Hello, Ivan here! As one of the editors at GSMArena, my work mainly revolves around photography, which makes camera performance a top priority when selecting my favorite phones of the year. However, aesthetic appeal and comfortable ergonomics also weigh heavily in my decision-making process, given that I handle all the photography for our reviews.
This year marks a significant shift for me; for the first time in many years, I've not ended up with a Galaxy S Ultra in my pocket. My journey with Samsung began with the Galaxy S20 Ultra and continued faithfully through to the Galaxy S24 Ultra, which I purchased, enjoyed for half a year, and then decided to sell. Now, let's dive into my selection!
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Traditionally, I've viewed the Galaxy S Ultra series as one of the top contenders for best cameraphone accolades each year. While Samsung faces increasing competition from the likes of vivo, Xiaomi, and Oppo, they predominantly target Apple and Google in their strategy. This approach may work in regions where Chinese flagship phones aren't as available, but at GSMArena HQ, the competition is real.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra holds its ground as an exceptional smartphone, boasting a larger display than many competitors and offering the only robust stylus feature in its category. Everything about its design is meticulously crafted, resulting in a device that is both aesthetic and reliable. The imaging capabilities are superb, featuring a well-rounded zoom system that I found particularly impressive.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
| 256GB 12GB RAM | $ 775.00 |
 |
| 512GB 12GB RAM | $ 897.21 |
 |
Honor Magic V3
It's not just the Galaxy S Ultra feeling the heat; the Galaxy Z Fold6 is equally outperformed by its Chinese counterparts. The Honor Magic V3 is not merely a foldable; it stands out as my primary choice for photography. I typically favor phones with a 70mm to 85mm zoom lens, but even the Magic V3's 90mm f/3.0 impresses me regardless. Moreover, it breaks the stereotype that foldable phones must compromise on battery size and charging speed; this device shines in every aspect!
Honor Magic V3
| 256GB 12GB RAM | $ 65.62 |
 |
| 512GB 12GB RAM | $ 1,799.00 |
€ 1,382.00 |
Google Pixel 9 Pro
After being accustomed to larger smartphones, I find myself reminiscing about more compact flagships. The Google Pixel 9 Pro offers a commendable balance of battery life, performance, and camera capabilities. Yet, I couldn't quite convince myself of its appeal, as the 48MP 113mm f/2.8 zoom camera left me wanting more in terms of versatility.
Google Pixel 9 Pro
| 128GB 16GB RAM | $ 669.94 |
€ 875.27 |
| 256GB 16GB RAM | $ 869.99 |
€ 1,077.00 |
vivo X200 Pro mini
As another contender in the compact realm, the vivo X200 Pro mini shines in a way that leaves its competitors struggling. Unfortunately, it appears that only Western markets will receive the standard X200 and X200 Pro, while this impressive mini remains exclusive to China.
vivo X100 Ultra
With the vivo X100 Ultra, I've found my go-to phone ever since finishing its review! I've taken a liking to its superior camera system, which has proven to be the fastest performer I've encountered. The beautiful Zeiss color tuning adds to its appeal as well. Carrying this phone has meant that I've often left my heavy cameras behind on trips.
Beyond photography, the X100 Ultra does an incredible job overall. The Origin OS interface looks stunning compared to Funtouch and offers a smooth user experience. Although I've encountered some software limitations being tailored for the Chinese market, I managed to get all my essentials working after some tweaks—my Galaxy Watch6 Classic, Google Wallet, and more.
In summary, we've had a notable shift in my list of favorite phones for 2024. While the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra was a staple, the vivo X100 Ultra is the new disruptor. As a long-time Samsung fan, I've used many models over the years, but I hope Samsung steps up its innovation game—they're currently at risk of falling behind the competition. I'm eagerly waiting to see what 2025 will bring! Thanks for checking in and happy smartphone hunting!
