1. Samsung Galaxy S21
The quite expected update of the flagship S-line of Samsung was naturally perceived by the public in different ways and, for the most part, the reason for this was the design of the main camera, which many managed to both criticize and love with all their hearts.
In other respects, the smartphone is in some places not far from last year's anniversary S20: the same camera modules, which last year were marked with gorgeous pictures and videos, the same display resolution (but at the same time, the new Dynamic AMOLED 2x color rendering technology is used). It is worth noting the new processor: in Russia it is the Exynos 2100, made on the 5nm process technology – the chip has become more efficient and faster than last year. Otherwise, you will not find strong differences with the S20.
2. Xiaomi Mi 11
For the second generation in a row, Xiaomi's flagship line can hardly be called “popular”, here it is already worth mentioning that Mi 11 is a really powerful premium smartphone.
The Xiaomi Mi 11 was the first smartphone to feature the flagship Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor, as well as a 120Hz 4K display with a sampling rate (screen response rate) of 480Hz – this ensures smooth and fast smartphone operation. Unlike the more advanced Pro and Ultra versions, the camera here, as in the Mi 10, with a 108 MP main module, with a set of all the technologies you need today. Judging by the available examples of photos and videos, the quality of the final image is really amazing and is able to compete on a par with larger competitors.
3. Vivo X60 Pro
The flagship of vivo primarily focuses on the main 48 MP camera unit, developed jointly with ZEISS, which, according to the manufacturer, improves the color reproduction of the final image, image clarity and reduces optical distortion. The smartphone is equipped with a new generation stabilization system and night mode, allowing you to capture the beauty of night landscapes.
The strong points of the smartphone also include the sub-flagship Snapdragon 870 processor, a large amount of RAM and the optimal amount of permanent memory: 12 GB and 256 GB, respectively. Outside, you will find a rather thin body in one available color, blue mother-of-pearl, as well as a 120HZ AMOLED FHD + screen with HDR10 + certification. If you are a football fan, then keep in mind: the device has been announced as the official smartphone of the European Football Championship.
4.realme 8 pro
But realme decided to surprise with an interesting design solution, which is only visible in the dark: we are talking about the fluorescent glow of the inscription “Dare to leap” and the area around the main camera (the feature is available in the illumination yellow version).
Otherwise, this device is a solid sub-flagship with a main camera with a resolution of 108 MP, a mid-budget but powerful Snapdragon 720G processor and an FHD + AMOLED screen. Also, the advantages include fast 30 W charging and great autonomy with a 4500 mAh battery.
5. Oppo X 2021
One of the most exciting early 2021 concepts is rightfully the Oppo X 2021 with its retractable OLED screen. During the production of the smartphone, as many as 122 patents were created, and 12 of them relate to the rotating mechanism.
At the moment, this smartphone is just an experiment, a groundwork for the future. There is not even a front camera, and of the three main camera modules, only the main one works. Also, the manufacturer did not disclose the final characteristics of the smartphone. Therefore, it is only worth hoping and expecting that soon this technology will improve and become more accessible to a wider range of consumers, because the multitasking of a device bordering between a smartphone and a tablet opens up much more possibilities than each of these devices individually.
6. Nokia X20
The new smartphone from the Finnish Nokia has become a representative of the middle price segment with an advanced optics system (the main 64 MP camera from Zeiss – the Finns are faithful to the traditions), nice design and support for 5G network. The smartphone is based on an 8nm Snapdragon 480 processor and comes with a gentleman's set of 6 or 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of permanent memory, expandable up to 512 GB via a microSD card.
All this is probably more than enough for you, given the traditionally clean from all sorts of shells, the current version of Android 11 and the three-year Android update program.
7.TCL 20 Pro 5G
TCL, one of the largest TV manufacturers in China, has unveiled a series of new smartphones this year, the top of which is the TCL 20 Pro 5G. It is based on the Snapdragon 750G octa-core gaming processor, together with 6 GB of “RAM” and an optimal amount of memory of 256 GB expandable.
The design of the smartphone is typical for the flagships of the past: a discreet design of the back cover, a 6.67-inch “waterfall” screen, made using AMOLED HDR 10 technology, a resolution of 2400 × 1080. The main four-module camera unit has a resolution of 48 MP with the main module Sony IMX582 with support for optical and electronic stabilization – the quality of the final photo will not be inferior to the main representatives of the market.
8. Sony Xperia 1 III
In this flagship of Sony, the main focus is on the main 12 MP camera. Here, again, there is optics from Zeiss, and according to the assurances of the company, this smartphone is a universal fighter – it is suitable for photographers, and for music lovers, and for movie lovers, and for mobile gamers. This is facilitated by Qualcomm's flagship 888 “dragon”, 12GB of RAM, 4K OLED display with a 21: 9 ratio and a clock speed of 120Hz, full support for the DualShock 4 controller and Dolby's collaboration with Sony Music. For old-fashioned aesthetes, there is even a 3.5mm jack for wired headphones.
9.Huawei Mate 40 Pro 4G
Pressured by the US sanctions in May 2019, Huawei was taking tactical and logical steps towards the day of the release of its first smartphone free from Google in the face of Android OS. Thus, the Mate 40 Pro 4G is the first smartphone to come with Harmony OS 2.0 pre-installed, Huawei's own operating system with support for Android apps.
The device in terms of characteristics and design, with the exception of the lack of 5G, is similar to the Mate 40 pro: there is also a rather powerful flagship Kirin 9000 processor in LTE performance, a 50 MP main camera and a tandem of 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of main memory. It is worth noting that soon after the release of the Mate 40 Pro 4G, it is planned to install Harmony on a number of the company's smartphones – the “axis” should link the company's devices from different areas, including the automotive industry.
