Content

1. Current rating option
2. Premium
3. Medium +
4. Middle-
5. Conclusion

Current rating option

Бестселлер – a model with outstanding performance (it could be the price, not just the technical characteristics). Models marked with the word “Bestseller” are worth paying close attention to.

Player… Notable solutions, typical representatives of their class. These are mass-produced products that generate the main sales in certain segments.

Applicant… Phones in this category have not grown to the player’s class, but have a number of attractive features (for example, cost, but it can also become a negative factor, and then the player turns into a contender), they may lack many functions that have become standard for a particular class. As a rule, the “Contender” category includes devices from second and third tier manufacturers or overpriced phones from large manufacturers.

Technology for technology’s sake… Niche products, interesting for their technical solutions, but not intended for a wide audience. Based on the possibilities, the device is interesting, but its size and speed of operation negate its advantages and make it niche.

Not for all… Niche solutions, which are usually distinguished by an extraordinary design or the presence of unique, but unnecessary opportunities. Designed for a narrow group of buyers who buy original things for self-expression.

Mediocre product… This category includes devices that are initially aimed at everyone and no one. Phones that lack distinctive features, making them one of the many on the market.

Outsider… Phones that, contrary to common sense, enter the market and do not attract consumers even to a small extent. Dead products not made for any sales.

Also, all models are divided into 4 price segments, the main technical characteristics indicated by the manufacturer are listed. If any smartphone seemed interesting, then a little more detail is written about it. The price indicated in the description is the lowest I found in the official retail. Offers on the “gray” market, all their pros and cons are at your discretion. From time to time, devices may appear that are already available for purchase, but have not yet been presented in official retail.

Segment / Price	From	Before
Premium	45 001 rub.
Medium +	30 001 rub.	45 000 rub.
Middle-	11 001 rub.	30 000 rub.
Economy		11 000 rub.

Premium

Apple iPhone 12 Pro

• Rating: bestseller
• Price: from 99 rubles

TECH SPECS:

• Processor: Apple A14 Bionic (5nm), Hexa-core (2 × 3.1 GHz Firestorm + 4 × 1.8 GHz Icestorm), Apple GPU graphics (4-core)
• Operating system: iOS 14.1
• Memory: 6 GB / 128/256/512 GB, no memory card slot
• Screen: 6.1-inch, Super Retina XDR OLED, 1170 x 2532 pixels, 19.5 by 9 aspect ratio, 460 ppi, HDR10, 800 nits typical, 1200 nits peak, Dolby Vision, wide color gamut, True- tone, ceramic safety glass
• Battery: Li-Ion 2815 mAh, fast charging 20 W, 50% in 30 minutes, wireless charging 15 W
• Main camera:
  • 12 MP, f / 1.6, 26mm (wide), 1.4μm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS
  • 12 MP, f / 2.0, 52mm (tele), 1 / 3.4 ″, 1.0μm, PDAF, OIS, 2x optical zoom
  • 12 MP, f / 2.4, 120 °, 13mm (ultra wide angle), 1 / 3.6 ″
• TOF 3D LiDAR scanner (depth)
• Video recording 4K @ 24/30 / 60fps, 1080p @ 30/60/120 / 240fps, 10-bit HDR, Dolby Vision HDR (up to 60fps)
• Front camera: 12 MP, f / 2.2, 23mm (wide-angle), 1 / 3.6 ″ + SL 3D (depth / biometric sensor)
• SIM card: 1 Nano-SIM + eSIM
• Network and data transmission: GSM 900/1800/1900, 3G, 4G LTE, 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, A2DP, LE, A-GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, NFC, USB Lightning, USB 2.0
• Sensors: Face ID, accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity, compass, barometer
• Other: Apple Pay, IP68 protection, no 3.5 mm jack
• Materials: glass and steel frame
• Dimensions: 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm, weight 189 g

iPhone 12 Pro is the main smartphone of the fall. For many years now, there has been talk that the shine of the iPhone has faded, but every fall every year from somewhere knows the next most fashionable color of the new iPhone. This year it is Pacific blue. By the way, a great name. The image of the endless blue ocean is even more attractive when the pandemic forces you to sit within four walls.

