Best Smartphone for Your Money (July 2021)

There are too many smartphones. It’s very easy to get lost in the endless stream of new devices and it’s becoming increasingly difficult

find something really worthwhile.We decided to save you time and collected in one material the most interesting devices in terms of price/quality ratio in different categories - from budget devices to the flagships of the current season.

In order not to complicate, the selection is built according tothe following principle: in each segment, the best (in our opinion) offer and an alternative option, if any, are selected. Along the way, other models will be mentioned that were not included in the rating of smartphones, but also worthy of attention.

Fast passage:

  • up to 2000 hryvnia
  • up to UAH 3000
  • up to 4000 hryvnia
  • up to 5000 hryvnia
  • up to 6000 hryvnia
  • up to 7000 hryvnia
  • up to 8000 hryvnia
  • up to 9000 hryvnia
  • up to 10,000 hryvnia
  • up to UAH 12,000
  • up to UAH 15,000
  • up to UAH 20,000
  • up to UAH 25,000
  • up to 30,000 hryvnia

And here is the list of participants in the rating:

up to 2000 UAH
Tecno POP 3

  • The most affordable smartphone
  • Relatively capacious battery
  • Good scope of delivery

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ZTE Blade A3 2020

  • Good screen for your money
  • More onboard memory than competitors
  • NFC in an ultra-budget device!

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up to 3000 UAH
Motorola E6S

  • The largest amount of memory for the money
  • Quality 6.1-inch display
  • Almost pure Android

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Samsung Galaxy A11

  • Trending design
  • Not a bad camera considering the price
  • Good autonomy

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up to 4000 UAH
ZTE Blade 20 Smart

  • Works quickly and without brakes
  • 128 GB of memory, while others have 64 GB
  • Excellent running time

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Xiaomi Redmi 9

  • Shameful camera
  • Grippy matte plastic body
  • The battery lasts for a long time

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up to 5000 UAH
POCO M3

  • Very autonomous
  • With good stereo sound
  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 as an adequate replacement with NFC

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Samsung Galaxy M12

  • Increased screen refresh rate 90 Hz
  • Easy-to-learn One UI
  • 5000mAh battery

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up to 6000 UAH
realme 6

  • Screen with a refresh rate of 90 Hz
  • A vigorous processor and a generally nimble work of the system
  • Charges quickly from the included charger

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Xiaomi Redmi Note 10

  • One of the most affordable AMOLED phones
  • Good quality daytime shooting
  • Stereo sound

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up to 7000 UAH
POCO X3 Pro

  • Fastest processor in the segment
  • IPS screen with 120 Hz refresh rate
  • Balanced stereo sound

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Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S

  • Bright AMOLED screen
  • Long battery life
  • Good value for money

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up to 8000 UAH
Nubia Play 5G

  • Take if POCO X3 Pro 256 GB does not fit
  • Balanced "stuffing", but no NFC
  • Side-mounted touch-sensitive triggers for control in games

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Samsung Galaxy A51

  • AMOLED display with fingerprint reader
  • Smaller and lighter than the main competitor
  • Decent camera system

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up to 9000 UAH
Redmi Note 10 Pro

  • AMOLED screen at 120 Hz
  • In the daytime, it shoots no worse than smartphones at half the price
  • Have questions about auto screen off when making calls

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realme 7 Pro

  • Anti-flicker Super AMOLED screen
  • Good photo quality on the main camera
  • Very fast charge

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up to 10,000 UAH
Xiaomi Mi 10T

  • Designed for IPS Screen Lovers
  • Flagship processor 2020
  • Good stereo speakers

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Samsung Galaxy A52

  • OIS main camera
  • IP67 dust and water resistant
  • Super AMOLED display with a frequency of 90 Hz

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up to 12,000 UAH
POCO F3

  • Almost as fast as flagships
  • AMOLED screen at 120 Hz
  • Looks more expensive than it costs

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Samsung Galaxy A71

  • Just a solid smartphone "for everything"
  • Takes high quality photos in sufficient lighting
  • Good autonomy

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up to 15,000 UAH
Samsung Galaxy A72

  • AMOLED display 6.7″ with a frequency of 90 Hz
  • Good telephoto camera
  • Waterproof to IP67

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up to 20,000 UAH
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE (2021)

  • The new version of the smartphone on Snapdragon 865
  • Almost as good as flagships in photo quality
  • IP68 enclosure

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iPhone SE 2020

  • Classic design with Touch ID
  • Fits comfortably in the hand due to its size
  • Moisture protection

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up to 25,000 UAH
Samsung Galaxy S21

  • AMOLED display with adaptive refresh rate
  • Boring design with an interesting design of the camera block
  • Not gigantic

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Apple iPhone 11

  • 2020 bestseller is still good today
  • This is one of the most autonomous iPhones
  • Not afraid of water or spilled beer

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up to 30,000 UAH
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra

  • Large AMOLED screen with thin bezels
  • Can replace computer in DeX mode
  • S Pen with remote control functions

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Find out the price


Apple iPhone 12

  • "Flat" design without waterfall screens
  • Supports new MagSafe accessories
  • The most powerful processor in a smartphone

Find out the price
Find out the price

The best smartphone under 2000 UAH

Tecno POP 3


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If you need your smartphone only for calls andmessengers, even with a limited budget you can find a suitable option. In appearance, Tecno POP 3 is not much different from its competitors, but at least it has a fairly capacious 3500 mAh battery by the standards of the segment. One charge will definitely last for several days. Otherwise, everything is quite budget-friendly. On a 5.7-inch TN screen with a resolution of 960×480 pixels, colors are predictably distorted when deviated; the quad-core MediaTek MT6580 processor with a frequency of 1.3 GHz can only handle simple games. RAM 1 GB, for data storage there is a 16 GB drive. Not so much, so you should immediately look at the memory card (so that at least photos and videos from the camera do not take up extra space).

As for the shooting, the producer decided to dofocus on selfies. The front camera of the Tecno POP 3 is equipped with a flash, and the resolution is even higher than the main one - 8 megapixels versus a 5 MP sensor on the back. One way or another, you can only get good photos in bright light - the modules are as simple as possible. But there is a face unlock function. Unlike other brands, Tecno also offers a traditional fingerprint scanner. It is more secure and can be used to quickly log into banking applications.

The back cover of Tecno POP 3 is removable, under itin addition to the battery, there are slots for a microSD card and two nano-SIM. The package includes a transparent case, a charger with a Micro USB cable, and simple headphones. Price - 1800 hryvnia.

3 reasons to buy:

  • good work time
  • Fingerprint's scanner
  • good equipment

2 reasons not to buy:

  • poor viewing angles
  • weak main camera

Alternative: ZTE Blade A3 2020


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The ZTE device uses higher quality 5.45-inch HD+ IPS display with 18:9 aspect ratio. Plus, there is an NFC module, rare for ultra-budgeters, to pay in stores without a card. The operating system is “lightweight” Android 9.0 Go Edition, so even 1 GB of RAM and a base Unisoc SC9832E processor (4 cores, 1.4 GHz) are enough for typical tasks. The built-in storage is 32 GB, which is good, plus there is a separate slot for memory cards. It is hidden under the glossy back cover, where there is also a removable 2600 mAh battery. The capacity could be higher; with active use, the smartphone quickly consumes battery power. However, for most people it will be enough for at least a day.

As for the cameras - no frills.Despite the declared resolution of 8 MP for the main module and 5 MP for the front camera, the resulting photos do not shine with clarity. In versions for other markets, there is a mention of interpolation, and it seems that the phone uses sensors of only 5 and 2 megapixels. For video calls and filming documents, it is enough, but if you want more, you have to fork out for a more expensive device. The fingerprint scanner was also not delivered, but in this segment you always have to choose what is more important to you.

