I'm focusing on phones for this one.
Best phone for audio-lovers: ZTE Axon 7 - For $400, ZTE's Axon 7 is an audio powerhouse, delivering a high-quality DAC and amp combo that delivers superb audio performance through even hard-to-drive cans, paired up with a pair of punchy dual front stereo speakers that make this almost an audiophiles dream. However, the phone does not seem to support the full 24-bit audio files, so those looking for that may want the LG V20 instead. Still, the Axon delivers a lot of kick for not a lot of dollars.
Runner ups: LG V20, HTC 10
Best budget buster: OnePlus 3/3T - The OnePlus 3 family is a perfect showcase for how much you can get without spending a lot of money. While you will undoubtedly find some compromises compared to more expensive offerings, these aren't significant to be deal breakers and what you get in return is a phenomenal piece of hardware for not a lot of cash. Add the removal of the need to have an invite and this is a pretty dang sweet deal.
Runner ups: ZTE Axon 7, Huawei Honor 8
Best small phone (like actually small): Apple iPhone SE - While some might call it too small, the iPhone SE is probably the only mini powerhouse launched in 2016, after Sony neutered the Compact line of phones. While the display isn't really "HD" and you still find some parts from the old 5s it is based on, you gain a supremely peppy A9 processor, a great 12MP camera that can shoot UHD video and speedy overall performance. Yes, it's not for everyone, but if you're looking for a proper small smartphone with serious power, the SE is probably your best bet.
Runner up: Sony XPERIA X Compact
Best big phone: Huawei Mate 9 - After the demise of the Note 7, Huawei's Mate 9 seems to be very fit to take over its crown. While you won't find an S Pen here, nor a jaw-dropping display, you'll instead find a very polished handset with a solid build, much-improved software, a supreme set of dual cameras and ultra-long battery life. While it certainly has its flaws, the Mate is my personal favorite because it isn't shy in being big and showcases Huawei's prowess really well.
Runner up: LG V20
Best small-ish phone: Galaxy S7 - Probably Samsung's best in years, the Galaxy S7 feels like one of those phones where nearly everything works well. With a great design, solid software, phenomenal camera and solid battery life, the standard Galaxy S7 also offers up some bonuses like IP68 all in a reasonably-sized 5.1-inch shell.
Runner ups: Google Pixel, HTC 10, Apple iPhone 7
Best medium-sized phone: Galaxy S7 edge - Basically the same as the S7, but add a larger battery and overall form factor. The curved display, however, won't appeal to everyone, mainly due to the more-aggressive nature of its curve compared to the now-defunct Note7.
Runner ups: Google Pixel XL, Apple iPhone 7 Plus (despite the large bezels)
Head-scratcher of the year: Sony XPERIA X Performance - When Sony unveiled the XPERIA X line, the X Performance seemed to be the new flagship, but when its launch price of $700 came out, along with it being pretty much an XPERIA X with beefier hardware (which was also pricey for what it offered), the X Performance find it hard to justify its whopping price tag, especially in an age where phones with similar hardware can be had for less.
Runner up: LG G5 and its "Friends"
Fiasco of the year: Samsung Galaxy Note 7 and battery fires - Well, it had to be here. What could've been one of the very best phones of the year ended up being a costly mistake and a PR nightmare for a company that was on the verge of having a great year with the S7 lineup. Hopefully, things look up with the S8 and the next Note.
Runner up: The AC Pokémon Go period
Comeback of the year: HTC 10 - After the disappointment of the M9, both in sales and critical reviews, the HTC 10 seems to be the phone the Taiwanese company needed, and it shows with a much refined design, slick software, better performance and a much-improved camera. Sadly, it has done very little to reverse HTC's fortunes, a very sad time when you realize just how much better the 10 is over its predecessor.
Runner up: LG V20 vs the G5
Geekiest phone of the year: Motorola Moto Z line - The Moto Z is a radical departure from Moto's past flagships. With a totally new design language and high-end specs, perhaps the biggest feature is its "Motomods" modular accessory system. While some may still call it a gimmick, it has proven to be a well-executed system for adding or improving the functionality of the base device and if Motorola's commitment stays true, more ambitious mods may be on its way.
Runner ups: Lenovo PHAB 2 Pro, LG G5 (even though it flopped, the idea was geeky. Motorola just did it way better)
Surprise of the year: Huawei Honor 8 - The Honor 8 came out of nowhere for many folks. Essentially a glass-backed Huawei P9 with extra RAM and goodies on board, the Honor 8 proved to be a great entry into the $400 market, offering a near-flagship experience for midrange money, being a solid competitor to the OnePlus 3.
Runner up: The death of the Nexus brand, Moto Z Play battery life
Phone of the year: Samsung Galaxy S7 edge - This is probably the phone that defined the year for me. The S7 edge was the first phone from Samsung that I genuinely wanted in a long while. While I got its ill-fated sibling, the Note 7 instead and while I now use a Moto Z, the Edge still stands its own as my personal best phone of 2016 because it does a lot of things surprisingly well and manages to resolve many issues I've had with past Samsungs. Add in surprisingly timely security patch rollouts and it's the one phone that I still wish I had.
Runner-ups: Apple iPhone 7 Plus, OnePlus 3T, Google Pixel XL, Huawei Mate 9, Motorola Moto Z, HTC 10, LG V20
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram