Best Performing Phones of December 2024
In 2024, the competition among premium smartphones has reached new heights, with brands pushing the boundaries of performance, innovation, and design. Today, Flagship smartphones are more than just communication devices—they’re powerhouses capable of easily handling gaming, photography, productivity, and entertainment. What sets the best-performing phones apart is their ability to deliver a seamless and powerful experience in every facet of their operation.
At the heart of these high-performance devices are cutting-edge processors, such as Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or the more recent Snapdragon 8 Elite. On the MediaTek side of things, the latest processors include the latest MediaTek Dimensity 9400 and last year’s MediaTek Dimensity 9300, delivering unprecedented speeds and efficiency. Coupled with up to at least 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and UFS 4.0 or 4.1 storage, these phones redefine multitasking and app responsiveness. Display technology also plays a pivotal role, with most flagships offering AMOLED or OLED panels, ultra-high refresh rates, LTPO technology, and HDR support for immersive visuals.
In the era of 2024, AnTuTu and GeekBench scores have become a benchmark for measuring smartphone performance, offering a comprehensive evaluation of CPU, GPU, memory, and user experience. But beyond numbers, the true essence of a best-performing phone lies in its ability to harmonise software optimisation, thermal management, and battery efficiency with sheer processing power.
This article explores the crème de la crème of December 2024, showcasing phones that lead the performance charts while offering insights into what makes them truly exceptional.
The iQOO 13 is a testament to the brand’s focus on delivering top-tier performance. With the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor at its core, paired with up to 16GB of RAM and the fastest UFS 4.1 storage, the phone is designed for speed. Its 2,881,472 AnTuTu score highlights its capability to handle intense gaming and multitasking with ease.
The 6.82-inch LTPO AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate ensures buttery-smooth visuals, making it a favourite among gamers. Its thermal management is one of the best in the smartphone space, which keeps the device cool during extended gaming sessions, and its triple 50MP camera setup delivers good results in diverse lighting conditions.
Realme continues to redefine value in the flagship segment with the GT 7 Pro. Its Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and an AnTuTu score of 2,783,771 demonstrate its prowess. The phone features a 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate, delivering sharp and vibrant visuals.
It also comes with ultra-fast 120W charging, which takes the 5,800mAh battery from 0 to 100% in just 30 minutes. Its triple-camera system, featuring a 50MP Sony IMX sensor, captures good detail and colour accuracy. It’s a strong competitor for anyone seeking flagship performance at a slightly lower price.
The OPPO Find X8 Pro is the first flagship phone in India to feature MediaTek’s Dimensity 9400 chipset, achieving an impressive 2,253,105 on AnTuTu. The phone is designed for power users and camera lovers alike, offering 16GB of RAM and an advanced cooling system to sustain performance under heavy workloads.
Its camera system, particularly its periscope telephoto lens, delivers exceptional zoom capabilities. With a sleek, aluminium frame, the Find X8 Pro combines aesthetics with high performance. The 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display with Dolby Vision support ensures stunning visuals for media consumption.
Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max is driven by the A18 Pro chip, which continues Apple’s tradition of smooth and seamless performance. The phone scored a whopping 3322 points in the GeekBench Single Core test and 8071 points in the Multi Core Test, making it one of the best-performing phones in the market.
The phone features a Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion technology, ensuring smooth animations and excellent colour reproduction. Its advanced camera system now includes a 48MP main sensor with improved low-light performance. The iPhone 16 Pro Max is an iterative upgrade, but for users of older models like the iPhone 13, it feels like a substantial leap forward.
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, achieved an AnTuTu score of 1,819,834. While it doesn’t top the charts, its overall package makes it one of the most versatile smartphones of 2024. The device features a 6.8-inch Dynamic LTPO AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and one of the brightest screens on the market.
Its quad-camera setup, particularly the 200MP main sensor, captures stunning details. The S Pen integration adds a unique dimension for productivity-focused users. The battery life is also a standout, with the phone lasting comfortably for a full day of heavy use.
The Vivo X Fold3 Pro showcases innovation with its foldable design while maintaining flagship-level performance. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and 16GB of RAM, it scores 2,022,712 on AnTuTu. Its foldable AMOLED display offers an expansive viewing experience for multitasking and entertainment.
Its hinge durability and crease management make it one of the best foldable devices on the market. The camera system, including a 50MP main sensor, performs exceptionally well, rivalling traditional flagships in both quality and versatility.
The Xiaomi 14, equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, strikes an excellent balance between size and power. With an AnTuTu score of 1,998,189, it is a capable contender for users seeking high performance without breaking the bank.
Its 6.36-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and its sleek, lightweight design make it stand out from the pack. The phone’s camera system, featuring a 50MP Leica-tuned main sensor, produces natural colours and sharp details. The device also excels in battery life, offering a full day of power on a single charge.
The iQOO 12 is another stellar performer from iQOO, featuring the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and scoring 2,119,219 on AnTuTu despite not using the latest processor. Its 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support provides an immersive viewing experience.
The iQOO 12 has exceptional gaming performance, with titles like Genshin Impact running smoothly even at max settings. Its camera setup, while not the most versatile, still delivers impressive results, particularly in good lighting conditions. The inclusion of 120W fast charging ensures minimal downtime.
Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6 continues to be one of the top choices in the foldable segment, with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and an AnTuTu score of 1,582,830. The 7.6-inch inner AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate is perfect for multitasking and immersive media consumption.
The phone comes with some structural improvements such as enhanced hinge durability and reduced crease visibility. The camera system ensures near-flagship-level photography. With its premium build and productivity-enhancing features, the Fold 6 is a favourite among power users.
The Vivo X100 Pro, powered by MediaTek’s Dimensity 9300, achieved a robust AnTuTu score of 2,153,814 but its true superpower is its versatile camera setup which features a class-leading 1-inch main sensor. Thanks to this and ZEISS-tuned cameras, it excels in both photography and videography.
It features a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and one of the best colour calibrations in the market. The phone’s battery life and fast-charging capabilities are also noteworthy, making it a well-rounded flagship option.
The best-performing phones of December 2024 showcase the incredible strides in smartphone technology, offering unparalleled performance, cutting-edge features, and sleek designs. Whether you’re a gamer, a productivity enthusiast, or a photography buff, there’s a flagship phone tailored to your needs. With options ranging from foldable innovations like the Vivo X Fold3 Pro and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 to performance beasts like the iQOO 13 and Realme GT 7 Pro, the market is brimming with exceptional choices.