The best gadgets of 2022: outstanding techy treats

Without a doubt the phone we have used the most this year, the Google Pixel 7 Pro is a joy of a handset. The camera is stunning, even though it relies more of software than lenses, the results are always fantastic. The look is great, too, with an ace-looking camera array on the back and we are always on the search for the purest Android experience, something the Pixel range will always offer.

Yes, Sennheiser changed the design of its Momentum headphones range but we can forgive the lack of an industrial look as these headphones are simply the most comfortable and nicest we have used this year. With a huge 60 hours' battery life and sophisticated noise cancelling, these ones have been rarely off of our ears since we tested them.

Usually AV companies forget about those with smaller rooms, offering up audio kit that's just too overpowered for the spaces they are in. Enter the Sonos Sub Mini - this was a standout in 2022 for us, as it meant our modest living room could now have a fantastic booming soundscape, without the neighbours screaming too much at us. This one is easy to set up, suits the likes of the smaller Sonos Beam soundbar and looks fantastic, too.

The B&O Beoplay Portal is the closest thing to a set of ‘everything headphones’ that we’ve seen yet. On the one hand these premium cans will elevate your PlayStation, PC, and Switch gaming to another level. On the other, they also have the classy design and impeccable sound quality to serve as your primary personal audio supplier. Bluetooth connectivity, ANC, and multipoint support round out a truly comprehensive headphones package.

Sky Stream is Sky in the UK's big push into streaming proper. Not to be confused with its NOW streaming service, it offers pretty much a full-fat Sky service with no need for a dish or a big box. Granted, you can't record to a dedicated hard drive but it pretty much does everything else you need, at a fraction of the real estate space and at a decent cost, too.

We are a sucker for flip phones and the Motorola Razr (2022) exceeded our expectations when we had it on our test bench. While the first reboot of the Razr was fun, it felt a little underwhelming in the technology it offered. This one, though, is razor-sharp in its specs with flagship performance, a beautiful new design and improved camera tech. This one isn't just for those pining for the past - it may well point to the future of the smartphone as well.