3 reasons to buy:

  • high-quality screen
  • 32 GB of internal memory
  • NFC

2 reasons not to buy:

  • cameras shoot worse than you might expect
  • no biometrics

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The best smartphone up to UAH 3000

Motorola E6S


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The regular price of a smartphone is 3,300 hryvnia,but at sales you can buy it for 3 thousand. In any case, it’s impossible not to mention the Motorola E6S; devices with 4 gigabytes of RAM and 64 gigabytes of internal memory are rare in this budget. The MediaTek Helio P22 chipset is not the newest, but it allows you to run popular racing games and shooters with low graphics settings. The 6.1-inch HD screen has a drop-shaped cutout for the front 5-megapixel camera.

The camera system on the rear side consists ofmain 13-megapixel module with f/2.2 optics and a depth sensor for blurring the background in portrait mode. The Motorola E6S takes pictures quite well during the daytime. In the evening, the situation changes: a night mode was not included in the younger model, and with a lack of light, the frames turn out dark and unclear. To unlock, you can use a face scanner or a fingerprint scanner. There is also a speaker on the rear panel. It's of good quality and reasonably loud, although the sound can be muffled when the phone is lying on a flat surface. By the way, to protect the plastic case from scratches, a cover was included in the box.

The Motorola E6S does not set any records in terms of battery life, a 3000 mAh battery provides about 6 hours of screen activity during normal use. Onboard Android 9 OS with Moto proprietary gestures.

3 reasons to buy:

  • large amount of memory
  • high-quality screen
  • almost pure Android

1 reason not to buy:

  • competitors "live" longer on a single charge

Alternative: Samsung Galaxy A11


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A younger version could be in this placerealme C3 with the best processor for its money, but it is increasingly difficult to find it in stores at a good price. There is no such problem with Samsung Galaxy A11, although now it costs a little more than 3000 hryvnia. The smartphone is equipped with a 6.4-inch PLS-screen (analog of IPS) with HD-resolution, a round cutout on the left for a selfie camera practically does not interfere with watching a video. Inside - an eight-core Snapdragon 450 processor, which provides a nimble system operation. By the way, Android 10 is hidden under the OneUI 2.0 shell. The performance is enough to run most modern games. The memory configuration is standard for this category of devices: 2 GB of RAM plus a 32 GB drive. A separate memory card slot.

As the main unit of the triple camerauses a 13-megapixel sensor with f / 1.8 aperture. During the day, you can get high-quality photos on it. In low light, the picture turns into a watercolor, although some users were able to achieve more interesting results at night by installing a third-party camera application. Secondary cameras are 5MP ultra-wide (which most competitors don't have) and a 2MP depth sensor for blurring the background. Front camera 8 MP. There is also a face scan and a fingerprint scanner.

At medium loads Samsung Galaxy A11 witha 4000 mAh battery will last a couple of days. Supports fast 15-watt charging, the corresponding adapter is included. Additional accessories are not provided, the same cover will have to be purchased separately. There are three body colors to choose from: black, white and red.

3 reasons to buy:

  • modern design
  • the best camera system for the money
  • good autonomy

2 reasons not to buy:

  • not very loud speaker
  • sometimes 2 GB of RAM may not be enough

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The best smartphone up to UAH 4000

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ZTE Blade 20 Smart


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ZTE is not the largest player in the Ukrainian market,but the company offers interesting devices in the lower price segment. ZTE Blade 20 Smart looks like the best option in terms of price and performance, even despite the release of the more recent Blade V2020. There is a large 6.49-inch IPS display and a peppy eight-core MediaTek Helio P60 processor with a frequency of 2 GHz. You can’t call the chip a gaming chip, although nothing slows down in PUBG Mobile at low settings, and the chip can handle popular timekillers. We also note a decent amount of memory: 4 GB of RAM and a 128 GB storage plus a combined slot for a microSD card or a second nanoSIM.

The main camera of ZTE Blade 20 Smart is not badlooks “on paper”: a 16-megapixel module with f/1.8 optics is adjacent to an 8-megapixel “wide” sensor and a 2 MP depth sensor. In practice, the smartphone takes pictures at an average level, like most devices in this price category (although the very presence of “width” is worth giving ZTE a plus). In terms of video shooting, the smartphone is completely lagging behind, but the 8-megapixel front camera is not bad. The case is completely plastic and creaks slightly when compressed, so it is recommended to immediately purchase a case. It will also protect the glossy back cover from scratches.

With a 5000 mAh battery, you can count on several days of battery life - that's a good result. ZTE Blade 20 Smart is equipped with a fingerprint scanner and supports NFC.

4 reasons to buy:

  • good hardware filling
  • 4/128 GB memory
  • great working time
  • NFC

2 reasons not to buy:

  • not the best camera for the money
  • creaking case

Alternative: Xiaomi Redmi 9


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The Xiaomi budget device can be used without a cover -the plastic case with notches does not slip out of your hands and is not so much scratched. However, the company did not remove the silicone cover from the package, and a protective film is already glued to the screen. The size of the Redmi 9 is equal to the Note-series models, the screen diagonal has grown to 6.53 inches.It is an IPS panel with Full HD + resolution, while other manufacturers only offer HD +. However, users note a low maximum brightness. In manual mode, it is limited to 350 cd / m², and only when the auto brightness is turned on, it will be slightly higher than the declared 400 cd / m² (therefore, the second option is preferable).

In terms of speed, Redmi 9 is comparable to the deviceZTE. The eight-core MediaTel Helio G80 processor is slightly better than the Helio P60 in raw performance, but this difference is “eaten up” by the higher screen resolution. There are two memory options: 3 GB RAM and 32 GB internal, as well as 4 GB RAM + 64 GB storage. Without shares, the older model will cost a little more than 4,000 hryvnia, but it’s worth it. The microSD card slot is separate.

From the "quad camera" on the back of Xiaomi Redmi9 had mixed impressions. On the one hand, the 8-megapixel wide and 5-megapixel macro camera provide more freedom for mobile photography. But we did not see any noticeable progress in the main module with 13 megapixels. The night mode was never added, the video is still recorded without stabilization. The front 8-megapixel camera in the waterdrop notch is praised by users, including for the good software blurring of the background in portrait mode.

In terms of battery life, Redmi 9 showsresults are above average. The 5000 mAh battery provides a day and a half of use. It could be larger, but since the screen often has to be twisted to the maximum, the charge is consumed faster. The device supports 18W fast charging, although it comes with a simpler 10W adapter. In the official retail, models with NFC are presented (there are also options without a contactless payment module). Another not quite obvious plus of the model is support for Wi-Fi 5 GHz, not everyone has it in this budget.

4 reasons to buy:

  • shoots better than his rivals
  • crisp, high-contrast IPS display
  • comfortable body made of matte plastic
  • NFC

1 reason not to buy:

  • low maximum screen brightness

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The best smartphone under 5000 UAH

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POCO M3 / Xiaomi Redmi Note 9


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For all the differences in performance, the POCO M3 andThe Redmi Note 9 generally offer a similar user experience and are very close in price. Therefore, it makes no sense to consider them separately. The POCO M3 is greeted with a 6.53-inch Full HD screen with a teardrop notch and a claimed maximum brightness of 400 cd / m² (with automatic adjustment of the value slightly higher). The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 display with the same diagonal and resolution will be brighter (up to 550 cd / m²), and the island of the selfie camera on the left looks more interesting than a “drop”. The back panel design is also different. The Poco uses leather-like textured plastic and a glossy insert at the top. The back of the Redmi budget employee is completely smooth, so you can't do without a cover. A silicone pad is included in both.

POCO M3 is built on an octa-core processorSnapdragon 662, which is enough for normal operation of applications and games (at least at medium-low graphics settings). True, the MIUI 12 shell turned out to be a bit heavy for budget smartphones, and sometimes the interface “stutters” is noticeable. Redmi Note 9 with the MediaTek Helio G85 chip is not far behind in terms of performance, although it will still be preferable for games - here the graphics are a little more powerful, and there is a gyroscope to control the tilt of the body (in M3 it is emulated in software). An important point is the amount of memory. If Poco, even in the minimum configuration, comes with 4 GB of RAM and a 64 GB drive, then Redmi has 3/64 GB. This is not enough; in the basic version, the POCO M3 definitely looks more interesting. The older versions of both devices have 4/128 GB plus a separate slot for microSD memory cards.

