Which phone should I buy in 2021?

If you need a fresh gadget for communication, games, and navigation, but you don't want to spend a lot of money.

Best Low Budget Smartphones

1. Samsung Galaxy A01 (SM ‑ A015F / DS)

• Processor: 8-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, up to 2 GHz.
• Memory: 2/32 GB, slot for microSD cards up to 512 GB.
• Cameras: main - 13 Mp and 2 Mp, front - 5 Mp.
• Screen: 5.7 inches, TFT, 1,520 x 720 pixels.
• Battery: 3000 mAh.
• Fast / wireless charging: no / no.
• OS: Android 10, One UI shell.

Stylish slim smartphone with a “limitless” screen and decent cameras. With it, you can make spectacular portraits with a blurred background, play simple games, comfortably use social networks, instant messengers, and navigators.

There is also a basic version of the Samsung Galaxy A01 with 1 / 16GB of storage and a single main camera. But its capabilities are much more modest, and the price is only 1 thousand rubles lower.

2. Honor 9S

• Processor: 8-core MediaTek MT6762R, up to 2 GHz.
• Memory: 2/32 GB, slot for microSD cards up to 512 GB.
• Cameras: main - 8 Mp, front - 5 Mp.
• Screen: 5.45 inches, IPS, 1 440 x 720 pixels.
• Battery: 3,020 mAh.
• Fast / wireless charging: no / no.
• OS: Android 10, no google services.

A bright screen, a sufficiently powerful processor, and face unlocking - this smartphone has everything you need for comfortable everyday use. Support for two SIM-cards will help save on communications: for example, you can use one card for cheap calls within the network, the other for the Internet. There is a separate slot for microSD. The battery, according to the manufacturer, will last for 17 hours of video playback. And you can do without Google services: you can find everything you need in the AppGallery alternative app store.

3.Xiaomi Redmi 9C

• Processor: 8-core MediaTek Helio G35, 1.8 GHz.
• Memory: 2/32 GB, 3/64 GB, slot for microSD cards up to 512 GB.
• Cameras: main - 13 Mp + 2 Mp + 2 Mp, front - 5 Mp.
• Screen: 6.53 inches, IPS, 1600 x 720 pixels.
• Battery: 5000 mAh.
• Fast/wireless charging: yes, up to 22.5 W / no.
• OS: Android 10.

A budget smartphone with a large battery that lasts a couple of days of operation and supports dual-band Wi-Fi. Thanks to fast charging, you can replenish energy from 0 to 100% in a couple of hours. The built-in NFC module will allow contactless payments at almost any cash register. The triple camera will open up new possibilities for photography and video: from portraits with beautiful bokeh to macro photography. A powerful processor will make it possible to run fresh games, albeit not at maximum settings.

4. OPPO A12

• Processor: 8-core MediaTek Helio P35, up to 2.3 GHz.
• Memory: 3/32 GB, slot for microSD cards up to 256 GB.
• Cameras: main - 13 Mp + 2 Mp, front - 5 Mp.
• Screen: 6.22 inches, TFT, 1,520 x 720 pixels.
• Battery: 4 230 mAh.
• Fast/wireless charging: yes, up to 10 W / no.
• OS: Android 9, ColorOS shell.

The smartphone with the original design received a rather powerful processor and a capacious battery - this bundle will provide up to 8 hours of games and up to 17 hours of watching videos. By the way, on the elongated screen with a neat V-shaped cutout for the front camera, it is convenient to watch "wide" professional-level video. With dual-band Wi-Fi, the connection will be more stable and the ping will be lower. The quality of the photo is also on the level: the dual camera will determine the depth of the scene, emphasize faces and beautifully blur the background.

Best Smartphones For Photography

The camera in a smartphone is sometimes more expensive than a processor, but the results are inspiring.

1. Huawei Mate 40 Pro

• Processor: 8-core Huawei Kirin 9000 5G, up to 3.13 GHz.
• Memory: 8/256 GB, slot for microSD cards up to 256 GB.
• Cameras: main - 50 Mp + 20 Mp + 12 Mp + TOF (depth sensor), front - 13 Mp + TOF.
• Screen: 6.76 inches, OLED, 2,772 x 1,344 pixels, 90 Hz.
• Battery: 4 400 mAh.
• Fast/wireless charging: yes, up to 66 W / yes, up to 50 W.
• OS: Android 10, EMUI 11 shell.

