At a Glance
- 2024 saw the most varied smartphone styles in years, from Nothing’s bold design to Moto’s textured Razr.
- New models pushed boundaries: a sub-$300 phone with interchangeable backplates, a 10/10 repairable Fairphone, and a folding Razr under $700.
- Manufacturers balanced style with durability, adding titanium hinges and long-term fold guarantees.
- Why it matters: These innovations could reshape how consumers value design, sustainability, and longevity in their devices.
In a year that many thought would be dull, 2024’s smartphone lineup surprised tech fans with bold aesthetics and surprising durability. From Nothing’s electric-blue Phone (3a) to Motorola’s new Razr textures, designers pushed past the usual plateau.
Nothing’s Playful Leap
The Nothing Phone (3a) debuted at Mobile World Congress with a transparent backplate, a splash of red, and blinking Glyph lights. Though the Pro’s heavy camera module was less appealing, the blue variant stood out for its unique look.
- Transparent backplate
- Red square accent
- Glyph notification LEDs
- Electric blue finish
Budget Meets Luxury
The CMF Phone 2 Pro and Fairphone Gen6 prove that price does not dictate design. The CMF Phone 2 Pro, priced under $300, lets users swap backplates and accessories, while Fairphone’s Gen6 scores a perfect 10/10 on iFixit repairability.
| Model | Price | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| CMF Phone 2 Pro | < $300 | Interchangeable backplates |
| Fairphone Gen6 | Price not disclosed | 10/10 repairability |
Motorola’s Razr 2025
Motorola returned to folding flips with the 2025 Razr, offering a range of materials-microfiber Alcantara, vegan leather, polished Gorilla Glass, and FSC-certified wood. The model stays under $700, dropping to $600 on sale, and features a titanium-reinforced hinge for durability.
- Material options: Alcantara, vegan leather, Gorilla Glass, FSC wood
- Price: < $700 (sale $600)
- Titanium-reinforced hinge
Durability in Folding Phones
Durability gains extend beyond Motorola. Google’s latest Fold promises 10+ years of use, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold7 can withstand 500,000 folds, and the Galaxy Z Flip7 remains tough after multiple drops.
- Google Fold: 10+ years promise
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7: 500,000 folds
- Galaxy Z Flip7: minimal scuffs after drops
Thin and Light, But Not Without Trade-Offs
Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Edge and Apple’s iPhone Air continue the trend of ultra-thin devices. Samsung’s design suffered from weak battery life, while the iPhone Air’s single camera and high price limited its appeal.
- Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge: thin, weak battery
- Apple iPhone Air: single camera, high price
The Anti-Smartphone Movement
The Light Phone III embraces a minimalist approach, running no traditional apps, while the Minimal Phone’s plasticky build felt off-putting. Both devices highlight a niche for users seeking reduced screen time.
- Light Phone III: no apps, minimalist
- Minimal Phone: plasticky build, less appealing
Affordable Design Wins
The Moto G Stylus 5G offers a leather-like texture and is often discounted to $300, proving that striking design can be accessible.
- Moto G Stylus 5G: leather-like texture, $300 on sale
Key Takeaways
- 2024 introduced the most stylistically diverse smartphones in years.
- Durability and sustainability features are now common in both premium and budget models.
- Consumers can choose from ultra-thin, anti-smartphone, and foldable designs without paying premium prices.
As 2024 demonstrates, smartphone makers are no longer content with bland designs; they’re experimenting with color, material, and sustainability, giving consumers more choice and encouraging a rethink of what a phone should feel like.
