Top Phones For 2022
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Choosing a new smartphone isn't always easy, so we've rounded up our top picks for the best ones to buy in 2022. From battery life to camera performance, every smartphone on this list has been thoroughly reviewed and tested. You'll find options across iPhone and Android in different sizes and budgets on this list.
The and have impressed us already with excellent performance from the processor and the camera. But if you're not after the best iPhone around, you still have plenty of smartphone choices including the and the . They both offer everything you could want, from high-end performance to superb cameras. Those who want something cheaper should consider the $599 , while the may be more suitable for those who prefer smaller phones.
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Of course, there are a number of other great smartphones with eye-catching features, such as Samsung's new that has a bendy screen. These can be quite expensive, but if your cash doesn't stretch that far, worry not. More and more affordable phones, such as the new , pack great specs, high-speed 5G connectivity and more approachable prices.
Most of the smartphones below are available unlocked and should be compatible with the big four US wireless carriers, unless otherwise specified. We update this list regularly. For more info, read our guide to help find the best phone for your needs and take a look at our tips on and where to snag the .
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Apple's iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max introduce sweeping changes like the Dynamic Island, a new 48-megapixel camera system and Apple's new A16 Bionic processor. All of these upgrades come together to make for an experience that feels fresh and fast. The upgrades to the main camera allow it to take some truly stunning photos, making the phone a solid option for those of you into your mobile photography.
As Apple's top phone it doesn't come cheap -- especially if you want the larger Max model -- but if you're looking for the best all-round performance in an iPhone, then the 14 Pro is the phone to get.
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While the base iPhone 14 doesn't have the same triple camera array or new Dynamic Island notch as its pricier 14 Pro sibling, it still offers a lot to be excited about and comes with a more affordable price. CNET editor Patrick Holland describes it as "a good upgrade for most people" thanks to its solid performance, updated main camera and various other tweaks including a more repairable glass back in case it takes a tumble.
It's not a huge overhaul from last year's models, but if you're in the market for a new iPhone and you don't fancy spending the big bucks on the Pro series, then it's a great option to consider.
Google
With its stellar triple camera, refined design and spacious 6.7-inch screen, there's a lot to love about the Pixel 7 Pro. Although it's not very different from the previous Pixel 6 Pro, it will feel like a big change to those upgrading from a phone that's more than 2 years old. Google has improved the zoom capabilities on the Pixel 7 Pro, giving it a 30x digital zoom compared to the 6 Pro's 20x range for capturing tighter shots. Both the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro are getting some new features powered by Google's Tensor G2 chip, such as the ability to sharpen old photos. You'll also get free access to Google's VPN on the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro.
At $899, the Pixel 7 Pro is cheaper than both the $1,000 Galaxy S22 Plus and $1,200 at their regular starting prices, making it a solid choice for those who want a giant screen and an excellent camera for less.
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Samsung
Samsung's latest flagship superphone, the , has an impressive lineup of specs, including a quadruple rear camera, a big, vibrant display and the S Pen stylus you might remember from the Galaxy Note series. It comes with a high price, but those of you looking for one of the best Android phones around should have this on your short list.
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Google
The Pixel 7 costs significantly less than the Galaxy S22 and iPhone 14, but nails the basics extremely well for a phone of its price. You'll also get extra features that are specific to Google phones, like the ability to have the Google Assistant wait on hold for you.
The Pixel 7 isn't very different from the Pixel 6, but it doesn't need to be. Instead, it adds refinements like a closer digital camera zoom, a slightly upgraded design with a more prominent camera purchasing Penis Envy – Psychedelic Chocolate Bar online made of metal and face unlock. The new Tensor G2 processor also brings some new photography improvements, like Photo Unblur, which sharpens old photos.
Overall, the Pixel 7 is a great choice for those who want a new Android phone with a reasonably large screen at a price that's more affordable than Samsung's Galaxy S22 family.
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Google
Google no longer sells the Pixel 6 Pro through its website, but you can still find it through some third-party retailers at a significant discount for now. Target, for example, is selling it for $649, making it just about $50 more expensive than the Pixel 7 despite the Pro having an extra telephoto camera and larger screen.
The Pixel 6 Pro's unique design, great software additions, superb camera quality and solid all-around performance earned the phone an excellent rating when CNET reviewed it in 2021. It's only a year old, meaning many of our initial impressions still hold true. All told, it's a worthwhile choice for those who want a spacious screen and a top-notch camera on a budget.
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While Apple's new iPhone 14 and 14 Pro might be the more exciting options with their upgraded cameras and the Pro's new Dynamic Island notch, Apple is still selling the base iPhone 13.
