Ordinary users often do not understand why they need super-powerful mobile phones, because smartphones with mid-level technical stuffing today are capable of solving most tasks: from surfing the Internet to running resource-intensive games.
First of all, a sophisticated phone is not only a stylish device, but also the performance required by fans of mobile games, as well as users who enjoy watching panoramic videos in 4K and 8K formats in VR glasses. Also, a top chipset is necessary to get the best pictures and videos. Indeed, in addition to optics, the brightness, clarity, and richness of the photo are affected by post-processing, which requires more and more resources every year. Some manufacturers are implementing a system for improving personnel using artificial intelligence. For the function to work like a charm, you need at least 4 GB of RAM, a progressive video card, and fast internal memory that can instantly save the results.
Music lovers who are accustomed to high-quality, uncompressed sound also experience the need for high-performance hardware. The lossless format, capable of preserving the original sound, requires a lot of internal memory, and to quickly open and convert digital data into sound you cannot do without a super-powerful processor. It’s worth paying attention to the chip’s DSP core, which takes care of audio processing, reducing the load on the main processor.
Based on the rating published by the popular Antutu benchmark at the beginning of 2021, eight out of ten top smartphones were equipped with the Snapdragon 855+ chipset (the exception is Kirin processors supplied for Huawei and Honor). A powerful smartphone in 2021 is the advanced chipset and dual-channel UFS memory that have a dominant impact on the overall performance of the device.
⇡#TECNO POVA 2
- Operating system: Android 11 (proprietary HiOS shell).
- Display: 6.9 inches, IPS, 2460 × 1080.
- Platform: Mediatek Helio G85 (2 × Cortex-A75, 2.0 GHz frequency + 6 × Cortex-A55, 1.8 GHz frequency).
- RAM: 4 GB.
- Flash memory: 64/128 GB.
- Camera: 48+2+2+2 MP.
- Two SIM cards, separate slot for memory card.
- Battery capacity: 7000 mAh
- Price: 13,600 rubles for the 4/64 GB version, 14,600 rubles for the 4/128 GB version.
Why you should buy: Huge display, huge battery.
What can stop it: gigantic dimensions, controversial shell, not enough RAM, so-so performance, one available focal length.
A very highly specialized smartphone - for lovers of both huge and very autonomous devices. TECNO turns both knobs to the maximum, and does not limit the display resolution, as is often the case with gadgets that focus on the battery.
Everything else is more or less based on the residual principle, but a relatively decent level is maintained: there is a camera with a Quad Bayer sensor, a separate slot for a memory card, and a nice design. But there are also plenty of shortcomings - compromises are inevitable with such a specialized gadget.
Alternative: Lenovo K12 Pro . The first smartphone of the Lenovo brand, which has returned to the Russian smartphone market, also offers a large display, but with HD resolution, which allows it to maintain approximately the same level of autonomy with a smaller battery. Also a plus is pure Android, and a generally calmer performance.
Budget models
The best budget models according to customer reviews and ratings.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro 6/64GB
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro 6/64GB: popularity is only growing.
One of the best in terms of price/quality ratio. Autonomy is at its best: it will “feed” your battery, and forget about the need to look for an outlet for a couple of days.
The processor is powerful, there are no noticeable lags. The screen also did not disappoint: the colors are bright and saturated, the contrast is ideal.
The body is made of plastic (on the sides) and glass (back panel). There are 4 cameras installed, there is a macro mode.
The adaptive system will ensure automatic focusing of the lens (which, by the way, are slightly extended from the body, which is why they are often touched). The scanner and camera lenses are on the same side.
Specifications:
- weighs 200 g;
- dimensions: 76.4×161.35×8.79 mm;
- screen diagonal: 6.53 inches;
- sides: 19.5:9;
- processor: MediaTek Helio G90T;
- video processor: Mali-G76 MC4.
Advantages
- camera;
- functional;
- power;
- speed of response;
- energy intensity;
- price.
