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The best Android smartphones (2016). Best Android Smartphones (2016) New Android Phones

There are less than two months left until the end of 2016, but now it’s time to take stock. 2016 turned out to be a really busy year. The most memorable event was the scandal surrounding Galaxy Note 7 — great smartphone, if not for a problem known to everyone. Therefore, unfortunately, it will not be included in today’s list of the best Android smartphones.

And the Pixel XL, in our opinion, is one of the best smartphones on the market, if not the best. The rear glass insert gives the devices uniqueness and originality. The Pixel and Pixel XL cannot be confused with any other smartphone on the market, with the exception of the iPhone - there are still some similarities.

There are no questions about the technical part either. Pixel and Pixel XL come with Snapdragon processor 821, 4 GB of RAM and 32/128 GB of internal memory, AMOLED display, IP53 dust and moisture protection, 12 MP rear and 8 MP front camera.

The Pixel's main camera is currently considered the best on a smartphone. Many note the speed of the interface and convenient dimensions.

Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 edge

This place was supposed to be taken by the Galaxy Note 7, but this was not destined to happen. However, the S7 and S7 edge are still able to please us with impressive hardware and appearance. The devices are equipped with a Snapdragon 820 processor, 4 GB RAM, 12-megapixel camera with fast Dual Pixel autofocus. We should also praise the displays of smartphones.

LG V20 is intended primarily for advanced users. The device is equipped with a main 5.7-inch QHD display and an auxiliary 2.1-inch with a resolution of 160 x 1040 pixels (in both cases the pixel density is 513 ppi), a Snapdragon 820 processor, 4 GB of RAM and 32/64 GB of internal memory with support for microSD cards up to 256 GB, dual rear (16+8 MP) and 5 MP front cameras, 3200 mAh battery. The difference will be Android 7.0 Nougat out of the box.

Motorola Moto Z and Moto Z Force

Moto Z and Moto Z Force are currently, according to user reviews, one of the fastest devices when it comes to interface speed, of course. Moto Z and Z Force are equipped with a 5.5-inch AMOLED QHD display, Snapdragon 820 processor, 4 GB of RAM and 32/64 GB of internal memory with support for microSD cards up to 256 GB.

The devices are distinguished by a 13-megapixel main camera in the case of the Moto Z and a 21-megapixel camera on the Moto Z Force. Meanwhile, the Moto Z has a 2600mAh battery while the Force has a 3500mAh battery.

ZTE Axon 7

ZTE Axon 7 is the most attractive smartphone from ZTE and one of the most attractive smartphones on the market as a whole. At a minimum, if you believe user reviews, in real life a smartphone feels much different in the good sense of the word.

The price of $400 should also attract attention. For this money, ZTE offers a 5.5-inch QHD AMOLED display, a Snapdragon 820 processor, 4/6 GB of RAM and 64/128 GB of internal memory with support for microSD cards up to 256 GB, a 20-megapixel rear and 8-megapixel front camera , as well as a non-removable 3250 mAh battery.

HTC 10

Yes, HTC's flagship can still be called one of the best. The “Ten” is equipped with a Snapdragon 820 processor, a 5.2-inch QHD display, 32/64 GB of internal and 4 GB of RAM, a 12-megapixel rear and 5-megapixel front camera, and a 3000 mAh battery.

Among the minuses, it is worth noting the not very convenient location navigation buttons— they are not centered relative to the bottom end and bottom of the display, but are shifted closer to the bottom end, which makes using the device somewhat inconvenient.

Some people are not happy with the Sense 8 shell, which has not undergone any significant changes since Sense 5.

LG G5

Not a bad flagship. We will not repeat ourselves, there is still the same top-end processor, the same QHD display, which is distinguished only by a diagonal of 5.3 inches, the same 4 GB of RAM and 32 GB of ROM.

16-megapixel deserves special attention rear camera, which takes excellent photographs. Among the minuses, we note a 2800 mAh battery, due to which the screen operating time is on average 4-5 hours, which is very modest by today's standards. In addition, many owners complain about image retention on the display.

Hello dear friends, today we will look at top 10 best smartphones of 2016 according to customer reviews. 2016 is already in the past, they will be here soon. Every person who had a smartphone announced in 2016 more than once shared their review of it with at least friends. And we decided to compile for you a rating of smartphones 2016 based on user reviews.

Since the first ones were invented cell phones, quite a lot of time has passed. Each time they changed their appearance, sizes, functional solutions. The time has come when all the fruits of electronic inventions have come together. Smartphones were born, which these days no longer belong to the category of technological innovations. They are available in all stores and are accessible to many, providing a modernized means of communication. They are different from the usual mobile phone many convenient and fast functions.


