Top 3 smartphones of 2021: my personal highlights

At the end of 2021, I am presenting my three favorite smartphones of the year. On the podium are a flip phone, a flagship and a device that, according to the manufacturer itself, is not a typical smartphone. I will also explain why a whole series is missing from my list.

Third place: Microsoft Surface Duo 2

This device was the biggest surprise for me personally. I had only held its predecessor once in a store. For the Surface Duo 2, I was given a test device.

I did not use it as a daily driver, but as a replacement for an extensive notebook at work. On top of that came video calls, notes, WhatsApp and YouTube, as well as things I did in parallel. I especially liked the two displays. It works excellently to use different applications productively on both sides.

A few things bothered me, which is why it did not become my main device. Because of its many functions, it was still constantly in my bag. I announced a detailed hands-on review for later.

Second place: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra

The Galaxy S21 Ultra came out very early in the year and set the bar high for everything that came later. I used it often as a daily driver for almost the entire year, and it was really fun.

• Display and camera: absolutely outstanding. The camera can compete with the iPhone 13 Pro, which came out much later.
• Performance: blazing fast.
• Design: It convinced me a lot. The S20 had not grabbed me as much.

I used the device until my first-place device came out.

First place: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3

Shortly before it came out, I had bought the predecessor and tested it extensively. That is when I noticed what a good concept is behind it. The successor then won me over, even though there were teething problems. I had my troubles with the battery, and with the camera I was disappointed at first that it was not developed further. Still, the Flip 3 has been almost my daily driver since it came out in the fall.

This is what I like about it:

• Design and feel: mature and excellent.
• Folding mechanism: significantly improved compared to the predecessor.
• Cover display: There I read notifications and can set up a few widgets for quick access.
• Handiness: The Flip fits in the smallest pocket. Unfolded, I have a full, large, beautiful display.
• 120 hertz: Samsung does that really well.

From my point of view, Samsung absolutely delivered this year.

Why the iPhone 13 is missing

I also tested and held other devices, including the iPhone 13 and the iPhone 13 Pro. I thought for a long time about whether one of them belongs on my list. They are very good, high-quality devices, there is no denying that.

But I was disappointed by how little has happened compared to the previous year’s model, at least in things an ordinary consumer notices. The design has mostly stayed the same, just the camera module is a bit bigger. The camera was improved, but whether someone who does not work professionally sees a difference at all, I do not know. New is the 120 hertz display, which other smartphones have had for a long time. I find it rather embarrassing to sell that as a premium feature and use it to justify a high price.

Verdict

For me, 2021 was a strong year for Samsung. The Galaxy Z Flip 3 is my smartphone of the year, the Galaxy S21 Ultra set the bar, and the Surface Duo 2 surprised me as a productive second device. With the iPhones, the year was rather disappointing. I am curious what 2022 holds for smartphones and gadgets.