Best Phone to Buy Right Now
The smartphone market is more diverse and competitive than ever, offering a wide range of flagship and budget devices. Here’s a breakdown of the best phones you can buy right now, depending on your preferences and budget.
1. Best Phone iPhone for Most People: iPhone 16
Price: $799
Apple’s iPhone 16 is a great choice for the average user with its 6.1-inch OLED screen, A18 processor, and a dual-camera setup. While it lacks some features found in the Pro models, like a ProMotion display and dedicated telephoto lens, it offers fantastic value with a solid build, IP68 water resistance, and the new customizable Action and Camera Control buttons. This phone is a great upgrade, especially if you’re coming from an older iPhone model like the 13 or 12.
Key features:
- Screen: 6.1-inch OLED, 60Hz refresh rate
- Cameras: 48MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 12MP selfie
- Battery: Supports 27W wired and 25W MagSafe wireless charging
2. Best Phone for Most People: Google Pixel 9
Price: $799
The Google Pixel 9 is a top choice for Android users, featuring a 6.3-inch OLED display, the Tensor G4 processor, and 12GB of RAM. It excels in camera performance, particularly in low-light situations, and integrates Google’s signature AI features, making it a highly polished flagship phone.
Key features:
- Screen: 6.3-inch, 1080p, 120Hz OLED
- Cameras: 50MP main, 48MP ultrawide, 10.5MP selfie
- Battery: 4,700mAh, 27W wired charging
3. Best Phone : Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Price: $1,000
If you’re looking for the absolute best in Android, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra offers unmatched features, including a large 6.8-inch 1440p OLED display, a versatile quad-camera system with a 200MP main camera, and an integrated S Pen. The new titanium frame gives it a premium feel, and while the optical 10x zoom lens has been replaced, the S24 Ultra still delivers impressive camera performance.
Key features:
- Screen: 6.8-inch, 1440p, 120Hz OLED
- Cameras: 200MP main, 50MP telephoto, 10MP telephoto, 12MP ultrawide
- Battery: 5,000mAh, 45W wired charging
4. Best Phone for Around $500: Google Pixel 8A
Price: $399
For those on a tighter budget, the Google Pixel 8A offers fantastic value with a 6.1-inch OLED display, 120Hz refresh rate, and seven years of software updates. It has a reliable camera system and additional features like wireless charging and water resistance, which are rare in this price range.
Key features:
- Screen: 6.1-inch, 1080p, 120Hz OLED
- Cameras: 64MP main, 13MP ultrawide, 13MP selfie
- Battery: 4,492mAh, 18W wired charging
5. Best Phone iPhone for Power Users: iPhone 16 Pro
Price: $1,099
For those who want the absolute best from Apple, the iPhone 16 Pro delivers cutting-edge technology with a titanium frame, 120Hz ProMotion display, and a 48MP main camera that now includes a new sensor technology for better low-light performance. The iPhone 16 Pro also features the A18 Pro chipset, offering unparalleled performance for gaming, video editing, and multitasking. Plus, with the new USB-C port, users now get faster charging and better connectivity options.
Key features:
- Screen: 6.1-inch, 120Hz ProMotion OLED
- Cameras: 48MP main, 12MP telephoto, 12MP ultrawide
- Battery: 3,200mAh, 35W wired and 27W wireless charging
6. Best Phone Foldable: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
Price: $1,899
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 is the best foldable phone on the market, offering an expansive 7.6-inch foldable display that turns your phone into a tablet for enhanced productivity and multitasking. The S Pen integration, improved durability, and water resistance make it stand out. Samsung has further optimized its software to provide a seamless experience when switching between apps in the foldable mode. This phone is ideal for users who prioritize flexibility and want a phone that can do it all.
Key features:
- Screen: 7.6-inch foldable OLED, 120Hz
- Cameras: 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 10MP telephoto, 10MP front camera
- Battery: 4,400mAh, 25W wired charging
7.Gaming Best Phone: Asus ROG Phone 8
Price: $1,199
The Asus ROG Phone 8 is tailor-made for gaming enthusiasts. Its 165Hz AMOLED display delivers a smooth, high-refresh-rate gaming experience, paired with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset and up to 18GB of RAM. With features like customizable AirTriggers, a large 6,000mAh battery, and advanced cooling technology, this phone is designed for extended gaming sessions. It also supports fast charging, ensuring that you spend less time plugged in and more time gaming.
Key features:
- Screen: 6.78-inch, 165Hz AMOLED
- Cameras: 64MP main, 13MP ultrawide, 32MP front camera
- Battery: 6,000mAh, 65W wired charging
8. Best Phone for Photography: Google Pixel 9 Pro
Price: $999
If photography is a top priority, the Google Pixel 9 Pro should be at the top of your list. Its computational photography software and camera hardware provide breathtaking shots in virtually any condition. The 50MP main sensor combined with a 48MP telephoto lens (capable of 5x optical zoom) makes this phone an incredible option for photography enthusiasts. Google’s AI-powered tools also elevate the experience, offering automatic image correction and scene optimization.
Key features:
- Screen: 6.7-inch, 120Hz OLED
- Cameras: 50MP main, 48MP telephoto, 12MP ultrawide, 10.8MP front camera
- Battery: 5,050mAh, 30W wired and wireless charging
9. Compact Android Best Phone: Sony Xperia 10 VI
Price: $599
For users who prefer a smaller phone that still packs a punch, the Sony Xperia 10 VI is an excellent choice. Its 21:9 aspect ratio and compact 6-inch OLED screen offer a cinematic experience in a more pocket-friendly size. The Xperia 10 VI comes with a solid camera system, Snapdragon 695 processor, and 5,000mAh battery, making it a perfect companion for multimedia lovers on the go.
Key features:
- Screen: 6.0-inch, 1080p OLED
- Cameras: 48MP main, 8MP ultrawide, 8MP front camera
- Battery: 5,000mAh, 30W wired charging
10. Value Flagship Best Phone: OnePlus 12
Price: $749
The OnePlus 12 strikes a fine balance between price and flagship-level performance. It offers a 120Hz AMOLED display, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, and a triple camera system that performs well in most scenarios. With 80W wired charging and a large 5,000mAh battery, this phone charges quickly and lasts long, making it a solid all-around device for anyone seeking flagship features without the hefty price tag.
Key features:
- Screen: 6.7-inch, 120Hz AMOLED
- Cameras: 50MP main, 48MP ultrawide, 32MP telephoto
- Battery: 5,000mAh, 80W wired charging
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for a powerhouse like the iPhone 16 Pro, a budget-friendly champion like the Google Pixel 8A, or a high-end device like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, 2024 has something for everyone. As you explore your options, focus on what matters most to you—be it camera quality, battery life, or display performance. With so many excellent choices available, it’s never been easier to find the perfect phone for your needs.
