In this article, we’ll list the latest 12 mobile phone recommendations available on the market in 2024. These recommendations are based on each device’s balance, covering price accessibility, photography needs, and model features. If you’re considering upgrading to a new phone but aren’t sure where to start, follow our independent list of mobile phone recommendations to make an informed choice.
Keep in mind that the phones at the bottom of the list may not directly compare to those at the top, but they still offer excellent value for the price. While some models might not fully satisfy you, remember that your budget plays a significant role in determining your options.
We consider all the presented phones to have a fair price. Choose wisely! 📱
Ranking of recommendations for mobile phones of 2024 (price from high to low):
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- iPhone 15 Series
- Samsung S24 Series
- Xiaomi 14 Series
- vivo V30 (12GB/256GB)
- Google Pixel 8 Series
- OPPO Reno11 Pro (12GB/512GB)
- Samsung Galaxy A54 5G (8GB/256GB)
- Redmi Note 13 5G (8GB/256GB)
- OPPO A79 5G (8GB/256GB)
- Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
- OPPO A38 (4GB/64GB)
- Redmi 13C (4GB/128GB)
1. iPhone 15 Series
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
Although the iPhone 15 has its critics, no one can prevent it from being at the top of the sales rankings. After all, for now, with the exception of Samsung, there is no competitor in the high-end flagship class of mobile phones. The iPhone 15 Pro Max is a top smartphone equipped with the world’s first 3nm chip – Apple A17 Pro, with excellent performance and outstanding imaging capabilities.
I won’t say more; the iPhone 15 series is amazing. It reflects the maturity Apple has achieved in the mobile device industry.
We believe this series reaffirms Apple’s status as a leader, a position that many have tried to challenge in recent years. It’s clear now: Apple’s iPhone 15 is the leader!” 📱🍎
2. Samsung S24 Series
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
According to Samsung, the Samsung Galaxy S24 series has been equipped with many high-level AI capabilities and practical AI-based features such as input, translation, recording, notes, and cameras to provide users with a more convenient and efficient comprehensive experience. The overseas version of the Samsung Galaxy S24 series has a built-in instant search function, which is specially customized by Google for Samsung. It can perform powerful searches without switching apps.
The first feature is AI calling. Real-time translation can be initiated with a single click on the call interface. It supports translation in 13 languages and is performed directly on the device side to ensure user privacy and security. When users need to take a taxi while traveling abroad, this feature can help users and drivers achieve smooth communication and overcome language barriers.
Just like Apple, Samsung has its own fans and keeps them close with high-quality premium products. Praising a Samsung flagship is easy, but often unnecessary; those who buy it are primarily customers who have been convinced by Samsung’s quality, not our praises. Does the S24 series deserve recognition? We believe it does!
3. Xiaomi 14 Series
Xiaomi 14 Ultra
Both the Xiaomi Mi 14 and the Xiaomi Mi 14 Ultra are equipped with Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, which is the TSMC 4nm process, a four-cluster design with eight cores, coupled with the Adreno GPU and Qualcomm’s AI engine. The Xiaomi Mi 14 and 14 Ultra are also the first batch to be equipped with this chipset concern.
Moreover, when playing high-performance games or filming high-resolution videos, the Xiaomi Mi IceLoop offers corresponding heat dissipation capabilities to achieve truly high specifications.
4. vivo V30 (12GB/256GB)
vivo V30 Pro
The Vivo V30 5G is a powerhouse with 50-megapixel triple cameras and a Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset, paired with up to 24 GB of RAM. The V30 Pro elevates design with its ‘Flower Like Brocade’ series, featuring a unique ‘relief sculpture’ and ‘Yunjin Glass’ technology, giving the back cover a three-dimensional floral appearance. Available in two color variants for the 12GB+512GB model and three for the 12GB+256GB model, both are IP54 rated for water resistance.
Both models share a 6.78-inch AMOLED display, boasting a 2800 x 1260 resolution, 120 Hz refresh rate, full DCI-P3 color gamut, and a peak brightness of 2800 nits. The V30 Pro stands out as the first Vivo phone to incorporate a Zeiss-certified triple-lens camera module from the V series. It features a 50-megapixel Sony IMX920 sensor, optical anti-shake (OIS), and Zeiss’s VCS technology that enhances image purity by 7.7%. It also includes a 119-degree ultra-wide-angle AF lens and a 50-megapixel professional portrait lens.