Rear camera system of Redmi Note 9in addition to the main 48-megapixel module, it includes an 8-megapixel "shirik" and two 2-megapixel sensors for macro photography and blurring the background in portrait mode. The POCO M3 has three cameras: 48 MP and a little useful add-on for 2 + 2 MP. Redmi leads not only in quantity, but also in quality: in low light, there is less noise in photos, and electronic stabilization works when recording video. But selfies turn out better on the POCO M3.

In terms of battery life, the POCO M3 brokego ahead - a more capacious 6000 mAh battery provides two days of normal use, perhaps even with a small margin. However, Redmi Note 9 with a 5000 mAh battery can also last two days without recharging, but only without heavy loads. When used at full capacity, the device will be asked to charge earlier. Both devices come with a 22.5W fast charger.

There are two more differences left to tellsmartphones. The POCO M3 offers decent stereo sound with top and bottom speakers, but doesn't support NFC. Redmi Note 9, on the other hand, allows you to pay for purchases using Google Pay, and while watching a video, only one speaker works (in fairness, it is quite loud).

3 reasons to buy POCO M3:

  • works longer
  • more memory in the basic version
  • stereo speakers

3 reasons to choose Redmi Note 9:

  • brighter display
  • removes better
  • you need an NFC module

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Alternative: Samsung Galaxy M12


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For those looking for the best non-Chinese smartphone,5,000 hryvnia, the Samsung Galaxy M12 looks like the most interesting option right now. The highlight of the device is a screen with a refresh rate of 90 Hz. This adds smoothness to interface animations and scrolling in applications, but otherwise the display is budget: the 6.5-inch PLS panel has average brightness and an HD resolution of 1600×720 pixels. Although individual pixels will only be noticeable at close range. The case is plastic, the surface at the back has a corrugated pattern. The fingerprint scanner is built into the power button on the right side.

The heart of the smartphone has become a proprietary eight-coreExynos 850 processor, and 4 GB of RAM. In normal tasks, the Galaxy M12 does not slow down, but in gaming performance it is inferior to its closest competitors - the same Asphalt 9 works without brakes only with minimal graphics quality. Built-in memory 64 GB. The volume can be expanded due to the microSD card, and it does not interfere with the simultaneous use of two SIM-cards.

The Samsung Galaxy M12 quad camera is typical forof this segment: next to the 48-megapixel module there is a 5-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera and a pair of 2 MP sensors (macro + depth sensor). During the day, the smartphone takes good photos with natural colors. In low light, the picture becomes noisy, and there is no night mode to correct the situation. On "shirik" frames with poor detail are obtained. If you are interested in this particular shooting mode, it is better to look towards the Galaxy A21s with a higher-quality 8-megapixel module (however, you have to put up with a rollback to the screen at 60 Hz, a glossy body and a rear fingerprint scanner). There is no stabilization when shooting video. The 8 megapixel selfie camera supports face recognition.

A 5000 mAh battery is installed inside; you can count on an average of two days of battery life. 15W fast charging is supported.

3 reasons to buy:

  • you don't like chinese shells
  • screen with a refresh rate of 90 Hz
  • decent battery life

2 reasons not to buy:

  • not a game processor
  • no night mode in the camera

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The best smartphone up to UAH 6000

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realme 6


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Right now between smartphone manufacturersThere is an invisible struggle for key components. Processors, screens, memory - everything is rising in price, and in order to stay within a given budget, you have to save on something. This is especially noticeable in the budget segment, where new models are often worse than their predecessors. If you look at last year's bestsellers, most of them have already been discontinued. We only managed to find realme 6, and we need to take advantage of this chance before the device is finally dismantled. It is equipped with a 6.5-inch FHD+ display with a refresh rate of 90 Hz. The IPS panel is not the brightest, however, the maximum 460 cd/m² is still not the worst option. Inside, an eight-core MediaTek Helio G90T processor is used, which does not give in to demanding games, but under prolonged loads the chip heats up and drops frequencies. This is worth considering. For 6,000 hryvnia you can buy a “medium” version with 4/128 GB. Combined memory card slot.

The rear camera consists of fourmodules: main 64 megapixel, 8-megapixel "shirik", 2-megapixel macro camera and depth sensor for bokeh. In auto mode, the smartphone stores 16-megapixel photos, and it copes well with shooting in the daytime. In low light, detail drops, although there is already a night mode. 4K video recording is supported, but stabilization is only available at Full HD at 30fps. The front camera is 20 megapixel.

The battery with a capacity of 4300 mAh is enough for one and a halfdays of work without recharging, if you do not load the device with games. Separately, we note fast charging up to 100% in just over an hour thanks to the standard 30W adapter. In the presence of dual-band Wi-Fi, a fast fingerprint scanner in the side button and an NFC chip.

The closest competitors are RedmiNote 10 5G and Poco M3 Pro. Both devices are identical in characteristics, only the rear panel design is different. Compared to realme 6, they win in autonomy due to a more capacious 5000 mAh battery, but they are inferior in the quality of shooting. And the maximum screen brightness of Xiaomi budget employees is slightly lower (it can be difficult to make out anything in the sun).

See also:realme 6 review

4 reasons to buy:

  • screen 90 hz
  • works without brakes
  • good main camera
  • really fast charging

2 reasons not to buy:

  • heats up in "hard" games
  • sometimes there is not enough screen brightness

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Alternative: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10


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In this segment there is already an opportunity to choosesmartphone with AMOLED screen. And there are two options. The Samsung Galaxy A31 offers a better Infinity-U panel with a built-in fingerprint reader and a full Always On Display. Redmi Note 10, in turn, received a more interesting hardware filling, but lacks an NFC module. For those who have already tried contactless payment, the Xiaomi device will not work, but if this function is not needed, this is a worthy option. It features a vibrant 6.43-inch Super AMOLED display with traditionally rich colors. Somehow it didn't work out with AoD in Redmi models, to save energy, the "always on" screen turns off after 10 seconds. DC Dimming option to reduce flicker is not declared, as, however, and the competitor.

За быстродействие отвечает восьмиядерная SoC Snapdragon 678 paired with 4GB of RAM. This is enough for a comfortable work, however, sometimes Redmi Note 10 becomes thoughtful. The situation may improve after the announced MIUI 12.5 update; in this version of the shell, the developers have reduced the number of animations for simpler models. The chip itself is not a gaming one, the video accelerator can still digest Call of Duty at medium settings, and in more demanding projects the FPS will be uncomfortable. A version of a smartphone with a 128 GB drive will cost almost 6,000 hryvnia. If this volume is not enough, you can insert two nanoSIMs and a microSD card into the triple tray.

The camera system is standard for this segment:48-megapixel main module with f / 1.8 optics, 8-megapixel "shirik" and two 2-megapixel modules (macro and depth sensor). In the daytime, Redmi Note 10 shoots with dignity on both the main and ultra-wide-angle cameras. Evening shots are already worse, the built-in night mode does not lead to a noticeable improvement in picture quality in a lack of light. Need more - welcome to the forums where there is a never-ending search for the best Gcam mods. In video, electronic stabilization works only at Full HD-resolution at 30 fps, but if you fix your smartphone, you can shoot in 4K. Front camera with 13 megapixels.

Аккумулятора ёмкостью 5000 мАч хватает на one and a half to two days of work. The company did not save on the charger, there is a powerful 33 W adapter (up to 50% in 25 minutes and up to 100% in just over an hour). There is a headphone jack, and the speaker and main speaker form a stereo pair.

