The most underrated phones of 2021
From Asus to Vivo, here are some great phones that may have slipped under the radar.
1. Asus Zenfone 8
Asus had a pretty solid run in 2021, releasing the ROG Phone 5 range and Zenfone 8 duo. The ROG Phone 5 series and Zenfone 8 Flip represented more of the same for the Taiwanese brand, but it’s the vanilla Zenfone 8 that stood out as one of the best (and only) small Android phones of the year.
2. Lenovo Legion Duel 2
Asus typically rules the roost when it comes to gaming phones, but Lenovo also stepped up to the plate in 2020 with its Legion Duel device. It was back in 2021 with the Legion Duel 2, and this was a pretty cool take on the gaming phone.
3. Poco F3 GT
Another gaming-focused device makes this list of underrated phones in the Poco F3 GT. But it differs from flagship gaming phones by virtue of a more affordable price tag, coming in at the equivalent of just ~$350 in India.
4. Samsung Galaxy A52s
The Galaxy A52 5G got all the attention in the first half of 2021, delivering a great mid-range proposition. Unfortunately, it was reportedly affected by the global chip shortage, leaving Samsung to prioritize its availability to key markets.
5. Sony Xperia 1 III
We were torn between the Xperia 1 III and Xperia 5 III for inclusion here, but ultimately settled on the Xperia 1 III as the more underrated device. The Xperia 1 III may have a higher price, but it offers a crazy 4K 120Hz OLED panel, wireless charging, a rear Time-of-Flight sensor, and tougher glass.
6. Vivo X70 Pro Plus
BBK-owned brand Vivo really stepped up its high-end game in 2021, with the Vivo X60 Pro Plus being just a step or two away from a genuine contender to the Apples and Samsungs of the world. But it’s the Vivo X70 Pro Plus that lands on the list, as the company delivered an experience that matched the high price.
