The 2024 year has witnessed a compelling interplay between groundbreaking innovations and meticulously refined designs, culminating in a selection of devices that have truly pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in our pockets.
The relentless pursuit of enhanced performance, the seamless integration of cutting-edge features, and the constant strive for a superior user experience have all contributed to a truly memorable year in mobile technology. Our dedicated team at Tech Newsrooms has spent countless hours rigorously evaluating the top contenders across a range of critical criteria, from processing prowess and camera capabilities to display brilliance and battery longevity.
Through this meticulous assessment, we have identified the smartphones that have not only met but exceeded expectations, captivating us with their ability to blend power, sophistication, and practicality seamlessly. We invite you to join us as we unveil the devices that have emerged as the best of the best, each representing a pinnacle of mobile innovation and solidifying 2024 as a landmark year for the smartphone.
Hardware feature of the year
🏅 Galaxy S24 Ultra🏅
The anticipation hung thick in the air, a palpable buzz of excitement and curiosity. Tonight, we weren’t just celebrating the best smartphones of the year; we were acknowledging the innovations that truly moved the needle, the features that elicited genuine gasps of “Finally!” And so, with that spirit of long-awaited breakthrough, we present our inaugural Hardware Feature Award. This year, the honor goes not to a flashy new camera system, nor a groundbreaking processor, but to a seemingly
simple yet profoundly impactful advancement: the glare-free screen on the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. This wasn’t just another iterative improvement; it was a fundamental shift in how we experience our devices, a testament to the power of focused engineering and a clear understanding of the user’s needs. Developed in collaboration with Corning, this novel Gorilla Glass Armor screen didn’t just boast increased scratch resistance, it fundamentally reshaped the way light interacts with the display, drastically reducing screen reflections.
The impact is immediately noticeable indoors, where distractions from ambient light melt away. Still, it’s outdoors, under the harsh glare of direct sunlight, that the true magic of this technology is revealed. Gone are the days of squinting and contorting ourselves to find the right angle to see our screens; the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra offered crystal-clear visibility, a transformative experience that liberated us from the age-old struggle against the sun’s unforgiving rays.
This feature impressed us not just with its efficacy but also with its profound impact on daily usage. It was, quite frankly, the embodiment of “Finally!” – a solution to a common frustration that had long been accepted as an unavoidable reality. What surprised us most, however, was that despite its obvious benefits, this same technology wasn’t adopted by any other major manufacturer throughout the year.
It begs the question: why not? As we acknowledge the Galaxy S24 Ultra and its groundbreaking screen, we also express a collective hope that this game-changing technology will permeate the wider smartphone ecosystem in 2025, ensuring a future where every screen, no matter the environment, remains perfectly visible.
Read More: Galaxy S24 Ultra
Software feature
🏅Google Pixel 9🏅
The coveted Software Feature Award for 2024 shines a spotlight on the most ingenious and transformative software innovations, and this year, the honor goes to a feature that seemingly materialized out of thin air onto the latest Android devices: Gemini Live.
This isn’t just another app update; it’s a leap forward in how we interact with technology. Powered by cutting-edge artificial intelligence, Gemini Live isn’t merely a voice assistant; it’s a conversational partner, exhibiting a level of naturalism and nuanced understanding that blurs the lines between computer and human. The voice is so lifelike, the responses so contextually aware, that it challenges our very notions of what digital interaction can be, prompting us to question where the machine ends and genuine connection begins.
What was once relegated to the realms of science fiction—a seamless, intelligent voice assistant capable of understanding complex queries and engaging in fluid dialogue—is now a tangible reality in the palm of our hands. Gemini Live isn’t simply an incremental improvement; it represents a quantum shift in AI technology, a testament to the boundless potential of software engineering.
It serves not only as a revolutionary tool for our everyday lives but also as an exciting glimpse into the awe-inspiring future of AI, where the boundaries between humans and machines become ever more indistinct, and the possibilities for innovation seem truly limitless. This software magic is a reminder that the future is not something to be waited for, but something that is being created, and Gemini Live stands as a shining example of that very creation.
