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Android Police Awards in the 2024, This is Our best phone, tablet, wearable and more

 



En.bedadung.com -- We use December to reflect on the last year in the tech industry and award our favorite devices with the coveted Best Of designation. We've reviewed more items on Android Police in 2024 than ever before, and this year, more staff members are participating in our vote process.




Below is our comprehensive list of the year's top gadgets, which was compiled by each editor who took the time to participate to our awards. In addition to phones, we also have prizes for tablets, wearable technology, headphones, smart home appliances, mobile games, and more. Additionally, you may find our selection for the top product Google killed in 2024 by scrolling to the end. Without further ado, these are 2024's top devices. If you disagree with any of our selections, please let us know in the comments section below.





The Google Pixel 9 Pro


The Google Pixel 9 Pro featuring the logo for Android Police's Best of 2024 award. Android Police's best of the year award hasn't been given to a non-Pixel smartphone in a number of years, and 2024 isn't going to be any different. This year, the entire Pixel 9 series was outstanding, bringing a fresh design that felt like a huge improvement over the already superb Pixel 8 series. However, it was the Pixel 9 Pro that really stood out, not because it was superior to the rest of its portfolio but rather because it was a brand-new product designed to address a clear need in Google's product line.



The Pixel 9 Pro is the first "small" flagship that Google has released in a long time, even if it sounds like a sequel to the Pixel 8 Pro. It condenses all of the great features of the 6.8-inch Pixel 9 Pro XL into a 6.3-inch portable device. Even while it's not exactly the iPhone 13 Mini-style gadget that some of us might desire, it's still a positive move in a world full with smartphones. Additionally, the phone itself is pretty damn nice, which is helpful.


The Google Pixel 9 Pro - A recent addition to Google's range, the Pixel 9 Pro serves as a more affordable flagship to go with the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Despite its new XL name, the latter is the direct successor to the 2023 Pixel 8 Pro, while the Pixel 9 Pro introduces a new form factor to Google's high-end products. It has the same dimensions as the standard Pixel 9 model and all the AI and camera capabilities we've come to expect from Google's Pro lineup.



The Google Pixel 9

In comparison to the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL, the Pixel 9 is Google's most reasonably priced flagship for 2024. It makes a few concessions but still boasts the Google intelligence for which the lineup is known. A 50MP primary camera is partnered with an improved 48MP ultra-wide camera, and the selfie camera has autofocus. Together with a 2,700-nit Actua display and new Gemini AI functions, this device offers outstanding value for the money.


The Google Pixel 8a

The Google Pixel 8a featuring the logo for Android Police's Best of 2024 award. A Google product in 2024 going unnoticed is hard to conceive, yet that's just what occurred with the Pixel 8a. The Pixel 8a was in limbo as a result of rapid Pixel 8 sales and rumors of an early Pixel 9 release. An good midrange smartphone was awarded to those who withstood Google's clumsy marketing. With the Pixel 8a, Google fixed a lot of my issues with the Pixel A series.



The Pixel 8a has a brighter panel than earlier midrange Pixels thanks to its amazing Actua display. With its 6.1-inch display, it's also a smaller device than the behemoth flagships we're accustomed to, making it a pleasure to hold. For the price, I adore the Tensor G3 chipset's capabilities, and for less than $400, it's difficult to find a better camera than the Pixel. Along with seven years of Android updates, Google also promised extensive software support. The Pixel 8a is deserving of our Best Value Phone award even though it wasn't the most visually striking device of 2024.



The OnePlus 12R is noteworthy even though it didn't win our Best Value award over the Pixel 8a. With a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, it offered the raw performance value we've come to expect from premium OnePlus smartphones at a midrange pricing point, making it an excellent gaming device for the money. It also has 100W wired charging and a huge 5,500mAh battery. The OnePlus 12R was difficult to top in 2024 if you were looking for the best value.




