As someone who has closely followed the evolution of smartphones over the years, it can be challenging to feel the excitement with each new release. However, amid the sea of options, a few standout models truly caught my attention this year. Instead of focusing solely on flashy features or cutting-edge specifications, I’ve opted for a selection of all-rounder smartphones that deliver dependable performance and user satisfaction. Here are my top five picks for 2024.
Xiaomi 14 Ultra
Starting the list is the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, the flagship device that continues to impress. While it doesn’t introduce revolutionary features or represent a dramatic upgrade from the Xiaomi 13 Ultra—my daily driver for nearly two years—it remains one of the most compelling smartphones to consider in 2024.
I've grown fond of HyperOS, which, despite its mediocre battery life, offers a feature-rich and intuitive Android experience that remains reliable even after extensive use. The camera system sees valuable improvements over its predecessor, with the two telephoto lenses (3.2x and 5x) now enabling close-distance focusing, allowing for stunning macro shots and overall greater versatility.
The design of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, while polarizing, feels remarkably comfortable to hold. Both the 13 Ultra and the 14 Ultra are among the first devices I’ve used without a case, thanks to the grippy, durable vegan leather back that stands up to everyday wear.
OnePlus 12
Throughout my history with OnePlus, the OnePlus 12 stands out as the first compelling device from the company in recent years. While its camera might not steal the show, it still captures pleasing photos and videos. The evolution of ColorOS, now branded as OxygenOS, has introduced a plethora of excellent features and improved battery efficiency, contributing to the device's impressive endurance.
Equipped with premium hardware, including a flagship chipset and a stunning display, the OnePlus 12 also supports rapid charging. Although it no longer positions itself as a budget-friendly brand, it still offers competitive pricing that prompts buyers to reconsider more established competitors like Samsung. I recommend the OnePlus 12 for anyone seeking a robust flagship that delivers in most areas, albeit with modest camera expectations.
Xiaomi 14T/14T Pro
This year’s Xiaomi 14T series brings significant enhancements, especially in the camera capabilities. Both models excel in their class for shooting videos and are equipped with top-tier hardware, vibrant displays, and incredibly fast charging, making them formidable upper mid-range contenders.
The balanced feature set and performance levels of these devices make them standout options within the current smartphone market.
iQOO 13
One unexpected gem this year is the iQOO 13. Typically overlooked, it pleasantly surprised me with a well-rounded feature set for its price, including an impressive camera system with a dedicated zoom lens, an exceptional display, quality audio output, rapid charging, and outstanding battery life performance.
Distinguished by its Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, the iQOO 13 showcases impressive stability, even under heavy usage. I found it remarkable that it maintained near-maximal CPU performance during an hour-long stress test, a rarity for devices boasting such power. iQOO has truly impressed me this year.
While there are many impressive smartphones released in 2024, these five have resonated with me for their balanced features and reliability. What are your favorite picks this year?
