The Top 10 Disastrous Phone Launches of 2024: A Year of Epic Fails

The Biggest Phone Flops and Fails of 2024

2024 was a year of ups and downs in the world of smartphones. While we saw some amazing innovations and advancements, there were also some notable flops and fails. In this article, we’ll take a look at the biggest phone flops and fails of the year, including some that aren’t quite phone-related.

What was the worst fail of 2024?

According to our poll, the AI gadget fad was the biggest fail of the year, with 40% of the vote. But there were many other notable flops and fails that made the list.

1. The AI gadget fad

It’s not technically a smartphone, but we’d be remiss if we didn’t highlight the AI gadget fad in early 2024. Several startups emerged with standalone AI devices, including the Humane AI Pin White. While the idea of a standalone AI device sounds exciting, the execution was lacking. Many of these devices were plagued by poor build quality, buggy software, and a lack of practical applications.

2. Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro

The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro launched alongside Samsung’s 2024 foldable, but it was marred by quality control issues. Many owners reported fragile ear tips that easily tore, uneven seams, and dust and residue on new models. No wonder Samsung temporarily pulled them from the market to address these problems.

3. MKBHD’s wallpaper app

Popular YouTuber Marques ‘MKBHD’ Brownlee launched a wallpaper app called Panels in September. While a wallpaper app on its own isn’t an issue, many viewers took umbrage with the pricing structure. The app initially had a free tier with SD-resolution wallpapers and a paid tier with HD wallpapers for $12 a month or $50 a year. Critics took exception to the SD restriction for the free plan and the expensive subscription fee.

Other notable flops and fails

• T-Mobile’s Price Lock: T-Mobile’s attempt to lock in prices for customers was met with resistance and criticism.
• OSOM’s messy demise: The OSOM phone project, which aimed to create a more affordable flagship phone, ended in disaster after the company ran out of funding.
• Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold cutbacks: Google’s decision to cut back on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s features and capabilities was met with disappointment from fans.
• Verizon’s Pixel vulnerability: Verizon’s failure to patch a vulnerability in the Pixel 9 Pro left customers vulnerable to attacks.
• The limited Z Fold SE launch: Samsung’s limited launch of the Z Fold SE, which was only available in select markets, was met with disappointment from fans.

What’s been the worst mobile-related fail of the year in your opinion?

Let us know in the comments!