The flagship device with support for the latest Wi-Fi 6 and 5G connectivity, an incredibly powerful processor, and impressive storage capacity also delivers impressive photo capabilities. At the time of publication, it heads the DxOMark smartphone rating.

The main camera with a cinema lens for Huawei Mate 40 Pro was developed by the legendary Leica brand: it has a universal module, a tele- and an ultra-wide-angle lens, and a scene depth sensor. The 5x optical zoom magnifies the image up to five times without loss of quality, while the 50x digital zoom uses intelligent algorithms to capture crisp, detailed images from far away. Phase focus works quickly and accurately even at dusk.

The front camera deserves special praise: it shoots at up to 240 frames per second, can automatically switch to a wide-angle mode, and record video simultaneously with the main one.

2. Xiaomi Mi 10 Ultra

• Processor: 8-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 865, up to 2.85 GHz.
• Memory: 12/256 GB.
• Cameras: main - 48 Mp + 48 Mp + 12 Mp + 20 Mp, front - 20 Mp.
• Screen: 6.67 inches, OLED, 2,340 x 1,080 pixels, 120 Hz.
• Battery: 4 500 mAh.
• Fast / wireless charging: yes, 120 W / yes, 50 W.
• OS: Android 10, shell MIUI 12.

Immediately after the release, this smartphone topped the DxOMark rating, but later lost to Huawei Mate 40 Pro and moved to the second position. The versatile camera shoots confidently even in the dark thanks to the improved night mode. The square periscope module includes 5x optical and 120x hybrid zoom. There is also a second telephoto module with 2x optical zoom for portraits and an ultra-wide-angle camera for architecture, landmarks, and other large forms.

Inside is a top-end processor that provides intelligent processing of photos and videos in real-time. Liquid cooling helps keep it productive, even under maximum load. Record-breaking wired charging will charge your smartphone from 0 to 41% in 5 minutes, and a full charge will take 23 minutes. There's also 10W reverse wireless charging to recharge your headphones, fitness tracker, and other gadgets.

3. Samsung Galaxy S20 FE

• Processor: 8-core Samsung Exynos 990, up to 2.73 GHz.
• Memory: 6/128 GB, 8/256 GB, slot for microSD cards up to 1 TB.
• Cameras: main - 12 Mp + 12 Mp + 8 Mp, front - 32 Mp.
• Screen: 6.5 inches, Super AMOLED, 2,400 x 1,080 pixels, 120 Hz.
• Battery: 4 500 mAh.
• Fast/wireless charging: yes, 25 W / yes, 15 W.
• OS: Android 10, One UI shell.

Samsung is famous for its excellent mobile cameras, which it installs on its own smartphones and sells to other manufacturers. The company's best photo smartphone to date is the Galaxy S20 Ultra. But we decided to talk about its "little brother": Samsung Galaxy S20 FE (Fan Edition) - a model with decent cameras and other characteristics, which is 35-40 thousand rubles cheaper than the flagship.

It would seem that 12 megapixels are not 48 or 50. But it uses a matrix with large pixels that collect more light, so the photos come out clear, with natural colors and minimal noise. The 3x optical zoom allows you to get closer to your subjects without losing quality. Plus, the main camera shoots in 8K resolution - perfect for post-processing or viewing on a huge TV screen.

Also, the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE received an IP68 water-resistant housing. You can shoot without fear of splashes. And save photos and videos - both in internal memory and on a record-sized MicroSD card.

4. iPhone 12 Pro

• Processor: 6-core А14 Bionic.
• Memory: operational - 6 GB, built-in - 128/256/512 GB.
• Cameras: main - 12 Mp + 12 Mp + 12 Mp + LiDAR, front - 12 Mp.
• Screen: 6.1-inch OLED Super Retina XDR, 2,532 x 1,170 pixels.
• Battery: 2,775 mAh.
• Fast / wireless charging: Yes, 20W / Yes, 7.5W Qi and 15W magnetic charging.
• OS: iOS.

