6 best Android phones in 2022
When it comes to smartphones, you really only have two choices: Android or iOS. There used to be more operating systems, and there are a few niche ones if you pay attention enough, but the majority of the market is dominated by Apple and Google.
Google’s Android operating system is clearly the platform of choice – at least from a global perspective – with companies like Samsung, OnePlus, Motorola and Google itself producing hardware powered by Android. Depending on the manufacturer you work with, you’ll experience Android unlike any other. That’s what makes technology so exciting. You have options.
But whether you’re looking for that pure Android experience or just want best smartphone money can buy, here’s a breakdown of the top Android phones available.
- High quality and capable 4 camera system
- The best telephoto shooter out there
- Fully integrated S Pen support
- Incredible AMOLED display
- The phone may be too large for some
- The screen has curved edges
- Charging speed could be faster
Featured: 1st Generation Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Processor | Built-in S Pen | 108MP wide-angle camera
The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is one of the best smartphones overall today and the best Samsung has to offer for camera performance. With the S Pen now built into the phone, Note continues to evolve in the S22 Ultra, making the Ultra the ultimate stylus-enabled smartphone.
If your work requires you to zoom in on subjects from a distance, no other phone beats the S22 Ultra in terms of telephoto capabilities and, more importantly, quality. Zooming up to 30x provides good quality images, but even beyond this zoom, there are still practical reasons to see the details of the subject you are capturing.
See full review: Review Galaxy S22 Ultra
While the camera hardware is largely the same as last year’s S21 Ultra, Samsung has worked to improve low-light shooting. That sits on a vibrant 6.8-inch OLED panel, proving once again that Samsung is the king of displays.
- A smartphone can double as a tablet
- Large 7.6-inch, 120Hz OLED panel,
- S Pen support
- Flexible Mode features
- Expensive $1,799
- Charging speed could be better
- Form coefficients need some getting used to
Featured: 7.6 inch main screen | 1st generation Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ | Top-of-the-line triple camera system
Folding books are getting closer and closer to universal acceptance, but that doesn’t mean it’s too early to start the innovation. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 is the company’s most refined 2-in-1 smartphone, and it’s also the best smartphone on the market.
See full review: Review Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4
With the latest model, you’ll get up to 12GB of RAM, a new 1st Gen Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ processor powering the system, a flexible display that can switch from 6.2 inches to 7, 6 inches and all the software perks of Android 12L. Samsung has also made a number of improvements to the industrial design to create a more consistent, durable, and lighter look.
- Great camera experience
- Optimized Android 13 interface
- Timely updates and support for many years
- Unique hardware design
- Average battery life
- The display quality is just decent
- Software experience may be too minimal
Featured: 6.7 inch LTPO OLED display | Google Tensor with Security Titan M2 | Android 13
Google’s Pixel 6 Pro is the best smartphone available from Google. The Pixel 6 has many of the same specs, but fewer cameras on the back and a 90Hz panel (compared to the Pro’s 120Hz) making the Pixel 6 Pro the Google phone worth buying.
The Pixel 6 Pro starts at $899 and comes in a wave of pastel, Google-centric colors like Stormy Black, Cloudy White, or Sorta Sunny. Naturally, the software experience on the Pixel 6 Pro is clear, minimalist, and user-friendly first. It’s also a top contender for all the latest Android software and security updates, which is great for users who value longevity.
Cameras are clearly the focus of the Pixel 6 Pro, with Google’s excellent backend processing and the new 50MP main lens doing most of the heavy lifting. For a score and the best shot you can get, look at the Pixel.
See full review: Google Pixel 6 Pro Review
- Super fast wired and wireless charging
- Software without bloatware
- Special Value at $799
- Memory and RAM configuration limited to the US
- Hasselblad’s influence is still growing
- Inconsistent software updates
Featured: 6.7 inch LTPO monitor | Free Bloatware | 65W . SuperVOOC Charger
OnePlus used to be a “top killer” brand but has since evolved into higher-priced flagships, directly challenging the likes of Samsung and Apple. Compared to Samsung, OnePlus offers an ad- and bloatware-free experience, and offers some cool features like reverse wireless charging and adaptive 120Hz display.
The OnePlus 10 Pro is much more competitively priced than last year. At $799, the device matches Google’s flagship Pixel 6 Pro and trumps Samsung’s S22 Plus and Ultra handsets. However, OnePlus has tried to cram the specs into tit-for-tat with more expensive rivals.
