The concept of “best smartphone” can be interpreted in different ways: for some it is a top-end flagship, but for others it is simply a good device for the money. Therefore, we did not get hung up on expensive flagships and chose models from different price categories, ranking smartphones in 2022 by price and quality. This way, each user will be able to find a suitable gadget in our top and decide which phone to buy in 2022.
Let's start the rating with the flagships and end with the most budget model.
Xiaomi 12
- Estimated date of entry into the global market: first quarter of 2022.
- Processor, screen, battery: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm), 6.28-inch AMOLED, 4500 mAh (67 W, 30 W, 10 W).
- Expected advantages: performance, display, fairly convenient size, fast charging.
Xiaomi 12
In this case, we are based on official information, and not on rumors and guesses. Smartphones from the Xiaomi 12 series were presented at the end of last year, but this was only a Chinese premiere. The global and Russian premiere will have to wait, and since it will take place in 2022, smartphones of this brand are included in this list.
Why the Xiaomi 12 model? If only because the 6.28-inch screen has quite reasonable dimensions (152.7 x 69.9 x 8.2 mm), it is not a so-called shovel, of which there are plenty on the market. During the presentation, it was emphasized that it is narrower than the iPhone 13. At the same time, it is several millimeters higher, but with a slightly larger screen it could not be otherwise. At the same time, it should feel good in the hand. The design can be described as relatively minimalist, the green version covered in leather looks especially interesting, and if only the front camera was hidden in a retractable module, then instead of praise there could be delight.
There shouldn't be any shortage of them, when it comes to performance, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) processor, LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 internal storage are the best you can use in combination with Android. Well, the aforementioned screen is AMOLED Full HD+ with a refresh rate of 120 Hz, and you can also count on fast (67 W) and wireless (30 W) battery charging and stereo speakers.
Of course, the Xiaomi 12 Pro has even faster charging technology and a noticeably better camera, but in its case the display is a whopping 6.73 inches and, probably, not everyone needs a resolution of 1440 x 3200 pixels.
In addition, the manufacturer demanded a much higher amount for these changes. Therefore, the Xiaomi 12 Pro seems to be a proposal primarily for avid mobile photographers. Those who profess the principle that the camera is an addition to the smartphone, and not vice versa, should lean towards the basic model.
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
- Estimated date of entry into the global market: first quarter of 2022.
- Processor, screen, battery: Exynos 2200 (4 nm), 6.8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, n.d.
- Expected advantages: performance, display, stylus, advanced photo capabilities, water resistance.
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
If the most advanced thing is yet to come, it will probably be the Xiaomi 12 Ultra, and before that there will be a Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra. This will be a larger and more advanced relative of the Galaxy S22 and Galaxy S22+, an offer for the most demanding and at the same time yearning for the Galaxy Note series, which was abandoned, perhaps irrevocably.
Yes, there will be an S Pen stylus, and this is not a revolution, because the Galaxy S21 Ultra already supports it. However, something will change, because as in the case of the Galaxy Note series, in this case there will be a case for this gadget. This was already signaled a few months ago, and admittedly it will come to fruition, but at the same time, reports regarding the appearance of the smartphone itself have changed since then. And that's a good thing, because it ends up being really tempting when you look at the LG Velvet. What it lacks to perfection is the display, which lacks the flaw that is the selfie camera, but this reportedly doesn't bother most users.
Even if the full characteristics cannot be accurately determined at this time, one thing is certain. The Galaxy S22 Ultra should be at the top in almost every way when it comes to Android smartphones. It will feature a very large 6.8-inch high-resolution Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering strong performance, good audio and an excellent camera.
Compared to its predecessor, changes should occur not only in hardware, but also in software. For users, this means, among other things, more effective stabilization (Wide Shift OIS), better zoom, an expanded Pro mode (for example, 12-bit HDR photos can be saved in RAW format), as well as a new AI-based enhancement option designed for photos with a resolution of 108 megapixels, and Super HDR mode for videos.
Voting for the best Chinese smartphone with Aliexpress
Which Chinese smartphone would you choose on Aliexpress or recommend?