Flaws
- MIUI 12;
- at night the camera takes pictures rather poorly;
- glass can get scratched in a matter of days.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 4/128GB (NFC)
An inexpensive smartphone option with good performance.
There are 4 colors on sale: black, green, gray and white.
Holds 2 SIM cards, there is a payment function without contact (so as not to carry a card or bills with you).
The display is touch-sensitive, with parameters sufficient for comfortable use.
On top of the screen is ultra-durable scratch-resistant glass. Cameras 4: main, ultra-wide (ultra-wide-angle), macro and depth sensor at 2.40.
Among the functionalities they have: a mode of enlarged shooting and concentration on an object, a photo flash from an LED.
Specifications:
- weight: 199 g;
- parameters: 77.2×162.3×8.9 mm;
- Wi-Fi: 802.11ac, Direct;
- processor: MediaTek Helio G85;
- video processor: Mali-G52 MC2;
- built-in memory: 128 GB;
- RAM: 4 GB.
Advantages
- a lot of memory;
- The battery lasts for two days;
- responds quickly to commands;
- there is a protective film on the screen;
- good camera;
- the sound is moderately loud and clear;
- Galileo.
Flaws
- many intrusive Mi applications and services;
- heavy;
- Traces of sweat and grease are clearly visible on the back panel.
ZTE Blade 20 Smart
ZTE Blade 20 Smart: worth paying attention to.
A nice gadget with a triple camera and a capacious battery. Based on an 8-core processor and Android operating system.
Support for OTG (On-The-Go) technology allows the smartphone to act as a storage device.
4 GB RAM, 128 GB built-in, microSD card support.
Artificial intelligence allows you to select the optimal mode for shooting.
To determine the user's territorial location, the system includes BeiDou, A-GPS, GLONASS and good old GPS. The memory can be increased up to 512 GB.
Specifications:
- weighs 190 g;
- dimensions: 76.6×162.9×8.5 mm;
- screen: 16.78 million colors;
- diagonal: six and a half inches;
- pixels per inch (PPI): 265;
- microcontroller: MediaTek Helio P60;
- Energy storage: 5000 mAh.
Advantages
- fingerprint sensor;
- responds to commands with words;
- there is a fast charging function;
- the battery holds a charge for about two days;
- price.
Flaws
- Manufacturers did not include a cover to protect against damage;
- the body is easy to scratch;
- The camera is weak.
⇡#OnePlus Nord N10 5G
- Operating system: Android 10 (proprietary shell).
- Display: 6.49 inches, IPS, 2400 × 1080 pixels, 90 Hz.
- Platform: Qualcomm Snapdragon 690 (2 × Kryo 560 Gold, 2.0 GHz frequency and 6 × Kryo 560 Silver, 1.7 GHz frequency).
- RAM: 6 GB.
- Flash memory: 128 GB.
- Camera: 64+8+2+2 MP.
- Dual SIM cards, hybrid memory card slot.
- Battery capacity: 4300 mAh.
- Price: 19,990 rubles.
Why you should buy: 90 Hz display, rear-panel scanner, good hardware platform, good ergonomics, excellent battery life and fast charging, almost pure Android.
What can stop it: no official supplies, usually more than 20 thousand, the display is so-so (except for 90 Hz).
The cheapest OnePlus gets a lot of criticism, but if you can snag it for less than 20 thousand rubles, it can be a very good choice. Yes, there will be no update to Android 12, there is no talk of “killing flagships”, but at its level it looks more than decent - if you don’t mind the boring and even slightly archaic design with a rear fingerprint scanner (which in this case works averagely) , but the location is still the most convenient).
The pluses are a very good hardware platform (although its main feature, of course, is not played out here - there is only talk about 5G in Russia, nothing more), a screen with support for 90 Hz, a fast and unobtrusive shell, excellent battery life.
