50 best smartphones in 2023
What smartphone do you want to buy?
To make the right choice, you need to take into account a lot of parameters. Thus, the concept of “best smartphone” becomes very relative. In this material we will analyze in detail the features of the models that are most popular among buyers today.
Editor’s Choice
Sony Xperia 5 III
Sony makes the coolest cameras. Sony has high-quality audio equipment. And in general they succeed in electronics. But they have not yet been able to take away any significant part of the smartphone market. Moreover, there were several attempts at expansion. Perhaps the flagship Xperia 5 III will correct this misunderstanding? The processor is one of the best in 2023 – 888 Snapdragon. Games and apps click.
Note that the model slightly falls out of the general trends for smartphones with very large screens – it is smaller than its competitors. And it’s great when you can choose a more compact form factor.
The cameras also have an interesting feature. In most modern gadgets, when you zoom in on a picture, the smartphone simply crops part of the frame and thereby enlarges the image in the center. As a result, quality disappears. Sony has a real zoom hidden in the lens, which enlarges and brings images closer, which is why the shooting quality does not drop to certain values.
Main characteristics
| OS version at the start of sales | Android 11 |
| Screen | OLED, 2520×1080, 6.1 inches |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 |
| RAM | 8 GB |
| Weight and dimensions (H×W×D) | 157×68×8.2 mm, 168 g |
Rating of the top 5 best inexpensive smartphones
Nokia 2.4
This model is equipped with a 6.5-inch IPS display, which can be called frameless: at the bottom there is a small “chin” with a logo. The 8 MP front camera is hidden in a drop-shaped cutout in the center of the display. As for the internal components, there is 3 GB of RAM and a 64 GB drive.
Main characteristics
| OS version at the start of sales | Android 10 |
| Moisture protection | No |
| Number of SIM cards | 2 |
Redmi Note 9T
The device is equipped with a large 6.53-inch IPS display with a resolution of 1080×2340 pixels (395 ppi). The small hole in its top left corner houses a 13-megapixel selfie camera with a maximum aperture of f/2.25. There is a fingerprint scanner built into the on and off button on the side of the device. On the back of the Redmi Note 9T there is a block of three cameras and an LED flash. The device looks good and feels good in the hands. Its textured polycarbonate back provides improved grip and fingerprint resistance, while Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protects against damage from accidental drops.
Main characteristics
| OS version at the start of sales | Android 10 |
| Moisture protection | No |
| Number of SIM cards | 2 |
Blackview A100
At the beginning of our review of the best smartphones, we mentioned that Blackview seems to be a niche device, because it is shockproof. But there is a line of classic mobile phones within the brand. And the A100 model is very good. What’s good about it?
And the fact is that although the MT6771T chipset is not the newest, it was originally a flagship one. And today it performs very well in gadgets in the mid-low price segment. And play, and solve everyday problems.
realme narzo 50a
A device with a powerful 6000 mAh battery. At average load it works for two days. The G85 chip handles all modern applications and games well. True, 3D shooters and racing games run well only on medium graphics settings. For its price, this is an excellent option for the average user.
The remarkable rear panel also attracts attention. It, unlike most modern gadgets, is ribbed. It is not only interesting to the touch, but also practical: you can wear it without a case and not be afraid of mini-scratches. The cameras take good pictures. There is an expert mode with aperture and shutter speed settings.
Main characteristics
| OS version at the start of sales | Android 11 with Realme UI skin |
| Screen | IPS, 1600×720, 6.5 inches |
| Processor | MediaTek Helio G85 |
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Weight and dimensions (H×W×D) | 165×76×9.6 mm, 207 g |
vivo Y31
If the best smartphone for you is one that combines all the modern interfaces for reasonable money, then consider this option. NFC, dual-band Wi-Fi, high-speed Bluetooth protocol available. You won’t be able to comfortably play modern virtual war games on it. You’ll have to be content with only simple arcade games and solitaire games. But for messenger, reading news and the Internet, the processor is enough for the eyes.
Despite the budget, the camera in this model takes good pictures. Even the video turns out decent. But there is no question of stabilization or shooting at an increased frame rate – at least 60 fps. But the sound from the phone’s speaker is excellent. Users also note the good quality of the display.
Main characteristics
| OS version at the start of sales | Android 11 with Funtouch shell |
| Screen | IPS, 2408×1080, 6.58 inches |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 |
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Weight and dimensions (H×W×D) | 164×75×8.4 mm, 188 g |
Rating of the top 5 flagship smartphones
Apple iPhone 14 Pro
The smartphone is balanced both externally and functionally. There is nothing fundamentally new in the new model. This is a well-loved, understandable, simple and high-quality gadget. Of course, one of the main advantages of this smartphone is the camera: main (48 MP with optical zoom), telephoto and ultra-wide-angle (12 MP each). There are four models in total: iPhone 14 Plus (instead of the usual mini), iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max.
The operating time without recharging is decent – the battery capacity is only 3200 mAh, but thanks to constant optimization of iOS, the battery life is enough for a day and a half of normal use. The A16 Bionic chip provides high performance, so the processor power is enough for stable operation in multitasking mode, as well as in resource-intensive programs and games.
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
For those who need “expensive, rich and not like everyone else.” Not all brands dare to release phones with a stylus, or as they are now called – “pen”. Indeed, why should you if you don’t do graphic design? And if you do, you probably bought a tablet. Of course, the pen has other functions besides drawing. For example, writing messages, interacting with the display, and so on. The processor performance is enough for any modern tasks.
Externally, the smartphone seems to be created to complement the magnificent image of a lady in a cocktail dress in the interiors of the Bolshoi Theater or La Scala. True, this style is not suitable for everyone. The display is interesting, with a signature “Samsung” twist in the form of an image “flowing” onto the side edges. And again: beautiful, but is it functional? And you will have to pay for it.
