Best Phones to Buy in 2022: What to Look for and What to Avoid

If you’re in the market for a new phone, it can be tough to decide which one to get. There are so many options available, and new phones come out all the time, making it hard to determine which ones will be the best phones to buy in 2022 (and what those phones will even look like). This list of the best phones to buy in 2022 has you covered.

Things to look out for when buying your new smartphone

Phones are a large investment, so it's important that you spend time considering which phone is best for you. Be sure to take into account factors like screen size, battery life, camera quality, water resistance, case availability and warranty information before making your decision. Additionally, as new operating systems come out every year or two (like Android or iOS), make sure the phone you're purchasing has a version of the OS that will be supported on at least one update cycle down the line. Below are a few things to keep in mind when deciding what smartphone to buy next.

From Entry-Level to High-End

First, we'll break down what you should look for in each type of phone. For entry-level phones, you'll want something small with a good camera that won't cost too much. On the other end of the spectrum, you'll want an expensive device with features like a bezel-less display, wireless charging and a long-lasting battery. You can choose between Android or iOS (the operating system on your phone) but it's important to make sure that your device is compatible with Google Assistant or Siri.

The In-Between Phones

Once phones have reached the in-between level of computing power, there are still a few things you need to consider. First, the display should have a Super AMOLED technology because it is both thinner and brighter than most other screens. Second, optical image stabilization has become more standard on this level so try to find one with it. And finally, 1080p resolution seems adequate at this point so that is all you really need to be on the lookout for when buying one of these in-between’ models.

5 Things to Look Out For on Entry Level Devices

1. Processor Speed- If you have a plan that uses less power, like just calling or text messaging, then a slower processor is fine. But if you want to use the phone as a computer or will be doing multiple things at once on the phone, then pay attention to the processor speeds on any potential devices. 

2. Operating System- Ask yourself if you want an operating system that is customizable or one with more restrictions. Android phones are great because they allow for changes, but Apple's iOS system has more limitations which can be frustrating and limiting for some people who love change. You should also consider what type of customer service you would prefer if something goes wrong with your device. 

3. Display- Is size important? Are you considering watching videos or playing games?

4. Memory Capacity- Do you need space for storing photos, videos, music, apps? 

5. Camera Quality- One of the most important features on smartphones these days is the camera quality. How much do you value having a good camera?

Screen Size

Phones have been getting steadily larger in recent years, but new research has shown that most people don't actually prefer the larger screens. Bigger screens are now the least popular type of screen size. Regardless of what people might prefer, though, it's unlikely that screen sizes will change anytime soon. This means that your next phone should probably be a 4 or larger device if you want to be future-proof.

Storage Capacity

At a minimum, you'll want a phone with at least 128GB of storage capacity. The average user now downloads 18.5GB worth of apps, files, games, photos, music, video clips and other data each month. It's highly likely that this number will only increase as time goes on.

That being said, there are certain times when more storage is required.

Fingerprint Scanner or Not?

Fingerprint scanners are a popular biometric security feature that lets you unlock your phone with just a touch. They're often used instead of entering the PIN code or password, and they're convenient because you don't have to find your device before opening it up. But how much of an improvement are fingerprint scanners over traditional locks? Let's look at what each type has going for it and which is better suited for different scenarios. A simple lock is more reliable and provides more protection against unauthorized access if someone picks up your device and tries to get past the lock screen. For example, many smartphones let you disable access by pressing Emergency Call on the lock screen; a thief will not be able to enter any information even if he has all of your fingerprints saved in his database. Biometrics like facial recognition or fingerprint scans can't offer this protection against brute force hacking methods like using photos or videos of you. Another downside to fingerprints is that they can wear out from use as well as being replicated through high-quality cameras - some people say we're less secure with them than without them!

Camera Quality

When you're buying a phone, the camera is one of the most important features to consider. Research what different phones are offering before settling on your favorite, and think about how you use your phone. Is it mainly for texts or social media? Or do you take a lot of pictures?

Battery Life & Charging Speed

Battery life and charging speed are especially important if you're not near a power outlet. As battery technology advances, some of the more recently released phones have excellent battery life. A phone that's popular with people who need long-lasting batteries is the Motorola Razr Maxx (2012). It has a non-removable 3760 mAh battery that lasts up to three days without a charge. For even longer lasting power, try the Blackberry Classic (2015) which comes with a 3498 mAh battery capable of 20 hours of video playback, or the Sony Z3 Compact (2014) which has 2500 mAh of power enough for 22 hours of talk time. To find out more about what's available on today's market, check out our reviews section!

How Often Will You Upgrade Your Phone?

One important consideration is how often you'll want or need to upgrade your phone. You may want to wait until your contract expires or buy an unlocked phone from a 3rd party retailer so that you're not tethered to a cellular carrier. A good way of gauging this is thinking about how often you think you'll want or need the latest hardware and which brands are the most reliable. If, for example, you typically have trouble getting phones under warranty and seem to break them on accident then investing in a higher-end unlocked model might be the wiser decision.

Additional Considerations Before Buying a New Phone

Picking a phone is a big decision, so before you buy, ask yourself these questions. How much do I want to spend? Will I be able to make payments? Do I want to use the phone now or later? Which of the four major carriers will work best for me (T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, Sprint)? Do I need a contract or can I pay on a monthly basis? Finally, how durable is the phone -- could it get damaged easily by liquids or rough treatment?