The most fashionable smartphones. The best smartphones in terms of price-quality ratio

“All these years we sold Nexus at a low price, like fools, by God. But Apple is cutting money - we need to join the premium too,” the guys from Google decided and released smartphones of the Pixel family. To ensure that the new “super-prestigious” Google Phone is not confused with its cheap predecessors, the developers at all presentations persistently emphasized that this is an “all-new” (“completely new”) smartphone, which was not developed by subsidiary brands (LG/Samsung/Huawei/HTC/ Motorola), and Google itself! However, it’s no secret that HTC, respected by Google, still assembles smartphones.

But we are less interested in politics and marketing; let’s talk about the technical component. In this regard, the new Google Phone pleases with an excellent camera (the best among smartphones in general, according to some experts), a good AMOLED display and a very powerful Snapdragon 821 processor with ideal system optimization.

By the way, about the system - now it has been added exclusivity and the latest “empty” Android Nougat has been given a new design, and English-speaking users can already talk to a smartphone like a person. That is, no more “inexpensive pickled cucumbers in Moscow” - you can immediately address them with the phrase “Pixel, where can you buy a good snack nearby?” Pleasant innovations? Yes, simply excellent! The Pixel design is a little strange, but the smartphones cannot be confused with anything else.

Another question is that the 8.5 mm thick model (like the Xiaomi Redmi 3S with 4100 mAh) houses a 2770 mAh battery with a ridiculous capacity. However, thanks to the perfectly optimized Android and AMOLED matrix, the Pixel will still last the day. But almost any flagship smartphone is more compact than the new Google phones, which don’t even bother to implement optical stabilization in the camera.

And the main thing is that such pleasure costs from 50 to 65 thousand rubles, even just in terms of European prices (Russians are so rich that smartphones in the Russian Federation usually cost more than in Europe). Would you like to shell out a thousand dollars for a “prestigious” Google nameplate? Yes, everyone already understands that you don’t want to, and that’s why Pixels are not sold in Russia. And for 65 thousand in Russia, smart guys buy an iPhone 7 Plus with 128 GB of memory from gray suppliers or a still cool Samsung Galaxy S7 edge for 40 thousand. And they do it right.

The Pixel is an excellent model in its own right and the best alternative to the great and terrible iPhone (which is why the smartphone made the list). But for record-breaking performance at a high price, we already have Samsung, and Google’s “unique” software can even be made to work on cheap smartphones. That is, no matter what Google creates, it turns out to be Nexus. Only this time, an expensive, slightly strange Nexus that does not encourage reflashing, which did not manage to jump higher than its glass “head”.

4. Honor 8

In contrast to Google, Huawei knows a lot about “color differentiation” and has been successfully selling almost identical smartphones under different nameplates for a couple of years now. For image-conscious citizens, mobile phones under the name Huawei are coming out. And for everyone who doesn’t care about Scarlett Johansson and the nameplate of partner brands, the Chinese offer Honor models.

So in 2016, engineers “re-shoeed” the expensive Huawei P9 into a glass case, dismantled the Leica logo and began selling this model 40% cheaper than the flagship. Even by Russian standards, Honor 8, worth 28 thousand rubles, looks very cool - of similar quality models, only the “gray” versions of Xiaomi and Meizu are cheaper.

And you can’t say that Huawei saved money on customers in any way: a good fast processor (although not as cool as your Snapdragon 820), two cool rear cameras with which you can “blur” the background in photographs, a high-quality display. Honor 8 is not a flagship of the “nowhere better” format - it is rather a middle ground between expensive “top models” and middle-class smartphones. Such smartphones have become an endangered species - Chinese brands are now arrogant and strive to compete in price with Samsung, so it was impossible not to mention the “anti-crisis” Honor in a special manner.

3. Apple iPhone 7 Plus

iPhone just got better. Better by N percent, because it is not proper for noble dons to focus on the characteristics of mobile phones. Parasite designers, apparently, are still having unbridled fun with uninhibited girls and “washing powder” (iPhone 6 with almost the same appearance appeared in September 2014). But the revolution, comrades, begins from the grassroots, and iPhone buyers are still satisfied with the case design. Moreover, lovers of innovation still received the standard “glossy black” color - an important detail for those who want their new iPhone to be immediately distinguished from the old one.

In general, improved versions of the iPhone with the same body design usually receive the additional index S, but the name iPhone 6SS would sound provocative, and, frankly, enough technical innovations have accumulated to change generations.

