Need a new phone? You’ve come to the right place.
With new handsets launching left, right and centre, it can be difficult to keep track of what’s worth buying.
Your decision is a little bit easier if you want an iPhone – Apple only releases a few handsets each year, meaning your options are relatively limited. Your choice of Samsung Galaxy phones is more widespread, though it makes things a bit more straightforward if you’re set on Samsung.
But what if you’re considering any phone, including all Android handsets? Your decision gets a lot more difficult, which is where this guide comes in.
We review every phone that’s worth buying – that’s over a hundred every year – but only the absolute best make the grade here. If you’re looking for something more affordable, see our best budget phones and best mid-range phone guides instead.
We can easily recommend all the phones below, but each model stands out for individual reasons. Whether you’re looking for a phone with AI features, great cameras, brilliant gaming performance, superb battery life, a folding screen or simply value for money, there’s something here that will appeal to you.
Samsung, Google, Apple, Xiaomi, OnePlus, Honor, Motorola and Nothing (via sub-brand CMF) are all represented here. Nokia, Realme, Asus, Huawei, Honor, Vivo and Sony miss out, but you will find them in other smartphone buying guides. At the bottom of this article, you’ll also find detailed buying advice, helping you to pick the perfect phone for your personal needs.
Why you should trust us: Phone reviews and buying advice have been a staple of Tech Advisor’s coverage since the original iPhone was released in 2007 and Android made its first headlines in 2008.
We’ve guided you through 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G; we’ve reported on the rise and fall of Windows Phone, BlackBerry phones and LG phones.
We’ve seen smartphone makers scramble to offer the biggest, brightest, highest-resolution, fastest-refreshing, toughest, flexible, foldable and even three-dimensional displays; we’ve seen an arms race in processors and graphics in the quest for the ultimate mobile performance; a long-running game of how many cameras – and then how many megapixels – they can first squeeze on to the handset, and later hide out of sight; a push for batteries that can go – never mind all day – but all week; and new technologies that enable water resistant and vastly improve audio.
We’ve held your hand through a fascinating journey of mobile hardware, and today – some 17 years later – it’s the software smarts and once impossible-to-imagine AI capabilities that glue us to this path. We perform in-depth, real-world testing on every new Android and iPhone model that’s worth buying (dozens every single year), adopting it as our primary phone for the most authentic experience possible and making sure we are in a position to give you the best possible phone buying advice.
Best phone 2024
1. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra – Best overall
Pros
- Top-tier performance
- Excellent, versatile cameras
- Very good battery life
- Clever AI features
- Seven years of updates
Cons
- Expensive
- Big and bulky
- Charging still only 45W
If money is no object, the S24 Ultra is the best smartphone you can buy right now.
Samsung has put that high price tag to good use, delivering a superb user experience with no real weaknesses. And there are a catalogue of major strengths, from incredible overclocked Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 performance to five distinct camera lenses, each of which more than hold their own.
You still get a gorgeous 6.8-inch AMOLED display and built-in S Pen, yet this is still a two-day phone for many people in terms of battery life.
What’s more, the the software experience is the best it’s ever been, with a slick One UI skin over Android 14 and seven years of both OS and security updates. A selection of genuinely useful AI features are the icing on the cake.
The S24 Ultra’s price and big, bulky design aren’t for everyone. But it’s the most complete smartphone money can buy.
2. Xiaomi 14 Ultra – Best cameras
Pros
- Incredible photography
- Stunning vegan leather design
- Gorgeous curved screen
- Flawless performance
- 90W fast charging
Cons
- Expensive, with Photography Kit sold separately
- Mixed HyperOS software
Xiaomi’s flagships have taken excellent photos for a few years now, but the 14 Ultra takes things to the next level.
It’s the first smartphone that can genuinely replace a DSLR for most people, such is the quality and versatility of the system on offer. It includes four 50Mp rear lenses and a 32Mp selfie camera, all of which take superb photos in basically any environment.
And while expensive, the optional Photography Kit accessory makes the experience even closer to a real camera.