Alternative: vivo Y31 . Vivo smartphones are again slightly overpriced - the V series no longer falls into the category under 20 thousand rubles, although last year's V20 SE was very good in this range. However, the vivo Y31, which still fits, is quite good: excellent design, large and well-tuned screen, dedicated (and not hybrid, like the OnePlus N10) memory card slot - although overall nothing outstanding, of course. A normal moderate choice - worth paying attention in case of some interesting promotions, 15 thousand is a good option.
iPhone Xs Max 4GB+256GB (350241)
Older version of iPhone XS. It is distinguished primarily by a larger display diagonal (6.5 inches versus 5.8 inches), increased resolution, body dimensions, and a more capacious battery. That's all the differences, even the cameras are the same.
Why did the XS Max earn slightly less points? Probably due to the larger display diagonal.
- Screen diagonal: 6.5 inches
- Screen resolution: 2688×1242
- Weight: 208 g
- Number of SIM cards: 2 (eSIM)
- Processor: Apple A12 Bionic
- Memory capacity: 256 GB
- RAM capacity: 4 GB
- Battery capacity: 3179 mAh
- Rear camera: dual 12/12 MP
- Front camera: 7 MP
- Memory card support: no
Realme GT
A good smartphone stands out not only for its high-tech characteristics, but also for its attractive design. This model boasts both design and hardware components. The phone consists of a pleasant-to-touch body and a 6.43-inch infinity Super AMOLED screen. It makes no sense to say how clear the picture will be conveyed by such an advanced matrix.
Under the hood is the same eight-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 888. Yes, this is the most powerful processor, if you do not take into account components from Apple and the Snapdragon 888 Plus modification. The problem with the weak 4500 mAh battery manifested itself here too.
Advantages:
- memory;
- limitless screen;
- performance.
Flaws:
- autonomy.
Price: 41,000 rubles.
iQOO 7 Legend
Another gaming flagship, but from the Chinese company Vivo. The smartphone will definitely attract your attention even with its colorful design and bright 6.62-inch screen. Despite the Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor and 12 GB of RAM, you won’t be able to play on this gadget for a long time. It's all about the 4000 mAh lithium-polymer battery, which barely lasts for a day even with normal load. It’s not clear what manufacturers were thinking when they installed a weak battery on a flagship smartphone.
Advantages:
- Android 11;
- design;
- optimized OS.
Flaws:
- battery.
Price: 41,500 rubles.
ROG Phone 5
This model is produced by Asus, which has already become famous for its components for PCs and laptops. However, Asus does not spend its resources on budget and mid-class phones, but only deals with gaming flagships. This model is distinguished by high autonomy, which is achieved not by one large battery, but by two medium 3000 mAh batteries. Let's start with the fact that the diagonal of the AMOLED screen is 6.78 inches. Gamers will be pleased with the powerful eight-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor and 12 GB of RAM.
Advantages:
- CPU;
- 256 GB ROM;
- battery – 6000 mAh.
Flaws:
- no moisture protection.
Price: 54,000 rubles.
iPhone Xs 4GB+64GB (352405)
An updated version of Apple's iPhone X. There aren't that many changes. For example, the diagonal of the display has not changed (5.8 inches), just as the rear camera has not changed (except for the size of the sensor, which has increased from 1.2 to 1.4 microns), a new color of the body has been added - golden.
Otherwise, the device has become a little more powerful, faster and more expensive.
- Screen diagonal: 5.8 inches
- Screen resolution: 2436×1125
- Weight: 177 g
- Number of SIM cards: 2 (eSIM)
- Processor: Apple A12 Bionic
- Memory capacity: 64 GB
- RAM capacity: 4 GB
- Battery capacity: 2659 mAh
- Rear camera: dual 12/12 MP
- Front camera: 7 MP
- Memory card support: no
⇡#Moto G9 Plus
- Operating system: Android 10.
- Display: 6.81 inches, IPS, 2400 × 1080 pixels.
- Platform: Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G (2 × Kryo 470 Gold, 2.2 GHz frequency and 6 × Kryo 470 Silver, 1.8 GHz frequency).