The standard iPhone 13 is a reliable choice for most people, sporting a 6.1-inch screen and two excellent rear cameras. We loved the iPhone 13's balance of power, camera performance and price and while it's not a huge amount of money saved over the base iPhone 14, if you're looking for a new handset and trying to keep your costs down it could be money well saved.
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The earned a good score in our review thanks to its slick design, its powerful performance and its price tag, which undercuts its main rivals. It needs a few improvements -- most notably to the camera, which is good, but not great -- but this flagship offers a great overall experience. If you're after a top-end 5G phone that's a bit different from your friends' iPhones and Galaxy phones, then it's a solid option to consider.
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The Pixel 6 may be a previous-generation phone, but don't let that deter you from considering it. Even though it's sold out at Google, carriers and third-party retailers are offering compelling discounts. If you activate immediately through Verizon or T-Mobile, you can get the Pixel 6 for just $200 -- making it cheaper than most 5G-enabled phones on the market.
The Pixel 6 lacks the Pixel 7's Tensor G2 processor, improved camera zoom, face unlock and free VPN, but it has many of Google's other Pixel benefits. Since it runs on Google's first Tensor chip, you'll still get photo features like Magic Eraser and Face Unblur, for example, plus older Pixel features like the ability to have the Google Assistant wait on hold for you when dialing certain businesses.
We're still recommending the Pixel 6A as our favorite Android phone under $500 since we don't know when the Pixel 6 will go out of stock. But for now, the Pixel 6 is an excellent choice for Android fans on a budget that want an excellent camera.
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Apple's 2022 iPhone SE may not have the incredible multiple cameras of the top-end iPhone 13 Pro, but the iPhone SE has a lot to offer if you're looking for a great experience without spending flagship levels of cash. It's 5G-enabled, for one, it runs the latest iOS 15 software and it packs the same A15 Bionic processor found in Apple's top phones. As a result, performance is lightning-fast.
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The Pixel 6A is Google's newest midrange phone, replacing the Pixel 5A as the $449 device in its lineup. CNET's Lisa Eadicicco called it the "best Android phone under $500" in her , noting that it keeps the same Tensor chip seen in the $599 Pixel 6 and many of its features.
The phone is slightly smaller than the Pixel 6, featuring an 6.1-inch OLED display and a refresh rate of 60Hz. And it has a similar camera to the Pixel 5A, including a 12.2-megapixel main camera and a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera. But by including the Tensor chip, photos can benefit from its Real Tone skin tone feature, Face Unblur, Night Sight for darker photography and the Magic Eraser for removing unwanted elements from a photo.
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Update: Samsung has recently unveiled the Galaxy Z Flip 4, an updated version of its smaller clamshell folding phone with a revised design and beefed-up specs. We're yet to give it the full review treatment so we can't say for certain it's a "best" phone for this list, but if you're considering the Z Flip 3, then it's worth holding onto your cash until we've given it a final verdict.
If the Galaxy Fold is a tablet that folds in half to become a phone, the Z Flip is a phone that folds in half to become a smaller phone. When it's open, this Samsung Galaxy phone has a big, 6.7-inch display, but fold it in half and it becomes a small square that's easy to slide into a jeans or jacket pocket. We like its neat design, along with its decent all-around specs and 5G connectivity, and it's a more affordable folding option among Samsung Galaxy phones.
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If you're someone who prefers smaller, pocket-friendly devices, this is the phone for you. The 6.1-inch iPhone 13 Mini is easy to use with one hand and even fits into tight jean pockets. Starting at $699, this is the cheapest model in Apple's iPhone 13 lineup. While battery life isn't as long as on the iPhone 13, this petite Apple iPhone doesn't sacrifice on camera capabilities or processing power.
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Samsung's has a 6.1-inch screen, which technically makes it the same size as the iPhone 14 and Pixel 6A. But Samsung has managed to design this phone in such a way that it feels even more compact than those devices, while still providing a good amount of screen space. Otherwise, the Galaxy S22 has an impressive triple camera that performs better in low light than previous Samsung phones. It's a solid choice for those who want a petite phone with a powerful camera, although keep in mind that its battery life isn't the longest.
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At a whopping price of $2,500, the Sony Xperia Pro isn't for everyone. But if you're a photographer or videographer looking for professional-level camera phone features, you can't go wrong. The Xperia Pro is essentially four products in one: a phone, a camera monitor, a speedy photo file transfer device, and a 5G machine suitable for broadcasting and livestreaming.
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How we test phones
Every phone that appears on this list has been thoroughly tested by CNET's expert reviews team. That means actually using the phone, testing the features, playing games on them and taking photos with them. No marketing promises are taken at face value, and if we find something we don't like, be it battery life or build quality, we'll tell you all about it.
