Choosing a flagship smartphone in 2024 means navigating an impressive array of cutting-edge features, from advanced camera systems to powerful processors and innovative AI capabilities. We've comprehensively tested the latest flagship devices to help you make an informed decision on your next smartphone purchase.
The Flagship Smartphone Landscape in 2024
This year's flagship smartphones represent the pinnacle of mobile technology. Manufacturers are competing not just on specifications, but on software experience, camera quality, AI integration, and long-term software support. The gap between different flagship models has narrowed, making your choice largely dependent on ecosystem preference and specific priorities.
Key Improvements in 2024:
- Advanced AI Features: On-device AI for enhanced photography, voice assistance, and productivity
- Computational Photography: Multi-frame processing delivers stunning photos in any lighting
- Extended Software Support: 7 years of updates from major Android manufacturers
- Better Battery Life: More efficient processors deliver all-day battery life
Best Flagship Smartphones of 2024
After extensive real-world testing, here are our top picks across different platforms:
iPhone 15 Pro Max
Best for: iOS users wanting the ultimate flagship experience
Pros
- •A17 Pro delivers incredible performance
- •Best-in-class camera system
- •Titanium design
- •Excellent battery life
Cons
- •Very expensive
- •Limited customization
- •USB-C cable speed varies by model
$1,199
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Best for: Power users who want the most features
Pros
- •Stunning 200MP camera
- •S Pen integration
- •Bright AMOLED display
- •Seven years of updates
Cons
- •Expensive
- •Large and heavy
- •Aggressive processing
$1,299
Google Pixel 8 Pro
Best for: Photography enthusiasts and Android purists
Pros
- •Exceptional computational photography
- •Clean Android experience
- •Seven years of updates
- •Best AI features
Cons
- •Tensor G3 not as fast as competitors
- •Can get warm
$999
Camera Performance: The Key Differentiator
In 2024, camera quality remains the primary battlefield for flagship smartphones. All three of our top picks excel in different areas:
iPhone 15 Pro Max
Apple's computational photography continues to impress with natural-looking images that require minimal editing. The 5x telephoto lens provides excellent reach, while the main sensor captures stunning detail in both bright and low-light conditions. Video recording remains best-in-class with smooth stabilization and accurate colors.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Samsung's 200MP main sensor delivers exceptional detail and versatility. The phone excels at zoom photography with its dual telephoto system (3x and 10x), making it ideal for capturing distant subjects. The processing can be aggressive at times, but Samsung's Expert RAW app gives enthusiasts full control.
Google Pixel 8 Pro
Google's computational photography magic shines brightest here. Night Sight produces incredible low-light photos, while features like Magic Eraser and Best Take showcase the power of AI. The Pixel consistently produces photos that look great straight out of the camera with minimal effort required.
Performance and Battery Life
All three flagships deliver excellent real-world performance, though there are differences:
- iPhone 15 Pro Max: The A17 Pro leads in raw performance and efficiency, delivering consistent frame rates in demanding games and excellent battery life that easily lasts a full day.
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 provides impressive performance with excellent thermal management. The large 5000mAh battery ensures all-day usage even with heavy use.
- Google Pixel 8 Pro: The Tensor G3 prioritizes AI tasks over raw performance, which works well for most users. Battery life is solid, though the phone can get warm during intensive tasks.
Software and Updates
Long-term software support has become a major selling point. Both Samsung and Google now promise seven years of OS and security updates for their flagship devices, matching or exceeding Apple's track record. This means your investment will stay secure and receive new features for years to come.
Which Flagship Should You Choose?
The best flagship smartphone for you depends on your priorities:
- Choose iPhone 15 Pro Max if: You're invested in the Apple ecosystem, want the best video recording, and value consistent performance and resale value.
- Choose Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra if: You want maximum features including S Pen support, the brightest display, and the most versatile camera system with impressive zoom capabilities.
- Choose Google Pixel 8 Pro if: You prioritize camera quality through computational photography, want the cleanest Android experience, and value innovative AI features at a lower price point.
Final Verdict
All three flagship smartphones represent excellent choices that will serve you well for years. The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra edges ahead with its comprehensive feature set, but the iPhone 15 Pro Max offers the most refined experience for iOS users, while the Pixel 8 Pro delivers the best value with outstanding cameras and AI capabilities. Your existing ecosystem and specific priorities should guide your final decision.
Affiliate Disclosure: We earn commissions from qualifying purchases made through our links. This supports our testing while maintaining editorial independence. We only recommend products we've thoroughly tested and genuinely believe in.