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The smartphone industry has had another dynamic year, with innovation hitting new highs and surprises around every corner. The Smartphone Awards 2024 have once again provided a platform to recognize the most impactful devices across several categories. With over a dozen phones competing in each segment, the winners were carefully chosen based on design, performance, and overall user experience.
This year’s awards include both perennial favorites and a few surprises. Here’s a breakdown of the winners and what made them stand out in their respective categories.
1. Best Big Phone: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
As phones have grown larger, the definition of a “big phone” has evolved. The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Smartphone reigned supreme in this category, setting a benchmark for what large smartphones should deliver. Its 6.8-inch screen with a stunning anti-reflective coating is one of the best displays in the industry. Coupled with incredible cameras, including telephoto capabilities, the S24 Ultra offers a versatile user experience.
What truly sets it apart is Samsung’s attention to detail. From the stylus integration to One UI 7 built on Android 15, the phone is designed for productivity and entertainment alike. The 5,000mAh battery, smooth performance, and years of software updates make it an obvious winner.
Honorable mentions: Vivo X200 Pro and ROG Phone 9.
2. Best Small Phone: iPhone 16
Small phones are becoming an endangered species as manufacturers prioritize larger screens. The iPhone 16, with its 6.1-inch display, stands out as the best small phone of the year. Compact yet powerful, it boasts flagship-level performance and a design that appeals to users who want a manageable, one-handed device.
The iPhone 16 includes advanced cameras, enhanced RAM, and Apple’s flagship chip, offering premium features without the size of its Pro counterpart. Apple’s focus on battery life and software updates adds even more value.
Notable contenders: Vivo X200 Mini and Samsung Galaxy S24.
3. Best Camera: iPhone 16 Pro
Smartphone photography took a giant leap forward in 2024, but the iPhone 16 Pro Smartphone maintained its dominance in this category. While competitors like the Vivo X200 Pro offered high-megapixel cameras with advanced features, Apple’s consistency and usability made the iPhone 16 Pro the ultimate choice for photographers and videographers.
Apple introduced manual controls, new shooting formats, and AI-driven enhancements, ensuring that both photos and videos look stunning. Whether capturing 4K 30fps footage or experimenting with super slow-motion, the iPhone 16 Pro delivers flawless results every time.
4. Best Value: Nothing Phone 2A
Delivering exceptional value at a competitive price is no easy task, but the Nothing Phone 2A Smartphone achieved it effortlessly. Priced at $350, this phone offers features typically found in flagships. Its 120Hz display, 5,000mAh battery, and smooth performance optimization make it an outstanding choice for budget-conscious users.
The phone’s unique glyph design, under-display fingerprint reader, and dual cameras (50MP main + ultra-wide) further set it apart in the value segment. This is a phone that punches far above its price point and deserves recognition.
Shoutouts: Pixel 8a and CMF Phone 1.
5. Best Battery: Red Magic 10 Pro
Battery performance was a heated competition in 2024, but the Red Magic 10 Pro Smartphone came out on top with its 7,050mAh battery. Designed primarily as a gaming phone, it pairs this massive battery with the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, offering unmatched efficiency and power.
This phone doesn’t just last longer; it charges faster too, with 100W peak charging that takes it from 0 to 100% in about 30 minutes. Features like bypass charging and 144Hz refresh rate make it the ultimate choice for power users.
Notable mentions: Oppo Find X8 Pro and Vivo X200 Pro.
6. Best Design: Huawei Mate XT (Tri-Fold)
Design innovation in 2024 saw some bold moves, but the Huawei Mate XT Smartphone stole the spotlight. Dubbed the “tri-fold,” this phone is a marvel of engineering. Its thin profile, innovative hinges, and ability to fold into three panels make it one of the most futuristic designs we’ve ever seen.
While questions about durability remain, the Mate XT’s ambition and execution deserve applause. It sets a new standard for what smartphones can achieve in terms of form factor and usability.
Honorable mentions: Nothing Phone 2A and CMF Phone 1.
7. Best Foldable: Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Foldable phones have matured significantly, and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold Smartphone leads the pack in 2024. Google refined its design with thinner bezels, an improved hinge, and better cameras. The result is a foldable phone that feels premium and practical.
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s seamless software integration enhances the folding experience, making it a standout choice for Android enthusiasts. Whether open or closed, the phone offers a polished user experience.
Runner-up: Honor Magic V3.
8. Most Improved: Pixel 9 Pro Fold
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold Smartphone not only won the Best Foldable award but also earned the title of Most Improved. Compared to its predecessor, this year’s model features substantial upgrades in hardware and usability. The improved hinge, thinner design, and enhanced cameras represent a significant leap forward.
Google addressed the shortcomings of the first-generation Pixel Fold, delivering a device that feels truly complete. It’s a testament to Google’s commitment to innovation and user feedback.
9. Bust of the Year: Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra
The Bust of the Year award goes to the Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra, a device that failed to live up to its legacy. The Zenfone series was once celebrated for offering compact, flagship-level phones, but the 11 Ultra abandoned this niche in favor of a generic big-phone design.
While the phone itself isn’t terrible, it symbolizes a missed opportunity. Asus let go of what made the Zenfone special, leaving fans disappointed and questioning the brand’s direction.
10. MVP: Phone of the Year – Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is the undisputed MVP of 2024. This phone excels in every category, from its superb display to its top-tier cameras and software optimization. It’s a true all-rounder that caters to a wide range of users.
Samsung’s dedication to innovation, durability, and user experience shines through in this device. Whether you’re a gamer, a photographer, or a productivity enthusiast, the S24 Ultra delivers on all fronts. Its long software support and premium build quality ensure it will remain a favorite for years to come.
Final Thoughts
The Smartphone Awards 2024 highlighted the incredible progress made by the industry this year. From groundbreaking designs like the Huawei Mate XT to value-packed options like the Nothing Phone 2A, there’s something for everyone. While some phones fell short, others raised the bar, shaping the future of mobile technology.
Which phones impressed you the most this year? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s celebrate the amazing innovations that continue to define the smartphone landscape.
