In an era where gadget makers release new models every year, many great smartphones from the previous year quickly lose popularity. But don’t write them off too soon: some of them still offer an excellent balance of price and performance. Palach has picked five 2024 models that remain relevant in 2025 — from budget-friendly Xiaomi to the hit iPhone. Here’s a look at their strengths and where to find the best deals.

Xiaomi Poco F6: A Hit with Strong Hardware at a Great Price

The Poco F6 was last year’s bestseller for those who want performance without overpaying.

  • 67-inch AMOLED display, 1.5K resolution, 120 Hz refresh rate, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, peak brightness of 2400 nits — content is readable even in sunlight.
  • Powered by Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, handling high-end gaming and multitasking.
  • Cameras: 20 MP front, 50+8 MP rear with OIS.
  • 5000 mAh battery, 90 W fast charging (full in 35 minutes).

Pros: Bright display, powerful chip, fast charging.
Cons: Average battery life during gaming.

Honor 200 Pro: The Perfect Camera Phone for Balance

The Honor 200 Pro is a well-rounded flagship with a photography focus.

  • 78-inch OLED display, 1.5K, 120 Hz, HDR, 4000 nits brightness — great for movies and games.
  • Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 for smooth performance.
  • 5200 mAh battery with 100 W charging lasts a full day.
  • Cameras: 50+50+12 MP with 2.5x zoom and OIS. 50 MP front camera.
  • Extras: IP65, stereo speakers, IR blaster, NFC, 66 W wireless charging.

Pros: Excellent cameras, strong battery life, lots of features.
Cons: MagicOS interface may not suit everyone.

Xiaomi 15: A Compact Flagship for One-Handed Use

The Xiaomi 15 is a rare compact flagship.

  • 36-inch LTPO AMOLED display, 1.5K, 120 Hz, HDR10+, Dolby Vision, 3200 nits brightness.
  • Snapdragon 8 Elite chip.
  • Leica cameras: 50+50+50 MP with 2.6x zoom and 115° ultra-wide, 32 MP front.
  • 5240 mAh battery, 90 W fast charging, IP68, stereo speakers, NFC, wireless charging.

Pros: Compact size, Leica cameras, powerful hardware.
Cons: Higher price compared to rivals.

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: The All-Rounder with S Pen

The Galaxy S24 Ultra remains a powerhouse.

  • Titanium body, 6.8-inch LTPO AMOLED 2K display, 120 Hz, 2600 nits brightness.
  • Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy.
  • Cameras: 200+10+50+12 MP with 3x/5x zoom and OIS, 12 MP front.
  • 5000 mAh battery, 45 W charging.
  • S Pen, IP68, DeX mode, NFC, wireless charging.

Pros: Versatility, S Pen, excellent cameras.
Cons: Heavy, expensive.

iPhone 16 Pro: The Best of Apple

The iPhone 16 Pro is the go-to choice for iOS fans.

  • 3-inch LTPO Super Retina XDR OLED display.
  • A18 Pro chip with 16 GB RAM.
  • Cameras: 48+48+12 MP with 5x zoom.
  • 3582 mAh battery with fast charging.
  • iOS 18 with AI features, IP68, stereo speakers, NFC.

Pros: iOS ecosystem, strong cameras, premium Apple experience.
Cons: Average battery life, high price.

In Short…

In 2025, the Poco F6, Honor 200 Pro, Xiaomi 15, Galaxy S24 Ultra, and iPhone 16 Pro remain excellent options from last year. They’ve dropped in price while still offering flagship features. Choose based on OS, size, and needs: Android for customization, iOS for the ecosystem.