The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra made its debut nearly a year ago in January and has recently been recognized as MKBHD’s Phone of the Year in his annual smartphone camera awards. The influential YouTuber evaluates smartphones based on various key features, selecting the standout device of the year. This time, Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max fell short in the competition.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Clinches MKBHD’s Prestigious Award
Every year, renowned YouTuber MKBHD categorizes smartphones into ten distinct segments for analysis and comparison. Although the iPhone 16 Pro Max did not win the coveted title, it earned recognition as the best small phone of 2024, with the iPhone 16 also receiving accolades. The latest iPhone 16 showcases significant advancements compared to the ‘Pro’ models, indicating a noteworthy evolution in Apple’s offerings.
With its substantial updates, the iPhone 16 has successfully bridged the performance gap between itself and the iPhone 16 Pro models. According to MKBHD, despite having a 60Hz display, the overall improvements in performance, internals, and design are commendable, representing a dramatic upgrade from previous generations. Conversely, the iPhone 16 Pro Max, despite featuring numerous enhancements aimed at competitiveness, was edged out of the top spot.
The Galaxy S24 Ultra emerged triumphant in MKBHD’s assessment, hailed for its comprehensive features including superior performance, remarkable battery life, exceptional display quality, and impressive camera capabilities. Additionally, MKBHD highlighted the new anti-reflective coating, which significantly alleviates glare, and expressed that the Galaxy S24 Ultra was his most utilized smartphone throughout the year.
Apple’s innovative changes with the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max included a novel Camera Control button, intended to enhance user control over photography. However, many reviewers found this addition impractical, favoring on-screen controls instead of a smaller interface that can be cumbersome to navigate.
MKBHD also acknowledged the iPhone 16 Pro’s outstanding camera system, awarding it the Best Camera title again this year. He commended the device’s exceptional photo and video capabilities, asserting that no competitor comes close to its level of performance.
- Phone of the Year: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
- Bust of the Year: Asus Zenfone 11 Ultra
- Most Improved: Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
- Best Foldable: Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold
- Best Design: Huawei Mate XT
- Best Battery: Red Magic 10 Pro
- Best Value: Nothing Phone 2a
- Best Camera: iPhone 16 Pro
- Best Small Phone: iPhone 16
- Best Big Phone: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Marques Brownlee’s analytical approach to ranking smartphones has consistently provided users with valuable insights, albeit with an element of subjectivity inherent in his results. Nevertheless, these rankings serve as a useful guide for potential buyers. Looking ahead, Samsung is anticipated to unveil the Galaxy S25 Ultra soon, promising significant design and performance upgrades that could pose a formidable challenge to the iPhone 16 Pro Max.
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