Mobile phones in steel or aluminum casing - current models for 2020-2021

Black Shark 6/64GB: heavy metal for gamers

Black Shark 6/64GB is available in two colors
“Black Shark” or Black Shark is a smartphone unique in its design, or rather its back cover. The “cold” metal case harmonizes perfectly with the strict color of the case: black or gray.

The gadget looks stylish and expensive, although the real price is far from flagship ones. In the center of the back cover there is the letter “S”, which is not only a decoration, but also a warning signal: it lights up and flashes for incoming calls and messages.

The body is made of aluminum alloy in two variations: one of which serves as the base of the body, and the other is used as a decorative glossy element.

The metal body is very durable and does not break when dropped.

And its inherent matte finish makes the mobile Black Shark completely non-slip, which is important for gamers.

But the aluminum body is far from the only advantage of the presented device. Its advantages are:

1. 8-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor at 2800 MHz;
2. A battery with a capacity of 4000 mAh allows you to hold a charge for 20 hours during intense gaming.
3. 5.99 inch screen with high quality color reproduction.
4. Game mode SHARK SPACE mode allows the user to fully enjoy the game without being distracted by incoming calls, messages and other notifications. All this is ignored until the owner turns off the mode.
5. 64 GB of memory is more than enough for everything you need.

The smartphone has its drawbacks, but they are few. This:

1. There is no NFC, which is not typical for most phones in the same price segment (from 20 to 25 thousand rubles).
2. There is no separate micro SD slot.

So, “Black Shark” is worth buying for those who are addicted to games, as well as for those who simply like to stand out from the crowd with stylish gadgets. Powerful, fast internal equipment will adequately provide gameplay, browsing the Internet, and basic functions.

Push-button telephone in a metal case

The mobile market has literally been taken over by smartphones. A huge number of additional functions, powerful cameras, high performance - real pocket computers. But are all these bells and whistles really necessary? After all, the main function of a telephone is to provide communication between people, voice or text.

Not everyone wants to switch to devices with full touch controls. Many users resist in every possible way and will continue to love buttons dearly. And we are not talking about retro-fans who prefer rotary landlines and black-and-white TVs. There are also very young people who choose phones with buttons. Especially if such devices are made efficiently and wisely.

If you think that a push-button telephone in a metal case can now only be found in an antique shop, then we hasten to please you - such simple, and therefore very reliable devices are still produced and sold through the most ordinary electronics stores.

Nokia 515

Nokia 515, released at the end of 2013, was a real surprise. Push-button, with a body made of metal - hello from the past, someone might think.

Stylish candy bar with a classic keyboard, made in a matte aluminum case. Scratching the case is quite problematic - it will only be more difficult to leave fingerprints on it. Virtually no plastic - only the bottom end stands out in this kingdom of metal.

Nokia 515 is the best option among push-button phones with a metal body

The translucent large buttons on the keyboard are brightly backlit and very easy to press. The screen with a resolution of 240 by 320 pixels boasts a beautiful and rich picture.

The camera on this phone is just a nice bonus. But 5 megapixels allow you to take fairly high-quality pictures. There is even a self-portrait mode - the phone itself will tell you how to position the lens to be in the center of the photo. And no front camera is needed.

There are icons on the desktop for quick access to 5 applications. The phone can spend a whole month in standby mode.

The average price of this push-button telephone in a metal case at the time of writing is 5,980 rubles.

Philips Xenium X5500

Philips Xenium X5500 is a phone with a traditional Xenium large battery. The devices are made in a monoblock form factor. Half of the front panel is occupied by a display covered with tempered glass. Below the screen there are call and hang up buttons, a navigation unit and 12 numeric keys that almost do not protrude above the body. The microphone is located between the left and middle row of buttons. The back panel is made of metal.

Philips Xenium X5500 - a modern phone with a metal back cover

The parts do not play, the body does not creak – the build quality is excellent. Carrying a phone in a pocket of light clothing will not be very comfortable - after all, it weighs 156 g of net weight.

