these are the 6 best smartphones of 2021

Every day in the editorial office we play with smartphones and apps. That was also the case last year, and a lot of reviews and tests appeared again. In this article, the DroidApp Awards hand out the best smartphones of 2021. Who are the winners?

Best smartphones of 2021

Just like last year, we have chosen not to go for one device at the DroidApp Awards, but to send several phones home with a DroidApp Award. This is because there is so much choice in different price ranges. The Awards are composed by the DroidApp editors and based on our many years of knowledge and of course the many tests that we have performed with the devices. We have one big winner and the other DroidApp Awards devices are in no particular order.

The big winner: OnePlus Nord 2

In our opinion, the OnePlus Nord 2 is the best choice if you have to go for a new smartphone. In our OnePlus Nord 2 review, this device has proven that in many cases you do not need to purchase an expensive smartphone at all. The camera can compete with expensive alternatives on many points and the performance of the Nord 2 is also very good. In addition, the OnePlus Nord 2 will receive the update to Android 12 and Android 13 and security updates for three years. Add to that the price of under 400 euros, and you have a very nice smartphone!

You can buy the OnePlus Nord 2 at OnePlus, Coolblue, T-Mobile and Mobiel.

Samsung Galaxy S21+

Last year, the Galaxy S20 FE won first prize at the DroidApp Awards 2020. This year we have to do without a Fan Edition model; which is expected in January. This does not alter the fact that Samsung is missing the boat. The Samsung Galaxy S21+ is an excellent choice, as we wrote in the Galaxy S21+ review. Serious steps have been taken with the battery life and once again you get a beautiful screen. Samsung’s update policy is one of the very best and you can’t ignore the well-performing battery either. There are also useful features such as Edge Lighting. There are also points for attention. For example, the device is very smooth (so a case is absolutely recommended; we have listed this for you in our article with the best Galaxy S21 cases) and it comes without a charger.

The Samsung Galaxy S21+ is for sale at the Official Samsung Shop, Coolblue, Bol.com, Mobiel, Belsimpel, MediaMarkt, T-Mobile, Tele2, Vodafone and KPN.

OnePlus 9 Pro

Another smartphone that came out well in the test at DroidApp was the OnePlus 9 Pro. The collaboration with Hasselblad pays off for the camera of the OnePlus, as we wrote in our OnePlus 9 Pro review. Furthermore, the device is very fast, it has a nice screen and the alert slider remains a very handy feature. In addition, you can charge the device very quickly. The OnePlus 9 Pro could still use some more improvements in terms of battery life. You also have a very nice device. If you want to spend less, the OnePlus 9, from our OnePlus 9 review, is also a good choice!

For the OnePlus 9 Pro you can go to OnePlus, Coolblue, T-Mobile, Tele2, Belsimpel and Mobiel.

Poco X3 Pro

Do not spend too much money for a nice smartphone, the Poco X3 Pro also belongs in that list. For about 200 euros you get a device with a Snapdragon 860, a 5160 mAh battery and a 6.67-inch screen. We discussed the device in the Poco X3 Pro review; where he passed the test. It is a fast and good device, only there is a lack of clarity about the update policy, and we sometimes experienced some problems with notifications.

If you choose the Poco X3 Pro, it is available at Coolblue, Amazon, Bol.com, Belsimpel, MediaMarkt and Mobiel.

Oppo Reno 6

Another choice for ‘Best smartphone of 2021’ is the Oppo Reno 6. The phone is especially an excellent choice if you want a beautiful device; because the Reno 6 gives you a good choice. Furthermore, the device does well with the update policy, the camera and the speed. With ColorOS you have many options for personalization. You can find everything about this device in our Oppo Reno 6 review.

The Oppo Reno 6 is for sale at Coolblue, Bol.com, Mobiel, MediaMarkt, Belsimpel, T-Mobile, Vodafone, KPN and Tele2.

Samsung Galaxy A52

Samsung has enough interesting devices in the A-series. Earlier this year we published the Galaxy A52 review and this smartphone scored highly. The device is placed in the middle segment and scores well with the update policy, the speakers, the screen and the battery life. You can also take nice photos with the camera on the Samsung Galaxy A52. You can also opt for another variant of this A model, the Galaxy A52s. The differences are minimal.

You can buy the Samsung Galaxy A52 at Samsung, Coolblue, Bol.com, MediaMarkt, Belsimpel, Amazon and Mobiel.

We are curious about your findings, what is your favorite smartphone of 2021? Let us know by leaving a comment below this article.