The editorial team has carefully selected the top smartphones of early 2024, focusing on user experience and music playback quality. From a vast array of options, eight standout devices have been chosen, highlighting the rapid development within the mobile phone sector, which outpaces other technology and electronics fields.
8. Samsung Galaxy A14
Display – 6.6” LCD 2048 x 1080 | Pixel density – 400 ppi | Sweep – 90 Hz | Processor – MediaTek Dimensity 700 | Battery – 5,000 mAh | Main camera – 50 MP | Weight – 202 g
Pros – capacious battery, good screen resolution, rhythmic music delivery
Cons – slightly lightweight sound, only 90 Hz scan
Verdict – inexpensive and cheerful
The Samsung Galaxy A14, an affordable and modern smartphone, delivers lively performance, especially in music playback, although it may struggle with complex symphonic pieces. Despite lacking an OLED screen, it impresses with high pixel density, a decent camera, and a capacious battery, offering a comprehensive modern device experience.
7. Xiaomi 13 Pro
Display – 6.73” AMOLED 3200 x 1440 | Pixel density – 522 ppi | Scan – 120 Hz | Processor – Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Battery – 4,820 mAh | Main camera – 50 MP | Weight – 229 g
Pros – great hardware capabilities, harmonious sound
Cons – I would like more extended bass
Verdict – an ideal device based on the sum of its qualities
The Xiaomi 13 Pro, packed with the latest technology, boasts a stunning AMOLED screen with a resolution of 3200 x 1440, 522 ppi, and a 120 Hz refresh rate. It’s powered by the top-of-the-line Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 platform. Not only does it deliver on performance, but its sound quality is confident and harmonious. The design of the Xiaomi 13 Pro also earns high praise, meriting extended admiration for its aesthetic appeal.
6. Google Pixel 8 Pro
Display – 6.7” OLED 2992 × 1344 | Pixel density – 489 ppi | Scan – 120 Hz | Processor – Tensor G3 | Battery – 5,050 mAh | Main camera – 50 MP | Weight – 213 g
Pros – pure Android, sound with excellent detail on any genre
Cons – sometimes slightly prevailing HF
Verdict – a smartphone for purists
The Google Pixel 8 Pro operates on a pure Android OS, ensuring a smooth and swift user experience. Its 6.7” OLED display, with 2992 × 1344 resolution and 489 ppi, is beyond reproach. Although the sound profile slightly emphasizes high frequencies, it delivers a commendable ambient effect and clarity.
5. Sony Xperia 10V
Display – 6.1” OLED 2520 x 1080 | Pixel density – 449 ppi | Sweep – 60 Hz | Processor – Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 | Battery – 5,000 mAh | Main camera – 48 MP | Weight – 159 g
Pros – equally good on any musical genre
Cons – only 60 Hz scan
Verdict – an excellent device from Sony
The Sony Xperia 10 V continues Sony’s reputation for excellent mobile sound quality, offering a natural and clear audio experience that music enthusiasts will appreciate. However, the device’s 60 Hz screen refresh rate might be seen as a drawback in contrast to its superior sound capabilities.
4. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Display – 6.8” AMOLED 3088 x 1440 | Pixel density – 500 ppi | Scan – 120 Hz | Processor – Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Battery – 5,000 mAh | Main camera – 200 MP | Weight – 234 g
Pros – reference display, finally accurate localization and natural tones
Cons – I would like more texture on the bass
Verdict – the new Samsung grabs stars from the sky
The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, powered by the Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, boasts one of the top AMOLED displays (3088 x 1440 at 120 Hz, 500 ppi). Its audio performance is notably accurate, rivaling some audiophile players, especially in clarity, though it may slightly lag in bass resolution. This indicates a significant focus on audio quality in its design.
3. Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
Display – 6.7” OLED 2796 x 1290 | Pixel density – 460 ppi | Scan – 120 Hz | Processor – Apple A17 Pro | Battery – 4,441 mAh | Main camera – 48 MP | Weight – 221 g
Pros – ideal ecosystem, truly high-resolution sound
Cons – none
Verdict – the choice of Apple lovers
The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max stands as a pinnacle in modern mobile technology, ideal for enthusiasts of Apple’s ecosystem. It’s powered by the formidable Apple A17 Pro processor, rivaling laptop performance, and features a premium 2796 x 1290 OLED display with 460 ppi, boasting perfectly calibrated colors. Its audio quality is equally impressive, offering a mature and confident sound with abundant detail and excellent separation, enhancing the overall user experience.
2. Asus ROG Phone 7
Display – 6.78” AMOLED 2448 x 1080 | Pixel density – 395 ppi | Scan – 165 Hz | Processor – Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Battery – 6,000 mAh | Main camera – 50 MP | Weight – 239 g
Pros – 165 Hz scanning, deep bass and excellent dynamics
Cons – nothing significant
Verdict – Jack of all trades
The Asus ROG Phone 7 is highly regarded among gaming enthusiasts for its exceptional sound quality. It delivers powerful performance, deep bass, and maintains clarity in complex tracks. Its AMOLED display, with a resolution of 2448 x 1080 and 395 ppi, supports a scanning rate of up to 165 Hz, setting a new standard for gaming smartphones.
1. Sony Xperia 1 V
Display – 6.5” OLED 3840 x 1644 | Pixel density – 643 ppi | Scan – 120 Hz | Processor – Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 | Battery – 3,330 mAh | Main camera – 52 MP | Weight – 178 g
Pros: Highest pixel density, most accurate sound in class
Cons – low battery capacity
Verdict – the choice of music lovers
The Sony Xperia 1 V stands out as the top choice for audio quality, offering unmatched sophistication, resolution, and natural sound. It features top-notch hardware with the Qualcomm SM8550-AC Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and an OLED screen boasting a class-leading 643 ppi. However, its 3,330 mAh battery capacity may be considered its only shortcoming in comparison to its exceptional performance and display qualities.
