The top 4G handsets for 2024

Seeing as it took the top spot on our picks of the best 5G phones, it’s unsurprising that the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is also the best overall 4G phone out there. Samsung’s latest flagship phone includes the whole package – a gorgeous display, the best camera of any flagship, 4G and 5G coverage, and slick performance.

The S23 Ultra isn’t the only 4G Android phone that uses Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, but the version present in Samsung’s Galaxy series is slightly different to those in Xiaomi’s phones for example. This unique chip makes gaming on the S23 Ultra a dream and it can even handle raytracing, something which many gaming PCs can’t even do.

However, just because we think the S23 Ultra is the best model out there, doesn’t mean it’s the best option for you. This phone is extremely pricey, even compared to other flagship models like the iPhone 14 series and the Google Pixel 7 Pro. If you’re not prepared to drop over $1k on a new phone just yet, keep reading.

We have a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra review you can also check out.

The iPhone 14 Pro Max is the best of Apple’s iPhone 14 range, the flagship series before the iPhone 15. This model really has it all, with excellent cameras, a high refresh rate screen, decent battery life, and a beautiful design.

We know that Apple users tend to like sticking with the iPhone when you upgrade (there are a few of us on the SmartRead team) so knowing which of Apple’s recent releases is the best option is always useful. We care a lot about gaming on the site, so we’re particularly impressed with the iPhone 14 Pro Max’s dynamic refresh rate and battery life, especially when you pair it with an Apple Arcade subscription. It even made the top of our best gaming iPhones list.

Thanks to the iPhone 15 line’s release, the prices aren’t quite as high as they used to be, but you’re still paying the Apple premium. However, if you already own AirPods, Apple TV, or an iPad, it makes sense to add to your Apple ecosystem rather than saving money on an Android phone that isn’t compatible with your other devices.

The Motorola Edge 40 is a great mid-range 4G phone for those of you looking for high-quality features without the flagship price. We go into way more detail in our Motorola Edge 40 review, but in short, if you’re after a beautiful screen with a high refresh rate, the ability to charge your phone to 50% in ten minutes, and a more affordable price, this handset might be the one for you.

Sadly, it’s let down by its rear cameras which only perform well in good lighting, but the front camera is decent for all you selfie-lovers. Of course, we care deeply about gaming on our phones and the Edge 40 manages to keep up despite its older chipset. If you don’t mind having slightly outdated tech, it’s a great option with its P-OLED screen and speedy refresh rate. Just watch out for the shorter battery life if you plan to spend the whole day gaming.

The best way to get a good deal on a top-quality 4G phone is to look at the last generation’s releases, and the Google Pixel 6 Pro is still a great pick for a more reasonable price. Plus, some of the Pixel 6 Pro’s features rival those of the newest flagship phones. Its 6.71-inch screen matches that of the iPhone 14 Pro Max and keeps the high refresh rate, and its front-facing camera is actually higher quality than the one on the standard Google Pixel 7.

Its triple rear cameras are also top-notch, making the Pixel 6 Pro a great, more affordable option for photography enthusiasts. The screen makes it great for streaming and gaming too, although the limited storage means you’ll have to decide which apps and games you value the most.

The other main downsides are the lack of a headphone jack meaning you need to rely on Bluetooth audio devices and the fact that the handset itself is quite slippery. If you’re prone to dropping your devices, maybe consider a case and screen protector for this model, or check out our list of the best rugged smartphones.

Most, if not all, 4G phones can run mobile games these days, but the Asus ROG 7 Ultimate is the best of the best when it comes to gaming phones. Asus’ ROG range is full of great gaming phones and consistently raises the bar in the industry, but the ROG 7 Ultimate is at the top of that list.

It’s equipped with the best screen available on a gaming phone currently, with a whopping 165Hz refresh rate, the Li-Po battery allows for extended gaming sessions between charges, and its unique air triggers make playing FPS games a breeze. But, with all these incredible features, the price tag is rather large.

Plus, if you’re looking for a phone that can do it all, the ROG 7 Ultimate is probably not your best option. Its cameras are pretty poor compared to last-gen flagships like the iPhone 13 and it’s a little bulky too. If you’ve got the cash to spend on a dedicated gaming phone then go for it, but maybe consider your options before picking this as your go-to mobile device.

Read our Asus ROG Phone 7 Ultimate review.

If you’re after a 4G phone with a bit of style, we suggest you take a look at the Samsung Galaxy A34, a relatively new model that Samsung released in March 2023. There are four different colors available, a couple of which give the device a certain pop, brightening your smartphone in a way that other cell phones might not offer. You can choose from Awesome Lime, Awesome Graphite, Awesome Violet (our personal favorite), and Awesome Silver.

Of course, having a phone that looks good is great, but it needs to hold its own when it comes to everyday use, too, if you want to get your money’s worth. Well, coming equipped with a Li-Po 5000 mAh, the Samsung Galaxy A34 is more than capable of lasting a whole day before it needs a change. Match that with up to 256GB of storage and 8GB of RAM, and you have quite a powerful phone at a lower price point.

With the 6.6-inch 120Hz Super AMOLED (1080 x 2340) screen, games look crisp and can run well with the Mediatek MT6877V Dimensity 1080, though there are other 4G phones out there, such as the Asus ROG 7 Ultimate that offers a superior gaming experience. Honestly, the Samsung Galaxy A34 is a good phone for people who want to express themselves through color, are after a cheaper 4G, or want this as their first cell phone.