The camera system of the iPhone 12 Pro is making clear progress: it shoots better than the iPhone 11 Pro, especially in low or difficult lighting. And this is the first camera to support Dolby Vision video - with professional-quality surround sound.

The main camera captures 27% more light, and the ultra-wide-angle camera now supports night mode. The 4x optical zoom helps you shoot from long distances without attracting attention, such as animals or birds. The LiDAR sensor builds a three-dimensional model of the scene - this helps to fit augmented reality objects into it.

The smartphone can withstand immersion underwater to a depth of 6 m. If you go diving or snorkeling, you can take stunning photos of underwater inhabitants.

Best Gaming Smartphones For Gamelovers

To feel confident in any top game and enjoy the process.

1. Realme 7

• Processor: 8-core MediaTek Helio G95, up to 2.05 GHz.
• Memory: 8/128 GB, slot for microSD cards up to 256 GB.
• Cameras: main - 48 Mp + 8 Mp + 2 Mp + 2 Mp, front - 16 Mp.
• Screen: 6.5 inches, IPS, 2,400 x 1,080 pixels, 90 Hz.
• Battery: 5000 mAh.
• Fast / wireless charging: yes, 30 W / no.
• OS: Android 10, Realme UI shell.

The OPPO sub-brand is sometimes called the "Xiaomi killer". Indeed, the company makes smartphones with great features, which often cost less than the "Chinese Apple".

Fresh Realme 7 is one of the best budget smartphones for gamers: the gadget received a powerful MediaTek Helio G95 processor, a solid amount of memory, and a screen with a refresh rate increased to 90 Hz. On it, even dynamic scenes will be rendered extremely smoothly. And support for powerful charging will help you quickly replenish energy and get back into the game.

2. Realme X3 Pro

In the photo Realme X2 Pro

• Processor: 8-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+, up to 2.84 GHz.
• Memory: 8/12 GB RAM, 128/256 internal memory, microSD card slot.
• Cameras: main - 64 Mp + 8 Mp + 5 Mp + 2 Mp, front - 32 Mp.
• Screen: 6.6 inches, AMOLED, 2,400 x 1,080 pixels, 90 Hz.
• Battery: 4 400 mAh.
• Fast / wireless charging: yes, 65 W / no.
• OS: Android 10, Realme UI shell.

The smartphone has already appeared in benchmarks but has not yet arrived in stores. It is expected that at the start of sales it will cost about 27 thousand rubles.

The specifications are preliminary, and it was initially assumed that the top-end Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 will be installed in the Realme X3 Pro. But choosing in favor of last year's leader 855+ will provide a much lower price. But there will be up to 12 GB of RAM and a high-quality display with support for DC Dimming technology to eliminate the harmful PWM effect (fast flickering).

However, the official sales date is still unknown. If you don't want to wait, take a look at the 2019 Realme X2 Pro - also on Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+, with 8/128 GB of storage and a screen with a refresh rate of 90 Hz.

3. Xiaomi Black Shark 3S

• Processor: 8-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 865, up to 2.84 GHz.
• Memory: 8/12/16 GB of RAM, 128/256/512 GB of internal memory.
• Cameras: main - 64 Mp + 13 Mp + 5 Mp, front - 20 Mp.
• Screen: 6.7 inches, AMOLED, 2,400 x 1,080 pixels, 120 Hz.
• Battery: 4,729 mAh.
• Fast / wireless charging: yes, 65 W / no.
• OS: Android 10, Joy UI 12.

A smartphone powered by a top-end Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 processor allows you to run any mobile games at maximum settings. The refresh rate increased to 120 Hz ensures comfort and accuracy of rendering scenes. The 65 Watt charging from 0 to 100% replenishes energy in 38 minutes.

Xiaomi Black Shark 3S supports Screen Mirroring technology via USB 3.0 Type ‑ C. With it, you can connect your smartphone to a TV, run the Shark Space 3.0 proprietary application and play on a large screen at 60 frames per second.

Xiaomi Black Shark 3S is even capable of replacing a game console. It supports gamepads, keyboards, and mice via the OTG interface. Also, the gadget works in Wi-Fi 6 and 5 GHz Wi-Fi-range - here the connection will be more stable and faster. And the unusual gaming design will inspire you to win.

