Exciting Picks: The 7 Best Android Phones Coming in 2024

The past year was a fantastic ride for smartphones, with strong releases from familiar players and some surprising comebacks, like Motorola stepping out of the shadows. Looking ahead to 2024, I'm hoping to see certain trends continue. I want flagship phones to keep pushing boundaries, justifying their high prices, while also hoping mid-range and budget devices continue to make us question the need for shelling out $1,200 on a smartphone. With that in mind, here are the phones I'm eagerly anticipating this year.

1 Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

Even though the Galaxy S24 Ultra was officially unveiled recently, it's still on my radar since it hasn't hit the shelves yet. Samsung's Ultra devices have consistently impressed me, and I expect nothing less this time. The shift from TouchWiz to One UI has been a game-changer, providing a reliable Android experience. For the S24 Ultra, I'm looking forward to the usual premium build, regular software updates, and an impressive camera system. The move to titanium construction adds durability, and Samsung's foray into AI-enhanced software makes it a compelling choice for 2024.

2 Motorola ThinkPhone 2

The ThinkPhone quietly stood out in 2023 for its lightweight build, excellent battery life, fast charging, and solid performance. While I'm unsure if we'll see a sequel in 2024 due to marketing challenges, if you were fortunate enough to grab a ThinkPhone last year, you own one of the most impressive phones of 2023. If a ThinkPhone 2 does happen, I hope Motorola retains the unique aramid fiber backing, bringing a refreshing change from the usual glass and eco-leather designs.

3 OnePlus Open 2

OnePlus made a mark in 2023 with the OnePlus Open, offering a foldable experience that addressed some common foldable issues. If OnePlus can refine OxygenOS and maintain the sleek design, the Open 2 could be a standout folding phone in 2024.

4 Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro

Google made strides in 2023 with the Pixel 8 Pro, addressing display and performance concerns. For 2024, I hope Google sticks with the Pixel 8 Pro's design, enhances raw performance with a potential Tensor G4, and continues delivering top-notch AI features and software support.

5 Samsung Galaxy A55

The A54 redeemed Samsung's mid-range reputation, and I'm looking forward to the A55 offering more power and improved cameras. A stronger Galaxy A55 would compete well against potential mid-range releases like the Google Pixel 8a in spring 2024, continuing the trend of providing quality Android experiences at reasonable prices.

6 Motorola Razr+ 2

The Razr+ brought a fun flip experience in 2023, deviating from the usual nostalgia-driven designs. A refined Razr+ 2 with upgraded specs and new colors could secure Motorola's position as the king of flip phones.

7 LG Wing 2 (in the spirit of wishful thinking)

Although I'm aware LG is out of the smartphone business, I wish companies would experiment with different form factors in 2024. Slider phones, wider form factors, or rotating hinges could bring diversity to the market, offering a break from the typical glass slabs.

As a disclaimer, this isn't an exhaustive list, and there are many other phones I'd love to see in 2024. The smartphones of 2023 demonstrated that quality experiences don't necessarily require a hefty price tag. I'm eager to see how Samsung and Google leverage AI to justify flagship prices while anticipating another exciting lineup this year.