Huawei Mate Xs
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Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra
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HUAWEI P50 Pro
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HUAWEI Mate 40 Pro
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Xiaomi Mi Mix 4
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Huawei P40
100.00% ( 1 )
HuaWei Mate 20 X EVR-L29
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Xiaomi Mi 11i
0.00% ( 0 )
HUAWEI Nova 9
0.00% ( 0 )
HuaWei Mate 20X4G LTE
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Xiaomi 11T
0.00% ( 0 )
Xiaomi Redmi K40
0.00% ( 0 )
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro K6
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HUAWEI nova 8i
0.00% ( 0 )
Xiaomi POCO M4 PRO
0.00% ( 0 )
Xiaomi Poco F3
0.00% ( 0 )
Xiaomi mi 11 lite
0.00% ( 0 )
Realme Q3s
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Xiaomi Poco M3 pro
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Samsung Galaxy S21 FE
- Estimated date of entry into the global market: January 2022.
- Processor, screen, battery: Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (5 nm), 6.41-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 4500 mAh (25 W, 15 W, 4.5 W).
- Expected advantages: display, selfie camera, water resistance, price-performance ratio better than Galaxy S21.
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE
If someone is not going to focus on the Samsung Galaxy S22 series, they may be interested in the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE model. This is a late release as it was originally expected to debut in 2022. Could it go from being one of the most anticipated smartphones for a few months to one of many, as some are suggesting? Not necessarily, although the price that the manufacturer ultimately decides to set will have a huge impact. Because the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE attracts with its efficiency and the same is expected from the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE.
As the name suggests, it will obviously be related to the Galaxy S21 models. Visually, it could even be a clone of them, and in terms of size, it should slot between the Galaxy S21 and Galaxy S21+, since the display size will be 6.41 inches. However, its other specifications should remain the same (Dynamic AMOLED 2X, Full HD+, 120 Hz), as well as the vast majority of other specifications. Abbreviations? First of all in the camera (with an emphasis on the telephoto lens), in addition to a little less, because 6 GB of RAM in the basic version and, of course, a plastic body, possibly also old glass on the screen (and not the latest Corning Gorilla Glass Victus).
Interestingly, the launch was delayed, likely due to a shortage of semiconductors. For the same reason, it may turn out that, contrary to its tradition, the manufacturer will release the same model all over the world, without differences in terms of the processor. And it should be Qualcomm Snapdragon 888, and not a chip from the Exynos family, which has a smaller circle of supporters.
Moto G300 5G
- Estimated release date on the world market: no date.
- Processor, screen, battery: no reliable information.
- Expected advantages: performance, almost pure Android, value for money.
The description will be shorter here since leaks associated with this design have not yet appeared. However, it's hard not to expect it. Motorola has unfortunately lost its way in the budget smartphone sector and has whittled the once-reputable Moto G line down to the bone. However, quietly between the lowest and highest price category (Edge line) appeared the Moto G100 and Moto G200 5G. Both proposals turned out to be very interesting, effective for their prices, which with an almost pure Android system (enriched with few but interesting additions like Ready For and gestures) guarantee a very smooth and fast operation.
It's hard to expect the Moto G300 5G (presumable name), for example, to switch to an OLED screen and much better cameras, because that's what the manufacturer is trying to attract to the Edge models. Let's hope that it doesn't spoil anything and doesn't start to go into the red, given a good price-quality ratio, and we won't find many reasons for new complaints.
ZTE Blade A31
A budget smartphone from ZTE with a cool appearance: a large camera module and a textured back cover.
The device is based on Go Edition (Android 11), the screen diagonal is 5.45 inches with a resolution of 1440x720 pixels. Both cameras are single. The chipset is Unisoc SC9863A, the amount of memory is usual for this class - 2 GB of RAM and 32 GB of ROM. Battery capacity - 3000 mAh.
There is no scanner here, but there is an NFC module.
- Screen diagonal: 5.45 inches
- Screen resolution: 1440×720
- Weight: 166 g
- Number of SIM cards: 2
- Processor: Unisoc SC9863A
- Memory capacity: 32 GB
- RAM capacity: 2 GB
- Battery capacity: 3000 mAh
- Rear camera: 8 MP
- Front camera: 2 MP
- Memory card support: yes
Asus Zenfone 9
- Estimated release date on the world market: no date.
- Processor, screen, battery: no reliable information.
- Expected advantages: convenient size, performance, display.