Main characteristics
| OS version at the start of sales | Android 12 with One UI shell |
| Screen | AMOLED, 3088×1440, 6.8 inches |
| Processor | Exynos 2200 |
| RAM | 8 or 12 GB |
| Weight and dimensions (H×W×D) | 163×78×8.9 mm, 229 g |
Huawei P50
Huawei P50 is equipped with a clear and bright 6.5-inch screen with a resolution of 2700×1224. The size of the device is quite large – 156.5 x 73.8 x 7.9mm. However, the smartphone weighs only 181 g. A distinctive feature of the gadget is the processor from Qualcomm – Snapdragon 888. Built-in memory of 128 GB and RAM of 8 GB will be enough for almost any task. The device went on sale in July 2021. The main camera with a 50 MP sensor takes excellent pictures, and the front camera with a 13 MP sensor is responsible for selfies. Now the price of a smartphone is minimal, so it is worth buying for everyone who is already accustomed to the HarmonyOS 2.0 operating system.
Main characteristics
| operating system | HarmonyOS 2.0 |
| Screen size (diagonal) | 6.5 |
| Permission | 2700×1224 |
| Random Access Memory (RAM) | 8 GB |
Apple iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Pro has a wide range of functionality and a stylish, modern design. The model has a durable body with reliable protection from dust and moisture (protection class – IP68). A bright and rich image is provided by a 6.1-inch screen protected with a special Ceramic Shiel coating; the smartphone is powered by a powerful A14 Bionic processor. Its distinctive features are high performance and good energy efficiency.
In addition, it supports 5G networks . A three-camera system (ultra-wide-angle, wide-angle and tele-camera with 2x optical zoom) allows you to take multiple shots at once. Even in poor lighting, the user can be confident in the high quality of the photos.
Main characteristics
| OS version at the start of sales | iOS 14 |
| Type of shell | classical |
| Corpus material | steel |
| Degree of protection | IP68 |
| Number of SIM cards | 2 |
| SIM card type | nano SIM+eSIM |
| Screen type | color OLED, touch |
| Touch screen type | multi-touch, capacitive, |
| Diagonal | 6.1 inches |
realme GT NEO2
Such models are called “sub-flagships”. That is, it’s not top yet, but the characteristics are much higher than standard models. The only thing it loses to its competitors is its appearance – everything here is succinctly simple. Fans of bright colors can only be pleased with the blue-neon body. But in other aspects it is a very good model.
Take performance – the 870th “dragon”, as the Qualcomm processor is called, is a very powerful chip. In any games and 4K videos, it will show itself to be cooler than most smartphones for a couple of years. In standard use cases, such as news feeds, social networks, instant messengers and photo editors, it works and will work perfectly.
This model can be considered as a kind of profitable investment: it will last a long time and is optimal for the money. The screen here is Super – this is not only a compliment, but also the name of modern AMOLED display technology, known for its contrasting picture.
The camera in all scenarios shows itself as a representative of the major league. But there is one “but” – this is a telephoto lens. He’s not here, and it’s a shame. Only digital zooming of the image, which seriously reduces the quality. Without this nuance, this device would come first.
Main characteristics
| OS version at the start of sales | Android 11 with Realme UI skin |
| Screen | Super AMOLED, 2400×1080, 6.62 inches |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G |
| RAM | 8 or 12 GB |
| Weight and dimensions (H×W×D) | 163×76×9 mm, 200 g |
Rating of the top 5 best Chinese smartphones
Oppo Reno 5
On the screen of this smartphone you will not see cutouts either for the front camera or for the speakers. The entire front part of the case is occupied by a 6.4-inch display. But of course there is a camera and speakers here, they are just hidden in a retractable panel. The camera moves out very quickly (in just 0.8 seconds), but the mechanism for its extension is very complex. The powerful triple rear camera with 10x zoom captures every detail and delivers vibrant, natural colors. And thanks to the 16 MP front camera and various portrait modes, you can easily take perfect selfies.
Main characteristics
| OS version at the start of sales | Android 9.0 |
| Type of shell | classical |
| Number of SIM cards | 2 |
| Diagonal | 6.4 inches |
Motorola Moto G9 Plus
Motorola’s mid-budget smartphone has a crisp, edge-to-edge screen measuring 6.81 inches. It also uses an IPS matrix that supports a resolution of 2400 by 1080 pixels with support for HDR10 technology. Good performance is due to the use of an efficient Snapdragon 730G processor from Qualcomm.
Main characteristics
| OS version at the start of sales | Android 10 |
| Type of shell | classical |
| Moisture protection | No |
| Number of SIM cards | 2 |
Xiaomi Mi 11
Quite an attractive model in the middle price segment. It has a number of features that are worth spending money on. In particular, this is a high resolution of the main camera, a large battery capacity (4,600 mAh), 12 GB of RAM (in the full model) and a stylish design.
Main characteristics
| RAM | 8/12 GB |
| Inner memory | 128/256 GB |
| Display (diagonal) | 6.8 inches |
| operating system | Android 11 |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 |
vivo Y53s
This brand in 2023 is very reminiscent in its positioning of Honor from three or five years ago. The fact is that these are phones designed for creative people and youth and are quite affordable. This is the pre-flagship model in the company’s line.
Android enthusiasts often buy vivo because of its proprietary Funtouch shell, which is faster than many competitors. The processor handles all everyday tasks and 3D games at confident medium settings.
The camera is quite ordinary by modern standards. It works well, but not for shooting super complex scenes like a portrait of a man in a dark nightclub. Adequately large screen. The battery lasts for a full day of use, and the battery charges in about an hour.