Read More: Google Pixel 9
Mobile tech innovation
🏅Oppo Find X8 Pro🏅
(Silicon-Carbon batteries)
considering the focus on breakthrough innovation, particularly with Silicon-Carbon batteries enabling slimmer phones and larger battery capacities, here’s a long-form paragraph for your 2024 Mobile Tech Innovation Award announcement, tailored to highlight these advancements:
“The year 2024 marks a significant leap forward in mobile technology, and our Innovation Award this year celebrates a true game-changer: the advent of Silicon-Carbon battery technology. This groundbreaking advancement transcends mere incremental improvements, ushering in an era where device design is no longer dictated by the physical limitations of battery size.
We’ve witnessed a pivotal shift, as manufacturers now harness the unique properties of Silicon-Carbon to craft slimmer, more elegant smartphones without sacrificing the crucial element of battery life. This technology has enabled devices like the Oppo Find X8 Pro to achieve what once seemed a distant dream: a remarkably thin profile that still houses an impressive 5,910 mAh battery.
While many groundbreaking devices featuring this tech, unfortunately, haven’t made their way to the US market yet, the message is clear: we are on the cusp of a new age of mobile power. With batteries of this caliber, the once elusive goal of multi-day smartphone battery life is now within reach, promising users greater freedom and flexibility, liberating us from the constant tether of a charging cable.
This innovation is more than just a spec sheet upgrade; it’s a revolution in how we experience our mobile devices, and for that, we are thrilled to recognize the transformative power of Silicon-Carbon batteries as the defining innovation of 2024 in mobile tech.”
Design of the year
🏅Google Pixel 9 series🏅
The coveted Design of the Year Award for 2024 is bestowed upon a device that has demonstrably elevated its aesthetic game, and this year, the honor goes to the Google Pixel 9 series. This isn’t merely an incremental improvement; it’s a significant leap forward for Google’s flagship line.
The Pixel 9 series showcases a masterful blend of form and function, characterized by sleek, confident lines that exude sophistication. The camera bar, once a somewhat clunky element, has been refined into a sleek, integrated feature that enhances the phone’s overall visual appeal. The solid construction, coupled with a remarkable 2x increase in durability, speaks volumes about Google’s commitment to both aesthetics and resilience. These profound changes coalesce to finally deliver a Pixel phone that is, without a doubt, a true head-turner, capable of eliciting admiration and envy.
The visual impact of the Pixel 9 is undeniable, projecting an air of premium quality and cutting-edge design that marks a significant departure from its predecessors. While the design has been lauded for its elegance and refinement, it’s also worth noting the elephant in the room; the new Pixel design does bear a striking resemblance to the aesthetic pioneered by the last few generations of iPhones.
This fact hasn’t gone unnoticed, and some critics have voiced concerns that the Pixel’s new look is a derivative of Apple’s design language, rather than a wholly original concept. This debate, however, doesn’t diminish the impact of the changes that Google has made. Regardless of inspiration, the Pixel 9 has achieved its goal of becoming a device that is as visually captivating as it is functionally powerful, solidifying its place as the 2024 Design of the Year recipient.
Value for money phone
🏅Galaxy S24 FE🏅
In the realm of smartphones, where cutting-edge technology often comes with a hefty price tag, the “Value-for-Money Phone Award” shines a spotlight on the device that delivers exceptional performance and features without emptying your wallet.
This year, the winner is not a familiar name that has dominated this category in the past, but rather a surprising contender: the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE. For the past few years, Google’s Pixel phones have held a firm grasp on this award, lauded for their balance of software prowess and reasonable price points. However, the tides have turned as Pixel’s A-series has seen a gradual price increase, while Samsung has strategically elevated its offering in the value segment.
The Galaxy S24 FE emerges as a compelling alternative, boasting a flagship-grade processor, a versatile triple-camera setup, all at a compelling $600 price point. This combination makes it not only more powerful than its competitors like the Pixel 8a, but also a far superior value proposition for the average consumer. Beyond raw performance, the S24 FE further distinguishes itself with a larger, more immersive display that enhances media consumption and a longer-lasting battery life, which addresses a common pain point for many smartphone users.
Ultimately, the Galaxy S24 FE’s exceptional blend of features, performance, and affordability makes it a fantastic choice for budget-conscious consumers seeking the most bang for their buck in the 2024 smartphone landscape.