Square Pixel 8a

The goal of the Pixel 8a is to make you forget that the Pixel 8 ever existed. Google's most recent mid-range smartphone offers the ideal balance of speed and AI intelligence thanks to several significant improvements over its predecessor, such as a brighter display, a quicker processor, and a larger battery. It is also the longest-lasting $500 smartphone available today, with OS upgrades occurring every seven years.



The OnePlus 12R

The OnePlus 12R, the less expensive sister of the flagship, offers nearly the same experience at a reduced cost. A Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip, a 6.78-inch FHD+ OLED screen, and a powerful 5,500mAh battery are used to do this. If you need a midrange phone with a lot of raw power, this is a great option.


Redmagic 10 Pro

The Redmagic 10 Pro featuring the logo for Android Police's Best of 2024 award. The main reason the Redmagic 10 Pro is the greatest gaming phone of 2024 is that it is outspoken about its identity and has a price that won't shock you. Thanks to an under-screen front camera, chasing low bezels hasn't come at the expense of fullscreen functionality. Another indication that this smartphone was made with demanding gameplay in mind is the 7,050mAh battery. Additionally, Redmagic was able to fit the camera bump into the frame with a flat back since the battery is so large. This is a design that few other manufacturers can achieve in their competition to make the thinnest phone.



Ultimately, the primary reason people purchase gaming phones is to play games, and the Redmagic 10 Pro is a gaming powerhouse thanks to its Snapdragon 8 Elite CPU and a substantial amount of RAM, starting at 12GB. With a starting price of $649, this beast of a phone completely outperforms its competitors. Therefore, despite the fact that this pricing includes some compromises that might not be appealing to the general public, such as mediocre cameras, a large footprint, and moderate support, these compromises are necessary to provide high-end specifications in a mid-range phone. The Redmagic 10 Pro was chosen as our gaming phone of the year by the entire AP crew, so I'm not the only one who thinks thus. Leaning into a specialized market might be profitable at times.



Naturally, the OnePlus 12 is AP's second-place pick for the best gaming phone if you're searching for something a little more mainstream for your gaming, a phone that's more normal as a daily carry. It provides the specifications needed to play games with ease and improves software support over time.





RedMagic 10 Pro

The RedMagic 10 Pro is unapologetically a gaming phone. Extremely small bezels, a huge battery, a flush rear that conceals the camera bump within the frame, and a whole screen free of camera holes are all included. When it comes to gaming, it's a powerful tool at an affordable price.



The OnePlus 12

With a larger screen, improved screen brightness, and more power efficiency, the OnePlus 12 builds on the design of the OnePlus 11, which everyone found appealing. Even though it isn't marketed as a gaming phone, its amazing features make it one of the best.


Most of AP's editorial staff were impressed by Motorola's Razr+ this year, despite some fierce competition from Samsung and Google. Motorola chose to elevate things to a whole new level, even though the Galaxy Z Flip 6 kept the essential elements of what made its predecessor so fantastic. With its massive 4-inch front cover display, the Razr+ offers a far more immersive experience than ever before, occupying almost the whole front of the phone. You can perform almost anything without ever using the primary internal display, including navigation and audio playback.


However, the Razr+'s superiority extends beyond its cover screen. While the addition of (finally!) an always-on display helps make a more usable smartphone at its core, its variety of materials, such as vegan leather and vegan suede, make it feel completely unique in a market when so many devices are nearly identical. The Razr+ is among the greatest smartphones we've seen so far, if flip phones are the final remaining affordable alternative.




Razr+ from Motorola (2024)

The Motorola Razr+ (2024) is a remarkable flip-foldable device with top-tier internal components. Motorola has improved one of our favorite flip phones from the previous year with the 2024 model, which features a larger cover screen, a more robust battery, and better cameras.




The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold

The successor to the 2023-released Pixel Fold is the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, starting at $1,800. It boasts a bigger 8-inch Super Actua inner display, paired with a 6.3-inch outer display. It is powered by Google's new Tensor G4 chipset, paired with 16GB of RAM, and sports a ton of new Gemini tools.