Apple iPhone 7 Plus

Judge for yourself: a new touch-sensitive Home key with imitation pressing, “identical to natural”. Water protection, which is not very useful in everyday use, but reduces the risk of “killing” a smartphone with liquid. Stereo speakers in a very compact body and a processor that, with four cores at a mediocre frequency, outshines all Qualcomm and MediaTek brands of any degree. 2x optical zoom (a small thing, it doesn’t always work, but it’s still useful). And this despite the fact that the iPhone, as we know, has never competed with rivals for show on the principle of “who has it longer”!

The iPhone 7 Plus still has a lot of shortcomings: ridiculous strap-worthiness, no support for fast charging, rather dismal shooting quality compared to Android flagships, a headphone jack amputated “for fun” or out of Apple’s greed.

Apple iPhone 7 Plus

But in order to criticize, you need to offer something in return. Google Pixel is not sold in Russia, and it can no longer boast of the slogan “Android smartphones are always cooler for the same price.” The Samsung Galaxy S7 edge has reached “retirement” age on the assembly line, but is still too expensive, has a modest 32 gigabytes of internal memory (a little more than 20 GB is available for games and applications), and is easily soiled and fragile. It is, of course, very technological in itself, but has changed little since the time of the “breakthrough” S6 edge. And there are already enough high-quality and cheaper flagships based on Android.

With such a preamble, the iPhone award sounds like glorifying the best of the worst smartphones, but Apple's flagship still “raises the bar” with each new generation by a sufficient amount so that iPhone users do not migrate to Android phones and do not envy Samsung Galaxy users.

2. Xiaomi Redmi 4 Prime

Didn't expect it? But I think that the budget Xiaomi fully deserves such honors. Because Redmi has become a symbol and the most desirable budget smartphone during the crisis period not only in Russia, but also in other post-Soviet republics. To be frank, in 2016 Xiaomi made two “revolutions” at once - first, in January, Redmi 3 was born, which brought an unprecedented 8-core processor (not cheap, from Kvalkom bottling!) and a metal case to the budget ranks. And at the end of the year, when Huawei and Meizu released response smartphones, Xiaomi “finished off” all competitors with the release of Redmi 4 Prime.

A bright Full HD display in a smartphone for 8-9 thousand rubles! The coolest Snapdragon 625 - before this it was found in models at least 3 times more expensive! And a capacious battery that lasts all this stuff in a thin case for a long time.

Xiaomi Redmi 4 Prime

Why not Xiaomi Mi Mix? Because now it is a very expensive and not very practical prototype smartphone with a flagship processor, but a mediocre camera. Why not Redmi Note 3? Because there is nothing breakthrough in it - Note 3 became a “restyling” of Redmi Note 2, and Note 3 Pro just received a slightly faster and more intelligent processor. Xiaomi Mi5, over time, also looks like “just” another inexpensive Chinese flagship, but the “compact” Redmi is developing much more sharply.

And I understand those who believe that such portions of praise for a budget smartphone are unnecessary. Still, you will have to polish it and Russify it yourself, the cameras in Redmi 4 are still mediocre, fast charging again is not supported due to savings on components.

Xiaomi Redmi 4 Prime

But there was nothing cooler in the budget class, no, and there won’t be in the foreseeable future - in exchange for 8-10 thousand you can “taste” the quad-core models of slightly more arrogant vendors that are disgusting in terms of speed and quality, or, at best, buy a plastic Meiza at based on a “deformed” old MediaTek processor. Moreover, if there have never been problems in choosing good and expensive smartphones, then Redmi almost single-handedly defends the honor of truly cool budget models, for which it receives “silver” in our rating today.

Russian buyers of equipment still believe in the immutability of the following primitive proportion: the higher the price of a product, the higher its quality. Although in the mobile market this law has long been in effect “to the extent” - the cost of a product here depends on the brand, technical characteristics, how much the manufacturer had to spend on advertising, and on many other variables. The quality of the gadget as a pricing factor is far from at the top of the list.

The current market situation is the most favorable for buying an inexpensive but high-quality smartphone. Check out our rating of smartphones - and you will find out which of the devices of 2017 will justify every ruble invested in them.

