Top 10 phones of 2022

The greatest phone to buy right now is

Buying a new phone can be difficult, but we've taken care of that for you.

This piece was written by Allison Johnson and Gloria Sin.

On June 10, 2022, at 4:55 p.m. EDT, this page was updated.

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Prices for flagship phones have never been higher, and they are unlikely to fall again.

Phones that are exceptionally high-end, such as the Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy Z

The Fold 3 5G now costs well over $1,000, which is nearly the same as a good laptop.

However, as the price ceiling climbs, machines in the $600 to $800 range have gotten more capable.

In actuality, the best overall phone is the Apple iPhone 13 ($829), whereas the two Google Pixel phones described here are more mid-range than full-fledged flagships.

If you're on a limited budget, you may acquire a decent smartphone for $500 or less.

More ideas can be found in our budget smartphone purchase guide.

It's also possible to keep your phone for longer than ever before, thanks to better software support and slower upgrade cycles from device manufacturers.

In general, all of the devices described here have excellent cameras.

Apple's selling price is $829.

It costs $829 on Amazon.

Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus

(128 GB)

$$799999

ISEN. $999

The Galaxy S22 Plus features the most recent Snapdragon CPU, a 6.6-inch display, and three rear cameras.

The Galaxy S22 Plus features the most recent Snapdragon CPU, a massive 6.6-inch display, three rear cameras, one of which is a 3x telephoto lens, and an excellent support policy that guarantees up to four generations of Android OS updates.

Amazon is selling it for $799.

Best Buy charges $999 for this item.

The best phones in 2022

Pink iPhone 13 models are available.

The iPhone 13 has it all: it's the ideal combination of price, portability, and capability.

The Verge provided the image of Jean Panic.

1. The Apple iPhone 13 is the finest iPhone to buy in 2022.

The iPhone 13 (unlocked) costs $829.

(128 GB)

$$799999

ISEN. $999

The Galaxy S22 Plus features the most recent Snapdragon CPU, a 6.6-inch display, and three rear cameras.

The Galaxy S22 Plus features the most recent Snapdragon CPU, a huge 6.6-inch display, three rear cameras, one of which is a 3x sweet spot between cost, pocketability, and capabilities among Apple's four iPhone 13 models announced in 20.

It has a new processor, a larger battery, and 128 GB of internal storage, but it still runs the same operating system.

The Galaxy S22 Plus sports the latest Snapdragon CPU, a beautiful 6.6-inch display, three back cameras, one of which is a 3x telephoto, and an excellent service policy that promises up to four generations of support.

In reality, the 13 looks similar to the 12 but is slightly thicker and heavier, with significantly larger camera bumps and lenses that have been replaced.

(No, you won't be able to use your iPhone 12 case with the 13.)

It has the same overall layout.

a brighter 6.1-inch OLED display, the same 12-megapixel selfie camera, MagSafe wireless charging, water and dust resistance (IP68), and fingerprint scanner

Sub-6GHz and millimeter wave 5G networks are both supported.

Furthermore, it comes in five colors (including pink), one more than the Pro models.

The new A15 Bionic chip in the iPhone 13 is notable in that it should feel fast for years to come, but measuring significant speed advancements with iPhones is tough.

The new technology allows the iPhone 13 to run more efficiently, allowing it to stay charged late into the evening.

The iPhone 13's primary wide-angle camera employs the same camera sensor as the iPhone 12 Pro.

In 2020, Max will be the greatest smartphone camera for photos and videos.

"The iPhone 13 is an easy decision for most buyers."

Significantly improved.

Photo details are crisp and correct, colors are brilliant but not oversaturated, focusing is rapid and accurate, portrait mode is appropriate for everyday usage, and low light and night vision are also outstanding.

Its ultrawide camera, on the other hand, has only gotten minor upgrades to increase low-light performance.

The video quality is also excellent.

The main camera has sensor stabilization, which is useful when walking about.

It can handle all of the critical 4K and slow motion settings, and it does so flawlessly.

It even enables you to capture videos in Cinematic mode, allowing you to

to change the depth of field to quickly switch between subjects

The iPhone 13 comes standard with 128 GB of storage.

Its storage isn't extensible since it's not expandable, and depending on how you'll be using the phone, you might want to bite the bullet and upgrade to the next tier.

