The mobile device market in 2022 experienced a real revolution, offering users an unprecedented choice. If earlier the question of “which phone to get” was decided by a simple comparison of price and brand, now the situation has changed dramatically. Manufacturers have learned to squeeze the most out of the mid-range segment, making flagship features available to a wide audience. Choosing the ideal smartphone has become a complex task, requiring a deep analysis of the characteristics and understanding of one’s own needs.
This year we are seeing a clear division into categories: ultra-performance gaming solutions, balanced workhorses and compact devices for those who are tired of “shovels”. It is important to understand that buying a gadget is an investment for 2-3 years in advance, so saving on key components can backfire. Let's take a look at which models deserve attention and why the old selection criteria no longer work in the realities of 2022.
You should not chase the most expensive device in the line if your tasks are limited to instant messengers and social networks. However, buying a frankly weak device for the sake of saving is a bad strategy, since the system Android over time becomes more demanding of resources. Below we will take a closer look at the best options in different price categories so that you can make an informed decision.
Flagships of 2022: The benchmark for performance
When it comes to top-end devices, the names of industry giants immediately come to mind. In 2022, the battle for the title of best smartphone flared up with renewed vigor. The market leaders were models equipped with Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and Dimensity 9000processors. These chipsets provide a colossal supply of power, which is necessary for heavy games, video editing and multitasking without the slightest delay.
Particular attention should be paid to the screens. This year, matrices with a refresh rate of 120 Hz have become the de facto standard. The picture on such displays looks incredibly smooth and rich. If you choose a flagship, make sure that the screen brightness reaches at least 1000 nits, otherwise reading information in the sun will be a test. AMOLED matrices with a refresh rate of 120 Hz. The picture on such displays looks incredibly smooth and rich. If you choose a flagship, make sure the screen brightness reaches at least 1000 nits, otherwise reading in the sun will be a challenge.
⚠️ Warning: Top-end processors of 2022, especially early versions of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1, can become significantly hot under prolonged use. This is a physical feature of the architecture that is difficult to eliminate in software.
Cameras in this segment have reached a new level thanks to computational photography. Now, even at night, you can take pictures that you won’t be embarrassed to print. However, not all manufacturers are equally good at customizing processing algorithms. It is worth paying attention to the presence of optical stabilization (OIS), which is critical for high-quality video shooting.
Among the specific models, Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra and OnePlus 10 Prostand out. The former are attracted by the built-in stylus and versatility, the latter by the charging speed and clean interface. The choice between them often comes down to preferences in the shell: One UI offers more functions, and OxygenOS more speed.
Middle segment: Reasonable balance of price and quality
The "middle plus" category in 2022 has become the most interesting for the buyer. Here you can find devices that are not much inferior to flagships in operating speed, but cost half as much. Manufacturers have learned to allocate the budget wisely, saving on case materials, but not sparing money on processor and the screen.
The key elements of success in this segment were the chips of the Snapdragon 7 and Dimensity 8000series. They ensure stable operation of popular applications and even allow you to run demanding games at medium settings. At the same time, their energy consumption is significantly lower than that of top-end solutions, which has a positive effect on battery life.
When choosing a mid-class smartphone, be sure to check the type of memory. The presence of the UFS 3.1 standard instead of the outdated eMMC 5.1 will give a noticeable increase in application loading speed.
Another important aspect is support for updates. Previously, budget phones received one major OS update and were forgotten by the developers. Now companies like Xiaomi i Samsung promise 3-4 years of support even for mid-level devices. This is a critical parameter for long-term use.
Here is a list of characteristics that you need to focus on when purchasing in this category:
- 📱 Screen: AMOLED, 90 Hz or 120 Hz
- ⚡ Processor: at least Snapdragon 778G or an equivalent from MediaTek
- 🔋 Battery: from 4500 mAh with fast charging from 33 W
- 💾 Memory: minimum 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal
Models like Poco F4 i Realme GT Neo 3 became real bestsellers precisely due to the combination of power and adequate price tag. They prove that for a comfortable life it is not necessary to overpay for premium case materials or top-level moisture protection.
Budget solutions: What you can get up to 20 thousand rubles
Choosing an inexpensive phone in 2022 has turned into a search for compromises. Manufacturers are forced to make concessions to keep the price down, often sacrificing the quality of materials or the availability of some sensors. However, even in this segment, devices have appeared that can satisfy the basic needs of most users.
The main rule when buying a budget phone is not to look at the number of megapixels in the main camera. Marketing tricks often hide a mediocre matrix behind the 64 megapixel figure. Much more important is the presence of a macro lens (even a conditional one) and the quality of the main sensor, which is usually 13 or 48 megapixels.
⚠️ Attention: In the budget segment of 2022, advertisements for “virtual memory expansion” are often found. Don't be fooled by numbers like "8+4 GB". Additional gigabytes are taken from slow flash memory and do not really speed up the system. Level processors
Level processors Helio G96 or Snapdragon 680 are the golden mean for this category. They don't handle heavy games on ultra, but provide smooth scrolling of social media feeds and instant messengers. It is also important to check the presence of an NFC module, since in 2022, paying by phone has become a standard, not a luxury.
Among the worthy options are Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 i Samsung Galaxy A32. The former captivate with their excellent screen and equipment, the latter with the reliability of the brand and long-term support for security updates. The choice depends on what is more important to you: vivid impressions from the screen or system stability.