Main characteristics
| OS version at the start of sales | Android 11 with Funtouch shell |
| Screen | IPS, 2408×1080, 6.58 inches |
| Processor | Mediatek Helio G80 |
| RAM | 6 or 8 GB |
| Weight and dimensions (H×W×D) | 164×75×8.3 mm, 191 g |
Honor X8
Lightweight and compact smartphone. You might not be able to tell at first glance, but if you take this model and another modern one in your hands, the X8 will be more ergonomic. And the engineers probably borrowed the design from Apple. Due to the size, we had to sacrifice battery capacity. Today there is a certain base for the best smartphones with at least 5000 mAh. This one only has 4000. In reality, that still means a solid day of active use. But, let’s say, without a margin of safety.
The phone’s performance is fine. There is even an interesting option: to allocate part of the drive’s memory for RAM. That is, speed up the performance of the device by sacrificing slightly (2 GB) the disk capacity – it is 128 GB. The most demanding 3D games will run with slight stuttering. But the “tanks” and ordinary “time killers” fly.
Main characteristics
| OS version at the start of sales | Android 11 with MIUI shell |
| Screen | LTPS, 2388×1080, 6.7 inches |
| Processor | Snapdragon 680 |
| RAM | 6 GB |
| Weight and dimensions (H×W×D) | 163×75×7.4 mm, 177 g |
Rating of the top 5 best gaming smartphones
Infinix HOT 12 PLAY NFC
HOT 12 PLAY NFC is equipped with a bright 6.82” screen with a refresh rate of 90Hz, providing smooth images during gaming and everyday use. An impressive 6000 mAh battery guarantees long-term operation of the device on a single charge, while the installed energy-efficient Unisoc Tiger T610 processor can surprise with impressive performance for this price segment.
An important factor in high performance is also 4 GB of RAM with the possibility of software expansion up to 7 GB due to permanent storage space.
In general, if you need a smartphone not only for business, but also sometimes want to play mobile games, HOT 12 PLAY NFC will be a great find for you. NFC technology will allow you to pay for purchases remotely.
Main characteristics
| Model | HOT 12 PLAY NFC 4+64 |
| Screen | 6.82″ IPS, 90Gc, 1640*720 |
| Processor | Unisoc Tiger T610 |
| Main camera | 13MP, AI camera, LED flash with 4 diodes |
| Front-camera | 8MP with dual LED flash |
| Video shooting | 1080p 30FPS |
| ROM/RAM | 64+4GB |
| Battery | 6000 mAh |
| Charger | 10W |
| Fingerprint unlock | Yes |
| operating system | XOS 10 based on Android 11 |
| Recommended retail price | ₽12,990 / 10,990 (promo) |
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
This model is significantly different from most previous gadgets in its appearance. Thus, the front and back sides of the device are covered with durable Gorilla Glass Victus. The side edges of the smartphone are glossy. Above the small front camera is a speaker that is almost invisible, but this does not affect its sound characteristics.
The block with cameras on the back side is harmoniously designed as a continuation of the body. As for the display, its resolution is 3200 x 1440 pixels. The display itself is curved on the sides; this feature does not create any inconvenience during use. The smartphone has 256 GB of user memory and 12 GB of RAM.
Main characteristics
| OS version at the start of sales | Android 11 |
| Type of shell | classical |
| Corpus material | aluminum and glass |
| Degree of protection | IP68 |
| Number of SIM cards | 2 |
| Diagonal | 6.8 inches |
| Image Size | 3200×1440 |
Xiaomi 11T
This model is above the average segment, but does not reach the flagship level. For example, there is a 108 MP camera module. And he takes pretty high-quality photos. But the video seems to have been “stolen” from somewhere in the state budget. Neither stabilization nor sufficient sharpness. The Dimensity 1200 Ultra processor is a rather rare beast in the smartphone market. This is a powerful high-end chip.
Games and applications fly. But no, no, something freezes, and the problem is clearly on the software side. Simply put, the developers left some system bugs that sometimes pop up. Not critical, but it would be better not to have them. Of course, with each update some of the problems go away, but this is still not the case.
Externally, the phone looks good and fits comfortably in the hand. You just need to get used to the dimensions. But any cover kills this beauty and turns it into a “brick”. You say: “yes, it’s like that with everyone!” Let’s object: it is in top smart phones that this effect can be minimized.
Main characteristics
| OS version at the start of sales | Android 11 with MIUI shell |
| Screen | AMOLED, 2400×1080, 6.67 inches |
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 1200 Ultra |
| RAM | 8 GB |
| Weight and dimensions (H×W×D) | 164×77×8.8 mm, 203 g |
Sony Xperia 1 IV
The gaming smartphone is compact and concise, and also has ample capabilities. A 6.5-inch 4K AMOLED screen with a frequency of 120 Hz is responsible for the visual component, which will delight you with its richness and detail. High performance and speed are ensured thanks to the Qualcomm processor and 12 GB of RAM, as well as 256 GB of flash memory.
A special feature is that the device is positioned as a gaming camera phone. Indeed, the shooting quality here is at a high level thanks to autofocus, optical stabilization and four camera modules (main, ultra-wide-angle, telephoto and front). A powerful 5000 mAh battery will withstand even a long gaming session (5-7 hours).
Please note that this smartphone does not come with an adapter or cable (you will have to buy a charger separately). According to customer reviews, the phone gets very hot when used for a long time.
Main characteristics
| Screen | 6.5″ (3840×1644) OLED 120 Hz |
| Memory | built-in 256 GB, 512 GB, RAM 12 GB |
| Photo | 3 cameras, main 12 MP |
| Battery | 5000 mAh |
| operating system | Android 12 |
| Communication standard | 4G LTE, 5G, 3G, 2G |
| Degree of protection | IPX5, IPX8 |
| Weight | 185 |
Nothing Phone 1
The gaming model runs on Android 12 with the Nothing OS interface, which, according to user reviews, is convenient and thoughtful. The powerful Snapdragon 778G+ processor and Adreno 642L graphics make the gaming experience vibrant and enjoyable. Despite its rather large dimensions (75.8×159.2×8.3 mm), the device weighs less than 200 g.