Best tablet: Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+

You don’t have to be the most exciting upgrade to earn our award for top Android tablet. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ might not represent a significant visual change from its predecessors, but its internals and display quality still make it an excellent tablet. It features a gorgeous 12.4-inch Dynamic AMOLED panel with vibrant colors and deep contrast. It makes the Tab S10+ ideal for content consumption, and its beefy battery allows you to watch several movies and shows on a single charge.


Of course, for $1,000, you’ll want to do more than watch movies on your tablet, and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ makes for a capable work and productivity slate. Its included S-pen works well, and the optional Samsung keyboard cover adds to the versatility of the Tab S10+ — you can dress it up or down depending on your needs for the day. Samsung switched from a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 to a MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ for the Tab S10+. While benchmarks slightly improve, your day-to-day experience will feel largely unchanged. However, that’s not bad, as the Tab S9+ was already a top performer.


If you want the most bang for your buck, OnePlus is true to form with its OnePlus Pad 2. It earns an honorable mention from us because of the raw performance of its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset for only $550. It’ll chew through intensive apps and games easily, and you’ll enjoy the viewing experience thanks to its gorgeous 12.1-inch 3K display refreshing at 144Hz.



Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+

Samsung's Galaxy Tab S10+ isn't a huge improvement over its predecessor. It keeps plenty of what we liked about that model, including its 12.4-inch AMOLED display and its bundled S Pen, but swaps out a Snapdragon chip for MediaTek's Dimensity 9300+. It also has a greater focus on AI, with a dedicated key on its optional keyboard cover.


Runner-up: OnePlus Pad 2

The OnePlus Pad 2 builds on OnePlus' first tablet, featuring an even larger 12.1-inch, 7:5 aspect ratio display. The six-speaker system and powerful internals, comprised of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and 12GB RAM, complement the display. With a large 9,510mAh battery, the tablet also has enough juice to last through a day of use.


Supernote Nomad

The Supernote Nomad with Android Police's Best of 2024 award logo attached. The Supernote Nomad hits the sweet spot between e-reader and note-taking E Ink table. It runs Android, and there is sideloading support, which means you can easily install F-Droid to expand your app selection, say, if you're looking to sideload an e-reading app made for E Ink screens, like KOReader. Compared to something like a Kindle or Kobo, you can do a lot more with the Nomad.


And much like many of my favorite products this year, the Sueprnote Nomad is a purpose-built device. It's designed to stay out of your way, just like a typical paper notepad. It sits on the desk for the purpose of taking notes. This also means that, just like paper, there is no front or backlighting. While you won't be able to read at night without a lamp, the lack of lighting with the screen is what allows the contrast of the text to shine, as there is one less layer between you and the 7.8-inch screen.


But Supernote isn't the only one that loads Android on its E Ink devices. Boox has been in the Android game for even longer with its e-readers, which is why the Boox Go 10.3 is our runner-up for 2024. It's a larger device than the Nomad at 10.2 inches, but since it runs Android and comes with Play Store access, the world is your oyster when it comes to the apps you install. More or less, if you need something bigger than the Nomad, the Boox Go 10.3 is an excellent choice that has reviewed very well.



Supernote Nomad

The Supernote Nomad leans hard into emulating the experience of using a paper notepad, to the point there is no lighting with its E Ink Screen. This allows for a deeper contrast since there are less layers between you and the screen. And the note-taking experience is superb, thanks to pens that use ceramic nibs with the self-recovery screen. So, if you demand the best digital note-taking experience out there, look no further than AP's favorite e-reader of 2024.


Runner-up: Boox Go 10.3

Boox Go 10.3 -- The Boox Go 10.3 is one of the thinnest full-size e-readers on the market, all the while offering 10.3-inch screen that is perferct for taking notes or drawing, and since the device runs Android, there are plenty of apps at your dispossal to make this e-reader your own.

Best wearable

Google Pixel Watch 3

The Google Pixel Watch 3 with Android Police's Best of 2024 award logo attached


Last year's Pixel Watch 2 was a significantly better smartwatch than the first-generation model from 2022, but it still wasn't my go-to recommendation when someone asked which Wear OS watch they should buy. Battery life was just okay, the bezel around the display was chunky, and it only came in one size — a deal-breaker for a lot of buyers.


