What does 4K resolution mean for smartphones now and in the future?

A 4K phone is not a frequent visitor to electronics stores, but our future lies in such gadgets.

For those who didn’t know, 4K is a picture resolution of 3840x2160 pixels. This resolution is more or less common among expensive TVs.

This is understandable: constantly connected to the mains, electronic devices with high-performance chipsets are better able to process such a number of pixels, while spending a huge amount of energy.

Only recently have television receivers appeared on the market that can easily process 4K images using small processors.

At the moment, smartphones whose cameras are capable of recording video in high resolution are more common on the market. The relevance of this trend is not disputed, given the growing popularity of 4K TVs. But there is still debate about the need for 4K displays in smart phones.

LG

LG has managed to create a smartphone with the highest screen pixel density. LG G4 - this particular phone received a 5.5'' display with an IPS Quantum matrix and a resolution of 2560x1440 pixels.

This matrix is ​​the brainchild of Korean engineers. Compared to the company's previous devices, the modified IPS Quantum in the LG G4 showed improved color reproduction, brightness, contrast, and power consumption was significantly reduced.

The device’s screen really amazes with its picture clarity, color saturation and contrast. Actually, all this is due to the pixel density - 538 pixels per inch.

In addition to the impressive screen, the smartphone has immodest general characteristics:

1. Quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor.
2. 3 GB RAM, 32 GB internal + slot for microSD.
3. The main camera is 16 MP, the front camera is 8 MP.
4. 3000 mAh battery.

Particular attention is paid to the ability to record video in 4K. Afterwards, the content can be viewed on a TV that supports this format.

What is a 4K screen

4K is a modern resolution, which means that the screen can accommodate 3840 * 2160 pixels in height and width . If we compare it with the more familiar FullHD 1920*1080 version, there are twice as many dots.

On a note! Initially, the format was used to create televisions, but gradually began to appear in laptops, tablets and smartphones. If for the first it is logical and relevant, since they use large diagonals, and the device is constantly connected to the electrical network, then for other devices it is very doubtful.

Smartphones with 4K screens are rarely presented on store shelves, but many manufacturers still believe that this is not relevant and, moreover, is a disadvantage. There are several explanations here:

• screen sizes;
• battery consumption;
• processor operation.

The first and, perhaps, the most important point that usually comes up when discussing smartphones with 4K resolution is the display size. Increasing the number of pixels, and with it the resolution, is necessary to ensure that the picture is as accurate as possible, and even with close observation it is impossible to notice what it is formed from. TVs have large diagonals, so 4K is justified, but for a smartphone, even with a large display of 6-6.5 inches, this is too much. It's no secret that the best option is FullHD. The picture turns out accurate, the pixels are difficult to see, and everyone is happy with this. The next QHD format is 2560*1440 pixels; it, of course, looks more beautiful, but it also seriously affects power consumption. At the same time, owners of smartphones with such screens have never complained that they have noticeable pixels somewhere. Thus, the question arises: why install 4K if it cannot be visually distinguished from QHD.

The second important point that not all buyers are aware of is energy consumption. The higher the resolution, the more energy is consumed. Taking into account the fact that manufacturers do not often install very capacious batteries, the logical conclusion is that a smartphone with a standard battery, but with a high resolution, will run out faster. By the way, owners of devices with QHD screens complain about this.

The third point is that a smartphone with a 4K display needs a powerful processor, which should pump up the image with high quality, especially when playing games or watching 4K content. Of course, there are such chipsets, but they belong to the expensive segment, which means that a high-quality image on a display with a resolution of 3840*2160 is only possible in an expensive smartphone with a powerful chip, otherwise the screen will not be able to work efficiently, and such a purchase will only disappointment. To summarize the above, 4K smartphones are not relevant today, and this is more of a commercial move from manufacturers than a real advantage.

Samsung

After the furor created by the Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge, it was difficult to expect anything previously unseen from the company’s new product, the Galaxy S8. However, manufacturers still find something else to surprise picky users.

The center of attention was the frameless screen of the new device, equipped with a Super AMOLED matrix and impressive parameters - 5.8" in S8, and 6.2" in S8+. Screen resolution is 2960 x 1440 pixels, the output picture is smooth and clear. But this is rather possible thanks to the dot density - about 529 ppi.

Like the LG device, the Galaxy S8's main selling point is its camera. The front 8-megapixel camera will appeal to lovers of high-quality selfies.

Unfortunately, the front camera does not have its own flash, but it is pleased with intelligent autofocus and a face retouching mode. In principle, this has become the standard for most devices.

But the 12-megapixel main camera really has something to surprise you with.

In addition to the optical stabilization system, the phone actively uses Dual Pixel fast autofocus technology. In principle, the camera has many more advantages and additional features. One of these is shooting video in Ultra HD 4K resolution (3840×2160).