Secrets of saving on accessories
When buying a budget smartphone, there is often no point in purchasing an original protective glass. High-quality analogues from third-party manufacturers (Nillkin, Baseus) often cost 3 times less, and protect the screen no worse.
Gaming smartphones: Specialized monsters
A separate caste of devices, which in 2022 has become a full-fledged trend. Gaming smartphones are not designed to take beautiful photos of cats, but to produce stable FPS in PUBG Mobile or Genshin Impact. Their design is radically different from conventional phones.
The key feature of such gadgets is an advanced cooling system. Regular phones, when playing for a long time, begin to throttle (reduce processor frequencies due to heating), which leads to lags. Gaming models are equipped with massive radiators, vaporization chambers and even active fans built into the case.
| Model | Processor | Cooling | Additional. functions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asus ROG Phone 6 | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | GameCool VI | AirTrigger |
| Xiaomi Black Shark 5 | Snapdragon 870 | Liquid | Magnetic buttons |
| Lenovo Legion Y70 | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 | (Frost Blade) | Charging port on the side |
| Nubia Red Magic 7 | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | Built-in fan | RGB backlight |
Another important detail is the location of the charging port. In gaming smartphones, it is often placed on the end or side so that the cable does not interfere with holding the device horizontally while playing. Also, touch triggers have become an almost mandatory attribute, replacing physical buttons on the body.
It makes sense to buy a gaming smartphone only if you spend more than 2-3 hours daily playing mobile games. In other cases, you will overpay for functions that you will not use.
The software of such devices is tailored for gaming. There are special modes that turn off notifications and calls, as well as tools for screen recording and streaming without loss of productivity. However, the cameras in such devices often leave much to be desired, since the budget is allocated to other components.
What to look at besides the processor: Screen and battery life
Many users make the mistake of focusing exclusively on the hardware, forgetting about what they visually interact with 90% of the time. The screen is the face of the smartphone. In 2022, it is important to pay attention not only to the type of matrix, but also to the brightness modulation technology.
PWM (pulse width modulation) can cause eye fatigue in sensitive people. If you plan to read a lot from your phone, look for models with high PWM frequency or technology DC Dimming. This is a parameter that is rarely indicated in advertising brochures, but its impact on the comfort of use is enormous.
Autonomy in 2022 directly depends not only on the battery capacity, but also on the efficiency of the processor. Chips manufactured using the 4-nanometer process technology consume significantly less energy for the same power. Therefore, a phone with a 4500 mAh battery on a new chip can live longer than a device with 5000 mAh on an old one.
☑️ Checking the screen before purchasing
Charging speed has become another battlefield. If a couple of years ago 18 W was considered the norm, then in 2022 67 W has become the standard for the mid-range segment, and flagships offer 120 W and higher. This allows you to charge your phone from 0 to 100% in less than 20 minutes, which changes your usage habits: you can simply recharge the device while you brush your teeth.
Software support and system longevity
Buying a phone is not a one-time transaction, but the beginning of a long relationship with the software. In 2022, the issue of the relevance of versions Android has become more acute than ever. Google is tightening the requirements for applications, and older versions of the OS may simply stop supporting the required software in a year or two.
The leaders in this direction remain companies that have their own service ecosystems. Samsung and Google Pixel provide the longest support, often updating devices for up to 4-5 years. Chinese brands are catching up, promising 3 years of major updates for flagships, but the situation is worse with budget models.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure that the selected model has an unlocked bootloader if you plan to install custom firmware in the future. Some manufacturers, especially in the budget segment, deliberately block this feature.
The cleanliness of the interface also plays a role. Shells with a huge amount of pre-installed garbage (bloatware) not only take up space, but also slow down the system by working in the background. Before purchasing, read reviews about a specific model for the presence of uninstallable applications.
How to extend battery life programmatically
In the developer settings, you can limit the background activity of applications. This will not only save charge, but will also prevent premature wear of the battery, since it will be less likely to be subject to heating cycles.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it worth buying a 2021 phone in 2022?
Yes, this is a great way to save money. Last year's flagships (for example S21 Ultra or OnePlus 9 Pro) still have excess power for any task. Their cameras are often better than those of new mid-budget cameras, and the price drops by 30-40% after the release of a new line.
How important is IP68 water protection?
For everyday use, this is more of a nice bonus than a necessity. It will save your phone from rain or falling into a puddle, but is not intended for shooting underwater. However, the presence of such protection often indicates the high build quality of the device as a whole.
Is it better to take a lot of memory or a powerful processor?
In 2022, priority should be given to the processor. RAM of 6-8 GB is enough for most tasks, but nothing can replace a weak chip. It is better to take built-in memory from 128 GB, since applications and photos take up more and more space.
Why are phones without a 3.5 mm jack becoming the norm?
Manufacturers are freeing up space inside the case for a more capacious battery or an improved vibration system. In addition, it encourages the transition to wireless headphones. If the connector is critical to you, you will have to look towards the mid-range or budget segment, where it remains for now.
Does 5G affect battery life?
Yes, the 5G module consumes more energy than 4G, especially in areas of poor reception when the phone is constantly searching for a network. If 5G is not yet developed in your city, it makes sense to disable this mode in the settings Settings → Connections → Mobile networks to save battery.