Unfortunately, there is no slot for an SD card – you need to take this into account when purchasing and select the optimal amount of memory right away. The smartphone has a transparent back panel with backlight, reminiscent of a system unit from a gaming PC. However, this is also a drawback: due to the glass surface, the gadget is slippery and lies unsteadily in the hand.
Main characteristics
| Screen | 6.55″ (2400×1080) OLED 120 Hz |
| Memory | built-in 256 GB, RAM 8 GB |
| Photo | dual camera, main 50 MP |
| Battery | 4500 mAh |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G Plus |
| SIM cards | Dual SIM (nano-SIM) |
| operating system | Android 12 |
| Wireless interfaces | NFC, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
| Communication standard | 4G LTE, 5G, 3G, 2G |
| Weight | 193.5 |
Rating of the top 5 best secure smartphones
Ulefone Armor 9Е
A secure smartphone with a thermal imager – this function will be useful when traveling, for example, for detecting animals, and will also be useful in various fields of activity (maintenance of electrical equipment, plumbing, during emergency rescue operations). The device is equipped with a powerful eight-core MediaTek Helio P90 processor that provides high performance.
The smartphone has interesting functionality: a heart rate sensor, a pedometer, a compass, a fingerprint scanner (not very conveniently located, it often works when not needed), a face ID and an NFC contactless payment module. A powerful battery with a capacity of 6600 mAh will not let you down and will delight you with long-term operation without recharging (about two days).
Protected to three standards: international class IP68, German IP69K and US military certificate MIL-STD-810G. According to user reviews, the software is not fully developed – there are too many bugs and fast battery consumption when distributing the Internet.
Main characteristics
| Screen | 6.3″ (2340×1080) IPS |
| Memory | built-in 128 GB, RAM 8 GB |
| Photo | 3 cameras, main 64 MP |
| Battery | 6600 mAh |
| operating system | Android 10 |
| Communication standard | 4G LTE, 3G |
| Degree of protection | IP68 |
| Weight | 320 |
Caterpillar Cat S62 Pro
The model has a built-in advanced thermal imager – it is capable of conveying greater thermal detail to help detect and diagnose dampness, drafts, leaks, hot spots, short circuits, blockages or elevated temperatures. The professional FLIR Lepton 3.5 sensor combined with Flir VividIR Cat S62 Pro technology provides high quality images.
It is worth noting that the cameras effectively enhance the capabilities of the thermal imager, but take pictures poorly. Thus, the smartphone is aimed at a specific group of users who need such a function (representatives of certain professions, travelers).
Blackview BV9900Е
The manufacturer positions this smartphone as ultra-secure. It can be considered this way due to the all-metal casing, thanks to which the gadget meets three main protection standards: IP68, IP69K, MIL-STD-810G). It is not afraid of water (depth up to 5 m), dust, falls from a height (up to 5 m), temperature changes (from -30 to +55), withstands external pressure of 0.5 tons, and is also resistant to external chemical influences.
Unihertz Atom XL
Small but functional and secure smartphone. Despite its size (the screen size is four inches), the device is equipped with a fairly capacious 4300 mAh battery with fast charging technology via the USB-C port (the battery charges 80% in 30 minutes), as well as a 48-megapixel camera and 6 GB of RAM .
The developers missed the point of protecting the charging connector and headphones and did not provide protective covers for them. The difference from competitors is the ability to use a smartphone in areas where there is no connection. The device has a built-in walkie-talkie and antenna, so you can freely communicate with others within a distance of 10 km using the built-in Intercom application. According to user reviews, the Helio P60 Octa Core processor is outdated and no longer receives updates from the manufacturer.
Main characteristics
| Screen size | 4 inches |
| Permission | 1136 x 640 pixels |
| Battery | 4300 mAh |
| Processor | Helio P60 Octa Core, 2,0 ГГц |
| Memory | 6 GB 128 GB |
| operating system | Android 10 |
| Front-camera | 8 MP |
| Main camera | 48 MP |
| Communication standard | 4G LTE, 3G |
| Degree of protection | IP68 |
| Support | GSM/WCDMA/TD SCDMA/FDD/TDD-LTE/CDMA2000 |
| Weight | 243.5 years |
OUKITEL WP8 Pro
One of the most budget protected models. The durable case is made of metal and rubberized, so the smartphone will not be damaged if dropped or hit. The device has IP68 protection, so it is not afraid of interaction with water and dust.
However, all other parameters are quite mediocre: the quality of the images is not up to average (16 MP camera), the screen resolution (1560×720) is also not happy, and the performance is not the best, but if you need a device for communication, especially for use in extreme conditions , this option is quite suitable.
Main characteristics
| Screen | 6.49″ (1560×720) IPS |
| Memory | built-in 64 GB, RAM 4 GB |
| Photo | 3 cameras, main 16 MP |
| Battery | 5000 mAh |
| operating system | Android 10 |
| Communication standard | 4G LTE, 3G |
| Degree of protection | IP68 |
| Weight | 260 years |
Rating of the top 5 best compact smartphones
Apple iPhone 13 mini
Apple smartphones are one of the most popular devices among various users. Therefore, the company released the already beloved gadget in a smaller version with the following characteristics: A15 Bionic processor, a dual camera system with optical stabilization, a powerful battery (2406 mAh) that allows the phone to operate without recharging for 17 hours in video viewing mode, a bright and contrasting Super OLED display Retina XDR.
