iPhone v Android: Winner of the best smartphone of 2021 will definitely surprise you

Along with speakers, TVs, turntables and headphones being crowned winners there was also a prize for the best smartphone of the year and you might be surprised by who came out on top.

Unlike some years, there was no sign of Samsung, OnePlus or Xiaomi on the wishlist with this year’s best phone going to Sony for its flagship Xperia 1 III.

Apple’s iPhone 13 was also commended for bringing big improvements to users but even this popular device couldn’t beat Sony to the first prize and pick up the prestigious Product of the Year.

Explaining more about its choice on its awards page, What Hi-Fi? said: “The Xperia 1 III is a brilliant all-rounder that excels at music and video.”

Sony’s phones have certainly been getting back to their best over the past few years with the firm bringing some impressive technology to its flagship devices.

The new Xperia 1 III which launched back in August boasts one of the best displays in the business.

Fire up Netflix and you’ll be treated to a pin-sharp 6.5-inch OLED screen that is fully 4K HDR compatible and should make watching movies on your mobile as good as your TV.

A 120Hz refresh rate has also been added making scrolling through emails and playing the latest games feel silky smooth and stuffer free.

Spin the Xperia 1 III around and there’s a new triple camera on the rear case which now gets a telephoto lens to help improve those up-close and personal shots.

Away from the camera, other extras include louder speakers with more bass, a monster 4,500mAh battery, fast charging included in the box and there’s even a headphone port to plug in your favourite cans.

Finally, you’ll find the latest Snapdragon 888 processor tucked inside along with full access to speedy 5G data speeds.

Want to know more about the new Xperia 1 III or iPhone 13?

You can read our full review of Sony’s Xperia flagship here. We also have a full review of the iPhone 13 here.