With several models fetching well in excess of $1,000, choosing the right smartphone to keep you connected, informed, and entertained throughout the day requires careful research. From the iPhone 13 Pro Max to the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, we review five of the hottest smartphone models on the market to help you find the right phone in 2022.
1. Google Pixel 6 Pro
Named Best User Experience by Tech Advisor, the Google Pixel 6 Pro combines a slick operating system with greatly improved battery life. Debuting a refreshed Android 12 operating system and made from Google’s own Tensor silicon, the Pixel 6 Pro has a completely new design, featuring a significantly improved camera. One of the larger handsets on the market today, the device boasts stunning QHD, as well as a curved-edged OLED display that, for the first time in the series, paves the way for a smoother, faster 120Hz refresh rate, placing it on a par with the iPhone 13 Pro.
The Pixel 6 Pro’s upgraded camera system incorporates a new 50 megapixel main sensor, enabling it to deliver astounding dynamic range. The camera also showcases a variety of smart new features, such as Face Unblur and Magic Eraser.
2. iPhone 13 Pro Max
Excelling in both performance and battery life, the iPhone 13 Pro Max is a rare find. Incorporating main, ultrawide, and zoom cameras, this model provides the classic iPhone camera experience along with night mode, video mode, and a range of selfie tricks. Even more powerful than the already robust iPhone 12 Pro Max, the latest version comes with a newer A15 Bionic Chipset, providing a lightning-fast experience whether you are scrolling through social media or playing games.
Combining a high refresh rate display with cutting edge features, including an impressive sensor-shift optical image stabilization system, the iPhone 13 Pro Max boasts excellent battery life, although its fast-charging speeds are well behind the curve compared with some of its contemporaries.
3. Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
A powerful phone in every respect, the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra was released in February 2022. Its camera has been singled out for praise in particular, enabling even the less photo savvy shooters to achieve excellent quality ultra-wide shots, providing 10x optical and 100x digital zoom, helping users to get right up close to their subjects. Its Single Take camera mode leverages the power of AI, taking several photos of a subject and selecting the best ones.
Offering a battery life of around a day with normal use, the Samsung Galaxy S22 boasts plenty of processing power, as well as an ample 6.8-inch screen, making it perfect for gamers. The smartphone also incorporates an S Pen stylus, a handy feature for doodlers and note takers that is a rare find on the mobile market today. Named Best Phone by Tech Radar, the only drawbacks with the handset appear to be its lack of a microSD slot, and its mediocre battery life.
4. Motorola Moto G Power
Positioned as an affordable phone capable of providing up to three-days of battery life, the Moto G Power was rated excellent by PC Mag, and with good reason. For less than $200, users benefit from smooth performance, as well as a 90 Hz refresh rate display. The phone’s weight is well distributed across its plastic chassis, while its textured matte back not only helps with grip, but minimizes the appearance of fingerprints and scratches.
The Moto G Power’s 720-pixel resolution is perhaps its greatest shortfall. Although its screen does display accurate colors, pixelation is noticeable upon close inspection. In addition, while viewing angles are good, the panel can be difficult to see in direct sunlight.
Motorola claims that the 5,000 mAh battery should last three days between charges, although according to PC Mag’s review, this is would only apply to a very conservative user. With normal use, the battery is likely to last around two days, still an impressive feat for a modestly priced phone. Recharging can be slow, and the Moto G Power does not support wireless charging. Nevertheless, the phone’s 50Mp camera works well in good light, taking crisp photos with natural depth of field and solid color accuracy.
5. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 5G
Widely regarded as the best foldable phone on the market today, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 was named Best Overall Phone for Productivity by ZD Net. Like the Galaxy S22 Ultra, this model also includes S Pen support. With its IPX8 water-resistant design, it is an excellent phone/mini tablet option for individuals who need to work on the fly.
Providing a strong, lightning fast 5G connection, Samsung’s Galaxy Fold’s 7.6-inch main display is visually stunning, incorporating a 120Hz refresh rate alongside Samsung’s highly rated AMOLED technology. The Galaxy Z Fold 3 features a 10Mp front-facing camera, triple rear cameras, and a unique under-display camera, too. At the pricier end of the smartphone spectrum, this model commands a colossal price tag of $1,800. However, Samsung advises that Galaxy Z Fold 3 is 80% more durable than previous foldable models, and it does retail for $200 less than the Z Fold 2 did when it was launched.