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Best Samsung phones to buy in 2022
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5th May, 2022 |
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Samsung produces a bewildering array of smartphones to suit any budget – so which one is right for you? From the top-of-the-range Galaxy S22 Ultra to the budget-friendly Galaxy A32, the team at Gadget Cover gives you the lowdown in our latest guide to these marvellous devices.
Finding something just right for your needs and your budget is essential when it comes to mobile phones. That’s why contacting the team of insurance specialists at Gadget Cover is so important when searching for the right mobile phone insurance. We can help you find suitable cover in an instant.
But before you dive into our list, you need to think about more than just your budget. For example, what size screen will you need? Are you a keen online gamer who needs a large, immersive display? Or would a small one that fits easily into one hand be more useful? If you’re a heavy user who doesn’t want to be tied to a charger, battery life will be a key consideration, too.
Whether you’re a social media addict or a photography enthusiast, you’ll want to think very carefully about how you plan on using the phone. You don’t want to hand over your hard-earned cash only to find that your new device doesn’t suit your needs.
No matter how many times you’ll have done it over the years, it’s well worth reading our ultimate guide to buying a mobile phone. From jargon-busting geek speak and the top smartphone brands to the best networks and where to find mobile phone insurance, we'll answer all your questions.
So, what are you waiting for? Take a read of our rundown so you can make the most informed choice before taking your next Samsung phone to the checkout.
Best for flagship lovers who want the wow factor - Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G
Price: £1,249
With the Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G, those clever clogs at Samsung started 2022 with a bang. While there’s no revolutionary changes compared to last year's brilliant Galaxy S21 Ultra, there’s still some welcome additions and some nice upgrades in the looks department. So, if big and flashy flagship smartphones are your cup of tea, then there's simply nothing better.
At the top of the list must be the inclusion of Samsung's S Pen stylus which makes this phone a dream for productivity fans. As you can now sketch, edit and take hand-written notes, all with consummate ease.
There’s plenty of power behind all of that, too. As well as a fancy new camera housing there’s excellent camera hardware with a pair of 3x and 10x 10MP telephoto lenses offering improved zoom capabilities. There’s also a whopping 108MP main sensor. Reviewers have remarked that the Ultra's pictures look absolutely sublime, capturing every detail with tonally perfect colours, no matter what the lighting conditions.
You also get a massive 6.8-inch 120Hz 1400 x 3088 screen, a new Exynos 2200 chipset, 5,000mAh battery, fast 45W charging and masses of RAM and storage. No wonder it’s at the top of many Best Buy lists!
Best affordable S22 option - Samsung Galaxy S22 5G
Price: £769
We know the Galaxy S22 Ultra has a big wow factor, but that comes with a high starting price. And while you certainly get what you pay for with the Ultra, the standard Galaxy S22 will give you a lot of the same features but for hundreds of pounds less. And its smaller size can feel more comfortable in some people’s hands.
The Galaxy S22 boasts the same Exynos 2200 chipset found in the ultra, a 6.1-inch 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2340 x 1080 screen, and offers an improved camera system. The Galaxy S22 will give you excellent low-light shots and compelling portraits. It even has a dedicated telephoto lens which now supports a 3x optical zoom.
With the reduced price you won’t get the same level of superfast charging found in the more expensive Galaxy S22 models. And at 3700mAh the S22’s battery life leaves a little bit to be desired. But for this price the compact S22 strikes a tempting balance between premium features and value for money.
Best S22 if you’re not seduced by the Ultra - Samsung Galaxy S22+ 5G
Price: £949
The middle child of Samsung’s Galaxy S22 range could be overlooked in favour of its siblings, but that would be a mistake. Not everyone wants the big and flashy charms of the Ultra but still want something a bit more premium than the standard S22. If that sounds like you then the Galaxy S22+ might be the one.
It has a big 6.6-inch 1080 x 2340 screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, loads of power from its top-end Exynos 2200 chipset, a 4,500mAh battery, 45W Super Fast charging, and 8GB of RAM.
The capable camera system is similar to the standard S22. It includes a 50MP main sensor, a 10MP telephoto one (offering 3x optical zoom), and a 12MP ultra-wide.
In terms of build, all of the S22 range boast an Armor Aluminium frame, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+, and an IP68 water and dust rating. Although you’ll still want great mobile phone insurance just in case of accidents.
Best all-rounder if you’re not into the latest thing – Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
Price: £1,149
As you’ll know from last year’s Gadget Cover review of Samsung’s Galaxy S21 Ultra we really like this phone. And we weren’t alone, with respected tech site reviewers like Tom’s Guide rightly lauding it for its incredible camera system and serious tech specs. No wonder it still features in many Best Buy lists.