With a gorgeous design, stunning display, great performance and solid battery life supported by 90W fast charging, the 14 Ultra is one of the few phones that justifies its sky-high price tag. However, that also makes it unaffordable for many people, while the HyperOS software experience still isn’t great.
Those two factors prevent it from being higher in this list, but if photography is your top priority, this is the phone to buy.
If you’d rather something more affordable, the regular Xiaomi 14 is nearly as good when it comes to photography.
3. Google Pixel 9 Pro XL – A great alternative
Pros
- Impressive cameras
- Superb display
- Some of the best software around
- Seven years of updates
Cons
- Expensive
- Rather generic design
- Battery life could be even better
If neither of the options above appeals you to, a Pixel 9 is probably your best bet. And if you want the absolute best experience, the newly-branded Pixel 9 Pro XL is the one to go for.
While not quite the standout phone we saw with the Pixel 8 Pro, the 9 Pro XL still delivers a compelling experience in almost all key areas.
The cameras are the highlight once again, offering vibrant, high-contrast photos while maintaining key details. That includes in low-light conditions, even if the brightening is by no means true to life. A quality ultrawide lens and 5x optical zoom from the telephoto make it an impressively versatile camera system, while selfies from the upgraded front lens are excellent.
Elsewhere, the excellent 6.8-inch display is a joy to use, while Google’s Tensor G4 chipset delivers solid performance. And the build quality is higher than ever, even if the move to a more generic design will disappoint some people.
Google continues to ace the software experience, even if the 9 Pro XL runs Android 14 out of the box and AI features are hit-and-miss. Google’s commitment to seven years of both OS and security updates is still yet to be beaten on any phone.
Battery life is decent rather than a key strength, while 37W charging feels slow. Ultimately, whether you buy the 9 Pro XL depends on whether you think the even higher price tag is worth it.
If not, consider the Pixel 9 Pro or regular Pixel 9 instead, though there are downgrades to be aware of.
4. iPhone 15 Pro – Best iPhone
Pros
- Excellent cameras
- Superb display
- USB-C port
Cons
- Slow charging
- Missing Pro Max 5x optical zoom
Until we review the iPhone 16 Pro, its predecessor remains the iPhone for most people.
The iPhone 15 Pro has a collection of small changes that, when combined, represent a significant upgrade.
A new titanium build is durable but noticeable lighter, and there’s also a new customisable Action Button to replace the mute switch. Apple’s A17 Pro chipset is the most capable on any smartphone, and delivers truly stellar performance, while the introduction of USB-C is undoubtedly a step forward.
The 6.1in display is relatively compact by modern phone standards, but it looks excellent and benefits from the 120
But despite the missing 5x optical zoom on the telephoto lens, the all-round camera experience is superb. Many apps now support the genuinely useful Dynamic Island, and iOS 17 is just as slick and intuitive as ever.
For most people, the iPhone 15 Pro is the sweet spot in Apple’s 2023 smartphone range.
5. OnePlus Nord 4 – Best value phone
Pros
- Premium build
- Great display
- Strong main camera
- Solid battery life
- Six years of security updates
Cons
- Polarising design
- Disappointing ultrawide camera
- No telephoto camera
For a few years now, Google’s A-Series handsets have offered the best value for money in the entire smartphone. However, despite plenty of strengths, the Pixel 8a has been usurped in this regard by the OnePlus Nord 4.
That starts with superb build quality, with one piece of sturdy aluminium extending across the back and sides of the phone. At the front is a gorgeous 120
Provided you’re a fan of the design, the compromises here are concentrated around the cameras. There’s no telephoto lens, meaning zoom shots are disappointing, while the ultrawide OnePlus has opted for instead flatters to deceive.
However, if you primarily use the main lens anyway, you won’t be disappointed. And with six years of security updates, the Nord 4’s longevity is almost as good as the Pixel 8a’s.
Overall, it’s the leading choice if you’re in the market for a mid-range phone.