These devices provided powerful operating system. Thanks to her, the gadget has become an alternative to a computer. It is enough to install the necessary applications and make the appropriate settings.
Main tasks:

  • making calls, both regular and using various special applications;
  • use of SMS and MMS;
  • Internet traffic;
  • the ability to take photos and videos;
  • photo and video editing;
  • the ability to listen to or record audio files;
  • use in working with office programs;
  • the ability to read books in electronic format;
  • activation based on the owner's fingerprint.

We will analyze everything possible options and determine the rating of smartphones based on customer reviews in 2016 based on technological, functional and design parameters.
The popularity of the devices and their great variety begs the question: which one to choose, one that is reliable and meets quality standards?

Rating of the best smartphones of 2016 based on reviews

10th place – Apple iPhone SE

Can’t help but be included in the category “The best smartphones of 2016 according to reviews” Apple iPhone SE. The small size of the case allows the device to easily fit in your hand or pocket. But not everyone prefers a four-inch screen. It is quite small and will not be very convenient to use for watching videos, although its quality is not inferior to other brands. Functional solutions are of high quality and meet everyday needs.

Specifications:

  1. 4″ 1136x640;
  2. camera: 12 MP;
  3. number of cores: 2;
  4. RAM: 2 GB;
  5. internal memory: 16 or 64 GB;
  6. colors: Space Gray, Silver, Rose Gold, Gold.

9th place – Microsoft Lumia 650

Microsoft Lumia 650 is suitable for that category of people who do not actively use the device, since the battery capacity is not very large. If you use it with moderate activity, it will work for two days without recharging. Optimization affected the operating system. The gadget does not slow down. Tasks are completed efficiently. Can be done nice photos and watch videos. Sound on high level. The rating of the best smartphones of 2016 according to reviews included this model, which confidently took ninth position.

Specifications:

  1. display diagonal: 5″;
  2. resolution: 1280×720;
  3. camera: 8 MP;
  4. number of cores: 4;
  5. RAM: 1 GB;
  6. internal: 16 GB;
  7. colors: White, Black.

8th place – Meizu Pro 6

It can be immediately noted that the sound quality of this phone is much better than that of all models presented in the division: “Smartphones rating of the best 2016 reviews.” The screen is wide in size. This makes it possible to watch videos in a large group. Functional abilities work without showing slowness. There are no problems with games either. The combination of average battery power with large memory affects autonomy. If you use the device in normal mode, you will have to look for an outlet once a day. Meizu price Pro 6 is within reason and affordable for most customers.

Specifications:

  1. Android 6.0;
  2. 5.2″, 1920 x 1080;
  3. camera 21.16 MP;
  4. kernels: 10;
  5. RAM: 4 GB;
  6. colors: Black, White, Red.

7th place – Sony Xperia X

This device is a choice for those who prefer a variety of functions and good performance. Frame Sony Xperia X is made of metal material. The camera resolution is high. The battery power is average. The cost justifies the capabilities.

Specifications:

  1. Android;
  2. display diagonal: 5″;
  3. camera: 23 MP;
  4. number of cores: 6;
  5. RAM: 3 GB;
  6. internal: 64 GB;
  7. colors: Black, White, Lime.

6th place – Huawei P9

Inexpensive smartphone reviews rating 2016
The characteristic differences and features of Huawei P9 are the presence of two main cameras. The quality of the optics is excellent thanks to the use of technology from the camera manufacturer Leica. There are a lot of settings and modes for filming. This device will appeal to inveterate photographers. Huawei P9 has new games available. The memory can be expanded by inserting MicroSD card. The phone has a coating that removes fingerprints effortlessly. The battery is designed for a working day and is charged from the mains in an hour and a half.

Specifications:

  1. Android;
  2. screen: 5.2″;
  3. screen resolution: 1920 x 1080;
  4. camera: 12 MP;
  5. number of cores: 8;
  6. RAM: 3 GB;
  7. memory: 32 GB;
  8. Titanium Grey, Silver, Gold.

5th place Asus Zenfone Max

This device is distinguished by its long operating time and low price. Based on these considerations Asus Zenfone Max is considered one of the most purchased. There is such an amazing advantage that, having charged the battery once, you can use it for several days without forgetting about looking for an outlet. Due to the small amount of RAM, you will not be able to play games with progressive graphics, but the tasks you need every day will be solved without problems. The phone will suit the taste and pocket of a person who wants to always be in touch.