Obviously, such a high-class offering is still not going to come cheap, despite being released over 12 months ago. But even at this price the S21 Ultra offers a lot. As well as a mesmerising design, it’s got a 6.8-inch 120Hz 1440 x 3200 Quad HD+ display, a stunning 3x and 10x optical zoom, 100x digital zoom, a Exynos 2100 processor, storage options up to 512GB, a super tough Gorilla Glass Victus screen, and 5,000mAh battery.
Best for flagship fans with a mid-range budget - Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
Price: £699
You want flagship capabilities but don’t want to have to take out a second mortgage? Don’t we all! Samsung just might have provided the answer. Having landed in January 2022, the S21 FE pretty much has it all. A stunning 6.4-inch 120Hz 1080 x 2400 AMOLED screen, a great triple-lens camera set up, superfast chipset, a 4,500mAh battery, and fast wireless charging. And all at a decent reduction compared to other Samsung flagships.
In our judgement the S21 FE has to be one of 2022's best-value smartphones. And if you're put off by the prices of this year's flagships, then the Galaxy S21 FE is easily the next best thing.
Best foldable - Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3
Price: £1,599
Samsung has invested a lot in the development of folding phones. So, it’s probably no surprise that they’re talking up the next-generation Galaxy Z Fold3. Claiming it ‘will change your world’ and ‘reveal new ways of doing things that you hadn’t imagined before’. Fortunately for you, there’s plenty of truth behind those claims.
To start with, there’s that beautiful vertical fold which opens up to provide a massive 7.6-inches of screen space. For those who like to do a spot of office work on the morning commute, that's enough space to be able to work on a spreadsheet. It boasts a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate and a QXGA+ Dynamic AMOLED 2x Infinity Flex display.
While the 6.2-inch cover screen is a bit cramped it also offers a 120Hz refresh rate and a HD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2x Infinity-O display. So, it’s still perfectly pleasant to use.
It might not pack the most startling camera array. But it does have a 10MP selfie camera on the cover, a 4MP under display front camera, and a triple camera arrangement on the rear. You’ll get 12MP ultra-wide, wide-angle, and telephoto lenses.
Inside it packs a top-tier Snapdragon 888 processor, 12GB of RAM, a 4,400mAh battery, up to 512GB of storage, 5G capability, and fast wireless charging.
Samsung has also managed to convince popular apps such as Spotify and TikTok to start optimising their software to work with the Z Fold3’s unique capabilities.
The tech giant has also worked hard to provide a more durable construction including an IPX8-rated water resistance, a Gorilla Glass Victus display, redesigned hinge and hard-wearing aluminium frame. But for all this, make sure you’ve got mobile phone insurance that covers accidental damage. Unlike some insurers, Gadget Cover will even cover minor screen cracks.
Last, but not least, the Z Fold3 is also compatible with a range of beautiful and exclusive accessories, including the S Pen Fold Edition. Perfect for sketching and taking notes. But be aware, all other S Pens or stylus pens not designed for the Z Fold3 may damage that beautiful screen.
Best-value foldable in an super-cute package - Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3
Price: £949
Harking back to those halcyon days of pocket-sized clam shell phones? If you want something super cool and sure to grab the attention of even the most jaded tech nerd then the Z Flip3 has to be on your radar. It’s got IPX8-rated water resistance, a strengthened design, and a stunning screen. Scrolling at a silky smooth 120Hz on a 6.7-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2x Infinity Flex display you’ll love using this phone.
It’s also got 5G support, a Snapdragon 888 processor, 8GB of RAM, and up to 256GB of storage. You get a dual-lens 12MP rear camera and a 10MP front camera, as well as fast wireless charging. Which is good news, as with a mere 3,300mAh battery it doesn’t offer the longest battery life.
Perhaps the most important consideration is its ‘affordable’ starting price – putting the Z Flip3 within reach of many more tech buyers.
If you want to stand out from the crowd even more then take a look at the Flip3 Bespoke Edition. This allows you to match your smartphone to your style with a wonderfully diverse range of colours. Samsung rightly bills this as the ideal opportunity to add your own unique take to an already unique-looking device.
Best mid-range Samsung – A52s 5G
Price: £409
A solidly dependable choice for a mid-range handset, the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G probably won’t draw the envious glances of others on this list. But with a 120Hz refresh rate screen and a 64MP rear camera that’s better than elsewhere in the A series, you'll appreciate what it can do.