4. ASUS ROG Phone 3

• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+, up to 3.1 GHz.
• Memory: 12/16 GB of RAM, 512 GB of internal memory.
• Cameras: main - 48 Mp + 13 Mp + 5 Mp, front - 24 Mp.
• Screen: 6.59 inches, AMOLED, 2,340 x 1,080 pixels, 144 Hz.
• Battery: 6,000 mAh.
• Fast / wireless charging: yes, 30 W / no.
• OS: Android 10.

The best gaming smartphone, the leader in benchmarks, a model based on the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ with an increased frequency of up to 3.1 GHz, as well as a screen that is updated at 144 GHz - like professional gaming monitors. The original GameCool 3 cooling system prevents throttling (dropped frames) even at maximum system load.

The AirTriggers have also been updated here - the ultrasonic keys on the right side can be configured for each application. Now the buttons support swipes: more gestures - more convenient control.

In X mode (improved performance), you can manually adjust the settings to comfortably play various games: the refresh rate, processor settings, network connection, and more are set. And the ROG HyperCharge direct charging technology allows you to replenish energy as quickly as possible - the connector, by the way, is located on the side and does not interfere with the game.

Best Expensive Smartphones For High-end Performance

Rational choice: maximum possibilities in its class.

1. Samsung Galaxy A11

• Processor: 8-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 450, up to 1.8 GHz.
• Memory: 2/32 GB, slot for microSD cards up to 512 GB.
• Cameras: main - 13 Mp + 5 Mp + 2 Mp, front - 8 Mp.
• Screen: 6.4 inches, TFT, 1,560 x 720 pixels.
• Battery: 4000 mAh.
• Fast / wireless charging: yes, 15 W / no.
• OS: Android 10, One UI shell.

A smartphone with a "borderless" screen in the entire front panel, a powerful enough 8-core Snapdragon processor, fast charging, and NFC support is a good choice for teenagers and for people who need a reliable modern gadget for every day. The performance is enough to fight Fortnite or Tanks on medium settings.

The triple camera includes a versatile module, a wide-angle lens, and a depth sensor: you can shoot effective portraits with blurred backgrounds, landmarks, and landscapes. The smartphone is unlocked by face recognition. Always On Display is supported: the most important information is displayed on the screen of a turned-off smartphone. And the NFC module will allow contactless payments at the checkout.

2. OPPO A53

• Processor: 8-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 460, up to 1.8 GHz.
• Memory: 4/64 GB, 4/128 GB, slot for microSD cards up to 256 GB.
• Cameras: main - 13 Mp + 2 Mp + 2 Mp, front - 8 Mp.
• Screen: 6.5 inches, TFT, 1600 x 720 pixels, 90 Hz.
• Battery: 5000 mAh.
• Fast / wireless charging: yes, 18W / no.
• OS: Android 10, shell ColorOS.

A modern smartphone with a powerful processor and a screen with a refresh rate of 90 Hz is a good option for budget gaming. An impressive battery charge will last for a couple of days, and you can replenish energy from 0 to 100% in about an hour and a half. The triple camera delivers good photos, including close-ups from up to 4cm. Support for the aptX codec for Hi-Res audio over Bluetooth - great sound, even with wireless in-ear headphones.

3. Xiaomi Redmi Note 9

• Processor: 8-core MediaTek Helio G85, up to 2 GHz.
• Memory: 3/64 GB, 4/128 GB, slot for microSD cards up to 512 GB.
• Cameras: main - 48 Mp + 8 Mp + 2 Mp + 2 Mp, front - 13 Mp.
• Screen: 6.53 inches, IPS, 2,340 x 1,080 pixels.
• Battery: 5,020 mAh.
• Fast / wireless charging: yes, 22.5 W / no.
• OS: Android 10, shell MIUI 12.

The newest smartphone in the budget line, Xiaomi Redmi, quickly made it to the top of sales. Its main advantages: a powerful processor that successfully copes with fresh games at settings above average, a cool quad-camera (a universal 48-megapixel module, as well as an ultra-wide-angle module, macro camera, and depth sensor), a solid battery with support for fast charging. A stylish body and bright bezel-less screen complete the impression.

