Best Phones in South Africa - 2022 Edition
Robert Cerff / 07-11-2022 / Tech
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the colossal number of smartphones available on the South African market? We get it. All that choice can lead to a lot of confusion. But don’t stress, because Mondo has your back.
We’ve put together this helpful guide on the best phones in South Africa that can be yours right now. The best part? You’re guaranteed to find one that will suit your unique needs, from budget to specs and everything in between.
Let’s get started!
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
Specifications:
Display: 6.8-inch AMOLED (Resolution: 3200x1400 & Refresh rate: 1-120Hz)
CPU: Snapdragon 8 Gen 1
RAM: 8GB or 12GB
Internal Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB or 1TB
Rear camera: 108MP wide (f/2.2), 12MP ultra-wide (ƒ/2.2), 10MP telephoto (3x zoom, f/2.4), 10MP telephoto (10x zoom, f/2.4)
Front camera: 40MP (ƒ/2.2)
Battery: 5000mAh
Wrapped in the ultra-strong Gorilla Glass Victus Plus and framed by armor aluminum, the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is a seriously impressive flagship smartphone. It is a strong contender if you’re searching for one of the best Samsung phones in 2022.
Display: It boasts one of the brightest displays currently on the market with its eye-catching Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen and a super smooth adjustable refresh rate that hits a high of 120Hz for optimum functionality and can drop to a low 1Hz to conserve the battery life.
S Pen: It’s the first smartphone in the S series to feature a slot for the innovative S Pen. Previously, this was only available on the Galaxy Note series. Besides having its own designated spot, the S Pen is now 70% faster than its predecessor. You can now enjoy more power, precision, accuracy and less latency, especially with handwriting-to-text conversions. What's more, stylus-specific features are now integrated into Microsoft Outlook for those looking to ramp up their productivity.
Camera: If you’re searching for a powerhouse camera setup, it doesn’t get better than the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra. With a 108MP main shooter and larger sensors than the Galaxy S21, it captures more light for impressive photos in low-light conditions. Colours are also bright without losing accuracy.
Battery: If you need your smartphone to go the distance on a single charge, the Galaxy S22 Ultra has the stamina. Its 5000 mAh battery lasts all day and adapts to your activities while offering clever power-saving modes. Juicing it up is fast thanks to smart quick charging capabilities of up to 45W. Once fully recharged, you can share the power with Samsung devices like earbuds or other phones.
RAM & Processor: All this power comes with a hefty price tag of around R27 000. But even at this price, there are a few downsides. For example, the base model has 8GB RAM, which is 4GB less than the Galaxy S21 equivalent. It maxes out at 12GB RAM if you’re willing to stretch your budget a little further. On the bright side, you have a wide choice of storage options available, including 12GB RAM with 1TB internal storage, 12GB RAM with 512GB internal storage, 12GB RAM with 256GB internal storage, and 8GB RAM with 128GB internal storage. Another small sacrifice you may be making is the power of the chipset. Yes, it features the top-of-the-line Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. It's super-fast and advanced but comes second to the Apple A15 and now the A16 Bionic chip, the fastest mobile silicone for smartphones.
Reasons to buy:
The Galaxy S22 Ultra is the first S series smartphone bundled with the S Pen, Samsung’s innovative stylus
Boasts the best screen currently on the market, bursting with vibrancy
Magnificent camera for those looking to capture moments in perfect clarity
Reasons to avoid:
Ultra-high cost with a price tag of around R27 000
Base model is a modest 8GB RAM, which is lower than its predecessor
Top of the range Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset is a step behind Apple’s Bionic chip
Samsung S22 Ultra Deals from Mondo:
Samsung Galaxy A13
Specifications:
Display: 6.6-inch IPS (Resolution: 1080 x 2408 & Refresh rate: 90Hz)
CPU: Samsung Exynos 850
RAM: 4GB
Internal Storage: 64GB Expandable Storage: MicroSD slot up to 1TB storage
Rear camera: 50MP wide (f/1.8), 5MP ultra-wide (f/2.2), 2MP macro (f/2.4), 2MP depth (f/2.4)
Front camera: 8MP wide (f/2.0)
Battery: 5000mAh
The Samsung Galaxy A13 is one of Samsung’s cheapest smartphones at just under R3000, making it perfect for those on a super tight budget. Released at the end of 2021, the Galaxy A13 is one of the best phones in South Africa as it offers everything you need in a smartphone for a much lower price than its mid-range counterparts.