Whoever wants to will buy, so I see no reason to talk about the price, but I propose to focus on innovation and product perception.

It so happened this year that Apple was the first to release a 5nm chipset. Huawei recently presented its Kirin 9000. But Samsung, realizing the lag, according to rumors, postponed the presentation of the new Galaxy S to January.

Apple A14 Bionic is a very interesting chipset. Firstly, in terms of performance, Apple’s leadership is indisputable, but there is no special know-how here, rather it is a matter of precise optimization for a specific model and software, which Qualcomm cannot afford. I analyzed this moment in a separate text. Why Samsung can’t make Exynos the Android equivalent of Bionic is a big question worthy of a separate article.

However, the A14 Bionic is interesting because in the new chipset Apple has not focused on basic performance, but on the growth of the power of its neural unit, which the company calls the Neural Engine. So, in the A14, the Neural Engine has as many as 16 cores against 8 cores from the previous generation. If you look at it, Apple is following the same path as Nvidia, which achieves performance gains by increasing artificial intelligence, harnessing it to do more and more tasks. Shifting tasks to AI is an interesting and highly promising development path that allows you to increase productivity while reducing energy consumption. An interesting point here is that the increased neural performance will allow improving the properties of the device with the help of software updates.

For the new glass, Apple has come up with the name Ceramic Shield, promising that the risk of damage from a drop is reduced by 4 times, as ceramic nanocrystals are added to the glass matrix, increasing strength. Also, the new glass should be less scratched because the company uses “the double ion exchange process that is used for the glass back: it provides excellent protection against cracks, scratches and other minor damage.” Frankly speaking, I repeated these postulates like a parrot. In general, ion exchange is, in fact, quenching, but chemical. The glass is placed in a hot saline solution and the positively charged sodium ions on the glass are replaced with potassium ions, which makes the glass scratch-resistant and the mechanical strength is 5-10 times higher than that of tempered glass. Typically, this technology is used in the aerospace field.

In any case, it is worth remembering that a year ago there was news that Apple was investing an additional $ 250 million in Corning (glass manufacturer). So, most likely, they took some of the latest Gorilla Glass from Corning and somehow tempered so that these ceramic nanocrystals would stick …

By the way, not everyone paid attention, but the iPhone has a new IP68 certification. Usually, the IP68 signature indicates fresh water, a depth of 1-1.5 meters and a period of up to 30 minutes. For example, the Samsung Galaxy Note 20. The iPhone 12 Pro can be immersed in water to a depth of 6 meters for up to 30 minutes.

While other manufacturers are coming up with filters for video, Apple has made it possible to shoot in Dolby Vision. The logic behind this solution is simple. The difference in the picture will be immediately noticeable to the naked eye.

Apple ProRAW is a RAW format for those who do not want to understand the complexities of photo editing, but want to take the most beautiful pictures. Here, by the way, artificial intelligence will be closely involved, which will have to initially remove noise, adjust the overall picture, and the user will have to bring the photo to the ideal according to his own taste.

Finally, a few words about design. For my taste, the iPhone 12 Pro is the most beautiful smartphone of the year. Frosted glass, rich colors, steel frame, neat camera block. Against the background of similar smartphones on Android, the new iPhones stand out pleasantly.

We’ll talk about MagSafe wireless charging in the iPhone 12 section.

