Hey, Ivan right here – I am one of many editors right here at GSMArena, however principally, I am the man behind the digicam. Because of this in selecting my fave telephones of the yr, I normally put extra weight on their digicam efficiency. However I additionally care concerning the really feel within the hand and the best way they give the impression of being – I do take all their photographs for the opinions in spite of everything.
I normally finish the yr with a Galaxy S Extremely in my pocket however 2024 noticed the primary time this is not true. What a streak it was! From the Galaxy S20 Extremely that began all of it, all the best way to the Galaxy S24 Extremely, which I purchased, used for half of the yr, and offered. So let’s begin there.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely
I’ve all the time advocated for the Galaxy S Extremely as probably the greatest cameraphones of the yr. Samsung hasn’t made it simple. vivo, Xiaomi, and Oppo’s Execs and Ultras are including higher and higher {hardware}. However Samsung is glad to compete solely with Apple and Google. It is a affordable technique in markets the place Chinese language flagship cameraphones aren’t on sale, however right here at GSMArena HQ, the Galaxy S24 Extremely is dreadfully outgunned on imaging {hardware}.
Nonetheless, the Galaxy S24 Extremely is a superb telephone. It has an even bigger show than most, and it is the one actual alternative in order for you a stylus. It is crafted to the very best degree, and it is dependable to a fault. It is Samsung’s finest telephone and its most succesful cameraphone. Certainly, it takes fantastic pictures and has a stable 3x and 5x zoom mixture that I liked.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely
Honor Magic V3
Samsung’s dropping off is not a Galaxy S Extremely unique affair. The Galaxy Z Fold6 is simply as outclassed by its Chinese language rivals. The Honor Magic V3 really deserves its center identify. The telephone is unbelievably mild, but it is made to final. It has glorious screens in each high quality and measurement (and side).
The Magic V3 isn’t solely the foldable I would take as my foremost telephone for images, I would gladly select it no matter its type issue. I really like a 70mm to 85mm zoom digicam on my telephone – however I will give the Magic V3’s 90mm f/3.0 a move. The telephone additionally breaks the preconceived notion {that a} folding telephone must have a small battery with sluggish charging. Excessive marks throughout!
Honor Magic V3
Google Pixel 9 Professional
As a result of I’ve used an enormous telephone for the previous few years, at any time when I grasp a compact flagship, one thing inside begins to yearn. I nearly purchased a Google Pixel 9 Professional out of the gate, however Google had provide points and the larger Professional XL was the one out there at launch. What might have been?
The Pixel 9 Professional has set of expertise, a good-size battery, and good cameras. And there is all the time been one thing particular a couple of Pixel telephone. In the end, although, the 48MP 113mm f/2.8 zoom digicam wasn’t attractive sufficient for me as a consequence of its size and lack of shut focusing.
Google Pixel 9 Professional
vivo X200 Professional mini
At the same measurement to the Pixel, vivo’s X200 Professional mini is a fair higher telephone. It has a whopping 5,700mAh battery with ludicrous charging pace. I would wager that the triple 50MP digicam system with Zeiss brains might be stable.
Sadly, vivo will solely launch the X200 and X200 Professional to Western markets and is retaining the X200 Professional mini China-locked. It is an actual disgrace – this mini makes its rivals look silly.
vivo X100 Extremely
That is the telephone I’ve had in my pocket from the second our assessment was completed! As a result of I am normally the primary one to arrange a telephone within the workplace, I bought unique dibs with the vivo X100 Extremely. I used to be instantly drawn to its 85mm zoom digicam and shot a couple of take a look at samples for our ‘in for assessment’ article. I used to be blown away by the standard of the zoom photographs. I nonetheless am at present. The zoom digicam on the vivo X100 Extremely belongs on a devoted digicam.
The whole digicam system is impeccable. It is in all probability the snappiest shooter I’ve examined. The Zeiss shade tuning is beautiful too. This telephone is the explanation I have never taken my two large cameras with me on journeys this yr.
And the remainder of the X100 Extremely is great. To me, Origin OS is miles prettier than Funtouch and feels smoother as properly. I’ve sacrificed a bit as a result of China-focused software program, however every little thing I care about works after some devoted tinkering – my Galaxy Watch6 Basic (this took quite a lot of tinkering), Google Pockets, and many others.
So there you could have it. Samsung Galaxy S24 Extremely – gone, vivo X100 Extremely – the disruptor.
I have been a fan of Samsung for the reason that early days (I’ve owned the Galaxy S, two Galaxy S3s, Galaxy S6, Galaxy S7, Galaxy Note10+, all the best way to the Galaxy S24 Extremely) and I feel the corporate must push a bit on innovation as a result of for the time being, it is being outclassed by its Chinese language rivals.
Let’s have a look at what 2025 brings! Thanks for studying and have one!
