Best big phones 2022: which phablet should you buy?

A selection of the best big phones, including Samsung, OnePlus and Apple
(Image credit: Samsung, OnePlus, Apple)

The best big phones are more than handsets that offer expansive screens – they're also great handsets in their own right. 

In this look at the best big phones, we've focused on truly large handsets. That means phones with at least a 6.5-inch screen, but usually more. Thanks to that, you can enjoy plenty of space for all your apps, movies, and games. A screen this large even means you can work or create, although one of the best tablets may be a better option here.

All the phones listed below - from the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra to the iPhone 13 Pro Max - are great smartphones for other features too. 

We've only included the very best big phones here so these tend to have great cameras, fantastic performance, and excellent battery life, all while looking good too. Count on them being expensive but worth every penny.

Read on while we take you through overviews of each of our picks, along with pros and cons, and a link to their full review to learn more. If you're on a tighter budget or want something smaller, check out our best cheap phones and best smartphone guides too.

Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

(Image credit: Samsung)
A top tier smartphone in every way

Specifications

Release date: February 2022
Weight: 228g
Dimensions: 163.3 x 77.9 x 8.9mm
OS: Android 12
Screen size: 6.8-inch
Resolution: 1440 x 3088
CPU: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 / Exynos 2200
RAM: 8GB / 12GB
Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB
Battery: 5,000mAh
Rear camera: 108MP (wide) + 10MP (telephoto, 3x optical) + 10MP (telephoto, 10x optical) + 12MP (ultrawide, 120-degree)
Front camera: 40MP

Reasons to buy

+
Incredible cameras and zoom
+
Gorgeous screen

Reasons to avoid

-
No microSD slot
-
Battery life could be better

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is arguably the ultimate phone for someone looking for speedy performance, a gorgeous screen, and fantastic photo taking abilities. 

Its ultra-high-resolution 6.8-inch screen is gorgeous with brilliant colors and smooth motion thanks to its 120Hz refresh rate. With plenty of screen space, you can get a lot done in style.

For those more relaxing moments, the fantastic cameras which make it possible to snap the moon and anything else below it are a dream to use. 

The phone also has an integrated S Pen for getting more tactile with your work, while speedy performance thanks to Samsung's own Exynos 2200 chipset (or the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset in the US) ensures it's ideal for gaming and multitasking.

Read more: Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra review.