When buying flagship smartphone models, we expect maximum performance, the best camera, an impressive amount of internal memory and other advantages that mid-budget phones do not have. But is overpaying for top models always justified, or do we pay money for a brand? Let's figure it out together.
Source: tekdeeps.com
We have prepared the top most expensive and best smartphones that are officially sold in Russia in 2022. If a couple of years ago such a rating would have been compiled from Apple and Samsung smartphones, today other manufacturers are hot on their heels.
Galaxy Z Fold3 is Samsung's most expensive flagship
The third generation of folding smartphones from the Korean manufacturer, like the previous two, has a record high price. If the attitude towards the first Galaxy Z Fold was ambiguous, then gradually the company managed to instill a love for these gadgets.
Galaxy Z Fold3 combines an unusual design and new technologies, which attracts many users even taking into account their considerable cost of 160,000 rubles for the 12/512 GB version. These unusual gadgets have not yet come into use, so they attract the attention of others. Their main feature is two displays with a resolution of 2208x1768 pixels. Both have Dynamic AMOLED matrices and operate at frequencies up to 120 Hz.
The smartphone attracts the attention of others not only with its size, but also with the richness of its display. Source: forbes.com
Another feature of the Galaxy Z Fold3 is the powerful Snapdragon 888 processor. This is an 8-core chip with a record performance of over 710,000 points in AnTuTu for 2022. This is more than enough for all games, including the most demanding ones.
The battery capacity is 4400 mAh. In video or reading mode, the charge lasts for 16 hours, and demanding games drain the battery in 6 hours.
Advantages:
- a large folding display that turns a smartphone into a tablet;
- top processor Snapdragon 888;
- significant amounts of RAM and internal memory (12/512 GB);
- good battery life considering the screen diagonal.
Flaws:
- Thick body that takes some getting used to.
Medium-priced goods
The most expensive Samsung phone among mid-priced brands belongs to the S line. Models that are comparable to it in terms of parameters differ in price and camera characteristics.
Smartphone Samsung Galaxy A31 64GB
One of the most popular phones in the series. When creating the model, a new pixel fixation technology was used.
A high-quality gadget that is characterized as an option for daily use, taking quick pictures and surfing the net.
| Specifications | |
| Screen | Up to 6.4 inches |
| CPU | Media Helio p60 |
| Memory | 4 + 64 GB |
| OS version | Android 10 with the possibility of further upgrades |
Based on reviews of Samsung phones, we can conclude that the A 31 is inferior to the A 51, but is higher than models from the J or J Core series.
Smartphone Samsung Galaxy M21
Device with a capacitive battery. In this model, the combination of a Samsung processor and a chipset from .
An experimental gadget with its own advantages and disadvantages. Provides a good picture and makes it possible to expand the performance with built-in memory.
| Specifications | |
| Screen | 6.4 inches |
| CPU | Samsung Exynos 9611 |
| Memory | 4 + 64 GB |
| OS version | Android 10 |
The smartphone is suitable for gamers who are used to being online and switching accounts in real time.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 - a compact smartphone with a flexible screen
Another good quality smartphone from a Korean company. The phone is equipped with a 6.7” display with an adaptive frequency of 120 Hz. Thanks to this, all transitions between frames look as smooth as possible - even in games and action scenes when watching movies. To save battery power, the frequency is automatically reduced when not required.
The heart of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 is the powerful flagship Snapdragon 888 processor. Due to this, the phone is 12% faster than the previous generation. There is also 8 GB of RAM on board. The amount of internal storage depends on the version - 128 GB (78,000 rubles) or 256 GB (85,000 rubles).
A compact clamshell that, when unfolded, has an impressive 6.7-inch screen. Source: gsmarena.com
An interesting feature of one of the best smartphones of 2022, which ordinary gadgets do not have, is the ability to take selfies with the main camera. This is due to the design features of the folding bed. The battery capacity of 3300 mAh is enough for 6 hours of gaming or 12 hours of watching videos. 15W charging restores the battery in just 88 minutes, but the unit itself is not included.