The V30 Pro’s cameras are equipped with the ‘Zeiss Portrait Lens Package,’ offering six classic Zeiss portrait styles, adding a professional touch to mobile photography. In contrast, the V30 has a dual-lens main camera without the Zeiss label, but still includes a 50-megapixel AF ultra-wide-angle lens and supports autofocus.
The Vivo V30 Pro is a blend of artistic flair and technological innovation, designed to capture life’s moments with precision and beauty. It’s a testament to Vivo’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of smartphone technology and design.
5. Google Pixel 8 Series
Google Pixel 8 Pro
The Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are the latest additions to Google’s smartphone lineup, boasting the self-developed Tensor G3 chipset and Titan M2 security chip. The Pixel 8 comes with 8 GB of RAM, while the Pro model features 12 GB, both running on Android 14.
Benchmark tests reveal the Pixel 8 Pro’s impressive performance, with a single-core score of 1760 and a multi-core score of 4442. Display-wise, the Pro model has a 6.7-inch Super Actua screen with QHD resolution and dynamic refresh rates up to 120Hz, while the standard Pixel 8 has a 6.2-inch Actua display with FHD+ resolution.
Battery life is robust, with the Pro model housing a 5050 mAh battery and the standard Pixel 8 having a 4575 mAh battery, both supporting fast wired and wireless charging.
Google’s AI advancements are evident in the Pixel 8 series, with the generative AI being significantly more complex than its predecessor. The Tensor G3 chip enhances machine learning capabilities, doubling the number of models running on the device.
The integration of AI into smartphones is becoming as crucial as intelligent systems in electric vehicles. The Pixel 8 series showcases this trend with improved language understanding and the upcoming Assistant with Bard, an AI-enhanced personal assistant designed to assist with various tasks, from photo captions to shopping lists. This marks a new era in smartphone technology, blending AI with everyday functionality.
6. OPPO Reno11 Pro (12GB/512GB)
Oppo Reno11 Pro
OPPO has made a significant stride in mobile technology with the launch of the Reno11 5G series in Taiwan, marking a new chapter in innovation and connectivity. The Reno11 5G and Reno11 Pro 5G models both utilize MediaTek chipsets, showcasing a collaboration that brings together advanced hardware and cutting-edge technology.
Both models run on the new ColorOS 14, which is known for its smooth operation and user-friendly interface. This operating system enhances the user experience by offering a range of customizable options and features that cater to individual preferences.
The Reno11 5G series boasts 6.7-inch AMOLED screens, providing users with vivid colors and deep blacks for an immersive viewing experience. Whether streaming content or browsing the web, the display quality is designed to impress.
The Reno11 is equipped with the Dimensity 7050 chipset and a large 5,000 mAh battery, ensuring that users can enjoy long hours of usage without the need for frequent charging. On the other hand, the Reno11 Pro is powered by the Dimensity 8200 chipset and a 4,600 mAh battery, offering a balance of performance and efficiency.
In terms of photography, both models feature triple-lens main cameras, which include systems for ultra-clear portrait shooting. These devices are touted as “portrait experts,” indicating their specialized capabilities in capturing stunning portrait photos.
With such features, OPPO’s Reno11 5G series stands out as a formidable player in the smartphone market, particularly for consumers who value high-quality photography and long-lasting battery life.
7. Samsung Galaxy A54 5G (8GB/256GB) – The best-selling phone
Samsung Galaxy A54
As demonstrated by the Samsung Galaxy A54 5G, at a price of around $450 you can obtain a phone with solid performance at a very reasonable price.
The Galaxy A54 features a 6.4-inch screen and an octa-core chipset that provides enough power for daily essentials, including light gaming, and a camera that does a decent job managing your photos.
Running on an Exynos 1380 chipset supported by 6 GB of RAM, the Galaxy A54 has achieved fair scores in benchmark tests, considering its low price, being slightly below the Pixel 6A. However, there is enough power to make daily web browsing, WhatsApp messages, and emails seem fast.
On the back of the phone are three cameras; a 50-megapixel main camera, a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera, and a 5-megapixel macro camera. Photos from the main camera are generally decent, although software optimizations often result in quite oversaturated images, which look quite unnatural. However, the images appear clear, and the preset 2x digital zoom (there is no optical zoom here) can provide sharp images.