Battery: One of its biggest highlights is its large 5000 mAh battery that gives you the power to keep going for more than a day on just one charge. Light users can easily get two full days before needing to juice up again.
RAM & Processor: Under the hood, you get an octa-core processing unit with 4GB RAM that can handle almost any task, 64GB internal storage and up to 1TB expandable storage with a MicroSD card slot. In the USA, the Samsung Galaxy A13 features a more powerful chip, the MediaTek Dimensity 700, while South Africa and many other regions get the Samsung Exynos 850. Although it doesn’t lag and performs everyday tasks quickly with snappy multitasking between apps, the chip is not 5G enabled like its American counterpart. This makes it a 4G-only handset, which may be a deal-breaker for some.
Software: On the software side, the Samsung Galaxy A13 launched with the latest version of Android, and it's expected to receive security patches for the next few years, which is incredibly generous for a phone in this budget. Enhancing the experience is Samsung's own One UI 4.1 skin on top of Android that features many highlights, including personalised widgets, a revamped privacy dashboard, and a green light indicator that alerts you when an app is using your microphone or camera.
Camera: For the price, the Samsung Galaxy A13 offers a comprehensive camera setup, headlined by a 50MP main shooter, supported by a 5MP ultra-wide snapper, 2MP macro camera, 2MP depth camera, and a generous 8MP lens on the front to capture good portrait shots. Those looking for the crème de la crème of smartphone cameras will unsurprisingly be a tad bit disappointed with the A13’s offering, but for the price, you’re getting a lot. Although the images are very decent in good lighting, there are a few sacrifices you may have to make. For example, the phone doesn’t feature a night mode, so low-light images tend to be noisy[TPdT1] and lack sharpness.
Display: On the display side of things, the smartphone sports a 6.6-inch Infinity V Display with FHD+ technology and a 90Hz screen refresh rate. It offers a smooth user experience, with content appearing clear and crisp. However, when it comes to the screen brightness, it can be a little difficult to view when you’re outdoors in the sunlight. This is because the auto-brightness feature often lags - resulting in you having to set the screen brightness manually each time.
Reasons to buy:
A great blend of unmatched affordability with advanced features
A mammoth sized battery for an entry-level smartphone that lasts up to two days
Samsung has promised Android security patches for the next 4 years, ensuring its long-term appeal
Reasons to avoid:
The camera lacks sharpness and is slightly noisy when capturing photos in low light conditions
Powered by Samsung Exynos 850 chip, which isn’t 5G enabled like the North American version
The screen’s auto-brightness feature isn’t responsive enough, with a tendency to lag when transitioning from one lighting condition to another
Samsung Galaxy A13 Deals from Mondo:
Huawei nova 8i
Specifications
Display: 6.67-inch LCD (Resolution: 2376 x 1080 & Refresh rate: 60Hz)
CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 662
RAM: 6GB/8GB
Storage: 128GB Expandable Storage: None
Rear camera: 64MP wide (f/1.9), 8MP ultra-wide (ƒ/2.4), 2MP depth lens (f/2.4), macro lens(f/2.4).
Front camera: 16MP (ƒ/2.0)
Battery: 4300mAh
The Huawei nova 8i offers incredible value for money with a good balance between functionality and affordability. For the low price of around R6000, this downsized version of the standard nova 8 is one of the most popular mid-range smartphones on the South African market right now.
Display: It sports a big, high-definition 6.67-inch LCD that offers a great viewing experience with rich colours.