Specifications:

  1. screen diagonal: 5.5″;
  2. screen resolution: 1280×720;
  3. camera: 13 MP;
  4. number of cores: 4;
  5. RAM: 2 GB;
  6. internal: 16 GB;
  7. colors: Black, White.

4th place – HTC 10

This model quite adequately represents the tool modern communications. In terms of parameters it can compete with market leaders. The metal case reliably protects the internal components of the phone from unexpected drops. Memory has the property of expansion, and sound excellent quality. No waterproof protection. Basically the gadget is at a high level in terms of power, functionality also corresponds good characteristics. In the “Rating of smartphones 2016 based on reviews” section, HTC 10 ranks a solid four out of the top ten.

Specifications:

  1. screen diagonal: 5.2″;
  2. screen resolution: 2560×1440;
  3. camera: 12 MP;
  4. number of cores: 4;
  5. RAM: 4 GB;
  6. internal memory: 32 GB;
  7. colors: Black, White, Silver, Gold, Blue.

3rd place – LG G5

LG has provided customers with a modular phone that has a removable battery. It is possible to purchase two modules, which increase the battery capacity and improve the quality of sound reproduction. Charging can last up to ten hours. USB is a rare type. Wireless charging no, which is not entirely convenient.

Specifications:

  1. operating system: Android;
  2. screen diagonal: 5.3″;
  3. screen resolution: 2560x1440;
  4. camera: 16 MP;
  5. number of cores: 8;
  6. RAM: 3 GB;
  7. internal: 32 GB;
  8. colors: Titan Grey, Pink, Gold.

2nd place – Xiaomi Mi5

It is similar in similarity to Samsung Galaxy S7. This refers to the quality of the material with which the product is covered and the rounded corners. Unfortunately, there is no slot for a memory card, but this does not interfere with solving the assigned tasks. The energy charge doesn't hold up very well. This is compensated by a very attractive price, although the performance properties are close to competing brands. The low price and excellent performance allow us to apply the title of the best in 2016 to the phone, focusing on cost and quality.

Specifications:

  1. operating system: Android;
  2. screen diagonal: 5.15″;
  3. screen resolution: 1920×1080;
  4. camera: 16 MP;
  5. number of cores: 4;
  6. RAM: 3 GB;
  7. internal memory: 32 GB;
  8. colors: Gold, Black, White.

And the first place in the ranking is Samsung Galaxy S7

The best smartphone of 2016 is the Samsung brand successfully modernizing the Galaxy S7 line series. Manufacturers listened to consumer preferences and returned the memory card slot. The camera resolution has decreased, but the quality of the photos has improved. The contours of the body are elegant. Holds well in the hand.

A powerful processor and impressive RAM make it possible to be a productive device. Battery life is approximately one or two days. Charging – regular and wireless. Energy saving mode is also supported. An interesting idea was to translate into reality the use of a device in the form of glasses for effect virtual reality. Another good advantage is protection from water. The best smartphone according to customer reviews in 2016 is the Samsung Galaxy S7.

Specifications:

  1. operating system: Android 6.0;
  2. screen diagonal: 5.1″;
  3. Screen resolution: 2560×1440
  4. camera: 12 MP;
  5. number of cores: 8;
  6. RAM: 4 GB;
  7. internal memory: 32 GB;
  8. colors: Gold, Black, Silver, Rose;
  9. battery 3000 mAh.


It is very difficult to identify the best gadget based on criteria such as:

  • preferences for a variety of functions;
  • battery power;
  • quality of material;
  • screen properties;
  • performance;
  • practicality;
  • reliability.

When choosing a specific model, consumers pay attention to technological parameters, advanced capabilities, usefulness of the camera, energy consumption, size and optimal display. Each person has their own taste and personal requirements. Therefore, opinions about the ranking of the most best smartphones 2016 may be different. By examining all aspects and nuances in detail, we tried to help you understand which trends are more innovative.


Detailed analysis

It's safe to say that we've already seen most of the 2016 flagships. One way or another, all market participants showed their vision of a top-end smartphone this year, so we decided to collect all the “heroes of our time” in one list. It can be supplemented with literally several devices, the announcement of which is scheduled for this fall. Their names are not difficult to guess: Samsung Galaxy Note 6, Apple iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, smartphone and Nexus phablet.

OnePlus 2 64 GB

The Chinese company OnePlus has seriously hit the smartphone market, showing that a flagship can be affordable. Today, the new OnePlus 2 can be purchased for about 25 thousand rubles. In this case you will receive a top Qualcomm processor Snapdragon 810, 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of internal memory. The smartphone has a high-quality 5.5-inch display with Full HD resolution. You can also note the 3300 mAh battery, which allows the device to work throughout the day.

