Overview
2024 has been a groundbreaking year for flagship smartphones, with major leaps in AI technology, camera innovations, and overall performance enhancements. At mrgadget.lk, we've rigorously tested all the top smartphone brands available in Sri Lanka to bring you an expert review of the best flagship models of the year.
This year’s flagship phones are pushing boundaries in ways we haven’t seen before. From AI-powered features that simplify everyday tasks to cutting-edge cameras capable of capturing stunning low-light photos and cinematic videos, the advancements are truly remarkable. Other highlights include faster processors for seamless multitasking, sleek designs, and extended software support to keep your devices future-ready.
After thorough testing, we’ve narrowed it down to four exceptional devices that stood out from the competition. Here’s what we think about the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, iPhone 16 Pro Max, OnePlus 12, and Google Pixel 9 Pro XL—and why these flagships deserve your attention.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra – The Best Flagship Smartphone of 2024?
Key Features and Overview
- Premium flagship with a sleek flat design and Gorilla Glass Armor.
- 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with 120Hz refresh rate.
- Powered by Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy.
- Enhanced AI features that boost productivity and ease daily tasks.
Pros
- Exceptional Display: Industry-leading AMOLED screen with vivid colors and sharp resolution.
- Camera Versatility: 200MP main sensor, improved 5x zoom for portrait photography.
- AI Enhancements: Summarizes web pages, boosts productivity with features like “Sketch to Image.”
- Long-term Software Updates: Promised seven years of Android updates.
Cons
- Battery Life: Good but not the best compared to competitors.
- Weight: Slightly heavier than some rivals, making it less comfortable for extended use.
iPhone 16 Pro Max – The Apple Experience
Key Features and Overview
- Apple’s latest flagship, featuring a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display.
- Powered by the A18 Pro chip for unmatched performance and energy efficiency.
- Advanced camera system with 4K 120fps video and a 5x telephoto lens.
Pros
- Impressive Video Recording: 4K 120fps capability is unparalleled for content creators.
- Reliable Performance: A18 Pro chip excels in gaming, multitasking, and more.
- Consistent Camera Quality: Great for photos in all lighting conditions.
- Build and Battery: Durable build with excellent battery life.
Cons
- Capture Button Gimmick: Feels unnecessary and less practical in real-life usage.
- Underwhelming Innovation: Despite being a great phone, Apple could have delivered more revolutionary features.
OnePlus 12 – The Flagship Value Champion
Key Features and Overview
- Affordable flagship with a polished design and high-end features.
- 6.7-inch AMOLED LTPO display with 120Hz refresh rate.
- Powered by Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 with up to 16GB RAM.
- Unbeatable Value: Offers flagship-level specs at a much lower price than competitors.
- Impressive Display: AMOLED panel with crisp visuals and smooth transitions.
- Excellent Battery and Charging: 5,400mAh battery with 100W fast charging.
- Software Experience: OxygenOS provides a fast and intuitive interface.
- Camera: While decent, it doesn’t match the photo quality of more expensive rivals.
- Build Material: Doesn’t feel as premium as Samsung or Apple counterparts.
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL – AI-Powered Photography King
Key Features and Overview
- Flagship model designed for photography and AI integration.
- 6.8-inch LTPO OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate.
- Tensor G4 chip focusing on AI and machine learning.
Pros
- AI-Driven Features: “Magic Eraser,” “Add Me,” and real-time photo enhancement tools.
- Photography: Stunning computational photography with excellent dynamic range.
- Long Software Support: Seven years of OS and security updates promised.
- Display: Vibrant OLED with sharp visuals.
Cons
- Processing Time: Some AI-enhanced features require cloud processing, delaying results.
- Performance: Tensor G4 is powerful but lags behind Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 in raw performance.
- Connectivity issues: Users might face signal losses and connectivity issues on certain devices
Final Thoughts
In 2024, flagship smartphones have had some very heavy hitters, yet each device showed its strengths and shortcomings. Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max remains a powerhouse, especially for video recording and overall reliability, but it fell flat by failing to deliver revolutionary features that many users hoped for. Google’s Pixel 9 Pro XL excels in photography and AI-driven tools, but persistent connectivity issues leave Sri Lankan users skeptical about its day-to-day reliability.
The OnePlus 12 shines as the best value flagship, offering premium features at an unbeatable price, making it a strong contender for budget-conscious buyers who don’t want to compromise on performance.
However, the clear winner of 2024’s flagship lineup is the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. With its exceptional display, versatile cameras, robust performance, and innovative AI features that enhance daily usability, it sets the gold standard by scoring consistently well across all aspects. Samsung has once again proven why its Ultra series remains the top choice for users seeking the ultimate
No products in the cart.