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Choosing your premium smartphone is not always easy, especially when it comes to price, where the bar is often set very high. But if you look hard enough, especially for Android, high-end phones under a thousand euros do exist. The best in this field are not necessarily the ones you think.
To differentiate between these opportunities and the others, we are therefore using the experience acquired during our tests of the best premium phones of this year. Here is what you need to remember, with details on each major family of technical characteristics: photo, performance, design, screen…
Top of the best premium smartphones:
- iPhone 16 Pro & Pro Max
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
- Pixel 9 Pro and XL
- Xiaomi 14 Ultra
- Honor Magic 6 Pro
Apple's most advanced models
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Since we assume that this comparison aims to focus on the most efficient smartphones, and so the most expensive, it seems Obviously, Apple's latest iPhones must be among the models discussed here.
The iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max correspond to the ultimate smartphones offered by the Apple company in 2024, notably thanks to a greatly improved power thanks to the A18 Pro chip, but also thanks to a very powerful camera which notably exceeds the video performances of all the other devices discussed in this list, even the Google Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL. And in addition Apple integrates a button Camera Control dedicated to this exercise.
For the time being, the full potential of the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max has not yet been reached: in fact, the big new feature of these new models is compatibility with Apple Intelligence, Apple's in-house artificial intelligence system, which relies in particular on other language models such as Gemini or ChatGPT.
Unfortunately, Apple Intelligence will not be available in France until April 2025. Thus, while the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max are already among the most powerful smartphones on the market today, we will have to wait a few more months to fully consider them, since they will then be able to truly offer their artificial intelligence functions.
The most complete experience with a stylus.
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Let's now move on to the model which is perhaps the best known of our comparison: the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. This is, once again, the best smartphone from the eponymous brand. Be careful with the price, however, because this device will cost you the modest sum of no less than 1,469 euros.
But at this price, you can count on a high-flying technical sheet, where, what's more, there is almost nothing to complain about. In addition, users who like to draw freehand will have the chance to enjoy a stylus here. Its value proposition is reminiscent of the Apple Pencil Pro.
But the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is also the Galaxy AI suite of features. This allows you to take advantage of a transcription assistant, ideal for meetings. With Galaxy AI, you can also translate conversations in real time, especially with wireless headphones on your ears.
In addition, if you are already familiar with the Samsung ecosystem, this mobile will certainly be your best ally. Indeed, the manufacturer offers many integrations with its other devices, including smartwatches and laptops. With DeX, for example, you can create presentations on mobile and easily broadcast them on the big screen. This is ideal for business.
Let's finish with a few drawbacks. Choosing this smartphone will limit you to an old wireless charging standard, as the Qi 2 standard is not compatible. What's more, the charger is not included in the box. If you buy this already very expensive smartphone, you will therefore have to add the price of a dedicated adapter to your order, if you do not already have one at home.
Below, find a comparison table of the best prices currently offered on the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.
Google's premium models, for photo enthusiasts.
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If you are looking for a premium smartphone dedicated to photography, Google smartphones are generally the most suitable. This year is no exception: the Google Pixel 9 Pro and 9 Pro XL are the two most powerful models from the American giant, and stand out above all for their camera and a dedicated software part that directly challenges the competition.
The two models differ mainly in their size: the Google Pixel 9 Pro is the more compact version, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL stands out as the larger model. Thus, the Pixel 9 Pro offers a 6.3-inch panel, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL highlights a 6.8-inch screen.
Both models highlight a very bright screen, still very interesting photo services, long-term software updates (which implies that it will not be necessary to change smartphones for a long time), and a lot of artificial intelligence through Gemini, Google's in-house model.
Overall, these two models are easily among the most competitive on the market, especially for regular photo enthusiasts.
Top performance, but so is the price.
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The Xiaomi 14 Ultra is to its manufacturer what the Phantom is to Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. It&# This is the mobile with the best technical sheet that we find among all the premium smartphones of Xiaomi. Here, nothing has been left to chance. Power, image quality or even intercompatibility are at meet this model.
But its price is enough to curb our buying impulses, with all the same 1,499 euros on the counter. It is even more expensive than an iPhone 15 Pro Max, which is rare enough to be highlighted.
It must be said that the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is almost more of a camera than a phone. Indeed, its photo module was designed in partnership with Leica, the photography giant. The photos therefore take on the brand's very particular signature. And to push the experience to its paroxysm, Xiaomi even offers an accessory allowing you to imitate the experience of a case.
We can without hesitation mention the multiple benefits of this device, starting with the presence of a charger in the box. This may raise a smile at first, but let's remember that Samsung or Apple are now absent here. A shame for brands operating in the high-end sector
To finish with the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, we still suggest that you dwell twice rather than once on the operating system and its overlay, before possibly going to the checkout.
Indeed, our test revealed the presence of some rather annoying bloatware. The integration of artificial intelligence is also not as efficient as Apple or Samsung at the moment. Finally, invasive advertising can waste time.
The best value for money in our comparison.
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All other smartphones discussed in this comparison easily exceed €1000. After all, the goal here was to focus on premium models. But premium does not necessarily indicate that the price must be that high. There are slightly cheaper premium models that offer excellent value for money, such as this Honor Magic 6 Pro.
Available from €799, the Honor Magic 6 Pro offers a well-filled technical sheet, which does not necessarily have to blush in front of the alternatives presented above. Thus, for this price , you'll get a 6.8-inch OLED display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, and a very large 5600 mAh battery.
So, power combined with autonomy: this is the key word for this Chinese model that has been making headlines since it was released a few months ago. And thanks to its attractive price, it is undoubtedly a relevant option for users looking for a premium model without having to exceed the psychological barrier of €1,000.
It's up to you, of course, but here is who we think the premium smartphones in this comparison are intended for:
- iPhone 16 Pro & Pro Max: For Mac, Apple Watch, and iPad users, or those who already own an iPhone
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: For individuals looking for a large, high-powered smartphone with AI
- Google Pixel 9 Pro & XL: for lovers of quality shots and professionals who work with Gemini on a daily basis, especially on Workspace
- Xiaomi 14 Ultra: for those who do not want to make the slightest compromise on the technical sheet
- Honor Magic 6 Pro: the best value for money on the premium market
So, which model tempts you the most ?
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