There are a lot of good smartphones released in 2024, and it’s really not easy to settle on the “best.” But, at least for me, I’m struggling to put the Galaxy S24 Ultra at the top of that list.
In recent years, the options in the Android Market have felt more limited. Many tools feel like another flavor of the same product. 2024, thankfully, doesn’t feel like it Very A lot, as each major brand has carved out its own identity. But, still, when you’re looking at the “best Android phones,” there are just a few key places to look.
Pixel 9 Pro. Galaxy S24 Ultra. OnePlus 12.ie Beautiful In many markets this is too much, at least in terms of looking at high-end flagship Android devices. “Best” is highly subjective, but personally, I think it’s really one of those three, plus the latest iPhone.
For me, if I had to choose between them, I would have a hard time choosing between the Pixel 9 Pro and the OnePlus 12. The Pixel 9 Pro (and XL) were easily the best devices of the year. , Google’s design was polished, the Tensor G4 is good enough, and the prices are still reasonable. Meanwhile, OnePlus has introduced a cohesive flagship in the OnePlus 12 that beats the competition in terms of hardware and cameras, while cutting the price dramatically. In fact, the only sore point for me on the OnePlus 12 was the camera, which was still a Part Inconsistent, and as of OxygenOS 14 the software still had a few too many quirks.
But these two, in my eyes, are clear choices for the best phones of 2024. The device I definitely wouldn’t pick up is the Galaxy S24 Ultra, and for a few key reasons.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra is, by all means, not Bad smart fone. This is not a competitive tool.
Samsung’s 2024 flagship lags behind in terms of cameras more than anything else. in our reviewWe called it a “weak” camera because it’s not very reliable, and it struggles more than any other high-end smartphone when it comes to shots involving motion of any kind. Additionally, Samsung’s One UI software has felt more cluttered over the years (although). Next year it’s getting a little better), and you’re not getting anything particularly unique. It’s not easy to find compelling, standout features on the Galaxy S24 Ultra. If you want the S Pen of course you will buy it. gorilla armor is great Very. And this is the only option to get a smartphone Gets 7 years of Android updatesBut it’s pretty clear that Samsung is comfortable leaving most things to cruise control and focusing on AI features They are still blocked by the apps they are linked toeven after us Long term Galaxy S24 Ultra reviewWe called the device an “undisputedly comprehensive flagship smartphone,” but there were still questions about whether it was still a leader.
You’re not “losing” in most places on the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Battery life is good. Software policy is great. The performance and stability of Qualcomm’s chip is an attractive selling point compared to the Pixel. The only place where this device really “loses” is the camera, as it really can’t match the competition. I don’t think it deserves any awards, as I explained in our review:
Samsung deserves some praise for throwing a ton of hardware at the (camera) situation and providing a really flexible and sometimes-stellar camera setup. ButThis rarely prevents landing. As has been the case for years, I don’t trust Samsung’s cameras, and it’s becoming more ridiculous as the years go by and prices go up.
And then price has to be negotiated.
At $1,299, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is the most expensive non-foldable flagship in most markets. It’s hard to argue that the Galaxy S24 Ultra costs $200 more than the Pixel 9 Pro XL. It’s basically impossible to tell, at least with a straight face, that it costs $400 more than the OnePlus 12. It certainly doesn’t cost $100 more than the iPhone 16 Pro Max. Samsung’s Trade-in deals are always attractiveBut they’re starting to feel like bribes because no one wants to pay the retail price – and I would argue that no one should pay that price.
For me, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is a “safe” smartphone. It’s far from bad, it’s good in many ways, but it’s not bestI can somewhat understand why marquis brownlee chose it Up for the Best Phone award, but I don’t think Samsung deserves it.
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