Which are the best phones you can purchase, whether you want an iPhone from Apple, a Google Pixel, a Samsung Galaxy, a OnePlus, or anything else.
Wireless charging, fantastic rear camera setups, fast CPUs for lag-free gaming, and 5G are all features of the iPhone 13 Pro and Pixel 6 Pro. However, if you’re looking for a new smartphone, those models aren’t the only ones to consider, with Samsung, OnePlus, Motorola, and Sony Xperia all providing fantastic features at a variety of costs. Samsung even provides something that others do not: foldable phones, including a flip phone.
The sheer volume of quality smartphone competition provides you with a plethora of alternatives to select from at whichever price point fits your budget, regardless of whether your primary priority is an AMOLED display, high-speed internet, or a fantastic camera. Opting for a less expensive phone does not imply sacrificing usefulness, with even low-cost devices boasting large, bright screens and several primary and back cameras. We’re even seeing 5G connections on lower-end smartphones.
To assist you in determining the best of the best, we’ve compiled a list of our top selections for the best phone to purchase in 2022. From battery life to camera performance, every phone on this list has been extensively examined and tested. Each link leads to an unlocked phone, and unless otherwise noted, the phones should work with most of the top four US cellular carriers. This list is updated on a regular basis.
Apple iPhone 13 Pro
The greatest phone all-around
The iPhone 13 Pro is Apple’s greatest phone, and it scored a perfect score in our assessment. The new phone includes a third back camera with 3x optical zoom (up from 2x on the iPhone 12), a stainless steel shell, and a ProMotion screen with refresh rates up to 120Hz for better scrolling.
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
The best Android smartphone available
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, Samsung’s elite flagship phone for 2021, includes a spectacular 6.8-inch AMOLED display with an ultrasmooth 120Hz refresh rate that also supports Samsung’s S-Pen pen, an amazing back camera with remarkable zoom abilities, and 5G connectivity for extremely fast internet. It is powered by the top-of-the-line Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, which provides exceptional performance. This is the pinnacle of mobile technology from Samsung, and it’s the Android phone to choose if you want to carry cutting-edge mobile phone technology in your pocket.
Google Pixel 6 Pro
A flagship phone at an affordable price.
The Google Pixel 6 Pro’s distinct appearance, good software upgrades, amazing camera quality, and decent overall performance have already earned the phone an excellent rating in our entire review. It’s the greatest phone Google has ever built, with performance that’s every bit as amazing as its design. The primary camera is comparable to that of the top iPhones. And, at $899 for the basic 128GB model, it outperforms its premium phone competitors in terms of pricing.
Apple iPhone 13
Best phone for everyday use
The regular iPhone 13 is a solid pick for the majority of consumers, with a 6.1-inch screen and two good back cameras. Apple has promised that the new generation would have a longer battery life, better cameras, and be more durable than the Apple iPhone 12. What are you missing out on by not going Pro? A third back camera with 3x optical zoom and a ProMotion screen with refresh rates of up to 120Hz for better scrolling are available. It’s not a cheap phone, but it’s a more inexpensive option than the Pro siblings.
OnePlus 9
Best Android phone for less than $750
While OnePlus isn’t as well-known as Apple or Samsung, the OnePlus 9 delivers excellent performance at a lower price than competitors. It supports 5G, is powered by a strong Qualcomm CPU, and has a respectable camera for the price. If the high pricing of the Galaxy S21 Ultra is out of your price range, this is an excellent budget phone choice.
Google Pixel 6
Best Android phone for less than $600
Google’s Pixel 6 is the greatest Android phone for the money, with a starting price of $599. The Pixel 6 is a significant improvement over its predecessor, the Pixel 5, in terms of design, power, features, and performance. Google’s most recent offering has enhanced cameras, Android 12, and the company’s in-house Tensor processor.
Google Pixel 5a with 5G
Best camera for the budget
Google’s Pixel 5A is presently the greatest Pixel offer available, with a new low starting price of $449. Aside from its low price, the Pixel 5A features a high-quality camera that captures excellent photographs, a huge screen, and water resistance. This Pixel phone is a good option that can handle all of your daily needs, and with 5G speeds, you won’t be stuck waiting for your Netflix episodes to buffer while you’re waiting for the bus.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3
The best folding phone
The Galaxy Z Flip 3 from Samsung flips like a clamshell phone and has a gorgeous look. This smartphone is still one of our favorites among foldable phones. It has a 120Hz refresh rate, an “aluminum armor” body, and a flexible design that makes taking images and recording videos a breeze. According to CNET’s Patrick Holland, it might be “the first foldable phone you’ll consider purchasing.”
Sony Xperia Pro
The best phone for creatives
The Sony Xperia Pro isn’t for everyone, with a starting price of $2,500. You can’t go wrong if you’re a photographer or videographer looking for professional-level camera phone features. The Xperia Pro is effectively four devices in one: a phone, a camera monitor, a fast photo file transfer device, and a 5G machine capable of broadcasting and live streaming.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G
The best smartphone with a stylus
If you’re searching for a solid cheap phone with a basic pen and 5G compatibility, the Moto G Stylus 5 is an excellent choice. To aid productivity, the phone has a stylus that can be stored within the phone, as well as a built-in Notes software. This phone also comes with a triple rear camera, 128GB of internal storage, and a powerful 4,000-mAh battery.