Introduction
With the end of the year 2022, it’s time to see some of the best smartphones in different categories that launched in the year. Like every other year, brands significantly improved their smartphones to give eye-catching displays, pro-level cameras, powerful performance, and stunning designs, providing the best user experience possible.
Choosing the best smartphone of 2022 is a tough task, as we saw many incredible smartphones launch throughout the year. Besides, each user has their own set of preferences: some like larger phones, some smaller ones, some value frequent software updates, some care more about cost, and so on. So, here’s a list of what we think is the best smartphone of 2022 in different categories.
Best Smartphone of the Year 2022
iPhone 14 Pro/Pro Max (Best Smartphone)
Both the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max are the best smartphone of 2022 as it effectively delivers every aspect of a smartphone. It is the most reliable choice for users that seek the best of every feature on a smartphone.
The phone packs a much better A16 Bionic chip compared to any Android mobile processor. Besides, Apple has drastically improved the camera system with a new 48MP ProRAW primary camera, second-gen sensor-shift optical image stabilization, Action Mode, and more.
Along with some internal upgrades, the iPhone 14 Pro/ Pro Max also features a major design overhaul. After six long years, Apple finally replaced its iconic notch with a pill-shaped Dynamic Island, giving the smartphone a fresh look.
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra (Best Android Smartphone)
When it comes to the Android smartphone segment, the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is hands down the best smartphone of 2022. This year, Samsung integrated its Note-series and S-series into one, which brought a built-in S-Pen stylus to this Galaxy flagship. Extremely versatile, the S22 Ultra has one of the best smartphone displays, a powerful chip, multitasking capabilities, and an impressive camera system, which makes this Galaxy phone a powerful package.
Like the iPhone 14 Pro Max, the S22 Ultra is also a reliable choice for users that seek the best of every feature on a smartphone. But by far, the built-in S-Pen is the most unique part of the smartphone that makes it stand out among other smartphones.
Google Pixel 7 Pro (Best User Experience)
The Google Pixel 7 Pro is the best Pixel yet. Google has significantly improved its Pixel phones over the year and has become one of the contenders for the best Android smartphone.
It features a custom-developed 4nm Tensor G2 SoC with Mali-G710 graphics and a built-in Titan M2 chip for security. For optics, the phone has a triple camera setup on the back that features a 50-megapixel primary camera with OIS and up to 4K video recording at 30 FPS and 60 FPS.
Google’s superior software processing makes this phone one of the most satisfying camera phones. Pixel 7 Pro further has tons of clever Pixel-only features like Magic Eraser, Live Transcribe, and more. Besides, this Google-powered software is highly customizable and playful, delivering a great user experience.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 (Best Foldable Smartphone)
Samsung is a dominant name when it comes to folding smartphones, and the Galaxy Z Fold 4 is the 4th generation foldable smartphone from the company. This Samsung phone features Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor built on the TSMC 4nm process and clocked at up to 3.2 GHz. Besides, it offers two Dynamic AMOLED 2X displays (one foldable), both maxing out at a 120Hz refresh rate.
The best part of the Z Fold 4 is its multi-tasking ability, as it has a big foldable screen, stylus support, and optimized Android 12L OS. With effortless multitasking software, speedy performance, and wider availability than any other foldable phone, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 is the best foldable smartphone of 2022.
Nothing Phone 1 (Best Design)
The Nothing Phone 1 is by far the most eye-catching smartphone of 2022. Around the back, the smartphone has a transparent back, showcasing some internal components. The transparent back also showcases the five lightning strips, which the company calls the Glyph Interface.
Moreover, the Glyph interface consists of 900 LED lights that notify users about calls, charging, and other notifications. You can also customize the lighting pattern for specific notifications.
Apart from the unique design, the Nothing Phone 1 has a decent spec sheet for a midrange smartphone.
Honorable Mentions
The year 2022 saw many incredible smartphones, and it’s hard to categorize all of them in a single article. So, here are some of the honorable mentions:
Asus ROG Phone 6 Pro - Best Gaming Phone
Google Pixel 6a - Best Mid-range Phone
Redmi Note 11 Pro Pro+ - Best Budget Smartphone
Asus Zenfone 9 - Best Small Phone
