The end of the year is closing in but it’s not yet too late to buy that smartphone you’ve been eyeing since it was teased by its manufacturer. After all, you deserve something that will cheer you up after what 2020 has brought upon us. In this article, we’ll help you narrow down your options in buying the best smartphones available in the market right now.
We teamed up with the tech whiz of Auditech to come up with an ultimate buyer’s guide in purchasing smartphones this year. Your first choice may or may not be included in this list but we’ll make sure to help you have a clear idea of the pros and cons of each model that will make the cut.
These models are in no particular order so feel free to pick your favorite.
First up!
Best Smartphones available to buy today in 2024
Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra
Starting this list with a bang! Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra is a well-equipped flagship phone of Samsung that doesn’t fail to wow tech enthusiasts, including us! It’s arguably one of the best Android phones available in the market today.
Key Specs:
Dimensions: 167 x 76 x 8.8 mm (6.57 x 2.99 x 0.35 in)
Weight: 221 g (7.80 oz)
Screen: 6.9-inch, HDR10+, 120Hz,1440 x 3200 pixels, 20:9 ratio
CPU: Exynos 990 / Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865
GPU: Adreno 650RAM: 12GB/16GB
Storage: 128GB/512GB
Rear cameras: 108MP, 48MP, 12MP, ToF
Front cameras: 40MP, PDAF
Battery: 5,000mAh
OS: Android 10.0, One UI 2.0
5G: Yes
Why buy this:
If you’re into huge and eye-candy screens, Galaxy S20 Ultra’s 6.9-inch and 120Hz buttery screen will surely overwhelm you, in a positive way. It’s also supported by a very powerful system and an impressive 5000 mAh battery stack, that makes it just a different kind of beast compared to its Android competitors.
Moreover, Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra also boasts a feature-packed quadruple camera system to attract those who are into mobile photography.
Why avoid this:
This overwhelmingly good smartphone comes with a hefty price tag. No surprise there. So if you’re tight, this might be out of your league. But if you have pockets that are deep enough, Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra is hard to pass on.
Apple iPhone 12
Of all models of the iPhone, iPhone 12 is the most ideal. If you’re a long-time Apple user and don’t want to veer away from the brand, then this model is the bang for your buck.
With its high-quality cameras, high-end display, and future-proofing with 5G, iPhone 12 is the best Apple smartphone there is.
Key Specs:
Dimensions: 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm (5.78 x 2.81 x 0.29 in)
Weight: 164 g
Display: 6.1 inches, 2532 x 1170 pixels, Super Retina OLED, 19.5: 9 aspect ratio
CPU: A14 Bionic
GPU: Apple GPU
RAM: 4 GB
Storage: 64/128/256 GB
Rear Camera: 12 MP, f/1.6(wide) and 12 MP, f/2.4(ultrawide)
Front Camera: 12 MP, f/2.2, 23mm (wide)
Battery: 3046 mAh
OS: iOS 14
5G: Yes
Why buy this:
Like mentioned above, the impressive HDR screen and 5 inclusions are one of the main claim-to-fames of this iPhone. But not only that, it also comes with a new and improved design and build which make it smaller and lighter than its predecessor, iPhone 11.
Why avoid this:
With newer features and upgraded specs, it’s pricier than the iPhone 11. But it has an average battery life and 60 Hz screen, which are not that enticing for most people.
Sony Xperia 1 II
From the camera system, to display, speed and design, Sony Xperia 1 II is a different experience from its predecessors. Sony’s flagship phone impresses in a lot of ways, that’s why it’s a smartphone worthy of attention and money.
