So here we are, again. This year we have two sets of awards for the best technology of 2012, with one set voted for by us and one by you. To read the results of the Editors’ Choice awards, click here. Disagree with the victors? Sound off in the comments below, on Twitter or on our Facebook page.

Best smartphone

5. Samsung Galaxy Note II
4. HTC One X+
3. Apple iPhone 5
2. LG Nexus 4
1. Nokia Lumia 920 (55%)

With the largest margin of victory of any category, Nokia’s flagship device for 2012 was the unquestioned victor of the best smartphone award. Combining the design of 2011’s N9 and Lumia 800 with competitive hardware, Windows Phone 8 and a tremendous low-light camera, the Lumia 920 won legions of fans and sales seemed encouraging for the company despite controversial exclusivity deals with EE and AT&T.

Best tablet

5. Apple iPad mini
4. Samsung Nexus 10
3. Apple iPad (4th generation)
2. Asus Nexus 7
1. Microsoft Surface RT (40%)

Despite its limited release initially solely through Microsoft’s online channels, Microsoft’s first entry into the tablet market has won over many who have experienced it. Running Windows RT with a stunning magnesium body and the unique Touch Cover, the Surface RT has laid the foundations for attractive Windows-based tablets with a flourishing ecosystem to take on the might of the iPad.

Best mobile OS

5. BlackBerry 7
4. MeeGo Harmattan
3. iOS 6
2. Android 4.2
1. Windows Phone 8 (43%)

Built on the same core as Windows 8 allowing for better cross-platform app development, Windows Phone 8 took a resounding victory in the popular vote. 2013 will be the year where Windows Phone will have to finally gain market share rather than interest but, if vibrant and refreshing hardware from Nokia, HTC and Samsung is anything to go by, Microsoft should have high hopes.

Best desktop OS

4=. Elementary OS (Luna)
4=. Ubuntu (Quantal Quetzal)
3. Chrome OS (Aura)
2. Mac OS X (Mountain Lion)
1. Windows 8 (55%)

Although it triggers a massive change to how you use Windows, the eighth release of Microsoft’s desktop OS has been our favourite so far. While optimised for touch with the introduction of the design language formerly known as Metro being brought to Windows for the first time, trackpad users have relished the opportunity to flick between apps and many users have adapted snappily to the new Start screen. The Windows Store also provides a platform for new applications and games, and the wacky devices that have been inspired by the OS have made us genuinely excited for the future of personal computing.

Best computer

5. Samsung Series 3 Chromebook
4. Acer Aspire S7
3. Asus Zenbook Prime
2. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Touch
1. Apple MacBook Pro with Retina Display (30%)

With both 13″ and 15″ models sitting mere millimetres thicker than the equivalent MacBook Airs, Apple’s refreshed MacBook Pro line is a true feat of engineering. Although the price tags are lofty, the displays are truly the finest that have ever been seen in notebook computers, making run-of-the-mill 1366 x 768 panels look even more inadequate, and the aluminium unibodies keep up Apple’s reputation for great design.

Best design

5. Apple iPad mini
4. Apple iPhone 5
3. Windows Phone 8S by HTC
2. Microsoft Surface RT
1. Nokia Lumia 920 (36%)

Despite very stiff competition, Nokia retains our prize for best design having seen the Lumia 800 take the crown in 2011. The 920 is an evolution of that stunning polycarbonate shell design, and, coupled with Windows Phone 8’s new Start screen along with a range of new colours including red, grey and yellow, we hope Nokia keeps up the great work. After all, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

Best Android app

5. Plague Inc.
4. Monsters Ate My Condo
3. Ski Safari
2. Falcon Pro
1. Google+ (28%)

With its Android app, Google shows how a social network app should be done. Compared to Facebook and Twitter’s pitiful offerings, the official Google+ app is wonderful on tablets, and Google recently claimed that it is the fastest growing social network amid positive responses to its new Communities feature.

Best iOS app

5. Magnetic Billiards: Blueprint
4. Letterpress
3. Clear
2. Google Search
1. Tweetbot (30%)

Packed with features including Pocket integration, Tweet Marker, push notifications and streaming, Tweetbot is widely regarded as the premier Twitter app on any platform, and our poll gave it a narrow victory as best iOS app. Tapbots also released a superb Mac client and a modified iOS version which swapped out Twitter for App.net. While pricey for a Twitter app, users swear by it and find it hard to change.

Best Windows Phone app

5. AlphaJax
3=. Fhotoroom
3=. Wordament
2. Rowi
1. Mehdoh (34%)

Having recently been updated to version 2.0 for Windows Phone 8, Mehdoh keeps growing from strength to strength. Having added SoundCloud and Instagram support in 2012 after its discontinuation at the end of 2011, Mehdoh is incredibly popular among its users and this is evident from its resounding victory in this category.

Best game

5. Super Amazing Wagon Adventure
4. Dishonored
3. Halo 4
2. Far Cry 3
1. Assassin’s Creed III (21%)

Ubisoft took the top two spots in our poll, and a solitary vote separated Far Cry 3 and Assassin’s Creed III in the end. While the Editors’ Choice award went to Far Cry, Assassin’s Creed takes home the Readers’ Choice award due to its impressive world, the amazing combat movements and above-average storyline.

That’s all, folks! Congratulations to everyone who won an award, and let us know your thoughts on the prizes in the comments.