RAM and processor: The nova 8i is powered by the Snapdragon 662 chipset, features 128GB storage and comes in two RAM options - 6GB and 8GB. It’s all you can ask for and a little more in a mid-range smartphone. It performs fast without slowing down, and switching between apps is a breeze, making it a perfect budget choice for those looking for a reliable and powerful everyday smartphone.
Software: It runs on Huawei’s EMUI operating system (based on Android) and recently received security updates for its current EMUI 11 software version. There is also word from the Chinese tech giant that it is eligible for the latest EMUI 12.
Camera: The Huawei nova 8i sports an impressive camera setup that may just be the biggest highlight. It's powerful and looks incredible with the four lenses packed into a ring at the back. You get a substantial 64MP main shooter, 8MP ultra-wide lens and a pair of 2MP micro and macro cameras. Completing the setup is a 16MP selfie camera. The images produced are sharp, especially in bright lighting conditions, with impressive colour reproduction and accurate white balance. Even in low light conditions, it still captures high-quality images, but you can expect some noticeable granular noise.
Battery: Powered by a large 4300 mAh battery, it can easily last more than a day with light use. Its 66W fast charger will ensure you don’t run dry for too long when the battery does eventually die. However, it’s important to note that the battery size is below the current industry standard of 5000 mAh.
AppGallery: Like all Huawei smartphones, you won’t have access to Google Mobile Services, which include Play Store, Gmail or Google Search. But there is a workaround as you can download many Google apps in APK format. Of course, you can also keep the app experience exclusive to Huawei as the Chinese tech giant has its own app store, AppGallery, which boasts over 45000 apps and has over 390 million active monthly users globally.
Bloatware: Unfortunately, like the nova 8, this light version comes with a lot of bloatware that's automatically installed from the moment it’s powered up. Be prepared for dozens of apps littering your home screen from the get-go and set time aside for a clean-up.
Reasons to buy:
This is a powerful mid-range smartphone at an affordable price point for those on a budget
An impressive camera setup with a main shooter that captures vibrant images
It offers solid internals with a fast mid-range chipset for a fluid experience
Reasons to avoid:
The ongoing ban of Huawei in the US means you still won’t have access to Google Mobile Services like Play Store
Get ready for a clean-up as soon as you power up the phone for the first time as a huge amount of bloatware is automatically installed
Although the phone lasts a good battery life with fast charging speeds, the battery size is slightly smaller than current industry standards
Huawei nova 8i Deals from Mondo:
Huawei nova Y60
Display: 6.6-inch LCD (Resolution:1600x720 & Refresh rate: 90Hz)
CPU: Mediatek MT6765
RAM: 4GB RAM Storage 64GB Expandable Storage: Micro SD card up to 512GB
Rear camera: 13MP wide (f/1.8), 5MP wide angle (ƒ/2.2), 2MP depth lens (f/2.4)
Front camera: 8MP (ƒ/2.0)
Battery: 5000mAh
The Huawei nova Y60 is on our list as one of the best phones in South Africa because of its smooth performance and great value at an affordable price point of around R3 000.
Display: A large 6.6-inch bright display produces over 16.7 million colours, bringing movies, series, and games to life. Enhancing this experience is panoramic 3D sound with Histen 6.1 audio technology optimised for gameplay immersion. Although the screen performs well outdoors in sunny environments, the biggest downside is the TFT LCD mid-range display that tends to lose image clarity and colour at certain angles.
Battery: Under the hood is a beefy 5000 mAh battery that features state-of-the-art power-saving modes with responsive functionality. If you’re using the phone all day for regular to heavy tasks, from gaming, watching videos and chatting, you can get well over 10 hours of use on a single charge.
Camera: Similar to the screen and battery, the cameras are high-quality for this budget device. A triple camera setup on the back features a 13MP main shooter, a 5MP wide-angle camera and a 2MP depth camera. Images captured are well balanced and sharp, offering HD quality for everyday shots. On the front is a decent 8MP selfie camera powered by AI technology and enhancement software.
