Take a look at which phones are the most used phones in 2022, but first let’s see what “smartphone” is. A smartphone is a mobile device that connects to the internet and allows you to communicate with others. It can be used for texting, browsing the web, downloading apps and games, taking photos, and recording videos.
Consumer Reports (CR) tests dozens of smartphones each year, checking their basic functionality and premium features like multicamera setups. This list highlights our top picks for the best phones available in 2022.
1. Apple iPhone 12
Despite being more than two years old, the Apple iPhone 12 is still the most used phone in the world. According to the latest MOVR Q3 2022 report, the iPhone 12 accounted for 2.76% of all smartphone usages in Q3 2022.
The Apple iPhone 12 is a gorgeous, high-end smartphone that boasts an advanced A14 Bionic chip and an OLED display. Plus, it has full 5G support and excellent cameras. However, it is missing some features that the newer iPhone 14 offers like a 120Hz display and telephoto lens.
2. Samsung Galaxy A32
The Samsung Galaxy A32 is one of the most popular phones in 2022 thanks to its excellent camera, large battery and Samsung’s One UI software. It’s also available in a wide range of colors, and it weighs just 205 grams!
Its main camera takes decent photos in good lighting, though the results aren’t quite as sharp indoors. Its low-light capabilities aren’t stellar, either.
Despite these drawbacks, the Galaxy A32 is still an attractive option for people who are looking for a budget-friendly phone that offers great features. Its 5000-mAh battery and quad-camera setup should keep it competitive with other devices on this list.
At just $279, the Galaxy A32 5G is a bargain, especially considering its 5G support and four years of security updates. This makes it a solid choice for people who are looking to dip their toes into the world of 5G, but don’t want to spend a lot of money.
3. Xiaomi Redmi Note 11
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 is a popular smartphone that has been selling in huge numbers around the world. It is also one of the cheapest phones available in 2022.
The Note 11 is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 processor and offers excellent performance. It is a great choice for those looking for a good camera and an affordable price tag.
It comes with a 6.43-inch AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate. The display is smooth and bright, with deep blacks and wide color gamut support.
It also has a 5000mAh battery, NFC support, and stereo speakers. It also has AI Face Unlock, and an IR blaster.
4. Samsung Galaxy S22
Samsung’s Galaxy S22 is a solid choice if you’re looking for a smartphone with an excellent camera. It’s packed with next-level innovations that make it easy to take stunning low-light video and images, even in the dark.
The phone also sports an impressively powerful processor that’s paired with the latest Android software from Samsung. It comes with the One UI skin and is available for both personal and enterprise use.
Samsung promises four major Android updates and five years of security updates. That’s a significant commitment that makes it the best Android phone maker when it comes to software support.
5. Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G
The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G is one of the most popular phones in 2022. It was the top-selling Android phone in April, according to Counterpoint Research.
The smartphone is designed for users who miss the Galaxy Note series and its productivity-focused features. But it also has a lot of features that make it a good choice for people who love cameras and gaming.
Its camera is one of the best on the market, with improved optics and a new 100x zoom mode that lets you capture more detail of your subjects. Its video capture is also impressive.
6. Samsung Galaxy A12
The Samsung Galaxy A12 is a small-budget smartphone that sold 51.8 million units last year. It costs around $160 USD (roughly $200 CAD).
The device comes with a 6.5 inch HD+ screen that is referred to as an Infinity-V Display. It has a notch at the top of the screen that is used for the selfie camera.
It also has a quad rear camera system. It includes a 48 MP main camera, an ultrawide 8 MP camera and a 2 MP depth sensor.
The Galaxy A12 is a good option for those looking for an affordable phone with a lot of features. However, it does make some compromises when it comes to performance.
7. Redmi Note 9A
The Redmi Note 9A is a great smartphone for anyone looking for a budget smartphone. It has a powerful processor and large battery that lasts for days.
It has a large 6.53-inch display that is easy on the eyes. It also comes with TUV Rheinland Low Blue Light certification to protect your eyes from glare.
The phone is powered by a MediaTek Helio G25 chipset, which offers fast and smooth performance. It also has 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage that you can use for apps, music, and more.
8. Xiaomi Redmi 9
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9A is a phone that offers top-notch specs and a cheap price tag. It’s one of the best-value phones available right now, making it a great choice for anyone looking to save money on their next smartphone.
There’s an attractive circular design around the camera module and a textured back that helps with grip and prevents fingerprints. There’s also an IR blaster that allows you to control your TV and sound system from the device.
The display is massive, and while it’s not quite as bright as the top-of-the-line iPhones, you can still watch movies and play games on it without feeling too washed out. Its screen-on-time is also excellent, consistently yielding 7 to 8 hours of usage.
9. Samsung Galaxy S21 FE
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE is a new “Fan Edition” smartphone from the company that offers many of the same features as its full Galaxy S21 series at a more affordable price. It’s the newest member of the Galaxy S21 family, but it’s got a few downgrades that will likely annoy regular phone users.
Ultimately, though, the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE is a solid phone that’s worth considering if you’re looking for a smartphone with top-shelf specs and a high-end camera. It’s also a good value, though it doesn’t quite compete with phones at the same price point like the Apple iPhone 13.
It also has a decent processor (the Snapdragon 888 from last year), great battery life, and an intuitive camera system that puts a pro photo studio in your hand. Plus, the phone is backed by Android 12 out of the box and Samsung’s usual firm commitment to future updates.
10. Apple iPhone 13
The Apple iPhone 13 is one of the most popular iPhone models in 2022, and that’s because it offers a great value for money. It’s powerful, has a brighter display and longer battery life than many of its rivals, and it comes with a one year warranty.
It also has a lot of new software features, including Do Not Disturb mode, a Focus mode and a few other interesting upgrades. It’s also compatible with Apple’s new AirPods headphones, and it works with all of the latest iOS updates.
This isn’t the fastest phone out there, but it will be fast enough for most people. It’s also more affordable than some of the iPhone Pro models, and it comes with Apple’s best support and service. Plus, it’s easy to trade it in if you upgrade to another phone.