Apple iPhone 12

• Rating: bestseller
• Price: from 79 rubles

TECH SPECS:

• Processor: Apple A14 Bionic (5nm), Hexa-core (2 × 3.1 GHz Firestorm + 4 × 1.8 GHz Icestorm), Apple GPU graphics (4-core)
• Operating system: iOS 14.1
• Memory: 4 GB / 64/128/256 GB, no memory card slot
• Screen: 6.1-inch, Super Retina XDR OLED, 1170 x 2532 pixels, 19.5 by 9 aspect ratio, 460 ppi, HDR10, 625 nits typical, 1200 nits peak, Dolby Vision, wide color gamut, True- tone, ceramic safety glass
• Battery: Li-Ion 2815 mAh, fast charging 20 W, 50% in 30 minutes, wireless charging 15 W
• Main camera:
  • 12 MP, f / 1.6, 26mm (wide), 1.4μm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS
  • 12 MP, f / 2.4, 120 °, 13mm (ultra wide angle), 1 / 3.6 ″
  • Video recording 4K @ 24/30 / 60fps, 1080p @ 30/60/120 / 240fps, 10-bit HDR, Dolby Vision HDR (up to 60fps)
• Front camera: 12 MP, f / 2.2, 23mm (wide-angle), 1 / 3.6 ″ + SL 3D (depth / biometric sensor)
• SIM card: 1 Nano-SIM + eSIM
• Network and data transmission: GSM 900/1800/1900, 3G, 4G LTE, 5G, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, A2DP, LE, A-GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, NFC, USB Lightning, USB 2.0
• Sensors: Face ID, accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity, compass, barometer
• Other: Apple Pay, IP68 protection, no 3.5 mm jack
• Materials: glass and steel frame
• Dimensions: 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm, weight 164 g

I highlighted the iPhone 12 as a separate item, since the main question is whether to buy it and not the Pro version.

The dimensions of the iPhone 12 and 12 Pro are similar, but the younger model weighs 25 grams less. The main differences are the colors, glossy rather than frosted glass on the back, but the matte frame is made of aluminum (not steel). Another difference is the cameras. 2 photomodules, not 3. There is no telephoto lens and optical zoom. And also the RAM is not 6, but 4 GB.

Another important difference is the minimum storage space. The Pro has 128 GB, and the iPhone 12 has 64 GB, the 128 GB version costs 85 thousand rubles.

It is interesting that Apple, perhaps, for the first time (or am I wrong?) Applies software restrictions, so the ProRAW photo format is available only on the Pro version. Perhaps it has something to do with the amount of RAM?

Both smartphones support MagSafe wireless charging. The first videos of bloggers showed that the charging magnets are not very strong. The principle is the same as for MacBooks. In general, it holds tight, but if you touch it, the charging will unhook. The question is, will third-party manufacturers be able to somehow increase the grip so that you can, for example, attach an iPhone in the car. Looks like it’s possible, at least so Belkin has a car holder that uses MagSafe. Moreover, this is just a holder, without charging. Haven’t you thought about it or are there any restrictions that did not allow placing the charging?

Aksy for magnetic mount (if it is tenacious enough) will be the hottest offer on the market for additional equipment. Firstly, they are easy to use, and secondly, they allow you to create all kinds of new solutions. I have already cited the IMSTICK magnetic mount as an example. Read the material below or watch them. They have a variety of scenarios out there that fit the new iPhones.

In my opinion, the new Apple iPhone 12 turned out to be so powerful that you can safely buy it without worrying that you did not take the Pro version. You probably won’t be using the ProRaw format on a regular basis, as well as the 2.5x telephoto lens.

Huawei Mate 40 Pro

• Rating: challenger
• Price: 1 200 euros, 108 000 rubles (??? there are no official prices yet)

