It doesn't get any smoother! 10 smartphones with high screen refresh rates that are relevant in summer 2021

Samsung Galaxy Mega

In 2021, this long smartphone looks quite ordinary, but at the time of its release only people who were accustomed to the size of tablets could think so.

In 2013, when Samsung started thinking about releasing its first phablet, it became clear that the category would be a big success. However, the manufacturer did not take risks by equipping the phone with mid-budget hardware. This applies to both the screen and the choice of processor. At the same time, the camera shot at a level comparable to the Galaxy S3, although today hardly anyone will buy such a phone.

Pros:

• stable shell;
• photo quality.

Minuses:

• autonomy;
• grainy display.

Micromax Q391 Canvas Spark 2

• Display: 6 inches, IPS, 540 x 960 pixels
• Dimensions: 85.3 x 165.5 x 8.5 mm
• Weight: 154 g

Price: 7,990 rub.

Inexpensive phablets most often support dual SIM cards. Micromax Canvas Spark 2 is no exception to the rule. This model also has a microSD card slot at its disposal, because the built-in 8 GB of memory will definitely not be enough for the buyer. The device also boasts proximity and light sensors. You can also highlight the 8-megapixel rear camera, which does not take pictures as bad as it could. The rest of the device's specifications are depressing - there is no LTE support, no latest version of Bluetooth, and pixelation is clearly visible on the display.

Advantages

• Not a very bad rear camera;
• Two SIM card slots;
• It is possible to install a memory card;
• Stable operation of the operating system;
• Long battery life.

Flaws

• Very low screen resolution;
• No 4G support;
• The body is made of low quality plastic;
• Only 1 GB of RAM.

Sony Xperia Z

In retail this model was called “Ultra”, and for good reason. In 2013, the Sony Xperia Z looked more like a tablet than a gadget for the average person's pants pocket.

Frankly, even in 2021, the Sony Xperia Z continues to be a behemoth. And although the phone is not at all thick, it turned out to be very elongated and wide, which makes it difficult to fit in your hand even if you wanted to. On the other hand, the lightness inherent in the Sony Xperia Z deserves respect. And the smartphone’s hardware turned out to be quite attractive, considering the year of release.

Pros:

• body thickness;
• ease;
• balanced filling.

Minuses:

• inconvenient to use with one hand.

Microsoft Lumia 640 XL 3G Dual Sim

• Display: 5.7 inches, IPS, 720 x 1280 pixels
• Dimensions: 81.5 x 157.9 x 9 mm
• Weight: 171 g

Price: 9,990 rub.

Operating on Windows Phone 8.1, the device with a large screen is ideal for those people who do not want to bother with the operating system settings. Here the interface is implemented as simply as possible, and it does not slow down at all. The latter fact is explained by the fact that the Microsoft operating system requires much less resources than any Android. The smartphone can also boast a very long battery life, for which we should thank the 3000 mAh battery. But you will have to pay for this by not being able to use 4G networks.

Advantages

• Relatively good cameras (13 and 5 megapixels);
• There is a slot for a memory card;
• Stable operation of the operating system;
• Possibility of installing two SIM cards;
• Not the shortest operating time;
• Easy to learn interface.

Flaws

• Lack of LTE support;
• Small number of applications;
• Not very high display resolution.

Xiaomi Mi Max 3

A smartphone that has become the standard phablet for a long time. Xiaomi did not follow the path of Sony, releasing a tablet under the name of a mobile phone, and did something in between, which still resonates with the audience.

This model has good battery life and image quality. Although the screen diagonal does not look extreme, the actual area is larger than that of any “shovel” of 2021. Yes, the performance is far from modern performance, but this does not prevent us from recommending the Mi Max 3 as a purchase.

Pros:

• metal case;
• dual camera;
• autonomy.

Minuses:

• NFC is not provided.

Top 2. Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 6/128GB

Rating (2021): 4.78

1939 reviews from resources were taken into account: Yandex.Market, Svyaznoy, M.Video, Citilink, DNS, OZON, Otzovik

The most popular favorite of users of all ages from the Chinese brand has the maximum number of reviews in the rating.

