With a few exceptions, the term that best describes the big phone releases in 2022 is “iterative.” 2022 has been mostly about minor adjustments that make handsets more polished but don’t provide much motivation to upgrade. If you purchased a flagship phone within the last couple of years and are satisfied with its performance, you can probably wait another year. If it’s time for a replacement, today’s crop of top-tier gadgets is just a tad better: more mature, with some small rough edges smoothed off.
Choosing a new smartphone can be difficult, so we’ve compiled a list of our top picks for the phones to buy in 2022. Every handset on this list has been extensively reviewed and tested, from battery life to camera performance. There is something for everyone, from the big spender who won’t mind the price, to the ultimate gamer who enjoys playing in the live casino at Ignition with a phone that guarantees a fantastic battery performance.
This collection includes iPhone and Android options in various sizes and price ranges.
iPhone 14 Pro
iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max from Apple feature revolutionary new features such as the Dynamic Island, a new 48-megapixel camera system, and Apple’s new A16 Bionic chipset. All of these upgrades work together to create an experience that feels new and speedy. The improvements to the primary camera enable it to shoot some genuinely great shots, making the phone an excellent choice for people interested in mobile photography.
The 14 Pro won’t come cheap (what do you expect from Apple’s top phone), especially if you want the bigger Max variant, but if you want the best all-around performance in an iPhone, this is the phone to buy.
iPhone 14
While the regular iPhone 14 doesn’t feature the same triple camera array or new Dynamic Island notch as its more expensive 14 Pro counterpart, it still has a lot to offer and is more affordable. Because of its decent performance, upgraded primary camera, and several other modifications, including a more repairable glass back in case it falls, it is the perfect upgrade for most people.
It’s not a significant upgrade over last year’s models, but if you’re looking for a new iPhone and don’t want to spend a lot on the Pro series, it’s an excellent alternative to consider.
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
The Galaxy S22 Ultra, Samsung’s next flagship superphone, offers outstanding capabilities, including a triple back camera, a large, bright display, and the S Pen pen from the Galaxy Note series. It has a premium price tag, but those searching for one of the greatest Android phones should put this on their shortlist.
Google Pixel 7 Pro
The Pixel 7 Pro offers plenty to love with its superb triple camera, elegant design, and huge 6.7-inch screen. Although it is not much different from the previous Pixel 6 Pro, anyone upgrading from a phone that is more than two years old will notice a significant difference. Google has increased the Pixel 7 Pro’s zoom capabilities, giving it a 30x digital zoom range compared to the 6 Pro’s 20x range for shooting closer photos. The Pixel 7 and 7 Pro both include additional capabilities driven by Google’s Tensor G2 engine, including the ability to improve old photographs. On the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro, you’ll also have free access to Google’s VPN.
iPhone 13
While Apple’s new iPhone 14 and 14 Pro may be the more interesting alternatives with their enhanced cameras and the Pro’s new Dynamic Island notch, the original iPhone 13 is still classy.
With a 6.1-inch screen and two good back cameras, the regular iPhone 13 is a dependable pick for most people. We liked the iPhone 13’s combination of power, camera performance, and pricing, and while it’s not a great savings above the base iPhone 14, it may be money well saved if you’re shopping for a new device and trying to keep prices down.
OnePlus 10 Pro
The OnePlus 10 Pro received a favorable rating in our review due to its sleek appearance, excellent performance, and competitive pricing. Its 5000 mAh battery, and extensive RAM/ROM capabilities make it the perfect phone for the active user. It is ideal for performing demanding tasks such as gaming, so you can enjoy the fun without worrying about your battery running out.
It might use a few tweaks, especially to the camera, which is OK but not fantastic, but this flagship provides an excellent overall experience. It is a good option to consider if you’re looking for a high-end 5G phone that stands out from your friends’ iPhones and Galaxy phones.