Key Specs:
Dimensions: 165.1 x 71.1 x 7.6 mm
Weight: 181.4 g
Screen: 6.5 inches, 1644 x 3840 pixels, 21:9 ratio
CPU: Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 (7 nm+)
GPU: Adreno 650
RAM: 8GB RAM/ 12GB RAM
Storage: 256GB
Rear Camera: 12 MP, f/1.7, 24mm (wide), 12 MP, f/2.4, 70mm (telephoto), 12 MP, f/2.2, 124˚, 16mm (ultrawide), 0.3 MP, TOF 3D, (depth)
Front Camera: 8 MP, f/2.0, 24mm (wide)
Battery: 4000 mAh
OS: Android 10
Why buy this:
Sony Xperia 1 II ticks off most of the qualities that we look for in a day-to-day handset: fantastic display, top-of-the-line camera system, and decent battery.
This model can handle almost all your digital errands like checking your email and social media pages, shopping online, and watching Netflix without getting problematic.
Why avoid this:
However, if you are an avid gamer who looks for an extra powerful gaming phone, we’re not betting on Sony Xperia 1 II.
In addition, it’s quite pricey and we’re not a fan of its boxy design and tall display. But if that’s your thing, or just don’t mind it at all, then you two are a great match!
OnePlus 8 Pro
This China-made smartphone is just unbelievable! With its mind-blowing speed, performance, sleek design, and buttery smooth display, the OnePlus 8 Pro is easily our favorite on this list!
We don’t mean to pick favorites, but OnePlus’ latest flagship phone is just that good. Just look at the deets:
Key Specs:
Screen: 120Hz QHD+ 6.78-inch Fluid AMOLED
CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865
GPU: Adreno 650
RAM: 12GB
Storage: 256GB
Rear camera: 48MP + 48MP + 8MP + 5MP
Front camera: 16MP
Battery: 4,510 mAh
OS: Android 10 \ Oxygen OS 10.5
5G: Yes
Why buy this:
OnePlus 8 Pro didn’t fail to live by the expectations of many, being one of the most well-rounded smartphones in the market.
It has a crisp and fantastic display with its 120 Hz screen, powerful Snapdragon chipset, and 4,510mAh battery that will certainly go the distance.
Why avoid this:
If you prioritize IG-worthy selfies over everything else, then this is not your phone. While its camera system is decent, this quality can be easily beaten by other models.
Huawei Mate 40 Pro
Surprisingly, Huawei Mate 40 Pro is hard to beat in terms of performance. It also excels in terms of design, camera system, and of course, battery life.
Like the OnePlus 8 Pro, it’s also Swiss-Army knife kind of smartphone.
You can enjoy most of its outstanding features in longer hours due to its battery.
Key Specs:
Dimensions: 162.9 x 75.5 x 9.1 mm
Weight: 212 g (7.48 oz)
Screen: 6.76 inches, 1344 x 2772 pixels, 18.5:9 ratio
CPU: Kirin 9000 5G (5 nm)
GPU: Mali-G78 MP24
RAM: 8GB RAM
Storage: 256GB / 512GB
Rear cameras: 50 MP, f/1.9, 23mm (wide), 12 MP, f/3.4, 125mm (periscope telephoto), 20 MP, f/1.8, 18mm (ultra-wide)
Front cameras: 13 MP, f/2.4, 18mm (ultrawide), TOF 3D, (depth/biometrics sensor)
Battery: 4400 mAh
OS: Android 10
Why buy this:
If you’re looking for the best mobile phone that can survive your daily digital activities, then Huawei Mate 40 Pro is worth the money. Its excellent camera system is perfect for instagrammable shots while its Kirin 9000 chipset is powerful enough to run the apps you need.
Why avoid this:
It cuts deep through your budget. Yes, somehow it’s also a beast and has impressive battery life, but it will cost you an arm and a leg. But if money is not the problem for you, then this smartphone is just perfect.
We’re also not a fan of its huge selfie camera notch. We’re into minimalist designs so its selfie notch is basically a pet peeve for us.
And that wraps up our list!
We hope that our expert take on the models listed above will help you narrow down your options so you won’t have to go through laborious research just to weed out the flop releases from the real good ones.
If you’re ready to buy your new phone, our friends at Auditech might just have the specific model that you have in mind.
Who knows, they may even have sweet deals and ongoing promos for you to grab. Shop around!