See full review: OnePlus 10 Pro Review
One area where OnePlus leads is the phone’s charging capabilities. SuperVOOC 65 support and Warp Charge Wireless 50 support are provided in the OnePlus 10 Pro. This means you can fully charge your phone from 1% to 100% in just 29 minutes.
Advantages
- Lovely design, high quality
- Super fast wired and wireless charging
- Software without bloatware
- One of the best ultra-wide cameras on the market
Defect
- Memory and RAM configurations are limited to 8GB / 128GB in the US
- Hasselblad’s influence is still limited to software
- The ever-changing software experience
- Outstanding Value at $449
- Timely software updates and support for years to come
- The best camera system in its price range
- Mid-range processor
- Hardware can feel pliable
- Selfie camera is the best
Featured: Competitive Price $449 | Exclusive Google Software Features | Exceptional battery life
Google’s Pixel 6a checks all the boxes of a competitive, mid-range smartphone. Instead of focusing on premium materials and flashy features, the Pixel 6a is just a simple, user-friendly device that makes you question whether you’re paying too much for a smartphone. or not.
For $449, the Pixel 6a offers a useful 12MP dual-camera system, with Google’s Tensor chipset powering all that’s inside. It also means you’ll get the same software tricks as the flagship Pixels, like Magic Eraser and Live Translate. If you can live with a 6.1-inch screen and on a tight budget, then the Pixel 6a is the Android phone worth buying.
See full review: Google Pixel 6a Review
- 6.67-inch OLED display up to 144Hz
- 4,650mAh battery
- Magnetic pop-up trigger buttons are beneficial for gaming
- Software experience can feel messy
- May not support your carrier network
- Hardware design can be too jarring
Featured: Pop-up Trigger | 144Hz AMOLED Display | Quick Charge 120W
If there’s one area where Android completely dominates iOS, it’s gaming. Whether you’re playing games on existing mobile apps or taking them to the cloud for streaming, Android manufacturers have spent the past several years creating a new category of smartphones that match the game. . If you want the best, check out the Xiaomi Black Shark 5 Pro. It’s not the most expensive gaming phone on the market and it certainly doesn’t need a hefty price tag to speak of.
See full review: Black Shark 5 Pro Review
For starters, the phone can be configured with up to 16GB of RAM for high-graphics gaming and advanced application management. Then there’s the external hardware like the 144Hz refresh rate display that makes games look buttery smooth, the two side triggers that can be retracted into the phone when not in use, and the RGB design etched all over the body of the phone. phone – because Xiaomi wants you to play in style.
The best Android phone is the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra thanks to its beautiful AMOLED display, powerful CPU, and modern camera. Here’s how the best of the best compare to each other:
Android phone |
Price |
CPU |
Display |
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra |
$1,199 |
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 |
6.8 inch, 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED |
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 |
$1,799 |
1st generation Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ |
6.2 and 7.6 inches, flexible 120Hz AMOLED |
Google Pixel Pro 6 |
$899 |
Google Tensor |
6.7 inches, 120Hz AMOLED |
OnePlus 10 Pro |
$799 |
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 |
6.7 inch, 120Hz LTPO AMOLED |
Google Pixel 6a |
$449 |
Google Tensor |
6.1 inch, 60Hz OLED |
Xiaomi Black Shark 5 Pro |
$799 |
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 |
6.67 inch, 144Hz AMOLED |
All of these phones run the same base operating system, but the user interface stretches from stock Android to more sophisticated options. So first, you need to figure out which one suits your needs best.
Camera performance across the board is solid compared to every phone on the list, but some phones are better than others. If you are going to take photos as your primary function, then you should look to Google, Samsung or even OnePlus.
If you’re planning on spending $1,000 or more, you’ll probably want your phone to last for at least a few years, too. You should look at companies with a good track record of regular updates, especially Google and Samsung.
Choose this Android phone… |
If you want… |
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra |
Best overall and for photography |
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 |
The best foldable phone |
Google Pixel Pro 6 |
Clean and minimal software experience |
OnePlus 10 Pro |
A fast and versatile alternative to Samsung |
Google Pixel 6a |
Most Valuable Android Phone |
Xiaomi Black Shark 5 Pro |
Best gaming phone |
Our smartphone selection process included testing the phone for weeks, studying reviewer’s guides and manufacturer’s websites, talking to colleagues and other users who might have hands-on experience with smartphones, then choose the best from all available options.
Over the past year, we’ve tested new Android phones from Google, Samsung, OnePlus, Sony, Motorola, and a few others.
In addition to this list of great options, here is another device that is sure to leave you satisfied.