As someone who loves trying out new phones, I’ve spent a lot of time researching the latest models. From ones that light up to ones that fold, I know them all. With so many options from Samsung, Google, OnePlus and Nothing Phone, I’ve figured out which ones are really worth buying and are under 1000$. Whether you’re looking for something with high performance or packed with features, I’ve got you covered with my top picks. Check them out below and find the perfect phone for you!
The best Android phones in 2024
Google Pixel 8 Pro (Best Camera)
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Excellent Camera System: Upgraded 50MP main sensor, improved ultrawide sensor with autofocus for selfies and Macro Focus, and a dedicated 5x telephoto lens with 30x Super Res Zoom.
- Clean Software Experience: Runs latest Android 14 with at least 7 years of updates guaranteed, benefiting from Google’s software features like Real Tone and Magic Eraser.
- Powerful Performance: Google Tensor 3 chip delivers significant performance improvements.
- Large and Immersive Display: 6.7-inch Super Actua display for enjoyable gaming, watching videos, and browsing.
- Security Features: Pixel security chip for data protection.
Cons:
- No Expandable Storage: Limited storage options (128GB, 256GB, or 1TB) with no microSD card slot.
- Price: Starts at $899, placing it on the pricier side of the market.
- Battery Life: While advertised as all-day battery, some users report it may not be class-leading.
More Details
Display and Design: The phone boasts a large and immersive 6.7-inch Super Actua display, perfect for gaming, watching videos, or browsing the web. It comes in three colors: Porcelain, Bay, and Obsidian, and features a polished look with a matte glass back, a polished aluminum frame, with a sleek 8.8mm profile.
Performance and Hardware: The Pixel 8 Pro is powered by Google’s latest Tensor 3 chip, delivering significant performance improvements over its predecessor. It comes with 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and offers storage options of 128GB, 256GB or a whopping 1TB, though there’s no option for expandable storage via microSD card.
Camera: The Pixel 8 Pro truly shines with its camera system. Google upgraded the main sensor to a powerful 50MP with an f/1.68 aperture, allowing for excellent low-light photos and videos. It also boasts the highest resolution ultrawide camera yet on a Pixel, enabling sharper selfies and impressive Macro Focus capabilities. The telephoto lens gets an upgrade too, offering a dedicated 5x optical zoom, the best on a Pixel phone, with further reach up to 30x with Super Res Zoom.
Software: The Pixel 8 Pro runs the latest Android 14 and with Google’s commitment to Pixel devices, you can expect at least 7 years of software updates. Google’s software features like Real Tone and Magic Eraser are on board to further enhance the accuracy and quality of your photos.
Other Features: The phone boasts an all-day battery with fast charging capabilities to keep you powered up. Google Assistant is available for voice commands and various helpful actions, and a Pixel security chip adds an extra layer of protection for your data.
Price: The Google Pixel 8 Pro starts at $899, making it a competitive option in the high-end Android market.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus (Best Overall)
Pros:
- Large, High-Resolution Display: A stunning 6.8-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth visuals and a great viewing experience.
- Powerful Processor: Equipped with the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, ensuring smooth performance for multitasking, gaming, and demanding applications.
- Versatile Camera System: A triple-lens camera system with a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide sensor, and a 10-megapixel telephoto sensor, offering a variety of shooting options.
- Superb Battery Life: The 4900mAh battery is larger than its predecessor and offers long-lasting power, lasting up to nearly two full days on a moderate charge.
- Expandable Storage: Offers microSD card support for additional storage if needed.
Cons:
- Camera Not Top-Tier: Unfortunately, the camera system may not be the absolute best compared to some competitors in this price range such as Google Pixel.
- Lower Quality Materials: Compared to the Ultra model, the S24 Plus features a less premium build with Armor Aluminum instead of Titanium.
- No S Pen Support: Lacks the S Pen functionality available on the Ultra model.
Display and Design:
- Enjoy a massive 6.8-inch AMOLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate for exceptional visuals and a butter-like user experience. The phone boasts a sleek design crafted with Armor Aluminum, available in a variety of colors to suit your taste.
Performance and Hardware:
- The Galaxy S24 Plus is equipped with the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, ensuring smooth operation for demanding applications, multitasking, and high-end gaming. The phone offers internal storage options ranging from 128GB to 512GB, with the added benefit of expandable storage via a microSD card slot for additional space if needed.
Camera:
- Capture stunning photos and videos with the triple-lens rear camera system. It features a powerful 50-megapixel main sensor, a 12-megapixel ultrawide sensor for capturing expansive landscapes, and a 10-megapixel telephoto sensor for zooming in on distant subjects.