3 reasons to buy:

  • Super AMOLED screen
  • good shot during the day
  • stereo sound

3 reasons not to buy:

  • не лучший выбор для игр
  • picture quality is lame at night
  • no nfc

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The best smartphone up to 7000 UAH

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POCO X3 Pro


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Xiaomi sub-brand has already withdrawn itsthe bestseller POCO X3, but the price of the Pro version dropped a little. For 7000 hryvnia, you can buy a basic POCO X3 Pro with 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal memory, and this is one of the most interesting options for your money. A mid-range smartphone with an almost top-end Qualcomm processor reminds of the days of "flagship killers". Compared to the X3, the specs are similar: 6.67 inches, FHD +, up to 120Hz, and a later sixth generation Gorilla Glass. Upon closer inspection of the device, it turned out that the maximum brightness of the IPS-panel decreased slightly. It is enough in the sun, but already end-to-end. The body materials, the location of the fingerprint scanner and buttons are all identical. The color of the back is slightly different, plus the sides of the POCO X3 Pro were made matte.

The main innovation was the eight-core chipSnapdragon 860. This is a slightly updated version of the Snapdragon 855+ from the flagships of the end of 2019, and its performance is enough for literally everything. Even despite the noticeable heating under load and throttling (the cooling system is exactly the same as that of the POCO X3, it was too lazy to modify it). The memory card slot is combo, so if you shoot a lot or prefer to keep your selections of series for whole seasons, it's worth adding a thousand and taking the 8/256 GB configuration.

The manufacturer did not hide much on whatI had to economize for the sake of more powerful "hardware". As for the cameras, the POCO X3 Pro turned out to be weaker: the resolution of the main module decreased from 64 to 48 megapixels, for the “shirik” - from 13 to 8 megapixels, and there was no particular sense in the standard X3 from a pair of auxiliary 2 MP modules. What is the bottom line? In good lighting in auto mode, the difference in picture quality is small, but at night the POCO X3 produces a sharper picture (albeit noisy). On the ultra-wide-angle camera, the "lost" megapixels have a stronger effect, small details merge into a mess. Front camera for the same 20 megapixels, no changes here.

With a 5160 mAh battery, you canexpect an average of one and a half days of work without going to the outlet. Fast charging, NFC and stereo speakers are still there. When playing sound at high volume, the back cover vibrates a little, however, with the complete case, no discomfort is felt.

See also:Poco X3 Pro review

3 reasons to buy:

  • productive processor
  • screen with a refresh rate of 120 Hz
  • stereo sound

2 reasons not to buy:

  • big and heavy
  • cameras are worse than the regular X3

Alternative: Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S


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While realme hesitates to bring new models toUkrainian market, in the middle segment the choice often comes down to several models of Xiaomi sub-brands. Because the recently released Samsung Galaxy M32, in fact, is only interesting for the Super AMOLED screen with a refresh rate of 90 Hz. And Motorola G9 Plus, for all our love for "pure" Android, loses out in RAM volume, it can "get lost" a little when navigating due to a cut out compass, and the size of the device is not suitable for every hand. As a result, there remains Redmi Note 10S with a 6.43-inch AMOLED screen (standard 60 Hz, but with DC Dimming) and a good Mediatek Helio G95 processor.

With the performance of the Redmi Note 10S everythingreally good. The interface does not slow down, most games run at medium settings without failing FPS (if you set it higher, you will get throttling and strong heating). RAM 6 GB even in the basic configuration of 64 GB, a separate microSD slot. The 6/128 GB version will cost a little more than 7000 hryvnia, nevertheless, we recommend that you take a closer look at it.

In the quad camera, as usual, half of the modulesadded purely for the sake of appearance. The main 64-megapixel module and the 8-megapixel "shirik" are of real interest. They shoot well by the standards of the segment, but there is no noticeable progress with the old Redmi Note 8 Pro. Plus, on the current firmware, the Redmi Note 10S does not matter how to shoot video, despite its support for high resolution up to 4K. Selfie camera with 13 megapixels.

The smartphone can easily last 2 days on a single charge.Fully charging a 5000mAh battery takes about an hour and a half with the included 33W adapter. Stereo sound will be considered a pleasant bonus, although the earpiece is noticeably quieter than the lower one. The manufacturer has not forgotten about NFC either, and there is an infrared port for controlling the equipment.

4 reasons to buy:

  • AMOLED display
  • comfortable performance
  • good autonomy
  • not gigantic

2 reasons not to buy:

  • no progress in cameras
  • throttling under intense loads

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The best smartphone under 8000 UAH

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Nubia Play 5G


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A good option up to 8000 hryvnia would bethe mentioned Poco X3 Pro in the 8/256 GB version, but in order not to repeat ourselves once again, let’s consider other alternatives. For example, Nubia Play 5G. The ZTE sub-brand model was developed with gamers in mind - additional touch triggers were placed on the side edge especially for them. The 6.65-inch AMOLED display is also great for gaming thanks to its 120Hz refresh rate. The choice of a non-flagship Snapdragon 765G processor is surprising; on the other hand, this made it possible to significantly reduce the price. As a result, the smartphone behaves perfectly in most games. Only in some projects you have to lower the graphics settings for the sake of high FPS. Now you can buy the basic version with 6/128 GB at a promotional price of 7,777 hryvnia, and if the lack of a memory card slot does not become a problem, you can take it. Or add to the version with 256 GB of memory.

Why, then, the Nubia Play 5G is not allowedto be called the best smartphone for your money? As it turned out, a version without an NFC module arrived in Ukraine. There is another point - the camera. It is here like in the cheaper models: the 48 MP module is in the company of a simple 8 MP shirik and a makeweight of two 2 MP sensors. Examples of shots can be seen in our review, in short, the Nubia Play 5G shoots well during the day, but noticeably gives up when there is a lack of light. For the 12-megapixel selfie camera, they did not make a notch, but simply fit it into the frame above the display. It is strange that this space was not used for a more powerful speaker. No stereo.

The Nubia Play 5G hides under the glass backbattery 5100 mAh. The battery life will depend not only on the load, but also on the refresh rate of the screen. In 120Hz mode, you can count on a full day of work, while switching to 90Hz mode (there is one too) can add another hour of screen activity. Alas, the 3.5 mm audio jack has been removed, and a USB Type-C to mini-jack adapter is included. A fingerprint scanner is built into the display.

3 reasons to buy:

  • excellent hardware
  • large amount of memory
  • triggers for control in games

2 reasons not to buy:

  • not the best camera
  • no 3.5 mm jack and NFC

Alternative: Samsung Galaxy A51


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Samsung Galaxy A51 became the best-sellingAndroid smartphone in 2020, and it's not hard to see why. The model looks nice, it has everything you need for comfortable work, plus the strength of the Samsung brand does its own thing. Now the 6/128 GB configuration has grown in price and costs a little more than eight thousand, but we will not recommend the device of the younger Galaxy A32 series anyway. It only has the advantage of refresh rate and battery, but overall the A51 looks more balanced. It uses a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with Full HD + resolution and an integrated fingerprint scanner. The latter does not always work the first time, but in combination with face recognition, unlocking occurs without problems. The front panel is covered with Gorilla Glass 3, but the back panel only imitates glass. The firm "glastic" is quite hard, but quickly collects scratches. A cover will definitely not hurt here (it is not included in the kit, instead the manufacturer decided to add a headset to the standard set).

The main complaint about the Galaxy A51 is itshardware platform. The eight-core Exynos 9611 chip does not always cope with heavy games and, in general, does not differ much from the processor in the previous generation of devices. At the same time, applications start quickly, and there will be no problems with simple toys. To whom 128 GB of memory will seem a little, a triple tray allows you to install both a microSD card and two nanoSIMs.

Galaxy A51 quad camera main module - 48megapixels with f / 2.0 aperture. In the auto mode, the HDR function is available, the shooting quality is not bad for the middle segment, but no more. In the dark, you can switch to night mode, it is also available for the ultra-wide-angle 12MP camera. For macro photography, a separate 5-megapixel module is provided, the fourth 5-megapixel sensor is needed for portrait photography. The 32 MP front camera is interesting for its rather wide capture angle (the application allows you to switch between single and group selfie modes).

When actively using Samsung Galaxy A51 withThe 4000 mAh battery lasts until late at night. In new models, the company installs more capacious batteries, but this affects the size and weight. The A51 is more compact and lighter than most devices in this price category. Judging by the owners' comments, the update to Android 11 slightly improved battery life (however, the system became more active in closing background applications). 15W fast charging is supported.

