My Favourite Smartphones in 2024 | Vivo X100 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Xiaomi 14, OnePlus 12, and Vivo V40

2024 has been an exciting year for smartphones, with brands pushing the boundaries of innovation. From groundbreaking foldable designs to advancements in camera technology and AI-powered features, the market is brimming with impressive devices.

In this roundup, I highlight my favourite smartphones of the year, showcasing models that excel in performance, design, and user experience. If you're looking for our unbiased opinion of the best smartphones of 2024, then this isn't the list for you. But if you want to know which smartphones stood out for me personally last year, then read on.

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

I'll start with my favourite smartphone in 2024, the Pixel 9 Pro XL, the phone that could just about do anything. While Google is primarily known for having the best software in the business, the Pixel 9 Pro XL finally brings the hardware to match it. Apart from the new moniker, the Pixel 9 Pro XL also got a new design that allowed it to standout from the crowd without compromising on usability. Google also added a brighter and more vibrant display to the 9 Pro XL.

However, the real magic lies in the Pixel 9 Pro XL's cameras, which consistently push out amazing results across all lighting scenarios. 9 times out of 10, my friends and family often preferred photos taken on the Pixel 9 Pro XL over any other phones. And this included the likes of the iPhone 16 Pro, Vivo X200 Pro, and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. Moreover, Google's AI algorithms and editing features, made me instantly fall in love with the camera experience.

On a side note, the new 42MP selfie camera is also the best I've tested in 2024. Couple this amazing hardware with a seamless software experience, and it's no surprise that the Pixel 9 Pro XL ranks high on the list of my favourite phones in 2024. However, I will say that charging is an absolute nightmare and the Tensor G4 chip is not the best in terms of performance and power efficiency.

Vivo X100 Pro

Next up is the phone I used for the longest time in 2024, the Vivo X100 Pro. The camera experience on this phone is undoubtedly its biggest highlight. ZEISS filters coupled with that sweet DSLR effect allows for best-in-class portrait photography with minimal effort. But it isn't just portrait photography, the cameras on the Vivo X100 Pro were extremely versatile, delivering quality shots across all three lenses no matter the lighting.

Beyond cameras, the Vivo X100 Pro also had a quality 1.5K LTPO display, a powerful MediaTek chipset, a massive battery with extremely fast wired and wireless charging, and a premium build. However, the two reasons it is held back is the front camera experience, which was not up to the mark, and the software. Funtouch OS 14 didn't really feel like a software skin fit for a flagship.

That being said, the 'Pros' heavily outweighed the 'cons' on the Vivo X100 Pro. It is worth noting that Vivo has launched the X200 Pro in India and I have no doubt that it offers a major upgrade over the X100 Pro. However, this is a list of my favourite phones, and I haven't used the X200 Pro just yet, which is why the Vivo X100 Pro is on this list.

Xiaomi 14

Among all the smartphones I used in 2024, none felt as comfortable or looked as stylish as the Xiaomi 14. It marked my first shift from a larger phone to a more compact design, and despite initial reservations, the experience turned out to be an absolute delight. However, it isn't just the compact nature of this phone that makes it an excellent choice in 2024, but what Xiaomi packs into that compact body.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip ensured fluid performance, no matter if I gamed or ran a billion apps or just edit images. Moreover, the screen is sharp and colour accurate, while the phone also has a pretty large battery despite its size. There wasn't any compromise in charging capabilities as well. In my opinion, HyperOS still feels a lot like MIUI, but it feels less cluttered than on more affordable Redmi phones. Finally, the Leica cameras on the Xiaomi 14 are a lot of fun to use with several filters that enable unique photography experiences.

OnePlus 12

The OnePlus 12 emerged as my favourite smartphone of 2025 in the sub-70K segment, offering an unbeatable blend of performance, features, and design. Its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset delivers lightning-fast performance with no compromises, making it perfect for gaming, multitasking, and productivity. The versatile triple-camera setup captures stunning shots in any scenario, from ultra-wide landscapes to detailed close-ups.

Backed by a large battery with both wired and wireless charging options, it ensures all-day usage with the convenience of fast top-ups. The clean OxygenOS software, with reliable updates and minimal bloat, enhances the user experience, keeping things smooth and intuitive. Its sleek and comfortable design is both stunning and ergonomic, making it a joy to use daily. However, its durability lags slightly, falling short of flagship standards. Despite this, the OnePlus 12 remains a standout choice for anyone seeking flagship-level features at a competitive price.

Vivo V40

I rarely tested out mid-range smartphones in 2024, but my experience with the Vivo V40 did standout. The Vivo V40 stood out as my favorite mid-range phone in 2024 for several reasons. Its sleek design, featuring a slim profile and lightweight feel, made it comfortable to hold and use. The vibrant AMOLED display with a peak brightness of 4500 nits provided stunning visuals, perfect for media consumption.

The camera system, co-engineered with ZEISS, delivered impressive portrait photography and vibrant images. Moreover, the consistency between the two rear lenses was rather impressive, while the front camera also did an excellent job capturing detailed shots. Additionally, the IP68 rating ensured durability, and the 5500mAh battery offered long-lasting performance. Overall, the Vivo V40 balanced quality and versatility, making it a top choice in the mid-range segment.