• Characteristics

  Country of origin: China

• Average price: 20900 rub.
• Screen: IPS 2400×1080 6.67″
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G, 2.3 GHz
• Memory: 6/128 GB, separate microSD slot up to 512 GB
• Cameras: main 64 F/1.89+8 F/2.20+5 F/2.40+2 F/2.40 MP; front 16 MP
• Battery capacity: 5020 mAh
• NFC: yes

A phone with a large IPS screen from one of the most popular manufacturers. The gadget looks stylish and fits comfortably in the hand. Equipped with a relatively new processor and a battery with impressive energy capacity. At the top of the display, the front camera is located exactly in the center: no eyebrows or bangs, everything is laconic. The quality of pictures from both cameras is excellent, but the native program mercilessly blurs or makes the pictures too sharp. The problem is solved by installing GCam or Open Camera. In addition to shortcomings in the photo/video software, the model has another big problem - defects. In defective copies, the display turns very blue, there is a loss of communication signal, the battery quickly runs out and reboots occur periodically.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Bright Full HD+ display
• Up to 2 days on 1 charge with intensive use
• Excellent performance
• Night shooting mode with good color rendition
• Supports heavy games and programs

• There is a small percentage of defects
• Advertising in pre-installed software
• Bulky body
• Inconvenient fingerprint scanner

See also:

• 10 best frameless smartphones

Huawei Mate 20 X

A good attempt by Huawei to make not just a phablet, but a smartphone that will be pleasant to use due to its advanced characteristics.

When purchasing Huawei Mate 20 X, a person receives a flagship device with a 7.2-inch touchscreen display. This is an impressive figure, but the device's cameras are even more impressive. They not only take good photographs. But they also take excellent video, as evidenced by the “Leica” inscription on the back panel. There are also no questions about autonomy and performance, and only the price makes you think about the feasibility of the purchase.

Pros:

• ergonomics;
• screen diagonal;
• working hours.

Minuses:

• not provided.

Motorola Moto E5 Plus

• Display: 6 inches, IPS, 1440 x 720 pixels
• Dimensions: 3*161.9*9.35 mm
• Weight: 200 g

Price: from 9,900 rub.

The device from Motorola cannot boast of high operating speeds, but at the same time it gives the user the opportunity to stay connected for at least 3 days. This is due to a capacious 5000 mAh battery, low screen resolution and a simple Snapdragon 425 chipset. The good news is that the phone has fast charging; the included unit will handle the task in 1.5 hours.

The memory is available in two modifications – 2/16 or 3/32 GB. If necessary, you can install a memory card in a separate slot. The device has a single 12 megapixel camera, capable of taking very nice pictures. Front module – 8 MP. Videos can be shot in FHD. Traditionally, the device from Motorola is not similar to its competitors - the camera is represented by a large round module in the central part. Below it, a finger scanner is inscribed in the corporate logo. In general, the phone is brutal due to its impressive weight and thickness, but as practice shows, it fits perfectly even in a small woman’s hand.

E5 Plus is a device for those who care about autonomy and balanced work in general, rather than aesthetics in appearance or games.

Advantages:

• Capacious battery.
• Fast charging.
• The kit includes a bumper and headphones.
• Good performance for everyday tasks.
• Good camera.
• Separate memory slot.

Flaws:

• No NFC.
• Weak processor for the price tag.
• One Wi-Fi range.

Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra

Standard "shovel" 2021. In the image and likeness of the Galaxy S20 Ultra, different models are still being produced, but this one has become a kind of indicator that even connoisseurs of flagship models love the large size.

In addition to its large dimensions, the cameras in the Galaxy S20 Ultra are notable. Consider the 108-megapixel photosensor, which, when paired with a telephoto lens, provides 100x zoom in “Photo” mode. The display also deserves praise, but the flagship has serious problems with autonomy and performance. All due to the unstable Exynos chipset.

Pros:

• build quality;
• photo and video capabilities;
• impressive screen.

Minuses:

• Exynos 990 related problems.

Alcatel PIXI 4(6) 8050D

• Display: 6 inches, IPS, 540 x 960 pixels
• Dimensions: 85.8 x 168.7 x 8 mm
• Weight: 179 g

Price: 7,099 rub.

A very budget phablet, the cheapness of which is associated with a number of its disadvantages. The creators of Alcatel PIXI 4(6) 8050D had to seriously save money. As a result, they installed a very low resolution screen here, which makes the pixelation glaringly obvious. Also, the phone does not support data transfer via 4G networks, which can cause some inconvenience in a large city. Otherwise, it’s difficult to find fault with the device. It works for a long time on a single charge - the smartphone survives until the end of the working day in almost 100% of cases. There is also a good built-in rear camera with a resolution of 8 megapixels. Well, the small amount of permanent memory is compensated by the presence of an expansion slot.

Advantages

• Relatively good cameras (8 and 5 megapixels);
• Bluetooth 4.1 is present;
• Very low cost;
• Possibility of installing two SIM cards;
• Availability of a slot for a memory card;
• Availability of FM radio.

Flaws

• Very low display resolution;
• No LTE support;
• Weak processor and 1 GB of RAM.

Vivo V15

The Vivo phone does not stand out from its competitors in its size, but it was one of the first devices with a retractable camera, which made it possible to make the screen almost frameless.

But the technical equipment certainly cannot be called innovative. However, no one expects this from a mid-budget device accessible to any buyer. So you can put up with the low quality of the photo. Moreover, if a smartphone is purchased only to demonstrate the retractable front camera.

