The AI phones are here, but that doesn’t mean they’ve really arrived. The year’s hottest tech trend is trickling down to mobile tech, but the results so far are a mixed bag, to say the least. (Never forget AI Pillow Arm.) AI really could be the start of helpful new ways to interact with our phones! But we’re definitely not there yet. In the meantime, be prepared to hear a lot more about AI on 2024’s new mobile devices — and temper your expectations.
Best phone 2024: the top smartphones to buy right now
High-end phones are pricey as ever this year, and the highest of the high end got a little more expensive, too. Both Apple’s and Samsung’s top-end devices cost an extra $100 this time around. The good news is that the standard iPhones and Galaxies cost the same as they did last year, and as always, your wireless carrier is happy to help subsidize your purchase — as long as you stay subscribed to whatever unlimited 5G plan they’re pushing these days.
No judgment here if a carrier deal is how you buy your phone — it’s how I bought mine. Just be sure you know what you’re getting into and how many years you’ll need to stay on that Super 5G Everything Unlimited Plus plan to keep the monthly device reimbursements coming.
Most phone cameras can handle good lighting conditions well, from the flagship class down to $300 budget phones. The devices listed here offer a little something extra, like a useful telephoto lens, a great portrait mode, or impressive low-light shooting — many include all three. Stabilization for the main camera unit to help in low light is a must in this category.
The very best devices come with robust IP68 ratings, durable glass on the front and back, and sturdy aluminum exterior frames.
In addition to the very best devices at any price, I look for phones that offer the best mix of must-have features for good prices. That might lead to a recommendation of a lower-tier model if it’s particularly feature-rich for its price or last year’s model if it’s still sold new and this year’s device doesn’t offer many upgrades.