3 reasons to buy:

  • AMOLED display
  • good camera system
  • comfortable dimensions and weight

2 reasons not to buy:

  • processor not for games
  • not the fastest fingerprint scanner

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The best smartphone under 9000 UAH

Redmi Note 10 Pro


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The tenth generation of Redmi smartphones markedthe transition to AMOLED displays. Moreover, in the case of the Redmi Note 10 Pro, this is a 6.67-inch panel with a refresh rate of 120 Hz and a good margin of brightness. The most important thing for viewing HDR content. But there is something to complain about. For example, to Always on Display of a smoker - when the function is activated, the screen automatically turns off after 10 seconds, which, as it were, violates the very concept. The manufacturer also ditched a separate proximity sensor, instead using a combination of an accelerometer, microphone and speaker. Algorithms often correctly determine when the smartphone is near the ear, but those who like to hold the “tube” with their shoulder may have problems with this. In general, you have to adapt. The fingerprint scanner is not sub-screen, but is combined with the power button.

An eight-core processor is installed insideSnapdragon 732G. On the one hand, I would like to get something more productive for this money. However, the situation is not much better for competitors. The chip itself can handle most games and applications. For 8000 hryvnia, you can buy a model with 6 GB of RAM and a 128 GB drive. There is also a separate slot for memory cards.

Compared to its predecessor in the main cameraonly the main sensor has been seriously updated. The resolution has increased from 64 to 108 megapixels, by default the automatic will merge 9 pixels, keeping 12 megapixel images. A 2x zoom is also available. During the day, the device takes pictures very well, however, in order to comply with the inscriptions "Ultra" and "Premium" on the camera module, developers should have tightened up the algorithms for night shooting. With a lack of lighting, watercolor is obtained, and the night mode does not always save the day. Another simplification was the lack of stabilization when recording 4K video, although it is in the Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite, which is similar in characteristics (by the way, it is also a good candidate for a purchase if you want a thinner one). The 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle module can only shoot in good light. There is also a 5MP macro camera and a depth sensor. Selfie camera with 16 megapixels.

Battery with a capacity of 5020 mAh providesa day and a half of battery life with a total of 7-8 hours of screen activity at an average load. There is fast charging (up to 59% in 30 minutes and up to 100% in about an hour). The case with glass back and plastic frame is IP53 dust and splash resistant. And if in gray the back is glossy, in other versions it is matte. The top and bottom speakers of the smartphone produce good stereo sound.

3 reasons to buy:

  • AMOLED screen at 120 Hz
  • excellent photo quality during the day
  • stereo speakers

2 reasons not to buy:

  • at night shoots medium
  • no full-fledged proximity sensor

Alternative: realme 7 Pro


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If you focus only on the characteristics, thenrealme 7 Pro may get lost among its competitors. In fact, the model has its own strengths. For example, a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 2400×215;1080 pixels has a standard refresh rate of 60 Hz, but supports DC Dimming (the option can be found in the “realme Lab” in the settings). In screens with increased Hertz, it is often removed, which can become a problem for users sensitive to this effect. The in-display fingerprint scanner is accurate and fast, but is located a bit low. Among the shortcomings, we never saw the promised Always On Display update; realme UI 2.0 left a monochrome mode with basic settings.

Snapdragon 720G octa-core platform is a bitinferior to the 730 series chips. At the same time, the company's engineers did a good job on the realme 7 Pro's cooling system to keep the performance at its maximum level under prolonged loads. Plus, the smartphone received 8 GB of RAM. This is a good start for the future. There is also a 128 GB drive and a dedicated microSD card slot.

Realme 7 Pro also tried to revealpotential of 64 megapixel camera. As a result, the smartphone often outperforms the Redmi Note 10 Pro in photography. Other modules will be simpler: the 8-megapixel "shirik" is inferior in detail, and the 2-megapixel macro camera and the depth sensor are not particularly interesting in principle. Realme also did not solve the issue with aggressive noise reduction when recording video (in third-party applications, the effect is not observed, which means that the problem is purely software). Front camera with 32 megapixels.

Battery life is standard -a day and a half, but as a bonus there is a very fast 65W SuperDart Charge. With a proprietary charger, the 4500 mAh battery takes a full charge in just 40 minutes. There is stereo sound, the maximum volume is high, but the plastic back cover can vibrate a little. By the way, we also have a special version with a gray-orange faux leather back. It looks unusual.

3 reasons to buy:

  • Anti-flicker Super AMOLED screen
  • good quality photo
  • charges very quickly

2 reasons not to buy:

  • bad sound in the video
  • "Normal" screen refresh rate

</ p>

The best smartphone up to UAH 10,000

Xiaomi Mi 10T


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Don't miss your chance to catch the farewell saleXiaomi Mi 10T. Now the model is sold for 10 thousand hryvnia, and in most stores it has already ended. But in some places there is still. The smartphone has a 6.67-inch IPS display with a refresh rate of up to 144 Hz. It will automatically change depending on the open application or game in order to conserve battery power. The panel has a good margin of brightness, it is comfortable to use the device on a sunny day. The disadvantages include the absence of a proximity sensor, the system replacing it does not always work as it should. The glass and metal body looks solid and expensive, and in general the Xiaomi Mi 10T is big and weighty. The fingerprint scanner was placed in a button on the right side.

The Snapdragon 865 processor remains one of the mostproductive solutions on the market, moreover, it does not have problems with overheating, like the successor to Snapdragon 888. In everyday life, Xiaomi Mi 10T does not slow down and pulls any games. The lack of a microSD card slot is disappointing, especially considering the choice of memory configurations. There are two versions on sale with the same 128 GB drive, only the amount of RAM differs - 6 or 8 gigabytes. They are the same in terms of speed, except that in the future, the 8/128 GB model will have some advantage.

The rear camera includes "only" three modules:64-megapixel with f / 1.9 optics, 13-megapixel ultra-wide angle, and 5-megapixel macro camera. With the updates, the quality of shooting was slightly tightened, but this is still not a flagship level, and there is no optical stabilization (as in the Pro version) in the smartphone. Those who want to squeeze the most out of the sensor should look for Google Camera mods. Shooting 8K video is more of a marketing ploy; for effective electronic stabilization, the resolution will have to be lowered. The front 20-megapixel camera is inscribed in a circular hole in the upper left corner of the display.

5000mAh battery provides up to one and a halfdays of battery life with active use of the device. With an AMOLED display, the results could have been better, while the Mi 10T has no flickering effect at low brightness. Designed for IPS fans. There is NFC, an infrared port for controlling equipment and stereo speakers. You don't have to look for the audio jack, they put it under the knife. But you can check out our selection of TWS headphones.

3 reasons to buy:

  • do you prefer IPS screens
  • great performance
  • stereo sound

2 reasons not to buy:

  • no memory card slot
  • no 3.5mm jack

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Alternative: Samsung Galaxy A52


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Full moisture protection is finally back insmartphones of the middle segment. The Samsung Galaxy A52 is IP67 certified and can survive submersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. The design of the updated line has also changed - the bright glossy backs are replaced by matte plastic and calmer colors. However, to protect against scratches, you should still buy a cover. Or choose the light version, in which the scuffs are not so striking. The A52's screen refresh rate is up to 90Hz, and it uses a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED panel with a built-in fingerprint reader (mid-range) and a round camera cutout at the top. The main speaker is paired with the spoken speaker to create a stereo effect.

For the Samsung Galaxy A52, the company chose notproprietary processor, and the Snapdragon 720G chip popular in the middle segment. It's good for day to day use, and only the most demanding games will experience a performance bottleneck. The problem with the smartphone is different - the basic version is equipped with only 4 GB of RAM. Because of this limitation, the system will have to close background processes more often, and switching between multiple applications can take longer. Internal memory 128 GB expandable via microSD (instead of a second SIM card). There is also a version for 8/256 GB on sale, but it costs not 10, but 12 thousand. And no "intermediate" option at a lower price is foreseen.