4. Huawei P40 Lite

• Processor: 8-core Huawei Kirin 810, up to 2.27 GHz.
• Memory: 6/128 GB, slot for microSD cards up to 256 GB.
• Cameras: main - 48 Mp + 8 Mp + 2 Mp + 2 Mp, front - 13 Mp.
• Screen: 6.4 inches, IPS, 2,310 x 1,080 pixels.
• Battery: 4 200 mAh.
• Fast / wireless charging: yes, 40 W / no.
• OS: Android 10.

This model has one of the best cameras in the budget. The 48MP sensor picks up enough light to capture crisp, true-to-life photos, while the Super Night Selfie 2.0 mode for the front camera captures cool selfies even at dusk. Decent performance is provided by a powerful 8-core processor coupled with 6 GB of RAM. The large, bright screen makes movies and games enjoyable.

The only drawback is that the Huawei P40 Lite does not have Google services. But all the apps you need - from new games to Odnoklassniki - are already in the App Gallery, an alternative app store.

5. Samsung Galaxy A51

• Processor: 8-core Samsung Exynos 9611, up to 2.3 GHz.
• Memory: 4/64 GB, 6/128 GB, slot for microSD cards up to 512 GB.
• Cameras: main - 48 Mp + 12 Mp + 5 Mp + 5 Mp, front - 32 Mp.
• Screen: 6.5 inches, Super AMOLED, 2,400 x 1,080 pixels.
• Battery: 4000 mAh.
• Fast / wireless charging: yes, 15 W / no.
• OS: Android 10, One UI shell.

A productive smartphone on which new games are confidently launched and other heavy applications work without complaints. It will also delight you with the quality of shooting: the sensitive matrix provides good detail, there is a tele- and an ultra-wide-angle lens, and a module for macro photography. Intelligent algorithms process video in real-time. The signature Super AMOLED screen guarantees exceptional picture quality. The battery will last for a couple of days with average usage: it's all about deep internal optimization of the hardware and software.

6. Oneplus Nord

• Processor: 8-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G, 2.4 GHz.
• Memory: 8/128 GB, 12/256 GB.
• Cameras: main - 48 Mp + 8 Mp + 5 Mp + 2 Mp, front - 32 Mp + 8 Mp.
• Screen: 6.44 inches, Fluid AMOLED, 2,400 x 1,080 pixels, 90 Hz.
• Battery: 4 115 mAh.
• Fast / wireless charging: yes, 30 W / no.
• OS: Android 10, OxygenOS shell.

The Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G processor was created for the "killers" of flagships - smartphones with top-end features and an adequate price tag. Oneplus Nord is just like that: it will be comfortable to play fresh games on it, take impressive photos, including at night, run a dozen applications simultaneously - without any freezes.

The original Fluid AMOLED screen supports an increased refresh rate, making dynamic scenes in games and movies especially fluid. A quick charge will replenish energy from 0 to 70% in just half an hour. And there is also support for 5G networks.  

Best Smartphones For All Time

If you are ready to close your eyes to the price tag and just choose what you want.

1. iPhone 12 mini

• Processor: 6-core A14 Bionic, up to 3.1 GHz.
• Memory: operational - 4 GB, built-in - 64/128/256 GB.
• Cameras: main - 12 Mp + 12 Mp, front - 12 Mp.
• Screen: 5.4 inches, OLED Super Retina XDR, 2,340 x 1,080 pixels.
• Battery: 2,227 mAh.
• Fast/wireless charging: yes, 20W / yes, 7.5W Qi and 15W magnetic charging.
• OS: iOS 14.

The best compact flagship on the market. It received a powerful processor, a traditionally excellent screen, support for fast wireless magnetic charging, and other top-end features.

iPhone 12 mini allows you to download data on the LTE network at speeds up to 2 Gbps, shoot wide-angle video at a depth of 6 m and take spectacular selfies. The built-in neural processor takes care of all the tasks associated with artificial intelligence algorithms: due to this, you get cool photos and videos in real-time, save energy, communicate with Siri and forget that your smartphone can slow down at all. Apple relies on deep internal optimization, so even with lower settings, the company's devices are not inferior to competitors.

