PIXEL PERFECT: GOOGLE PIPS iPHONE TO HANDSET OF THE YEAR

• Google Pixel 6 Pro takes Handset of the Year at the 2022 Uswitch Mobile Awards, with Samsung named Manufacturer of the Year
• giffgaff wins big with three titles including Network of the Year for the second year running, while O2 is voted Most Popular Mobile Network
• O2 also bags Best Network for Roaming in a year that saw the majority of networks go back on promises to bring back charges
• EE take the crown for Fastest Mobile Network*, while smaller providers pick up awards for customer service and value for money
• The full list of Uswitch Telecoms Awards 2022 have been announced here

Tech giant Samsung has been crowned Manufacturer of the Year for the launches of the Samsung Galaxy S21 series and the Z Flip 3 and Z Fold 3, while Google scooped Handset of the Year for its Pixel 6 Pro with one judge saying the model was “undoubtedly the best new smartphone in 2021, with impressive features for budding photographers.”

When it comes to network providers, giffgaff took home three big wins at the annual awards, including the top spot for Mobile Network of the Year for a second year running. The network also bagged Best Pay As You Go Network and SIM-Only Network in the Judges’ Choice categories. Most Popular Mobile Network goes to O2, with Three coming in close behind as runner up.

In a year that saw the majority of network providers reintroduce roaming charges, O2 won the award for ‘Best Network for Roaming’ thanks in part to its decision not to do so, with Judges noting that “O2 made a stand against reintroducing roaming charges.”

EE trumps the other major networks in the race for Fastest Mobile Network*, but smaller providers dominated the battle to deliver value for money.

Tesco Mobile was voted the Best Value Pay Monthly Network for its deals, and also rewarded for Best Customer Service. While the SIM-only mobile network Smarty was recognised for its value for money in the SIM-only category with deals for as little as £5 a month including 4GB of data.

Uswitch Telecoms Awards: 2022 Mobile Award Winners and Runners-up

Source: Uswitch.com

Ernest Doku, telecoms expert at Uswitch.com, comments: “Samsung’s success in making foldable phones more popular, and the impressive features of the Google Pixel 6 Pro meant that Apple was pipped to the post this year in both manufacturer and handset categories.

“giffgaff continues to keep its customers happy and thoroughly deserves another win for Mobile Network of the Year. The operator’s flexibility when it comes to bundles and prices will be even more welcome as consumers feel the pinch in the coming months.

“Despite pledges to not reintroduce roaming charges after the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, most providers went back on their word last year, so the judges’ choice award for Best Network for Roaming is well deserved by O2.

“High-quality customer service and great value for money are some of the tools used by smaller providers as they battle the faster speeds offered by the bigger companies. It will be interesting to see how this David versus Goliath brawl turns out as we leave the pandemic behind.”

The full list of mobile winners in the Uswitch Telecoms Awards 2022 can be found here.

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