In the ever-evolving world of smartphones, the iPhone 16 has emerged as a surprising champion in MKBHD’s 2024 Smartphone Awards. Claiming the title of the Best Small Phone, this device redefines what it means to be a ‘small’ smartphone in a market that has largely shifted towards larger screens. Marques Brownlee, the influential tech reviewer better known as MKBHD, highlighted this shift during his annual review.
Despite the trend towards bigger devices, the iPhone 16 stands out with its 6.1-inch display. It manages to maintain a compact footprint relative to its competitors, catering to users who crave high performance without the bulk. Brownlee commended Apple for packing a plethora of features typically reserved for its Pro models into this more manageable form factor. The iPhone 16 not only offers convenience but also doesn’t skimp on capabilities, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a smaller yet potent device.
Excellence in Usability and Design
The iPhone 16’s design philosophy seems to strike the perfect balance between size and functionality. According to MKBHD, while the phone is lightweight and easy to handle, it does not compromise the quality of its features. This approach by Apple showcases its commitment to providing users with a device that is both easy to carry and powerful enough to handle demanding applications. It’s a testament to Apple’s engineering that they can offer such a robust experience in what is now considered a smaller package.
A Broader Perspective on Smartphone Excellence
While the iPhone 16 stole the show in the small phone category, the MKBHD Smartphone Awards 2024 covered a variety of other categories, revealing the diverse preferences and needs of smartphone users.
Notably, the iPhone 16 Pro won in the Best Camera category. Brownlee praised the iPhone’s camera capabilities, noting that despite stiff competition from phones like the Vivo X200 Pro, which boasts more advanced sensors, the iPhone remains superior in delivering a complete package, particularly favoured for professional video recording.
On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra was named the Phone of the Year. MKBHD described the S24 Ultra as potentially “boring” due to its lack of groundbreaking features like a foldable design.
However, its excellence lies in its consistency and the all-round quality of its components, including a great screen, battery, and camera systems, complemented by a new anti-reflective coating that enhances visibility. According to Brownlee, it’s these fundamentals that made the S24 Ultra his most-used phone over the year, underscoring the importance of reliability and quality in user experience.
The Smartphone Awards of 2024, as presented by MKBHD, offer valuable insights into the current and future trends in the smartphone industry. The recognition of the iPhone 16 as the Best Small Phone underscores a niche that prefers compact efficiency without sacrificing performance. As the market evolves, it will be interesting to see how companies adapt to meet the varied preferences of users across the globe.
