My top 5 phones of 2024 - Ivan

29 December 2024
The vivo X100 Ultra is mine, my own, my precious...

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Eyaddy, 29 Dec 2024Why is Sony forgotten? Like seriously they make some very ... moreSony phones are too expensive, always late, and to me, poor cameras even compared to the Galaxy S24 Ultra

    DeepIn2U, 30 Dec 2024@Ivan ... "Galaxy Watch6 Classic (this took a lot of t... moreYou can find threads how to do it when searching "pair Galaxy Watch # to OriginOS/vivo x##
    In my case, I installed the Galaxy Wearable app fromPlay Store, the Galaxy Watch6 Plugin from Play Store, the Google WearOS app from Play Store, the same WearOS app from vivo's store. Then I cleared all data from the Galaxy Wearable app (hold icon, tap i App Info, Storage, Clear Data), then I uninstalled Google Play from the phone. Finally, I first connected the Watch6 through the Bluetooth menu, then from the Galaxy Wearable app.
    Mind you, I did it on try 4 or 5, it doesn't always happen on the first go.

      xPandamon, 30 Dec 2024I say "may", as that depends on the manufacturer.... more"Some features are not used in the Chinese market and may therefore be excluded or changed to something else."

      Yeah, like the Google Play Store, which you can easily download on any China only phone (except Huawei), because they all already have Google Play Services in them, it's just not being used in the original market.

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        DarlingYext, 29 Dec 2024So what exactly are those life changing differences? I&... moreI have no idea about this conversation until I got input from google. What I know is this talks about security generally that cause several apps are limited from their full functioning and some are ammended and/or deleted from the device to meet government rule for each region. As long as the phone can be used for daily common activity, there shouldn't be a problem.

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          Eyaddy, 29 Dec 2024Why is Sony forgotten? Like seriously they make some very ... moreBeacuse that's your opinion and not a fact or a conclusion that's arrived upon by using rational judgement. You wrote all the reasons why it shouldn't be here and it's a phone for niche customers like photographers so most people won't care or use it to its fullest extent. 🤣

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            Anonymous, 29 Dec 2024yeah chinese phones struggle with because when you buy a ne... moreHmmm... this is wrong. But Iphone still isn't in the list. :)

              DarlingYext, 29 Dec 2024"Some apps may have differences, especially system app... moreI say "may", as that depends on the manufacturer. Something I also said before. Some features are not used in the Chinese market and may therefore be excluded or changed to something else. You can say no but that only means you don't know about some of the manufacturers, which is fine. But don't act like it ain't the case, especially when you contradict yourself on the last sentence.

                notafanboy, 29 Dec 2024Wtf are you talking about, those are some outdated stereoty... moreThose aren't "outdated stereotypes". We had plenty of reviews on here lately where update support was criticized for not being clear, something Samsung does well.

                  @Ivan ... "Galaxy Watch6 Classic (this took a lot of tinkering), "

                  Please share the tinkering you've done to get this working PLEASE?!

