Trading Psychology: The Importance of Mindset, Emotional Intelligence, and Discipline.

 

The Best (and Worst) Smartphones of 2024

Smartphones in 2024 can be summed up in one word: AI. Every major brand seems to have shifted gears toward artificial intelligence as a key selling point. But where does that leave real innovation? Let’s break down the best and worst phones of the year across several categories to help you figure out what’s worth your money—and what isn’t.

AI in Smartphones: Who Got It Right?

This year’s AI arms race saw brands trying to outdo each other with new features. Apple, typically a trendsetter, fell short. Most of its AI features either didn't make it to critical regions like Europe or felt half-baked. They work reliably, sure, but where’s the wow factor?

Google aimed higher, introducing tools like Zoom Enhance to upgrade your photos and Gemini Live, a slick AI chat system. But then ChatGPT stepped in and raised the bar, often doing the same thing better.

Samsung took the crown here. They launched their AI features early, kept refining them, and ensured they were practical. Live text translation isn’t just a gimmick—it’s useful. No surprise that the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra became the standout AI phone of the year.

Most Improved Smartphone of the Year

Last year’s foldable Google Pixel Fold was a disaster. Big bezels, visible creases, and clunky hardware made it feel outdated. The 2023 version was so bad it’s almost comedic to look back on.

This year, Google redeemed itself with the Pixel 99 Pro Fold. They slimmed down the device, enhanced the software, and delivered significantly better hardware. Gone are the bulky bezels; the phone is thinner, lighter, and brighter. It’s a solid leap forward, making foldable tech competitive in 2024.

Best Foldable Smartphone of 2024

Foldables have matured quickly, but some brands have stalled. OnePlus failed to build on last year’s success with only minor upgrades to its foldable Open Apex Edition—it’s still on last year’s chip.

Meanwhile, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6 brought solid performance, and the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold impressed with its slim profile. But one phone dominated the category: Honor Magic V3.

Here’s why the Honor stands out:

• Practically no crease.
• Faux leather back with textured details.
• Paper-thin design, yet it packs a larger battery, stylus support, and a Periscope zoom camera.

Its software isn’t as polished as Samsung’s, but Honor’s hardware got so much right, it feels like a milestone for foldables.

Best Compact Smartphone of 2024

Small phones are becoming a rarity. That trend continued this year with the end of Asus Zenfones, long loved by fans of compact tech. Why? Budget usually outweighs size for most buyers.

this niche, the Xiaomi 14 came out on top. It’s slightly larger than the Samsung Galaxy S24 but offers better cameras and a longer-lasting battery. While Xiaomi’s software (Hyper OS) feels like a knockoff iOS, it’s fast and highly customizable.

The downside? Xiaomi only offers four years of software updates compared to Samsung’s seven. Still, for small-phone fans, this one hits the sweet spot.

Best Battery Life

Battery life took a major step up this year. Android 14 boosted most phones by around 10%, and Apple made batteries a core focus in their iPhone 16 series.

But the Vivo X200 Pro stood above the rest. Its massive 6,000mAh battery isn’t just big—it’s efficient. This phone doesn’t feel like a compromise anywhere, delivering incredible endurance while being a top-tier device in every other aspect.

Best Gaming Phone

Mobile gaming is another competitive area, but the ROG Phone 9 Pro crushed the competition. Here’s what sets it apart:

• Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, 30% faster than other flagship processors.
• Gamer-focused features that stay subtle instead of gimmicky, like a customizable pixel display.
• Solid cameras, which is rare for gaming phones.

Whether you’re playing casual games or console-level titles, this phone feels tailor-made for the job.

Best Camera Smartphone

Camera quality is often a toss-up between Apple and Samsung. This year was no different: the iPhone 16 Pro Max captured crisp, predictable shots, while the Galaxy S24 Ultra delivered versatility.

Then came the Vivo X200 Pro. Its massive sensors, 200MP zoom, and best-in-class portrait mode make it a photographer’s dream. Photos and videos feel professional, bleeding style and detail in a way no other phone managed.

Sadly, it’s tough to find in markets like the US or UK. If availability is a dealbreaker, the Oppo Find X8 Pro offers a similar experience.

Best Budget Smartphone

At just $200, the CMF Phone 1 proved that affordable doesn’t have to mean cheap. Its standout feature? A modular design that lets you customize and extend its life.

Want a phone stand? Screw one in. Damaged the back? Swap it out with ease. For anyone prioritizing practicality and value, this phone nailed it.

Best Flagship Smartphone of 2024

Flagships define a brand’s best efforts, and 2024 had great options all around. The OnePlus 12 delivered exceptional value, while the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL catered to AI enthusiasts.

Apple leaned heavily on upgrades to its camera but otherwise played it safe. Meanwhile, Samsung’s S24 Ultra impressed with AI integration, huge battery life, and its embedded S Pen, designed for power users.

But there was one phone that raised the bar higher than the rest: the Vivo X200 Pro. This is a device that feels like a cheat code for next-gen technology. From cameras to software to battery life, it dominated every category it touched.

Worst Smartphone of 2024

Not every phone is a winner. Enter the Nokia Skyline from HMD Global.

Poor design choices—like merging sharp edges with a rounded screen—made it look like a prototype that escaped the factory. Underwhelming cameras, laggy performance, and just two years of software updates sealed its fate. Even at steep discounts, it’s tough to recommend.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a smartphone in 2024 comes down to your priorities—AI features, battery life, cameras, or gaming. While Vivo’s X200 Pro stole the show for innovation and performance, Samsung’s S24 Ultra remains a versatile choice for most users.

Looking ahead, foldables and AI tech will continue to evolve. But whether brands can balance innovation with usability remains the real question. Which phone are you eyeing this year? Let us know in the comments!