A GadgetMatch Seal of Approval is hard to attain. It doesn’t mean the smartphone is perfect. Rather, it has a couple or more qualities that it stands out in. In 2024, these are the smartphones that are GadgetMatch Approved.

TECNO SPARK 20 Pro+ by Vincenz

For what its worth, TECNO has delivered some (if not most) features in a smartphone that we only used to see in pricey, high-end models. It has a sleek and light design, a buttery-smooth AMOLED display, loud-enough stereo speakers, and a capable 108-megapixel shooter.

Sure, there are some compromises such as the lack of an ultra-wide lens or a more powerful chipset dedicated for 5G and gaming, but this phone clearly offers more than what other brands do in the same price range.

Without any frills, I consider the TECNO SPARK 20 Pro+ a great budget smartphone worthy of the GadgetMatch Seal of Approval.

HONOR Magic V2 by Rodneil

The HONOR Magic V2 filled the book-style foldable void in my life left by the OPPO Find N3. Sure, I’m missing a few features here and there. But for the most part, it’s every bit as good a foldable in nearly every department. The attraction may not have been as instant. But it’s steady and growing. And more importantly, it’s here to stay.

The HONOR Magic V2 is getting the GadgetMatch Seal of Approval. It’s EASILY, one of the best foldables right now and this global version that we reviewed is coming to more markets.

ROG Phone 8 Pro by Rodneil

The ROG Phone line is one of the most mature smartphone lines out right now. Even the look is starting to reflect that. The new skin will for sure be a point of discussion for many. And it leaves room for more budget-friendly options from the likes of ZTE and TECNO to attack that gamer-look niche.

Despite that change, the ROG Phone 8 Pro retains the same gaming abilities it has always had. But now it has added some key abilities that truly rival the more celebrated flagship-class smartphones. It’s still King of the Hill as a gaming smartphone and now it’s starting to challenge even those that were previously beyond its reach. For that, the ROG Phone 8 Pro deserves the GadgetMatch Seal of Approval.

HONOR Magic6 Pro by Rodneil

The HONOR Magic6 Pro is a bonafide speedster delivering blazing fast performance across the board. Be it in the display, camera, charging, or overall usage. It easily blitzes its predecessor but as a brand, it feels like HONOR is still playing catch-up.

That’s understandable given it’s only been a couple of years or so since they became independent. But that’s even more reason to be excited. This means HONOR is likely to put the pedal to the metal as they race towards the likes of Apple and Samsung in terms of reputation.

The tech and innovation is there, that’s why we’re giving it the GadgetMatch Seal of Approval. Hopefully it gets a little bit more of a speed boost as it chases the industry’s leaders.

vivo V30 Pro by Vincenz

I’ll be upfront: you DO NOT need the vivo V30 Pro if you are just looking for a decent midranger. There are plethora of options out there that can easily punch this phone — especially if you consider some compromises that might affect your everyday usage. Those come at a more pocket-friendly price tag.

That said, the vivo V30 Pro is by no means a slouch. You still get power-packed hardware with plentiful performance, sufficient battery life, and fast charging speeds.

If you are like me who values smartphone cameras and is heavily invested in smartphone-tography but can only shell out half the cost of any modern-day flagship, I highly recommend the vivo V30 Pro.

The great feat of Aura Light, its ZEISS camera system and the added portrait hullaballoos all make it a complete camera contender — at least in the category it belongs to. That’s everything packed in such a slim and light form factor.

For what it’s worth, it’s not “just” any midranger. It is a midrange marvel with smartphone cameras that are unbeatable in its class. And by that, it is a worthy recipient of the GadgetMatch Seal of Approval.

HONOR 200 Pro by MJ

The HONOR 200 Pro is an exceptional midrange smartphone, no doubt. I’ve brought it in three different destinations, and its cameras were stellar enough to make every trip memorable. It allowed me to freeze my favorite moments in time, and store it inside its 512GB massive storage.

It also has a powerful Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chipset, so I don’t have to struggle with multitasking while I’m out in the street. I can navigate the Maps, search the videos I bookmarked on TikTok, respond to chats, and still take photos and videos — all in split seconds.

