Top 3 Best Purchases of 2024: My Favorite Electronic Finds of the Year

Hey there, welcome back to the Techpot! As we wind down 2024, I’m feeling reflective about the purchases that made my year. I don’t know about you, but I love a good shopping win—those moments when you snag something that ends up being way more useful, fun, or valuable than you expected. Today, I’m sharing my top 3 best purchases of 2024. Whether you’re a tech geek someone who loves a smart buy, there’s something here for you. Let’s dive in!

1. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra: My Go-To Smartphone of 2024

First up is the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, hands down my favorite tech purchase of the year. Released in January 2024, this phone caught my eye right away—and no, it’s not just because I’m a Samsung stan (though I’ll admit I’ve been loyal to the Galaxy line for a while). I know what you’re thinking: “What about the iPhone 16 Pro?” Fair question! The iPhone 16 Pro dropped later in the year with all its hype, but for me, the Galaxy S24 Ultra edged it out in real-world usability.

What makes it so great? For starters, the battery life is phenomenal—I’m talking all-day power even with heavy use. Compared to my old Galaxy S23 Ultra, the heat management is noticeably better, too; no more toasty hands during long video shoots! Speaking of video, the camera system is where this phone really shines. It’s got an ultra-wide, wide, 3x telephoto, and 5x telephoto lens setup that covers all the focal lengths I actually use. I shoot a lot of content—reels, vlogs, you name it—and the Galaxy’s lens options feel more practical than the iPhone 16 Pro’s ultra-wide, wide, and 5x telephoto combo. The iPhone’s 5x lens has a longer minimum focus distance, so it often defaults to digital cropping from the wide lens when I zoom in close. That lack of control bugged me, while the Galaxy lets me nail the shot every time.

Plus, I’m a sucker for its angular design—those sharp edges just feel premium. The S24 Ultra retails around $1,299 USD, but I snagged mine during a promo for $1,149. Worth every penny? Absolutely. If you’re debating between this and the iPhone, I’d say go Galaxy if you value camera flexibility and battery stamina.

2. CHUWI MiniBook: The Tiny Windows Powerhouse

Next up is a little gem that surprised me: the CHUWI MiniBook. This ultra-compact Windows laptop, powered by an Intel N100 processor, isn’t about raw power—it’s about portability and purpose. I needed a lightweight Windows machine I could toss in my bag for on-the-go work, and this delivered in spades. At just 8 inches wide and weighing under 2 pounds, it’s smaller than most tablets but runs full Windows 11.

I’ll be honest: I laughed when I saw reviews claiming it could handle League of Legends. Let’s be real—this isn’t a gaming rig. But for my needs—writing, light photo editing, and managing content on the fly—it’s perfect. People often ask, “Why not just get an iPad?” Simple: I needed Windows. The iPad’s great for consuming content, but when you’re creating (think spreadsheets, desktop apps, or file management), it’s not the same. The MiniBook’s keyboard is tiny but usable, and the 360-degree hinge lets me flip it into tablet mode when I want.

I picked it up for around $399 USD on sale, and for anyone who needs a portable Windows companion without breaking the bank, this is a steal. It’s not flawless—the trackpad’s a bit finicky—but for the price and size, I’m thrilled.

3. 13-Inch iPad Pro: A Content Creator’s Dream

Okay, I couldn’t resist including the 13-inch iPad Pro, my third favorite purchase of 2024. I’d been rocking an 11-inch iPad Pro for six years, and while I loved it, I took a leap upgrading to the bigger screen this year. Spoiler: I don’t regret it one bit.

The extra screen real estate is a game-changer for editing—whether I’m cutting TikTok videos, tweaking Reels, or sketching ideas in Procreate. The 11-inch felt cramped after a while, but the 13-inch version (starting at $1,299 USD for 256GB) gives me room to breathe. Paired with the M4 chip, it’s lightning-fast, and the Liquid Retina XDR display makes colors pop like crazy. I went for the Pro over the Air or base iPad because I’m not just consuming content—I’m creating it to make a living. The investment cuts my work stress and boosts my output, so it’s more than justified.

If you’re an illustrator, video editor, or anyone who spends hours on an iPad, trust me: go big. It’s heavy (1.5 pounds), sure, but the productivity payoff is worth it.

Why These Made the Cut

Picking just five purchases was tough—2024 was a great year for shopping! What ties these together is how they fit my life. The Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPad Pro fuel my content creation and the MiniBook keeps me productive on the go. Each one’s a win because it solves a problem or sparks joy (or both!).

What about you? What’s your best purchase of 2024? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear! If you found this list helpful, hit that like button, subscribe for more, and share it with a friend who needs some shopping inspo. Here’s to a great end to 2024 and smart buys in 2025!