6. Motorola Razr 50 Ultra/Razr+ (2024) – Best foldable phone
Pros
- Incredible outer display
- Notable camera improvements
- Unique software features
- Solid battery life
Cons
- Rivals offer longer software support
- Can get noticeably warm
- Poor internal camera
When you think of flip phones released in 2024, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 6 is probably the first one that comes to mind. But while it is worth considering, the Motorola Razr 50 Ultra (known as the Razr+ (2024) in some markets) is a better choice for most people.
The 4-inch, 165
While not quite as good as the best camera phones, the Razr 50 Ultra’s rear cameras can take great shots in a range of environments. However, Motorola has gone for 2x telephoto rather than ultrawide lens, while the internal selfie camera isn’t very good.
But with slick software (despite some cover screen bugs), solid battery life and decent charging speeds, Motorola is onto a winner. The Z Flip 6 is better in some areas, including long software support, but the Razr is a better all-round pick for most people.
If you’re looking for something more affordable, consider the regular Razr 50 instead. And if a book-style foldable is your preference, go for the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
7. OnePlus 12 – Great all-rounder
Pros
- Elegant, distinctive design
- Superb screen
- Fast wired and wireless charging
- Great main and telephoto cameras
Cons
- Average wide-angle and selfie cameras
- More expensive than OnePlus 11
- Limited water resistance
The OnePlus 12 is significantly more expensive than the OnePlus 11, meaning it no longer takes the title of best value flagship.
However, it still undercuts most flagships on price, yet delivers everything most people are looking for in a smartphone.
Performance from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset is superb, while the 120
Battery life is strong, and it’s nice to see the 100W fast charging is now combined with fast 50W wireless charging.
OnePlus’ OxygenOS skin (now over Android 14) is still excellent, though the commitment to four OS updates and five years of security patches is a step down from the best of Google and Samsung (both seven).
But overall, the OnePlus 12 is a superb smartphone that’s easy to recommend. If you’re looking for a foldable, consider the OnePlus Open instead.
8. iPhone 15 – Best value iPhone
Pros
- Versatile USB-C
- Useful Dynamic Island
- Great performance
- Good value for money
Cons
- Display only 60
Hz - Slow charging
Until we review the iPhone 16, its predecessor remains the best-value iPhone right now. Perhaps the obvious choice is the iPhone SE (2022), but it’s compromised to the extent that we wouldn’t recommend buying it.
There are two upgrades that make the regular iPhone 15 instantly better than 2022’s iPhone 14. The introduction of USB-C makes the device more versatile, allowing you to easily connect a range of different accessories.
And then there’s the Dynamic Island, the pill-shaped cut-out used to display a variety of useful information – it was previously exclusive to Pro models.
The iPhone 15 is very similar in other areas, but that’s usually not a bad thing. The A16 Bionic chip delivers small boosts to performance and power efficiency, with the latter helping deliver solid batter life.
With slick iOS software and a premium build, it’s the best value iPhone 15 model you can buy. But if a higher refresh rate display or fast charging are important to you, you’ll be better off elsewhere.
Read our full iPhone 15 review
9. CMF Phone 1 – Best budget phone
Pros
- Unique, stylish design
- Bloat-free operating system
- Solid performance
- Fun accessories
Cons
- No NFC
- Limited water and dust resistance
- Simple cameras
CMF, Nothing’s sub-brand, has previously focused on wearables and audio products.
But its first attempt at a smartphone is an undoubted success, combining a fun look with solid core features and an impressively low price tag – just £209/$199.
Its design is the clear highlight, with a back panel that can easily be swapped out and attachment for a lanyard, kickstand, or card wallet, all of which CMF sells as optional extras. However, even if you don’t care about any of that stuff, the Phone 1 has strong performance and an attractive display, both of which are must-haves on a modern smartphone.
Battery life is decent, while Nothing’s unique take on Android combines a unique look with no bloatware.
The lack of NFC (and so no support for contactless payments) is the biggest potential dealbreaker, while the cameras and water resistance could do with work. Samsung’s Galaxy A15 5G or A15 4G are the cheap phones to get if you value long software support, too.
But as a complete package, the CMF Phone 1 is the best all-rounder in the budget smartphone market right now.
