### Best Smartphones of 2024: Top Picks and Reviews

CNET highlights the best smartphones of 2024, featuring top picks like the iPhone 16 and Galaxy S24.

### Top 5 Smartphones of 2024: CNET's Best Picks Reviewed
* 📱 CNET has thoroughly tested and reviewed the best smartphones for 2024, highlighting **top options from both Apple and Android** to suit **various needs and budgets**.
* 🍏 The **$799 Apple iPhone 16** stands out with its **vibrant colors**, new camera features, and an **action button for shortcuts**, making it a **solid upgrade choice**.
* 🔋 Despite lacking an always-on display and high refresh rate, the iPhone 16 is praised for its **speed, intuitiveness, and customization**, as noted by CNET's Lisa Eadicicco.
* 🤖 The **$800 Samsung Galaxy S24** is recognized as the **best Android phone**, particularly for its **impressive battery life**, although its camera hardware hasn't changed significantly from 2022.
* 📸 The **$499 Google Pixel 8a** offers an affordable alternative with AI features and good performance, but its camera does not perform as well in **low light** compared to the Pixel 8.
* 🌟 The $999 iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max provide year-over-year upgrades with **excellent battery life and camera capabilities**, but they start at a high price point of **$1,199**.
* 📞 The Motorola Razr Plus, priced at **$999**, impresses with its **foldable design and functionality**, though its **camera performance and processor power** may not match more expensive competitors.
* 💬 CNET encourages viewers to share their thoughts on their smartphone purchases for 2024 in the comments and to **explore the full list of best phones** on their website.

Our Top 5 Phones of 2024

CNET is the premier destination for explaining and navigating the changing world around us. Through news, product reviews, price comparisons, and more, we’ll tell you what’s new in the parts of modern life that increasingly matter more — from health, home, and money to tech, culture, and climate — and how to get the most out of them.

CNET

Top 5 Phones of 2024 - Introduction and iPhone 16

Highlights top 5 phones from a larger CNET list; features the $799 iPhone 16.

iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are excellent upgrades, highlighting Apple's intelligence features.

Compares iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, noting differences in screen size (6.1 inches vs 6.7 inches).

Critiques iPhone 16's lack of always-on display, high refresh rate, and slow wired charging.

Summarizes positive review, emphasizing its intuitive and customizable features.

Features the $800 Samsung Galaxy S24, praising its battery life as a key strength.

Notes downsides: similar camera hardware to 2022 models, and Google Pixel 9 Pro's superior camera.

Introduces the $499 Google Pixel 8a as a more affordable alternative to the Pixel 8.

Highlights AI-powered features and positive review, setting it as a benchmark for $500 phones.

Discusses compromises: IP67 rating, and main camera resolution trade-offs for better low-light performance on Pixel 8.

Reviews the $999 iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max, highlighting upgrades and features.

Details upgrades: battery life, displays, cameras, slow-mo recording, and Apple intelligence.

Points out negatives: limited storage, drab colors, awkward camera button placement.

Concludes that they are excellent phones if affordability isn't an issue.

Introduces the $999 Motorola Razr Plus, praising its design and usability as a foldable phone.

Highlights positive aspects: long battery life, fast charging, improved cameras, and IPx8 rating.

Notes downsides: high price, less powerful processor compared to flagship Qualcomm chips, and mixed camera performance in low light.

Concludes with a positive overall impression despite some drawbacks.

Encourages viewers to check CNET for the full list and share their opinions in the comments.

Ends with a call for likes and thanks for watching.