SMARTPHONES
- TIPS & TRICKS
- Circle to Search lets you circle anything from anywhere on your screen, and it’ll direct you to Google to learn more about it.
- Let Samsung’s Generative Edit take over in your camera roll, and it’ll help cut out the bits you don’t want or fill in the bits lacking a bit of flair.
- Swap out that side key shortcut. Out of the box, it’s assigned to Bixby, but fiddle around in Settings and Advanced features and you can make it far more useful.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
from R30 000 / vodacom.co.za
We’re only a few months into the year, and Samsung is already dominating the Android flagship space. But you probably already knew that didn’t you? Samsung’s 2024 crème de la crème – the AI-wielding Galaxy S24 Ultra – turned up wearing a shiny new titanium-adorned, straight-edged jacket, accompanied the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and 12GB of RAM. The display is about as excellent as you’d expect and the 200MP main camera sensor is even better. But unless Galaxy AI is the only thing on your bucket list, you’ll probably fare better with something a little older.
Stuff says ★★★★★
The best of the best doesn’t come cheap, and the Galaxy S24 Ultra is the best.
• NOW ADD THIS
SAMSUNG GALAXY S24 ULTRA SHIELD CASE
Look, we don’t need to tell you that dropping the equivalent of a few months’ rent is a bad idea. And yet… here we are.
R700 / samsung.com/za
iPhone 15 Pro Max
From R31 500 / incredible.co.za
There’s a new iPhone on the block this year, and that means a couple of things. One, it might be the next big player in the console industry (no, really) and two, it’ll cost you a few months’ rent before it gets into your pants. Living on the streets might be worth it for that A17 Pro chipset, right? Other highlights include a titanium chassis and new video and camera skills, which are essential for justifying that R32k price.
Stuff says ★★★★★
Got a PS5 or Xbox? This upgrade might be a bit over the top for you.
Honor Magic 6 Pro
R25 000 / cellucity.co.za
It may not carry the same sway that names such as Samsung or Apple do in the household, but Honor’s Magic 6 Pro might just be the smartphone to change that. Whether it’s the stunning textured rear, or the gorgeous 6.8in LTPO OLED display it’s wrapped up in, Honor is making a statement here. It’s doing that with the 5,600mAh battery (and 80W charging), tri-camera set-up and Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC. All that for a few grand less than the competition.
Stuff says ★★★★★
Expect to see a lot more of Honor if the Magic 6 Pro is any indication.
iPhone 15 Pro
★★★★★ from R25 800 / incredible.co.za
It might be the middle child, but the iPhone 15 Pro will do plenty of acting out to get your attention.
Samsung Galaxy S24
★★★★★ from R21 000 / incredible.co.za
The runt of Samsung’s latest litter will do its best to tempt you with AI, a solid build, and fair pricepoint.
Nothing Phone (2)
★★★★★ from R16 800 / droneworld.co.za
It’s not technically a Samsung-killer yet, but if anyone can do it, it’s Nothing. It’s got the tech, the pretty looks, and enough gimmicks to keep the crowd coming back.
iPhone 15
★★★★★ from R20 000 / incredible.co.za
Hey, it can’t play the new Assassin’s Creed, but it does have USB-C. And Candy Crush.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
★★★★★ R17 000 / game.co.za
Samsung keeps the S23 Ultra alive well past its sell-by date thanks to retro-fitted AI.
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
★★★★★ R14 500 / samsung.com/za
If you’re on a budget but don’t want to miss out on Galaxy AI, pick up the S23 FE. You won’t regret it.
Samsung Galaxy Fold 5
★★★★★ R31 000 / takealot.com
If a Samsung foldable is a must, give the Fold 6 a skip and stick with last year’s effort.