The iPhone 13 is a no-brainer for most users: it offers comparable performance, design, camera functionality, and (in certain cases) longer battery life than other iPhone 13 models while costing less.

The Galaxy S22 Plus is a wonderful pick for anyone looking for a high-end Android phone since it strikes a decent balance of features, performance, and size.

Photo by Allison Johnson/The Verge

2. Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus

In 2022,

, the best Android phone to purchase is

There are lots of affordable Android phones to choose from in the United States, but high-end Android phones are becoming scarce.

Lately.

Fortunately, the options we have had have been outstanding, making the Google Pixel 6 a close decision for our selection.

However, we believe that the Galaxy S22 Plus is the best device for the vast majority of people.

The S22 Plus features a huge, bright 6.6-inch screen with a refresh rate of 120Hz, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 as the Android flagship chipset of choice in 2022, and three high-quality rear cameras.

You won't get the Ultra's 10x telephoto lens or built-in S Pen, but you will get a larger screen than the standard S22's 6.1-inch display.

It's a pleasant experience.

For the majority of people, compromise with the right blend of features and size.

"Samsung's approach of providing up to four generations of OS upgrades is one of the better policies."

If you want a more stylish alternative, the OnePlus 10 Pro is a decent option.

Remember that it isn't compatible with AT&T's 5G network (just LTE) and that its cameras aren't as good as Samsung's.

Aside from that, it's a decent tablet with a more refined appearance.

With the exception of the battery and software concerns, the S22 Plus has a lot to offer.

The screen is enjoyable to use, the camera system is versatile and dependable, and Samsung's policy of providing up to four generations of operating system updates is among the best among Android phones. Its straightforward, understated design appeals to a broader audience than the Pixel 6, which isn't significantly larger but appears and feels thicker. It could be one of them. If you want a more stylish alternative, the OnePlus 10 Pro is a good option. Keep in mind that it will not work on AT&T's 5G network (only LTE) and that its cameras aren't as good as Samsung's. Otherwise, it's a very nice device with a more refined feel to it. Aside from the battery and software issues, there's a lot to like about this phone. The Samsung S22 Plus The screen is simple to use, the camera system is versatile and dependable, and Samsung's policy of providing up to four generations of operating system updates is among the best among Android phones. It's simple, understated design appeals to the general public more than the Pixel 6, which is not significantly larger but appears and feels bulkier. It could be one. It's one of only a few truly high-end Android phones available in the United States right now, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's a winner by default; it's also a very good smartphone. iPhone 12 Pro cases will not fit the iPhone 13 Pro due to the larger battery. Because of the iPhone 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max Both Pro models have the same camera hardware and will suffice for multimedia creation. Vjera Pavic / The Verge Photographer 3. Apple iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max are the best phones for photography and video in 2022. The iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max share the same top-of-the-line camera technology this year. are our picks for the best iPhone for taking photos and videos. This time, you don't have to buy the most expensive model to have the best camera system - either of the Pro models gives you the same experience. The three rear cameras — regular wide, ultrawide, and telephoto — collaborate with Apple's image processing to produce stunning images, particularly in low light. If photo and video quality are your top concerns when shopping, If you're looking for a phone, the 13 Pro is the one to get. The 13 Pro has a physically larger camera sensor than previous generations, allowing its main 12-megapixel camera to capture more light and produce higher-quality images, particularly in low-light conditions. It has a camera with an ultrawide field of view. It can take excellent macro photographs due to its improved close focus function. Furthermore, the 3x optical zoom indicates that "this time, you don't have to get the biggest and most expensive model to get the best camera system

There's really only one reason to get an iPhone 13 Mini, and it's a big one: if you want a phone that's easier to use with one hand or that can fit into a small pocket.

The iPhone 13 Mini is one of the few small phones with top-tier features and specs on the market; you won't have to compromise on performance, build quality, or cameras with this one.

The Mini's 5.4-inch screen, despite being much smaller than the other iPhones released this year, is still large enough for text messaging, email, online surfing, apps, video, and gaming, and it will feel very vast if you're coming from an iPhone 6 / 7 / 8.

It is, however, small enough that most adults, even those with small hands, can use it.

, will be able to use their thumb to reach the entire screen.

This won't necessitate the use of a PopSocket.

"The iPhone 13 Mini has a smaller battery, which is a significant disadvantage of a smaller phone."