10. Meizu M2 Note

• CPU: 8-core MediaTek MT6753, clock frequency 1300 MHz
• 2 GB / 16 GB
• Display:
• 13 Mpix / 5 Mpix
• Battery: 3 100 mAh

Price: from 9,649 rubles

7. Ulefone Power 2

• CPU: 8-core MediaTek MT6750 clock frequency 1.5 GHz
• Memory (RAM/user): 4 GB / 64 GB
• Display: diagonal 5 inches, FullHD resolution
• Cameras (main / front): 13 Mpix / 8 Mpix
• Battery: 6,050 mAh

Price: from 11,298 rubles Ulefone Power 2 went on sale only in the spring of 2017, but has already earned the love of Russian users; According to Yandex.Market, this smartphone has 88% of ratings - “A”. In the reviews, current owners of Power 2 urge potential buyers not to worry about the fact that the brand is little known, and to boldly prefer Ulefone to the well-promoted Samsung and Sony.

The main advantage of Ulefone Power 2 is its impressive battery capacity. Just think about these numbers: a smartphone allows you to talk continuously for 2 days, and in standby mode it will last as long as 2 months!

Advantages

Flaws

• Massive – the gadget weighs more than 200 grams.

6. Nubia Z11 Mini S

• CPU: 8-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 MSM8953, clock frequency 2 GHz
• Memory (RAM/user): 4 GB / 64 GB
• Display:
• Cameras (main / front): 23 Mpix / 13 Mpix
• Battery: 3,000 mAh

Price: from 17,000 rubles Nubia Z11 Mini S is too good for the middle price segment - but due to some misunderstanding it belongs to it. The main advantage of the gadget is the camera; The Nubia user will definitely not have to remember where his “soap box” is. At the back there is a Sony IMX318 sensor with hybrid autofocus and three-axis stabilization - the peephole, by the way, is protected by sapphire glass. The selfie camera has a resolution of 13 megapixels and includes 5 lenses.

3. Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X

• CPU:
• Memory (RAM/user): 3 GB / 32 GB
• Display: diagonal 5 inches, FullHD resolution
• Cameras (main / front): 13 Mpix / 5 Mpix
• Battery: 4,100 mAh

Price: from 8,790 rubles

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4X is a big step forward compared to the previous model in the line, Redmi Note 4. The 2017 gadget has become more productive, received a capacious battery, a new IMX258 camera module - and turned out to be a smartphone with almost no weak points, especially for its very modest price. Note 4X is perfectly assembled, looks great and, judging by user reviews on Yandex.Market, works flawlessly - if the “Chinese Apple” continues to please us with such devices, it will very soon displace the real Apple on the pedestal.

Advantages

• Thin body (8 mm), made of metal.
• Bright and contrast 2.5D screen.
• Long battery life (up to 2 days).
• The presence of a fingerprint sensor.

Flaws

2. Samsung Galaxy J5 (2017)

• CPU: 8-core Exynos 7 Octa 7870, clock frequency 1.6 GHz.
• Memory (RAM/user): 2 GB / 16 GB
• Display: diagonal 2 inches, HD resolution
• Cameras (main / front): 13 Mpix / 13 Mpix
• Battery: 3,000 mAh

Price: from 13,570 rubles Samsung cannot be called a “cheap” manufacturer - even within the budget lines of the Korean company, smartphones cost from 10 thousand rubles. However, in 2017, Samsung pleasantly surprised by showing the updated J5, which justifies its price by 100%.

In just one year, the J5 has gone from an ugly plastic duckling to a beautiful aluminum swan. The 2017 model boasts a premium metal design and a SuperAMOLED screen made using 2.5D technology. In addition, the device received a fingerprint sensor, thanks to which the user can make payments for purchases using Samsung Pay, and a selfie camera of killer quality.

Advantages

• High-resolution front camera with a lot of tools for processing selfies.
• Powerful proprietary processor.
• Samsung Pay support.
• Adaptive display that can automatically adjust to external conditions.

Flaws

• The battery is less capacious than the 2016 model.
• Low screen resolution.

1. ASUS Zenfone 3 ZE520KL

• CPU: 8-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 MSM8953, clock frequency 2 GHz.
• Memory (RAM/user): 3 GB / 32 GB
• Display: diagonal 2 inches, FullHD resolution
• Cameras (main / front): 16 Mpix / 8 Mpix
• Battery: 2,650 mAh

Price: from 14,200 rubles When ASUS calls the Zenfone 3 ZE520KL “a masterpiece of modern engineering” on its official website, it is not exaggerating - it’s difficult to find a smartphone that looks as beautiful and original. The back panel of the device is decorated with a pattern of concentric circles - a mandatory element of the famous ASUS branded Zen design, awarded a separate award at Computex 2016. The Zenfone 3 ZE520KL case, made of durable Gorilla Glass, has a minimum thickness of only 7.69 mm.