But this year, the Pixel Watch 3 is part of those conversations. As Samsung's standard wearable has gotten increasingly stale — the Galaxy Watch 7 is almost identical to the Watch 6, which was pretty much the same as the Watch 5 — the Pixel Watch 3 makes some serious gains, with notably longer battery life, smaller bezels, UWB support, and critically, a larger 45mm model for those of us with thicker wrists. With distinctive hardware design, a snappy UX, and battery life that comfortably stretches past 24 hours on a charge, the Pixel Watch 3 was an easy choice for our 2024 smartwatch of the year.


Taylor Kerns, Google Editor


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Google Pixel Watch 3 on a white background

Google Pixel Watch 3


The Pixel Watch 3 isn't just a good smartwatch for Google nerds, it's a solid pick for anyone using an Android phone who wants a wearable that's as sleek as it is functional. Plus, it comes in two sizes — which we couldn't say about the Pixel Watch 2. It's our favorite smartwatch of the year.

Runner-up: OnePlus Watch 2


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oneplus watch 2, angled view

OnePlus Watch 2


$200 $300 Save $100


On the heels of 2021's outright bad OnePlus Watch, we weren't expecting much from the OnePlus Watch 2 — but we were happy to be proven wrong. OnePlus's second smartwatch runs Wear OS and offers truly phenomenal battery life for a watch of its kind.

Best headphones

Sonos Ace

The Sonos Ace with Android Police's Best of 2024 award logo attached


High-end wireless headphones are generally incredible these days, offering great audio quality, powerful noise cancellation, and marathon battery life as table stakes. The Sonos Ace headphones do all that about as well as any other premium Bluetooth headphones, but they also come with a great perk for people who use a Sonos Arc soundbar. With the tap of a button, Sonos's software can route your TV audio directly to the headphones — an immense convenience for anyone who shares a living space. Sure, you might be able to accomplish roughly the same thing other Bluetooth cans, but the experience isn't nearly as seamless.


They're pricey, but for anyone invested in the Sonos ecosystem (or anyone who wants to be), the Sonos Ace headphones are killer. They're our favorite headphones of 2024.


Taylor Kerns, Google Editor


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The Sonos Ace headphones over a white background

Sonos Ace


The Sonos Ace are incredible noise cancelling headphones from one of the most respected audio brands in the business. With excellent ANC headphone fundamentals plus some extra tricks for die-hard Sonos users, they're our favorite headphones reviewed this year.

Runner-up: Sennheiser Accentum Plus


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A pair of black headphones over a white background

Sennheiser Accentum Plus


The Sennheiser Accentum Plus headphones bring some of Sennheiser's high-end trappings down to a more palatable midrange price of $230.

Best earbuds

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024)

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra with Android Police's Best of 2024 award logo attached


When it comes to true-wireless earbuds, two names are bound to dominate the conversation: Sony and Bose. This year, Bose did something truly unexpected: it took its already-excellent QuietComfort series earbuds and made them cheaper. While last year's Ultra-branded model still exist for those looking for something a little more advanced, the $180 QuietComfort Earbuds offer practically everything most users want in TWEs: great audio, excellent battery life, and some of the best ANC around.


Of course, there's room for improvement. We're happy to see wireless charging here, but compared to the competition, Bose's case is pretty bulky. Likewise, the decision to use a separate app from the rest of the company's products left us scratching our heads. Those two qualms aside, these are great earbuds, and whether you're a traveler, an audiophile, or just someone shopping for a new pair of headphones, these are something to consider.


Will Sattelberg, Phones Editor


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Product render of Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) in black against a white background

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024)


The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds sound fantastic, with great audio quality and the best ANC you'll find at this price point, plus a big battery to boot. The downsides are few, but one is worth noting: these buds are big, as is the charging case. So, you have to be okay with a bit of bulk.

Runner-up: Nothing Ear (a)


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Nothing Ear (a) in case

Nothing Ear (a)


The Nothing Ear (a) offers excellent quality audio, a high level of comfort, impressive battery life, and extremely effective active noise cancellation.

