The Mobile World Congress 2024 in Barcelona is almost over, so as usual they give awards for groundbreaking innovations and revolutionary products. The MWC 2024 is a prestigious event and most tech-related innovations are launched or announced here. Thus, their awards are quite sought for because they truly recognize the best in class across various categories. Google Pixel won the best smartphone award, and I must say I’m a bit surprised that Samsung didn’t steal that one. Here are the most important awards given at MWC 2024 this year:

Best Smartphone: Google Pixel 8 Series

The smartphone market is quite saturated phones that boast cutting-edge features, so it’s impressive that the Google Pixel 8 series snagged this award, the one for the best smartphone of 2024. I’m saying the series, because the awards is for both the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. Building upon Google’s legacy of excellence in mobile technology, the Pixel 8 series sets a new standard for what a smartphone can achieve. Too bad Google cannot keep its own older promise of “Do no evil” (i.e. see the recent scandal in Gemini AI’s “woke” image inclusion).

The next ranked smarphones were the iPhone 15 Pro, Galaxy S23, Galaxy Z Flip5 and OPPO Find N3/OnePlus Open. This award takes into account phones launched between January 2023 and December 2023.

Last year, the iPhone 14 Pro received the MWC award, but in 2024, the Pixel 8 series stole the spotlight.

Breakthrough Innovation: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen3

Next important award went to Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen3 in the Breakthrough Innovation category. This next-generation chipset pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in mobile computing. From enhanced performance to AI capabilities, the Snapdragon 8 Gen3 paves the way for a new era of connectivity and efficiency. The Breakthrough Innovation category also included the silicon-carbon battery technology on the Magic V2, Google’s promise for 7 years of updates, and AI imaging capabilities.

The Most Connected Consumer Device: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra

There’s the smartphone that judges pick as the best, and the smartphones that users buy. In this case it’s about a tablet, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra. It received an award for the most connected consumer device of 2024. The tablet obtained the majority of votes in a category where the Moto Defy 2 competed (satellite connectivity), HTC Vive XR Elite, Huawei Watch Ultimate and RayNeo Air2 XR Glasses. The tablet was voted as the best everyday device that brings new smart applications, efficiency and functionality to the user, at home or on the go.

Best in Show: Honor Magic V2 RSR Porsche Design

In a world where style meets substance, the Honor Magic V2 RSR Porsche Design reigns supreme as the Best in Show at MWC 2024. Combining cutting-edge technology with exquisite design, this device embodies the epitome of luxury and sophistication. From its sleek aesthetics to its powerful performance, the Honor Magic V2 RSR Porsche Design represents the pinnacle of excellence in the tech world.

The Mobile World Congress 2024 showcased the best and brightest in the world of technology, from groundbreaking smartphones to innovative consumer devices. Wonder what MWC 2025 will bring.