Don't Buy Mid-Range: Why 2024 Flagships Are The Best Deal in 2026

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra stands out with its impressive 6.8-inch QHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, featuring an adaptive refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz for buttery smooth visuals. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy, it delivers top-tier performance with its 12GB RAM and UFS 4.0 storage options up to 1TB, ensuring seamless multitasking and ample storage. The versatile quad-camera system includes a 200MP main sensor and a 50MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, perfect for photography enthusiasts. While its 5000 mAh battery offers up to 30 hours of video playback, the 45W charging speed is less competitive compared to newer models. Despite its bulky build, the integrated S Pen adds significant value for productivity tasks.

The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is a powerhouse with its 6.8-inch Super Actua LTPO OLED display, boasting a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, ideal for outdoor visibility. It operates on the Google Tensor G4 chipset, paired with 16GB of RAM, providing robust AI capabilities and seamless performance. The camera system features a 50MP main sensor and a 5x optical zoom, supported by Google's renowned image processing software. Although the UFS 3.1 storage is a step behind the competition, the device excels in software support with a 7-year update commitment. The 5,060mAh battery supports 37W wired charging, which is slower than some rivals, but the wireless charging capabilities compensate for this limitation.

The Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max offers a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with ProMotion technology, ensuring fluid scrolling at up to 120Hz. It is powered by the A17 Pro chip, featuring a 6-core CPU and a 16-core Neural Engine, delivering unparalleled performance and energy efficiency. The 48MP main camera with a 5x tetraprism telephoto lens allows for high-quality zoom photography, while the titanium frame enhances durability. Despite its superb build quality and seamless software integration, the charging speeds are capped at 27W wired and 15W wireless, which may be slower than some competitors. However, the iPhone's ecosystem and software longevity remain strong selling points.

The OnePlus 12 impresses with its large 6.82-inch QHD+ LTPO AMOLED display, achieving an outstanding peak brightness of 4,500 nits. It is equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and offers up to 16GB of RAM, ensuring top-notch performance. The Hasselblad camera system, featuring a 64MP periscope telephoto lens, offers versatile photography options, including 3x optical zoom. Its 5,400mAh battery supports rapid charging speeds of 80W wired and 50W wireless, making it one of the fastest in its class. Despite its competitive pricing and features, the IP65 rating is a minor drawback, as it is less resistant to water compared to the IP68 standard.

The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE offers a 6.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing smooth visuals for everyday use. Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, it delivers solid performance with 8GB of RAM and storage options up to 256GB. The camera setup includes a 50MP main sensor and a 3x optical zoom lens, rare for its price range. Its 4,500mAh battery supports 25W wired charging, which is modest compared to other flagships. While it features an IP68 rating and Samsung DeX support, the use of older Gorilla Glass 5 and thicker bezels are trade-offs for its more affordable price point.