The HONOR 200 Pro has the power, premium design, and the price that matches its performance in all aspects. All in all, it’s a midrange smartphone worth your penny. As a traveler, it makes for a worthy travel companion — easily a GadgetMatch for those who want to make a statement when out in their vacations.

All things considered, the HONOR 200 Pro deserves the GadgetMatch Seal of Approval

Infinix GT 20 Pro by Levi

If you are completely clueless as to how much reliable gaming smartphones cost, and this device was presented to you, would you have thought that this was only PhP 15,999 (roughly US$ 280)?

The Infinix GT 20 Pro delivers impressively. Beyond gaming, the overall usage also proved to be smooth. The display and camera system work well together. Content consumption was immersive, thanks to the device’s audiovisual hardware and software.

A package like that, as I’ve said, feels like you’ve stumbled upon generous in-game bonuses. All things considered, the Infinix GT 20 Pro is an impressive and all-around midrange machine worthy of the GadgetMatch Seal of Approval.

TECNO CAMON 30 Premier LOEWE. Design Edition by Vincenz

There are lots of midrange smartphones out there. But the thing is, the TECNO CAMON 30 Premier LOEWE. Design Edition is competitively priced — even lower than its counterparts with the same set of specs. (SEE: vivo V30 Pro and HONOR 200 Pro)

Despite the less hefty price tag, features weren’t compromised.

It has a superb screen, superior sound, decently-packed internals that make up for a smooth and snappy performance, large battery capacity with all-day usage plus pretty fast charging speeds.

Lastly, a capable set of cameras that are unrivaled for its category: Colors are consistent. Portraits, selfies, and even night shots make it a whole lot better.

All of that packed in a premium-built body that looks and feels solid — even beating other flagships (and its killers) to the core.

Overall, the TECNO CAMON 30 Premier is a great all-rounder and a true bang-for-the-buck mid-ranger. It is a worthy recipient of the GadgetMatch Seal of Approval.

HONOR Magic V3 by Rodneil

Foldable smartphones still have plenty of room to grow. With companies like HONOR continuing to push what’s possible with the form factor both in design and functionality, things are just bound to be more exciting moving forward. But as it is now, the HONOR Magic V3 is already a fantastic device.

The Magic V3, with how its aspect ratio, thinness, and lightness are designed, has captured exactly what a foldable should be. Folded, it’s perfectly usable as a regular-sized smartphone. Unfolded, your screen real-estate doubles and it turns into this mobile multitasking machine.

It retails for £ 1,699 in the UK. Pricing and availability in other countries and regions to be determined.

The HONOR Magic V3 is my personal pick as the best foldable smartphone of 2024 so far. Sure, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 has a lot going for it especially with the knick knacks of the Galaxy AI. But with everything else, the HONOR Magic V3 is superior. That’s why it deserves that GadgetMatch Seal of Approval.

TECNO PHANTOM V Fold2 by Vincenz

With a pricing of US$ 1099 (EUR 996 / GBP 840 / SG$ 1434 / PhP 61,985 / INR 92,288), the TECNO PHANTOM V Fold2 is the “most affordable” book-style foldable you can buy in 2024.

Ever since Samsung revealed the Galaxy Z Fold to the world, it has created a vision of the future. But with its staggering pricing of US$ 1980, there has been nothing but a slow and unsure future for foldables.

But the birth of a contender like the TECNO PHANTOM V Fold as the “affordable foldable” means something.

Not only it challenges the trendsetter in producing the BETTER foldable, it also gives consumers a more viable option that wouldn’t burn huge holes in pockets.

Sure, it may not be the greatest when it comes to performance with its chip “limitations”. Even so, its overhauled software, capable cameras, superb screens, and even fast charging speeds all make up for it to be deemed as something worthy to buy.

Most of all, it never felt flimsy. It’s a solidly-built fold that has managed to overcome its past hurdles — its thick and hefty form factor with an underwhelming hardware inside and out.

And unlike the definition of a phantom whose existence is nothing but an illusion, TECNO’s PHANTOM is the complete opposite. It’s a real and finished product that you can truly be proud of. It rightfully deserves the GadgetMatch Seal of Approval.

TECNO PHANTOM V Flip2 by Vincenz

In line with GadgetMatch’s a la dating app concept of matching gadgets based on one’s wants and/or needs, we’re here to make it easier for you with just a series of swipes.

