Islamabad, Dec 21: Tech enthusiasts eagerly anticipate Marquess Brownlee’s (MKBHD) annual Smartphone Awards, a tradition in its tenth year. This year’s ceremony once again highlighted the remarkable evolution of smartphones, with some familiar winners and a few surprises. Let’s dive into the standout devices of 2024.
2024’s Smartphone MVP: Galaxy S24 Ultra
Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra emerged as the ultimate winner, taking home the prestigious “MVP” award and solidifying its dominance in the premium segment. This marks the fourth time a Galaxy device has claimed the title, further cementing Samsung’s reputation for delivering flagship excellence. The S24 Ultra also clinched the “Best Big Phone” award, praised for its ability to maximize its expansive display while maintaining a sleek design.
Apple Dominates the Camera Game
For yet another year, the iPhone 16 Pro earned the title of “Best Camera,” despite missing the top spot in MKBHD’s blind camera tests and forgoing flashy hardware innovations. Apple’s focus on consistency, computational photography, and user experience continues to impress.
In an ironic twist, the vanilla iPhone 16 claimed the “Best Small Phone” award—even with its 6.1-inch display, a size considered large by earlier standards. Brownlee noted that the best “big phone” of 2014 was smaller than 2024’s best “small phone,” highlighting the shifting trends in smartphone design.
Breakthroughs in Design and Innovation
The Huawei Mate XT, a pioneering tri-fold smartphone, won “Best Design” for its ambitious form factor, standing out in a sea of traditional slabs. Meanwhile, Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold stole the spotlight in multiple categories, winning “Best Foldable” and “Most Improved” for its refined design and performance upgrades over its predecessor.
Value, Battery, and Busts
Budget-conscious consumers will appreciate the Nothing Phone (2a), crowned “Best Value” for delivering premium features at an affordable price. Gamers and heavy users will find solace in the Redmagic 10 Pro, the “Best Battery” winner, recognized for its unmatched endurance.
However, not all devices hit the mark. The Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra was dubbed the “Bust of the Year,” failing to live up to its hype in a competitive market.
Complete Winners List
- Best Big Phone: Galaxy S24 Ultra
- Best Small Phone: iPhone 16
- Best Camera: iPhone 16 Pro
- Best Value: Nothing Phone (2a)
- Best Battery: Redmagic 10 Pro
- Best Design: Huawei Mate XT
- Best Foldable: Pixel 9 Pro Fold
- Most Improved: Pixel 9 Pro Fold
- Bust of the Year: Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra
- Phone of the Year: Galaxy S24 Ultra
Reflections on a Decade of Smartphone Awards
As the smartphone industry continues to evolve, MKBHD’s annual awards serve as a testament to the rapid pace of innovation. From foldable devices to gaming powerhouses, 2024 has proven to be a year of diverse breakthroughs and exciting milestones.
Looking ahead, the question remains: What surprises will next year’s smartphone lineup bring? One thing is certain Marquess Brownlee will be there to guide us through the best and the worst of it all.