One significant disadvantage of a smaller phone is the lack of storage space.

The battery on the iPhone 13 Mini is smaller and will most likely not last a full day without being charged.

It's geared toward the casual user who isn't glued to their phone all day.

Aside from that, the iPhone 13 Mini is identical to the larger model in terms of design, processor, cameras, 5G support, and build quality.

It's simply smaller and less expensive, with a price difference of around $100.

The Asus Zenfone 8 is a great option if you prefer Android.

It's a little bigger than

The 13 Mini has a 5.9-inch screen and isn't compatible with Verizon, but it's otherwise a very similar proposition:

A pocket-sized device with excellent build quality, a powerful processor, and high-end features like a 120Hz screen.

Apple is the company that makes the iPhone 13 Mini.

$699

The iPhone 13 Mini has the same features and cameras as its larger siblings, but in a smaller package.

It has the same A15 Bionic chip as the other iPhone 13s, but it has a smaller battery and a 5.4-inch display. It also has 128GB of storage.

Apple's price is $699.

The Asus Zenfone 8 is a smartphone from Asus.

$649 $509

a discount of 22%

For Android users who prefer small phones, the Asus Zenfone 8 is ideal.

It has a 5.9-inch screen, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage.

a twin camera system, and a lot of storage (64-megapixel main camera with OIS and a 12-megapixel ultrawide).

Newegg is charging $509 for this item.

The S22 Ultra retains the Note's boxy design and built-in S Pen stylus.

The New York Times/Allison Johnson

Galaxy S22 Ultra (Samsung)

The phone that can perform all tasks

In Samsung's Galaxy series, "Ultra" no longer just refers to the largest phone; it also refers to the largest phone plus everything but the kitchen sink.

The S22 Ultra features five cameras, a large, bright 6.8-inch OLED display with up to 120Hz refresh rate, and a built-in stylus.

It's the spiritual successor to the Note series, but it also feels like the pinnacle of slab-style smartphone development.

It'll set you back $1200.

The Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, which is paired with 8 or 12GB of RAM, is at the heart of the S22 Ultra.

Not surprisingly, the performance is excellent; you will be blown away.

The phone rarely stutters or hesitates, even when playing graphics-intensive games.

Samsung also promises up to four generations of OS upgrades, ensuring that the Ultra remains a great phone for many years.

Samsung claims that the integrated S Pen stylus has lower latency than previous S Pens because it emerges from a dedicated silo on the phone's bottom.

It's hard to judge a few milliseconds of improvement, but it's undeniably responsive and user-friendly.

Options for handwriting-to-text recognition and gimmicky "Air Actions" that turn the pen into a magic wand/remote

The control combo allows you to explore the stylus' functions in depth.

You could also scribble notes to your heart's content.

It's entirely up to you.

"For many years to come, the Ultra should be a very good phone."

With a few software upgrades, the cameras are largely the same as those found in the S21 Ultra.

Images in portrait mode now have more realistic subject isolation, and night mode can be used in either high-resolution or portrait mode.

But the main point is that the S21 Ultra's excellent camera system is still in place, with a 10x telephoto lens that ranks among the best on any smartphone, anywhere.

Because of its many power-hungry features, the S22 Ultra's battery life suffers.

It will last a day of moderate use with a little left in the tank, but power users may need to keep an eye on it.

Keep an eye on the battery percentage and, at the end of the day, charge the 5,000mAh cell.

However, thanks to the fast 45W wired charging, this is a simple task.

If you know the stylus life is for you and you'd use a 10x zoom on a regular basis rather than just once or twice as a curiosity, look no further than the S22 Ultra.

It is not our overall recommendation for the best general Android phone because its speciality features are relatively esoteric, albeit powerful.

This is the phone to get if you want a phone that can do everything.

Although the S22 Ultra is pricey, it's difficult to find a slab-style smartphone that compares.

can achieve anything it sets its mind to

Amazon has given me $1,000.

Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro are Google's latest smartphones.

Google's first flagship phone, the Pixel 6 (right), is already on par with Apple and Samsung's best.

Becca Farsace / The Verge photographer

The Google Pixel 6 is number six.

The most pleasurable Google encounter

have.

Samsung's Galaxy S22 Ultra (128GB, unlocked)

." The Pixel 6 is a substantial phone for $599.

