Consummer Reviews Cell Phones 2017 by Prive Ranges

(Pocket-lint) - If you lot're trying to figure out which are the very all-time smartphones to buy in 2022, we have the answers.

Below, nosotros've ranked and rated the acme performers from our extensive phone reviews in one definitive listing. Whether you typically prefer Apple'southward iPhone, want to check out the latest Samsung flagship or fancy something unlike from the Android realm, this guide can help y'all figure out which phone should exist at the tiptop of your wishlist.

If yous already know which phone operating system y'all'll be going with, you may find information technology easier to zoom in on our all-time Android telephone or best iPhone guides. And if the prices of the picks beneath are a little steep, y'all may want to consider checking out a mid-range smartphone or entry-level device.

For those merely getting to grips with what's out in that location, though, we should note that it's a bang-up time to invest in a new phone. At the back end of last twelvemonth, we saw the launch of the iPhone 13 and the Google Pixel half dozen ranges, with 2022 already seeing the arrival of new Samsung devices and the latest OnePlus flagship. There are also plenty more smartphones releases in 2022 to look forwards to.

No matter which you somewhen opt for, yous'll likely need a reminder of the well-nigh important things to consider when buying a new smartphone, too. That'south why we've included a section below our picks with some FAQs.

As with every buyer's guide, the picks below are the result of endless hours of testing past the Pocket-lint squad. However, a telephone'south functioning isn't the only affair that nosotros consider when putting together these rankings; we place a strong accent on the price tag and overall value of a device, too.

Our picks change regularly, given that new phones launch all the time, just beneath you can find the latest rankings.

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Best Smartphones in 2022

1. Google Pixel 6 Pro
2. Apple iPhone 13 Pro
3. Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
4. Oppo Find X5 Pro
5. Apple iPhone 13
6. OnePlus ten Pro
7. Xiaomi 12 Pro

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All-time Smartphone: Our Top Choice

Pocket-lint

Google Pixel half dozen Pro

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For

• Tiptop-tier camera performance
• Bold design

Against

• Slightly chunky
• Not particularly fast charging

We've seen enough of Pixel phones enter the market over the years, but none have quite managed to alive up to typical expectations of a flagship device. That'southward completely changed with the Pixel 6 Pro.

Every bit ever, Google has provided a camera and computational photography system that is, in our view, the best in course. However, the stakes have been raised here primarily due to the asking price, which is low enough, we wait, to make a lot of competitors second guess themselves.

With the 6 Pro, there's a existent sense of conviction and completeness. The blueprint is bold, the display is crisp, the speakers are excellent and Google's Tensor chip has Android 12 running very smoothly.

It is very much on the chunky side, which won't be for everyone, and the charging speeds let it downward slightly, but this is an outstanding choice for those who want an Android device.

• Google Pixel 6 Pro review: A proper flagship telephone

Smartphones we also recommend

For at present, the Google Pixel 6 Pro is our pick for the height smartphone available to purchase. However, we empathize that it may not be ane that every user likes the look of - or, indeed, the price tag that comes with it. Here are the other options nosotros currently recommend checking out.

Pocket-lint

Apple tree iPhone 13 Pro

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For

• Finally offers a 120Hz display
• Improved battery life
• The camera is simply bright

Confronting

• No big leaps from iPhone 12 Pro
• Heavy users may still challenge the bombardment

If the 'standard' iPhone thirteen is the right device for most people seeking an iOS device, the iPhone 13 Pro is the model for those who care just that bit more about their telephone's performance. If yous want a true flagship feel from Apple, this is it.

That'due south not to say it does a neat bargain unlike to last year's equivalent - it doesn't - simply it does yet refine enough aspects to make it a compelling upgrade for those with a model that's at least a couple of years old.

Battery life is improved, giving yous around 90 minutes more iPhone 12 Pro, and Apple's ProMotion adaptive refresh rates provide much smoother scrolling. The notch is still there, of course, but its reduction does also makes the overall feel feel just that bit better than final year.

Nosotros'd suggest ability users will still be able to bleed down this battery adequately apace (like pretty much every other device, iPhone xiii Pro does struggle under pressure), just, mostly, this is the nigh refined iOS experience you can buy. Naturally, all of this as well applies to the Pro Max variant, too, since they are essentially the aforementioned experience in a different shell.

