Marques Brownlee (MKBHD) has revealed his top smartphone selections for 2024, with the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra earning the title of best smartphone due to its exceptional features. The Nothing Phone (2a) is recognized for best value, while the Huawei Mate XT takes the best design award. The Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra is noted as the biggest disappointment, and the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold shines in the foldable category. Battery life trends are highlighted, with the RedMagic 10 Pro leading. The iPhone 16 Pro remains the top choice for photography.
MKBHD Reveals His Top Smartphones for 2024
Marques Brownlee, widely known as MKBHD, has unveiled his much-anticipated list of the best smartphones for 2024. In this tenth edition of his annual “Smartphone Awards,” the renowned tech YouTuber presents a selection that leans toward the well-established giants in the industry, yet surprises await within.
Galaxy S24 Ultra: The Uncontested Champion
No surprises here, as the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra takes home the prestigious title of best smartphone of the year for 2024. MKBHD notes, “This phone is simply excellent in every way,” highlighting its outstanding display, remarkable battery longevity, impressive camera capabilities, and overall durability. He emphasizes his prolonged experience with the device, having used it extensively for nearly nine months, which he considers a significant duration for a tech reviewer.
Unexpected Gems from Asia
One of the standout surprises in this year’s rankings comes from the innovative company Nothing, with its Phone (2a) claiming the best value for money award. MKBHD commends its 120 Hz display, robust 5000 mAh battery, and unique design, all for a reasonable price of $350.
The Huawei Mate XT has also secured the best design accolade, despite facing scrutiny regarding its durability. This award recognizes the boldness of the Chinese manufacturer in the foldable smartphone market.
Disappointments and Emerging Trends
In a disappointing turn, the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra has been dubbed the “biggest disappointment of the year.” MKBHD explains that this is not due to poor quality but rather the departure from the compact design that previously defined the series. This trend reflects a broader shift in the market, where compact high-end smartphones are becoming increasingly rare.
Foldable Smartphones Take Center Stage
This year has witnessed a remarkable advancement in foldable smartphones, with the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold clinching two awards: best foldable smartphone and most improved device. MKBHD attributes this success to comprehensive enhancements, stating, “They have improved absolutely every aspect: better cameras, better hinge, everything is thinner, the inner borders are much better, it folds flat, there are fewer visible creases… everything is better.”
Setting New Standards in Battery Life and Performance
The category for best battery life reflects an intriguing trend in the market. As Marques observes, “We are seeing more and more batteries of 5,500, 6,000 mAh in these big flagships, more than I have seen in a long time.” The RedMagic 10 Pro stands out in this category, boasting an impressive 7,000 mAh battery paired with the cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Elite processor.
The iPhone 16 Pro Maintains Its Photography Dominance
Despite the rising competition, particularly from the Vivo X200 Pro, the iPhone 16 Pro continues to reign as the best camera smartphone. MKBHD acknowledges this victory with a touch of reluctance, stating, “I hate giving them this award every year as much as you do, but ask anyone who regularly films and photographs with their smartphone what they would use, the answer remains the iPhone 16 Pro.”