Editor-DN
I’ve never been so excited to see another year pass and so many amazing companies launching so many amazing products.
Android Central takes pride in the amount of time we spend on our reviews. We test broadly, noting how companies have performed and, in some cases, underperformed.
But we’re not going to talk about losers. We’re going to talk about the winners, and this past week, we showed you how many amazing companies outperformed.
Whether it’s Google’s Pixel 9 Pro, Oura Ring 4, Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus, or Meta Quest 3s, as 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 excited about all the tools and services you’ll be launching in 2025!
The Google Pixel 9 Pro was crowned Android Central’s favorite phone of the year, combining advanced features like Gemini AI and Pixel Screenshots with a compact design that still packs triple rear cameras. Its user-friendly AI enhancements and consistent performance kept the team coming back, even as other phones outperformed it in certain areas. Meanwhile, the OnePlus 12 made a triumphant return to compatibility with its silky-smooth software, fast charging, and eye-friendly OLED display, earning it a well-deserved runner-up spot.
The Pixel 9 Pro wasn’t the only standout this year. We also named Best Foldable Phone, Value Phone, and Best Android Brand among other categories. Be it the sleek design and versatile screens of the Honor Magic V3, the unbeatable mid-range value of the Pixel 8a, or the rebirth of OnePlus in every segment, 2024 offered something extraordinary for every Android enthusiast. You can read more about all our top phone picks for the year.
The Pixel Watch 3 emerged as our clear choice for the best smartwatch of 2024, offering the perfect balance of style, functionality and performance. Its large display, thin bezels, bright screen, and smooth refresh rate make it a great upgrade. Google fans especially love its seamless integration with Google Home, making it a hub for connected devices. The watch’s improved running tools and sleek design won over many of us, with several members of the team switching it up this year.
In addition to the Pixel Watch 3, we also crowned winners in other categories like best smart color, wearable, and more. You can read about all of our top picks for 2024 and find out what made them stand out.
The Meta Quest 3S earns our pick for the best XR headset of 2024, priced at just $299. With upgraded controllers, full-color pass-through vision, and a next-generation Snapdragon chipset, it provides an accessible yet powerful experience for new users and an easy upgrade for Quest 2 owners. Bundled with Batman Arkham Shadow for free, it has spawned a wave of fantastic mixed reality games and set the stage for next-gen VR experiences in 2025. Read more about the winners of Smart Glasses and Best Devices for Games.
Samsung surprised everyone this year with the Galaxy Chromebook Plus, the thinnest 15.6-inch Chromebook ever released. Weighing just 2.58 pounds, it’s remarkably light yet has features like a full-size HDMI port and microSD card slot. Its standout innovation is the new “Quick Insert Key,” designed to streamline interactions with Gemini across ChromeOS, increasing productivity in both Google and third-party apps.
The Galaxy Chromebook Plus sets a new standard in design and functionality, earning its place as the best Chromebook of 2024. While other contenders, such as the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus, impressed with its versatility and convertible designs, Samsung’s offering grabbed the attention. You can explore more about the Chromebook category and our other winners.
With 252 million subscribers and 640 million monthly active users dominating, Spotify is our top pick for the best music streaming service in 2024. The app’s user-friendly interface and advanced features like AI-generated playlists keep users engaged despite the absence of the long-awaited Hi-Fi tier. Spotify’s ability to evolve with new projects and features ensures that it stays ahead of the competition. YouTube Music, as the runner-up, is improving with changes to its UI 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 stands out as the best phone case manufacturer of 2024 in a crowded market with its ultra-thin, durable aramid fiber cases. This small Texas-based brand impressively integrates features like MagSafe into its impossibly slim designs, offering both style and functionality without compromising on protection. For those seeking premium craftsmanship and innovation, Thinborne is unmatched.
In the wireless headphone space, the Sonos Ace debuts as our top pick for 2024, combining the immersive sound quality of Sonos’ home theater ecosystem with portability. These over-ear headphones boast Dolby Atmos support, built-in Wi-Fi for seamless integration with Sonos soundbars, and competitive active noise cancellation. While the limitations of the first generation such as limited app EQ options remain, the Ace’s high-res audio and groundbreaking features signal an exciting step forward. Read about the winners in other categories.