• Apple iPhone 13 Pro review: A lesson in refinement

Pocket-lint

Samsung Milky way S22 Ultra

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For

• Superb build and display
• Camera performance is elite

Against

• Battery life slightly lets it down
• Charging speeds could be quicker

Though we enjoyed our time testing all of the Milky way S22 models, the Ultra is comfortably the most complete, flagship offering from Samsung. Information technology's also quite a different model from its siblings, taking a large dose of inspiration from the now-retired Note series.

For those who like using a stylus with their smartphone, that'll be a slap-up positive, just the Southward Pen'southward functions are as well like shooting fish in a barrel to skip over if that's not your cup of tea. Thankfully, the S22 Ultra has plenty more to offer than this, and it'southward an outstanding option for those who want a really large display and the great design appeal of the curved edge.

It's non the aforementioned level of reinvention we saw with the S21 Ultra, but it is a considered refinement with a very accomplished camera assortment. It doesn't offer elite-level bombardment life or the fastest charging speeds, but its premium pattern and performance make it one of the very best phones to consider.

• Samsung Milky way S22 Ultra review: Ultimate reinvention?

Pocket-lint

Oppo Find X5 Pro

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For

• Durable, cute design
• Incredible display
• First-class charging speeds

Confronting

• The punch-hole camera is quite stark
• The camera software isn't that intuitive

Information technology might not have the big-proper name pull that some of the other devices exercise on this list, but Oppo's Find X5 Pro is a serious player; 1 that should be high upward on the wishlist of those in the market place for a top flagship.

The design, with its durable, ceramic dorsum and tip-superlative display, is an accented triumph, but the incredibly speedy performance and battery life are the reasons nosotros roughshod in love with this telephone during testing.

There's the odd niggle, like the camera apps' quirks and a tendency to over-procedure photos, only these are very much only minor complaints nearly what is a really well-rounded experience. Even Oppo'southward accept on Google's Android 12 software is welcome, adding some nice features without complicating things.

• Oppo Observe X5 Pro review: The ultimate underdog

Pocket-lint

Apple iPhone 13

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For

• Great display and camera
• Battery life is improved over iPhone 12

Against

• Misses out on some flagship features

The iPhone thirteen lineup is once once again fabricated upwards of 4 phones - and, thankfully, each model is nonetheless very divers for different types of users.

The 'standard' model brings everything you would expect from the latest iPhone release - and, in brusk, that means new integrations without wholesale changes that make information technology a must-upgrade.

The notch is yet nowadays, although it's now been shrunk down, and Apple has made the usual incremental (merely still meaningful) improvements to battery life, display and camera operation.

You do miss out on typical 'flagship' features, such as Apple's adaptive refresh rate, ProMotion, and the presence of a telephoto zoom lens, which is a shame, merely it obviously has a reduced price to reverberate this.

Since the iPhone 13 is identical to the iPhone 13 mini in pretty much every style besides size, we'll too lump this in every bit part of this choice, also. While the iPhone xiii is the iPhone for almost every blazon of user looking for an Apple handset, though, only those who really crave a smaller device should look into the iPhone 13 mini.

• Apple tree iPhone 13 review: The iPhone for anybody

Pocket-lint

OnePlus 10 Pro

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For

• Fantastic display
• Speedy operation
• Customisable and bloat-free software

Against

• Battery life could be stronger
• Not very different to Find X5 Pro
• USB-A charging cable is puzzling

OnePlus - for the by few years - has offered an ultra-premium flagship that doesn't cost quite as much as the others. The same is true of the OnePlus x Pro.

It has a truly superb display, it's fast and responsive, and even has a potent trio of cameras this year. Like the Observe X5 Pro, it also has fast wired and wireless charging.

Its strongest point, we think, is the approach to software. It'due south make clean and bloat-free, merely it's also customisable, with plenty of tweaks. Plus, you go three years of major software updates and an additional 2 security patches.

The downsides are that it lacks a bit of identity, with the lines between Oppo (and the Find X5) blurring slightly, and in that location's the odd camera and battery life quirk, merely, generally, you can't go incorrect with this phone.

• OnePlus 10 Pro review: Business every bit usual?