Main characteristics
| Screen | 5.4″ (2340×1080) OLED 60 Hz |
| Memory | built-in 128 GB, RAM 4 GB |
| Photo | dual camera, main 12 MP |
| Battery | 2406 mAh |
| Processor | Apple A15 Bionic |
| SIM cards | 2 (nano SIM+eSIM) |
| operating system | iOS 15 |
| Wireless interfaces | NFC, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
| Communication standard | 2G, 3G, 4G LTE, 5G |
| Degree of protection | IP68 |
| Weight | 140 years |
Xiaomi 12X
A flagship smartphone with a powerful and productive Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 processor. Despite the fact that it has a 6.28-inch screen, the gadget is light and compact, so it can be easily controlled with one hand. The smartphone is equipped with a 4500 mAh battery and also has a turbo charging function, which replenishes the battery from 0 to 100% in just 39 minutes.
Users note that when charging and working with energy-consuming applications, the phone gets very hot. The bright, professionally calibrated display makes every image look lifelike and vibrant. Please note that the smartphone does not have a headphone jack.
Main characteristics
| Screen | 6.28″ (2400×1080) AMOLED 120 Hz |
| Memory | built-in 128 GB, 256 GB, RAM 12 GB, 8 GB |
| Photo | 3 cameras, main 50 MP |
| Battery | 4500 mAh |
| operating system | Android 11 |
| Communication standard | 2G, 3G, 4G LTE, 5G |
| Weight | 176 |
Sony Xperia 10 IV
Lightweight and compact smartphone with 5G support and a 5000 mAh battery. Sony smartphones are known for their high quality shooting, and this model is no exception. There is a 12-megapixel main camera module with optical stabilization, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle and an 8-megapixel telephoto lens with 2x zoom.
Improved Auto mode, HDR, Night Scene, and AI-powered face sharpening for selfies (compared to previous 8 and 9 Series models). Since this model belongs to the budget segment, the camera takes a long time to focus, and you won’t be able to take pictures quickly, and noise may appear in the dark. There is no charger included.
Main characteristics
| Screen | 6″ (2520×1080) OLED 60 Hz |
| Memory | built-in 128 GB, RAM 6 GB |
| Photo | 3 cameras, main 12 MP |
| Battery | 5000 mAh |
| Processor | Snapdragon 695 |
| SIM cards | Dual SIM (nano-SIM) |
| operating system | Android 12 |
| Wireless interfaces | NFC, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
| Communication standard | 4G LTE, 5G, 3G, 2G |
| Degree of protection | IPX5, IPX8 |
| Weight | 161 |
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3
This folding model can be considered one of the most compact – the size is only 4.2 inches when folded. When unfolded, the smartphone has a 6.7-inch Infinity Flex display, as well as an additional external 1.9-inch screen that displays notifications, current time, and weather. In terms of performance and functionality, the smartphone is also good: it is equipped with a powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor and 8 GB of RAM.
Excellent photos are obtained thanks to the 12 MP wide-angle and ultra-wide-angle camera modules, as well as the 10 MP front camera. The device is durable and reliable, as it has water protection according to the IPX8 standard (can be in water at a depth of 1.5 meters for up to 30 minutes), and the folding mechanism is protected by a special hinge. According to user reviews, the smartphone’s battery is quite weak – the capacity is only 3300 mAh, the charge lasts for 5-7 hours, and the kit does not include an adapter for the charging cable.
Main characteristics
| Screen | 6.7″ (2640×1080) AMOLED 120 Hz |
| Memory | built-in 128 GB, RAM 8 GB |
| Photo | dual camera, main 12 MP |
| Battery | 3300 mAh |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 |
| SIM cards | 2 (nano SIM+eSIM) |
| operating system | Android 11 |
| Wireless interfaces | NFC, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
| Communication standard | 2G, 3G, 4G LTE, 5G |
| Degree of protection | IPX8 |
| Weight | 183 |
Google Pixel 6a
The compact smartphone works smoothly and without lags thanks to the proprietary Tensor processor. The device is equipped with an excellent camera consisting of two modules: a main one with a resolution of 12.2 MP and optical stabilization and an ultra-wide-angle 12 MP with automatic stabilization.
Users note good battery life – 10-12 hours without recharging in video viewing mode at medium brightness (battery capacity – 4410 mAh). Additionally, there is a fingerprint scanner, stereo sound and IP67 water resistance.
Rating of the top 5 best Russian smartphones
MAXVI MS531 Vega
This is a small smartphone with an octa-core MediaTek MT6739 processor. It operates on the Android 8.1 OS (Go edition), a stripped-down version for the budget segment. This decision by the manufacturer is due to the 1 GB of RAM that the device is equipped with. The device has a 3000 mAh battery – it is enough for a day of continuous use. There is a fingerprint scanner on the back panel.
Main characteristics
| Screen | 5.34″ (960×480) IPS |
| Memory | built-in 8 GB, RAM 1 GB |
| Photo | one camera, main 8 MP |
| Battery | 3000 mAh |
| operating system | Android 8.1 (Go edition) |
| Communication standard | 4G LTE, 3G |
| Weight | 169 |
“Yandex.Phone”
The smartphone is powered by a modern Qualcomm Snapdragon 630 processor, has 64 GB of internal memory and 4 GB of RAM. Like other products from Yandex, there is a built-in voice assistant “Alice”. The smartphone supports NFC technology.
YotaPhone 3
The main feature of this model is the presence of two screens: the main 5.5-inch AMOLED with Full HD resolution and the auxiliary E-Ink (electronic ink) screen with a diagonal of 5.2 inches. Thus, you purchase not only a smartphone, but also an e-reader.
The device is equipped with a modern Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 MSM8953 processor, 128 GB of internal memory and 4 GB of RAM. According to user reviews, the gadget’s performance is good, but it slows down when running several applications at the same time.
The 3,300mAh battery is weak for this phone considering it has two screens. Using only the auxiliary one, its charge will last for 12 hours, but if you use both screens, the smartphone will work for no more than 6 hours.
