Top anticipated phones of 2024: iPhone 16, Galaxy S24, and beyond

Apple's iPhone 16 series is also rumoured to have improved cameras, with a larger main sensor, a periscope zoom lens and a LiDAR scanner
An undated image illustrating smartphones. — Canva
An undated image illustrating smartphones. — Canva

The smartphone market is always evolving, with new models and features being introduced every year. In 2024, tech enthusiasts can expect some major upgrades from the leading phone makers, such as Apple, Samsung, Google and others. 

Gadinsider has compiled a list of top phones to look forward to in 2024 based on the latest rumours and leaks.

2024 phones

iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro

Apple is likely to launch its next-generation iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro in September 2024, following its usual annual cycle. The iPhone 16 series is expected to feature a new design, with a smaller notch, a flat-edge frame and a matte glass back. The iPhone 16 Pro models may also have a 120Hz ProMotion display, which would make scrolling and animations smoother and more responsive.

iPhone 16 series is also rumoured to have improved cameras, with a larger main sensor, a periscope zoom lens and a LiDAR scanner for enhanced depth sensing and augmented reality. The iPhone 16 Pro models may also have a new Action button, allowing users to quickly access Siri, Apple Pay and other functions by tapping the side of the phone.

Read more: Foldable iPhone may be coming soon

iPhone 16 series is likely to be powered by the A17 Bionic chip, which would offer faster performance and better battery efficiency. The iPhone 16 series may also support MagSafe accessories, such as wireless chargers, cases and wallets, that attach magnetically to the back of the phone.

iPhone 16 series is expected to start at £799 for the iPhone 16 and £999 for the iPhone 16 Pro, with storage options ranging from 128GB to 1TB.

Samsung Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24 Ultra

Samsung is expected to launch its flagship Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24 Ultra in February 2024, as part of its Galaxy S series. The Galaxy S24 series is expected to feature a new design, with a curved-edge display, a metal frame and a glass back. Galaxy S24 Ultra may also have a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate display, which would adjust automatically depending on the content and battery level.

Galaxy S24 series is also expected to have upgraded cameras, with a 108-megapixel main sensor, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide sensor, a 10-megapixel telephoto sensor and a 10-megapixel periscope sensor. Galaxy S24 Ultra may also have a 40-megapixel selfie camera and a laser autofocus system for better focusing and low-light performance.

The new series is likely to be powered by the Exynos 2200 chip, which would feature an AMD GPU for enhanced graphics and gaming. It may also support the S Pen stylus, allowing users to write, draw and navigate on the screen.

Galaxy S24 series is expected to start at £799 for the Galaxy S24 and £1,199 for the Galaxy S24 Ultra, with storage options ranging from 128GB to 512GB.

Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro

Google is expected to launch its next-generation Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro in October 2024, as part of its Pixel series. The Pixel 9 series is expected to feature a new design, with a hole-punch display, a metal frame and a matte glass back. The Pixel 9 Pro may also have a 120Hz LTPO display, which would offer a variable refresh rate depending on the usage.

The Pixel 9 series is also expected to have improved cameras, with a 50-megapixel main sensor, a 12-megapixel ultra-wide sensor, a 48-megapixel telephoto sensor and a 12-megapixel selfie camera. The Pixel 9 series may also have a new Magic Eraser feature, which would allow users to remove unwanted objects from photos with a simple tap.

The Pixel 9 series will likely be powered by the Snapdragon 898 chip, offering faster performance and better battery life. The series may also support wireless charging and reverse wireless charging, which would enable users to charge other devices by placing them on the back of the phone.

It is expected to start at £599 for the Pixel 9 and £899 for the Pixel 9 Pro, with storage options ranging from 128GB to 256GB.