RAM and processor: The phone is powered by the Mediatek MT6765 chipset with 4GB RAM, 64GB internal storage and up to 512GB expandable storage. Despite its mid-range specs, the phone is no slouch. It’s fluid and responsive, no matter the task at hand. However, it doesn’t support 5G internet connectivity, leaving it slightly behind the competition with 4G-only connectivity. It’s worth noting that even though 4G internet was introduced over 10 years ago, it delivers quick download speeds, high voice quality and bandwidth, and easy access to the internet.
Software: The phone runs on EMUI software developed by Huawei, which can be described as a skinned version of Android. As expected, it does not support any Google Mobile Services, but you do get the Huawei App Gallery and the search engine platform known as Petal Search.
AppGallery: Like all Huawei smartphones, the Huawei nova Y60 doesn’t have access to Google Mobile Services. But you do have exclusive access to the AppGallery, Huawei’s own app store with close to 50 000 apps.
Bloatware: Unfortunately, like the nova 8i, the nova Y60 instantly installs dozens of apps as soon as you power it up for the first time. To free up space, make sure to delete the apps you don’t need.
Reasons to buy:
An outstanding display provides an immersive experience that’s enhanced by 3D audio technology
A big battery gives you plenty of power that can last just over 10 hours with heavy use on a single charge
For a budget device, you get a high-quality triple camera setup that produces HD quality images
Reasons to avoid:
The Huawei nova Y60 doesn’t support 5G internet connectivity, which may be a deal breaker for those after optimum internet speeds
It may not be the option for you if you can’t enjoy the smartphone experience without Google Mobile Services
A huge amount of bloatware is instantly installed from the first moment it’s powered up
Huawei nova Y60 Deals from Mondo:
OPPO Reno7
Specifications
Display: 6.4-inch LCD (Resolution:2400x1080& Refresh rate: 60Hz-90Hz)
CPU: Mediatek MT6765
RAM: 8GB RAM Internal Storage: 256GB
Rear camera: 16MP main (f/1.7), 8MP wide angle (ƒ/2.25), 2MP depth lens (f/2.4)
Front camera: 32MP (ƒ/2.4)
Battery: 4500mAh battery
The shimmering OPPO Reno7 is a mid-range powerhouse that combines innovative technology with exceptional performance.
Display: A vivid AMOLED display takes centre stage on the Oppo Reno 7, offering a snappy 90Hz refresh for fluid scrolling. If you’re gaming or streaming movies, you can utilise the HyperBoost feature to prevent frame-rate loss and lagging.
Battery: Under the hood is a 4500 mAh battery that supports 65W SuperVooc fast-charging technology. According to OPPO, you can charge a completely drained battery to full power in 31 minutes, and a five-minute charge gives you two hours of gaming. To make the power last even longer, you can choose from three power saving modes.
Cooling System: For all-day use that doesn’t stop, OPPO has included a liquid cooling system in the device using graphite sheets and aerospace-grade insulation to prevent it from overheating.
RAM & Chipset: Under the hood is the MediaTek Dimensity 900 5G processor, 8GB RAM and 256GB storage, plus a microSD slot and space for another SIM card. It’s a capable mid-range setup that is enhanced by OPPO’s RAM expansion feature that enables you to convert free storage into RAM of up to 5GB, resulting in a speedy, smooth device without stutter or hang-ups.
Bloatware: Similar to Huawei, the software is slightly dimmed by the high number of pre-installed apps.
Reasons to buy:
High-resolution main and front cameras produce vibrant, clear images in any lighting condition
A snappy refresh rate is enhanced by a HyperBoost feature for smooth gaming and streaming
Super-fast charging that goes from 0% to a full charge in around 30 minutes
Reasons to avoid:
Macro photography can be a little sticky as the macro senor struggles with distance
A 4500 mAh battery comes in at just below the current industry standard of 5000 mAh
Bloatware leaves a poor first impression as the home screen is clogged with unnecessary apps
OPPO Reno7 Deals from Mondo:
Hisense Infinity H60 5G
Specifications
Display: 6.6-inch AMOLED (Resolution:2400x1080)
CPU: Mediatek Dimensity 810
RAM: 8GB RAM Internal Storage: 128GB Expandable Storage: None
Rear camera: 108MP main, 5MP wide-angle, 2MP depth and macro lenses
Front camera: 16MP (ƒ/2.0)
Battery: 4200mAh battery
The Hisense Infinity H60 5G boasts a premium design, stylish vegan leather back and a display that impresses. All these factors and more make it one of the best phones in 2022.