Software:
- The phone runs the latest Android 14 operating system, keeping you updated with the newest features and security patches. Samsung’s user interface offers additional functionalities on top of the stock Android experience.
Battery:
- The Galaxy S24 Plus boasts a large 4900mAh battery, offering extended usage that can last up to nearly two full days on a moderate charge.
Other Features:
- Fast Charging: The phone supports fast charging to quickly get you back up and running when the battery runs low.
- Wireless Charging: Enjoy the convenience of wireless charging for a cable-free experience (charging pad sold separately).
- Samsung Knox Security: Built-in Samsung Knox security features provide an extra layer of protection for your data.
OnePlus 12R(Best Battery)
Pros:
- Excellent Value: Powerful performance at a mid-range price makes it a great option for budget-conscious users. Only 799$ !
- Flagship-Level Performance: Equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, it delivers smooth performance for demanding tasks.
- Large and Smooth Display: The 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate is perfect for gaming, watching videos, and everyday use.
- Long-Lasting Battery: The massive 5500mAh battery (advertised capacity) offers extended usage on a single charge.
- Fast Charging: 100W SUPERVOOC fast charging gets you back up and running quickly.
- Clean Software Experience: OxygenOS 14.0 provides a bloatware-free experience with some additional functionalities on top of stock Android.
Cons:
- Camera Not Top-Tier: While decent, the camera system may not compete with the absolute best smartphone cameras on the market such as Google Pixel or Samsung Galaxy.
- No Telephoto Zoom: The 5-megapixel telephoto sensor offers limited zoom capabilities compared to some competitors.
- Larger Storage Options Limited: The highest RAM and storage configuration is 16GB RAM and 512GB storage, which may not be enough for power users.
- Typical Battery Capacity Lower: Due to the dual-cell design, the typical battery capacity is 2750mAh, which may be lower than some users expect based on the advertised 5500mAh capacity.
- Lower Water Resistance: May not have the same level of water resistance as some higher-end phones.
Display and Design:
- The phone boasts a large 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, perfect for enjoying games, videos, and everyday tasks. The OnePlus 12R comes in two colors: Cool Blue with a sleek, reflective glass back and Iron Gray with a frosted glass back for improved fingerprint resistance. Both options are accented by a luxurious anti-fingerprint matte aluminum frame.
Performance and Hardware:
- The OnePlus 12R is powered by the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor found in the higher-priced Galaxy S24 Plus, ensuring smooth performance for multitasking, gaming, and demanding applications. Offered in storage configurations ranging from 8GB to 16GB of RAM and 128GB to 512GB of internal storage, you can choose the combination that best suits your needs.
Camera:
- While not the absolute top-tier, the triple-lens rear camera system packs a punch. It features a 48-megapixel main sensor for capturing sharp photos, an 8-megapixel ultrawide sensor for capturing expansive scenes, and a 5-megapixel telephoto sensor for zooming in on subjects.
Software:
- The phone runs OxygenOS 14.0 based on Android 14, offering a clean and bloatware-free experience with some additional functionalities on top of stock Android.
Battery:
- The OnePlus 12R boasts a massive 5500mAh battery (advertised capacity), which translates to a typical capacity of 2750mAh due to the dual-cell design. Regardless, this translates to long-lasting usage that can easily last a full day or more on a single charge.
Other Features:
- Fast Charging: The phone supports 100W SUPERVOOC fast charging to quickly get you back up and running when the battery runs low.
- In-Display Fingerprint Sensor: Enjoy the convenience of a secure in-display fingerprint sensor for unlocking your phone.
- 5G Connectivity: Stay connected to the latest mobile networks with 5G compatibility.
Price:
- The OnePlus 12R starts at a very attractive price of $799, making it a great value option for those seeking flagship-level performance at a mid-range price point.
Overall, the OnePlus 12R is a great choice for users who prioritize value, a large and smooth display, powerful performance, long battery life, and a decent camera system. If you require the absolute best camera or the most premium build materials, you might want to consider other options. However, for those seeking a feature-packed phone without breaking the bank, the OnePlus 12R is definitely worth considering.
Nothing Phone 2 (Most Unique)
Pros:
- Unique and Eye-Catching Design: The transparent back with customizable lighting (Glyph Interface) is a major conversation starter and a true standout feature.
- Competitive Price: Starting at $699, it offers good value for the features you get.
- Clean and Fast Software: Near-stock Android 13 with Nothing OS 2.0 provides a bloatware-free and speedy user experience.
- Good Performance: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor delivers smooth performance for everyday tasks and even demanding applications.
- Decent Camera System: The dual-camera system with 50MP main and ultrawide sensors captures good quality photos and videos in most lighting conditions.