The main camera with a 13 megapixel sensor takes very good pictures, and the 5 megapixel front camera is perfect for self-portraits. We also note the nice appearance, small frames around the screen and the back made of rough plastic. According to good tradition, you can purchase on the website back cover made of wood or even stone.

Xiaomi mi5 32 GB

Another flagship that can be called affordable. Manufacturer - Xiaomi, the threat of all big companies. It's easier to say what they don't do. There are batteries, fitness bracelets, smartphones, tablets, and a rice cooker from Xiaomi on the market. There are also persistent rumors about a laptop made by them. The announcement of Xiaomi mi5 took place at a global exhibition. The device was presented simultaneously in China and Spain (Barcelona).

Of course, we are waiting for the autumn presentation of Apple products, at which the world will be shown the iPhone 7 in a new design. His concepts are already coming from the pens of designers all over the world. Nevertheless, the iPhone SE can also be considered the flagship of 2016. In terms of appearance, this is the familiar iPhone 5/5S, aluminum body which is almost 3.5 years old. Inside is hardware from the iPhone 6S, packed in a smaller “box”: a top-end A9 processor, 2 GB of RAM and 64 GB of internal memory (we are considering the version with large volume memory, because 16 GB in modern world- very little). The iPhone SE has a four-inch display with a resolution of 1136 by 640 pixels.

In comparison with the presented Android phones, the battery capacity is two times smaller - only 1624 mAh.

The main camera has also moved from the iPhone 6S. This is a 12-megapixel sensor with an f/2.2 lens, phase detection autofocus and a two-color flash. Front camera resolution of only 1.2 megapixels.

Asus Zenfone Zoom

The flagship that paves the way for the return of the Moto brand to Russian market after a five year absence. Interestingly, in the entire Moto X line, which consists of three smartphones(Play, Style and Force), there is the same main camera unit. It has 21 megapixel sensors, a two-color CCT flash and phase detection autofocus. The front camera is 5 megapixels, and only the Play is not equipped with a flash.

Otherwise, this is a device with advanced power: an eight-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor, 3 GB of RAM and 32 GB of internal memory. It is possible to expand using microSD. It is important to note the large battery capacity (3760 mAh), thanks to which the smartphone operates throughout the day under active load.

Another interesting feature is the unbreakable Moto ShatterShield screen. There is a 5.4-inch diagonal POLED display with Quad HD resolution. Unfortunately, if you look at the screen directly, it turns a little greenish, but this is a kind of payment for the fact that it will survive more than one fall.

Samsung Galaxy S7 edge

The most interesting and high-profile new product of the year, the most unexpected and surprising collaboration. Huawei P9 is a smartphone with Leica's hand in the camera. A sensor from Sunny Optical Technology, a certified camera manufacturer for German company. Smartphones also use Leica SUMMARIT optics. But most importantly, there is not one, but two rear cameras: color and black and white. Both sensors have a resolution of 12 megapixels and optics with an f/2.2 aperture. There is phase detection autofocus and two-color flash. The 8 MP front camera is perfect for self-portraits.

There is solid power inside: HiSilicon Kirin 955 processor, 3 GB of RAM and 32 GB of internal memory. There is a universal slot where you can insert a microSD or a second SIM card. The smartphone has a 5.2-inch display with Full HD resolution. Responsible for autonomy non-removable battery capacity 3000 mAh.

HTC 10

The Taiwanese company has been using the relatively successful design of the One line for another year: this year the main change was wide polished chamfers. But the main surprise is the device’s camera, which our colleagues from DxOmark rated extremely highly, putting the HTC 10 on the same level as the Samsung Galaxy S7 edge. The camera has a 12 megapixel sensor with UltraPixel technology (the 4 megapixel front camera also uses this technology).

Inside the HTC 10 is flagship power: a quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor, 4 GB of RAM, 32 or 64 GB of internal memory. There should be no problems with space: the device has a dedicated microSD slot. The smartphone has a 5.2-inch display with Quad HD resolution. Note the non-removable 3000 mAh battery.

LG G5

This flagship can be considered one of the most innovative on the market, since LG came up with a new form factor for the device: using special replaceable LG Friends modules, you can turn your smartphone into Hi-Fi player or a camera with a comfortable grip. The camera unit is also original: here, as in Huawei, there are two cameras, but the first has a viewing angle of 80°, a resolution of 16 megapixels and f/1.8, and the second is wide-angle (135°) with an 8 megapixel sensor and f/2.2. The camera is equipped with laser autofocus, optical image stabilization and LED flash. The 8 MP front camera is perfect for taking selfies.