The manufacturer has improved the multitasking mode. Now the user can work in two windows simultaneously. For example, you can drag text from the browser to the messenger without switching between applications.
The smartphone is equipped with a Dolby Atmos surround sound system.
Advantages:
- unique design with a clamshell form factor;
- taking a selfie with the main camera;
- powerful processor;
- good 120Hz display.
Flaws:
- no microSD slot;
- There is no charger included;
- poor autonomy.
Budget models
The cheapest Samsung phone belongs to the Galaxy A category. Due to their limited functionality, the line models can hold a charge for a long time.
Smartphone Samsung Galaxy A10 32GB
Galaxy 10 from the A series is based on Android 9. The gadget is confidently among the top Samsung phones.
This is a popular budget model under 10,000 rubles. The advantage of a smartphone is its good display resolution.
| Specifications | |
| Screen | Diagonal 6.26 inches |
| CPU | Exynos at 1600 GHz |
| Memory | 2 GB |
| OS version | Android 9 |
The resolution provides a beautiful picture on the screen; the gadget is chosen for daily use. The battery capacity allows you to always stay connected.
Smartphone Samsung Galaxy J4 32GB
According to user reviews, Samsung Galaxy J smartphones belong to the category of reliable and inexpensive cellular devices. All models in the series support fast charging.
The model is based on the Android 8.1 Oreo operating system. The developers recommend updating your phone to the next version after purchase.
| Specifications | |
| Screen | Diagonal 5.5 inches |
| CPU | 1400 GHz |
| Memory | 3 GB + 32 |
| OS version | Android 8.1 |
A mobile phone is purchased for daily use. It is suitable for those who do not surf the Internet on their phone and rarely use the mobile transfer function.
Smartphone Samsung Galaxy M01
The phone from the M line is technically enhanced.
The main advantage of the technical parameters is that it runs on a processor from the Snapdragon series.
| Specifications | |
| Screen | 5.7 inches |
| CPU | Snapdragon version 439 |
| Memory | 3 GB |
| OS version | Android 10 with the possibility of further upgrades |
The smartphone has only one rear camera with a resolution of 12 megapixels. This is not enough for those who like clear, high-quality shots, but it is quite suitable for capturing a frame in good lighting.
Smartphone Samsung Galaxy A20s 32GB
Improved version of Galaxy A 20 with maximum aspect ratio.
Low processor power does not allow the smartphone to be included in the rating of top devices for gamers. The rest of the filling deserves high marks.
| Specifications | |
| Screen | 6.5 inches |
| CPU | 1800 MHz |
| Memory | 3 GB + 32 GB |
| OS version | Android 10 |
You can apply dynamic screensavers to the screen and select different wallpapers from the gallery. This feature is especially appreciated by young girls.
Smartphone Samsung Galaxy A12 3/32GB
Samsung A series with a powerful camera for budget models.
A high-resolution phone is suitable for taking high-quality photos.
| Specifications | |
| Screen | 6.5 inches |
| CPU | Media Tech helio p35 |
| Memory | 3 + 32 GB |
| OS version | Android 10 |
The advantage is the release in three unusual shades. The 12 Galaxy can be easily accessorized with a variety of accessories.
iPhone 13 Pro Max - updated version of the 12th generation
In design and dimensions, the iPhone 13 Pro Max is almost identical to the previous generation smartphone. When you first get acquainted with the new product, you immediately notice the strongly protruding camera lenses. Using a case eliminates this minor drawback, which makes it impossible to lay the phone flat on the table.
Developers from Apple made the bangs 24% shorter, but the functional elements remained the same: the power button on the right side, volume controls on the left, there is no minijack. The power connector is the same - Lightning format.
If handled carelessly and without a cover, protruding cameras can be damaged. Source: techcrunch.com
If the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max were very different in camera quality, then in the 13th generation the difference between the regular Pro and the Pro Max version is only in the size of the display and battery capacity. The screen is equipped with the Pro Motion function, which automatically adjusts the frame refresh rate from 10 to 120 Hz, depending on the image.