Flip phone
🏅Motorola Razr Plus (2024)🏅
While the foldable phone revolution may not have swept the market as rapidly as initially anticipated, the year 2024 witnessed continued and significant advancements in this innovative space. A testament to this progress is the fiercely contested Flip Phone of the Year Award, which ultimately crowns the Motorola Razr Plus 2024 as its deserving champion. Motorola has masterfully refined its clamshell foldable, addressing previous shortcomings and delivering a device that truly stands out from the competition.
This iteration boasts a significantly larger cover screen, unlocking enhanced functionality and usability without requiring the user to unfold the phone. Beyond the external improvements, the Razr Plus 2024 packs a potent performance punch, ensuring smooth multitasking and responsiveness. Adding to its appeal, the phone flaunts a breathtaking design that effortlessly captures attention, solidifying its position as not just a technological marvel, but also a stylish accessory.
The competition was undeniably fierce, with the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 proving to be a formidable contender and a very close runner-up in this category. Although the Galaxy Z Flip 6 presented a compelling offering, it ultimately fell short in leveraging its cover screen’s potential and lacked the sleek design and additional features that defined the Razr Plus’ victory.
The Razr’s edge, particularly in terms of more efficient cover screen utilization, superior aesthetic, and bonus features such as faster charging, cemented its position as the leading flip phone of 2024, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the foldable category.
Fold phone
🏅Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold🏅
The coveted Fold Phone of the Year Award for 2024 is bestowed upon the remarkable Pixel 9 Pro Fold, a device that marks a significant leap forward in Google’s foldable journey. This second-generation foldable isn’t just an iterative upgrade; it’s a complete transformation.
The design has been meticulously refined, resulting in a premium feel that was noticeably absent in its predecessor. Gone are the clunky aesthetics, replaced by an air of sophistication and polish. Complementing the hardware improvements is Google’s signature smooth and clean software experience, further enhancing the device’s appeal. Crucially, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold has managed to achieve a more slender profile than its direct competitor, the Galaxy Z Fold 6, making it significantly more comfortable to hold and pocket.
One key aspect where Google has truly excelled is the thoughtfully designed wider outer screen. Recognizing that most users, even on foldable devices, predominantly utilize the external display, Google prioritized functionality, creating a screen that is not only visually appealing but also highly practical for everyday use.
This stands in contrast to its rivals, particularly the Galaxy, which often feels constrained by its narrower outer display. While the Pixel 9 Pro Fold reigns supreme this year, it’s crucial to acknowledge another impressive contender: the Honor Magic V3. This device, though not available in the US, has undeniably set a new benchmark in foldable phone design with its shockingly slim profile of just 9.2mm. Its remarkably thin design makes it nearly indistinguishable from a regular, non-folding phone, showcasing the incredible advancements in engineering within the foldable space, and leaving us wondering what the future holds.
Compact phone
🏅Apple iPhone 16 Pro🏅
The iPhone 16 Pro, a compact marvel, arrives embodying all the premium qualities one expects from Apple’s Pro line. Its exquisite build makes a powerful initial statement, and if Apple’s claims about material durability hold true, this positive impression should endure for years to come. Battery life enhancements, a hallmark of the 16 series, haven’t bypassed the Pro model, gifting it with exceptional endurance within the niche of smaller, high-performance smartphones.
The camera system, undeniably “Pro,” boasts improvements including enhanced telephoto reach and a redesigned ultrawide lens, albeit with some minor drawbacks. The novel Camera Control feature presents a compelling addition for users keen on granular control over their photography. We applaud the subtle expansion in screen size and the slimmed bezels, both contributing to a more immersive experience. Despite not being the absolute lightest in the compact phone category, the iPhone 16 Pro rightfully earns its place as a top contender.
However, some persistent Apple-specific limitations remain. Charging speeds lag noticeably behind competitors, and iOS might feel restrictive to those migrating from Android, though long-time iPhone users will likely be unfazed. The introduction of enhanced customization options in this iteration marks a welcome step forward, addressing a long-standing desire. In conclusion, the iPhone 16 Pro is poised to be the standout iPhone of the year, skillfully balancing size and functionality.
The larger Max model is simply too unwieldy for many, while the standard models lack the Pro’s comprehensive feature set, and the previous generation offers insufficient cost savings to justify a downgrade. Ultimately, the 16 Pro delivers everything its larger counterpart offers, wrapped in a more manageable package, solidifying its position as the must-have iPhone for 2024.
