As we say goodbye to 2021 and the many smartphones that debuted over the year, especially those that made CNET’s list of best smartphones, it’s time to look ahead to what 2022 will be bringing us in terms of Android.
From budget-friendly Samsung smartphones to software display features designed especially for foldable phones, 2022 is already gearing up to be a strong year for Android. We’re expecting big things from the operating system.
Between new launches and announcements, we’ve also been patiently waiting for the new Android 12 software download. While officially launched in 2021, only beta users and Pixel phone users have been able to access it easily. This should be the year we all get to see what refreshed notifications, screenshot support, and one-handed mode could mean for handsets.
Read on for our guide to 2022 and what we’re expecting from Android this year. From their latest models and software to new enhancements and what this will all mean for prices.
The New Budget-Friendly Samsung Galaxy S21 FE
After the Galaxy S20 FE, we are excited to see the new S21 FE this year. In the latest model, the Android smartphone offers 5G, a multi-lens camera, and great software performance for the price – securing it as one of the best budget options of the year.
While it's set to be released in January 2022, if the rumours prove true, it could mean that Samsung is only planning on releasing the handset in Europe, making a big loss for the US where Samsung still holds the title as the second-largest smartphone maker.
Planned as a midrange phone complete with a 6.4-inch screen and three-lens camera, the Galaxy S21 has little new to offer when it comes to hardware. However, the one thing that could distinguish this from its predecessor is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor, far more powerful than the processing chip in its last model.
On the Samsung website, you can expect to find the latest model for just under £700 (128GB), sitting the Galaxy S21 on the fence between affordable and expensive. However, when you buy a refurbished Samsung Galaxy S21, you could save up to £120.
OnePlus 10 Pro: “The Best Phone OnePlus Has Ever Made”
Next up is the OnePlus 10 Pro which earned its place in the manufacturer list last year by offering hardware that could keep up with Samsung’s award-winning handsets while keeping to a far cheaper price.
According to CNET’s Andrew Hoyle, the previous edition was “the best phone OnePlus has ever made.”
As rumours about the OnePlus 10 Pro hint at camera updates, it’s likely that this could well be a worthy competitor for the title. With a fully redesigned camera bump including three lenses with a new arrangement from the previous model, which will more closely resemble the four-lens camera on the Galaxy S21, the OnePlus 10 Pro is looking increasingly promising.
Expected to be manufactured with a 6.7-inch 1,440 pixel AMOLED screen, the OnePlus 10 Pro will boast a 5,000 mAh battery and the same storage capacity offered by Samsung for the Galaxy S21.
The first new phone of 2022, OnePlus 10 Pro is currently unreleased but has been teased across the website and should be available later this month.
Dedicated Foldable and Large-Screen Features in the Android 12L
Android has famously not offered much premium service when it comes to tablets, but with the new Android 12 update (Android 12L), a specialised design is now becoming available for big-screen devices – which will include Chromebooks and folding phones.
This previously clunky experience will become smoother and finally utilise all the advantages of the screen on offer rather than settling for a one-size-fits-all approach. Android tablet users have commented that the experience has been similar to using very large Android phones and, for a long time, this has been the cause of a general plateau in interest.
In 2022, however, this new update could mean that Android may well be a level competitor with Apple once again.
For screens 7 inches or larger, there will be an adapted two-column notification shade and lock screen, reducing the clutter of the usual display. Furthermore, the update fits larger screens with a new taskbar along the bottom, which could enable multitasking functions and support drag-and-drop split-screen features.
Not only does this update improve your general Android experience, but it will make it far easier for device manufacturers to tweak the appearance of apps, meaning you can finally have an optimised experience across all of your devices.
Currently available as a preview for developers, the update is planned to be released early this year, coinciding with the next launch of Android 12 tablets and foldable devices.
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For more information, get in touch with Reboxed today and our dedicated customer service team will be happy to answer enquiries and