Swipe Left if you’re looking for a flip smartphone with a powerful processing power that can handle your triple A titles.

Swipe Right if you want that flip experience without having to sacrifice much of your savings.

As for me, I’m Super Swiping the TECNO PHANTOM V Flip2 as no other flip phone can match the great features it has for such value.

Flip or Flop?

If maximum performance is in your priority list, you’d know by now how the PHANTOM V Flip2 has flopped.

But, even though its MID-iaTek chip *pun intended* is the biggest compromise (and also the biggest factor for cost-cutting), it’s still hard to deny how irresistible and compelling this flippable is in 2024’s sea of flips.

IMHO, its direct rival is none other than the motorola razr 50.

While they share similarities (and some differences) such as having the same cover screen size (minus V Flip2’s 120Hz display), quite similar dual camera setup (except for the razr 50’s measly 13MP UWA lens), the razr 50 is more packed with its 4nm Dimensity 7300X chipset.

Still, both phones are packed in the most modern flip design. Not even the Galaxy Z Flip6 could run most of the apps without flipping open the device itself.

Cameras are another story. If you’ll ask me, it probably deserves a piece of its own just by how amazing the shots were thanks to both V Flip2’s camera hardware and TECNO’s AI camera algorithm combined.

Without a doubt, TECNO’s PHANTOM V Flip2 deserves the GadgetMatch Seal of Approval.

OPPO Find X8 by MJ

The OPPO Find X8 is an outstanding smartphone, no doubt about it. There are hardly any cons, making it an easy recommendation for anyone seeking OPPO’s premium flagship experience. Sure, the Find X8 Pro might be a better option, packing all the top-tier features, but the base model still delivers a punch with its impressive specs.

Swipe right if you want a smartphone that’s compact, well-rounded, durable, offers an excellent camera system, has solid battery life, and comes at a reasonable price for what you’re getting.

Swipe left if you want more versatility, more gimmicks, or features tailored to specific needs, like the Find X8 Pro, Galaxy S24 Ultra, or Vivo X200 Pro.

Super Swipe if you want a smartphone that’s powerful, reliable, long-lasting, and comes with next-level protection, all wrapped in an elegant, beautiful design. The OPPO Find X8 is a Super Swipe for me, and it definitely earns the GadgetMatch Seal of Approval.

After weeks of testing, there’s no doubt about it: I’ve found a smartphone I’ll stick with for the long haul. It’s not just about the specs, the design, or even the camera performance (though those are top-tier). It’s the feeling of reliability.

Much like a relationship that grows deeper over time, the OPPO Find X8 has proven itself to be my go-to companion. I think I’m going to be married to this smartphone for a while.

Seriously, just get your hands on it to seal the deal.

iPhone 16 Series by Michael Josh

With bolder colors, better cameras, and bigger batteries, Apple’s newest iPhone 16 and 16 Plus are looking really good!

And with the promise of Apple Intelligence on the horizon, now seems like the perfect time to upgrade — especially with more Pro features also coming to base, non-Pro models.

But are base models the best?

iPhone 16 Pro Series by Michael Josh

There are more than just the incremental hardware changes from screen sizes to a new hero color.

With all the software goodies including Apple Intelligence and barrage of handy tools for creators, the iPhone 16 Pro promises a new era not just for the iPhones, but for the upcoming smartphone generation in the foreseeable future.

Watch our in-depth review of the newest iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max to know which is your GadgetMatch.

Google Pixel 9 + 9 Pro by Michael Josh

Google has filled these new smartphones with AI magic that make ’em fun, practical, and smart.

But how do they actually perform in real world? What about the signature Pixel cameras? Are they any better? And the most asked one: Pixel 9 or Pixel 9 Pro? Can’t wait for your burning questions to be answered?

Head over to our in-depth review of the Google Pixel 9 and 9 Pro with the latest and greatest AI features on board.

Nothing Phone (2a) by Michael Josh

While Nothing has only launched two phones  (at the time of writing) since its introduction three years ago, they’ve already aimed their market towards consumers who want more in a phone without splurging more.

And building a phone for just under US$ 350 is a huge feat — especially in this very competitive smartphone market.

But is the Nothing Phone (2a) the new gold standard for budget phones?