Display: A dynamic 6.6-inch FHD+ AMOLED curved display inspired the Infinite series, making it a mid-range device with a premium edge. It’s protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5 and produces vivid colours and detailed visuals for an immersive experience.
Camera: The phone features a quad camera setup with a massive 108MP main shooter, 5MP wide-angle camera, and 2MP depth and macro sensors. The main camera does most of the heavy lifting as its miles ahead of the rest. On the front are two 16MP selfie cameras, but one essentially serves as a depth sensor only.
RAM and Chipset: Powering the phone is the mid-tier MediaTek Dimensity 810 processor with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage. It's fluid when in use, delivering a smooth mobile experience without any freezing or lag, no matter what you’re doing.
Battery: Fuelling the phone is a well-sized 4200 mAh battery that supports fast charging of up to 30W. It easily lasts a day if you’re using it for regular tasks and juices back up in no time. However, the battery size is slightly behind the competition.
Reasons to buy:
A dual curved edge display with vivid colours gives this budget phone a premium feel
A massive 108MP main camera packs a punch and places it ahead of the competition
A powerful mid-range chipset delivers a smooth and responsive user experience
Reasons to avoid:
The leather back cover may not be an appealing design choice for some
The battery size is just below industry standards
The supporting rear cameras are low resolution and relies heavily on the main camera
Hisense Infinity H60 5G Deals from Mondo:
Specifications
Display: 6.67-inch AMOLED (Resolution:1080x2400 Refresh Rate: 120Hz )
CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 888
RAM: 8GB/12GB Internal Storage: 128GB/256GB Expandable Storage: None
Rear camera: 108MP main (f/1.8), 8MP wide angle (f/2.2), 5MP macro camera (f/2.4)
Front camera: 16MP (ƒ/2.5)
Battery: 5000mAh
For a modest price of just over R10 000, the Xiaomi 11T Pro gives you plenty of impressive features without cutting too many corners.
Battery: The Xiaomi 11T Pro boasts the fastest charging speeds on the South African market with a lightning fast 120W in-box charger that juices up a 5000 mAh battery. It zooms past the competition, the Samsung Galaxy Ultra S22, and can power up from 0% to 100% in a blistering 17 minutes.
Chipset: Powering the phone is the premium Snapdragon 888 chipset that processes any task smoothly and efficiently. Gaming feels snappy and it can handle maximum graphic settings with ease. The only downside is that it’s prone to overheating when performing intensive tasks for over an hour.
Display: With an eye-catching 6.67-inch AMOLED panel, HD resolution and a fast 120Hz refresh rate, the Xiaomi 11T Pro offers an optimal viewing experience that’s snappy, fluid and responsive.
Camera: The camera setup includes a 108MP main shooter, a 5MP telephoto camera, an 8MP ultra-wide camera and a 16MP selfie snapper on the front. The high-resolution main camera with pixel-binning captures great shots with good contrast, bold colours and lots of detail. However, it tends to struggle slightly in low-light conditions. The star is the 5MP telephoto camera that captures outstanding macro or close-up pictures. It focuses quickly and brings out details and textures that are otherwise hard to see.
Software: Like all Xiaomi phones, the 11T Pro runs Android with the company’s own skin called
MIUI. It’s certainly a polarising experience with users either loving or hating it. If you prefer a simplistic software experience like iOS or stock Android, MIUI can be slightly busy with plenty of
pre-installed apps like eBay, LinkedIn and AliExpress.
It offers the fastest charging speeds available in South Africa at an incredible 120W
Powered by a premium chipset for smooth gaming, streaming and much more.