Best Chromebook

Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus

The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus with Android Police's Best of 2024 award logo attached


There is one Chromebook that stood above the rest this year, not only as one of the best looking (thanks to its sweet blue/purple anodization) but also plenty performant to tackle tasks and gaming (yes, gaming on a Chromebook) thanks to its Intel Core 3 100U chipset. It's easily my personal favorite to have launched this year, and it would appear the AP team agrees with me, having voted it as our favorite Chromebook for our yearly awards. From playing indie game games like Stardew Valley and Sun Haven to cranking out work to reading websites and watching videos, this Chromebook was made to do it all, and thanks to its 16:9 screen, it's the best ratio for consuming media.


Predating the Galaxy Chromebook Plus is the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE, AP's runner-up, which bills itself as a gaming Chromebook, netting you an RGB backlit keyboard as well as a high refresh rate screen. And since the Chromebook offers an Intel Core 5 Series 1 120U, performance is solid across the board. Really, the only sticking point is that the screen is 16:10, which means most modern media and games will be letterboxed. But that's a small price to pay for a Chromebook with a high refresh rate screen.


Matthew Sholtz, Games & Apps Editor


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Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus on white background with lid open showing screen and keyboard

Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus


The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus is the company's first foray into a Plus model that packs plenty of AI features. But the real star of the show is the 15-inch screen, Intel Core 3 100U chip, and the gorgeous anodizing.

Runner-up: Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE (2024)


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Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE (2024) sitting on whote background with lid open

Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE (2024)


The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE (2024) packs an Intel Core 5 series 1 chip, while also offering a 16-inch high refresh rate screen. Plus the keyboard offers RGB lighting, which really makes it stand out.

Best smart home gadget

Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen)

The Nest Learning Thermostat 4th Gen with Android Police's Best of 2024 award logo attached


Google made several improvements to the Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen), earning it our top spot for smart home gadgets. The Nest Thermostat is visually more appealing than its predecessor, with sleek lines and a Pixel Watch aesthetic. Google improved the app, making it easier to set temperature schedules and setting shortcuts for commonly used functions. The Nest Thermostat is Matter-certified, so if you primarily run an Amazon Alexa smart home, your Nest can be part of that setup. You’ll still get the most options from the Google app, but it’s welcome to have that flexibility.


True to its name, the Nest Learning Thermostat is capable of learning your heating and cooling habits, making adjustments for better efficiency, and setting up schedules accordingly. If you don’t like the changes, you can always disable them, but it’s a worthwhile feature and one less thing you have to think about to help save money on your energy bill. Its rechargeable internal battery makes installation and maintenance easier, drawing the power it needs from your pre-existing heating and cooling wiring. It’s a small item, but it knocks down a barrier to entry for people switching from a legacy system.


The Roku Ultra (2024) earns our honorable mention. The snappy performance and excellent remote make for a fantastic user experience, and while we’d like to see the Roku app cleaned up, it’s still the best choice for smart home streaming.


Stephen Radochia, Phones Author


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Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen) in polished gold

Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen)


$230 $280 Save $50


Google's fourth-generation Nest Thermostat offers some pretty hefty hardware improvements. With a rotating ring and push controls, it makes for a premium-feeling smart thermostat that looks great on the wall. Three colors to choose from to better match your decor and a separate temperature sensor is included so you can dial in your temperature better, no matter the size of your home.

Runner-up: Roku Ultra (2024)


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Roku Ultra 2024 Product on a white background

Roku Ultra (2024)


Now updated for 2024, the Roku Ultra boasts 30% faster internals and performance. The new streaming box has Wi-Fi 6 and a brand-new second-generation Roku Voice Remote Pro — which has a backlight and USB-C charging but loses the headphone jack in favor of a Bluetooth connection for private listening. Visually, the Roku's design remains almost exactly the same and continues to support HDR formats such as Dolby Vision and HDR10+.