The Galaxy A52 quad camera, on the contrary, only wantsto praise. This is not yet a flagship level, but thanks to the 64 MP optical stabilization of the main module, the probability of blur, even in low light, is minimal. In the evening, you can shoot without the night mode, although it still "stretches" the shadows better and removes some of the noise. OIS is also useful when recording video, the picture is smoother. The 12MP ultra-wide angle module sometimes misses the white balance, but daytime shots look good nonetheless. Complementing this duo is a 5-megapixel macro camera and a 5-megapixel depth sensor. The 32 MP selfie camera, by tradition, has a viewing angle switch.

A full charge of the 4500 mAh battery lasts for a day with a small margin. The device supports fast 25-watt charging, only a simpler 15-watt adapter is included in the package.

3 reasons to buy:

  • best camera in the segment
  • protection against water and dust IP67
  • Super AMOLED screen with a frequency of 90 Hz

2 reasons not to buy:

  • only 4 GB of RAM
  • not the most powerful processor

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The best smartphone up to UAH 12,000

POCO F3


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The key feature of the device is productiveSnapdragon 870 chipset. In fact, we are dealing with an improved version of last year's flagship Snapdragon 865+ with Kryo 585 cores overclocked to 3.1 GHz. The smartphone is close to the top devices in 2021 in terms of performance, and thanks to a 120 Hz refresh rate, interface animations are drawn as smoothly as possible. The new generation 6.67-inch E4 AMOLED sensor is responsive to touch with lightning speed, as the sensor layer sampling rate is as much as 360 Hz. There is also a full-fledged Always-on display. The body is covered with Gorilla Glass 5 on both sides, the body frame is plastic. On the right side there is a fingerprint scanner button. There is no proximity sensor as such in the smartphone, turning off the screen during calls works with varying success, as in the Redmi Note 10 Pro.

POCO F3 in 6/128 GB configuration will cost 11000 hryvnia. Since the device does not have a slot for memory cards, a model with 8/256 GB of memory and a price of only a thousand more looks more promising. On the downside: with all the processing power of the processor, in demanding games, throttling occurs over time and the brightness of the display decreases. On early firmware the picture became quite dim, although with updates the drop in brightness became less drastic.

The rear camera of the smartphone is represented by threemodules: main 48 megapixel with f / 1.8 optics, 8-megapixel "width" and 5-megapixel macro camera. The POCO F3 shoots at an average level, software algorithms and a well-working HDR cannot fully compensate for the shortcomings of fairly simple sensors. Night mode does not try to reverse darkness into the day, and simply reduces the amount of noise. Supports 4K video recording at 30 fps and electronic stabilization. The front camera is 20 megapixels of good quality.

From the flagships, POCO F3 inherited a pleasanttactile feedback, but there are also unpleasant borrowings - the 3.5 mm audio jack has been removed, and an adapter is provided for wired headphone connections. We'll add stereo sound as a plus. The 4520 mAh battery is designed for a day of active use. Some owners note rapid discharge in standby mode, but this may be due to adaptation of the system in the first days of operation.

3 reasons to buy:

  • almost flagship processor
  • AMOLED screen at 120 Hz
  • stereo speakers

2 reasons not to buy:

  • no headphone jack
  • memory capacity cannot be expanded

Alternative: Samsung Galaxy A71


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For those who don't chase trends and justwants to get a smartphone from a famous brand, the Samsung Galaxy A71 will be a good candidate for purchase. The device offers a large 6.7-inch Super AMOLED+ screen with a circular cutout for the selfie camera and a built-in fingerprint scanner. The latter began to work faster with software updates, but can still be capricious in the cold or with wet fingers. To be on the safe side, you can set up facial recognition. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 730 processor is responsible for performance, and at least in this parameter, last year’s model is not much inferior to some new products. Everything is in order with the memory: 6 GB of RAM, 128 GB of internal memory with the possibility of expansion using a microSD card.

On the back of the Samsung Galaxy A71there are four cameras at once: the main one with 48 MP, an ultra-wide-angle module with 12 megapixels, a 5-megapixel macro camera and a depth sensor. Photo and video capabilities correspond to the average price segment, in the evening it is recommended to use the night mode (it also works when switching to "shirik"). Front camera with 32 megapixels.

Plastic back panel with geometric patternshimmers in the light and predictably scratches easily. The problem is solved with a cover, but you need to buy it separately. A full charge of the 4500 mAh battery will last for one and a half to two days, if you do not overload the smartphone. The included 25W adapter can charge the battery up to 50% in 30 minutes. Since the release of the Samsung Galaxy A71, the price has dropped a little, now you can buy it for 10 800 hryvnia, but sometimes there are more favorable offers.

3 reasons to buy:

  • large Super AMOLED + screen
  • shameful main camera
  • good autonomy

2 reasons not to buy:

  • auxiliary camera modules "so-so"
  • not the fastest fingerprint scanner

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The best smartphone up to UAH 15,000

Samsung Galaxy A72


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In fact, this is a larger version of the Galaxy A52 witha couple of additional "buns". The diagonal of the Super AMOLED display has grown to 6.7 inches, the refresh rate is 90 Hz. The larger dimensions also allowed for a 5000mAh battery. It's already enough to last for several days without recharging. The smartphone is also IP67 dust and water resistant. Some of the angularity of the A72 is felt more strongly, but most will still use the device in a case. With a glossy frame and a matte back, they will be scratched without additional protection. The flexibly configurable Always On Display has not gone anywhere. As well as the sub-screen fingerprint scanner (although I would like the optical sensor to be slightly higher).

The Galaxy A72 has the same thing working under the hoodeight-core Snapdragon 720G chip. Not the ultimate dream considering the price, but in the “base” the smartphone comes with 6 gigabytes of RAM instead of four for the A52. Built-in memory 128 GB, there is also a hybrid tray for microSD/nanoSIM. Price - 12,500 hryvnia. The indicated amount includes the top-end configuration with 8/256 GB of memory, but the cost of 15 thousand hryvnia brings it closer to last year’s more profitable flagship models.

The three camera modules on the back are the same as in the youngermodels: main 64 megapixel with f / 1.8 aperture and optical stabilization, 12-megapixel "shirik" and 5 megapixel macro camera. The depth sensor was replaced with a more interesting 8-megapixel telephoto with 3x zoom and optical stabilization. The conclusions are the same: the camera is good, but the competitors on the Galaxy A72 will be more serious. Examples of photos and videos can be found in our pairing review. Front camera 32 MP.

If you put a charger in the box for the Galaxy A52device for 15 W, the Samsung Galaxy A72 comes with a 25 W adapter (in half an hour you can get 50%, to 100% charge in an hour and a half). The implementation of stereo sound is identical, the lower speaker plays along with the spoken one. Of course, there is NFC.

3 reasons to buy:

  • bright AMOLED display, 90 Hz
  • telephoto camera
  • влагозащита IP67

2 reasons not to buy:

  • 4K video without stabilization
  • the processor as in smartphones is one third cheaper

With competitors in the segment up to UAH 15,000 somehownot much. The Vivo X50 looks more expensive than the Galaxy A52 due to its premium body materials, but it only offers 128GB of non-expandable memory and a mid-volume speaker. Another potential candidate Motorola G100 is inferior in the quality of shooting to devices Vivo and Samsung. In general, it is closer to devices of the level of Xiaomi Mi 10T and POCO F3, only it works on almost "pure" Android and costs more (if the price falls, there will be another conversation).

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The best smartphone up to UAH 20,000

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Samsung Galaxy S20 FE (2021)


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Samsung has decided to curtail sales of the Galaxy S20 FE onbased on the proprietary platform Exynos 990, and now the 2021 version with the Snapdragon 865 processor has appeared in stores. Everyone who has been waiting for the official flagships of the company based on Qualcomm chips can finally breathe a sigh of relief. It is gratifying that the Fan Edition is not cut down too much in relation to the older models. Instead of a glass cover, matte plastic is used on the back, but they retained the dust and moisture protection IP68, plus the S20 FE's body colors are more fun. The 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display has a 120Hz refresh rate and supports HDR10 +, only the resolution has been downgraded to Full HD +. The in-screen fingerprint scanner, although not ultrasonic, has no complaints about its accuracy and speed.

