Samsung hits and misses of 2022

Staying on top is difficult, especially in a market filled with innovation and competition. If it's been a difficult year marked by uncertainty, shortages and an impending recession. For Samsung this year was pretty good. Samsung’s smartphone portfolio includes 9 of the top 20 phones in this year's database. Samsung has launched a diverse portfolio of capable mid-rangers, flagships, accessories and even some tablets.

So let's take a look at Samsung's winners and inevitable losers.

Hit: Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra was one of our favourite phones for 2022. You can't get enough of Samsung's flagship phones, but for good reason.It's hard to find a better display, and the S pen support in a phone. All of the Galaxy S22 Ultra's cameras have autofocus, a macro-capable ultra-wide angle, and two zooms, one better than any of its competitors.

Whether it's the Galaxy Note's nostalgic design or Samsung's pixie dust, the Galaxy S22 Ultra is hugely popular and well-loved by people, Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is a winner.

Miss: Samsung Galaxy S22 and Samsung Galaxy S22+

Aside from the Ultra, the Galaxy S22 series was an underwhelming upgrade from the S21. Samsung put back the glass on the back of its tiny S22 and there was a generational update to the chipset, but the camera wasn't a big step forward. I've always wanted to see autofocus on an ultra-wide camera, so I'm deducting points and hoping to see it on the Galaxy S23 series.

No one seemed interested in upgrading to the Galaxy S22/S22+, and while it does more to increase interest in its competitors' phones, it's not much of a win.

Hit: Samsung Galaxy Fold Series

The Galaxy Z Fold4 and Galaxy Z Flip4 look just like their predecessors, but they're better than everyday phones in some ways. It has a great triple telephoto camera, but the Galaxy Z Flip 4 had the much-needed battery and charging speed boost.

Even better, Samsung has started selling the Galaxy Z Fold4 and Z Flip4 with pre-order bonuses, buyback promotions, and deals with popular carriers to make the pair easier to get.

Miss: Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Series

Alongside new foldable devices, Samsung has launched the Galaxy Watch5 series. They brought new colours and dressed all three sizes in sapphire crystal.However, the new smartwatch uses the same Exynos W920 chip and sensor as the Galaxy Watch4, so the new smartwatch's features and capabilities are outdated.

The Galaxy Watch5 Pro got a 40% battery boost and arguably a "better" design, but ditched what was arguably the Galaxy Watch's most famous feature - the rotating bezel - experienced users know it's worth it. I would say it's irreplaceable.

Miss: Samsung Tablets

Samsung is the clear leader in global Android tablet market share in 2022, hovering around 30%. But Apple is about 60%, and that's in terms of market share. In terms of sales, Samsung falls short of Apple.

Well, second place isn't the worst thing, but it's a loss for a company the size of Samsung Mobile.