Gadgets Look Book: Gadget Of The Year 2018

Technology changes fast. One year can feel like a whole decade in the gadget world. Still, 2018 gave us some truly iconic devices. That year introduced premium smartphones, powerful laptops, stunning TVs, and camera upgrades that shaped modern tech.

Even in 2026, many people still search for “gadget of the year 2018” because they want to:

revisit the best tech of that era
compare older gadgets with today’s devices
understand how innovation evolved
buy used/refurbished flagship gadgets at lower prices

So in this updated 2026 version, I’ll rewrite your article with high readability, SEO-friendly formatting, and more detail.

You’ll also get a clean list of the top gadgets of 2018 by category.

Why 2018 Was a Big Year for Gadgets

2018 was not just another tech year. It was a major turning point.

Brands focused on:

✅ better camera performance
✅ brighter displays
✅ improved gaming and performance
✅ smarter AI features
✅ premium design improvements

At the same time, gadgets started becoming more lifestyle-focused instead of only “tech-focused.”

That shift changed everything.

Gadget of the Year 2018: Can One Gadget Win?

Choosing just one gadget of the year 2018 is difficult.

Different gadgets dominated different categories. Some won because of performance. Others won because of design. A few stood out because they introduced new experiences.

That’s why this guide lists the best gadget of the year 2018 by category, so the ranking feels fair.

Best Gadgets of 2018 by Category

Below are the top picks for 2018 in major gadget categories:

✅ Best Phone (Android Flagship)
✅ Best Laptop
✅ Best TV
✅ Best Camera

I also added bonus categories (smart speaker, wearable, streaming) to extend the article.

Let’s explore the winners.

1) Best Smartphone: Samsung Galaxy S9+ (2018)

When people talk about premium Android phones in 2018, one name shows up again and again:

✅ Samsung Galaxy S9+

Samsung Galaxy S9+ delivered a premium design, powerful specs, and one of the best low-light cameras of its time. It also introduced features that became standard later.

It launched in India at ₹64,900 for the 64GB variant.

Why Galaxy S9+ was special in 2018

✅ dual aperture camera for low light
✅ dual rear camera setup
✅ crisp AMOLED display
✅ premium build quality
✅ flagship performance

Samsung Galaxy S9+ Specifications (2018)

Weight: 189g
Display: 6.2-inch
Resolution: 1440 × 2960
Processor: Snapdragon 845 / Exynos 9810
RAM: 6GB
Storage: 64GB / 128GB / 256GB
Battery: 3,500mAh
Rear Camera: Dual 12MP
Front Camera: 8MP
Launch Price (India): ₹64,900 (64GB)

2026 takeaway

Even today, the Galaxy S9+ feels like a “classic flagship.” Many people still buy it used for basic camera and media use.

2) Best Laptop: Huawei MateBook X Pro (2018)

2018 was a strong year for laptops too. Many brands launched thin, powerful machines.

However, one model impressed reviewers for design and performance.

✅ Huawei MateBook X Pro (2018)

The MateBook X Pro gained attention for its premium build and sharp display. It also delivered strong performance for productivity users.

The Verge praised the laptop and highlighted its available Intel 8th-gen models with up to Core i7, 16GB RAM, and 512GB storage.

Why MateBook X Pro stood out

✅ premium aluminum design
✅ stunning 3K display
✅ strong keyboard and trackpad
✅ excellent portability
✅ good performance for its time

Huawei MateBook X Pro Specifications (2018)

CPU: 8th Gen Intel Core i5/i7
Graphics: Intel UHD 620 / Nvidia MX150 (2GB)
RAM: 8GB – 16GB
Display: 13.9-inch 3K (3000 × 2080)
Storage: 512GB SSD
Target Audience: business users, creators, students

2026 takeaway

Huawei laptops have continued evolving and even explored new operating system directions recently. But the 2018 MateBook X Pro still remains one of the brand’s most iconic laptop releases.

3) Best TV: Samsung Q9FN QLED (2018)

Television technology improved massively in 2018. QLED and HDR became a major highlight.

✅ Samsung Q9FN QLED (2018)

Samsung’s Q9FN impressed many reviewers because of its brightness, color performance, and premium features.

Rtings rated it as excellent for many usage types, while noting its premium price.

Why Samsung Q9FN became a top 2018 TV

✅ full-array local dimming (FALD)
✅ vibrant QLED colors
✅ excellent HDR brightness
✅ premium viewing experience
✅ great for sports and movies

2026 takeaway

In 2026, you’ll find far more affordable OLED options. Still, Q9FN remains a respected flagship model in TV history.

4) Best Camera: Nikon D850 (2018)

For photography lovers, 2018 offered legendary cameras. Mirrorless grew fast, but DSLR still dominated professional workflows.

✅ Nikon D850

Nikon D850 delivered one of the best combinations of high resolution, speed, and autofocus performance in a DSLR.

That’s why many photographers still love it today.

Nikon D850 Specifications

Type: DSLR
Sensor: Full-frame CMOS
Resolution: 45.4MP
Lens Mount: Nikon F
Viewfinder: Optical
Screen: 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen
Continuous Shooting: 7fps (up to 9fps with grip)
Video: 4K recording

Why Nikon D850 won hearts

✅ sharp images with high detail
✅ great autofocus system
✅ strong low-light performance
✅ good for landscape + wildlife + portraits

2026 takeaway

Even in 2026, the Nikon D850 still competes with modern cameras in pure photo quality.

Bonus: Other Popular Gadgets of 2018

Many global lists also highlighted multiple important gadgets from 2018.

For example, Popular Mechanics featured devices like iPhone XR, Pixel 3, Galaxy Note 9, Sonos Beam, and more in its best-of-2018 gadget list.
The Guardian also published a roundup of top gadgets for the year.
Time listed products like the Xbox Adaptive Controller and Apple Watch Series 4 among standout gadgets of 2018.

So, here are extra categories you can add to make your list more complete.

5) Best Smartwatch of 2018: Apple Watch Series 4

Apple Watch Series 4 became famous because it improved health tracking and design.

It also gained attention for its ECG feature in many global tech discussions.

6) Best Smart Speaker: Google Home Hub (2018)

Smart home gadgets grew in popularity in 2018.

Google Home Hub (now part of Nest family) helped people control smart devices and view content through a screen-based smart assistant.

7) Best Streaming Gadget: Amazon Fire Stick TV 4K (2018)

Streaming gadgets exploded in 2018. Fire Stick 4K became popular because it delivered quality at a lower price.

8) Best Audio Gadget: Sonos Beam (2018)

Soundbars became a must-have gadget for home entertainment. Sonos Beam stood out for smart features and strong sound performance.

What Made a Gadget “Best” in 2018?

A gadget didn’t win because it looked cool. It won because it made life easier.

Top winning gadgets usually had:

✅ better performance
✅ smart features
✅ strong user experience
✅ improved design
✅ long-term value

That’s why people still talk about them in 2026.

Final Verdict:

Here’s the final summary list:

✅ Best Phone: Samsung Galaxy S9+
✅ Best Laptop: Huawei MateBook X Pro
✅ Best TV: Samsung Q9FN QLED
✅ Best Camera: Nikon D850
✅ Best Smartwatch: Apple Watch Series 4
✅ Best Smart Speaker: Google Home Hub