2024 wasn't a year of technological rupture, but it did see the arrival of several remarkable smartphones. In a sometimes saturated market, certain devices stood out through targeted innovations, bold design or an overall proposition that met expectations. Here's our top 5 of the phones that caught our attention most that year, with a particular eye on their place in the Algerian market.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: the anti-reflective revolution
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra opens our ranking with a feature that remains, for now, exclusively its own: an anti-reflective coating on its Gorilla Glass Armor screen.
This treatment, inspired by watchmaking, considerably reduces reflections and improves the visual experience, especially in difficult bright conditions. Imagine reading your messages on the beach in Oran or watching a video under the Algiers sun: the screen stays perfectly readable. It also seems brighter because it isn't "fighting" reflections. A genuine change for visual comfort, especially for sensitive eyes.
One caution: the coating is delicate and can wear over time, as some early users reported. Samsung could have offered a renewal service. The Galaxy S25 Ultra has since inherited the technology.
Watch-outs:
- Comfort: the very angular corners can be uncomfortable without a case. In Algeria, where many use their phone bare to enjoy the design, this matters.
- Software: with One UI 7, Samsung finally nailed fluidity — an essential criterion for those juggling apps all day.
| Variant | International price (indicative) | Estimated Algeria price |
|---|---|---|
| 256 GB / 12 GB RAM | ~$540 | ~140,000 – 170,000 DZD |
| 512 GB / 12 GB RAM | ~$600 | ~160,000 – 190,000 DZD |
Local prices are estimates: they vary by importer and grey market, a reality well known to Algerian consumers. The comparator shows today's prices.
The foldables ushering in the future
While Samsung still dominates the foldable segment, other makers made significant progress in 2024, making the technology more accessible and mainstream.
vivo X Fold3 Pro and Honor Magic V3
The vivo X Fold3 Pro shone with its excellent camera system in an easy-to-handle book format. For Algerian photographers seeking a versatile device, it's a first-rate choice. The Honor Magic V3, meanwhile, crossed a psychological barrier by dropping below 9.5 mm closed.
Every millimetre counts for in-hand comfort during prolonged use. These devices are almost as thin as classic smartphones while unfolding into mini-tablets. Improved water resistance and mainstreaming of the technology make them increasingly viable. The main brake remains price, which keeps them out of most people's reach.
| Model | International price (indicative) | Estimated Algeria price |
|---|---|---|
| vivo X Fold3 Pro 512 GB / 12 GB | ~$1,200 | ~350,000 – 420,000 DZD |
| Honor Magic V3 (to confirm) | ~€1,100 | ~350,000 – 420,000 DZD |
Estimates: vary by importer and grey market.
Huawei Mate XT: the tri-fold madness
The Huawei Mate XT is the summit of luxury and innovation. Think of it as a concept car: it offers a vision of the future with its tri-fold format. It solves a major problem of book-style foldables: the odd aspect ratio once unfolded. The Mate XT transforms into a tablet with a true ratio.
The mere fact that Huawei managed to develop and commercialise such a device after the difficult sanctions years is a feat. For tech enthusiasts in Algeria, seeing such innovation emerge is a source of wonder. If this format ever democratises below $1,500 in a few years, it will be a major industry milestone.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
12GB RAM · 256GB · 6.8 · AMOLED Dynamic Amoled 2X
Xiaomi Mix Flip: the king of external screens
To conclude, the Xiaomi Mix Flip stands out with its spectacular external screen. Subjective but deliberate: its design works. Xiaomi marked its entry into the flip market with a first attempt that, rumours suggest, met significant commercial success.
Let's hope the next generation fixes the first attempt's weaknesses — no ultra-wide, average battery and no top-tier chip. For a first try, it's a remarkable entry in a hotly contested segment.
In summary
2024 was marked by foldables asserting themselves as a mature category and by targeted innovations like Samsung's anti-reflective screen.
Strengths:
- Galaxy S24 Ultra: effective anti-reflective coating and improved software experience
- Foldables (vivo, Honor): thinner, more practical designs, close to classic phones
- Huawei Mate XT: a bold vision of the future with its tri-fold format
Watch-outs:
- Price: foldables remain niche products because of cost, even as accessibility improves
- Durability: the longevity of special coatings like the S24 Ultra's remains to be proven over time
Frequently asked questions
Is the Galaxy S24 Ultra's anti-reflective coating durable?
The treatment is effective but can wear over time, as early users showed. Samsung doesn't yet offer a renewal service — a point to improve.
Are foldables ready for the general public in Algeria?
They're increasingly practical with thinner designs and better durability. Their high price nevertheless keeps them niche for most Algerian consumers.
Is the Huawei Mate XT a practical phone or a showcase?
Think of it more as a "concept car": its price and format make it a luxury product more than a daily device for most users.
Find these models and their current prices on our comparator — classics like the S24 Ultra now trade at far gentler levels than at launch.