TECH SPECS
Dimensions and weight	162.9 x 75.5 x 9.1 mm, 214 grams
Body materials	Glass, aluminum
Display	6.7 inches, 2772×1344 pixels, OLED, 19.5: 9, notch, auto brightness, Corning Gorilla Glass 60 Hz or 90 Hz
Operating system	Google Android 10, EMUI 11
Platform	HiSilicon Kirin 9000 5 nm: (1 × 3.13 GHz Cortex-A77 + 3 × 2.54 GHz Cortex-A77 + 4 × 2.04 GHz Cortex-A55)  Mali-G78 MP24
Memory	8 GB RAM, 256 GB internal storage  ND memory card up to 256GB
Wireless Interfaces	Wi-Fi a / b / g / n / ac / ax, dual band, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC
Сеть	4G / 5G
Navigation	GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou
Sensors and connectors	USB Type C (USB 3.1), OTG  Accelerometer, proximity sensor, light sensor, fingerprint sensor (under the screen), gyroscope, barometer, electronic compass
Main camera	Standard lens, 50 MP, OIS, f / 1.9, 27 mm   Wide-angle lens, 20 MP, f / 1.8, 18 mm  Telephoto lens, 12 MP, optical zoom x5, hybrid x10, f / 3.4, optical stabilization ToF (time of flight) supports laser autofocus, phase and contrast autofocus, AIS – (Huawei AI image stabilization)
Front-camera	13 MP, f / 2.4, 27/18 mm
Battery	Li-Pol 4400 mAh Qi wireless charging, the ability to charge other devices 66W charger
Degree of protection	IP68
Colours	Silver (only such in Russia)
Sound	Stereodynamics USB-C for headphone connection
Price	Not yet known in Russia

Recently Huawei presented its new flagship, about which we got the first look from Roma Belykh. I read the text and was at a loss, but I feel that someone has failed. Either Huawei, or Roma, because it seems like a new flagship (and the flagships should amaze and surprise us), and the text is so smooth and calm, as if the next Samsung A-series. And even it is not clear: what is new in it? Let’s try to figure it out together, since the matter is really difficult:

• 90Hz screen and 240Hz touch processing. Maximum brightness 800 nits. Decent, but standard, and not only for flagships (but the juiciness of the picture is definitely flagship)
• Kirin 9000 – 5nm process technology. No less worthy (especially considering Huawei’s difficulties due to US sanctions), but also expected for new flagships.
• The 24-core Mali-G78 graphics processor is very worthy, but we can appreciate all the beauty only after Samsung and Xiaomi show that they have managed to knock out Arm Holding’s latest achievements.

• Gesture and gaze control: “Make a fist to take a screenshot, or move your palm close to the screen to answer a call or control audio playback. To control the sound of an incoming call, look at the smartphone screen and the volume will be automatically reduced. ” Here, at least some flagship game has gone, for which you can overpay.
• 5G, Wi-Fi 6, and 5G and 4G-enabled SIMs work together. Also good, but not a story about us.
• Probably simply the best camera on the smartphone market. This is definitely a flagship feature + HDR video shooting and super stabilization and a kind of super cool tracking focus. It’s even a pity that the smartphone comes out in a period when the sky is overcast and the daylight hours are reduced to 6 hours. When it snows, I will definitely try to take a smartphone for an acquaintance, and we will test stabilization during snow fun.
• Upgraded selfie camera with 4K shooting, combined with a motion sensor. If the camera detects that you are taking a group selfie, it automatically turns on wide-angle mode. It is not clear, you have to watch it live. But, in general, we have a coronavirus here, so it’s a little not up to group sex.
• Backlit case. Sold separately. It is not clear yet, but interesting.

• Fast charging 66W and wireless 50W. Okay, but charging speed is now a universal competition among the Chinese.
• The smartphone supports the HUAWEI M-Pen 2 (sold separately). This is good and right. I want to try!

• Blur special effects hide detailed information from one application when switching to another application, and it also blocks communication between applications. In general, it is not clear what it is, but it sounds like a flagship!
• The smartphone recognizes when someone else is looking at the screen and protects the displayed content from prying eyes. This smart feature can hide notification details and lock apps if it detects someone else is looking at the screen. Also very flagship!

Apparently, it’s still not a revolution, but evolution. What do you think?

