Android Police editors published a definitive roundup of the top six Android smartphones of 2022. The Editors’ Choice and overall winner went to the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor. This flagship stood out for pairing the best elements of Samsung’s Galaxy Note lineage with modern flagship performance. Reviewers highlighted the absolute peak in display quality and premium construction as core strengths. On the downside, some buyers noted the absence of a bundled charger, the device’s high price, and its substantial size as potential drawbacks.
In the Best Value segment, Google’s Pixel 6 earned the top spot in Android Police’s rankings. The phone impressed with its strong all-around performance, impressive main-camera output, clean Android 12 experience, and Google’s generous software support window of about five years. Critics pointed out that the device lacks a telephoto lens, and in certain shots the camera can produce glare. The fingerprint sensor was also mentioned as slower than some competitors, and there were comments about updates that felt less consistent at times.
Despite carrying a premium price tag, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 captured third place in the Premium Gadget category. Editors praised its ability to function as both a phone and a tablet, positioning it as a versatile daily device. The foldable form factor was complemented by high performance, thanks to the Snapdragon 888 processor and 12 GB of RAM. Reviewers also appreciated the dual display experience, both internal and external, and noted secure software support through 2025, which adds long-term value for buyers.
Android Police identified several other standout models in 2022, including the Google Pixel 6a, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3, and the Pixel 6 Pro, ranking fourth, fifth, and sixth respectively. Each device was recognized for distinctive strengths, such as budget-friendly efficiency, compact flip-phone design, and premium features combined with robust performance, illustrating the diverse options available to Android enthusiasts in North America.
Overall, the year highlighted a balance between extreme flagship capabilities, value-driven choices, and innovative form factors. The Galaxy S22 Ultra defined the high end with a consolidated suite of features, the Pixel 6 family delivered clean software and solid cameras at different price points, and the Z Fold3 showcased a bold direction for multifunctional devices that blur lines between phone and tablet. These assessments reflect how regional buyers in Canada and the United States evaluate Android devices, weighing factors such as camera performance, software support, battery life, screen quality, price, and the practicality of new design elements. Conducted with a consistent editorial eye, the rankings also underscore how each manufacturer is iterating to meet the varied needs of North American users, from multitasking power users to budget-conscious shoppers and early adopters seeking the latest innovations. The source for these evaluations remains Android Police, with attribution to their team of reviewers who tested and compared these devices across real-world scenarios.