The phone book holds 2000 contacts - you hardly need more. The device also has clients for the Facebook and Twitter networks. There is also a peculiarity - the radio can work without headphones, which are used in most phones as an antenna.

The average cost of the Philips Xenium X5500 at the time of writing is 5,250 rubles.

Memories of old times

If you try to remember push-button phones with a metal case of past generations, the first thing that comes to mind is the Nokia 6300. This legendary phone is a good example for modern models.

Why legendary? Because the only more popular ones are the boring “Apple” gadgets. But there is aggressive marketing and PR companies, but here it is people’s love. And well-deserved love.

It's not a matter of conservatism and callousness of thinking. This device is simply the standard of a mobile phone. The same good old mobile phone that was needed only to communicate with people, and not with soulless applications.

When it comes to voice or text communication, the Nokia 6300 is perfect. Is it possible to type messages at high speed on a touchscreen phone without taking the device itself out of your pocket? Of course not. But Nokia 6300 owners have this opportunity. All it takes is a little practice.

In 2007, the phone blew up the market with its reliability (in a good way) and indestructibility. Snow, rain, snowdrift, asphalt - the metal body saves you from any misfortune. Perhaps he even saved someone's life. Do I need to talk about some of its features and capabilities? It's metal. It's push-button. You can use it to make a call or send a message. What else does a mobile phone need? Probably nothing. For everything else there is a smartphone.

See also:

• Feature phone with large screen
• Phone with a good camera
• What does the VoLTE icon mean on your phone?

VERTEX D514: iron old school

VERTEX D514
The steel phone “Vertex D514” is an “echo of the past” when it comes to design. A push-button phone with a small screen and a minimum of options is all that the gadget can offer.

It is suitable for those who do not need expensive smartphones with a lot of capabilities; it is created for those who need a phone solely for its main purpose - conversations. The slot for 2 SIM cards helps with this.

The appearance of the D514 is business-like and laconic. At the same time, it cannot be called “retired”. What is important: the case is made of durable steel, which reliably protects the internal filling from falls and impacts, and also makes the design of the smartphone stylish.

The upper part of the rear wall of the device, as well as the edging of the display, are made of polycarbonate. Plastic does not have protective properties, but serves to improve decor.

Despite the fact that the VERTEX D514 is simple, both externally and internally, it still has several pros and cons.

Rear panel of VERTEX D514

Pros:

1. The keyboard and the display of characters on the screen are not small, which allows people with poor vision to use the phone.
2. Cell phone in a durable alloy metal case.
3. A loud speaker allows you to hear an incoming call, even at a distance from the gadget.
4. Long battery life.
5. Low cost mobile. You can buy it for 1900 rubles, on average.
6. Solid design.

The disadvantages include the following:

1. Camera 0.3 MP.
2. Poor interface.
3. Primitive options.
4. You need to take out SIM cards the old fashioned way, that is, remove the back cover, remove the battery, and only then reach the card slot.
5. High level of noise reduction cutoff.

The Vertex D514 is ideal as an intermediate or spare phone. However, for most modern people it will seem too outdated and meaningless.

Prestigio Grace A1 (1,490 rubles)

What's interesting: thin body, bright design

With this device it's the other way around. The front panel is aluminum, but the back is made of plastic. The phone is available in several color options and our favorite is silver with red back and keys. He looks fresh and cheerful.

In terms of characteristics, everything is quite ordinary: 2.8-inch screen, 950 mAh battery, player, Bluetooth, MicroSD slot, 0.3 megapixel camera. But the case is quite thin - 8.5 mm. Push-button devices in general are usually quite plump, but here they are on the level of a modern smartphone.