Google Pixel 5

• Rating: challenger
• Price: 53 rubles ($ 000 at the rate of October 700, 26)

TECH SPECS:

• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G (7 nm), Octa-core (1 × 2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1 × 2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6 × 1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver), Adreno 620 graphics
• Operating System: Android 11
• Memory: 8 GB / 128 GB, no memory card slot
• Screen: 6 inches, OLED, 1080 x 2340 pixels, dot density 432 ppi, aspect ratio 19.5 by 9, 90 Hz, HDR10 +, Always-on display, Corning Gorilla Glass 6
• Battery: Li-Po 4080 mAh, fast charging 18W, wireless charging, reverse charging, USB Power Delivery 2.0
• Main camera:
  • 12.2 MP, f / 1.7, 27mm (wide), 1 / 2.55 ″, 1.4μm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS
  • 16 MP, f / 2.2, 107 ° (ultra wide angle), 1.0μm
  • Video recording 4K @ 30 / 60fps, 1080p @ 30/60/120 / 240fps; gyro-EIS
• Front camera: 8 MP, f / 2.0, 24mm (wide-angle), 1 / 4.0 ″, 1.12μm
• SIM card: 1 Nano-SIM + eSIM
• Network and data transmission: GSM 900/1800/1900, 3G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, A-GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, BDS, NFC, USB Type-C 3.1
• Sensors: Fingerprint Reader (Rear), Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Proximity, Compass, Barometer
• Other: no 3.5 mm jack, IP68 protection
• Materials: Gorilla Glass 6, aluminum frame and back
• Dimensions: 144.7 x 70.4 x 8 mm, weight 151 g

Google has a fresh take on the Pixel lineup. The company is now promising a better user experience, rather than top specs. At $ 700 (in the US, the average smartphone price is $ 480), the position is controversial. And this is the cost of the regular version, the 5G version costs over a thousand dollars.

The smartphone has an aluminum body and wireless charging. Google says that the charging coil is located on the outside of the case, making this possible. An additional coating is applied on top of the coil, and to the touch the body of the smartphone is perceived as stone, not metal.

Well, besides charging, it is difficult to highlight something else. Nice screen, camera, built-in Google call blocker (only available in the US). From the amusing one can only note that, judging by the promo page, the new Pixel 5 will appeal to people with black skin or Asian descent, women and children. Although from time to time, unpopular white men still meet. In short, not a smartphone for Russia.

Medium +

realme 7 pro

• Rating: challenger
• Price: 24 990 rubles / 27 990 rubles in November

TECH SPECS
Dimensions and weight	160.9 x 74.3 x 8.7 мм, 182 грамма
Body materials	Corning Gorilla Glass 3+ protective glass on the front, plastic frame, plastic back
Display	6.4 inches, 2400×1080 pixels (Full HD +), Super AMOLED, refresh rate 60 Hz, ratio 20: 9, pixel density 409 ppi, color gamut 98% NTSC, peak brightness 600 nits
Operating system	Google Android 10, proprietary shell realme UI 1.0
Platform	Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, 6 Kryo 465 Silver cores up to 1.8 GHz + 2 Kryo 465 Gold cores up to 2.3 GHz, 8 nm process technology, Adreno 618 graphics
Memory	8GB LPDDR4X, 128GB UFS 2.1 onboard storage, microSD support up to 256GB
Wireless Interfaces	Wi-Fi a / b / g / n / ac 2,4 / 5 GHz, Bluetooth 5, NFC
Audio	Dual Channel Stereo Speakers, Hi-Res Audio Certification, aptX Adaptive and Dolby Atmos Support, Dual Mic Noise Cancellation
Сеть	2G: 850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz 3G: bands 1, 2, 4, 5, 8 4G: bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 Dual Nano SIM-cards + memory card, separate slot
Navigation	GPS, AGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, Beidou
Sensors and connectors	Fingerprint scanner (in-screen), accelerometer, light sensor, proximity, compass, USB Type-C, 3.5 mm jack
Main camera	64 MP wide-angle Quad Bayer f / 1.8 aperture 0.8μm pixel size PDAF (phase detection autofocus)  8 MP, ultra wide-angle, f / 2.3, 1.12 microns, viewing angle 119 ° 2 MP, macro camera, f / 2.4, 1.75 μm 2 MP, depth sensor, f / 2.4 Video Recording: – 2160P @ 30 fps, 1080P @ 30/60 fps, 720P 30/60 fps – Slow motion 720P @ 240/120 fps – Ultra stabilization (UIS / UIS Max) – Wide angle lens is not supported in 4K and 60fps modes
Front-camera	32 MP, wide-angle, f / 2.5 aperture, 0,8 μm, angle of view 85 ° HDR, panoramic shooting 720P @ 30 fps video recording, 1080P @ 30 fps, beautification mode
Battery	Li-ion 4500 mAh, 65W SuperDart fast charging, Quick Charge and Power Delivery support
Color	Silver, blue
Cost	24 990 rubles, in November – 27 990 rubles

