Samsung Galaxy S24 Onyx Black 256GB

The best small Android phone, period. Just don't expect it to charge fast or last for days on a single charge.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is a beast, no surprise there. What did catch us off guard was how well it handles sustained gaming for a phone this size. In our database, it sits in the 84th percentile for performance, which is impressive for a compact device. It chews through everything from Genshin Impact to heavy multitasking without breaking a sweat, though the 8GB of RAM feels a little stingy for a 2024 flagship.

The Galaxy S24's biggest rival is the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. The Pixel has a smarter, more consistent camera and cleaner software, but the S24's Snapdragon chip smokes it in raw power and gaming. Then there's the OnePlus 13, which offers faster charging and a bigger battery for less money, but it's a much larger phone. If you want a small phone, the S24 is basically your only high-end Android choice. The iPhone 16 Pro Max is in a different size class entirely, and the Motorola Razr Ultra 2025 is a foldable, so it's a different conversation about durability versus novelty.

Pricing is a mess, with a $460 spread across vendors from $440 to $900. At the low end, especially for an open-box unit, it's a fantastic deal. At full retail near $800 or $900, it's a much harder sell. If you can snag it closer to the $440 mark from a reputable seller, you're getting a steal. Just make sure that open-box unit actually has a warranty, because Samsung's official stance on those seems shaky based on some buyer experiences.

The Galaxy S24 is Samsung's "if it ain't broke" phone, and honestly, that's a solid strategy. It takes the compact flagship formula from the S23 and injects a massive dose of AI smarts and a brighter screen. The one thing to know is this: it's the best small Android phone you can buy right now, but you're paying a premium for that pocket-friendly size and the Galaxy AI features, not raw hardware upgrades.

If you're looking for a phone that can go two full days on a charge or charges from zero to full in 20 minutes, this isn't it. Go get a OnePlus 13 instead. You'll trade the compact size for vastly superior battery and charging tech.

The Galaxy S24 is the default choice for anyone who hates giant phones but refuses to compromise on power. It's fast, bright, and packed with genuinely clever AI tools. Just know you're trading battery endurance and charging speed for that perfect in-hand feel. If you can find it for a good price, buy it without hesitation. If you're paying full price, wait for a sale.