Prestigio Grace A1

Olmio M22: simple functionality in an exotic body

Olmio M22

The Olmio M220 cell phone with a metal body combines the features of old models and new touchscreen smartphones. The outdated push-button phone body is equipped with a main camera, where the lens and flash are stylized as a dual camera. In addition, there is a front camera, considering that the M22 form factor is a push-button monoblock.

The steel case is one of the features of the device. It not only sets the overall appearance of the Olmio M22, but also reliably protects its “insides” from damage. Even blows when the phone falls are not dangerous.

Despite the fact that there are 2 cameras, none of them contribute to high-quality photography - 0.3 MP each.

Olmio M22 has 2 slots for SIM cards, which is already worthy for such a modest mobile phone. In addition to this, the phone has several other advantages:

• price from 1000 to 1500 rubles;
• bright flashlight 6 LED;
• separate slot for memory card;
• simple interface.

The device has no objective shortcomings. Its cost justifies its capabilities. This is an unusual phone, designed to perform ordinary functions.

Nokia 230

Microsoft recently introduced two phones under the Nokia brand - 230 and 230 Dual SIM (with support for one and two SIM cards, respectively).

They are distinguished by the presence of a 2.8-inch screen, a memory card slot, two 2-megapixel cameras with flashes and a metal cover. In addition, the phones themselves look very nice.

• Screen diagonal: 2.8 inches

• Resolution: 320×240

• Weight: 92 g

• Number of SIM cards: 1 (2)

• Type of ringtones: polyphonic, MP3 ringtones

• Camera: 2 MP

• Communication standard: GSM 900/1800

• Memory card slot: yes

• Battery capacity: 1200 mAh

Nokia 5 Dual sim TA-1053: excellent functionality for little money

Nokia 5 Dual sim TA-1053
Since most modern, including flagship, smartphones are enclosed in a plastic or glass case, the Nokia 5 Dual sim TA-1053 stands out from the crowd with its “iron armor”. The aluminum body affects many things:

• device strength;
• the smartphone does not slip in the hand;
• The back cover is less easily soiled than those made of plastic or glass.

Nokia 5 Dual sim TA-1053 is a budget smart phone that can satisfy its customers. The functionality is built on the Android OS, but on an outdated version 7.1.

However, the mobile phone is absolutely ready for updates.

Back cover Nokia 5 Dual sim TA-1053

The advantages of Nokia Dual are as follows:

1. Attractive appearance.
2. Screen 5.2 inches.
3. Attractive price tag not exceeding 10,000 rubles.
4. Slots for 2 SIM cards, as well as a separate slot for a memory card.
5. Fingerprint scanner.
6. There is NFC.
7. Android without unnecessary applications, that is, the OS is clean.
8. Charging the battery from 0% to 100% in 2-3 hours.
9. Good performance.

Minuses:

1. The cameras, the main 13 MP and the front 8 MP, behave unpredictably. When shooting close up, defocus often occurs and switches from photo mode to video mode for no reason.
2. The charge lasts no more than a day in moderate mode.
3. 16 GB of internal memory is not enough.

For the money the phone is more than good. A special plus is the presence of NFC, since this option is only available on smartphones in a higher price category. The phone is suitable for daily communication and entertainment activities, but not for games.

Lexand LPH1 Mini

Another small phone created using metal. The model looks very nice, several colors are available. The phone itself, as in the previous case, is small, but stylish.

• Screen diagonal: 1.44 inches

• Resolution: 176×144

• Weight: 75 g

• Number of SIM cards: 2

• Type of ringtones: polyphonic, MP3 ringtones

• Camera: 0.3 MP

• Communication standard: GSM 900/1800/1900

• Memory card slot: yes

• Battery capacity: 400 mAh

Motorola Moto Z 32GB: stylish and powerful

Motorola Moto Z 32GB

A smartphone with an unusual design, in a thin, durable case made of aluminum. Thanks to the material, the smartphone does not try to slip out of your hands; its surface is less easily soiled.

The Moto cannot be called fully shockproof, but it can withstand falls and mild impacts with dignity.