Main characteristics
| Screen | 5.5″ (1920×1080) AMOLED |
| Memory | built-in 128 GB, RAM 4 GB |
| Photo | one camera, main 13 MP |
| Battery | 3300 mAh |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 MSM8953 |
| SIM cards | Dual SIM (nano-SIM) |
| operating system | Android 7.1 |
| Wireless interfaces | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
| Communication standard | 4G LTE, 3G |
| Weight | 170 years |
SENSEIT R450
This device is positioned as protected (IP67) and is suitable for people leading an active lifestyle (hiking, extreme sports) or those whose activities are carried out in harsh conditions. The device is designed for making calls, using a flashlight and listening to the radio. It is possible to access the Internet, but users note that only 2G is supported (the description states that 4G LTE, 3G work).
The body is made of durable plastic, and the 4.5-inch screen glass is shockproof. A 3000 mAh battery is installed, while the manufacturer claims 600 hours of battery life in standby mode.
Main characteristics
| Screen | 4.5″ (854×480) IPS |
| Memory | built-in 8 GB, RAM 1 GB |
| Photo | one camera, main 8 MP |
| Battery | 3000 mAh |
| operating system | Android 6.0 |
| Communication standard | 4G LTE, 3G |
| Weight | 186 |
DIGMA FIRST XS350
Small (screen – 3.5 inches) and budget smartphone, which is suitable for pensioners or children. Equipped with a 1200 mAh battery, 512 MB of internal memory (expandable up to 64 GB) and 256 MB of RAM, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi wireless interfaces, and FM radio. Of the minuses: it runs on Android 2.3 OS, and the camera is only 0.3 MP. Note that there are two slots for SIM cards.
Main characteristics
| Screen | 3.5″ (480×320) |
| Photo | one camera, main 0.3 MP |
| Battery | 1200 mAh |
| SIM cards | 2 |
| operating system | Android 2.3 |
| Wireless interfaces | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
| Weight | 78 years |
Rating of the top 5 best music smartphones
Nokia XR20
A representative from the category of rugged smartphones, that is, rugged smartphones. The first thing that attracts attention is the rubberized body. Practical, non-slip, can be worn without a case. And even if you drop it, it’s okay. At least, according to the specifications, from a height of one and a half meters falling onto the asphalt, nothing will happen to it.
The steel inserts of the case are responsible for the strength. The processor is average – in the best sense of this characteristic. You can play, watch videos in high quality, and run many applications at once. But it’s better to take the version with 6 GB of RAM so that the phone maintains its performance for as long as possible.
The mobile phone screen has an IPS matrix, that is, there is no need to talk about the special saturation and beauty of colors. However, the display is of very high quality and performs to the maximum. If you are not spoiled by AMOLED screens, then after most regular smartphones the quality of this one will seem almost premium to you.
Nokia usually couldn’t surprise you with cameras in their new phones – everything was boring. But surprisingly, there are decent modules here and there is video stabilization.
Main characteristics
| OS version at the start of sales | Android 11 |
| Screen | IPS, 2400×1080, 6.67 inches |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 |
| RAM | 4 or 6 GB |
| Weight and dimensions (H×W×D) | 172×82×10.6 mm, 248 g |
Google Pixel 5
The model has a stylish appearance and fits comfortably in your hands. On the front side, the smartphone is edged in equal frames on all sides; in the corner there is a small hole for the selfie camera. In terms of dimensions, the Pixel 5 is almost a copy of the iPhone 11.
The Pixel 5’s main camera sensor is the Sony IMX363, a not-so-new sensor that also powers the Pixel 3 and Pixel 4. One of the biggest improvements the Pixel 5 has over its predecessor is its 4,080mAh battery. The charge will surely last for the whole day even with intensive use, you can stretch it for a day and a half.
Main characteristics
| OS version at the start of sales | Android 11 |
| Type of shell | classical |
| Corpus material | aluminum |
| Construction | moisture protection |
| Degree of protection | IP68 |
| Number of SIM cards | 2 |
| SIM card type | nano SIM+eSIM |
| Contactless payment | There is |
| Diagonal | 6 inches |
Vivo X50
The ranking of the best smartphones in 2023 continues with the Vivo X50 model, which has an excellent 6.56-inch screen with a resolution of 2376 by 1080 pixels and a refresh rate of 90 Hz. The display of the device is built on an AMOLED matrix. In addition, the advantages of the device include the Ultra Gaming Mode.
The only disadvantages include the slightly inflated price. The smartphone is focused on photography. Vivo positions the device as a universal solution for photography and video recording in any conditions. The smartphone has a system of 4 cameras that are responsible for shooting in certain conditions and scenarios. The main fast lens of the Sony IMX598 has a resolution of 48 megapixels.
Main characteristics
| OS version at the start of sales | Android 10 |
| Moisture protection | No |
| Number of SIM cards | 2 |
Realme 8 Pro
The technical characteristics of this device are ahead of most analogues in its price segment. realme UI 2.0 OS based on Android 11, 128 GB of storage and 6 GB of RAM, 2 SIM cards, a separate slot for a memory card and an 8-core MediaTek Helio G95 processor allowed the device to receive the maximum number of positive user reviews. Realme 8 Pro has a built-in battery with decent capacity. The autonomy of the smartphone in tests is very high, but in real use it behaves the same as most modern smartphones: it cannot do without overnight charging.
Main characteristics
| OS version at the start of sales | Android 11 |
| Moisture protection | No |
| Number of SIM cards | 2 |
| Diagonal | 6.4 inches |
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE
The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE is a great device at a relatively low price. It has disadvantages, but there are many more advantages. First of all, it is worth noting the large AMOLED screen with a refresh rate of 120 Hz. Paired with the Snapdragon 865 processor, it ensures smooth performance in any task. There is also IP68 water protection, long battery life and 5G networks.
Main characteristics
| RAM | 6/8 GB |
| Internal memory | 128/256 GB |
| Display (diagonal) | 6.5 inches |
| operating system | Android 11 |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 |
Leaders of past years
TECNO CAMON 18 Premier
The brand is a newcomer to our ratings of the best smartphones. A very promising brand that does not raise prices and tries to offer users the best features for its price. The Helio G96 chip does not conquer the top lines of synthetic performance tests, but in fact it works well in standard scenarios and allows you to play modern toys.
Main characteristics
| OS version at the start of sales | Android 11 with HiOS shell |
| Screen | AMOLED, 2400×1080, 6.7 inches |
| Processor | MediaTek G96 |
| RAM | 8 GB |
| Weight and dimensions (H×W×D) | 164×76×8.1 mm, 200 g |
Samsung Galaxy Note 20
This model uses an 8-core processor, a powerful video processor and 8 GB of RAM, which allows it to work very quickly and without freezing when performing even the most serious tasks. A powerful battery will supply the phone with energy for several hours. With a 6.7-inch screen, this is one of the largest smartphones in the ranking.
Main characteristics
| Degree of protection | IP68 |
| Number of SIM cards | 2 |
| Screen type | color Dynamic AMOLED, touch |
Realm 7
A distinctive feature of this model is the presence of four lenses for video recording. The camera interface is very simple and intuitive. The processor is Helio G95 with Mali-G76 MC4 graphics accelerator. The battery capacity is 5000 mAh. The model runs on the Android 10 operating system. In addition, the device is attractive with its stylish appearance and durable body.
Main characteristics
| OS version at the start of sales | Android 10 |
| Number of SIM cards | 2 |
| SIM card type | nano SIM |
Google Pixel 3
In this device, the manufacturer has implemented updates that significantly improved the performance of the smartphone. The Pixel 3 has a 5.5-inch display with an 18:9 aspect ratio. And there are no notches taking up screen space. The colors on the OLED display are rich, and the dual front-facing speakers make it a convenient streaming device. A 2915 mAh battery is not exactly what you expect from a modern smartphone. However, without pushing it too hard, it’s not difficult to get a day of battery life. Selfie lovers get a bonus with dual front cameras that can take photos from different viewing angles.
Main characteristics
| OS version at the start of sales | Android 9.0 |
| Type of shell | classical |
| Corpus material | aluminum and glass |
| Number of SIM cards | 2 |
| Diagonal | 5.5 inches |
Huawei Y6
A decent budget model with a good 13 megapixel camera. The lens of the device is of good size and light sensitivity. The front camera of a smartphone is somewhat simpler. The performance of the device is driven by a 6.09-inch screen on an IPS matrix with a wide viewing angle and a resolution of 1560 by 720 pixels. The only disadvantage of the gadget is the battery capacity, which is 3020 mAh.
Main characteristics
| OS version at the start of sales | Android 11 |
| Moisture protection | No |
| Number of SIM cards | 2 |
| SIM card type | nano SIM |
| Multi-SIM mode | alternating |
| Contactless payment | There is |
| Weight | 185 |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 74.06×159.07×9.04 mm |
Huawei Mate 40 Pro
Distinctive features of the device are a frameless OLED display, a memory card slot, two SIM cards, a face and fingerprint scanner. The main camera has four modules. Ultra Vision 50 MP (wide-angle lens, f/1.9 aperture) + 20 MP cine lens (ultra-wide-angle, f/1.8 aperture) + 12 MP ultra-sensitive telephoto lens (f/3.4 aperture, optical image stabilization) + 3D depth-of-field lens. Interestingly, this model does not have Google services, including the Google Play store. However, it has its own app store, AppGallery. You can install popular applications in one click using the Installer tool.
Main characteristics
| Processor | HUAWEI Kirin 9000 |
| operating system | EMUI 11.0 interface based on Android 10 |
| Battery | 4 400 mAh |
Honor 30 Pro Plus
The flagship from Honor is equipped with a frameless OLED screen, two SIM cards, and a battery capacity of 4000 mAh. The battery life of the device reaches 17.5 hours. If we compare Honor 30 Pro+ with its closest competitor Huawei P40 Pro (costing 10 thousand more), we do not see a single significant advantage in Huawei’s flagship. The smartphones have the same processor, the same RAM and storage capacity, and very similar camera quality. Thanks to the screen with a refresh rate of 90 Hz, the smartphone responds quickly and accurately to every touch. The 70-degree bend angle ensures complete immersion when watching videos and playing games. The power and wide range of functions of the HONOR 30 Pro+ smartphone are enclosed in an elegant body with smooth lines.
Main characteristics
| OS version at the start of sales | Android 10 without Google services |
| Corpus material | metal and glass |
| Degree of protection | IP54 |
| Number of SIM cards | 2 |
| Diagonal | 6.57 inches |
Honor 10i
This smartphone has an excellent bright screen with a resolution of 2340×1080. The screen produces excellent image quality and even bright light does not block its brightness. The phone has a screen diagonal of 6.21 inches. The model has three cameras, 24 and 2 megapixels on the back, and an 8 MP front camera. The quality of images and videos is excellent, and the 128 gigabyte memory capacity will allow you to save thousands of photos and hours of videos.
Main characteristics
| OS version at the start of sales | Android 9.0 with Google services |
| Number of SIM cards | 2 |
| Multi-SIM mode | alternating |
Meizu 16
This affordable smartphone is equipped with an excellent Qualcomm Snapdragon 710 processor, which is one of the most powerful in this line. The smartphone also has 6 gigabytes of RAM. With a 6-inch diagonal screen and a resolution of 2160×1080, this device looks compact compared to others on this list. But the resolution is excellent, and you can both play games and watch videos on it.
