2021 has just closed the door and, therefore, the beginning of 2022 is the ideal time to draw up a list of the best smartphones that emerged in 2021. There are five chosen categories and many nominated candidates, but in all of them there is only one fair winner.
In a difficult year for all smartphone brands that struggled with a global shortage of components and caused many models to be “pushed” for late launches, the news was many and brought with it equipment worthy of a very positive note.
Without further ado, let’s move on to the categories at stake and the 2021 winners.
Better autonomy
While the support for fast charging is an almost mandatory specification in the models so that they can charge the batteries in a short period of time, there is nothing better than a robust battery capable of a true extended autonomy. The reason for this is simple: the smartphone can even be charged in less than half an hour, but do we have access to a power outlet? Therefore, it is essential that the winner offers a real autonomy of many, many hours.
It arrived in March 2021 and brought with it a robust 4520 mAh battery with support for 33 W fast charging. The runtime lasts a solid 114 hours, despite the POCO F3 being “sucked in” by the Snapdragon 870 processor and a display. AMOLED with 120 Hz refresh rate.
better camera
This category is complex to evaluate, since most brands bet on good cameras, in addition to a huge variety of characteristics and specifications in the optical part. On the other hand, the best cameras are built into the high-end models, so in this case it is difficult to escape from the flagships.
It is the fair winner for several reasons. First of all, the triple rear camera setup that includes a 50 megapixel primary sensor, complemented by two more sensors of 48 megapixels each, and also by the ability to record 8K video.
On the other hand, the various reviews made to Xiaomi’s Mi 11 Ultra reveal its excellent photographic performance in almost all scenarios, be it day or night.
Best price / quality ratio
Not all of us can afford the extravagance of buying a high-end, next-generation model. But the good news is that the mid-range segment is full of equipment with very interesting specifications at a friendly cost for most wallets.
So I looked for a model that combined advanced functions at a cost of less than 500 euros. In fact, this last requirement was crucial.
Realme presented this week its top of the range that happens to this terminal and that, quite possibly, will be in the list of the best of 2022. But it is a fact that Realme has been providing its smartphones with innovative technologies and next-generation components. -the art.
The GT model stayed true to this strategy. It has at the controls the Snapdragon 888 processor (predecessor of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1), which remains current and quite efficient and has a 6.4-inch AMOLED screen, with a refresh rate of 120 Hz. 4300 mAh with support for 65 watts fast charge, and in 33 minutes it is fully charged.
All this and much more for a cost of less than 500 euros, which, of course, varies with the profit margin of each store, but never exceeds the price barrier imposed. It therefore offers excellent value for money.
best top of the range
There is no shortage of candidates in a category where the sky is the limit. The best features, design, and of course future-proof specifications. Investment is high, especially in a year that has been hit by component shortages and delays in production lines have led to higher prices in the premium smartphone segment.
But assuming that the budget is not a requirement, and that the parameters to be met are quality, design, specifications and the X factor that turns in our direction, the choice is obvious.
This is the best Apple model currently. Although there is a widespread opinion that this model is just an update from the previous generation, we cannot forget that it brings with it changes that have long been requested by users. I’m referring specifically to the ProMotion display with a 120Hz refresh rate and optimized sensors that work in macro mode like no other terminal.
The X factor, the one that makes us focus all our attention, is guaranteed by an elegant and seductive design that is also characterized by its super resistance to dust, water and accidental falls.
But let’s get to it. It is powered by the A15 Bionic processor with Avalanched and Blizzard cores, customized by Apple and manufactured in the 5nm process. It has 6GB of RAM and the internal storage can offer a capacity of up to 1TB. All these arguments are difficult to overcome, if you have the necessary budget, of course.
best smartphone reveal
In this case I chose to choose the model that dazzled me at first glance. This smartphone was a revelation for me, not only for integrating the best specifications, but also for being able to create high expectations. What I mean is that this model integrates that “Wow!” which is not easy to provoke.
It was necessary to reach the last days of the year to find “my revelation” which, unfortunately, is not yet available for Portuguese users, but will come soon.
The Xiaomi 12 Pro is powered by Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 and paired with 12GB of RAM, which should make it one of the best performing devices on the market. It also brings with it the renewed MIUI 13, packed with new and useful functions, which will facilitate and optimize the browsing experience.
On the other hand, the 4600 mAh battery supports 120 watt fast charging, which is currently one of the fastest available. Moving on to optics, the arguments also carry weight with the triple rear camera setup that integrates a 50-megapixel primary sensor with optical image stabilization, a 50-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera, and a 50-megapixel telephoto sensor.
And these were my picks in a year that, as I mentioned, is primarily marked by component shortages and the delay in the smartphone production line, brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic. Now it’s time to prepare the spirit (and also the portfolio) for all the news that this new year will bring us.
I believe that in 2022 we will see top models that will bet on high-performance specifications and that respond to all the daily needs of users. By the way, from the sample we had with the reveal of the Realme GT 2 Pro, this year promises to bring with it innovative terminals “filled” with the latest technology.