The Best Phones of 2021

<p>The end of 2021 is nearly here, and it’s time to take a look back.</p> <p>Gadgets 360 reviews editor <a href="https://gadgets.ndtv.com/authors/jamshed-avari-9">Jamshed Avari</a>, deputy reviews editor <a href="https://gadgets.ndtv.com/authors/roydon-cerejo-18">Roydon Cerejo</a>, senior reviewer <a href="https://gadgets.ndtv.com/authors/sheldon-pinto-53">Sheldon Pinto</a> and techARC founder <a href="https://twitter.com/fainalysis">Faisal Kawoosa</a> join host <a href="https://gadgets.ndtv.com/authors/akhil-arora-19">Akhil Arora</a> to talk about the best phones of 2021.</p> <p>We discuss if phones have become boring: 5G chips are leading to feature compromises, supply chain constraints mean brands have to play it safe, and the industry has become increasingly commoditised.</p> <p>Read: <a href="https://gadgets.ndtv.com/mobiles/guide/best-phones-2021-2495738">The best smartphones of 2021</a></p> <p>That said, there is innovation happening in foldables, with Samsung leading the charge. And despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, buyers inched upwards the premium ladder in 2021, Kawoosa notes.</p> <p>Along the way, we touch upon <a href="https://gadgets.ndtv.com/mobiles/features/best-smartphones-2021-did-not-launch-india-2640822">the best phones that didn’t make it to India</a>, and delve into what we want and expect from smartphones in 2022.</p> <p>Follow Gadgets 360 on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Gadgets360">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/Gadgets360/">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gadgets.360/">Instagram</a>, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/gadgets360">YouTube</a>.</p> <p>Write to us at <a href="mailto:podcast@gadgets360.com">podcast@gadgets360.com</a></p> <p>Chapters</p> <ul> <li>Intro (00:00)</li> <li>Are phones boring? (00:28)</li> <li>Trends, trends (03:37)</li> <li>Older is better (08:42)</li> <li>Best budget (10:31)</li> <li>Why so similar? (12:55)</li> <li>Premium shift (16:53)</li> <li>Moving upwards (19:09)</li> <li>The missing (21:47)</li> <li>Incremen