However, the ASUS device gets the title of the best smartphone in terms of price/quality not only for how it looks - it is also a jack of all trades. Photographers will be pleased with the 16-megapixel camera with triple autofocus, which supports both optical and electronic stabilization. Gaming enthusiasts will be delighted when they test the 64-bit processor from Qualcomm, made using 14 nm technology. Music lovers will be impressed by the sound processed by SonicMaster audio technology.

HTC is not represented in our rating either - and this is easy to explain. Devices from well-known companies are overpriced. Nobody questions their quality, but you can find cheaper smartphones with similar characteristics, assembled just as meticulously - just look at the products of mid-range Chinese manufacturers, like Doogee or Blackview.

Unfortunately, overpaying for a brand is the norm in the current mobile market. However, there is hope that the “Chinese invasion” will change the situation and buyers will understand: giving money for big names is stupid.

Experts conducted comprehensive reviews and tested each model, on this basis they compiled a rating of the most functional, convenient and high-quality mobile devices released in 2016

There are many new technologies appearing in the world - computers, tablets, mobile devices, the latter group is growing in terms of its varieties and functionality, so let’s look at the best phones of 2016. Experts conducted comprehensive reviews and tested each model; on this basis, a rating of the most functional, convenient and high-quality mobile devices released in 2016 was compiled, taking into account their price range, design subtleties, modifications, and power indicators.

Rating of the best mobile devices: smartphone

Let's look at the 10 best and most proven phones based on basic options and characteristics. When we say “best,” we mean value for money.

Place #10: Sony XPeria Z5 Premium

You will have to pay about $750 for the unit. This is the world's first gadget equipped with a screen capable of supporting the 4K image format, which has additional impressive technical characteristics. With such high sharpness, there are no other models on the market that are equipped with an additional density of 806 pixels. Excellent working camera, waterproof housing, good sound, long-lasting battery. All these advantages allow you to use the device quite comfortably and feel that you have a miracle of technology in your hands.

Specifications:

• Screen – 5.5 inches;
• Memory – 3 GB;
• The front and rear cameras are 23 MP, 5.1 MP, respectively.

For lovers of practicality and innovation, this is an ideal option.

Place #9 HTC One M9

The model costs $500. The phone does not reach the standard 5* option, according to experts, however, the company has pleased consumers with one of the most proven phones that are recommended on the market.

Statistics show that in recent years, HTC brand phones have strengthened their position in the market and entered the top lines of world rankings. And this variety is no exception. It offers the best build quality and optimal technical specifications on the market, combining the optimal features of previous models and introducing new options.

The system operates with improved, powerful sound, and the user-friendliness of the user interface allows you to use the device without any problems. The camera resolution has also been increased to 20 megapixels, and the design of the handset confirms the fact that the phone is one of the best on the market.

Model characteristics:

• The screen size is 5 inches;
• RAM – 3 GB;
• The rear and front cameras are 20 MP, 4 MP, respectively.

For advanced users who love and value practicality, this model will be the best option.

Place #8 Nexus 6P

To become the proud owner of the model, you will have to say goodbye to the amount of $750. The Nexus 6P model managed to attract many users. The first thing that catches your eye is the bright display, which has become more compact than that of competing models. The image clarity is at a good level, you can safely watch movies and study friends’ pages on social networks.

There's a handy scanner on the back of the Nexus 6P. The Nexus 6P phone is not such a budget model, but it is worth the money paid. The battery's capabilities allow you to create what you need - photo masterpieces. The device processor is Qualcomm MSM8994 Snapdragon 810, there is a rear and front camera, dimensions are 12.3 MP, 8 MP.

Place #7 Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+

The cost of the mobile device is $700. The model is significantly ahead of its time in terms of functionality, and promises to become one of the favorites among many users. This is a phone that can combine several charms from older models, combining them with new functional features. Excellent working camera, well made screen, perfect sound. The device looks different from others, which makes it more sophisticated.

Specifications:

• Screen – 5.7 inches;
• Non-removable battery.

Place No. 6 iPhone 6S Plus

You'll have to pay $750, but in return you'll get a perfect device. This copy, like its older brothers, is small in size, but there is nothing wrong with that, because the device is one of the best on the market. This is the second model containing elements that make it 100% complete and proven.