Testing a phone means testing every element of the device. Is the display bright, sharp, vibrant? Does the design feel good to hold, is it heavy, does it feel well made and is it water resistant? We test the processor performance using both standardized benchmark tools like GeekBench and 3DMark, along with our own anecdotal observations while navigating the interface or when playing demanding games.
All the cameras (both front and back) are tested in a variety of conditions from bright sunlight through to dark scenes (for any available night modes), and we compare our findings against similarly priced models. We run battery tests, running them down from full to see how long they're likely to keep going out there in the real world.
We take into account additional features like 5G, fingerprint or face scanners, styluses, fast charging, flexible displays or other extras that can be useful. And we of course balance all of this against the price to give you the verdict on whether that phone, whatever price it is, actually represents good value.
Frequently asked questionsWhat makes a good phone camera?
All of today's phones pack some kind of camera setup on the back, with most packing multiple ones offering things like ultra-wide views or telephoto zooms. Even a budget-focused phone should be able to take a well-exposed image in good light, using HDR techniques to balance bright skies and shadowy areas.
More expensive phones like the iPhone 14 Pro will use larger image sensors, better-quality lenses and image stabilization that let in more light, capturing highly detailed images with beautiful colors -- in daylight and at night. Then there are phones like Samsung's Galaxy S22 Ultra, which packs a huge 10x optical zoom lens that lets you zoom in close on far-away details without sacrificing image quality.
Typically, the more you pay, the better quality you'll get, with the most advanced features being reserved for the most expensive flagships. But unless you're a committed photographer, then most recent smartphones will be able to take good-enough shots of your kids at the beach to share with family and friends, so don't think you need to spend a fortune to get a usable camera.
You can see our roundup of the , with options at different prices, including budget phone cameras like the Google Pixel 6A.
What is the best phone case?
There's a vast array of case options for almost every phone on the market, so which one is best really comes down to what you need it for. Many cases are simply there for the style. They might be made of luxury materials like leather or fabric, or simply come with some fancy design that you'll enjoy having in your pocket all the time.
And while these cases will certainly help keep light scratches and scuffs off your phone, midnight mint – psychedelic chocolate bar you should look toward more specialized rugged cases if you want to take your smartphone on a rough-and-tumble adventure into the outdoors.
We've got great roundups of excellent phone cases to buy, whether you need the or a .
How long should a phone battery last?
Battery life has always been a difficult topic in smartphones. As phones get more powerful they get more power-hungry, but keeping them slim enough to slide into a pocket means little room for a battery. Long gone are the days of getting a month out of a single charge.
Most of today's smartphones -- even those at the top end -- should usually be able to deliver a full day of mixed use out of a charge. That means you should have a bit of juice left at the end of your day, but you should expect to give it a full charge when it plug it in next to your bed at night.
Mixed use is subjective, of course, but typically it would involve some general messaging and email, web browsing and listening to streaming music or podcasts for a couple of hours. Throw in some photos on your walk home from work, too. More demanding tasks like playing vibrant, 3D games like Asphalt 9: Legends will drain your battery much faster. If you plan on playing a lot of games, then make sure you're within reach of a plug or .
How much storage should my phone have?
Phone storage has increased over time as our phones have to store much more data-heavy things these days. Apps and games use higher-resolution graphics or other modern features that mean they have to take up more room on your phone. It's common for graphically intense games to take up several gigabytes of space, which is huge when you consider the first-generation iPhone came with a base 4GB of storage.
Most phones tend to come with a minimum of 128GB of storage, which is a good amount for apps, games and locally stored music. But it's important to think about what you'll be doing with your phone. If you want to download and play a lot of games, then consider opting for a higher-capacity version.
If you're really into your photography and expect to take a lot of high-resolution photos, 4K video or DNG raw images, then again you'll benefit from having more storage so you don't have to keep deleting older files before you can take new ones. Having extra storage can be great peace of mind that you'll be able to shoot away at your kid's birthday party without worrying about missing that crucial moment because you ran out of space.
But you'll pay more for that storage, with the iPhone 14 Pro's top 1TB of space costing half as much again as the base 128GB model. Whether that's a worthwhile investment is up to you.
What makes a phone a smartphone?
Pretty much every phone you can buy today is a smartphone. Smartphones let you do more than just make calls; they connect to the internet for web browsing, you can download apps and games, and they typically have cameras capable of taking -- and displaying -- photos and videos. In short, they're just what we know of today as a "phone," and everything on this list qualifies as a smartphone.
They're worlds apart from the older-style "feature" phones like the original Nokia 3210, although even those have been updated with "smart" functions. And it is still possible to buy extremely basic feature phones, with physical buttons and no internet connectivity, although these are much more niche and far fewer companies still make them.
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