With 2022 almost coming to a close Express.co.uk has picked our top tech that took the world by storm. Over the past 12 months, we’ve seen new smarter smartwatches, electric cars that are actually as good as petrol and even headphones that can clean the air you breathe in.
Of course, there’s been the usual flurry of phones arriving on the market including a new device from the team at Nothing that managed to pip Samsung to one of the top gongs in our awards.
TVs also got a huge boost with more ways to stream content and extra things to view on the biggest screen in your home.
So, if you want to know what the best buys of 2022 are then here’s our pick of the best gadgets and gizmos of the year.
BEST BUDGET PHONE
• Nothing Phone (1)
RUNNER- UP – Samsung Galaxy A Series
Picking the best budget phone wasn’t easy in 2022 with Samsung, Sony, OnePlus and Oppo all releasing cracking cheap call makers. However, our top choice goes to the Nothing Phone (1) with this brand new device featuring a unique see-through rear case that glows, via its Glyph Light Show, when you get a text.
We also liked the premium build quality and it features solid dual-lens cameras, a silky smooth 120Hz display and no annoying bloatware.
You get all that for under £400 which we think is a bit of a bargain.
Want to know more? Read our full Nothing Phone 1 review
BEST PHONE
• iPhone 14 Pro Max
RUNNER-UP
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
It’s been another blockbuster year for flagship smartphones but one device that stood out from the crowd is the iPhone 14 Pro Max. Apple’s newest flagship arrives packed with features including a faster A16 processor, pixel-packed triple-lens camera and an interactive notch that shape-shifts as you switch between apps throughout the day.
This phone will also call for help if you have a car crash and even connects to satellites so you’ll always stay linked to friends even when there’s no mobile signal. Long battery life, super premium design and MagSafe charging also helped it to topple its rivals.
Want to know more? Read our full iPhone 14 Pro Max review
BEST TABLET
• iPad Pro (2022 M2)
RUNNER-UP – Samsung Galaxy Tab
The new iPad Pro is now faster than some MacBook laptops with Apple packing the very latest M2 processor inside. This supercharged tablet will edit 4K video and retouch pin-sharp pictures without breaking a sweat and it’s also great for graphics-hungry gaming.
Other winning features include a stunning 12.9-inch Retina screen, epic battery life and speakers that sound as good as your telly. There’s even a new hover mode which improves things when using the Apple Pencil stylus.
Want to know more? Read our full iPad Pro M2 review
BEST HEADPHONES
• Sony WH-1000XM5
RUNNER-UP – Bowers and Wilkins Px8
Nobody can knock Sony off the top spot when it comes to noise-cancelling cans. The firm’s WH-1000XM4s won every audio award going and now the new WH-1000XM5s are following that tradition. These mind-blowing music makers feature sublime sound, market-leading Active Noise Cancellation and long battery life.
They are also light, well-built and super comfy to wear. Nothing else comes close.
BEST LAPTOP
• Apple MacBook Air 2022
RUNNER-UP – HP Spectre
The popular MacBook Air got one of its biggest-ever reboots in 2022 and it’s made Apple’s paper-thin laptop even better. The latest model features a striking 13.6-inch display with slimmer bezels, a ludicrously quick M2 processor and pin-sharp 1080p FaceTime HD camera for your weekly Zoom calls.
There’s also clever MagSafe charging, a striking new design and its plug can refill two devices at the same time.
Want to know more? Read our full MacBook Air review
BEST SPEAKER
• Sonos Ray
RUNNER-UP – Amazon Echo Dot
Sonos soundbars have never been cheap but the room rocking new Ray is finally making things a lot more affordable. This compact speaker will help make those blockbuster movie nights sound like you are at the local cinema and all for just £279. That’s over £100 less than the Sonos Beam which packs very similar speaker specs inside.
Want to know more? Read our full Sonos Ray review
BEST PHONE ACCESSORY
• Belkin 3-in-1 charger
RUNNER UP – Mous smartphone case
If your desk or bedside table is a mammoth mess of cables then the Belkin 3-in-1 charger should be top of your Christmas wish list. This neat tree-style accessory will charge your iPhone, AirPods and Apple Watch at the same time. There’s even a light to show when everything is full.
BEST SMARTWATCH
• Apple Watch Ultra
RUNNER UP – Garmin Fenix 7
The Apple Watch is now bigger and better thanks to the rugged Ultra model. This ultimate wearable, which is made from tough Titanium, can survive extreme temperatures and go deeper underwater making it perfect for a bit of adventure.
It also gets much longer battery life, a larger screen and a new Action button to help users to get to their favourite features faster. There’s also a useful SOS alarm should you find yourself in need of help.
Want to know more? Read our full Apple Watch Ultra review
BEST SMART HOME TECH
• Philips Hue
RUNNER-UP – Google Nest
The bright ideas from Philips Hue just kept on coming in 2022 with the smart home firm launching a swathe of colour-changing bulbs and lights to make your home glow. They can all be controlled from your phone plus timers can be set so they shine without you reaching for the plug. Our top new pick has to be the new Festavia which will add some bling to your Christmas tree.
Want to know more? Read our full Philips Hue review
BEST TV DEVICE
• Sky Stream
RUNNER UP – Fire TV Cube
Sky has finally made it cheaper and easier to get its TV channels beamed into your home. The palm-sized Stream box doesn’t need a dish and offers full access to sports, entertainment and movies via your broadband.
You can even add your favourites to Sky’s Playlists menu to watch later, there are full voice controls and a remote that glows in the dark. Another bonus is that you can take delivery without signing up for long-term contract which means you can leave at any time.
Want to know more? Read our full Sky Stream review
BEST STREAMING SERVICE
• Disney+
RUNNER-UP – Netflix
The streaming wars continued to hot up this year but Disney+ still leads the binge-watching pack. This service features blockbuster content from Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar and Disney plus there are extra things for adults to watch via the included Star platform. Everything can be downloaded to view on the movie and there’s no extra cost for watching in pin-sharp 4K.
WACKIEST GADGET
• Dyson Zone
RUNNER-UP – XPeng flying car
Dyson is about to unleash some seriously crazy cans that will spruce up the air you are breathing in. Thanks to filters in the ear cups, owners will get freshly cleaned oxygen blown right into their mouths. There’s also epic audio, full Active Noise Cancelling and a whopping 50-hour battery life. They might look utterly bonkers but your lungs will love them.
BEST EV
• BMW i7
RUNNER-UP – Mercedes EQS
The new i7 from BMW offers the ultimate luxury whilst not polluting the planet. This all-electric car features a giant 31-inch 8K screen in the back plus there are reclining rear seats that will give you a massage, doors that automatically open and a space-aged Sky Lounge sunroof with colour-changing lights in the glass.
It can also drive itself, has a range of 350 miles and can whizz from 0-62 in under 5 seconds.
Want to know more? Read our full BMW i7 review
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