One of the problems with the original Galaxy S20 FE wasactive heating under load, with the replacement of the chip, it was partially solved. In the sense that in everyday tasks, the Snapdragon 865 does not overwork, and only in demanding games after 20-30 minutes, the smartphone can programmatically limit the performance and screen brightness in order to avoid overheating. Initially, only the version with 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal memory fell into the category "up to 20,000 hryvnia", but now the version for 8/256 GB will cost only a thousand more - at 18,500 hryvnia. When choosing, it should be borne in mind that users of two SIM cards will not be able to insert a microSD card into a hybrid slot.

The main camera of the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE pleased us.The main module here is the same as that of older models: a 12 megapixel sensor, f/1.76 aperture, phase detection autofocus and optical stabilization. The quality of the images is excellent, and only in video shooting is the Fan Edition inferior to the Galaxy S20 (no 8K mode, slightly worse detail in 4K). An 8-megapixel telephoto module provides 3x optical zoom, and there is also a 12-megapixel “wide” lens with a viewing angle of 123°. Night mode works with each of the three cameras, although when shooting with the central module you can do without it. The 32MP selfie camera can be used for face unlock.

The battery capacity is 4500 mAh.In 120 Hz mode it will be enough for a full day of smartphone operation, and if you switch to 60 Hz in the settings, you can add another hour or two of screen activity under mixed load. A 15 W adapter was included in the box, so charging to 100% takes more than an hour and a half. But wireless charging is supported, including reverse charging for headphones and smart watches. The Galaxy S20 FE also received stereo speakers, but did not have a 3.5 mm headphone jack.

4 reasons to buy:

  • Super AMOLED screen at 120Hz
  • powerful hardware in the new version
  • good cameras
  • water and dust protection IP68

2 reasons not to buy:

  • premium body materials are important to you

Alternative: iPhone SE 2020


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В последнее время цены на технику Apple подросли, and iPhone Xr more expensive than 20 thousand hryvnia for the 128 GB version does not look so interesting anymore. But there is an alternative option for lovers of the classics - the 2020 iPhone SE. A smartphone with a 4.7-inch Retina display is comfortable to operate with one hand, and the good old Touch ID fingerprint scanner can now be considered an advantage, given the mass wearing of masks. The body is a "sandwich" of glass and metal, it is also protected from dust and moisture according to the IP67 standard. There are other nice additions: wireless charging, stereo speakers, eSIM for using two numbers at the same time.

iPhone SE 2020 received a powerful six-coreApple A13 Bionic processor, however, there is no room for it to roam around here. You can't play much on the small screen, and the 1821 mAh battery doesn't help. In popular shooters, charge percentages disappear before our eyes. Battery life is generally not the device’s strong point. iPhone SE works for one day in the mode of calls, checking mail, instant messengers and web surfing. And let us remind you that in new batches all the company’s smartphones are supplied without a charger (you need an adapter with a USB Type-C connector).

On the back in splendid isolationthere is a 12-megapixel camera with optical stabilization. In fact, this is an iPhone 8 module, the developers only tightened up the image processing algorithms and added the Smart HDR function. Night mode did not appear. The smartphone records video in resolution up to 4K at 60 frames per second with good stabilization. Both the main and the front 7-megapixel cameras are able to blur the background in portrait shots (only works with people's faces).

The 128 GB iPhone SE 2020 costs UAH 16,600, the 256 GB model will cost three thousand more.

3 reasons to buy:

  • compact and lightweight
  • moisture protection of the case
  • perfectly shoots 4K video

2 reasons not to buy:

  • large screen bezels
  • unimportant autonomy

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The best smartphone up to UAH 25,000

</ p>

Samsung Galaxy S21


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Samsung Galaxy S21 and S21 +

We've entered Android flagship territory with threemain rivals. For those who want to get a large screen, there is the Xiaomi Mi 11, connoisseurs of compact gadgets will look towards the Asus Zenfone 8, you need a solution “for both yours and ours” - here is the Samsung Galaxy S21, get it and sign for it. The South Korean giant's smartphone greets us with a 6.2-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with a refresh rate of 48 to 120 Hz. This has its own logic; when watching a video, you can safely switch to 48/60 Hz so as not to waste extra energy. The panel is protected by a new generation of Gorilla Glass Victus glass, which is better able to withstand shocks; it is also worth noting the in-display fingerprint scanner with ultrasonic technology. This is the second generation of sensor with an increased recognition area and improved response speed.

Inside the Samsung Galaxy S21 is a proprietary processorExynos 2100 with one super-powerful Cortex-X1 core, three hefty Cortex-A78 cores and four energy-efficient Cortex-A56 cores for simple tasks. They also promise a 40% increase in graphics performance. What's in practice? The standard S21 can handle any application and game, but in throttling tests it performs worse than older models. Simply because the sizes of the S21+ and S21 Ultra allowed for more efficient cooling. There is no memory card slot in the entire series, and future owners of the Galaxy S21 will have to choose between 128 or 256 GB versions, the amount of RAM in both is 8 GB. Operating system - Android 11 with OneUI interface, there is a DeX mode for convenient work on the big screen.

Galaxy S21 triple camera is interesting not onlyunusual block design. The main 12 MP module with large pixels and an optical stabilization system allows you to take good pictures both during the day and at night. The 64 MP telephoto camera provides 3x hybrid zoom without loss of quality. If you need to capture more frame space, 12MP ultra-wide is at your service (distortion reduction is enabled by default). Supports 8K / 4K video recording. Selfie camera 10 megapixel.

On a single charge, the Samsung Galaxy S21 works withmorning until the evening. For a battery with a capacity of 4000 mAh with such hardware, the result is not bad. Under the pretext of caring for the environment, the company decided to ship the smartphone without a charger. And this is bad, because the existing memory may have a regular USB connector (Type-C is needed). The chances of getting fast 25-watt charging with a third-party adapter are also minimal. It’s easier for users of wireless charging; they won’t have any compatibility problems.

The back of the Samsung Galaxy S21 is made of matteplastic. The material is practical, but the glass body of the Galaxy S21 feels more expensive. IP68 dust and water protection and stereo speakers are unchanged here.

See also:review of Samsung Galaxy S21+ and Galaxy S21

4 reasons to buy:

  • AMOLED display with adaptive frequency up to 120 Hz
  • recognizable design that cannot be confused with anything
  • great cameras
  • fits comfortably in the hand

2 reasons not to buy:

  • no memory card slot
  • you might not like the material of the back panel

Alternative: Apple iPhone 11


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For iOS fans and those who decide to joinIn the Apple ecosystem, the optimal purchase would be the iPhone 11, the company’s best-selling smartphone in 2020. Buyers were not embarrassed by either the thick frames of the Liquid Retina HD IPS display or the modest resolution of 1792×828 pixels with a diagonal of 6.1 inches. To be fair, at a normal distance from the eyes the picture does not look grainy, and the brightness reserve is sufficient for working in any conditions. True Tone technology for adjusting color temperature to lighting conditions has also not gone away. The glass case with an aluminum frame is protected from dust and water according to the IP68 standard. It is also not afraid of accidentally spilled coffee, juice or beer, but after contact with liquid, the device will need to be rinsed with fresh water and dried.

There are no questions about the performance of the iPhone 11 -Last year's flagship Apple A13 Bionic chip has a decent headroom for several years to come. The 128 GB model fits into a budget of up to 25 thousand, for double the amount of memory you will have to pay a few thousand extra. In terms of autonomy, the eleventh iPhone shows some of the best results among all the devices in the line. With videos, games, social networks and correspondence, it will be enough for a full day, in a more gentle mode, the charge can be stretched for one and a half to two days. Since last fall, the iPhone 11 has been shipping in a slim box without a power adapter or headphones. Supports up to 7W wireless charging.

