With so many excellent smartphones available in the US today, finding a subpar premium phone in 2024 is nearly impossible. Choosing the “best phone” ultimately comes down to your budget and preferences. However, we can highlight some top choices for different needs.
For most users, the Apple iPhone 15 stands out as the best overall phone. It offers a well-rounded mix of performance, camera quality, reliability, battery life, and integration with the Apple ecosystem at a reasonable price. For Android enthusiasts, the Samsung Galaxy S24 is the top choice, providing similar strengths as the iPhone 15.
If you’re looking for more budget-friendly options, the Apple iPhone 13 and Google Pixel 8a are excellent choices. While not the cheapest options available, they offer significant value with their long-lasting performance, impressive camera capabilities, and other premium features.
1. Apple iPhone 15
Pros:
- Dynamic Island feature
- USB-C for universal charging compatibility
- 48MP main camera
Cons:
- iPhone users may need to invest in new USB-C accessories, such as chargers
- USB-C data transfer is limited to USB 2.0 speeds
- No always-on display
For those who are open to either iPhone or Android, the iPhone 15 stands out as a solid choice, offering a phone that requires the fewest compromises. If you’re an Apple enthusiast, our best iPhone guide provides additional recommendations.
The iPhone 15 maintains Apple’s consistent approach, delivering a dependable user experience with its stable operating system, top-tier camera system, and the latest technology. While it isn’t a drastic departure from the iPhone 14, it does bring notable upgrades, including the A16 processor and the Dynamic Island notification display, which were first seen in the iPhone 14 Pro. Performance has improved over the iPhone 14 and 13, which used the A15 chip. Additionally, the 6.1-inch display is now brighter and features a higher resolution.
One significant change is the shift from Lightning to USB-C. This switch could be seen as either a benefit or a drawback, depending on your existing accessories. While the convenience of using a single cable for all devices is a plus, it may require purchasing new chargers and adapters if you only have Lightning accessories. However, many users will already have USB-C accessories, especially if they own recent MacBooks, iPads, PCs, or Android phones.
The iPhone 15’s main camera has been upgraded to a 48MP sensor, compared to the previous 12MP. It now offers 2x optical zoom, enhancing low-light performance and image quality, particularly when cropping photos.
Despite the impressive features of the latest Android phones, the iPhone 15 remains a top recommendation for its polished hardware, user-friendly software, and Apple’s excellent support. For those who were hesitant to upgrade from the iPhone 14 due to its lack of significant changes, the iPhone 15 is a compelling choice. Additionally, it may become more affordable with the release of the upcoming iPhone 16 series. For those seeking high-end features, the iPhone 15 Pro models offer faster USB 3 charging, a customizable Action button, and dedicated zoom lenses.
2. Samsung Galaxy S24
Pros:
- Stunning design
- Exceptional performance
- 120Hz display
- Dedicated zoom lens
- Excellent battery life
- Useful AI features
Cons:
- Slower 25W charging compared to other S24 models
- Photo quality can be inconsistent
The Samsung Galaxy S24 stands out as a comprehensive package, offering a top-notch combination of performance, AI features, and battery life for an $800 base price. It provides unmatched value, even when compared to iPhones.
The Galaxy S24’s triple-lens camera system is a major highlight, especially in its 6.1-inch size and $800 price bracket. The inclusion of a 3x zoom lens enhances its versatility, making it easier to capture high-quality photos of distant subjects.
However, the camera system isn’t without its flaws. While it performs admirably, it can sometimes produce inconsistent results, especially in challenging lighting conditions, leading to photos that may lack depth and detail compared to premium competitors from Google and Apple.
Despite this, the Galaxy S24 remains our top choice among Android phones, offering exceptional performance and high-end features at a competitive price point that will likely satisfy most users.
3. Apple iPhone 13
Pros:
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio
- Modern design with Face ID
- Solid battery life and longevity
Cons:
- Lacks iPhone 14’s emergency safety features
If you’re seeking the best iPhone experience without breaking the bank, the iPhone 13 is a better choice than the iPhone SE (2022). Although the iPhone 13 starts at $599 compared to the iPhone SE’s $429, the extra investment is worthwhile for the enhanced features.
The iPhone 13 is powered by the A15 Bionic processor, the same as the iPhone SE, and while it’s not the latest generation, it easily handles any app or game from the App Store.
It also boasts a modern design with a 6.1-inch OLED display, Face ID, a dual-lens camera system, and support for MagSafe wireless charging and accessories. The iPhone 13 offers significantly better battery life than the iPhone SE.
Considering its design, performance, and longer support cycle (estimated at about three more years), the iPhone 13 provides a more enjoyable and future-proof experience.
However, if budget constraints are a priority, the iPhone SE (2022) remains a solid choice among budget phones, though it features an older design with a smaller screen and Touch ID.
4. Google Pixel 8a
Pros:
- Incredible value
- High-end performance
- Smooth 120Hz OLED display
- Stellar cameras
- Solid design and build quality
Cons:
- Slow 18W charging
Starting at $449, Google’s Pixel 8a offers exceptional value for Android users. While there are cheaper Android phones available, the Pixel 8a stands out for its performance and features, making it a worthwhile investment for those with a discerning budget.