Also, Asus Zenfone 9 is still a realm of desires that are not supported by industry reports. While the Xiaomi 12 is a fairly convenient size, the ZenFone 8 proves to be an ideal option for those who want a compact smartphone with a screen of less than 6 inches. This is one of the best smartphones of 2022.
What to expect, or indeed desire, from a possible successor? First of all, it will be a very convenient device, different from most smartphones with top-end technical characteristics. It's hard to find areas for significant improvement; the Zenfone 8 only has an average battery and is underwhelming in terms of performance and supported charging technologies. The limited space inside the case takes its toll.
Realme GT 2 Pro
- Estimated date of entry into the global market: January 2022.
- Processor, screen, battery: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm), 6.7-inch LTPO AMOLED, 5000 mAh (65 W).
- Expected benefits: performance, value for money, fast charging.
Realme GT 2 Pro
Realme now occupies the same place in the smartphone market as Xiaomi previously did. It is this manufacturer that is currently recording a significant increase in popularity. It is from him that proposals emerge that deserve the term flagship at half the price. Whether it will have good technical characteristics is beyond doubt. One might wonder if the price will be as tempting. After all, it should be presented as "Realme's first premium flagship."
The Realme GT 2 Pro is likely to be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) processor, which will be assisted by at least 8GB of RAM, plus fast UFS 3.1 internal storage. This is a top-end combination with the expected LTPO AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a battery with 65W fast charging support. The camera is expected to receive significant changes, with the Realme GT 2 Pro being the first model from the brand to offer optical image stabilization.
In total, there are 3 proposals from this line. Besides the Realme GT 2 Pro, there are slightly less advanced Realme GT 2 and Realme GT 2 Pro Camera (although this is unlikely to be the final name), but they will probably appear a little later.
Huawei P60
The P50 model has not even been released yet, but the next development is already one of the most anticipated.
The 60 series model will definitely appear on the market. There is a high probability of having the Harmony OS operating system, without Google services.
Recently, new rumors have emerged regarding the developments. Qualcomm is preparing its own version of the Snapdragon 898 chipset especially for these phones. The disadvantage is that support for fifth-generation networks will be disabled. But the Chinese, for their part, still purchase similar versions of this supplement in order to circumvent US bans.
Additional attention is paid to cameras and filming quality. The advanced screen will also be used. The manufacturer is trying to do everything possible to solve the existing problems.
Apple iPhone SE 3
- Estimated date of entry into the world market: I-II quarter of 2022.
- Processor, screen, battery: A15 Bionic (5 nm), IPS LCD, n.d.
- Expected benefits: Convenient size, performance, iOS at a lower price, waterproof.
Apple iPhone SE 3
2021 was the last year that Apple offered the iPhone mini. The manufacturer didn't produce them for too long, which is a pity, because its smallest offerings were the most interesting and most recommended. This means that those who like compact smartphones and are well versed in iOS will have to take a closer look at the iPhone SE 3 this time.
Unlike the mini, the iPhone SE 3 will be an “inexpensive” Apple smartphone, like its predecessors. And while there shouldn't be any shortage of performance (an A15 Bionic processor is expected), it will look like the poor cousin in terms of design, camera and some other specs. The only thing that is puzzling is how noticeable it will be. Some sources claim that the design will be identical to the 2020 iPhone SE. Others, on the contrary, say that it will be closer to the iPhone XR or iPhone 11. Which scenario should you support? The first means a smaller, the second a larger, but not such an archaic smartphone. It is expected that a significant innovation in the iPhone SE 3 compared to its predecessors will be the presence of a 5G support module.
Which smartphone is better to buy in 2022?
When buying a smartphone, you need to pay attention to several basic parameters. Among them:
- processor and its manufacture. The technical process is measured in nm, the lower the number, the better the processor will be;
- brand and its reputation;
- price category;
- camera quality and the presence of a lens with a maximum MP rating;
- Possibility of shooting at night, as well as clear images. For the last point, you will need an image stabilizer;
- screen diagonal size;
- RAM and ROM;
- power consumption and charging speed.
When choosing a model, it is recommended to pay attention to user reviews specifically for a specific smartphone, since models from the same line can differ greatly in functionality and set of qualities.
Additionally, you will need to determine the scope of application. For standard use of a smartphone to access the Internet, there is no need for a good camera. It is also advisable to view the entire model range in a suitable price segment, since most gadgets have minor differences at the same cost, regardless of the manufacturer.