The quality of the filmed material is really pleasing - the sharpness, color rendition and detail are normal, the brightness is more than enough, and there are no slowdowns. The sound on the video is also perfect.

Of course, the new product still has many advantages that make it worth taking a closer look at this device.

1. Fast 8-core Exynos 9 Series (8895) processor.
2. Capacious RAM (4 GB) and built-in (64 GB) memory with microSD support up to 256 GB.
3. 3000 mAh battery capacity.

Decent smartphone for its price.

Why using QHD is not always rational

Even if we talk about TVs, using QHD resolution only makes sense for devices with diagonals of 50 inches or more. The reason is simple: if you look at the screen from some distance, your eyes won't notice any difference. Of course, mobile phone users view screens from a short distance, but for 5-inch diagonals it hardly makes sense to use the 4K format.

It's a completely different matter when we talk about virtual reality glasses. In this case, the higher the smartphone screen resolution, the better. If the resolution is too small, individual pixels will be visible.

Sony

It was the Sony Xperia XZ Premium, released in 2015, that became the first smartphone with a 4K screen resolution. This effect was achieved thanks to a pixel density of 806 ppi. And this is on a 5.5-inch screen.

However, it was not without problems. The fact is that the Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor got very hot while shooting 4K video and watching it. But the company quickly solved the problem by providing the new version of the Xperia Z5 with a unique cooling system.

After the changes were made, the smartphone began to record 4K video for much longer.

Other features of the smartphone:

1. The rear camera has 19 megapixels and the once unique MotionEye technology, which allows you to shoot slow-motion videos with micro-movements. The front camera is 13 megapixels, which is very good for modern devices.
2. 4 GB of RAM and the already mentioned processor ensures system performance, and 64 GB of internal memory stores a large amount of information.
3. The battery capacity is 3230 mAh, and this is 19 hours of talk time.

Record video in 4K

Unlike the highest resolution screens, support for 4K recording by smartphone cameras is a relevant and useful feature. The question arises: why shoot in 4K if the phone is not capable of reproducing it efficiently? This is true, but even on an FHD display, video with a resolution of 3840*2160 will look better than a video recorded in a smaller format. Also, no one forbids watching videos on a large TV that supports 4K, and here everything will be visible.

Today there are many smartphones with a 4K camera, but which one to buy is a difficult question. The fact is that some devices have restrictions on recording in 4K - no more than 5 minutes, in addition, it is important how many frames the device supports when shooting in this format. The most honest 4K is 60 frames per second, and many low-end devices produced by China do not have this ability. One of the best 4K smartphones can be called the above-mentioned Sony XZ2 - it has a suitable display and a very cool camera (DxOMark - 105 points). Below are other smartphones with 4K video that offer high-quality images. Of course, all of them are, if not flagships for their company, then close to this title.

Xiaomi Mi Mix3

A new product that appeared on the market just the other day. The device was the first slider for the company, and its front cameras extend. The model has a very cool dual 12 megapixel camera on the back with optical stabilization and 4K shooting, 60 frames per second. The DxOMark score is 103 points, which is one of the top ten in terms of camera quality in the world. In addition, the device is interesting with 10 gigabytes of RAM and 5G support. Price – from 32 thousand rubles.

Xiaomi Mi Mix3 on Yandex Market

Samsung Galaxy Note 9

Of course, among the smartphones that shoot 4K, there can’t be a device from Samsung. The device appeared in August 2022, has two matrices on the back, both with optical stabilization and a resolution of 12 megapixels. A special feature is the variable aperture size in one of the modules. The auxiliary module provides optical zoom. The video is recorded in 4K with 60 frames. Interestingly, DxOMark rated the camera in this device at 103 points, that is, this is a similar indicator to Mi Mix 3. Price – from 50 thousand rubles.

Samsung Galaxy Note 9 on Yandex Market

Apple iPhone XS Max

New for fall 2022, which doesn’t need any special introduction. The model received the latest A12 Bionic chipset and became one of the most powerful in the world. The rear camera is represented by two 12 megapixel modules with different lenses and optical stabilization in each. The device shoots 4K video at 60 frames per minute. It is worth noting that the XS Max, according to the same DxOMark version, is inferior to the Note 9 when shooting in the dark, but the overall camera score is slightly higher - 104 points. Price – from 80 thousand rubles.

Apple iPhone XS Max on Yandex Market

Huawei Mate 20 Pro

Another new product, which has a number of cool parameters, but is still interesting in this case for its camera. This is the best camera in the world at the moment - 116 points . The camera consists of three sensors with different lenses – 40+20+8 MP. The model perfectly shoots video in 4K, and you can switch between lenses right during shooting. The device also received very high-quality stabilization during shooting and 10x zoom, which was recognized as the most interesting feature of the device. The video quality remains very high even at maximum zoom. Price – 65 thousand rubles.

