Eight Smartphones in 2022 That Combine Premium Feel and Performance

Eight Smartphones in 2022 That Combine Premium Feel and Performance

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Considering the importance of a phone, who wouldn’t want the best ones?

By this point in time, someone can already equate a smartphone to oxygen. It’s become essential to communication, keeping up with both our loved ones and making basic processes even easier. For some, such a device is directly used for their line of work. 

And if you’re looking for the best of these on the market right now, this might be the list you need.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 Smartphone
Photo Credit: @samsungph (via Instagram)

At this point, it’s hard to consider the Z Fold 4 as a smartphone. While that is its base category, its folding nature can turn it into a tablet or a cute-size computer. It naturally offers improvements from its predecessor, namely, the improved resolution and camera that is shared with their flagship S22. 

Apple iPhone 14 Pro 

iPhone 14 Pro
Photo Credit: Apple

For iPhone users who like to upgrade yearly, the Pro variant might be your best bet. Unlike the base model, the 14 Pro is a bigger upgrade than its predecessor. Along with the Pro Max, it gets notable updates, such as the new Dynamic Island that essentially replaces the physical notch and an Always-On display option.  

As with most iPhones released yearly, the 14 Pro features improved cameras. This year, it comes with a 48MP main camera, coupled with three 12MP ones for ultra-wide and telephoto options.

Google Pixel 7 Pro

Google Pixel 7 Pro Smartphone
Photo Credit: @googlepixel_us (via Instagram)

The Pixel 7 line is the latest iteration of Google’s flagship model. It may not be the biggest leap from its predecessor, but nonetheless, improves on aspects like design, display, and camera. The model also carries Google’s Tensor G2 processor, which effectively unlocks newer features, especially for photography. 

To cap things off, the handset is cheaper than a Samsung flagship and an iPhone while offering almost the same if not equal performance value. 

Realme GT2 Pro

Realme GT2 Pro Smartphone
Photo Credit: @realmeglobal (via Instagram)

The GT2 Pro is Realme’s entrance into premium handsets. While it’s already a well-rounded model close enough to compete with industry giants, a notable feature in this phone is its rear end featuring bio-polymer material, which reduces plastic use to a minimum. Furthermore, this was also made in collaboration with Japanese designer Naoto Fukasawa, thus a paper-like feel in the same area. Just a disclaimer—only the Paper White and Paper Green colors will get the bio-polymer material. 

Huawei Mate 50

Huawei Mate 50 Smartphone
Photo Credit: @huaweimobile (via Instagram)

After two years, Huawei has finally dropped the update for its premium line. While it may contain notable flaws to hamper its potential, it’s hard to count out the Mate 50. Design-wise, it screams premium smartphone with its curved design and glass back panel mixed with color options at hand. In terms of features, the standout one would be its camera, which is now made in-house by Huawei after its collaborator Leica went to a competing brand. 

OnePlus 10 Pro

OnePlus 10 Pro Smartphone
Photo Credit: @oneplus (via Instagram)

For those open to brands that aren’t considered mainstream, OnePlus could be an option. Especially this year, the brand has released arguably its most refined flagship to date. Regardless if they still have ways to go before fully solidifying themselves, the 10 Pro is an indicator of things to come. 

A slick design, solid performance, and reliable battery life are offered at a lower price point for this year. If one can stick with the brand as it continues to improve, this is ultimately a premium-level smartphone that could be taken into consideration.

Motorola Edge 30 Ultra 

Motorola Edge 30 Ultra Smartphone
Photo Credit: @motorolaus (via Instagram)

A standout Motorola in 2022 is rather uncommon. Regardless, they have done just that with the Edge 30 Ultra. Performance-wise, it’s powered by a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 and features a screen refresh rate mostly for gaming handsets. Onto other relevant features, it notably has a 200MP main camera, a solid battery life, and a fast charging option. 

Similar to at least two handsets here, it’s also offered at a price lower than renowned brands while packing a performance that could rival them. 

Vivo X80 Pro

Vivo X80 Pro Smartphone
Photo Credit: @vivo_philippines (via Instagram)

Vivo continues to establish itself with flagship-worthy handsets. While it’s not a giant leap, the X80 Pro builds upon what made its predecessor good and is given updated specifications. 

As with most phones for the brand, the camera is arguably its standout offering. While the design isn’t perfect, performance ultimately compensates for it. Despite the similarity to its predecessor, the X80 Pro’s camera benefits now from the V1+ image processing chip, and all lenses get small tweaks. 

Featured Image from ONEPLUS (via Instagram)

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