The Pixel 8a delivers impressive performance with the Google Tensor G3 processor, matching the flagship Pixel 8 models. Coupled with its smooth 120Hz OLED display and 1080p resolution, the phone provides a premium viewing experience with vibrant colors, excellent brightness, and high contrast.
The Pixel 8a’s cameras rival those of phones costing twice as much. While lower-priced Android phones can capture memories, the Pixel 8a excels in delivering clear, focused photos even in less-than-ideal conditions.
Additionally, the Pixel 8a boasts a sleek design with a frosted matte plastic back and attractive color options.
The main drawback is its relatively slow 18W wired charging, though it does offer 7.5W wireless charging, a feature not commonly found on budget phones. A larger display option would be ideal, but this would likely increase the price.
Overall, the Pixel 8a is an excellent choice for those not looking for carrier deals on premium phones like the Pixel 8, Galaxy S24, or iPhone. If you prefer not to commit to a carrier’s plan, the Pixel 8a remains the best budget Android phone available.
5. Google Pixel 8 Pro
Pros:
- Top-tier camera system
- Excellent performance
- Premium design and display
- Impressive battery life
Cons:
- Some AI features are inconsistent
The Google Pixel 8 Pro stands out with its impressive triple-camera setup: a 48MP ultrawide lens, a 50MP main lens, and a 48MP 5x zoom lens. During our testing, it consistently delivered exceptional photo quality, outshining both Samsung and Apple competitors in terms of reliability.
The Pixel’s signature photo style is evident, featuring rich, natural colors and well-balanced lighting that avoids over-enhancing shadows and highlights. The contrast in Pixel photos adds stunning depth, making them visually appealing.
As our top camera pick among Google Pixel phones, the Pixel 8 Pro’s 5x zoom lens sets it apart from the more common 3x zoom lenses found on other devices, providing greater versatility.
For those who prefer Apple’s ecosystem, the iPhone 15 Pro Max offers a comparable camera system, including a 5x zoom lens, making it the closest alternative to the Pixel 8 Pro.
6. Apple iPhone 15 Plus
Pros:
- Large 6.7-inch display
- Longest battery life of any iPhone
- Features similar to the standard iPhone 15, including Dynamic Island, USB-C, and a 48MP camera
Cons:
- Lacks ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate despite the larger screen
- Size may be cumbersome for some users
- USB-C charging speed is comparable to Lightning
The iPhone 15 Plus is our top pick for those seeking exceptional battery life, as it achieved the best score in our intensive battery test among current phones, with 73% remaining after rigorous testing.
In terms of performance and features, the iPhone 15 Plus mirrors the iPhone 15 but offers a larger 6.7-inch display and a bigger battery. While this enhances the viewing experience, the phone’s increased size might not suit everyone. Although it may feel bulky, we didn’t encounter significant issues with handling or portability.
For Android users, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, with its 6.8-inch screen, also demonstrates how larger phones can provide extended battery life, scoring 66% in our battery test. This is superior to other large-screen models like the Galaxy S24 Plus (60%) and Google Pixel 8 Pro (62%).
Ultimately, while the Galaxy S24 Ultra offers the best battery life for Android devices, it comes at a higher price compared to the iPhone 15 Plus, which provides outstanding battery performance at a more affordable cost.
7. OnePlus Open
Pros:
- Ultra-premium build quality
- Traditional cover screen aspect ratio
- Largest tablet display in a foldable phone available in the US
- Fast performance
- Excellent cameras
- Solid battery life
Cons:
- No wireless charging
- Super-fast charging only works with the proprietary charger
We favor book-style foldable phones that open into compact tablets over clamshell models that fold into smaller squares due to their superior functionality and performance.
Among the three current phone-tablet hybrid foldables in the US, the OnePlus Open stands out as our top choice, surpassing both the Google Pixel Fold and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6.
While all phone-tablet hybrids offer comparable performance, high-end displays with features like 120Hz refresh rates and OLED panels, top-notch camera quality, and impressive battery life, the OnePlus Open distinguishes itself with its exceptional build quality, a cover display that resembles a traditional phone screen, and larger cover and tablet displays compared to its competitors.
The OnePlus Open does have one drawback: it lacks wireless charging, which feels like a missed feature for a phone priced at $1,700. Although it supports rapid 67W charging, this is only possible with the included proprietary charger.
How we test phones
We test iPhones and Android phones as if they were our daily drivers for at least a week, often extending this period, to thoroughly evaluate their performance, battery life, cameras, and new features. Our extensive experience with various phone models and price points allows us to quickly identify any issues.
In addition to real-world usage, we perform standardized tests on all phones reviewed and included in our guides.
For performance, we use benchmarking apps to detect discrepancies between devices. Geekbench 6 measures general performance, while the 3DMark Wild Life Stress Test assesses extended heavy gaming capabilities. These tests help us estimate how long a phone can maintain its performance compared to other models.
For camera testing, we photograph a consistent set of scenes with each phone and compare the results to its direct competitors. We assess the quality of photos and videos taken with each lens on each phone, including comparisons between budget and premium camera phones to highlight differences in image and video quality.
For battery life, we run a stress test that simulates various typical daily activities, such as streaming video and music, and high-intensity tasks like gaming. The test includes five runs of Geekbench 6, two runs of the 3DMark Wild Life Stress Test, two hours of video streaming at a set brightness level, and one hour of music streaming via Bluetooth. We then record the phone’s remaining battery percentage.