Huawei Mate 20 Pro on Yandex Market

Motorola

Motorola Moto Z also received 4K video recording feature. The 13-megapixel main camera copes well with the tasks, thanks to the Snapdragon 820 processor.

The remaining characteristics of the smartphone are very, very in demand on the market:

1. Screen diagonal - 5.5 inches, 534ppi.
2. Main camera – 13 MP, front – 5 MP. Both cameras have a photo flash.
3. RAM – 4 GB, built-in – 32.
4. Battery capacity - 2600 mAh.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro

A model that immediately attracts attention with its neat shapes with rounded edges. The front and back sides are made of 5th generation Gorilla glass, along the perimeter there is a frame made of glossy plastic. The 6.53-inch display has a small teardrop-shaped cutout for the front camera.

Advantages

Note 8 Pro is an affordable smartphone with a 4K camera, which includes:

1. The powerful Helio G90T chipset, which is presented as a gaming one and is equipped with 8 cores for speed and performance, as well as liquid cooling to avoid overheating. The graphics are handled by the Mali G76 MC4.
2. Photo module with a set of 4 sensors with different numbers of megapixels: 64 – main sensor (resolution 9248 by 6936 pixels), 8 – wide-angle (120° view), 2 – macro lens, 2 – depth module for shooting portraits.
3. The 20 megapixel front camera takes photos and videos, which are improved by AI (artificial intelligence), and the level of blurring of photos in portrait mode can be adjusted independently.

A 4500 milliamp-hour battery will allow the device to last up to 10 hours in active mode, for example, gaming. 18-watt fast charging available.

There is also a modern Type-C port and a mini jack for headphones. An additional plus is the presence of NFC.

Flaws

Judging by the positive user reviews, there were no downsides to this phone with a 4k camera.

Smartphones from heaven

Recently, the smartphone market has been flooded by Chinese manufacturers. Every year they become more and more popular, offering really high-quality phones for little money, giving even world-famous brands a head start.

Take, for example, Xiaomi Mi 5X - a device capable of shooting 4K video.

Other characteristics of the device are not at all inferior to expensive flagships, but the price of this smartphone for such extensive functionality is several times lower. So is it worth overpaying? You decide.

Apple iPhone XR

The Apple gadget attracts attention with its minimalistic and at the same time stylish design: multi-layered body colors, thin aluminum frames around the 6.1-inch screen, and a glass back panel. The gadget supports wireless charging using a special station.

Topic: 10+ best smartphones with wireless charging

Advantages

Pros :

• 4K camera on an Apple phone - single main (12 megapixel) and front (7 megapixel) photo modules use the Neural Engine chip for “smart” photo processing, portrait mode, Smart HDR are available;
• proprietary chipset with 6 cores - A12 - 2 times more powerful and energy efficient than previous versions of Apple processors;
• dust and moisture protection is provided according to the IP67 standard - the iPhone is insured against the penetration of the smallest particles of dust and splashes of water, but it cannot be completely immersed in water.

XR is unlocked after scanning the owner's face. Wireless technologies available include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and contactless payments.

Flaws

If you compare the iPhone with other top options, it is slightly inferior with a display resolution of 1792 by 828 pixels and a battery capacity of 2942 mAh. But this does not prevent it from displaying a high-quality image on a large and bright IPS screen and lasting up to 12 hours without recharging.

A standard disadvantage for Apple gadgets is that there is no way to increase the size of the built-in storage. True, here the already existing memory is enough for daily needs (3 gigs of RAM + 64 GB of ROM).

What is Nokia G11 for?

The Nokia G11 smartphone is a simplified version of the Nokia G21. The devices are very similar in appearance and have a long list of identical parameters.

Fintech company Revolut has a serious competitor from Lithuania

Integration

In particular, the Nokia G11 uses exactly the same screen, processor, battery and front camera as the G21. A USB-C charging port is also present, as is a microSD slot.

Nokia G11 tries to be similar to the older model

The differences lie primarily in the amount of memory, which has the biggest impact on the price difference. Also, the Nokia G11 does not have a main 50-megapixel sensor - it was replaced with a 13-megapixel one.

The new Nokia all-in-one PCs weigh 190 grams each and are 8.55 mm thick. Inside they are GPS and GLONASS receivers, Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 802.11ac modules. Smartphone cases are made of polycarbonate.

Which 4-inch smartphone is better to buy?

When choosing a good 4-inch smartphone, you should rely not only on the technical specifications declared by the manufacturer, but also on reviews from experts and ordinary buyers. The latter will say even more about the quality of the model. If you need it for games, then the operating memory must be at least 1 GB, and to work with applications you will need gadgets with a fresh OS.