The Pixel 6 is Google's first real flagship phone since 2019, and in terms of camera quality, overall performance, and battery life, it competes with the iPhone 13 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra.

Some functions specific to Google will also be provided by a new, proprietary CPU.

The Pixel 6 is a fantastic device, and at $200 less than its rivals, it's the most affordable flagship phone for Android enthusiasts in recent memory.

I apologize, OnePlus.

The Pixel 6 stands out from the Pixel 6 Pro thanks to its marginally smaller 6.4-inch, 1080p OLED flat display and its more striking color options, like two-tone red or green (black is also an option).

Not the Pixel 6

It feels sturdy despite being excessively thick for such a large phone.

However, because of how slippery its shiny exterior is, you'll need to invest in a third-party case (Google cases aren't cost-effective).

The Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor found in other Android flagships is up against Tensor, Google's first in-house mobile CPU, in the Pixel 6.

The next Pixel will use machine learning and artificial intelligence to pick up new skills thanks to Tensor.

It is "easily the most value-packed flagship phone for Android enthusiasts this year" and you can use the Magic Eraser to remove people from your photos.

Additionally, you can use Google Assistant to make automated calls and take pictures that more closely resemble the tones of real skin.

In the Pixel 6 there are 8GB of

Runs Android 12 with Google's new Material You theme, has RAM, and either 128GB or 256GB of internal storage.

Its large rear camera bar houses two cameras with a combined resolution of 50 megapixels wide and 12 megapixels ultrawide, as well as a laser detection autofocus sensor for low light and depth.

Unlike the Pixel 6 Pro, the Pixel 6 lacks a telephoto camera.

However, its photos are on par with Apple's best and are excellent in both bright and low light situations.

The Pixel 6 features Qi wireless charging, a 4,614mAh battery (which should last two days for light users), and some rain storm protection (IP68).

The device's main drawback is a sluggish under-screen fingerprint scanner, and face unlock is not an option.

The Pixel 6 is a great smartphone despite its flaws.

$599 will get you a phone.

Pixel 6 from Google

$599

The latest flagship model from the company is the Google Pixel 6.

It has a Google Tensor CPU, 8GB of RAM, and a rear camera with a main wide-angle lens with a resolution of 50 megapixels and an ultrawide lens with a resolution of 12 megapixels.

$599 at Best Buy

One advantage of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 is the 1.9-inch external screen for widgets and notifications.

Dan Seifert of The Verge took the picture

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 is the top flip phone for 2022.

Want new ways to use your phone but are sick of smartphones that keep getting bigger and heavier?

The Galaxy Z Flip 3 seems to strike the right balance between whimsy and technical

prowess and affordability that appeal to a wide range of customers.

For $999, you can upgrade this 4.2-inch pocketable device to a 6.7-inch 1080p OLED display with a quick 120Hz refresh rate.

To enable multitasking, the screen can also be divided.

The 1.9-inch outside second screen, which displays helpful widgets like app notifications and audio player controls without opening it, can be used when the phone is closed.

The Flip 3's price and design are ideal for popularizing the idea of a flip phone.

The Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 chipset and 8GB of RAM found in every 2021 flagship phone are also present in the Galaxy Flip 3.

With four to five hours of screen time between charges, the battery life is also sufficient.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 is priced and built to bring the idea of a flip phone into the mainstream, in contrast to the $1,400 Motorola Razr (2020).

You'll be among the first to learn how long this folding screen will last, even though it's hard to say.

Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 3 (128GB)

a 15% discount from $850 to $999

Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip 3 is a foldable phone with an unflippable price tag.

A 120Hz display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor, and 5G connectivity are all included in the water-resistant tablet.

support.

Cost on Amazon is $850.

At Samsung, 999 dollars

The OnePlus appears and operates like a phone that costs much more than $300.

The Verge 8, Allison Johnson

The OnePlus Nord N20 5G will be the best $300 phone in 2022.

It's incredible how many smartphones are available today for less than $300.

Take the OnePlus N20 5G, a $300 smartphone that feels much more expensive.

For this model, OnePlus went with a 6.4-inch, 1080p OLED screen.

Although it doesn't have some of its rivals' faster refresh rates, this is a fair trade-off for an OLED that is richer and more contrasty than the typical LCDs found in this category.

