I’ve never been more excited to see another year go by with so many great companies releasing so many amazing products.
Android Central prides itself on the amount of time we spend on our reviews. We conduct extensive testing, noting how companies perform and, in some cases, worse.
But we’re not going to talk about losers; we’re going to talk about the winners, and last week we showed you how many great companies have outperformed.
Whether it’s the Google Pixel 9 Pro, Oura Ring 4, Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus, or Meta Quest 3s, as the editor-in-chief of Android Central, I can confidently say that it’s been an incredible year. .
Android Central congratulates all winners. You all deserve it, and we’re so excited about all the devices and services you’ll launch in 2025!
Google Pixel 9 Pro won the crown as Android Central’s favorite phone of the year, packing innovative features like Gemini AI And Pixel screenshots with a compact design that still features triple rear cameras. User-friendly AI improvements and consistent performance kept the team coming back, even as other phones outperformed it in certain areas. Meanwhile, OnePlus 12 triumphantly returned to relevance thanks to its smooth software, incredibly fast charging and eye-friendly OLED display, earning it a second place finish.
The Pixel 9 Pro wasn’t the only standout smartphone this year. We’ve also named the best foldable phone, budget phone, and best-performing Android brand, among other categories. Be it the sleek design and versatile screen of the Honor Magic V3, the unbeatable price of the mid-range Pixel 8a or the resurgence of OnePlus across segments, 2024 has given every Android enthusiast something exceptional. You can read more about all our best phones of the year.
Pixel clock 3 We’ve handpicked the best smartwatches of 2024, delivering the perfect balance of style, functionality and performance. The larger display, thinner bezels, brighter screen, and smoother refresh rate made it a standout upgrade. Google enthusiasts especially liked its seamless integration with Google Home, making it the centerpiece of connected devices. The watch’s improved running tools and sleek design have won many of us over, and several members of the team have switched to it this year.
Apart from the Pixel Watch 3, we also revealed the winners in other categories such as best smart ring, wearable device and more. You can read about all our top picks for 2024 and find out why they stand out.
Meta Quest 3S gets our pick for the best XR headset of 2024, offering unbeatable value at just $299. Featuring updated controllers, full-color see-through vision, and a next-gen Snapdragon chipset, it delivers an accessible yet powerful experience for new users and an easy upgrade for Quest 2 owners. Bundled with Batman Arkham Shadow for free, it sparked a wave of sci-fi mixed reality gaming and paved the way for VR. next generation experiments in 2025. Be sure to read more about the winners of the best devices for smart glasses and games.
Samsung surprised everyone this year Galaxy Chromebook PlusThe thinnest 15.6-inch Chromebook ever released. Weighing just 2.58 pounds, it’s surprisingly lightweight while still packing features like a full-size HDMI port and microSD card slot. Its standout innovation is the new “Shortcut Key” designed to streamline the Gemini experience on ChromeOS, improving performance in both Google and third-party apps.
Galaxy Chromebook Plus sets a new standard for design and functionality, earning it the title of best Chromebook of 2024. While other contenders like the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus impressed with their versatility and convertible design, Samsung’s offering stole the show. You I can study more about the Chromebook category and our other winners
Spotify remains our top pick for the best music streaming service in 2024, continuing to dominate with 252 million subscribers and 640 million monthly active users. The app’s user-friendly interface and innovative features such as AI-generated playlists keep users engaged despite long-awaited Hi-Fi level still missing. Spotify’s ability to evolve with new plans and features allows it to stay ahead of the competition. Second-place YouTube Music continues to improve with UI tweaks and AI features, making it a solid contender for those looking for an alternative. Readers can explore winners in other categories including Best Video Streaming Service, Best Android App and more.
Thinborne takes the title of Best Phone Case Manufacturer of 2024, standing out in a crowded market with its ultra-thin and durable aramid fiber cases. This small Texas brand impressively integrates features like MagSafe into its incredibly thin designs, offering style and functionality without sacrificing protection. For those seeking the finest craftsmanship and innovation, Thinborne remains unrivaled.
As for wireless headphones, Sonos Ace debuts as our top pick for 2024, combining the immersive sound quality of the Sonos home theater ecosystem with portability. These over-ear headphones support Dolby Atmos, built-in Wi-Fi for seamless integration with Sonos soundbars, and competitive active noise cancellation. While first-generation limitations such as limited app equalizer capabilities exist, the Ace’s high-resolution audio and innovative features signal an exciting step forward. Read about the winners in other categories.