Depending on your requirements, you can use the following tips:

1. Those who travel frequently and do not have the opportunity to charge their phone every day should take a closer look at the BQ-4072 Strike Min model.
2. Gamers can pay attention to the Prestigio Wize Q smartphone
3. For those who actively use the Internet, the BlackBerry KEYone model is suitable.
4. Selfie lovers will definitely like the Sony Xperia XZ1 Compact.
5. An Apple iPhone will be useful for communicating on Skype via video.
6. Nokia 3 Dual sim is well suited for working with several applications simultaneously.
7. To use the Internet where there are no Wi-Fi distribution points, you can use the Apple iPhone 7.
8. For working with modern applications, Vertex Impress Forest is a win-win option.
9. If the smartphone will be used mainly as a dialer, the Fly Life Compact will be an excellent choice.
10. Elderly people and children can buy an easy-to-use and inexpensive Vertex Impress Funk phone.

Each of the best 4-inch smartphones in our rating has its own features and advantages. Therefore, before choosing a particular option, you should take into account the purposes of its use and your own preferences. Happy shopping!

The best 4-inch smartphones with a good battery

A good battery is an important feature for many buyers. A modern person literally does not let go of his mobile phone, constantly using all kinds of online applications. Without a high-quality battery, the phone hardly survives to the end of the day and the user has to be tied to an outlet or power bank. We tested 15 4-inch smartphones with good batteries, and only one device received the highest rating.

BlackBerry KEYone

This is a unique mobile phone with an additional Qwerty keyboard that makes data entry easier. BlackBerry devices have always been famous for their excellent quality and large screen, just look at the technical characteristics of the gadget - a 12 MP camera, autofocus, Android 7.1 OS, 3 GB RAM, 32 GB built-in memory and support for memory cards up to 2 TB.

The smartphone has a very powerful battery – 3505 mAh, which is enough for 2-3 days of stable operation. You can actively use the device for 3-4 days without recharging. The phone supports 4G LTE, NFC, GPS and Glonass, so you can access the Internet not only through Wi-Fi. The only disadvantage of this option is that the cost is not the lowest, amounting to about 20,000 rubles.

Advantages

• High performance;
• Pre-installed applications;
• Weight 180 g;
• Fits comfortably in the hand;
• Non-slippery body;
• Vivid color rendition.

Flaws

• It is not always easy to get the necessary spare parts during repairs.

Experts agree that the BlackBerry smartphone has the most powerful 3505 mAh battery among similar devices with a 4-inch screen. If you find it more convenient to type characters on a standard keyboard than on a touch screen, and you don’t want to connect the device to a power outlet every day, the choice in favor of this option is obvious.

Asus ZenFone Max (M2) 4/32G

The 6.3-inch device is equipped with a fashionable unibrow on the front side, which compactly houses the front camera and various sensors. The back is smooth metal with a double main camera block. A “smart” photo module (13+2 megapixels) recognizes scenes and selects ideal parameters for photographing food, animals, landscapes, etc. The 8 megapixel front camera automatically retouches selfies, for example, eliminating skin defects.

Advantages

Pros of Max (M2):

• capacitive battery for 4000 milliampere hours for using the gadget for a day without recharging;
• convenient unlocking – scan fingerprints in 0.3 seconds. activates the screen or you can use the face scanner;
• powerful chipset - 8 Snapdragon 632 cores provide excellent performance even when running resource-intensive programs.

The Max (M2) has 3 slots that can accommodate 2 SIM cards and micro SD up to 2TB.

Flaws

Minus: the display has a small resolution of 1520 by 720 pixels - and the IPS matrix is ​​installed, so the picture on the screen is bright and contrasty. In addition, the cost of the device is low, as for a camera phone.

We recommend: TOP 10 budget phones with a good camera - rating of the best models that can be bought inexpensively

Apple iPhone XS

Owner of a 5.8-inch OLED screen, which occupies almost the entire front part of the gadget. The screen resolution at the flagship level is 2346 by 1125 pixels. To create the XS case, 2 materials were used: glass and metal.

Advantages

What else can surprise an Apple gadget:

• advanced A 12 chipset with neural engine;
• an impressive amount of memory – 4 GB of RAM + 64 GB of built-in storage;
• updated Face ID - can be used not only to unlock XS, but also for contactless payment and authorization in programs.

The iPhone camera deserves special mention. Besides the fact that it records Ultra HD videos, there are other features. The dual main photo module (12+12 megapixels) takes stunning pictures thanks to support for Smart HDR and equipped with an improved matrix. Portrait mode with bokeh effect is available.

Flaws

Cons: above-average price tag and lack of space to install microSD.