The main camera received a more advanced stabilization function with matrix shift. The modules themselves remain the same, but the developers have added several software functions. A “Cine Effect” mode has appeared, which allows you to adjust the depth of field of the image both during shooting and after it. Many photographic styles have been added, and a macro mode has appeared for photos and videos. There is also support for ProRes - the ability to record video with greater clarity and minimal compression. To edit videos shot in this mode, use the smartphone itself or the Final Cut Pro application for macOS.
The new A15 Bionic chip was chosen as the processor. It was developed using the same 5 nm process technology as its predecessor, so the performance increase was not record-breaking, but very noticeable - about 20%.
The battery is 18% more powerful than the iPhone 12 Pro Max. Its capacity is 4373 mAh. With active use (taking photos and videos, editing, watching videos, listening to music), it lasts for 1-1.5 days. The new generation gadget has every chance of becoming the best smartphone of the year.
The cost of the iPhone 13 Pro Max for the 128 GB version starts from 120,000 rubles, and for 512 GB you will have to pay more than 145,000. There is a lightweight option for lovers of compact smartphones - the iPhone 13 Mini, which will cost 70,000 rubles for the 128 GB version.
Advantages:
- display with ProMotion for adaptive frame rate;
- camera macro mode;
- ProRes video shooting mode with minimal compression;
- good autonomy.
Flaws:
- few changes compared to the iPhone 12 Pro Max.
Specifications Galaxy S10+ Ceramic
In fact, it’s not difficult to explain exactly how retailers managed to reduce the price of the ceramic version of the Galaxy S10+ so much. The fact is that the copies that are sold in Russia at a discount were purchased in one of the European countries, where the device is valued at 939 euros, which is approximately equal to 67 thousand rubles at the current exchange rate. Of course, it is unlikely that gray retailers will transport devices to Russia for one and a half thousand rubles, but everything is much more interesting. Few people know that foreigners can use the TaxFree service in Europe, which allows you to return sales tax in the amount of about 20%, depending on the country. And if so, then it turns out that gray carriers pay only 750 euros, or 53 thousand rubles, for a smartphone.
Motorola Razr 5G - back to basics
The smartphone with a large foldable display from Motorola is styled after the legendary Razr series of clamshells, which have become an important part of history for the company. The Motorola Razr 5G looks and feels almost like the classic frogs of yesteryear. The developers focused on retro design without futurism.
The smartphone is equipped with a 6.2-inch OLED display with a resolution of 2142x876 pixels. On the outside there is an additional 2.7" screen. With it you can make calls, control music, view messages and even play built-in games.
The Motorola Razr 5G and the Motorola Razr V3 have a lot in common. The new product even has a stylized retro keyboard. Source: slashgear.com
The main camera received only one 48 megapixel module. It has fast f/1.7 optics and an optical stabilizer with laser autofocus. The same camera can be used as a front camera if you shoot with a closed phone. The 48MP selfie is an interesting feature. The above-described Flip 3 from Samsung offers the same thing.
The main drawback of the Motorola Razr 5G is its weak processor by modern standards. The developers chose the Snapdragon 765G for the flagship. It is hardly enough for demanding games, but the smartphone is not positioned as a gaming one.
The battery capacity is small - only 2800 mAh. The battery charge barely lasts for a day, even with less active use of the phone. If you watch videos or play games, the battery will run out after 4-6 hours.
With a price for Motorola Razr 5G starting from 120,000 rubles, buying this gadget may seem like a strange idea; you can buy a more productive Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 for one and a half times cheaper. The developers from Motorola relied on retro design.
Advantages:
- original design and clamshell form factor;
- ergonomics (the smartphone can be opened with one hand);
- good shooting quality, despite the lack of additional modules.
Flaws:
- poor autonomy;
- low-power processor.
Smartphone for the rich. What is he like?
