2022 has seen the launch of several hundred smartphones, some more successful than others. Now as we say goodbye to the year, it’s time to take a look back at some of the best models measured by one very important metric: their popularity among you, our readers.

The 20 best phones of the year 2022

Here are the top 20 phones you searched for the most in the past 12 months. We’ve included a few phones that technically debuted in 2021, but it didn’t feel right to exclude those that started shipping on December 31st.

The 5 most popular phones in 2022
The 5 most popular phones in 2022
The 5 most popular phones in 2022
The 5 most popular phones in 2022
The 5 most popular phones in 2022

The 5 most popular phones in 2022

Like last year, Samsung Galaxy phones occupy 9 positions in the Top 20. The undisputed leader (by a large margin) is the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G. However, the other two members of the S22 have lagged behind the Galaxy S21 FE, so Samsung may want to reconsider the fate of the Fan Edition series. Also note that of the 9 Samsung phones there are 5 Galaxy A models and four of the S series.

Xiaomi occupies 6 positions in the standings: the Redmi Note 11 secured third place, just behind the Galaxy A53 5G. His siblings, the Redmi Note 11 Pro 11 Pro 5G, although not as popular, are also on the list. The Xiaomi 12 Pro and Xiaomi 12 (the December 31 phones we mentioned) were also some of the most popular phones of 2022, even the 12S Ultra might have been if it had launched earlier or gone global.

The most popular phones of 2022: from number 6 to number 10
The most popular phones of 2022: from number 6 to number 10
The most popular phones of 2022: from number 6 to number 10
The most popular phones of 2022: from number 6 to number 10
The most popular phones of 2022: from number 6 to number 10

The most popular phones of 2022: from number 6 to number 10

The iPhone 14 Pro Max is Apple’s most popular phone this year, it’s not even close to the rest of the 14-series. The budget iPhone SE is Apple’s second entry into the Top 20, although it didn’t place quite as high. as high as its predecessor in 2020.

OnePlus is historically one of the most popular brands in our database, so it’s no surprise that the OnePlus 10 Pro made the list. No North this year, though. Still, that’s not a bad result for a company that’s younger than most of the other brands on the list. Most, but not all: the Nothing Phone (1) is the brainchild of OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei and managed to generate enough interest to place in the Top 10.

Most popular phones of 2022: 11 to 15
Most popular phones of 2022: 11 to 15
Most popular phones of 2022: 11 to 15
Most popular phones of 2022: 11 to 15
Most popular phones of 2022: 11 to 15

Most popular phones of 2022: 11 to 15

Google also gets some recognition this year, though not for the well-reviewed Pixel 7 series – it’s the humble Pixel 6a that represents Google phones this year (we’ve heard a Pixel 7a is coming soon).

Finally, a few things worth noting. We don’t know how many Sony Xperia Pro-I units were sold, but the phone fired people’s imaginations and almost cracked the Top 20.

Then there is the iPhone 14 Plus, the newcomer to the family after the exit of the mini. It ranked far lower than any other model in the iPhone 14 series (the 14 Pro isn’t far outside the Top 20).

Most popular phones of 2022: from number 16 to number 20
Most popular phones of 2022: from number 16 to number 20
Most popular phones of 2022: from number 16 to number 20
Most popular phones of 2022: from number 16 to number 20
Most popular phones of 2022: from number 16 to number 20

Most popular phones of 2022: from number 16 to number 20

Another noteworthy thing is the lack of foldables in the Top 20. In fact, the most popular foldable is the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4, but it is also outside the Top 50. As you can see from the number of affordable phones in the chart below , price is still a factor, and brochures aren’t ready for mass adoption. Maybe 2023 – see you here in 12 months to discuss.

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G


Samsung Galaxy A53 5G


Xiaomi Redmi Note 11


Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G


Samsung Galaxy S22 5G


Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max


Samsung Galaxy A73 5G


Xiaomi 12Pro


One Plus 10 Pro


Samsung Galaxy A13


Samsung Galaxy A33 5G


Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G


Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro


Xiaomi Poco X4 Pro 5G


No phone (1)


Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G


Google Pixel 6a


Samsung Galaxy A23


Xiaomi 12


Apple iPhone SE (2022)


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Philip Owell

Professional blogger, here to bring you new and interesting content every time you visit our blog.