The Galaxy A54 5G stands as a testament to Samsung’s commitment to providing quality devices that cater to budget-conscious consumers without compromising on performance. With its robust chipset and ample RAM, the device handles everyday tasks with ease, while the triple-camera setup on the rear allows for versatile photography options. The main camera’s high resolution ensures detailed photos, and although the color saturation may be intense, it can be a matter of personal preference. The lack of optical zoom is mitigated by the effective digital zoom, ensuring that users can still capture distant subjects with clarity.
In a market where high prices often accompany high performance, the Galaxy A54 5G disrupts the norm by offering a balance of affordability and capability. Its performance in benchmark tests may not top the charts, but it delivers where it counts, making it a smart choice for those who need a reliable smartphone without breaking the bank. The Galaxy A54 5G’s value proposition is clear: it’s a device that promises to handle the rigors of daily use while providing a pleasant multimedia and photography experience, all at a fairly affordable price.
8. Redmi Note 13 5G (8GB/256GB)
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13
The Redmi Note 13 5G boasts an attractive design with a high screen-to-body ratio of 93.3%, offering users an unprecedented immersive experience. Its 6.67-inch AMOLED display not only delivers vibrant colors but also features ultra-thin bezels, making every viewing a visual feast. Additionally, the ultra-smooth 120 Hz refresh rate ensures fluidity, whether scrolling through apps or playing high-refresh-rate games.
In terms of photography, the Redmi Note 13 5G leaves no stone unturned. It is equipped with a 108 MP triple camera setup that not only has large pixels and high resolution but also supports 3X sensor zoom, maintaining clarity even when zooming in. The 16 MP front camera delivers Instagram-worthy quality to every selfie.
Performance-wise, the Redmi Note 13 5G uses the MediaTek Dimensity 6080 chipset, which not only provides fast internet speeds and a smooth gaming experience but also achieves efficient power management through its 6nm process technology. Furthermore, up to 20 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage make multitasking and running large apps effortless.
Moreover, the Redmi Note 13 5G features IP54 dust and water resistance, as well as advanced Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection, ensuring the phone remains robust even in case of accidental drops or collisions. The large 5000 mAh battery and 33 W fast charging technology ensure that long-term use is not interrupted due to power issues.
Overall, the Redmi Note 13 5G is a smartphone that combines multiple functions, high performance, and elegant design, making it a worthy choice for both technology enthusiasts and everyday users.
9. OPPO A79 5G (8GB/256GB)
Oppo A79
The Chinese company OPPO has long established itself in the crowded mobile phone market as a producer of high-quality smartphones across various price categories. Among the brand’s most popular product lines are the A series smartphones – budget-friendly devices with all the necessary features for users in the modern digital space.
The latest model in this series is the OPPO A79 5G, priced at around $420. It features a 6.72-inch FHD+ 90 Hz display, a 50 MP camera, a MediaTek Dimensity 6020 chipset with 256 GB storage, and a 5000 mAh battery.
The OPPO A79 5G presents a sleek and fast impression, likely due to its screen aspect ratio, thinness, and lightweight design. As a mid-range phone, its display doesn’t stand out particularly. The LCD color rendition is quite good, viewing angles are great, and it doesn’t fade too much in sunlight. However, competitors priced over $400 offer both AMOLED and higher refresh rates, making the A79 pale in comparison.
The OPPO A79 is equipped with an octa-core MediaTek Dimensity 6020 chipset and supports 5G. It’s not the most advanced chipset and even falls short of the older Snapdragon 695, but it still handles everyday tasks (internet, social media, document work, daily apps like taxis and banking services) with ease, ensuring smooth and comfortable device operation. The Mali-G57 MC2 video chip handles graphics processing. You can run any game, but the graphics level won’t be very high.
RAM capacity is either 4 GB or 8 GB (LPDDR4x), and storage capacity is 128 GB or 256 GB (UFS 2.2). 4 GB of RAM in 2024 is a little bit, especially considering the price. In settings, you can add up to 8 GB of virtual RAM at the expense of storage, but now it’s possible to add virtual RAM to almost any Android device.
The ORRO 79A 5G camera is straightforward—a useful 50 MP module with an f/1.8 aperture, supplemented by a depth sensor for appearance’s sake (otherwise, it would look like the phone has only one camera). The front camera is 8 MP. Photo quality degrades in the evening and at night. Image clarity decreases, noise appears, and bright objects become blurry. Given the price, the quality could have been much, much better.
10. Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
The Samsung Galaxy A15 5G is a versatile solution for your needs, available on Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile for just $200 or less with a good deal. It features an energy-efficient MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chipset, 8 GB of RAM, and a Mali G57MC2 GPU. The Android 14 interface operates without delays, and the phone can handle most modern games, although settings for graphically intense games need to be minimized. It offers 256 GB of storage, expandable via MicroSD.
While you can’t expect everything at this price, the A15 5G exceeds expectations in many areas: it runs on the latest Android 14, Samsung promises four years of software updates, and it boasts a nice camera set, a 90 Hz AMOLED screen, and stable battery life.
The phone is entirely plastic, which doesn’t feel premium, but it’s lighter than expected. A notable design feature is the raised edge on the right side of the phone, dubbed the “Key Island” by Samsung, which makes the tactile buttons easier to feel. The power button doubles as a fingerprint reader and is flush with the side of the phone, with volume buttons just above it.
The screen is bright, comparable to flagship phones from a few years ago, with the stunning OLED colors we’ve come to expect and supports a 90 Hz refresh rate. Overall, the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G offers a compelling package for its price point, making it a strong contender in the budget smartphone market.
11. OPPO A38 (4GB/64GB)
Oppo A38
The Oppo A38 4G, released in 2023, is a budget-friendly smartphone that challenges the notion of what a sub-$200 phone can offer. Powered by the Mediatek Helio G85 chipset paired with 4 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal storage, it’s a device that aims to balance cost with functionality.
The A38 4G’s IPS screen provides wide viewing angles, allowing content enjoyment from various positions. Its multi-camera setup offers smartphone photographers more power and creative opportunities, although it’s clear that with a budget phone, camera performance is often adequate rather than exceptional.
While the A38 4G achieves a good balance between power and portability, and its weight contributes to an ergonomic design, it’s evident that compromises have been made. The advanced chipset ensures superior processing power for smooth performance in tasks like 3D rendering, image processing, and video playback, but the phone’s moderate performance might not satisfy all users, especially those accustomed to more powerful devices.
Pre-installed with Android v13.0, the A38 4G benefits from regular updates from Google, introducing new features, improved performance, and enhanced security. However, the absence of NFC and FM radio, along with a unique digital stabilizer, might deter some potential buyers looking for these specific features.
In summary, the Oppo A38 4G presents itself as a practical choice for those seeking a smartphone that covers the basics. While it may not boast the premium features of higher-end models, its affordable price and decent display make it a contender in the budget smartphone arena. Yet, it’s important to remember that with any budget device, there are trade-offs, and the A38 4G is no exception. It offers enough to satisfy basic needs, but for those seeking advanced features, it’s a reminder that you get what you pay for.
12. Redmi 13C 5G (4GB/128GB)
Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G
The Xiaomi Redmi 13C 5G emerges as one of the market’s most affordable 5G smartphones, offering two variants: a more budget-friendly 4G and the 5G model. This review focuses on the 5G version, which despite its low price, doesn’t skimp on important specifications.
Sporting a sleek body available in black or white, the Redmi 13C 5G is relatively lightweight at 195 grams. It features a large 6.74-inch AMOLED screen with a crisp 2400×1080 resolution and a high refresh rate of 120Hz for smooth visuals. The touch interface is capacitive and supports gesture operations.
Under the hood, the Redmi 13C 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chipset, built on a 6nm process with an octa-core CPU architecture combining Cortex-A78 and Cortex-A55 cores. This is paired with a Mali-G57 GPU and a substantial 8GB of RAM, ensuring solid performance across tasks. Storage is generous at 256GB, and the device runs on Xiaomi’s HyperOS 1.0.
Photography is handled by a 50 MP main camera, supported by an 8 MP secondary sensor, and a 16 MP front camera, all promising decent image quality for its class.
The phone’s 5000mAh battery supports 33W fast charging, ensuring you’re quickly back to full power. It also features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for biometric security.
In conclusion, the Redmi 13C 5G stands out as a strong contender for those seeking 5G connectivity on a budget, without compromising on essential features. Its combination of display, performance, and camera capabilities make it a smart choice for cost-conscious consumers, the only problem being its availability on the local market.