Inside, advanced power: Qualcomm Snapdragon 820, 4 GB of RAM and 32 GB of internal memory. It is possible to expand the latter using microSD. The device has a 5.3-inch display with Quad HD resolution. The battery is small - 2800 mAh. But it can be easily and quickly replaced with another, or you can take a special LG Cam Plus grip, in which it stands extra battery at 1200 mAh.

Sony Xperia X Performance

Another interesting new product is Meizu Pro 6, which will most likely cost a little less than flagships, since it is designed and manufactured in China. The device has a main camera with a 21 megapixel sensor and a lens aperture of f/2.2. It's interesting that in Meizu Pro 6 uses dual autofocus (phase and laser), and there is also a ring flash with ten LED diodes.

As for power, on paper everything is simply cosmically cool, because Meizu Pro 6 is the first smartphone with a ten-core MediaTek Helio X25 processor. Inside there is 4 GB of RAM. Versions with 32 and 64 GB of internal memory will be available. The device does not have a microSD slot. There is a 5.2-inch screen with Full HD resolution. The battery capacity is 2560 mAh.

Android is an operating system for smartphones and many other devices. It was originally developed by the Californian company Android Inc., which was then bought by the American search giant Google. Android's share of the global smartphone operating system market is 82.8% (2015 data from International Data Corporation). For comparison: iOS (iPhone operating system) has 13.9%, Windows Phone only 2.6%.

Android is good because both low-end models work on it, this is its difference from iOS; only expensive ones work on this OS. Fans budget models I can also take a closer look at Windows Phone, the new generation of which is called Windows 10 Mobile, but there are few applications for this OS ( due to the small number of users and unclear prospects), while in Google Play(the official app store for Android) there are more than 2.2 million of them, which is even more than the number of applications in App Store(the official app store for iOS), where there are 2 million of them.

In this rating we will consider best phones on Android in different price categories. The rating included only smartphones running Android versions 5.1 and 6.0, because... Android 4 is already outdated, and so is version 5.0. As for the difference between the 5th and 6th Android, then, in our opinion, the advantages of the 6th Android are not too obvious, because This version of the OS can drain the phone faster than Android version 5.

10th place.

OUKITEL U7 Plus

The average price in Russia is 5,670 rubles. You can buy OUKITEL U7 Plus on Aliexpress for 4.8 thousand rubles (delivery to Russia is free). The model from the Chinese brand, which went on sale in August 2016, received 56% of five reviews in Yandex Market. Specifications: 5.5-inch screen with a resolution of 1280x720 pixels, operating Android system 6.0, 16 GB of permanent and 2 GB of RAM, there is a slot for external card memory. Supports two SIM cards. Main camera 8 MP, front camera 2 MP. Battery capacity - 2500 mAh. There is a fingerprint scanner. MediaTek MT6737 quad-core processor.

“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 processor Snapdragon 821 with perfect 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 “cheap 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 in the 8.5 mm thick model (as Xiaomi Redmi 3S with 4100 mAh) is huddled with a ridiculously large capacity 2770 mAh battery. However, thanks to the perfectly optimized Android and AMOLED matrix, the Pixel will still last the day. But almost anyone flagship smartphone more compact than the new Google phones, which didn’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.

Pixel is a great model in its own right and best alternative the great and terrible iPhone (for this reason the smartphone was included in the list). But for record-breaking performance at a high price, we already have Samsung, and the “unique” Google software You can even make it 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 has saved some money on customers: good fast processor(although not as cool as your Snapdragon 820), two cool rear cameras with which you can “blur” the background in photos, 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 nowadays they are arrogant and strive to compete in price with Samsung, so it was impossible not to mention the “anti-crisis” Honor in a special way.

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 bottom, 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 it new iPhone immediately distinguished from the old one.

Generally improved iPhone versions with the previous body design they usually receive an additional index S, but the name iPhone 6SS would sound provocative, and, frankly speaking, technical innovations have accumulated enough 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 at very compact body and a processor that, with four cores at a mediocre frequency, outshone 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 high-quality and cheaper flagships on Android based enough without that.

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 honest, for 2016 year of Xiaomi made two “revolutions” at once - first, in January, Redmi 3 was born, which brought an unprecedented 8-core processor (not cheap, from Qualcom 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 pulls all this stuff into slim body 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 are addressed to budget smartphone 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 hasn’t been anything cooler in the budget class, no, and there won’t be in the foreseeable future - in exchange for 8-10 thousand you can “taste” quad-core models from 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.



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