Top Smartphones of Fall 2024: Best Picks for Performance and Features

If you’re in the market for a new smartphone this fall, the choices are abundant, especially if you favor Android over iOS. To make things easier, ZDNET has tested and reviewed nearly every major smartphone released over the past year from brands like Samsung, Google, OnePlus, and Apple.

Here’s a curated list of the best options available right now.

The newest smartphones excel in refined hardware and design, with many like the latest iPhones and Samsung Galaxy models not appearing drastically different from their predecessors.

However, they come packed with software enhancements that improve connectivity, productivity, and creativity.

One of the biggest trends this year is the integration of on-device AI, which all major manufacturers, including Apple, have made a focal point in their marketing.

So, what’s the best smartphone at the moment?

After extensive testing, the top choice is the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, which boasts a stunning display, excellent battery life, and a host of features powered by Samsung’s latest generative AI model. The iPhone 16 Pro Max, still under review, comes in as a close second.

Of course, the best overall phone might not be the best fit for everyone.

No matter which device on this list you choose, you can expect great performance, a bright outdoor-readable display, and a camera system capable of meeting most, if not all, of your photography needs.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Best Overall Smartphone

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, part of Samsung’s latest S24 lineup, takes a bold leap into AI integration, making it the top Android phone on the market today. Powered by Samsung’s new AI model, the S24 Ultra offers cutting-edge features like real-time translation during phone calls, the ability to highlight an object on screen for an image-based Google search, AI-enhanced photo editing and transcriptions, and a Chat Assist tool that helps craft messages in different tones.

Building on the success of the S23 Ultra, the S24 Ultra retains its signature large 6.8-inch AMOLED display and dependable 5,000mAh battery. While its price has risen to $1,299—$100 more than its predecessor—the upgrades justify the increase. The S24 Ultra features a new lightweight yet durable titanium frame, replacing the aluminum used in the S23, and boasts Corning’s latest Gorilla Armor for enhanced durability.

iPhone 16 Pro Max: Best Overall iPhone

The iPhone 16 Pro Max delivers everything you’d expect from a premium flagship smartphone, including a stunning 6.9-inch AMOLED display perfect for media consumption and mobile productivity. This year’s model stands out from previous Pro Max versions with its thinner bezels, larger screen, and a new Camera Control button—a physical switch that allows you to quickly open the camera and snap photos without touching the screen.

ZDNET Editor-in-Chief Jason Hiner tested the touch-capacitive feature and noted, “It’s going to be super handy for people who take a ton of photos with the iPhone.”

Another standout feature is the new A18 Pro chip, which Apple says provides significantly faster and more efficient AI processing. With the upcoming release of Apple Intelligence—Apple’s suite of AI tools, including image generation, an enhanced Siri, and smarter notification summaries—the iPhone 16 Pro Max is the most future-proof iPhone yet.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL: Best Camera Phone

When it comes to camera performance, you can’t go wrong with the flagship devices from Apple, Samsung, or Google. While your choice may depend on personal preferences like color balance and specific features, Google’s Pixel camera system consistently wins over most users. The latest Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL are no exceptions, continuing to excel in both instant capture and post-processing capabilities.

Both models come equipped with a dependable triple-lens setup, featuring a 50MP primary lens, a 48MP ultrawide lens, and a 48MP 5x telephoto lens for capturing distant subjects. These lenses are supported by impressive software tools like Google’s Super Res Zoom, allowing up to 30x zoom photos, 8K video upscaling, and a new “Add Me” feature that lets you merge two photos to include everyone in the shot. The Pixel 9 Pro XL also introduces a new 42MP selfie camera, which is both sharper and offers a wider field of view compared to last year’s 10.8MP sensor—perfect for group selfies and expansive scenic shots.

Google Pixel 8a: Best Budget Phone

If you’re looking for the best value without breaking the bank, the Google Pixel 8a is hard to beat. For just $499, you get three standout features: a comfortable 6.1-inch OLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, a solid 64MP camera system, and access to Google’s impressive suite of AI tools like Magic Editor, Audio Eraser, and Gemini. And to top it off, the Pixel 8a is supported by seven years of operating system updates, which means it’ll stay relevant well into 2031.

What really sets the Pixel 8a apart is its long-term software support, powered by the new Tensor G3 chip. In a world where most mid-range phones, even Google’s previous Pixel 7a, usually only get two to four years of updates, the 8a is in a league of its own. If you’re after a budget-friendly phone that won’t feel outdated anytime soon, the Pixel 8a is a no-brainer.

OnePlus Open: Best Tablet-Style Foldable Phone

The foldable phone market is more competitive than ever, with major players like Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Motorola’s Razr series, and OnePlus’ OnePlus Open joining the fray. While Samsung has long dominated this space, the OnePlus Open now takes the top spot.

What sets the OnePlus Open apart is its perfect balance of size and weight. When folded, it feels as light as an iPhone, and when unfolded, it transforms into a sleek 7.8-inch tablet-like display. OnePlus maximizes this large screen with intuitive multitasking features, led by its “Open Canvas” interface. With it, you can have up to three apps open simultaneously. As you interact with one, the others neatly slide to the side, ready to reappear when needed. This smart design makes multitasking more fluid and effortless than on other foldables.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6: Best Flip-Style Foldable Phone

Unveiled at Samsung Unpacked in July, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 packs impressive features and style into its compact clamshell design, paying tribute to the classic flip phones of the past.

Beyond its unique foldable display, the Z Flip 6 shares many similarities with Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S-series. It boasts a vibrant 6.7-inch AMOLED display, up to 512GB of storage for high-resolution photos and videos, and a robust 4,000mAh battery—an upgrade over the Z Flip 5. Equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and the first-ever vapor cooling chamber on a Z Flip device, the phone is designed for improved efficiency and reduced battery drain. Additionally, it’s thinner and lighter than its predecessors, making it even more portable and sleek.

OnePlus 12: Best Fast-Charging Phone

Over the past few years, OnePlus has shifted between value-driven devices and ultra-premium models, but with the OnePlus 12, the company is doubling down on delivering high-performance at a competitive price.

Starting at $899, the OnePlus 12 comes in significantly cheaper than rivals like the $999 Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus and Google Pixel 9 Pro. For this price, you get a 6.8-inch AMOLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, a powerful 5,400mAh battery, a triple-camera system featuring a 50MP main lens, and the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor. And there’s more: OnePlus offers an additional $100 discount if you trade in any phone, regardless of its condition, making this deal even sweeter.

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