In the rear panel area there is a camera in which there is optical image stabilization, as a result, even in low light, high quality videos and photos are observed. The new generation of the gadget offers the user excellent battery life and practicality. The I Phone 6S Plus is one of the most expensive devices on the modern technology market, and it's worth it.

Specifications:

• Screen – 5.5;
• Resolution - 1080 x 1920 pixels;
• Camera 12 MP, front – 5 MP.

If you are looking for new sensations and love the equipment of this company, then the model is exactly what you need.

Place #5 Sony Xperia Z5

To become the owner of this mobile device, you will have to pay $580. By the way, compared to other rating models, this amount does not seem stunning. The device is waterproof, and its elegant design allows you to use the device as needed. The set of characteristics provides expanded functionality and increased practicality of the phone.

Despite the fact that the company does not really like to introduce new phones, this model has filled the previous versions with its capabilities. Many modifications and the emergence of new options have made the device progressive. The back panel of the device is made of matte material, which gives it an original design. There are fewer open spaces in the device than in previous models. The camera has also undergone several changes and is equipped with a 23 megapixel sensor. The auto focus function allows you to take high-quality photos.

Specifications:

• Screen – 5.2 inches;
• Resolution - 1080 x 1920 pixels.

For users who value practicality, this option will be ideal.

Place #4 iPhone 6S

For the model you will have to pay 650 dollars. Compared to other competing models and its older brothers, the device has become even larger, more practical and even better. Huge power, a perfect camera, equipped with thoughtful interfaces, new technologies in terms of camera, screen and other features. All these features and properties can rightfully be considered very useful. It is noticeable that the unit is made to last.

Specifications:

• Screen – 4.7 inches;
• The battery is non-removable;
• 2 cameras – rear and front.

Each user decides for himself whether he will purchase a model, even before it appears on the market. If you are a connoisseur of this product, then this model is right for you.

Place #3 Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge

The model costs $600. Agree, this is less than that of models in lower places in the rating. The phone impresses with its technical characteristics in terms of power, sound and picture quality. The amazing camera and amazing sound make it a market leader and give it amazing power characteristics. The stylish design in the form of curved edges gives the device a special charm and new notes of all that is beautiful.

Specifications:

• RAM – 3 GB;
• Screen – 5.1 inches;
• Resolution - 1440 x 2560 pixels.

If you are looking for a model that is different from other options and at the same time has a rich set of technical characteristics, then this is exactly what you need.

Place No. 2 LG G4

To purchase this device you will have to set aside an amount of $550, which is very reasonable. The smartphone has a leather case that can please every user with its originality. LG has put a lot of effort into anticipating user preferences and creating what they need. The phone comes with a wide screen that makes it look competitive and sophisticated. There is a list of optimal options, and all this at a very modest cost.

Key Features:

• Screen – 5.5 inches;
• Resolution - 1440 x 2560 pixels;
• RAM – 3 GB.

Place #1 Samsung Galaxy S6

This device, costing $550, can rightfully be considered a winner in every sense of the word. Its first and most important advantage is the price/quality ratio. The device has the qualities to lead the market. Decent display sharpness, optimal audio and video quality, a wide range of parameters - all this makes the model the best of its kind and proven.

The perfect design creates an opportunity for pleasure when you hold the model in your hands. And the low price makes the model accessible to any average user. The screen size of the model is 5.1 inches, there are rear and front cameras of 16 MP and 5 MP, respectively.

Feature phone 2016: the best model

Despite the fact that there are many touchscreen phones coming out now (they represent 90% of the technology market), there are users who prefer to choose push-button phones.

The best push-button telephone model in 2016 – Nokia 515. Its OS is created using the well-known Series 10 platform, the model weighs 100 grams, and its dimensions are 114.2 x 48.2 x 11.2 mm. Considering that the phone is a push-button phone, and there are fewer possibilities for creating an original design than in touch models, the body of the model is surprisingly stylish and unusual.

The screen of the device is also not deprived of powerful and practical protection; there is tempered high-quality glass. The RAM is 64 MB, the screen size is 2.4 inches. You can use two SIM cards at the same time, and it also supports 3G technology, which allows you to watch videos without any problems. The market average cost of the model is about $100.

The functionality is designed so that each owner is given the opportunity to use high-quality communications.