- RAM: 4 GB.
- Flash memory: 128 GB.
- Camera: 64+8+2+2 MP.
- Dual SIM cards, hybrid memory card slot.
- Battery capacity: 5000 mAh.
- Price: 19,690 rubles.
Why it’s worth buying: large display, pure Android, powerful Qualcomm platform, good main camera, normal battery life + fast charging.
What can stop it: impressive dimensions, lack of RAM, secondary cameras do not shine.
One of the points from last year’s selection does not change in 2021. Motorola did not prepare an adequate replacement for the G9 Plus in a year, but it did not really become obsolete - but it managed to become more expensive. A year ago you could buy it for 17 thousand, and now - for almost 20. Such things.
Otherwise, it's still a good choice. The platform is still relevant - there are really no more powerful smartphones in this selection, there are only comparable ones. The screen is large (though not extreme, the Infinix Note 10 Pro is responsible for this), the main camera is good, there is fast charging, and Android is still the same clean, without impurities. Unless the amount of RAM is seriously starting to confuse. And so it’s a very worthy device, and not only for fans of the brand.
Alternative: M oto G9 Play . If you really want Motorola, but have less money, everything is simple.
Asus ROG Phone 3
As we said above, Asus only deals in gaming smartphones with powerful specifications and high prices. In addition, users will definitely be pleased with the design, made in the style of dynamic cyberpunk. This model uses the already improved Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Plus processor, which is at least one of the top three processors. Surprisingly, this device comes with 512GB ROM and 16GB RAM. In general, if you need all the technological performance available, then we recommend paying attention to this model.
Advantages:
- memory;
- CPU;
- screen;
- design.
Flaws:
- not noticed.
Price: 86,000 rubles.
iPhone Xr 3GB+128GB (334365)
A completely new model from Apple. It is slightly smaller than the Xs Max, but larger than the Xs due to the 6.1-inch display. But here there are very bright shades of the body, but there is a single rear camera, which, however, takes excellent pictures. Interestingly, the Xr costs less than both the Xs and Xs Max. At the same time, the device uses the same processor as in these models - Apple A12 Bionic.
The huge number of points also indicates excellent optimization of the iOS firmware.
- Screen diagonal: 6.1 inches
- Screen resolution: 1792×828
- Weight: 194 g
- Number of SIM cards: 2 (eSIM)
- Processor: Apple A12 Bionic
- Memory capacity: 128 GB
- RAM capacity: 3 GB
- Battery capacity: 2942 mAh
- Rear camera: 12 MP
- Front camera: 7 MP
- Memory card support: no
The fastest smartphone priced from 20 to 30 thousand rubles: Xiaomi Mi 9
A veteran of the market, released in early 2021. However, even today the Mi 9 is amazingly good – especially for the 23 thousand rubles that are now asking for it. In terms of performance, it can literally tear apart all other smartphones costing up to 30 thousand - and all thanks to the powerful Snapdragon 855. This flagship chip is still incredibly cool and very productive today. In the same AnTuTu, the smartphone scores about 430 thousand points - and no other device can keep up with it for comparable money.
Everything else about Xiaomi Mi 9 is also in perfect order. And the AMOLED screen is not bad, and the “trio” of rear cameras takes pictures quite sanely, and wireless charging is supported. By the way, this is actually the most inexpensive device today with such a feature - if you don’t count dubious crafts from AliExpress.
Huawei Mate 40 Pro
The flagship from the Chinese manufacturer, which received mixed reviews from buyers. Let's start with the main disadvantage - the lack of Google services. For the average buyer, this will come as a shock, because Play Market, Google Drive and YouTube will disappear from the device. If the last two have installable replacements, then as an alternative to the Market, Huawei has released the AppGallery application. The processor in this gadget is HiSilicon Kirin 990 5G, which is slightly inferior to Snapdragon.
Advantages:
- fast charging;
- display;
- quality of photographs.
Flaws:
- no Google services.
Price: 66,000 rubles.
