What’s up, guys? Saf here on SuperSaf TV. It’s June already, and that means we’re halfway through the year. It’s time for my top five smartphones of 2024 so far. Typically, top five lists and smartphone awards come out at the end of the year, but that often means amazing devices from the beginning of the year get overlooked. Plus, you might want to know the best options available right now, not at the year’s end. That’s what I’m here for.
Before we start, a few disclaimers: I’ve tested a lot of smartphones this year, but not every single one. So, if your favorite isn’t on this list, we can still be friends. Drop your picks in the comments below, and if enough of you want me to cover a particular phone, it might make my end-of-year list. Also, this list is in no particular order—these are just my personal top five favorites of 2024 so far. And guess what? There hasn’t been a new iPhone release this year yet, so no iPhone will be on this list.
First on my list is the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. Released early in the year, the Galaxy S24 Ultra set the bar high for 2024 flagships. Samsung continues to push boundaries with this model, introducing a new flat display, which many users had been eagerly awaiting. The Galaxy S24 Ultra also comes equipped with Gorilla Glass Armor, making it one of the most durable smartphones out there.
The camera system has seen significant improvements, particularly with the 5x zoom camera, which now produces sharper and more detailed images than ever before. It’s powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy chip, ensuring that no matter where you are in the world, you get the same high-performance experience. One of the standout features of the S24 Ultra is the inclusion of the S Pen, a tool that remains unmatched by any other smartphone on the market. Samsung has also committed to providing seven generations of Android OS updates, ensuring your device stays up-to-date for years to come.
However, while the Galaxy S24 Ultra is packed with AI features designed to enhance your user experience, I have to admit, I rarely use them. The phone’s price tag is steep at $1,300, but Samsung often has great deals, and their trade-in programs are some of the best in the industry. The Galaxy S24 and S24+ also deserve an honorable mention for offering similar features at a lower price point, making them great alternatives if the Ultra is out of your budget.
Next up is the OnePlus 12, the most underrated smartphone of the year. Despite flying under the radar compared to some of the bigger names, the OnePlus 12 offers incredible value for its price. Starting at around £850 in the UK or $800 in the US (and currently on sale for $700), it’s almost half the price of the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Don’t let the lower price fool you—this phone is a powerhouse.
The OnePlus 12 features a 120 Hz Pro XDR display, which delivers stunning visuals, whether you’re gaming, watching videos, or just scrolling through social media. It’s powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, ensuring smooth and responsive performance. The camera system is excellent, offering flagship-level quality that competes with much more expensive devices. Battery life is another strong point, thanks to the 5,400 mAh battery, which easily lasts a full day even under heavy use. And when you do need to recharge, the 100-watt Supervooc charger gets you back up to full power in no time.
OnePlus has also promised four years of software updates and five years of security updates, giving you peace of mind that your device will stay current. For gamers, the OnePlus 12R, priced at just $500, is an even better deal, offering excellent performance at a fraction of the cost.
The Honor Magic6 Pro is another fantastic all-around flagship that deserves a spot on this list. Honor has really stepped up their game with this device, offering a premium experience that rivals the best in the industry. The Magic6 Pro features a symmetrical design that is both sleek and comfortable to hold. The 6.8-inch 120 Hz AMOLED display is simply gorgeous, with a peak HDR brightness of 5,000 nits, making it one of the brightest displays available.
One of the most impressive features of the Magic6 Pro is its PWM dimming frequency, which is the highest on any smartphone at 4,320 Hz. This means less eye strain during extended use, which is something I personally appreciate. The camera system is also top-notch, featuring a 50 MP primary camera with a variable aperture, and a 180 MP periscope zoom camera that delivers incredible detail even at long distances.
The Magic6 Pro also boasts a 5,600 mAh battery, which offers superb battery life, and it supports 80-watt supercharging, so you’re never left waiting long for a full charge. Honor promises four years of OS updates and five years of security updates, making it a solid long-term investment. If you’re looking for something even more unique, there’s the Porsche Design Honor Magic6 RSR, priced at £1600, which adds a touch of luxury to an already impressive device.
For those on a budget, the Nothing Phone 2a is a unique and affordable option that stands out from the crowd. Nothing has continued to build on their distinct design language with the Phone 2a, offering a cut-down version of the glyph interface seen on the Nothing Phone 1 and 2, with a transparent design that is both futuristic and nostalgic.
The Nothing Phone 2a features a 6.7-inch AMOLED display that delivers vibrant colors and deep blacks. It’s powered by the custom MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro Chip, which provides ample power for day-to-day tasks. The 5,000 mAh battery ensures you can get through the day without needing to reach for a charger, and when you do, the fast charging support gets you back up and running quickly.
Priced at £320 or $350, the Nothing Phone 2a offers incredible value for money. It’s a great deal for a distinctive device that handles everyday tasks with ease while offering a design that’s sure to turn heads.
Lastly, the Poco F6 offers great performance on a budget, making it one of the best value smartphones of 2024. Poco has built a reputation for delivering high-performance devices at an affordable price, and the F6 is no exception. It’s powered by the 8s Gen 3 mobile platform, with LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 storage, ensuring that you get flagship-level performance without breaking the bank.
The 120 Hz AMOLED display provides a smooth and responsive user experience, whether you’re gaming, watching videos, or just browsing the web. The 5,000 mAh battery ensures all-day battery life, and the 90-watt turbocharging means you can top up quickly whenever you need to. At around £340, the Poco F6 is an amazing deal. The plastic build might not matter much since most people use cases, and it comes with one out of the box.
Honorable mentions go to the Oppo Find X7 Ultra and Huawei Pura 70 Ultra, which aren’t readily available in the West, but are still exceptional devices in their own right. The ROG Phone 8 Pro is also worth a mention for gaming enthusiasts, offering top-tier performance and features tailored specifically for mobile gamers. Finally, the vivo X100 Pro, released in 2023 but still a 2024 smartphone, continues to impress with its performance and camera capabilities.
Those are my top five favorite smartphones of 2024 so far, with a few honorable mentions. Each of these devices offers something unique, whether it’s top-tier performance, incredible value, or a distinctive design that sets it apart from the crowd. If your favorites differ, that’s fine—drop them in the comments below. Technology is a personal experience, and what works best for one person might not be the best choice for another.
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