Basic functions:

• Access to the Internet from any convenient browser;
• Ability to support display of social media. networks;
• Email synchronization settings.

Thus, each of the above models has decent functionality to occupy the first positions in the rating. And the affordable cost of the products allows even people with average incomes to become their happy owners. Each of the presented devices is made conscientiously and has decent characteristics in design and quality.

2016 is coming to an end, it's time to take stock. Among mobile devices, smartphones are primarily interesting. Let's talk about them now. I’ll say right away that each device from this selection is not just a piece of hardware from the past year. All smartphones are decent and have a decent margin of safety. That's why they are the best.

This selection does not claim to be the most objective and complete. Of course, I couldn’t cover the entire mobile device market. Something, for one reason or another, passed me by, and some device is worthy, but is not sold here and is not interesting to my compatriots. We will also ignore such devices.

I have communicated with all the devices presented here in one way or another. Therefore, I advise you to pay attention to them when choosing your mobile assistant.

Let's line up all our heroes in a certain gradation. Let's break the selection down into nominations. There are expensive devices, there are mid-range ones, and there are also budget models. In each segment, we have the leader in first place, the device behind him in second place, and then it’s clear. Let's go!

Tops. From 40,000 rubles

The most expensive and high-quality devices of this year. When you buy them, you get complete mince, the maximum possible. Manufacturers of such devices, as a rule, provide the best service for their customers, and this also costs some money. That’s why, when spending 45 thousand rubles or more on a smartphone, you shouldn’t spend another 5-10 thousand and it’s better to buy a gadget from an official supply, with full service and a guarantee. Don't agree? Well, God is your judge.

Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge

A truly chic smartphone with a large, curved display at the edges. I did not share the well-deserved first place with its younger brother (regular), because it looks somewhat cartoonish against the backdrop of a large and serious “edge”.

Samsung, as always (the last 2-3 years), has managed to create the most technologically advanced device. If you want to be at the peak of progress, get the best display, a camera that puts digital point-and-shoot cameras costing up to 20 kilo rubles in your belt, and the most sophisticated software - take the S7 Edge. An uncompromising solution from all sides, with a corresponding cost - 59,990 rubles.

iPhone 7

This device began the next two-year cycle of the company’s smartphones, which means it offers an interesting design and characteristics of a qualitatively new level than its predecessor.

You can treat Apple in any way you like, scold it endlessly, call it a “cake” or vice versa, worship it and thoughtlessly buy all the new products. But it’s worth recognizing the objective reality - everyone wants an iPhone. Young people only talk about him. In an advertisement for washing powder, there is an iPhone on a housewife’s desk, and in an advertising brochure, in the passage of a bank specialist at work, there is also an iPhone. In the next newfangled series, what does your favorite hero have? Of course, iPhone! It is everywhere and whether we want it or not, it is a symbol of our time.

For those who don't understand. Samsung and Apple smartphones are useless and pointless to compare with each other. The first is bought because it is a technologically advanced device, the second - because society insists on the “right” choice. And these are two different worlds: logic reigns in one, emotions, psychology and product placement reign in the other. However, smartphones are iconic and clearly set the rules for the entire market.

Former A-brands

There were no more top-end, and most importantly, iconic devices for the entire year. Sony produces nice, but very strange smartphones. Everything seems to be good and cool, but when you start comparing, you realize that they are asking for the same amount of money as for a Galaxy S7 / iPhone 7. In general, well, don’t give a damn.

LG is generally one big experiment that only causes bewilderment. Last year there was a very interesting G4, this year.

HTC – what kind of company is this?

At the end of the year, we were presented with a terrible device that is not yet really sold anywhere and no one can boast of experience in close communication with it. Hence, the 9th “mate” is not included in our selection and, most likely, will be able to claim the title of one of the best market players in the first half of 2017.

Flagships are cheaper. 30,000 – 40,000 rubles

Frankly, this is the most pointless category. Smartphones at this level are all strange. They are not up to par with flagship and expensive devices (read iPhone 7 and Galaxy S7 / S7 Edge) for various reasons. And in comparison with the rest of the market, they all lose in price. Take the HTC One 10 - a boring, seemingly productive, but unforgivably expensive smartphone. Moreover, it is never a competitor to OnePlus 3.

Nevertheless, I still managed to find three devices that are worth paying attention to. One way or another...