By adding night mode, Apple tightened up the maincamera to the level of competitors. The 12 megapixel module with optical stabilization does an excellent job during the day and automatically increases the shutter speed when there is a lack of light. On a 12-megapixel "wide" with a viewing angle of 120 °, good pictures are obtained during the day, the night mode is not available for it. In the cutout above, in addition to the 12 MP selfie camera, there are elements of the Face ID system. It is not so easy to deceive, but in the conditions of mask mode, an alternative way of unlocking without a password would not hurt (in fact, there is one, but this requires an Apple Watch).

4 reasons to buy:

  • warm-lamp IPS-screen
  • decent main camera
  • moisture protection
  • good stereo speakers

2 reasons not to buy:

  • some looseness of fonts due to screen resolution
  • no telephoto camera

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The best smartphone under 30,000 UAH

Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra


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So far, all indications are that this year Samsungwill miss the update of the Galaxy Note line - the global shortage of chips is to blame. As a result, the current flagship Galaxy Note 20 Ultra will remain the most technologically advanced smartphone in the series for a long time to come. And it may be of interest not only to fans of the S Pen stylus. Almost the entire front surface of the device is occupied by a 6.9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen with QHD + resolution and an adaptive frequency of up to 120 Hz. The maximum value is reached in Full HD mode, which is used by default. The first generation ultrasonic fingerprint sensor in the display responds clearly. The phone is available in three colors: black and white versions are completely glossy, the bronze version looks more interesting due to the matte back. I don't even want to hide such beauty in a case, on the other hand, the accessory will help smooth out the sharp protrusion of the camera at the back.

Inside is a proprietary Exynos 990 chipsetSamsung, 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of internal memory. The phone works quickly, but in games over long distances it is inferior to competitors based on top Qualcomm platforms and the Galaxy S21 family with Exynos 2100. However, mobile gamers will initially be aimed at devices of the Asus ROG Phone 5 level. There is a slot for microSD memory cards. It is hybrid, although thanks to eSIM there will be no problems connecting a second number. Galaxy Note 20 Ultra has already been updated to Android 11 with One UI 3.1 shell. Our most detailed review of the phone came out before the update, however, information about the main features of the shell and the capabilities of the updated S Pen with gesture control remains relevant.

The first generation of Samsung smartphones with a newThe 108-megapixel camera sensor had complaints about autofocus performance. In the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, the issue was resolved by the addition of IR focusing. The optical stabilization system is installed on both the main module and a 12-megapixel telephoto camera with a periscope (5x optical zoom and hybrid zoom up to 50x). In auto mode, 108 MP is "compressed" to 12 megapixels, this helps to reduce noise, plus the pictures themselves are saved faster. A feature of the module is blurring along the edges when shooting objects at close range. Often this effect is only for the benefit of the pictures, and when you need to get a clear image of the text, a 2x switch will appear in the camera application (it uses only the central area without defocusing). There are also AR effects and a shooting mode in RAW format. By the way, night mode works with all three cameras. The front 10 megapixel module can blur the background without an additional depth sensor.

Battery life varies by scenariousing a smartphone. Someone does not get more than 5 hours of screen activity, others have indicators up to 7-8 hours. The average level of a modern flagship. The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra package is complete: there is a 25 W charger and AKG headphones (with a USB Type-C connector, since the mini-jack has been abolished). The 4500mAh battery can be charged wirelessly with a Qi / PMA-compatible docking station.

4 reasons to buy:

  • excellent screen with thin bezels
  • good set of cameras
  • DeX desktop mode
  • S Pen features

2 reasons not to buy:

  • you will be satisfied with the Galaxy S20 Ultra without a stylus
  • gaming performance

If you want an iPhone: Apple iPhone 12


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While Chinese brands are diligently bending the edgesscreens, Apple returned to a design with flat edges. The move turned out to be successful; the iPhone 12 simultaneously stands out from the crowd of smartphones and evokes nostalgia for the “fours” and “fives.” In terms of size, the standard model is the golden mean between the Max version and the miniature iPhone 12 Mini. The 6.1-inch OLED screen with HDR support is protected by more durable Ceramic Shield glass. Improvements have also been made in terms of water resistance: the case has the same IP68 rating, but can withstand immersion to a depth of 6 meters for 30 minutes. By the way, the iPhone 12 and Mini use an aluminum frame with a matte texture. The shiny steel edges of older models look more expensive, but also attract fingerprints. Recently, purple was added to the black, white, blue, light green and red body colors.

The Apple A14 Bionic processor can handle anythingtasks, unless in the “benchmark game” Genshin Impact he has to be restrained. This is a feature of all relatively compact smartphones: to prevent them from overheating, throttling is turned on during long gaming sessions, and sometimes the screen brightness is reduced. The iPhone 12 is no better or worse than others in this regard. Considering the average lifespan of iPhones, it makes no sense to buy a 64GB base model in 2021. The next step is 128 GB, for this version on a normal day they ask for a little more than 30 thousand.

The rear camera system hasn't changed much.The main 12-megapixel module received faster optics with an f / 1.6 aperture, optical stabilization in place. The A14 Bionic chip brings improved processing algorithms to expand the dynamic range of Smart HDR 3. Night mode now works with an ultra wide angle 12MP camera (not always with the desired result, but better than nothing). The 12 MP selfie camera has also been improved in terms of shooting in the dark.

One of the innovations of the iPhone 12 was technologyMagSafe. Under the glass on the back of smartphones there is a ring of magnets, thanks to which various accessories can be held on the back. And if the idea of ​​a wallet case is more suitable for beautiful presentations (the cover can be easily lost by simply taking the phone out of your pocket), then wireless chargers and holders with Magsafe are quite a working thing. It seems that Apple is preparing users to ditch any connectors on the iPhone.

See also:iPhone 12 Pro review

Battery with a capacity of just over 2800 mAhlooks quite modest against the background of powerful batteries of Android smartphones. But the iPhone 12 is doing well: one charge lasts on average for one day with a small margin. Neither the power adapter, nor the headphones, nor even the adapter to the 3.5 mm jack were put on the smartphone. Worse, this practice is readily adopted by other manufacturers.

4 reasons to buy:

  • high quality OLED display
  • top performance
  • nostalgic design
  • MagSafe accessories

2 reasons not to buy:

  • not much different from the iPhone 11 (except for the screen)
  • no telephoto camera

We only walked along the very edge of the segmentdevices from a thousand dollars, because comparing them in the “better/worse” categories is quite difficult. Someone is interested in trying a new class of smartphones with a bendable screen; there is also no need to explain once again that the iPhone 12 Pro Max is Apple’s most advanced smartphone today (and will remain so until the company’s autumn presentation).

How to choose a smartphone with a good camera?

More or less interesting options can be found before7000 hryvnia, but such devices still have weaknesses (not everyone can shoot high-quality video, and half of the auxiliary modules will be useless). In the middle segment, the Samsung Galaxy A52 with an optical stabilization system stands out, and the next level is the almost flagship Galaxy S20 FE of 2021. In top models starting from 25 thousand hryvnia, the main camera will shoot well in any conditions, so you should focus on the auxiliary modules - some cannot live without a telephoto, for others, shooting with a wide angle is more important. Some devices offer everything at once.

Which phone is good for gaming?

The best option without overpayments is PocoX3 Pro, fans of the "royal battle" may also be interested in the Nubia Play 5G with touch triggers on the side. Almost all flagships on the "eight hundred" series Snapdragon processors, older brothers Galaxy S21 and top Apple models are suitable. And for hardcore gamers, there's the ROG Phone 5.

Inexpensive smartphone - which one is better to buy?

Inexpensive is a loose concept, but ifTo focus on models under 5,000 hryvnia, you should take a closer look at these three: ZTE Blade 20 Smart or Samsung Galaxy M12, if the brand is important to you. And for those who are ready to throw another thousand on top, the best option would be realme 6.