The appearance of the smartphone turned out to be “not boring to the eye.” On the front side above the screen there is a built-in speaker, front camera, light sensor, and LED flash. On the bottom side there is a square-shaped fingerprint scanner (a scanner, not a touch button), on one side there is a microphone, on the other there is a motion sensor.

On the back cover in the center there is a 13 MP main camera protruding above the body.

Motorola Moto Z 32GB convex camera

Another feature of the Moto Z 32GB is the built-in modules for the smartphone:

1. Wireless JBL SoundBoost Speaker.
2. The back cover is the battery.
3. A projector is a removable module that turns a mobile phone into a portable “cinema.”
4. A camera module that transforms the Moto Z 32GB into a large camera with 10x zoom.

The cost of the modules is separate from the cost of the phone.

Pros of a smartphone:

• unusual design;
• the camera takes high-quality photos;
• bright clear screen;
• instant response of the fingerprint scanner;
• modules that are impressive in their unusualness;
• excellent performance;
• loud speaker.

The Moto Z 32GB has no significant disadvantages.

Alcatel 5V: Alcatel's flagship

Alcatel 5V

Mobile phone in a metal case made of aluminum. The design is unremarkable, but not repulsive either.

Glossy highlights on a blue or black body, a dual camera and a fingerprint scanner are the same features as most Chinese devices.

The price of the device does not exceed 10,000 rubles, and it has NFC, which has already caused the “WOW!” effect. from the public.

Pros:

• 6.2-inch frameless screen with IPS matrix;
• fast performance;
• Beautiful design;
• absence of lags and bugs;
• The battery holds a charge for 2 days.

Among the shortcomings, the weak sound of the speaker is revealed. In general, the gadget is suitable for making calls, watching videos and visiting the Internet.

Nokia 230 (4,990 rubles)

What's interesting: two cameras

One of the most expensive phones in our selection. The front panel of the device is plastic, but the back panel is made of aluminum. Moreover, it also extends onto the side edges of the body.

Something unusual for push-button devices is the presence of a front camera. Nokia 230 does not support installation of applications with video calling functions like WhatsApp and Skype, so the front camera is only needed for selfies. Its resolution is 2 megapixels. The rear camera on the phone is exactly the same. There are outbreaks here and there. Oh, and by the way: 2 megapixels for a feature phone is very good. Most often they are equipped with 0.1 or 0.3 megapixel cameras (as you will see below).

Nokia 230

Honor Play 4: a powerful device for gamers

Honor Play 4
“Gaming” device received a stylish body, taking the design of the P20 as a basis. Dual camera, fingerprint sensor, vertical engraving on the left side. The special feature is the metal case, which: does not slip out of the hands of the most active player and “holds the blow” in case of unexpected falls to the floor.

A 6.3-inch screen, no bezels, a dual camera – all the characteristics of a modern mid-priced smartphone.

Pros:

• best huawei processor with 8 cores;
• durable metal case, assembled with high quality without gaps;
• durable screen coating;
• clear and bright color rendering;
• The external speaker produces loud and clear sound;
• there is NFC;
• The dual camera of 16 MP and 2 MP takes excellent quality photos, there is a macro mode.

Minuses:

• Loses charge too quickly for a gaming smartphone;
• Hybrid slot for SIM card and memory card.

Honor Play 4 is a decent option for a reasonable price, embodying powerful hardware and excellent performance.

Ginzzu M105 Dual

Another inexpensive model in a metal case is Ginzzu M105 Dual. Available in three colors - black, silver and gold. The front panel is made of plastic, but the back is made of metal. The phone fits very well in the hands and gives a pleasant feeling.

