Samsung loses best phone award at MWC to Google

Despite having the most number of devices in the running, Samsung failed to impress the GSMA judges. The full list included the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, all iPhone 15 models, the OnePlus Open, the Oppo Find N3, the Galaxy S23 lineup, and the Galaxy Z Flip 5.

The GSMA says that “the Best Smartphone award combines outstanding performance, innovation and leadership as determined through assessment of smartphones on the market”, and the Pixel 8’s aggressive price probably helped its case.

More on the award after our Galaxy Ring hands-on video

Google’s guarantee of seven years of Android updates for the phone was likely a factor as well. Samsung announced this year that it will start providing software updates for seven years to select devices, but the policy doesn’t apply to any smartphones launched before the Galaxy S24.

Pixel 8 is first Android phone to win since 2021

Samsung won the award for the Galaxy S21 Ultra in 2021, which was also the last time an Android phone took the crown. Apple’s iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Pro were the winners in 2022 and 2023 respectively.

Will Samsung make a comeback next year? That remains to be seen, as 2024 has barely begun and plenty of phones will be launched in the coming months, both from Samsung and other brands.

If you're looking for a new phone right now, be sure to take a look at the Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24+, or Galaxy S24 Ultra. If you prefer mid-range phones, you can wait for the Galaxy A55, which will go official very soon.

Image credit: Google