2. iPhone 12 Pro Max

• Processor: 6-core A14 Bionic, up to 3.1 GHz.
• Memory: operational - 6 GB, built-in - 128/256/512 GB.
• Cameras: main - 12 Mp + 12 Mp + 12 Mp + LiDAR, front - 12 Mp.
• Screen: 6.7-inch OLED Super Retina XDR, 2,778 x 1,284 pixels.
• Battery: 3 687 mAh.
• Fast/wireless charging: yes, up to 20W / yes, 7.5W Qi, and 15W magnetic charging.
• OS: iOS 14.

This model received the largest screen and the best cameras in the lineup. iPhone 12 Pro Max has 5x optical zoom and a larger sensor on the main camera that collects more light, which makes colors more accurate and reduces frame noise, even in low light. In addition, a telephoto module with a focal length reduced to 65 mm was installed in the model - for especially spectacular portraits and even individual photos of eyes, lips, and so on.

iPhone 12 Pro Max's bezel is made of surgical stainless steel - extremely durable and mirror-polished. The screen is covered with a new generation Ceramic Shield glass. The enlarged battery will provide up to 17 hours of video playback, which means that the charge will last for a couple of days with average activity.

3. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2

• Processor: 8-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 865+ (1 core 3.1 GHz + 3 cores 2 GHz + 4 cores 1.8 GHz).
• Memory: 12/256 GB.
• Cameras: main - 12 Mp + 12 Mp + 12 Mp, front - 10 Mp.
• Screen: 7.6 inches, Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 2,208 x 1,768 pixels, 120 Hz + 6.2 inches, Super AMOLED, 2,260 x 816 pixels.
• Battery: 4 500 mAh.
• Fast/wireless charging: yes, up to 15 W / yes, up to 10 W.
• OS: Android 10, One UI shell.

The second version of the original folding smartphone: it took into account all the shortcomings of the first model and added new features. The Galaxy Z Fold2 has two screens: an external traditional and an internal foldable - it, by the way, has an increased refresh rate.

The model supports advanced technologies, allows you to shoot in excellent quality thanks to large cameras and intelligent processing technologies, launch fresh games, listen to Hi-Res-audio in Bluetooth-headphones, and charge compatible gadgets wirelessly. But, of course, the main thing here is an innovative design and an impressive appearance.

4.Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra

• Processor: 8-core Samsung Exynos 990, up to 2.73 GHz.
• Memory: 8/256 GB, 12/512 GB, slot for microSD cards up to 1 TB.
• Cameras: main - 108 Mp + 12 Mp + 12 Mp + laser sensor, front - 10 Mp.
• Screen: 6.9 inches, Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 3,088 x 1,440 pixels, 120 Hz.
• Battery: 4 500 mAh.
• Fast/wireless charging: yes, up to 25 W / yes, up to 15 W.
• OS: Android 10, One UI shell.

A flagship smartphone with stylus support, which greatly expands its capabilities. For example, you can write and draw even when the screen is off - the gadget will save your drawings and notes, and digitize the text for further editing.

It is also incredibly powerful and will show itself in all its glory in the most resource-demanding games. Finally, one of the best cameras on the market will help you capture professional-quality photos and videos (8K-resolution) - from home scenes to clips or movies.

5. Xiaomi Mi Mix Alpha

• Processor: 8-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+, up to 2.96 GHz.
• Memory: 12/512 GB.
• Cameras: 108 Mp + 12 Mp + 20 Mp, front - 10 Mp.
• Screen: 7.92 inches, OLED, 2,088 x 2,250 pixels.
• Battery: 4,050 mAh.
• Fast / wireless charging: yes, 40 W / no.
• OS: Android 10, MIUI 11.

A unique smartphone with a flexible screen wrapped around the body. It is crossed only by a ceramic insert on the rear panel - cameras and a flash are mounted here. The base of the device is made of aerospace titanium alloy. The buttons were completely abandoned - the control is exclusively touch-sensitive.

The Xiaomi Mi Mix Alpha also has a nano-silicon battery instead of the traditional lithium-polymer battery - it has to withstand more recharge cycles and store energy faster. It can be charged even at -100 ° C.

It's hard to say how fragile the screen will be. But he looks incredible!