And, of course, there's 5G connectivity at a good price, a Snapdragon 750G chip, and 25W fast charging. As well as a solid design that feels robust and workable.
The main highlight here is the 6.5-inch 1080 x 2400 Super AMOLED screen that looks fantastic, especially when watching videos. So streaming fans looking to save should take note of this one.
Best budget Samsung - Samsung Galaxy A32 5G
Price: £249
We’ve obviously spent a large portion of this guide telling you about the many Samsung S Series and Z Series phones that will leave you swooning in 2022. And no wonder, when you consider they are Samsung’s high-end flagships and foldables. But that isn’t the whole story. When it comes to the mid-rage and budget end of the market Samsung certainly hasn't been resting on its laurels.
The excellent Galaxy A32 5G offers many of the features that people love about Galaxy phones, but with some savings made to keep the price low. For less than £250 you’ll get a big 6.5-inch Infinity-V display, advanced quad camera with a 48MP main sensor and 8MP ultrawide sensor, a long lasting 5,000mAh battery, and 15W fast charging.
If price is a priority, then you will find other great options in Samsung’s mid-range A Series and budget M Series. These can also be a popular option for those travelling abroad who are worried about taking their top-of-the-range Samsung phone. Although if you’ve got decent mobile phone insurance then it should also provide worldwide cover up to 180 days in any one year.
Looking forward to 2022
There are plenty of other Samsung devices coming to market over the course of 2022 that we’re excited to see. Here’s just a brief selection.
A Series
Some phones that recently launched include the A03, A13, A33 5G, and A53 5G. The A13 will come with a 6.6-inch Infinity-V PLS TFT LCD display and a 5,000mAh battery. The A33 5G will come with a 6.4-inch 90Hz Infinity-U display, 25W fast charging, and on-screen fingerprint scanner. While the A53 5G will pack a 6.5-inch Infinity-O 120Hz display, 25W fast charging, and a pro-grade quad camera system.
M Series
A great budget range, Samsung recently added the M23 5G to the offering. It’s powered by an octa-core Snapdragon 750G Mobile Platform and offers a super smooth 6.6-inch Full HD+ 120 Hz display.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4
Our fingers will be very crossed as we head towards the end of the summer, as we hope Samsung will take the hint and launch the Galaxy Z Fold4. It’s hoped Samsung will deliver a lighter and more dust and water-resistant design, longer battery life, Android 12L OS, and maybe even a price drop.
Well-informed leakers are also hoping for significantly upgraded cameras and a slicker integration for the S Pen stylus. Expectations are very high for this, and it could be the best foldable phone not just from Samsung but from any company.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4
Okay, the Galaxy Z Flip4 probably won't be as headline-grabbing as the Galaxy Z Fold4. But it may still grab a lot of interest from consumers on the basis that it’s a lot more affordable. Indeed, if the price came down even a bit further then it could be Samsung's most popular foldable phone so far. And it looks like it might launch in or around August, so consumers will have the chance to weigh the two up.
The rumour mill doesn’t have too much to say about the Z Flip4 yet. And it looks like it won’t be too different from the Z Flip3. We think it will have a 6.7-inch main screen and a slightly enlarged 1.9-inch cover display. Which could be a plus as it would make it even easier to see notifications without opening the device (one of the original Z Flip's biggest flaws). It might also gain the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 1+ chip, a third rear camera and even a bigger battery.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5
Another eagerly awaited offering is the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5. Wearables have become big business over the past few years and any new rumours concerning the Galaxy Watch 5's design and functionality are eagerly seized upon. One tantalising possibility is the addition of an expandable display as a feature.
Samsung Galaxy Buds
For the past two years, Samsung has released new earbuds in August. And we’re hoping 2022 will offer the same. But which version will we see? Galaxy Buds Pro, Galaxy Buds 2 or Galaxy Buds Live?
Products like Samsung's Galaxy Buds and Galaxy Watch are becoming an increasingly important part of the smartphone experience. Remember, if you’ve got mobile phone insurance from Gadget Cover your accessories can also be covered (up to £150) if they’re lost, stolen or damaged at the same time as your phone.
Mobile phone insurance for Samsung phones
Appetite whetted? If so, you’ll want to contact the team at Gadget Cover about arranging a policy to protect you from common issues such as accidental damage, liquid damage, theft, breakdown and unauthorised usage. For an additional premium, mobile phone insurance policies can also cover you for loss, too.
Get a quote for phone/gadget insurance from Gadget Cover today and get your super Samsung covered.