Product test reassures
Save on your smartphone: quality doesn’t have to be expensive
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Looking for a good smartphone? If you want the best, you'll have to dig deep into your pockets. But there are also good devices for comparatively little money.
You don't always have to spend a lot of money to get a powerful smartphone. A recent test by Stiftung Warentest shows that even inexpensive models can deliver good performance.
32 smartphones were tested, costing between 118 and 1260 euros. Of these, 18 models were rated “good”, 11 “satisfactory” and 3 “adequate”. (“Test” magazine 7/24)
The test winner: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is at the top of the test table. It impresses with its camera, display, battery life and handling. Samsung also promises seven years of security updates, which contributes to the long service life of the device.
However, there is one negative point: the display is more sensitive to scratches than that of the previous model and the mobile reception could be better, according to the testers. With a price of 1260 euros, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is the most expensive device in the current test. It is about on par with the iPhone 15 Pro Max – the product testers examined Apple's top model in a comparison test at the end of last year.
Consumers who don't want to spend so much money will find the OnePlus 12 a good alternative. It received a rating of “good” (1.8) and costs around 345 euros less than the test winner. The fast charging time is particularly noteworthy: with the included 100-watt power adapter, the battery is fully charged in half an hour, according to the study.
Buying tip for photo enthusiasts and price-conscious people
There are other good alternatives for well under 1000 euros. The Google Pixel 8 for 650 euros is a recommendation for photography enthusiasts. According to the report, the camera delivers excellent images even in low light. However, the Pixel 8 is a bit weaker in terms of battery life and shock resistance.
The Samsung Galaxy A35 5G is a real bargain. For just under 300 euros, buyers get a lot of quality for their money. The device scored “good” in all test categories. The camera delivers good photos in normal lighting, the battery lasts around 40 hours and the internal memory can be expanded using a memory card.
