The past few years have been a transformative period in the world of mobile technology, marked by a range of breakthrough devices from leading manufacturers. Here, we highlight some of the most innovative phones from 2020 to 2024, focusing on the key features that set them apart.
### *1. iPhone 12 Series (2020)*
The iPhone 12 series brought several notable upgrades, including the introduction of 5G technology. Apple’s A14 Bionic chip delivered industry-leading performance, and the new Ceramic Shield offered four times better drop resistance. The Pro models also featured significant camera enhancements, with the LiDAR scanner improving low-light photography and enabling advanced AR applications.
*Highlights:*
– First iPhone series with 5G support
– Ceramic Shield for improved durability
– A14 Bionic chip for enhanced performance
– LiDAR scanner for superior AR experience and photography
### *2. Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra (2021)*
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra set new standards for Android devices with its dynamic AMOLED 2X display, supporting a 120Hz refresh rate at full WQHD+ resolution. The phone introduced support for the S Pen, traditionally reserved for the Note series. Its quad-camera setup, including a 108MP sensor and dual telephoto lenses, delivered exceptional photography and zoom capabilities.
*Highlights:*
– 120Hz WQHD+ display with S Pen support
– 108MP main camera with dual telephoto lenses
– 8K video recording
– Enhanced battery life with intelligent power management
### *3. Google Pixel 6 Pro (2021)*
The Google Pixel 6 Pro marked a major shift for Google, debuting its custom Tensor chipset, designed specifically to enhance AI and machine learning capabilities. This phone focused heavily on computational photography, with advanced software for HDR and night mode shots. The design overhaul and enhanced AI-driven performance helped Google re-establish itself as a major player in the smartphone market.
*Highlights:*
– Google’s custom Tensor chip for AI and machine learning
– Improved computational photography with new camera sensors
– 120Hz OLED display
– Clean, efficient stock Android experience
### *4. iPhone 13 Pro Max (2021)*
Apple followed up with the iPhone 13 Pro Max, refining the design and introducing a 120Hz ProMotion display for smoother scrolling and gameplay. The A15 Bionic chip improved performance, while the revamped camera system allowed for better low-light shots and cinematic video mode. Battery life saw substantial improvement, making it one of the most reliable phones for long usage periods.
*Highlights:*
– ProMotion 120Hz display
– A15 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU for superior gaming
– Cinematic mode for videos with real-time focus transitions
– Exceptional battery life
### *5. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 (2021)*
Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 3 was the breakthrough foldable device that addressed durability concerns of earlier models. With an IPX8 water resistance rating, it became the first foldable to offer true flagship resilience. Its under-display camera and S Pen support for the foldable screen expanded its functionality, positioning it as a multitasking powerhouse.
*Highlights:*
– Under-display camera for a seamless display
– Water resistance (IPX8) – first foldable phone with this rating
– S Pen support on the foldable display
– Enhanced multitasking with app pairing and split-screen features
### *6. Xiaomi 12S Ultra (2022)*
Xiaomi made a splash in the flagship space with the Xiaomi 12S Ultra, featuring a Leica-branded 50MP main camera and a massive 1-inch sensor for unprecedented image quality. Its Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor delivered high-end performance, and the phone boasted a brilliant 120Hz AMOLED display.
*Highlights:*
– Leica partnership for enhanced camera optics
– 1-inch sensor for exceptional image clarity
– Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor
– 120Hz AMOLED display with HDR10+ support
### *7. iPhone 14 Pro (2022)*
The iPhone 14 Pro introduced the “Dynamic Island,” a reimagined notch that changes shape and integrates system alerts and notifications. The phone came with the A16 Bionic chip, further improving efficiency and performance. The new 48MP main camera allowed for ProRAW image capture, making it a favorite among mobile photographers.
*Highlights:*
– Dynamic Island for innovative notification management
– A16 Bionic chip for unmatched performance
– 48MP main camera with ProRAW support
– Crash detection and satellite SOS features for emergency situations
### *8. Google Pixel 7 Pro (2022)*
Building on the success of the Pixel 6 series, the Pixel 7 Pro introduced Google’s second-generation Tensor G2 chip. This model doubled down on its AI capabilities, offering enhanced computational photography features, including improved Super Res Zoom and Face Unblur. The phone also came with an LTPO OLED display that dynamically adjusted its refresh rate.
*Highlights:*
– Tensor G2 chip for enhanced AI functionality
– Advanced computational photography, including Face Unblur
– LTPO OLED display with a dynamic refresh rate of 10-120Hz
– Improved software support and updates directly from Google
### *9. Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra (2023)*
Samsung continued to lead in the premium segment with the Galaxy S23 Ultra, which featured a 200MP primary camera—the highest resolution sensor in any phone at the time. With the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, it provided lightning-fast performance and improved AI-assisted features, like real-time object detection and enhanced night mode photography.
*Highlights:*
– 200MP main camera for unmatched image detail
– Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for top-tier performance
– Enhanced low-light photography and AI-driven features
– 5000mAh battery for extended usage time
### *10. iPhone 15 Pro Max (2023)*
The iPhone 15 Pro Max saw Apple move to a titanium frame for improved durability and a lighter feel. The introduction of the USB-C charging port marked a significant shift from Apple’s proprietary Lightning connector. Its A17 Pro chip elevated mobile gaming to console-quality levels, while the new periscope zoom lens improved long-range photography.
*Highlights:*
– Titanium frame for lighter, stronger design
– USB-C port for universal charging
– A17 Pro chip for console-quality gaming
– Periscope zoom lens for enhanced telephoto shots
### *11. OnePlus 12 (2024)*
OnePlus 12 pushed boundaries with a QHD+ 120Hz LTPO display and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. Its Hasselblad-tuned triple camera system included a revolutionary 64MP ultra-wide lens, bringing professional-level photography to a broader audience. With 150W fast charging, it also became one of the fastest charging phones on the market.
*Highlights:*
– QHD+ 120Hz LTPO display
– Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset
– Hasselblad-tuned triple camera with 64MP ultra-wide lens
– 150W fast charging for rapid power-ups
### Conclusion
Between 2020 and 2024, the mobile phone industry has seen unprecedented growth in areas such as camera technology, processing power, display innovation, and AI integration. Whether it’s Apple’s Dynamic Island or Samsung’s foldable innovations, each year has brought cutting-edge advancements, ensuring that mobile technology remains at the forefront of modern life. For students and professionals in mobile technology, keeping up with these trends is crucial as they pave the way for the devices of tomorrow.
Aswin Shaju
January 07, 2025