At all times, people have tried to emphasize their status and earnings in different ways. They dressed in expensive clothes, bought luxury cars, yachts and even entire cities. The smartphone market was not spared either, where gadgets always appeared that attracted attention with their exclusivity and unique design. With the advent of touchscreen phones, the idea of demonstrating one's wealth through technology slowly faded away, but did not disappear completely. Samsung recently presented us with an exclusive new product, and we’ll talk about it today.
What does a smartphone look like for successful people?
The question: which smartphone should a rich person choose is now difficult to answer unequivocally. Either it happened before. I think everyone remembers Vertu phones. At that time, these devices attracted a huge amount of attention. In fact, by buying yourself such a gadget, you were introducing yourself to high society. Just think, just recently they were perceived by users as an indicator of financial well-being and success in life.
What now? iPhone for the rich, Android for the poor? Not at all. Just look at the prices of Samsung's flagships. Sometimes they are an order of magnitude higher than Apple devices and are just as popular. In general, I think that the situation is fundamentally different.
A high income person can afford to change their phone every year. Just because I wanted to. Owners of Apple equipment cannot afford this; they (for the most part) buy a gadget for several years at once, and after that they often sell it on Avito.
An iPhone is no longer a sign of wealth.
But what Android smartphone can now emphasize wealth and add uniqueness? I think that the new clamshell form factor is just right for this task. Well, think for yourself. It costs expensive? Very. Not like everyone else? Not like that. However, in my opinion, such solutions are still missing something. And, as it turns out, I’m not the only one who thinks so.
The first answer that comes to mind is that Flip phones lack aesthetics. They're ugly and bulky and lack the polish of the Vertu. Of course, manufacturers also think about this. Thus, Samsung announced the release of a new generation of premium foldable smartphones Galaxy W.
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G - a classic flagship from Samsung
This is the most powerful and expensive device in the latest generation of Samsung flagships. In many respects it is similar to its predecessor, but there are also many noticeable changes. But which smartphone is better considering the price difference? The new product has become even more powerful and has a completely different design, but let's see if it's worth the overpayment that the manufacturer is asking for.
The display in the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is top-end, and the Dynamic AMOLED 2X matrix and 6.8” diagonal are impressive. The screen has good color reproduction and a large brightness reserve of 1500 nits.
Compared to its predecessor, the cameras have also changed. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has two zoom modules at once - one for 3x magnification, the second for 10x. The smartphone has a good stabilization system that allows you to shoot with zoom even at night. The resolution of the main module is 108 megapixels.
An important feature of the new product, which was not present in previous generations of flagships, was support for the S Pen stylus. You need to buy it separately, and there is no place for it in the phone body, as in Note series smartphones. In return, Samsung offers branded cases with a pocket for an electronic pen.
Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is the first smartphone in the Galaxy S series to support the S Pen. Source: cnet.com
The flagship was equipped with an Exynos 2100 processor, which provided a 20% increase in power compared to the S20 Ultra. There is also 12 GB of RAM and 512 GB of internal memory on board. The battery capacity is 5000 mAh. In normal use of the smartphone, the battery confidently lasts for a day. In games, the gadget discharges faster - after 7-8 hours.
If you need a powerful smartphone with a good camera, one of the best options is the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G. You will have to pay from 75,000 rubles for the 128 GB version or from 93,000 for 512 GB.
Advantages:
- high-quality QHD+ display at 120 Hz;
- powerful processor;
- excellent camera;
- 10x optical zoom;
- S Pen stylus support.
Flaws:
- no microSD slot;
- no charger included.
How much does Galaxy S10+ Ceramic cost?
Galaxy S10+ in ceramic version has fallen in price by half
The ceramic Galaxy S10+ was the most expensive Samsung smartphone in history, which in Russia was valued at almost 130 thousand rubles. The pricing was influenced not only by the case material, which is nevertheless also quite expensive, but also by the advanced hardware. The smartphone received 12 GB of RAM and 1 TB of internal memory, becoming a real record holder. In addition, as Samsung reported, the Galaxy S10+ Ceramic is being released in an extremely limited edition, and therefore, most likely, not everyone will be able to buy it. However, after six months, the ceramic version of the Korean flagship not only did not disappear from sale, but even fell in price by almost half.