Apple iPhone 14
- Estimated date of entry into the global market: III quarter of 2022.
- Processor, display, battery: A16 Bionic (4 nm), 6.1-inch or 6.7-inch OLED, n.d.
- Expected benefits: performance, display (Pro models), advanced photo capabilities (Pro models), water resistance.
Apple iPhone 14
Is the lack of an iPhone mini a sign that there will be fewer new products bearing the Apple logo? No, that's not true. We just get something different. The iPhone 14 lineup will include the iPhone 14 (6.1-inch), iPhone 14 Max (6.7-inch), iPhone 14 Pro (6.1-inch), and iPhone 14 Pro Max (6.7-inch). What will therefore change is that instead of offering those looking for small screens, another large design will be prepared.
As usual, there is no shortage of unofficial reports about the technical characteristics of new Apple smartphones, but this time the informants are not unanimous. However, it's increasingly likely that this year the Pro app models will stand out even more, which could lead to a lot of disappointment. Not in terms of performance, because it will be great, but in terms of poor design (on the front) and displays with a refresh rate of 60 Hz, which is already ridiculous in the case of the iPhone 13.
The iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max will definitely feature 120Hz ProMotion displays, possibly without a notch. In their case, they are increasingly talking about a significant update of the design and scaling of the display, leaving only a “spot” for the selfie camera. We also expect to see significant changes to the main cameras and new 48MP sensors with 8K recording capabilities. Additionally, the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max will get more RAM and internal storage, as well as possibly USB-C connectivity. And while questions have been raised for years about when physical ports will disappear altogether, it remains the tune of the future. Of course, it will be more convenient for Apple to completely switch to e-SIM technology, but this will not suit everyone.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4
- Estimated date of entry into the global market: III quarter of 2022.
- processor, screen, battery: no reliable information.
- Expected advantages: folding compact design, original design, performance.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4
There is an opinion that Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 is the most beautiful and best foldable smartphone released so far. Tastes are not discussed, beauty is a relative concept. It's clear that more and more people are looking at foldable smartphones as being as compact as possible, rather than as a combination of smartphone and tablet functionality. And they are able to swallow not only the still questionable durability, but also charging even twice a day.
But since something worked out, it means there will be a successor, most likely quite similar. What changes to expect? There may be some improvements to the design and hinge (implying increased durability), perhaps improved cameras on the back and, according to the first leaks, a selfie camera hidden under the display.
OPPO Find X5 Pro
- Estimated date of entry into the world market: no exact data.
- Processor, screen, battery: MediaTek Dimensity 9000 (4 nm), 6.78-inch AMOLED, 5000 mAh (80 W)
- Expected advantages: performance, display, original design, fast charging, waterproof.
OPPO Find X5 Pro
And finally, something for aesthetes. This year's OPPO Find X3 Pro received the Red Dot: Product Design Award 2022, allowing the manufacturer to tout it as the most beautiful smartphone in the world. Is this really true? Probably everyone will have their own opinion. In any case, the OPPO Find X5 Pro should follow a similar path, but with a slightly modified camera module. OPPO Find X4 Pro was skipped for a reason. Jumping in nomenclature and omitting the four is a fairly common practice among Chinese manufacturers (due to tetraphobia).
In terms of specifications, we can expect better components this time, as well as a move from Qualcomm Snapdragon systems to MediaTek Dimensity 9000. OPPO should add a minimum of 8GB of RAM (in the base variant), a very large (6.78-inch) AMOLED. Display with a frequency of 120 Hz and a triple camera in a configuration of 50 MP + 50 MP + 13 MP.
HONOR 10X Lite
- Screen 6.67″, resolution 2400×1080 pixels.
- 4 cameras: 48 MP, 8 MP, 2 MP, 2 MP
- Processor Hisilicon Kirin 710A
- Memory 4/128 GB, memory card slot
- battery 5000 mAh
The X10 Lite model joins the line of affordable HONOR smartphones. The gadget is equipped with all the necessary functions that can be found in a device for 16,000 rubles: NFC, a decent quad camera and performance, fast charging with a power of 22.5 W, 128 GB of memory, microSD support and two separate SIM card slots. When you buy a smartphone, you get a lot of coupons from the brand’s partners as a gift - and this is not a short, but a permanent promotion that can be used through the Member Center application. We talked more about the gadget in our review.
