The Best Phone to Buy in 2022
These are the best phones you can buy, whether you want an iPhone from Apple, a Google Pixel, a Samsung Galaxy, a OnePlus, or something else.
If you have the money, flagship phones like the iPhone 13 Pro, Pixel 6 Pro, and Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra provide everything you could want from a phone in 2022: incredible performance, incredible camera skills, and much more. However, if you’re looking for a great phone at any price in 2022, there are plenty of options. If you don’t want to spend the big bucks, there are plenty of excellent phones at lower prices, such as Google’s Pixel 5A or Apple’s 5G-enabled 2022 iPhone SE.
The sheer volume of quality smartphone competition provides numerous options at various price points, regardless of whether your primary concern is an AMOLED display, high-speed 5G data, or an excellent camera. Opting for a less expensive phone does not mean sacrificing usability. Even low-cost handsets offer large, vibrant displays and multiple main and rear cameras. We’re even seeing 5G connectivity on lower-end smartphones.
To assist you in determining the best of the best, I’ve compiled a list of our top picks for the best phone to buy in 2022. Every phone on this list has been thoroughly reviewed and tested, from battery life to camera performance. Unless otherwise specified, each link leads to an unlocked phone that should work with most big four US wireless carriers. This list is updated.
Apple iPhone 13 Pro
The iPhone 13 Pro is Apple’s best phone, and it received a perfect score in our review. The new iPhone includes a third rear camera with 3x optical zoom (up from 2x on the iPhone 12), a stainless steel body, and a ProMotion screen with refresh rates of up to 120Hz for smoother scrolling.
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
The Galaxy S22 Ultra, Samsung’s latest flagship superphone, has an impressive set of specs, including a quadruple rear camera, a large, vibrant display, and the S Pen stylus from the Galaxy Note series. It has a high price tag, but those looking for one of the best Android phones should put this on their shortlist.
Google Pixel 6 Pro
The Google Pixel 6 Pro’s distinct design, excellent software upgrades, excellent camera quality, and solid overall performance have earned the phone an excellent rating in our full review. It’s the best phone Google has ever made, with performance that’s as good as its design. The primary camera is comparable to that of the best iPhones. And, at $899 for the base 128GB model, it outperforms its premium phone competitors in terms of price.
Apple iPhone 13
With a 6.1-inch screen and two excellent rear cameras, the standard iPhone 13 is reliable for most people. Apple has promised more extended battery life, improved cameras, and more outstanding durability than the Apple iPhone 12. What are you missing out on by not going Pro? A third rear camera with 3x optical zoom and a ProMotion screen with refresh rates up to 120Hz for smoother scrolling are also included. It’s not a cheap phone, but it’s a more affordable option than the Pro siblings.
OnePlus 10 Pro
The OnePlus 10 Pro received a favorable rating in our review due to its sleek design, powerful performance, and competitive pricing. It could use a few tweaks, most notably the camera, which is good but not great. Still, this flagship provides an excellent overall experience. If you’re looking for a high-end 5G phone that stands out from your friends’ iPhones and Galaxy phones, this is an excellent option to consider.
Google Pixel 6
Google’s Pixel 6 is the best Android phone for the money, with a starting price of $599. The Pixel 6 outperforms its predecessor, the Pixel 5, in design, power, features, and performance. Google’s most recent offering includes improved cameras, Android 12, and the company’s in-house Tensor chip.