The Verge presents its authoritative midyear ranking of the best Android smartphones for 2024. The evaluation weighs display quality, processing power, battery life, charging, cameras, and overall user experience to guide readers through flagship choices and compelling alternatives.
Leading the pack is the Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus. It impresses with a 6.7-inch 1440p AMOLED display at 120 Hz, delivering crisp visuals and smooth scrolling. Power comes from the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, paired with a sizable 4,900 mAh battery that supports both wired and wireless charging. Its triple camera system—consisting of 50 MP, 10 MP, and 12 MP sensors—offers reliable imaging with up to 3x optical zoom, making it a versatile choice for everyday photography and media consumption alike.
In second place sits the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, lauded by The Verge as the best no-compromise smartphone available. This model features a large 6.8-inch AMOLED panel, a titanium frame, and S-Pen support for note-taking and drawing. Its camera array centers on a 200 MP main sensor with optical image stabilization, complemented by a 50 MP telephoto lens with 5x zoom, a second 10 MP telephoto at 3x, a 12 MP wide-angle module, and a 12 MP front camera. For photography enthusiasts who demand flexibility and quality, the Ultra stands out as a premier option.
Third on the list is the OnePlus 12, noted for its 6.82-inch OLED display at 1440p resolution and a high refresh rate. The device also brings Dolby Vision support, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, and up to 24 GB of RAM in its top configuration. A 5400 mAh battery paired with 100 W wired charging ensures quick power-ups. The Verge highlighted the OnePlus 12 as a top pick for users who want to sidestep the now-common AI features that fill many devices, favoring a streamlined experience instead.
Another standout is the Google Pixel 8 Pro, distinguished by a 6.7-inch LTPO OLED display with 120 Hz refresh and the Tensor G3 chip. A 5050 mAh battery supports 30 W wired charging and 23 W wireless charging, while the camera system includes a 50 MP main sensor with optical stabilization, a 48 MP telephoto with 5x zoom, a 48 MP ultrawide, and a 10.5 MP front-facing camera. The IP68 rating adds resilience against dust and water, making it a compelling choice for families and creative projects—especially photos and video recording—where ease of use and consistency matter most.
Beyond the core top picks, the Verge also highlighted several other noteworthy devices. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and the Nothing Phone (2) received attention for their unique features and form factors. The Galaxy Z Flip 5, the OnePlus Open, and the Google Pixel 8a were mentioned as compelling alternatives for users seeking balance between performance, price, and distinctive design. These selections underline the diversity of today’s Android landscape, where choices range from traditional slabs to flexible foldables and punchy midrange options.
Ultimately, the rankings reflect a broad spectrum of priorities—premium camera quality, all-day battery life, high-refresh-rate displays, and software experiences that feel polished and reliable. For shoppers in Canada and the United States, the lineup offers strong options across price brackets and use cases, from heavy multimedia consumption to photography-rich storytelling and productive on-the-go work. The Verge’s analysis emphasizes real-world performance, long-term value, and the practical benefits each model brings to daily life.
As the year progresses, readers can expect further refinements and new devices entering the market. The ongoing conversation among reviewers and fans alike centers on balance—how much weight to give to camera capability, display quality, processing power, and software longevity. Regardless of preference, the current crop of Android flagships presents a compelling range of choices for tech enthusiasts who want fast, capable devices that excel in both photos and productivity, with the right mix of features to fit different lifestyles.