So here we are – after recapping the most popular reviews of Q1, Q2 and Q3 we now focus on the final three months of the outgoing year. It’s just one of the ways we can take a look back and evaluate the current state of the mobile market and its most important aspect – what you, the readers, like.
The top 10 review chart for Q4 2021 definitely has some surprises, but seeing Apple’s iPhone 13 lineup on there is hardly one of them. While Cupertino technically unveiled the four phones in September, their review coverage spilled over to Q4. There’s really nothing we can say about the iPhone 13 family here that hasn’t already been said a million times. Sans for a few interesting additions, like the adaptive refresh rate on the Pro models, these are just the next logical iteration in Apple’s renowned mobile portfolio. One thing potentially worth pointing out is that the iPhone 13 Pro Max and regular iPhone 13 definitely got more attention than the iPhone 13 Pro, which just missed on the top ten cut and it ended up 11th and the iPhone 13 mini, which is even further down the list.
Another expected entry in the Q4 top reviews list is the Google Pixel 6 family, unveiled in October. The Google Pixel 6 Pro, in particular, since it is vastly more popular than its vanilla sibling, which has review numbers comparable to those of the iPhone 13 mini. There is plenty to talk about when it comes to this year’s Pixel phones, but again nothing that hasn’t already been discussed to death. The novelty factor is arguably a lot higher here than in camp Apple, with things like the custom Google Tensor chip and a slew of advanced Ai features. Pretty disappointing battery endurance, unfortunately, so ups and downs, but definitely worth checking out.
Xiaomi has been a constant presence on the top ten reviews charts throughout the year. Things are a bit tamer in Q4, but the Xiaomi 11T still made the list. Just like the iPhone 13 line, the Xiaomi 11T came out in September alongside the Xiaomi 11T Pro, which grabbed the fourth spot in the Q3 top ten reviews chart, making it pretty safe to say that the Xiaomi 11 line is enjoying quite a bit of popularity. The non-pro model comes with just a few downgrades compared to the Pro but is also notably cheaper.
Naturally, there has to be a Poco pone on the list, just like in every other quarter. The Poco M4 Pro 5G has some big shoes to fill, those of the Poco M3 Pro 5G. In terms of more “interesting” entries on the top ten chart, the vivo X70 Pro+ is not exactly a household name but still deserves all the attention it got. Its camera setup, in particular, is easily among the most impressive we’ve seen.
Even more surprising is the Infinix Zero X Pro. Infinix hasn’t really experimented much with higher-end hardware before and judging by the fan response, they might be on to something on the first try.
Last but definitely not least, the Sony Xperia Pro-I is not exactly your regular smartphone and pretty “out-there” in more ways than one. That probably contributed quite a bit in terms of fan interest. Though, it should be said that beyond its primary goal of being a truly professional piece of kit, the Xperia Pro-I also delivers a stellar, all-around flagship experience. Not really an easily-attainable or sensible one in terms of pricing, but nonetheless quite interesting.