Technology is evolving quickly, and the smartphone market is no exception. Sometimes it can be hard to keep pace, and more difficult still to identify the smartphone that meets your needs. Here are some of the most popular smartphones of 2022 as well as more information about the exciting hardware and features they come preloaded with.
1. Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
Rated as the best iPhone overall by PC Mag, the iPhone 14 Pro Max combines excellent performance with crisp cameras, relatively long relatively long battery life, and many handy features that are not available with the standard models. With superior hardware, always-on display, and enhanced wireless performance, the iPhone 14 Pro Max is a solid selection for someone who is looking for a jack-of-all-trades smartphone. It exceeds the capabilities of the standard iPhone 14 thanks to the computational power of its processor.
Incorporating an updated main camera powered by Photonic Engine, the handset also comes with potentially life-saving safety enhancements, including Crash Detection and Emergency SOS. Although some critics have questioned its rather basic appearance, which is practically identical to both the iPhone 13 Pro Max and iPhone 12 Pro Max, the handset puts in a solid performance with its bright and responsive screen, featuring Haptic Touch, HDR, and True Tone Color.
2. Google Pixel 6 Pro
Many Pixel phones have entered the market. However, none has been able to live up to the expectations associated with a showpiece device until the Pixel 6 Pro. As always, Google delivered an best in class camera and computational photography system. However, the manufacturer has raised the stakes in terms of the asking price, which is now low enough to make competitors nervous.
The Pixel 6 Pro has a crisp display, bold design, and excellent sound. In addition, the inclusion of Google’s Tensor Chip helps Android 12 to keep running exceptionally smoothly, with the 6 Pro first in line for Android 13. The flipside is its charging speeds, which let the model down somewhat. In addition, the handset’s chunky style is not to all tastes. However, the Pixel 6 Pro is a good choice for consumers set on an Android device, particularly those looking for a relatively affordable smartphone.
3. Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
Although it features some extremely powerful hardware, including a adaptable camera with AI features and a stylus, the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is relatively expensive and doesn’t have a microSD card slot. However, the Galaxy S22 Ultra is generally considered the apex of Androids. Its refined bowed display and built-in S Pen stylus add greater utility to the software experience.
On the reverse of the handset are a quartet of cameras, each with wide-angle and various zoom steps. The camera is easy to use and provides impressive results, its new features making for incredible videos and photos.
The Galaxy S22 Ultra is hyped as Samsung’s biggest disruption of the S22 range to date. The rectangular model looks very different from the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, having been altered significantly after the course of a year. The Galaxy S22 Ultra is available in several colorways, including Green, Burgundy, Phantom White, and Phantom Black. For those purchasing their handset direct from Samsung, three additional color choices are also available, namely Graphite, Red, and Sky Blue.
4. Sony Xperia 1 IV
Delicate and comfortable for the user, the Sony Xperia 1 IV also takes high quality video. Incorporating a headphone jack and notification LED, it runs remarkably well, its stereo speakers offering great sound quality. The phone does disappoint somewhat in terms of photo quality. Despite incorporating three camera apps, non feels fully fleshed-out.
The phone doesn’t have earbuds, a charger, or cable in the box, which is a little frustrating given its hefty sticker price. However, where the Sony Xperia 1 IV stands out for its beautiful screen, the HDR-compliant OLED panel providing 4K resolution, as well as a 240 Hz touch-scan rate, and a 120 Hz refresh rate. For best results, enable “Creator Mode” in the display settings, providing natural tones and a sense of warmth.
5. Samsung Galaxy Flip 4
Announced the best folding phone of 2022 by ZDNET, the Galaxy Flip 4 is available in a variety of fun colors. The handset marks a glorious homecoming for the flip phone style, enabling users to end their calls by sassily snapping the phone shut. The design is incredibly compacted when folded, measuring approximately 3 inches square, making it ideal for slipping in a small purse or pocket.
It also incorporates a cover screen, providing quick, easy-to-read alerts for calls, texts, and app notifications without the need to open the phone. The folding form factor makes the Galaxy Flip 4 ideal for aspiring photographers, content creators, and influencers, enabling them to use the phone as its own tripod when filming TikTok content, taking group photos, or setting up time-lapse landscape shots.