The Editorial Team’s top smartphone picks – December 2024 edition

Since our last Editor’s favourites, we’ve published 19 new smartphone reviews. But only a few have enthralled us enough to recommend them. Find out why one smartphone in particular really blew us away.

Value for money favourite: Xiaomi 14T Pro

Xiaomi returned to its former strength with the 14T. The smartphone doesn’t have the best features out there, but they’re still very good. The winning overall package is also available at an attractive price. This reminds me of early days, when the manufacturer would wow with enticing value for money.

However, what remains annoying are the pre-installed apps from third-party providers and AI tools, which don’t yet work as announced and require an Internet connection.

Android favourite: Google Pixel 9

The Pixel 9 proves to be the perfect mobile for everyday use. There’s no need to opt for the Pro model. Compared to its predecessor, the Pixel 9 boasts improvements to battery life, display and its ultra-wide-angle camera. The phone still has the advantage of seven years of rapid software updates and access to Google’s AI tools. The processor proves a weak spot in benchmarks, but not in everyday use.

The main reason you’d choose the more expensive Pixel 9 Pro is for its telephoto camera. It delivers very good image quality, meaning I can leave my heavy, interchangeable lens camera at home when I go on holiday.

Apple favourite: iPhone 16

The iPhone 16 provides more control over the camera and, thanks to increased power, also enhanced AI. The gap between the Pro and Standard model has become even smaller. Fellow editor Samuel also comes to the conclusion that the iPhone 16 Pro is only worthwhile for photo geeks.

However, not everyone likes the new action button and the display still only features a refresh rate of 60 Hz. That’s why we’d still recommend last year’s iPhone 15, although this doesn’t boast enough power for Apple Intelligence. However, since we’ll still have to wait a long time for AI in languages other than English, waiting for the Phone 17 might not be a bad thing.

Surprise favourite: CMF Phone 1

Nothing’s CMF Phone 1 took us by surprise in a positive way. This affordable smartphone offers good features for its price tag. The back can be removed so you can change the colour or attach additional accessories.

However, this smartphone is primarily intended for the Indian market and therefore doesn’t have an NFC module, which means you can’t make mobile payment via card readers. What’s more, the manufacturer has only sold a small number of units in Europe via its own store.

Folding favourite: Motorola Razr 50 Ultra

It might sound strange, but the Motorola Razr 50 Ultra won us over with the fact you don’t have to open it all the time. You can carry out a lot of standard tasks directly via the external display, letting the phone remain compact. It also comes with good hardware, a usable camera and a decent battery.

One negative aspect is the comparatively short update time span of just four years. As a result, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 6 appears to be a good alternative.

Budget favourite: Samsung Galaxy A16 5G

If you don’t want to spend a lot of money, it’s worth taking a look at Samsung’s Galaxy A16 5G. For less than 200 euros or francs, it doesn’t perform poorly in any key areas. Obviously, other smartphones offer better features for more money. But if you don’t have particularly high expectations of your smartphone and aren’t used to the benefits of top devices, you’ll be more than satisfied with the cheapest Galaxy.

The main disadvantage is the proportionally high surcharge that Samsung levies for more storage space. Having the option to insert a microSD card could be useful.

And now over to you: what’s your favourite smartphone at the moment? Let me know in the comments.