OnePlus 3

The smartphone was released in the summer of this year and, unlike the previous, second generation, it has regained its status as a flagship killer. In my opinion. It has a chic build, a thin, elegant design, monstrous hardware (6 GB of RAM, just a minute), an excellent camera, but most importantly, software. Perhaps there is no device in the world that has been so extensively excavated that you can install not one, not two, but several dozen quite high-quality and interesting firmware.

Disclaimer. Why do I mention the Letyshops service? But because, firstly, I myself have not tried anything else, and secondly, I want you to save money. This collection is not only entertaining, it should also be useful. This is my extended answer to the topic: “What can you buy for ... rubles?” Enjoy it for your health!

And thirdly, yes, I get a small percentage from Letyshops. So these three reasons coincided successfully at once.

Nubia Z11

Official delivery

Smartphones from the “I went and bought them on the way home from work” series. Gadgets perfectly fit several criteria that are important for many: you have a certain amount of money, you want it here and now, with a guarantee, and so that it’s not some kind of bullshit without the Russian language and normal firmware.

Asus Zenfone 3

The Zenfone series surprises me extremely positively. Or rather, only one model - . I haven’t gotten around to the others yet, but by analogy with the previous generation, I figure that they won’t suit me very well.

ZE520KL is perhaps the most balanced, powerful, beautiful and officially sold device in our country. If you take something within 25,000 rubles, then only this.

Last year I was sincerely pleased with Zenfone 2 ZE551ML. It was sold for 18,000 rubles and for that money it was impossible to buy something even close in quality and performance. I have recommended it to so many people. Almost everyone obeyed, bought and were satisfied. All I mean is that this year the situation is repeating itself. So I have high hopes for the next Zenfon.

Current price: 23,990 rubles

Huawei Nova

If not the third Zenfone, then definitely Nova. Almost the same, with very minor differences, with the same excellent camera and a very promising Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 processor. A thing for those who for some reason did not like Asus.

Price: 22,990 rubles

Top budget employees. 10,000 – 18,000 rubles

When buying a device from this category, we spend little money and get a lot of goodies. Unfortunately, we won’t find anything interesting in official retail here. All smartphones will have to be ordered from China. The better - the savings are greater.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 Pro

Success of the year. If people order any smartphone from China, it is the XRN3 Pro, because in terms of characteristics and cost we have a top-end gadget. And he remains so now. It’s not for nothing that many online stores continue to offer various promotions on it. By the way, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 650 processor is a good foundation for the future. Its performance will be enough for a year, and then the Note 5 will arrive in time to replace it.

Current price: 10,000 rubles

Nice appearance, good screen and processor, excellent software optimization - all this creates the feeling that the device costs more than it actually does. And the feelings are true, I must admit.

Price: 5,000 rubles

Conclusion and forecasts

In 2016, a lot of smartphones were released. New names appeared on the market, and Huawei became the world's third largest supplier of smart mobile devices. Meanwhile, Apple and Samsung made several strategic mistakes. And if the mistakes of the Cupertino team will be noticeable only tomorrow, then the South Korean giant felt the negative and very serious consequences almost instantly.

All this means that we live in very interesting times and are witnessing events on a truly planetary scale, albeit within one sphere of human life. In just one year, so much has happened, so many phenomena have influenced the development of the market, which means that everything is accelerating and will continue to accelerate in 2017.

In any case, the purpose of this article is to help you make the right choice. I hope this collection and our site as a whole is useful to you. Well, in the meantime, I congratulate all readers on the upcoming New Year! Health, happiness and prosperity!

This is the most comprehensive guide to choosing a smartphone in 2016. We will choose Top 10 best smartphones in all price segments, consider expert ratings and customer reviews. We will determine the best flagships, camera phones, the best inexpensive smartphones, as well as the best smartphone companies based on the results of 2016.

For many buyers, price comes first when choosing a smartphone, because not everyone can or wants to buy a top-end device that costs 50 thousand rubles or more. But regardless of budget, buyers always want to get the most for their money. That is why we have compiled several ratings - the best flagship smartphones, the best mid-price smartphones and the best inexpensive smartphones.

These are the best smartphone models according to experts - sites and magazines involved in professional electronics testing. Professional testing implies an independent and objective assessment, as well as the availability of special equipment and extensive knowledge to conduct the appropriate tests.