10. Samsung Galaxy S24+ – Superb all-rounder
Pros
- Excellent display
- Strong performance
- Useful AI features
- Incredible battery life
- Seven years of updates
Cons
- No S Pen support
- No Micro-SD support
- Still quite expensive
For many people, the S24+ is the sweet spot in Samsung’s Galaxy S24 range. While you miss out on the S Pen support and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (in the UK; US models still get it), it’s still a fantastic phone in its own right.
They Exynos 2400-powered model we tested still offers very good performance, especially when combined with that high-quality 6.7-inch display and premium design. The cameras are good and battery life is excellent.
Other key features from the S24 Ultra do make it here, including the useful AI features, and superb seven years of software updates.
Besides slow charging and a still-premium price tag, there’s very little to dislike here.
Your buying guide for the best phones in 2024
When choosing a phone you should consider these things: build quality and design, display, performance, cameras, battery life, software and value for money.
Generally speaking, a flagship phone in 2024 will start at around £700/$700 but can cost over $1,000/£1,000 in some cases. On contract, you’re looking at between £30 and £50-per-month on average in the UK but you can spend a lot more if you want an expensive phone and lots of mobile data.
In the US you can often find very good contract deals on phones, better than in the UK and Europe.
It’s worth noting that while this list highlights the best smartphones available right now, that doesn’t explicitly mean flagships (even though they do feature heavily here). There are entries that cross over with our mid-range and budget phone round-ups too, but earn their place here based on the capabilities and quality on offer in relation to their price.
Buying a phone outright will usually give you the best value, but we appreciate finances in the real world don’t always accommodate such big one-off purchases. If you can, you’ll obviously need a SIM card and plan, as well as the phone. If you don’t already have one, check out our best SIM-only deals.
Smartphones buying advice
Should I buy an iPhone or Android phone?
There’s more than one mobile operating system, but really only two worth talking about: Android and iOS.
The vast majority of phones today run Android – Android 14 being the latest publicly-released version. Apple’s iOS platform, currently on iOS 18, may have a lower market share but developers almost always release their apps on iOS first. As a result of this approach, it has one of the best app stores you can find.
If you have an Android phone or iPhone and want to move to a phone running the other OS (operating system), it’s fairly easy to transfer your contacts and other select data from one to the other. What you can’t move are paid-for apps and certain app data (like WhatsApp backups), so keep this in mind if you’re considering a change of platform – and research any specific concerns you may have about the process.
Should I buy an unlocked phone?
An unlocked phone is one that is not tied to any particular mobile network operator. Buying ‘unlocked’ usually means buying the phone outright without a SIM card or contract attached.
The most important point is that an unlocked phone is almost always a better deal than buying a phone on contract – if you can afford it.
The only real exception to this is Apple’s iPhones – because of their traditional popularity, operators often subsidise the cost of buying an iPhone in order to lock you into a lucrative long-term deal.
Generally speaking, if you can afford the upfront cost of the handset, you will pay less over the life of your phone by buying unlocked.
More importantly, you are not locked into a lengthy contract. If you want a new handset at any time, you can buy one without having to up-purchase your way out of said contract or commit to another two years.
Just be sure to make certain the phone you’re getting is not locked to a certain network.
Which SIM or mobile plan should I get?
One other thing to consider is the size and shape of the SIM required for your phone. Make sure you get a nano-SIM if a nano-SIM is what your phone requires.
For the record, every phone in this list takes a nano-SIM, aside from some iPhone models in the US, which use eSIM.
But for most people, it’s best to stick with a physical SIM card for now. Most networks send you a SIM card in three different sizes, so you can just pop out the one you need.
If you’re looking for a SIM-free or unlocked phone, you probably already have a SIM card you’d like to use.
4G connectivity is still fine for most people. But if you want 5G, make sure both the phone and the SIM support it.
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Author: Anyron Copeman, Mobile Editor, Tech Advisor
Anyron is Mobile Editor at Tech Advisor, where he’s been a mainstay of the editorial team since 2019. In his current role, Anyron is responsible for all smartphone, tablet and mobile network coverage on the site. A BA Journalism graduate, he has experience with a wide range of consumer tech products and services, including smartphones, tablets, foldables, wearables and more.