Best gaming accessory

Razer Kishi Ultra

The Razer Kishi with Android Police's Best of 2024 award logo attached


There was one thing missing from the Razer Kishi, and that was a larger size. Thankfully, Razer answered everyone's wishes with the launch of the Razer Kishi Ultra. Not only am I a big fan of this controller, AP has voted it the best Android controller to grace our paths this year. Reason being, it's super comfortable to hold, thanks to the full-size grips, and since Razer offers a companion app, it's easy to program the controller to work with touchscreen-only games, like Genshin Impact. It's the perfect controller for sitting down for a long session of gaming.


It would seem what the team couldn't agree on was what the runner-up would be, and so the Gamesir G8 Galileo and CRKD Atom are tied for second place. The G8 Galileo is comparable to the Razer Kishi Ultra, as a controller that attaches to your phone with full-sized grips. The CRKD Atom, on the other hand, is tiny, and since it's a standalone controller that doesn't attach to anything, it's good that it's tiny because you can toss it into your pocket, which is why we like it, it's great for toting around town when you don't want to drag out the bigger controllers like the Razer Kishi Ultra or Gamesir G8 Galileo. In the end, we are all winners this year because the controller choices have been downright awesome.


Matthew Sholtz, Games & Apps Editor


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Kishi Ultra on white background

Razer Kishi Ultra


The Razer Kishi Ultra takes everything great about the original Kishi and supersizes it. This is a full-sized controller, perfect for those who prefer their mobile gaming sessions to be comparable to using a console controller.


Runner-ups: Gamesir G8 Galileo and CRKD Atom

The GameSir G8 Galileo can attach to just about any phone no matter its size, all the while offering full-size grips and sticks to emulate the feel of a console controller.


CRKD Atom


The CRKD Atom is the controller you grab when you're going out. It's incredibly pocketable, yet still feels good to use despite its small footprint. The buttons are clicky and responsive, with a d-pad that holds its own.


Best gaming handheld: Asus ROG Ally X

Asus absolutely knocked it out of the park with the ROG Ally X. Sure, the first ROG Ally is a worthy handheld all its own, but the Ally X takes things to a new level with the necessary polish to be crowned the king of 2024. The thumb sticks now offer the correct resistance, the triggers are now more comfortable to press, and there's more storage that's easier to swap out (in case you run out and want to upgrade). Plus, it comes in black, which is less prone to showing stains and dirt. It's my favorite PC gaming handheld of 2024, and the rest of AP agrees.


Then again, if you're not into modern games and prefer the classics, then you're going to love the runner-up for best gaming handheld. Ayaneo's Pocket Micro is designed very similar to the shape of Nintendo's Game Boy Micro. Plus, the screen offers the correct 3:2 ratio to properly scale Game Boy Advance games to the 960 x 640 screen. So, for all of you who wish emulation hardware felt more like the real thing, Ayaneo's Pocket Micro gets pretty close to the quality of Nintendo's hardware.


Matthew Sholtz, Games & Apps Editor


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rog ally x showing screen and white background

Asus ROG Ally X


The ROG Ally X is a powerhouse, a device made for enthusiasts who require the best gear possible. Not only does this handheld offer the best performance for playing all manner of PC games, the improved controls over the previous model ensure it's a worthy upgrade.

Runner up: Ayaneo Pocket Micro


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Black Ayaneo Pocket Micro gaming console on white background

Ayaneo Pocket Micro


The Ayaneo Pocket Micro is the emulation device you grab when you're looking to emulate Game Boy Advance games. The screen is the perfect shape, and frankly, the design of the device is very similar to the Game Boy Micro.


Best phone accessory

Rolling Square Tau 2

The Rolling Square Tau 2 with Android Police's Best of 2024 award logo attached


It’s often said of NFL football players that the best ability is availability, and that applies to our top smartphone accessory pick, the Rolling Square Tau 2. It’s a small, versatile 2,000mAh power bank with attached MicroUSB, Lightning, and USB-C connectors. 2,000mAh might not get you a full charge on today’s smartphones, but that’s not the point. The Tau 2 is there for emergencies, and its small size means you can carry it on a keychain or in your pocket, meaning it's there every time you need it, and it's not too cumbersome when you don’t. Its nifty magnetic wall-mount dock doubles as a keychain holder, meaning you can top off your Tau 2 and store your keys in one spot by the door.