Pros:

• price;
• triple camera;
• display without cutouts.

Minuses:

• overall, modest characteristics.

Alcatel PIXI 4(6) 4G

• Display: 6 inches, IPS, 720 x 1280 pixels
• Dimensions: 83.8 x 165 x 8.35 mm
• Weight: 186 g

Price: 8,490 rub.

This smartphone runs Android 6.0. 16 GB of permanent memory are provided for saving photos, music and videos. If this turns out to be not enough, then a microSD slot will come to the rescue - cards with a maximum capacity of 32 GB are supported. There is also a digital compass, which significantly speeds up GPS navigation in relevant applications. However, one cannot help but note the lack of GLONASS support, which is somewhat disappointing for buyers working as taxi drivers. But Alcatel PIXI 4(6) 4G can transmit data via LTE.

Advantages

• Low cost;
• 1.5 GB of RAM;
• Possibility of using two SIM cards;
• Availability of a slot for a memory card;
• Relatively good cameras (8 and 5 megapixels);
• Support for fourth generation networks;
• Bluetooth 4.1 is present.

Flaws

• Low display resolution;
• Not the most powerful processor;
• Short battery life.

Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max

This phone certainly cannot be called the largest among all devices available on the market, but in the line of Apple gadgets, the iPhone 11 Pro Max occupies a special place.

The smartphone has become the largest in the American company’s product line. Moreover, this rather concerns not the dimensions, but the weight of the device. The iPhone 11 Pro Max is a weighty flagship made of steel, offering ultimate cameras coupled with good battery life and good performance.

Pros:

• performance;
• autonomy;
• video shooting.

Minuses:

• price.

OPPO Reno 2

Along with Vivo V15, this is one of the pioneers of the genre of smartphones with retractable front panels. True, here the block extends not in a vertical plane, but in a diagonal one, forming a kind of periscope.

The phone belongs to the mid-budget segment, although it costs a little more than its competitors. This is compensated by the implementation of the front camera, which became the most expensive solution in OPPO Reno 2. But the smartphone cannot be called a “shovel”. It’s just that the screen, devoid of cutouts, initially impresses the owner, who is accustomed to cutouts and other “bangs”.

Pros:

• symmetrical display quality;
• energy efficiency;
• cameras.

Minuses:

• price.

Lenovo Phab 2 Pro

• Operating system: Android 6.0
• Display: 6.4 inches, IPS, 2560 x 1440 pixels
• Battery capacity: 4050 mAh
• Dimensions: 88.57 x 179.83 x 10.7 mm
• Weight: 259 g

A very large and heavy device. And also very cute, and these words are rarely uttered in relation to Chinese smartphones. On its front panel there is a high-quality display, the pixel density of which reaches 459 PPI.

The side bezels appear quite narrow in the press photos, although in reality they are not. If you only want to control your smartphone with your thumb, then you definitely need a more compact device.

This device cannot be called cheap. Due to this, it has decent specifications. For example, photography is provided by a special array of cameras that have perception of the depth of the scene. This allows you to enjoy augmented reality and other similar “tricks”. Everything is fine with the front camera - it has a resolution of 8 megapixels.

The device has a large number of wireless modules, which include Wi-Fi 802.11ac, LTE-A and even an infrared transmitter that allows you to control your TV. Picture processing is carried out by an eight-core Snapdragon 652 processor, complemented by an Adreno 510 graphics accelerator.

In short, buying Lenovo Phab 2 Pro is a good way to get a new user experience without encountering stutters and other troubles. The only thing that can disappoint a little is Android 6.0, which will not be updated to more recent versions.

Honor Note 10

An experimental Honor model that never appeared on the global market. Residents of China became the buyers of the smartphone, and they were probably satisfied with the declared characteristics at such an affordable price.

Despite the flagship processor, Honor Note 10 should rather be classified as a mid-budget device. Its characteristics look especially modest in 2021, but now it is more important to focus on the dimensions of the experimental device. The smartphone is not thick, but very wide and elongated. In the hand it feels exactly the same as the Xiaomi Mi Max 3, so for a connoisseur of “shovels” there will probably be a question of choosing between the two models considered.

Pros:

• ergonomics;
• screen diagonal;
• working hours.

Minuses:

• not provided.

Rating of smartphones with large screens

In order to compile the rating, a detailed analysis of customer reviews was carried out. Additionally, the opinions of experts and the results collected from the tests were also taken into account. The selection of nominees was made in accordance with such important factors as:

• Operating system type;
• SIM card support;
• Screen diagonal and resolution;
• Technical parameters of the camera;
• Amount of memory used;
• Battery capacity;
• Weight of the device and its overall dimensions;
• Available connections to a variety of networks.

Thus, by taking into account all of the above parameters, it was possible to create a truly correct rating, which you can use as a guide when choosing and purchasing modern smartphones with large displays.

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