OnePlus 9 Pro - a smartphone with a camera from Hasselblad
The new product appeared in the spring of 2022 and began to strengthen OnePlus’ position in the market. The main distinguishing feature of the 9 Pro model was its collaboration with Hasselblad, a company that has been producing cameras for over 150 years. The engineers of the Swedish company worked on color correction, professional mode settings and other functions of OnePlus 9 Pro.
The camera block is engraved with the Hasselblad brand name, indicating a partnership with the legendary camera manufacturer. Source: gadgets.ndtv.com
There are four modules on the back of the smartphone. The main one shoots with a resolution of 48 megapixels and has optical stabilization with laser autofocus. There is also a telephoto camera with 3.3x zoom. Despite the collaboration with Hasselblad, the OnePlus flagship is inferior in shooting quality to new products from Samsung or Apple.
The smartphone was equipped with a high-quality Fluid AMOLED display with a diagonal of 6.7” with a resolution of 3216x1440 pixels and a frame refresh rate of 120 Hz. The developers chose the Snapdragon 888 chip as the processor. The volume of RAM and internal memory depends on the version: 8/12 GB and 128/256 GB.
The battery capacity is 4500 mAh. The charge is enough for 5-6 hours of screen time with active use of the smartphone.
The cost of OnePlus 9 Pro corresponds to its technical characteristics - 63,000 rubles for the 12/256 GB version. With less RAM, the smartphone will cost 6,400 less: the OnePlus 9 Pro 8/256 GB version costs 56,600 rubles. This is one of the best smartphones in terms of price and quality.
Advantages:
- good price considering the characteristics;
- high-quality display at 120 Hz;
- high performance processor.
Flaws:
- low autonomy;
- In terms of photo quality, the smartphone lags behind its competitors' flagships.
Features of choosing a smartphone
It is customary to start searching for a mobile device by studying the technical characteristics. If you are looking for a gadget to create photo and video content, then you should pay attention to models in the mid-price category. Premium smartphones are indispensable for business; they can be used to solve various technical problems.
Marketer, commodity expert, chief expert of the Obzor-Top project. I compile tops of the best products based on consumer reviews. Thank you for visiting our site. I will be pleased to receive feedback from you via chat on the site.
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Are the most expensive smartphones worth the money?
To buy a good smartphone, you don’t have to pay exorbitant amounts of money for it. There are also counter examples. Take even the aforementioned Motorola Razr 5G, which, at the same price, is much inferior in technical characteristics to its competitors such as the flagships of Samsung or Apple. And even the relatively inexpensive OnePlus 9 Pro leaves the clamshell far behind in terms of performance and camera quality.
At the same time, there are also unique models of their kind. For example, the Galaxy Z Fold 3, which when unfolded looks more like a tablet than a smartphone. It has everything - a powerful processor, a good camera, a large screen and a good battery. It deserves the right to become one of the best smartphones of the year. You just need to get used to its size.
When you just need a good modern phone that can handle any task, you should take a closer look at the Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G or iPhone 13 Pro Max. If you want something more compact, the basic version of the Galaxy S21 or the compact iPhone 13 Mini will do.
The most expensive Galaxy S10+ in Russia can now be bought at half price
This year, Samsung has expanded its range of flagship smartphones by introducing a simplified version called the Galaxy S10e and a premium Galaxy S10+ Ceramic Edition in a ceramic case. But if the release of a conditionally affordable flagship was quite expected, given that a few months earlier Apple launched the iPhone XR, then the appearance of a ceramic modification in the Samsung lineup with an advanced set of characteristics made many truly surprised. After all, the market seems to have never seen anything like it. If only the price of the new product wasn’t so daunting.
Buying a new Android smartphone at the start of sales is pure waste