A high refresh rate at 120Hz ensures a fluid user experience that takes on any task with ease
Reasons to avoid
It tends to overheat when performing intense tasks, which is important to keep in mind if you’re a power user
Although it boasts a great main camera, it does tend to struggle in low-light conditions
The Xiaomi MIUI is not as smooth or organised as iOS or stock Android software
Xiaomi 11T Pro Deals from Mondo:
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
Specifications:
Display: 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display (Resolution:2796x1290 Refresh Rate: 1Hz-120Hz)
CPU: A16 Bionic
RAM: 6GB Internal Storage: 128GB/256GB/512GB/1TB Expandable Storage: None
Rear camera: 48MP main (f/1.78), 12MP wide angle (f/2.2), 12MP 2x telephoto camera (f/1.78) 12MP 3x telephoto camera (f/2.8)
Front camera: 12MP (ƒ/1.9)
Battery: 4,323mAh
Finally, the new Apple iPhone 14 range has hit South African shores and the flagship Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max is undoubtedly one of the best phones in 2022. It has the best of everything, from its design and innovative display to the unbeatable A16 Bionic chipset.
Chipset: Immediately claiming the top spot as the best, fastest and most efficient chipset is Apple’s new A16 Bionic reserved exclusively for the Pro line. According to the tech giant, it’s capable of performing a jaw-dropping 17 trillion operations per second.
Dynamic Island: The iPhone 14 Pro Max now boasts the innovative Dynamic Island, replacing the highly disliked notch. It floats at the top edge of the screen, and although it still houses the front camera and sensors, some technology like the proximity sensor is now hidden behind the display. It’s touch sensitive, can be switched to an always-on mode and provides easy access to music, maps, incoming calls, widgets and more. Although it’s great to glance at information in one place, it does tend to sometimes feel like there’s too much going on.
Display: The iPhone 14 Pro Max (and Pro) sports a captivating Super Retina XDR display and an adaptive refresh rate ranging from 1Hz for the always-on display mode to 120Hz for maximum performance. The brightness of the screen can hit 1600 nits and jump to a whopping 2000 nits outdoors, ensuring the iPhone’s screen is always visible no matter the ambient light.
Camera: The new top of the range iPhone’s boasts a 48MP main shooter, 12MP ultra-wide and telephoto lenses, and another 12MP selfie snapper. It features larger sensors and better focus than its predecessor with the introduction of pixel-binning for pictures that are brighter and more detailed. However, it seems a bit underpowered when compared to the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra. It still offers 15x digital zoom, and 2x and 3x optical zoom, which falls behind Samsung’s offering by a long way.
Battery: Thanks to the powerful A16 Bionic chip, the battery is now more efficient. A 4323 mAh battery can easily last 16 hours of heavy use and over a day of light use. With up to 20W fast-charging capabilities and 15W wireless charging, the new iPhone can reach a full charge within an hour.
Reasons to buy:
Apple has ditched the notch for the always-on Dynamic Island at the top edge of screen where you can glance at and access apps, notifications and widgets in one place
It boasts the fastest chip yet, the A16 Bionic, which performs a trillion operations per second
The iPhone 14 Pro Max offers the best display yet that hits a vibrant 2000 nits outdoors
Reasons to avoid:
High cost with a price tag just over R28 000
Although the Dynamic Island is innovative, it can feel like there’s too much going on in one small space
It doesn’t offer ultra-fast charging and falls behind many affordable smartphones on the market, like the Xiaomi 11T Pro
Apple iPhone 14 Deals from Mondo:
Mondo’s Picks of the Best Smartphones in 2022
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra | Huawei Nova 8i | Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max | |
Best Camera Smartphone | ✓ | ||
Best Budget Smartphone | ✓ | ||
Best Overall | ✓ |
That’s a wrap!
The South African smartphone market is flooded with top-performing smartphones from industry-leading tech giants. Whether you’re looking for stunning flagship performers or budget-friendly powerhouses, there’s an option that’s sure to tick all your boxes. At Mondo, we have the best deals on the best phones in 2022. Our website makes it easy to compare deals from top network providers and apply online once you’ve found your perfect option.
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