Main characteristics
| OS version at the start of sales | Android 8.1 |
| Number of SIM cards | 2 |
| Multi-SIM mode | alternating |
How to choose a smartphone
All of the above devices have their own “chips”. So, one gadget will do an excellent job of taking photos and videos, while the other will be more suitable for working with the Internet. For advice on choosing, Komsomolskaya Pravda turned to the consultant of the online store 21vek.by Yuri Kitsenko . In his opinion, first of all you need to pay attention to the following parameters:
Processor
Most modern smartphone manufacturers use solutions with multi-core processors. The latter allow you to efficiently use the device’s resources. They also make it possible to perform multiple tasks simultaneously. Multi-core is a plus and a minus at the same time. The presence of different tools (kernels) makes it possible to make a smartphone universal, but it is not always possible to “teach” them to work with all applications.
operating system
Most device parameters are not as important as the operating system the smartphone will run on. Today, the market leaders are iOS and Android systems. As for the first, it is a closed ecosystem. This guarantees the highest quality and reliability of the devices. However, this also affects the price. Android systems are interesting because each user can very precisely customize the shell on their device.
RAM and built-in memory
When considering this option, you should consider the purposes for which the smartphone will be used. On average, 4 GB of RAM will be enough for an ordinary user. To simultaneously use several applications and instant messengers in active mode, you will need about 6 GB. This is the most optimal value for any Android model. When choosing built-in memory, you need to focus on the type of content that you consume most. So, a smartphone with 64 GB or more is best purchased if you need it not only for communication, but also for work.
Battery
One of the most important characteristics is the battery capacity of a smartphone. The time of continuous use of the gadget directly depends on it. Models with a capacity of less than 1500 mAh can be safely excluded from the list of candidates. The most optimal and powerful one is a smartphone with a battery of 3000 mAh or higher.
Support 4G, 5G and WiFi-6
With 5G and Wi-Fi 6, you can enjoy faster speeds and superior performance. However, they have not yet entered our lives too much. Today, a simple 4G will be enough for the average user.
Equipment
Before purchasing a device, pay attention to what is included. Thus, some manufacturers sell chargers and headphones separately. For example, the latest iPhone models are sold without these components.
Expert review of smartphones
Dmitry Zorev , IT specialist and head of the IT solutions development group, shares tips on choosing a smartphone :
“I recommend choosing smartphones not on stripped-down operating systems with limited functionality, but on full-fledged “clean” OS – this way the phone will last much longer. For example, I use a Chinese flagship based on pure Android OS with a 6.3-inch OLED screen, 6 GB RAM, 512 GB internal storage and a 4200 mAh battery. The device performs its functions every day and has never failed in four years.
When choosing a smartphone, you need to pay attention to screen resolution, battery capacity, memory capacity and camera. Minimum technical specifications: Full HD screen (1920×1080), 3500 mAh battery, 6 GB RAM and 128 GB internal memory with a memory card slot.”
Popular questions and answers
The most popular questions from readers about smartphones are answered by Dmitry Zorev , IT specialist and head of the IT solutions development group, and Daria Tatarinova , head of the e-commerce department of the fulfillment operator TEAM DEEM.
How to save money on buying a smartphone?
“One of the ways to save money is to purchase smartphones on marketplaces, since there is often more choice there than in offline stores, and besides, there are goods supplied as part of parallel import, which means the range is wider.
You can also use price aggregators that will allow you to compare prices in different online stores for the same model, saving several thousand rubles.
In addition, there is a Trade-in program. Its essence is that you bring and hand over your old smartphone or tablet, then they evaluate it and give you a discount on a new phone. For example, an old smartphone that contains precious metals or other valuable substances will be recycled, and in return you will be given a discount.”
What should you do immediately after purchasing a new smartphone?
“Be sure to buy protective glass and a case for your smartphone, since one accidental fall often results in expensive repairs. In light of current logistics problems, spare parts are incredibly expensive. And given the popularity of creating smartphones with ever thinner bodies, repairing them is becoming increasingly difficult.”
Is it possible to expand the RAM of a smartphone?
“Yes, this is quite possible. To do this, there are a number of applications that “take away” part of the internal memory in favor of the RAM (SWAP technology). The use of such programs is only available on Android and with a large amount of internal memory (from 128 GB). SWAP technology helps in a number of processes, for example, when you need to increase the performance of your smartphone when playing games.”
How to care for your smartphone battery?
“There is one rule: use high-quality native chargers or look for similar models approved by the manufacturer from third-party manufacturers. We often see how people charge expensive smartphones with weak and cheap wires that cannot really supply current and thereby wear out the battery life.”
How to increase the service life of a smartphone?
“Use the device carefully, clear the memory and cache, do not install applications from unverified places, use a good, high-quality charger and update the system on time.”
When should you replace your old smartphone with a new one?
“You need to change your smartphone when you understand that its capabilities do not suit you and the technology does not satisfy you. For example, the phone no longer supports updates and cannot cope with new functions of instant messengers and applications, since they began to demand more capabilities from the smartphone and, as a result, it begins to freeze and slow down.
I stopped adjusting the screen, as modern devices transmit the picture more clearly, reducing eye strain. Or it’s simply already acting up, and its reliability is in doubt.”
Can I use my phone on an airplane?
“During takeoff and landing, a special display lights up – do not use smartphones. This was probably not done in vain – it could provoke a problem with the aircraft’s equipment.”
Are smartphones harmful to health?
“This lifestyle is harmful when people do not part with their smartphone at all. Continuous spending time on the phone leads to problems of the spine and cervical spine, deterioration of vision, and the uncontrolled release of dopamine (the pleasure hormone) while viewing, for example, social networks leads to lethargy and lack of energy in a person. Therefore, smartphones need to be used wisely, to the point and within reason, then everything will be fine.”
Is it true that smartphones are addictive?
“Millions of people have problems sleeping because they are unable to tear themselves away from their phones, constantly reading texts and various news, instead of getting ready for bed. Undoubtedly, this can be called addiction. You need to realize that where there is no benefit, harm occurs, which means it’s time to control the processes of life. The smartphones themselves have nothing to do with it, the person himself is to blame for all the problems.”