- Wireless Charging: Enjoy the convenience of cable-free charging (charging pad sold separately).
- In-Display Fingerprint Sensor: Provides a secure and convenient way to unlock your phone.
- US Availability: Unlike its predecessor, the Nothing Phone 2 is finally available for purchase in the US.
Cons:
- Limited Camera System: Compared to some competitors, the dual-camera system may not be ideal for mobile photography enthusiasts such as Google Pixel.
- No Telephoto Lens: The phone lacks a telephoto sensor, limiting zoom capabilities.
- Lower Battery Capacity: The 4700mAh battery, while decent, may not offer the same level of endurance as some phones with larger capacities.
- Newer Chipset Available: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor is a generation behind the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 found in some competing phones.
- Limited Storage Options: The highest storage configuration is 256GB, which may not be enough for users who store a lot of photos, videos, or games.
Display and Design:
- The phone boasts a transparent back with customizable LED lighting patterns (Glyph Interface) for notifications and ringtones, making it a true conversation starter. A sizable 6.7-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate offers a smooth and visually appealing user experience.
Performance and Hardware:
- Powered by the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor, ensuring smooth operation for multitasking, gaming, and demanding applications. Offered in configurations with 8GB or 12GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, catering to different user needs.
Camera:
- While not boasting the most cameras, the 50-megapixel main sensor and 50-megapixel ultrawide sensor capture high-quality photos and videos in most lighting conditions.
Software:
- The Nothing Phone 2 runs near-stock Android 13 with Nothing OS 2.0 on top, offering a clean user interface and fast performance.
Battery:
- The 4700mAh battery delivers a full day’s worth of usage for most users.
Other Features:
- Wireless Charging: Supports wireless charging for a cable-free experience (charging pad sold separately).
- In-Display Fingerprint Sensor: Enjoy the convenience of a secure in-display fingerprint sensor for unlocking your phone.
Price:
- The Nothing Phone 2 starts at a competitive price of $699, making it an attractive option for users seeking a unique design and good performance at a reasonable cost. It’s important to note that unlike the Nothing Phone 1, the Phone 2 is available for purchase in the US.
Overall, the Nothing Phone 2 is a solid choice for users who prioritize a unique and eye-catching design, clean software, good performance, and a decent camera system, all at a competitive price point. However, if you require the absolute best camera or the most premium build materials, you might consider other options.
Q: Which phone has the best camera?
Strong Contenders: Both the Pixel 8 Pro and Galaxy S24 Plus are known for their excellent camera systems, capturing stunning photos and videos.
Unique Approach: The Nothing Phone 2 offers a decent dual-camera system, but may not be ideal for mobile photography enthusiasts seeking the most versatility.
Focus Elsewhere: The OnePlus 12R prioritizes performance over camera, offering a capable system but not the absolute best.
Q: Which phone offers the best performance?
Powerhouse Trio: All four phones pack a punch with powerful processors: Pixel 8 Pro (Google Tensor 3), Galaxy S24 Plus (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2), and OnePlus 12R (Snapdragon 8 Gen 2).
Performance Focus: The OnePlus 12R boasts the same processor as the higher-priced Galaxy S24 Plus, making it a great value option for performance-driven users.
Q: How long will the battery last?
All-Day Endurance: Expect all four phones to offer solid battery life that lasts a full day or more on a single charge with moderate usage.
Battery Champions: The Galaxy S24 Plus and OnePlus 12R boast larger batteries (S24 Plus – 4900mAh, OnePlus 12R – advertised 5500mAh) potentially offering a slight edge in terms of longevity.
Q: Which phone has the most unique design?
Stand Out from the Crowd: The Nothing Phone 2 is a true conversation starter with its transparent back featuring customizable LED lighting.
Classic Beauty: The Pixel 8 Pro and Galaxy S24 Plus offer sleek and stylish designs, while the OnePlus 12R comes in cool color options with a frosted glass back for fingerprint resistance.
Q: What about the price?
Most Affordable: The Nothing Phone 2 starts at a competitive $699.
Mid-Range Value: The OnePlus 12R sits comfortably in the mid-range with a starting price of $799.
Premium Price Tags: Both the Pixel 8 Pro and Galaxy S24 Plus fall into the high-end category, starting at $999.
Q: Which phone is right for me?
Photography Fanatic: Consider the Pixel 8 Pro or Galaxy S24 Plus for exceptional camera systems.
Gamer on the Go: The OnePlus 12R prioritize raw performance for demanding games.
Trendsetter with a Budget: The Nothing Phone 2 offers a unique design at a competitive price.
Clean Software Experience: The Pixel 8 Pro delivers a bloatware-free Android experience.