagship smartphone depends on your priorities and how tight is your current budget. The iPhone 15 Pro Max is ideal for those embedded in the Apple ecosystem seeking a seamless, premium experience. The Galaxy S24 Ultra is perfect for power users who demand versatility and top-tier camera performance. The Pixel 8 Pro appeals to Android purists and AI enthusiasts and has an unique overall design compared to others. The OnePlus 12 offers a balanced, customizable experience at a competitive price, while the Xperia 1 V caters to creative professionals with its pro-grade multimedia capabilities. In the end, each of these devices excels in its own right, and the best choice is the one that aligns most closely with your needs and preferences. No matter which phone you choose, you can't go wrong with these top five smartphones.