Pocket-lint

Xiaomi 12 Pro

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For

• The screen is unrivalled
• Very good camera trio
• Slick software experience

Against

• Battery life is mixed
• Notification issues
• Can run warm

This represents a flake of a risky pick, in our view, just the highs are and then high with Xiaomi'southward latest flagship that it'south besides hard to get out information technology out of the very top flagship phones.

On the positive side, Xiaomi has delivered a masterclass in display and photographic camera operation with the 12 Pro, with a clean design that we'd put up against any device on the market. Its MIUI software, as well, despite the odd setback with notifications and Android Auto, runs very smoothly - a big improvement over the predecessor.

Then, though, there's the ugly side of life with the latest Xiaomi flagship. We really struggled with the battery life of the device, and the super-fast charging can't remedy this entirely. It likewise has a trend to run a little hot, and those software niggles we mentioned do begin to grate after continuous apply.

• Xiaomi 12 Pro review: Pure class or one to laissez passer?

Other products we considered

We know full well that the phones above may not exist enough to cover each person's sense of taste and budget, simply nosotros're also determined to keep this list as concise as possible so you lot tin can receive a snapshot of what nosotros believe to exist the very all-time phones available correct now.

In the process of ranking the best smartphones, nosotros spent hours testing and researching. We always consider a number of factors when information technology comes to recommending phones, and effort to apply the same criteria when a new device is being considered for inclusion. It's non all judged on our testing, either - nosotros as well try to gene in consumer reviews, brand quality and value.

In order to provide some context to our conclusion making and testing, besides as to requite y'all more than suggestions of smartphones in the same ballpark, below are the devices that haven't quite made it into our top picks.

• Oppo Observe X3 Pro
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3
• iPhone 12 Pro
• Samsung Milky way S20 Iron
• Xiaomi Mi xi
• Apple iPhone 12
• Sony Xperia five 3
• Apple iPhone SE (2022)

How to cull a phone

When looking for a new flagship phone, there's a lot to consider. Below, then, nosotros'll have some advice on what you should be looking for in each of the key hardware areas, likewise as whether an iPhone or Android phone is correct for you.

What is the latest iPhone?

The 2021 family of Apple tree'due south smartphone is the iPhone 13. Like in previous generations, the iPhone has a number of models to choose from - mini, standard, Pro or Pro Max - simply the experience is fairly similar across all the devices. That's true of older iPhone models, too, with potent support on the software forepart and consistent utilise of design for several generations of devices.

That ways that if yous buy the iPhone 13, for example, you know it'southward going to be supported for many years. You besides know that the hardware features on it aren't going to modify drastically the next year, as Apple tree looks for consistency across its devices.

That besides means that buying an older iPhone model remains a practiced option, and why we considered both the iPhone 12 and iPhone SE for this guide. Both volition relieve you coin and you won't miss out on many features compared to a newer equivalent.

Is Android better than iPhone and iOS?

Android's big advantage over Apple tree is the broad variety of options. At that place'south a greater range of manufacturers, meaning many different toll points and designs, just all with the familiarity of the underlying Android software, so in that location's no existent learning curve when information technology comes to using information technology.

Android manufacturers are ofttimes more ambitious with new technologies, pushing new camera features in advance of Apple, just often only go along a design for one year, before releasing a new model that'south different. Android also isn't every bit consistent with software back up.

Although most devices volition go two or three versions of Android, the timescales are never equally tight equally they are for Apple - but prices do fall faster, and then practiced deals on newer models are frequently available.

Displays and sizes

The display will ascertain the size of the device you get. Larger displays are great for consuming content, platonic for watching Tv or movies and often preferred past gamers.

Just larger displays mean a bulkier telephone - and yous might discover it'due south simply not as practical to utilise. Many manufacturers, however, brand the biggest phone their best telephone.

Not all flagship devices offering summit resolutions of Quad HD or 4K, with some sticking to a resolution that's aplenty, similar 1080p. That's fine, though, as you accept to look really closely to see the difference in the item. What'south more important is brandish quality.

With most flagship phones offering an OLED display, there aren't huge differences, but some offer curved edges which tin can make a larger phone easier to use.

