I’ve by no means been so excited to witness one other 12 months go by and so many wonderful corporations launching so many wonderful merchandise.
Android Central takes pleasure in how a lot time we spend on our evaluations. We do in depth testing, paying attention to how corporations have carried out and, in some circumstances, underperformed.
However we’re not going to speak about losers; we’re going to speak about winners, and this previous week, we confirmed you what number of wonderful corporations outperformed.
Whether or not it was Google’s Pixel 9 Professional, the Oura Ring 4, the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus, or the Meta Quest 3s, because the Editor-in-Chief of Android Central, I can state with all my conviction that this has been an unbelievable 12 months.
Android Central congratulates all of the winners. You all deserve it, and we’re very enthusiastic about all of the gadgets and providers that you’ll launch in 2025!
The Google Pixel 9 Professional took the crown as Android Central’s favourite telephone of the 12 months, mixing progressive options like Gemini AI and Pixel Screenshots with a compact design that also packs triple rear cameras. Its user-friendly AI enhancements and constant efficiency stored the group coming again, whilst different telephones outscored it in particular areas. In the meantime, the OnePlus 12 made a triumphant return to relevance with its silky-smooth software program, blazing-fast charging, and eye-friendly OLED show, incomes it a well-deserved runner-up spot.
The Pixel 9 Professional wasn’t the one standout this 12 months. We additionally named the most effective foldable telephone, worth telephone, and most improved Android model, amongst different classes. Whether or not it was the Honor Magic V3’s modern design and versatile screens, the Pixel 8a’s unbeatable mid-range worth, or OnePlus’s resurgence throughout segments, 2024 supplied one thing distinctive for each Android fanatic. You may learn extra about all our high telephone picks for the 12 months.
The Pixel Watch 3 emerged as our clear choose for the most effective smartwatch of 2024, delivering an ideal steadiness of favor, performance, and efficiency. Its bigger show, slimmer bezels, brighter display, and smoother refresh charge made it a standout improve. Google lovers notably beloved its seamless integration with Google Dwelling, making it a centerpiece for linked gadgets. The watch’s improved operating instruments and modern design received over many people, with a number of group members switching to it this 12 months.
Past the Pixel Watch 3, we additionally topped winners in different classes like the most effective sensible ring, wearable, and extra. You may examine all our high picks for 2024 and discover out what made them stand out.
The Meta Quest 3S earns our choose for the most effective XR headset of 2024, delivering unmatched worth at simply $299. With upgraded controllers, full-color passthrough imaginative and prescient, and a next-gen Snapdragon chipset, it supplies an accessible but highly effective expertise for brand new customers and a simple improve for Quest 2 homeowners. Bundled with Batman Arkham Shadow without cost, it has sparked a wave of incredible combined actuality video games and set the stage for next-gen VR experiences in 2025. You’ll want to learn extra concerning the winners of the most effective gadgets for sensible glasses and video games.
Samsung stunned everybody this 12 months with the Galaxy Chromebook Plus, the thinnest 15.6-inch Chromebook ever launched. Weighing simply 2.58 kilos, it’s remarkably light-weight but full of options like a full-size HDMI port and a microSD card slot. Its standout innovation is the brand new “Fast Insert Key,” designed to streamline interactions with Gemini throughout ChromeOS, enhancing productiveness in each Google and third-party apps.
The Galaxy Chromebook Plus set a brand new commonplace in design and performance, incomes its spot as the most effective Chromebook of 2024. Whereas different contenders, just like the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus, impressed with its versatility and convertible designs, Samsung’s providing stole the highlight. You can discover extra concerning the Chromebook class and our different winners
Spotify stays our high choose for greatest music streaming service in 2024, persevering with to dominate with 252 million subscribers and 640 million month-to-month lively customers. The app’s user-friendly interface and progressive options like AI-generated playlists hold customers engaged regardless of the long-awaited Hello-Fi tier nonetheless being absent. Spotify’s means to evolve with new plans and options ensures it stays forward of the competitors. YouTube Music, because the runner-up, continues to enhance with tweaks to its UI and AI options, making it a stable contender for these in search of an alternate. Readers can discover the winners in different classes, together with Finest Video Streaming Service, Finest Android App, and extra.
Thinborne takes the crown as the most effective telephone case producer of 2024, standing out in a crowded market with its ultra-slim, sturdy aramid fiber circumstances. This small Texas-based model impressively integrates options like MagSafe into its impossibly skinny designs, providing each fashion and performance with out compromising on safety. For these in search of premium craftsmanship and innovation, Thinborne stays unmatched.
Within the wi-fi headphone house, the Sonos Ace debuts as our high choose for 2024, combining the immersive sound high quality of Sonos’ residence theater ecosystem with portability. These over-ear headphones boast Dolby Atmos assist, built-in WiFi for seamless integration with Sonos soundbars, and aggressive lively noise cancellation. Whereas first-generation limitations like restricted app EQ choices exist, the Ace’s hi-res audio and groundbreaking options sign an thrilling step ahead. Learn concerning the winners in different classes.