For a phone under $300, quick wired charging is unusual. The N20 also has a 33W charger.

The package contains the charger.

There is a microphone jack and a microSD card port in addition to the 128GB of internal storage on the phone.

The N20 offers outstanding performance in everyday situations.

Overall, the features are excellent, especially considering the cost.

"A 33W charger is included for quick charging."

One significant drawback is that, as of this writing, it is only reachable through T-Mobile.

The phone will be accessible unlocked later in 2022, according to OnePlus.

The N20 will not receive Android 13, which is scheduled to launch this fall, which is another drawback.

Android 11 is pre-installed on the N20, and an upgrade to Android 12 is promised.

Only one OS update will be applied to it.

If not, it will receive three years of security updates, which is acceptable for a cheap phone but not the best support plan.

OnePlus Nord N 20 for 5G

$282

N20 5G comes with

with an in-box charger, a 6.4-inch 1080p screen, a quick fingerprint reader, and fast wired charging.

Pay $282 to T-Mobile.

Google's Pixel 5A

For the Pixel 5A, Google will offer three years of OS and security updates.

for The Verge, Allison Johnson

9. The best Android phone under $500 in 2022 is the Google Pixel 5A.

People in the know love the Google Pixel 5A, but the majority of casual Android users don't. It's like a hidden track on the album's B-side.

It's possible you're not even aware it exists.

The Pixel 5A is a $450 5G phone that can only be purchased from Google's website because carriers don't carry it.

There are some significant improvements in the Pixel 5A.

Compared to the retired Pixel 5, it has a screen that is slightly larger at 6.3 inches, a slightly bigger battery at 4,680mAh, and dust and water resistance (IP67).

The beloved camera sensor, Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G engine, 6GB RAM, and 5G connection are all kept (sub-6GHz 5G).

"The Google Pixel 5A is like a secret track on the B-side of an album."

Like its predecessors, the Pixel 5A is most well-known for its camera, which can rival flagship models that cost $1,000 or more.

The sensor itself is only a few years old, which is why Google performs so much image processing in software.

This suggests that the Pixel 5A has a capable portrait mode, the ability to take nighttime photos, and to engage in astrophotography.

It is unable to rival

When it comes to photography, the iPhone SE easily outperforms it.

The fact that a Pixel will get Android updates among the first is one of the benefits of buying one.

For three years, Google will offer OS and security updates for the 5A.

It is one of the first devices to get the upcoming update and already has Android 12.

Pixel 5A Google

$449

The mid-range Pixel phone, the Pixel 5A, has a 6.34-inch 1080p OLED screen, the same top-of-the-line camera, IP67 water resistance, and three years of Google software support.

You'll be among the first to use the most recent version of Android, such as Android 12, which is already out for the 5A.

Google's price

$449.

The $1,800 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 has been successful three times, but most people still cannot afford it.

Image by Dieter Bohn / The Verge

The best folding phone of 2022 is the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3.

2018 might be the year to buy a foldable phone if you've been holding off until they're more developed.

Galaxy Z Fold 3 from Samsung

(In this early two-device competition, Microsoft's dual-screen Surface Duo 2 trails the Fold 3 by a wide margin.)

The Fold 3 is Samsung's third-generation folding phone.

The basic concept behind it is that it unfolds to reveal a 7.6-inch tablet-sized screen inside and is the size of a slim smartphone that fits in your pocket.

$449.

The $1,800 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 has been successful three times, but most people still cannot afford it.

Image by Dieter Bohn / The Verge

Sam's dashboard.

The versatility of that internal screen is unmatched by any other phone you can purchase at the moment, allowing for everything from reading books to watching videos.

Everything becomes more enjoyable and immersive as a result, including web browsing, watching videos, and playing video games.

Simply fold it back up when finished using it and put it in your pocket like any other phone.

Additionally, it has a 6.2-inch screen.

paying a high cost to have a tablet screen that can be folded in half

The Fold 3 provides an experience unlike any other if you're willing to make such sacrifices.

Galaxy Z Fold 3 from Samsung

Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 3 (256GB, unlocked)

Zero percent off of $1,799

The Galaxy Z Fold 3 is Samsung's most recent effort to increase consumer acceptance of foldable phones.

Although expensive, it has a 120Hz display, is more durable than previous generations, and