Best Benchmark‑Scoring Smartphones of 2024: Rankings & Insights

When you scroll through endless spec sheets, the numbers that really separate the crowd are the benchmark scores. They translate raw processor power, GPU capability, and memory bandwidth into a single, comparable figure. Below we break down the current leaders, explain how the rankings are compiled, and point out what else you might want to weigh before hitting “buy”. The list reflects the most recent public results from Geekbench 6, AnTuTu V9, and PCMark 10 Mobile.

Why Benchmarks Matter

Benchmarks simulate real‑world tasks—gaming, video rendering, AI inference—so the scores give a glimpse of day‑to‑day performance. A higher Geekbench 6 multi‑core score usually means smoother multitasking, while a strong AnTuTu number hints at better gaming frame rates. Still, they’re not the whole story; battery life, software optimization, and camera processing can shift the experience considerably.

Methodology Behind the Rankings

We collected the top‑five results from three independent sources: Geekbench 6, AnTuTu V9, and PCMark 10 Mobile. Each device’s average rank across the three tests determines its overall position. Devices that appear in fewer than two of the datasets were excluded to avoid outliers. All scores are from the stock Android builds released in the first quarter of 2024.

Top Performers in Early 2024

1. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

With a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (or Exynos 2400 in some regions), the S24 Ultra posts a Geekbench 6 multi‑core score of 14,200 and an AnTuTu V9 tally of 1,150,000. Its 6.8‑inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X panel runs at 120 Hz, and the device packs a 5,000 mAh battery that still lasts a full day under heavy use.

• Key specs: 12 GB RAM, 256 GB storage, 200 MP main sensor.
• Strengths: Consistently strong across CPU and GPU tests; excellent software support.

2. Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max

The A17 Pro chip pushes the iPhone 15 Pro Max to a Geekbench 6 multi‑core score of 13,900, edging out most Android rivals. While Apple doesn’t publish AnTuTu results, PCMark 10 Mobile gives it a 9,300‑point performance rating, the highest in the series. The iOS ecosystem squeezes out extra efficiency, making the raw numbers feel even smoother.

• Key specs: 8 GB RAM, 512 GB storage, 48 MP triple‑camera system.
• Strengths: Best‑in‑class GPU performance; long‑term software updates.

3. OnePlus 12 Pro

Equipped with the same Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 as the S24 Ultra, the OnePlus 12 Pro registers a 14,050 Geekbench 6 multi‑core score and an AnTuTu V9 result of 1,140,000. Its OxygenOS 13 skin trims down background processes, which helps the device stay cool during extended gaming sessions.

• Key specs: 12 GB RAM, 256 GB storage, 50 MP main camera.
• Strengths: Fast charging (100 W), clean UI, strong performance per dollar.

4. Google Pixel 8 Pro

The Tensor G3 processor brings the Pixel 8 Pro to a Geekbench 6 multi‑core score of 13,500, and its AnTuTu V9 figure sits around 1,080,000. Google’s real‑time AI features—like live translation and photo editing—are powered directly by the Tensor, giving the phone a niche advantage that raw scores don’t fully capture.

• Key specs: 12 GB RAM, 256 GB storage, 50 MP main sensor.
• Strengths: AI‑centric software, clean Android experience, timely updates.

5. Xiaomi 14 Ultra

The Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 variant scores 14,000 on Geekbench 6 and tops 1,130,000 in AnTuTu V9. Its 6.7‑inch AMOLED display supports a 144 Hz refresh rate, and the phone includes a massive 5,000 mAh battery with 120 W fast charging.

• Key specs: 12 GB RAM, 512 GB storage, 50 MP quad‑camera array.
• Strengths: High refresh rate screen, competitive pricing for flagship hardware.

What to Consider Beyond Scores

Benchmark numbers are a useful shortcut, but they don’t tell the whole story. Battery endurance under real‑world loads can vary dramatically between Android skins. Software integration—how well the UI leverages the hardware—often decides whether a phone feels fast in everyday use. Likewise, camera processing pipelines and AI features may rely on dedicated cores that benchmarks don’t stress.

If you spend most of your day on video calls or productivity apps, look for devices with strong single‑core performance and efficient power management. Gamers, on the other hand, should prioritize GPU scores and high‑refresh‑rate displays. Finally, consider after‑sales support; a phone that receives three years of security updates will stay secure long after its benchmark peak fades.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which benchmark is the most reliable for everyday use?

PCMark 10 Mobile focuses on typical productivity tasks—web browsing, office apps, and video playback—so it aligns closest with everyday experiences. Geekbench shines for raw CPU power, while AnTuTu offers a broader mix of tests, including gaming.

Do newer chips always beat older flagships in benchmarks?

Generally, yes. A fresh SoC like Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or Apple’s A17 Pro will outscore previous‑generation chips in most categories. However, software optimization can narrow the gap; a well‑tuned older device may still feel snappy.

How much do benchmark scores affect battery life?

Higher performance often comes with higher power draw, but modern chips include dynamic scaling that throttles performance when the battery is low. Devices with efficient architectures (e.g., Apple’s A‑series) can deliver strong scores without a proportional hit to endurance.

Should I buy a phone solely based on its benchmark ranking?

Benchmarks are a solid starting point, but they’re just one piece of the puzzle. Pair the scores with reviews of camera quality, software experience, and long‑term support to ensure the device matches your personal priorities.