One of the most curious smartphones of the month:

• Fast charging 65W (almost like Huawei, huh?)
• Super AMOLED screen
• Backrest matt design!
• Sony IMX682 64 MP module. Check out Ilya’s review with examples of pictures (link below). In general, the camera has many modes, Ilya did not touch on everything, so I recommend looking at the official website of the smartphone.
• Subject to purchase before November 16, they promise a free screen replacement within the first 6 months.

Middle-

Motorola G9 Plus

• Rating: player
• Price: 17 990 rubles

TECH SPECS:

• Processor: Qualcomm SDM730 Snapdragon 730G (8nm), Octa-core (2 × 2.2 GHz Kryo 470 Gold & 6 × 1.8 GHz Kryo 470 Silver), Adreno 618 graphics
• Operating System: Android 10
• Memory: 4GB / 128GB, microSD combo slot
• Screen: 6.81 inches, LTPS IPS LCD, 1080 x 2400 pixels, aspect ratio 20 by 9, dot density 386 ppi, HDR10
• Battery: Li-Po 5000 mAh, fast charging 30W
• Main camera:
  • 64 MP, f / 1.8, 26mm (wide), 1 / 1.73 ″, 0.8μm, PDAF
  • 8 MP, f / 2.2, 118 ° (ultra wide angle), 1 / 4.0 ″, 1.12μm
  • 2 MP, f / 2.2, (macro)
  • 2 MP, f / 2.2, (depth)
  • Video recording 4K @ 30fps, 1080p @ 30/60 / 120fps, gyro-EIS
• Front camera: 16 MP, f / 2.0, 29mm
• SIM card: 2 Nano-SIM
• Network and data transmission: GSM 900/1800/1900, 3G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, A2DP, LE, A-GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, NFC, USB Type-C 2.0
• Sensors: fingerprint scanner (side), accelerometer, gyroscope, brightness, proximity
• Other: there is a 3.5 mm jack, there is an FM radio (you need headphones for work), there is NFC
• Materials: front glass, rest – plastic
• Dimensions: 170 x 78.1 x 9.7 mm, weight 223 g

Motorola is not that often in the status of a player, but here the smartphone has every chance. Compare it with the same realme 7 pro as above. The devices are similar in characteristics (realme has 8 GB of RAM, but the Moto chipset is more powerful), but Motorola’s price is 7 thousand rubles lower!

There are points by which you can see what Moto saved on (at least compare the size and weight), but the price should brighten up these incidents.

The Motorola G9 Plus is for those who want a big performance smartphone at an attractive price. At the end of the week, a review should appear on the device.

Conclusion

Of course, everyone is discussing new smartphones, and they only talk about what Apple could, and Samsung could not, and vice versa, as well as whether charging is needed in the box. And Huawei, against the background of the iPhone presentation, of course, got a little lost. However, for those who are looking for a smartphone with a price of up to 25 thousand rubles, there is something to think about. The abundance of offers is off the charts, but I recommend paying attention to both Motorola and realme. One of the subtle advantages of both brands is the lack of in-shell ads.

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