Our Top Smartphones of 2024 to Buy in 2025
The smartphone industry is consistently improving and innovating, and 2024 was no exception. There have been new advancements in mobile photography, AI capabilities, and phone performance that has left many models contending for the spot of best smartphone in 2024.
Below you will find our top picks, we’ll discuss some of the smartphones that caught our eye in 2024 and will highlight what makes these models exceptional. If you’re looking to invest in a new smartphone in 2025, then this guide is the perfect place to begin. Saving towards your new smartphone can be made even easier with Mazuma’s sell my phone service, where you can make money from old devices.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Let’s begin with one of the most talked about phones of the year, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. There’s a reason why many bloggers and experts have chosen this phone as their favourite for 2024. It has a high price tag, but with 5 distinct cameras and a stunning display, some would argue this phone is worth every penny.
It has a 6.8-inch AMOLED display and a 5,000mAh battery, which sets it apart from its competitors. It also has a built-in S Pen for added user enjoyment. The AI features embedded on this phone have the power to transform your average smartphone experience, with things like AI-assisted photo editing and Chat Assist features that can help you write messages in different tones. You can expect high performance from this smartphone, as it’s powered by the ultra-fast Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset.
For the budding photographer, and those looking for a smartphone that can transform their everyday tasks, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is one of the best phones of 2024. If you’re interested in making this model your smartphone for 2025, then using our sell my Galaxy S Series service can be a great way to save up for this outstanding phone.
Google Pixel 9 Pro
Many people are fans of Google’s iconic features and seamless integration between platforms. Whether you’re scheduling a meeting in Google Calendar, or drafting a spreadsheet in Google Sheets, they truly can offer everything when it comes to the digital space, and their phones are no exception.
The Google Pixel 9 Pro has a 50MP main sensor and Tensor G3 chip that makes its photos look sharp and detailed, even in low lighting conditions. It has a 6.9-inch OLED display that makes it great for watching videos or even just scrolling social media. Google’s integration of AI software into this phone is truly what sets it apart from competitor models. The Gemini AI model can provide a fully conversational mode, giving you recommendations and human-like conversations, making your life effortlessly easier.
For those looking to make their phone usage more efficient with the help of AI, the Google Pixel 9 Pro is a standout phone to choose.
OnePlus Nord 4
For a phone that combines high quality with affordability, the OnePlus Nord 4 is the clear winner. With a premium OLED screen, quick performance, and all-day battery life, this phone proves that you don’t need to splurge for advanced features. Many OnePlus users enjoy the alert slider on the side of the phone which allows you to easily switch between ring, vibrate, and silent modes without even taking it out of your pocket.
The OnePlus Nord 4 looks and feels like a premium smartphone with a metal unibody design and weighted feel, meaning you’re getting the impression of a high-end phone for a lower price tag. This phone isn’t renowned for its camera capabilities, so if that’s something you’re interested in, then you may wish to consult one of the other models on this list.
That being said, if you’re looking for a phone that can perform basic camera functions but still delivers on performance, the OnePlus Nord 4 is a reliable model that you can depend on in 2025. You can even visit our sell my OnePlus phone page to make the purchase of a new device easier.
Apple iPhone 16
Our list of top 2024 smartphones would only be complete with the mention of an iPhone. Despite the other offerings on this list, many users remain dedicated to IOS due to its functional and easy-to-use properties. It has two cameras, one 48Mp main camera and another wide-angle camera that can also perform macro zoom.
This phone has the new A18 chip, helping to deliver a speed boost that sets it apart from previous Apple models. The iPhone 16 is also compatible with Apple Intelligence, making it a competitor to the other phones in this guide with AI capabilities. The control button featured on the side of the phone replaces the traditional mute switch, allowing you to perform a range of functions with just the touch of a button.
For those who can’t imagine using a smartphone not made by Apple and who perhaps want an upgrade from their existing iPhone, we recommend the iPhone 16. Moreover, Apple tend to release their latest models in autumn, so if you don’t want to wait until September for the next iPhone release, the iPhone 16 is a great phone to begin 2025 with.
Which One is the Best?
The best phone for 2024 is completely dependent on your taste and lifestyle, as not everyone will use their phone in the same way. Some may use it for simple text messaging and calls, in which case things like camera quality may not matter. On the other hand, if creating content with your smartphone is a passion, then models such as the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra may be worth the splurge. Each of the phones in this list is a great model, so it’s truly up to your preference when deciding which one is best for your 2025 choice.
If any of these have caught your eye as a potential investment for 2025, then why not consider trading in your current phone? With our simple phone selling process, you can go from registering your device to getting paid within a few days. Read more about how it works here, or alternatively, contact us.