• Screen diagonal: 2.4 inches

• Resolution: 240x320

• Weight: 75 g

• Number of SIM cards: 2

• Type of ringtones: polyphonic, MP3 ringtones

• Camera: 1.3 MP

• Communication standard: GSM 900/1800/1900

• Memory card slot: yes

• Battery capacity: 900 mAh

ASUS ZenFone Max Pro M1: powerful and fast among budget ones

ASUS ZenFone Max Pro M1

This phone has gained huge demand due to its many advantages. The first thing that attracts you is the body. Metal, which is not particularly typical for Asus, durable and stylish.

Numerous falls will not show any signs of injury on it, since the body is based on steel.

The design is made like a carbon copy: a dual camera and a fingerprint scanner on the back cover.

Thin and pleasant to the touch - it is designed to be used every minute. However, it performs its functions: from “calling” to completing a game level, without any complaints.

Camera and fingerprint scanner on the back of ASUS ZenFone Max Pro M1

Pros:

• price no more than 13,000 rubles;
• bright screen with clear image presentation;
• quick response to touch;
• a durable battery that retains its charge for several days during intensive use of the ZenFone Max Pro M1;
• separate slots for SIM cards and microSD;
• "naked" Android.

Minuses:

• the NFC module is not very sensitive, which is why the gadget needs to be placed close to the terminal;
• mediocre camera.

What models to count on

Cell phones with a metal base are manufactured by Chinese third-tier brands, less often by English and Russian brands: OLMIO Vertex, DIGMA, Ginzzu. Among smartphones, manufacturers of gaming devices are resorting to “steel” cases in order to better dissipate accumulated heat: the Blask Shark line and Nubia Red Magic.

If we talk about trends, glass and plastic with gradient colors have become stronger in the smartphone industry. Whether there will be a return to metal is unknown.

HUAWEI Mate 20 lite: reliable, with limitless potential

HUAWEI Mate 20 lite

Fans of HUAWEI and Honor will notice similar characteristics between the HUAWEI Mate 20 lite and Honor 8X. Powerful internally, fast performance, long battery life.

However, HUAWEI Mate 20 lite stands out with its wider screen and body design.

It is made of a durable metal alloy, and although it does not have IP68 protection, it can still withstand impacts.

Another feature is the location of the main cameras on the back wall: centrally above the fingerprint scanner.

Bright and rich color reproduction of the HUAWEI Mate 20 lite screen

Pros:

• wide screen with high quality color reproduction;
• stylish appearance;
• The battery discharges in 2-3 days, and charges in 2-3 hours;
• high performance;
• many convenient options;
• cameras that shoot at flagship level.

The HUAWEI Mate 20 lite has no shortcomings as such. He will become a reliable assistant in daily affairs.

Vertex D514 (1,990 rubles)

Why it’s interesting: 2400 mAh battery, low price

Also a push-button device with a powerful battery, but cheaper than Philips. And therefore it can be a good alternative to the Xenium E580. The Vertex has a 2400 mAh battery, but the price is more than two times lower.

Both the front and back panels of the Vertex D514 are made of metal. Although, of course, there are also plastic inserts. On a pleasant note, we note an FM tuner that works without connecting headphones. The screen is relatively small, 2.4 inches. 0.3 megapixel camera. There is a player and Bluetooth.

Xiaomi Mi A2: a good choice for photo lovers

Xiaomi Mi A2

Xiaomi Mi A2 is one of those smartphones that are characterized as controversial. A high-quality display in terms of durability and color reproduction, an impeccable camera and a high quality with no audio jack, NFC module and modest battery life.

For a price of 15,000 rubles, the phone offers everything it should. The main advantage of the smartphone is the camera: a basic module of 20 MP, an additional module of 12 MP.

The latter is designed for enhanced portrait photography. Photos taken at night are clear and noise-free.

Xiaomi Mi A2 is suitable for amateur photographers

Pros:

• camera;
• performance;
• thin and light phone;
• good communication reception: cellular, GPS and WiFi;
• "pure" Android.

Minuses:

• no NFC;
• no headphone jack;
• autonomy of average indicators.