Smartphones are a basic necessity nowadays, and you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t own one. In fact, a 2019 study estimated that there are at least 5 billion people around the world who own smartphones — coming from various generations and financial standings. Because of this demand and diverse demographics, manufacturers have now produced smartphones for every budget and purpose. If you’re looking for some recommendations, check out our list below.
Best budget smartphone
Sometimes, all you need is a no-nonsense smartphone — and the Nokia 5.3 offers just that. At just $199, you’d think this phone would skimp on quality, but its robust hardware and stellar battery life prove otherwise. Equipped with a Snapdragon 665 chipset, and up to 6GB of RAM, this budget phone is capable of running heavy programs — even graphics-intensive games like Genshin Impact. Additionally, while the 6.55-inch LCD screen is nothing spectacular, the display is bright enough to be used under sunlight. On the whole, the Nokia 5.3 is a solid choice if all you’re looking for is a simple, straightforward phone for basic everyday use.
Best mid-range smartphone
At the upper end of the mid-range spectrum is the Motorola Edge, which is priced at around $500. And while it’s obvious that Motorola has cut corners to keep it relatively cheap, the features are still quite impressive. For one, the display has a 90Hz refresh rate, which is rare for a phone of this price. Paired with the Snapdragon 765G chipset, these specs allow for smoother viewing. The battery life is excellent too, thanks to the phone’s printed circuit board, which was manufactured using 3D components in a footprint library. As such, the Snapdragon 765 has built-in through-hole resistors and electrolytic cap bodies, allowing the processor to distribute enough current to power the device. The result is a formidable mid-range phone that packs the features without the hefty price tag.
Best high-end smartphone
Apple’s top-of-the-line flagship phones are always eagerly anticipated, and the iPhone 12 Pro Max is no different. Be warned, though: this phone is only for buyers with deep pockets — as it’s one of the most expensive iPhones at roughly $1,100. With that said, it’s a beast of a gadget, carrying premium features that you’d expect for the price. The iPhone 12 Pro Max has a huge OLED display, and the HDR renders gorgeous detail on-screen. Meanwhile, the rear camera block boasts three powerful 12MP cameras and updated image processors that can capture photos in 4K resolution. As such, it’s perfect for users who want state-of-the-art hardware and features.
Best luxury smartphone
If money is no object, check out the designer smartphones made by Russian accessory maker Caviar. Their ‘Talisman’ collection of iPhone XS and XS Max units features cultural artifacts like the Celtic cross, Yin and Yang, and the Hamsa hand. The cheapest of these phones costs $4,400. In terms of hardware, the iPhone XS is a bit outdated but still packs quite the punch. It comes with a powerful A12 Bionic chipset for loads of processing power, and the Super Retina OLED display still delivers high-resolution graphics. As such, these designer phones make quite the functional (but bank-breaking) fashion statement.
Best for gaming
Mobile gaming has seen a spike in popularity in recent years. And with each new game demanding better specs, you might want to purchase a gaming smartphone. For instance, the Nubia Red Magic 5G runs on the Snapdragon 865 Plus chipset and 12GB RAM for more processing power. With a 144Hz refresh rate, the display is sure to be vivid and smooth. Of course, these features come at a hefty price, since the phone costs $645.
loading...
loading...