What's emerged as a more attractive option more recently is the refresh charge per unit. Summit phones are at present pushing 120Hz in an attempt to make all content look smoother. It's non just about gaming, information technology's about supporting scrolling in apps and abode screens, besides.

Cadre hardware and storage

Flagship phones will typically have the latest hardware in them. While Apple offers its own hardware, Android chooses from a range of suppliers - but many offer Qualcomm. Samsung will apply Exynos and Qualcomm, and some might range into MediaTek - although this is unremarkably reserved for mid-range or entry-level devices.

Storage is important, as well, obviously. Low storage will bring the price down, but fewer and fewer manufacturers are offer microSD card expansion these days. That means you demand to buy a device with plenty storage - considering that the pick of 4K and at present 8K video is using upwards more than storage than ever.

Of course, deject storage is a lot more integrated these days, only remember that cipher is gratis - if you lot want to shop a lot of photos, y'all'll accept to pay for information technology.

Cameras

Cameras are where phones tin differ the most, and, often, the photographic camera is the near discussed aspect of any phone. Flagship devices have the best cameras. From Apple tree to ZTE, top phones have more or improve cameras.

The most important affair to consider, however, is a good main camera. If the primary camera takes good photos, that means most of your pictures will be good. If you tin can't go a expert normal photo from it, it's no utilise having lots more than cameras that also requite you weak photos.

Ultra-wide angle is easy to employ and creates cracking effects, telephoto lenses get you a lot closer - but the quality of telephoto cameras varies significantly.

Periscope lenses are becoming more than mutual, pregnant 5x and 10x zoom is now a neat pick on some models, as well.

But also call back that megapixels don't automatically make a better camera. Many mid-range phones utilise a loftier-resolution main camera and effect in poor photos. More than important is how the images are processed, with AI and computational photography now able to make a huge difference over the core hardware.

There's always a lot of gimmicks, too - pro modes yous'll never utilise, capture options you'll never bother with. The most of import thing remains the point-and-shoot operation, as that'southward what you'll use nigh of the time.

Bombardment life

Flagship phones frequently aren't the best performers when information technology comes to bombardment life. Designed for performance, the aim is to evangelize the best feel, not to keep your telephone live for a calendar week.

There will always exist phones in the mid-range that perform ameliorate - lower power, smaller brandish, lower resolution or lower brightness - forth with a physically larger battery, to outlast flagship phones.

Merely faster charging means that, with the right charger (which you lot might have to purchase separately), you can go your telephone back to total charge in no time at all.

Is information technology easy to switch from iPhone to Android?

Switching between Android brands is easy - equally long as you're backing upwards to Google - and switching between Apple tree and Android isn't also difficult, either. Sure, in that location are some Apple services you tin't get on an Android phone, like iMessage, just on the whole, most apps are the same.

If you're already embedded within the Apple ecosystem, you'll likely exist convinced to stay there, merely, it's worth looking at where you lot save your information and what services you use, as third-political party options make switching platforms a lot easier.

You tin also check out or guide to Samsung Smart Switch, which lets you hands jump from iPhone, besides equally our wider Android v iPhone comparing.

More than virtually this story

Every smartphone in this list has been tested extensively in real-world scenarios, only every bit you lot would utilize one in everyday life.

Every bit part of our defended phone reviews - and also for these buyer's guides - we counterbalance upwardly exactly how the current crop of devices stack up confronting each other, and have done and then for more than a decade.

Every bit we've hinted at already, there are myriad considerations when ranking different smartphones. Design, features, operating systems, privacy, camera performance and value are all incredibly important, and things we rate in each individual device.

Ultimately, information technology's impossible to evangelize a list that works for every type of user, but we use these 'measurements' and the opinions of the experts on the Pocket-lint team in guild to determine a select crop of phones to recommend.

What we ever tend to avert when compiling these picks are in-depth spec comparisons and marketing jargon; we just want to provide an like shooting fish in a barrel to understand summary that gives you lot an idea of what each telephone is like to utilise. Our verdicts are concise, merely this is purely in the interest of brevity. Residue assured all the things on this listing have been fully tested.

Writing by Chris Hall. Editing by Conor Allison.

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Source: https://www.pocket-lint.com/phones/buyers-guides/120309-best-smartphones-and-flagship-mobile-phones-to-buy

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