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                    Eyaddy, 29 Dec 2024Why is Sony forgotten? Like seriously they make some very ... moreSony Xperia:
                    Sony emphasizes "natural" photos, minimizing computational enhancements.
                    Images may appear flat, less vibrant, or noisy, especially in challenging scenarios like low light or high dynamic range.
                    Basic AI scene recognition compared to competitors.
                    Struggles to dynamically adjust for complex scenarios like backlit subjects or extreme low light without manual intervention.
                    Relies heavily on sensor size and manual controls for night photography, but lacks multi-frame stacking and noise reduction.
                    Results are often noisier and darker unless the user adjusts settings manually.
                    High-resolution video recording and prolonged camera use can cause overheating.
                    Overheating may lead to reduced performance or app shutdowns, which can be frustrating for users.
                    Minimal post-processing can leave images looking underwhelming compared to rivals.Photos may lose quality when uploaded to platforms like Instagram or TikTok due to less optimized software for these apps.. Inconsistent Balance Between Pro and Auto Modes
                    Pro Mode Complexity: The Xperia’s Photography Pro app offers DSLR-like controls (e.g., shutter speed, ISO, manual focus), but it's not as streamlined or intuitive as standalone DSLR interfaces.
                    This can frustrate enthusiasts who want simplicity with the option for deeper control.
                    Auto Mode Underwhelms: The auto mode, which most users—including enthusiasts—rely on for quick shots, often underperforms compared to competitors.
                    Photography enthusiasts want both control and reliable auto performance, something Xperia struggles to deliver.eria lacks specialized features that appeal to photography enthusiasts, such as:
                    Advanced astrophotography modes (found in Google Pixel phones).
                    Super macro modes or creative AI-driven effects (common in Vivo and Xiaomi devices).
                    High-quality periscope zoom (a strength of OPPO’s Find X series).
                    These omissions make Xperia feel less innovative for enthusiasts who want tools to experiment with different styles.Photography enthusiasts appreciate having tools that allow them to capture dynamic, creative shots, such as:
                    AI-assisted long exposures, light trails, or motion tracking.
                    Features like Vivo’s Sky Replacement or OPPO’s AI-powered cinematic effects.
                    The Xperia’s focus on raw output and natural processing may feel limiting for enthusiasts looking to explore creative options without extensive post-production.Xperia hardware (large sensors, Zeiss lenses) is excellent, but its potential is underutilized due to less advanced software.
                    Even enthusiasts can find it frustrating to extract maximum performance manually, especially when competitors automate similar results.
                    Features like dual-aperture lenses or periscope telephoto (seen in Vivo and OPPO devices) provide versatility that Xperia cameras don’t match.Photography enthusiasts often shoot, edit, and share directly from their phones. Xperia falls behind in:
                    RAW file processing speed compared to Vivo’s V2 ISP or Xiaomi’s Leica partnership.
                    Limited native editing tools and less integration with mobile editing platforms (e.g., Adobe Lightroom).
                    Vivo and OPPO devices provide better synergy between capturing and editing through AI-enhanced tools and easy social sharing.

                      Eyaddy, 29 Dec 2024This list is one of the best lists in GSMArena Yes I know... moreWhy is Sony forgotten?
                      Like seriously they make some very good camera phones (yes the charging speed isn't the fastest and it might be a bit too overpriced) but overall their phones are good and in my opinion a true photographer would go for the Chinese ultra phones (oppo find X ultra, Vivo X ultra, Xiaomi ultra,etc) or a Sony phone because to be honest Samsung's ultra phones have good cameras but they aren't the best

                        Anonymous, 29 Dec 2024You're right. I didn't even notice that detail. ... moreTriggered much?

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                          xPandamon, 29 Dec 2024No phone is ever perfect and Samsung phones generally are g... moreyeah chinese phones struggle with because when you buy a new phone they actually try to make you feel like you buy a new phone and benefit from the last hardware, unlike samsung who releases 99% the same phone every year, when the update will be ready for s25u they already have 99% of the work done for s24u because is basically the same phone, that's why they can provide more updates
                          I rather pay for latest tech, no amount of samsung software updates will compensate their inferior hardware

                            xPandamon, 29 Dec 2024No phone is ever perfect and Samsung phones generally are g... moreWtf are you talking about, those are some outdated stereotypes. It's almost 2025 pal, time to wake up.

                              xPandamon, 29 Dec 2024Some apps may have differences, especially system apps. Thi... more"Some apps may have differences, especially system apps. Things may be changed or removed. "

                              May? So you don't actually know. Then I'll tell you, functionally, they aren't different.

                              "Things may be changed or removed."

                              No.

                              "Other things may not work at all in another country. "

                              Everything works as it should, except Android Auto, and even that will work in Android 15.

                              "A simple language change won't help with that and there is no guarantee that the Chinese rom is identical to the western one"

                              What do you mean by there is no guarantee that it's identical? It's not, it's completely different, that's the point. Lmao

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                                Excellent article. Honest writing. Well done.

                                  DarlingYext, 29 Dec 2024"Perfectly fine" is NOT what a $1000+ device shou... moreNo phone is ever perfect and Samsung phones generally are good packages with long update support. Something Chinese phones often still struggle with.

                                    DarlingYext, 29 Dec 2024So what exactly are those life changing differences? I&... moreSome apps may have differences, especially system apps. Things may be changed or removed. Other things may not work at all in another country. It always depends on the phone, of course. A simple language change won't help with that and there is no guarantee that the Chinese rom is identical to the western one

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                                      jiyen235, 29 Dec 2024if you think gsm hates xiaomi you're a very VERY bitte... moreS24 ultra photos suck at night

                                        Alex M, 29 Dec 2024Ivan is biased not based lolAnd water is wet

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