The best smartphones 2022 had to offer ranged from Apple's radical iPhone 14 redesign to Samsung's foldable Galaxy Z Fold 4, proving that this was one of the most exciting years for flagship and mid-range devices alike. India also welcomed its 5G network rollout in 2022, giving these phones a whole new level of relevance for buyers upgrading their devices.
Best Smartphones 2022: Premium Flagships That Defined the Year
Apple iPhone 14 Series
Apple made sweeping changes with the iPhone 14 lineup. After six years, the company introduced its largest camera sensor yet, along with the iconic Dynamic Island feature on the iPhone 14 Pro models. The series also brought Always On Display, Emergency SOS via satellite, and Action Mode for stabilised video recording — features that set a new benchmark for flagship smartphones in 2022.
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra stood out as one of the most feature-packed premium smartphones of the year. It arrived with a 108MP quad-rear camera setup, a built-in S-Pen, and a curved display, making it an ideal choice for power users and creative professionals. Its combination of productivity tools and imaging prowess placed it firmly at the top of the Android flagship hierarchy.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4
Samsung's foldable ambitions took another leap forward with the Galaxy Z Fold 4. The device doubled as both a compact smartphone and a full tablet, giving users the flexibility to switch between form factors on the go. A redesigned taskbar improved multitasking, and premium camera options rounded out the package for users who needed versatility without compromise.
Top Mid-Range Picks Among the Best Smartphones 2022
Google Pixel 7 Pro
Google's imaging legacy continued with the Pixel 7 Pro, which carried a triple rear camera system — a 50MP primary camera, a 12MP secondary camera, and a 48MP telephoto camera. The Pixel 7 Pro is widely regarded as one of the best camera phones of the year, delivering exceptional computational photography backed by Google's proprietary Tensor G2 chip.
Nothing Phone(1)
British startup Nothing made a memorable debut with the Nothing Phone(1), a mid-range device that stood apart purely on design. Its transparent back and distinctive Glyph Interface — a grid of LEDs on the rear panel — gave it an identity unlike any other smartphone launched in 2022. Beyond aesthetics, it delivered capable performance for everyday tasks at a competitive price point.
OnePlus Nord 2T
The OnePlus Nord 2T, priced at ₹28,999, offered a compelling mid-range option with a strong camera system and a smooth display. Its rear camera array featured a 50MP Sony IMX766 main sensor with OIS, an 8MP ultrawide camera with 120-degree FOV, and a 2MP mono lens with dual LED flash. For buyers seeking flagship-grade camera performance at a mid-range price, the Nord 2T was a strong contender.
Camera Specifications at a Glance
| Smartphone | Rear Camera Setup | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 14 Pro | Largest sensor in 6 years | Dynamic Island, Action Mode |
| Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra | 108MP quad-rear | Built-in S-Pen, curved display |
| Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 | Premium multi-lens setup | Foldable, tablet + phone |
| Google Pixel 7 Pro | 50MP + 12MP + 48MP triple | Computational photography |
| Nothing Phone(1) | Dual rear camera | Transparent back, Glyph Interface |
| OnePlus Nord 2T | 50MP Sony IMX766 + 8MP + 2MP | OIS, 120° ultrawide, ₹28,999 |
For more coverage of top devices across all price segments, explore our full brand reviews and comparisons.