It features an embedded NFC tag to track it down when misplaced, protecting your $40 investment. If you own 10 power banks, only never to have one on hand when you need it, you’ll get a lot of use from the Tau 2.


Power users who need more juice will enjoy our honorable mention, the Ugreen 100W Nexode Power Bank. It provides 20,000mAh of additional power in a portable package, making it ideal for those who work on the go. 100W wired charging means you’ll never have to dread filling up the tank, and its small LCD gives you exact readings on the remaining power.


Stephen Radochia, Phones Author


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A render of the Rolling Square Tau 2 with keys attached

Rolling Square Tau 2


$28 $40 Save $12


The Rolling Square Tau 2 is small and light, providing 2,000mAh of additional power on the go. It features connectors for MicroUSB, Lightning, and USB-C ports, meaning you'll rarely be left without options no matter the age of the device you're trying to charge. It's ideal for a keychain, meaning you'll have it when you need it.


Runner-up: UGreen 100W Nexode Power Bank

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Render of a UGREEN 100W 20,000mAh Nexode Power Bank on a white background

Ugreen 100W 20,000mAh Nexode Power Bank


$54 $80 Save $26


UGREEN's powerful 20,000 mAh power bank has three ports for ultimate versatility. Packing a 20,000mAh battery, the UGREEN Nexode can charge your phone multiple times. Not just that, the Nexode is fully capable of topping up a drained laptop battery thanks to its 100W-compatible USB-C charging port. And when it comes to charging the power bank, just plug it into a 65W charging brick to top it up in an hour and a half.

Best Android game

Balatro

An example of Balatro with Android Police's Best of 2024 award logo attached


I think it's safe to say just about everyone expected Balatro to win best game this year. It came out of nowhere and wowed everyone, plus it's super addictive. It also helps that card games work well on mobile, and since just about everyone on the planet is familiar with Poker and Solitaire, combining them into one ensures immediate accessibility. The game is just super approachable, not to mention a hoot to play, and since it's a premium release, you can pay once and have fun for years. Imagine that a premium game enthralled everyone this year, almost as if mobile games don't all have to be free-to-play gacha slop.


But perhaps card games simply aren't your thing. Well, Netflix Games has the answer with Monument Valley 3, which anyone with a Netflix subscription can play as a perk of their sub. So, if you loved the first two Monument Valley games, the third brings more puzzles to solve, and this time the graphics aim to impress with slick animations that really bring each stage to life.


Matthew Sholtz, Games & Apps Editor


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pixel art playing cards on red and blue background

Balatro


Balatro is a card game that combines Solitaire with Poker, making it an accessible game anyone can enjoy.

Runner-up: Monument Valley 3


Monument Valley 3


Monument Valley 3 is published by Netflix Games, which means anyone with a subscription can play. And you do want to play, as this is a long-awaited followup to the previous puzzle-laden entires


Best product Google killed this year

Chromecast-branded hardware

A Chromecast product with Android Police's Best of 2024 award logo attached. Google's cultivated a reputation for unceremoniously killing off software and hardware products (Stadia could've been something!), but in 2024, it's been uncharacteristically merciful. Only a handful of Google products bit the dust this year, and many of them — Keen, a little-known social media project; a smart whiteboard platform called Jamboard — won't be widely missed.


But in replacing the Chromecast with Google TV with this year's Google TV Streamer, Google effectively killed off Chromecast-branded hardware — you can still buy a Chromecast with Google TV, but Google won't be making more of them once the current stock is depleted. It's hard to deny that Chromecast has been one of Google's more successful hardware product lines. The first-gen Chromecast was released back in 2013, and the little stick could add streaming capabilities to anything with HDMI input for just 35 bucks. Given most TVs at the time didn't have built-in streaming apps, that was a big deal.

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