Rating of the best flagship smartphones of 2016

Let's start with the rating of flagship models. Essentially, this is just a ranking of the best smartphones of 2016, without adjusting for cost. According to most experts, the best smartphones of 2016 are recognized Samsung Galaxy S7 And S7 Edge, these are the devices that received the highest ratings according to the tests of TopTenReviews, CHIP, TechRadar and many other reputable sites. The smartphones have record-breaking performance, a reference screen and one of the best mobile cameras on the market. The average rating of smartphones was 93.5 and 93.1 points, respectively, this is the average rating the devices received based on 26 ratings from various publications.

In third place is Xperia XZ, the flagship from Sony. Apple iPhone 7 ended up in fourth place in the list of the best smartphones of 2016, and this can be regarded as a very good result, considering that last year the iPhone had to be content with only seventh place. Rounds out the top five Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge, the leader of last year's rating, which is still in high demand among buyers.

Rating of the best smartphones of 2016 under 20,000 rubles

Now let’s look at the best smartphones in the middle price segment, according to experts, that is, costing from 10 to 20 thousand rubles. These are the optimal models in terms of price-quality ratio. Among the presented models there are both classic “mid-range” and top-end smartphones of past years.

What should you expect when buying a smartphone worth 10-20 thousand rubles, and what is the difference between these devices and the top flagships of 2016? Firstly, they have more modest screens with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels and lower. Chipsets (processor, graphics chip) are also weaker, that is, lower performance, this will be noticeable in modern 3D games. Cameras, as a rule, have modules of the previous generation without advanced options (optical stabilization, dual flash, laser autofocus), and lack some hardware and software features that make flagships stand out. How to choose the right smartphone under 20,000 rubles and what characteristics you should pay attention to first - in our article.

Rating of the best smartphones of 2016 under 10,000 rubles

Let's move on to the most popular segment - smartphones costing less than 10 thousand rubles. If Samsung, Apple, Sony and other companies with a rich history occupy the leading positions in the ranking of expensive smartphones, Chinese brands are gaining more and more popularity among inexpensive smartphones. And there is nothing surprising here. For the same money, the Chinese offer devices with much more advanced technical characteristics, which naturally attracts buyers who want to get the most for their money.

We have compiled two ratings of the best inexpensive smartphones of 2016 - based on expert ratings (presented below) and based on customer reviews (available). The fact is that many authoritative publications limit themselves to reviews of products only from A-brands, and do not even bother testing second-tier smartphones, not to mention the products of little-known Chinese companies. That is why it is simply impossible to calculate the average rating for such devices; as a result, they are not included in the top of the best devices. However, you can find quite a lot of reviews with customer ratings (since smartphones are very popular), which we took advantage of by compiling. In this material you will also find some useful tips on how to choose the right smartphone costing less than 10 thousand rubles.

Rating of smartphones 2016 with the best camera

Camera. Manufacturers of modern smartphones are paying more and more attention to this component. Smartphones with a good camera are proudly called camera phones, and this does not mean that such smartphones are somehow inferior in other aspects.

Every year we see a competition between flagships for the title of the best mobile camera. According to the DxOMark website, the best camera phone of 2016 is Google Pixel(89 points in the rating), which beat three smartphones by just one point: HTC 10, Samsung Galaxy S7 And Sony Xperia X Performance.

The best camera phones of 2016 according to the DxOMark website

However, this rating agency's ratings often differ from those of other sites. Having summed up the ratings of various publications, we compiled our own (other characteristics of smartphones were not taken into account when calculating the rating). On this page you will also find comparative reviews of smartphone cameras.

Best smartphone companies 2016

Which company's smartphones are the best? A separate study was devoted to this issue - We will not retell it in full, we will outline only brief conclusions. Experts most like products from A-brands such as Samsung, Apple, Sony, LG and HTC; just look at the ratings of the best smartphones above. This is especially true for expensive flagship smartphones. However, smartphones from companies such as Huawei, Asus and OnePlus sometimes also receive very high expert ratings.

As for buyers, they have their own opinion on this matter. We held a vote in which any site visitor could vote for or against any brand. At the moment, more than 15 thousand people have voted, the votes were distributed as follows:

We also analyzed customer ratings on Yandex Market, calculating the average rating for each brand using a 5-point system. The results were quite unexpected: the Chinese took four first places:

From this we can conclude that buyers are often dissatisfied with the quality of the products of many large companies (the so-called A-brands), having high expectations for them. And, on the contrary, they remain pleasantly surprised by smartphones from certain Chinese brands, which were initially aimed at the budget segment and offer more “tasty” characteristics at a lower price.