📱Best smartphones under 12,000 rubles for 2020

Times don't always change for the better. So recently, the amount of 10,000 - 12,000 rubles was considered sufficient to buy a smartphone in the middle price category. Today, at a price of 12,000 rubles, models are available budgetary or occupying the upper price bar in this category. But a budget device is also capable of having advanced characteristics if armed with the appropriate instructions. The editors of the site "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/" have prepared for you a review of the best smartphones up to 12,000 rubles.

Smartphone parameters

Before choosing inexpensive smartphone models, let's try to figure out how they work. This will give an understanding of what to pay attention to, help determine the criteria for choosing a device.

Screen

Screen is an input-output device for information downloaded to a smartphone. The quality of color rendition, the realism of the image, and the speed of response when touched depend on it. Popular smartphone models are equipped with matrix displays, which are made using the following technologies:

1. TN is the oldest technology whose production is highly profitable, which leads to their low cost. Also, the advantages of such matrices are long battery life, decent performance. The latter advantage makes TN screens a favorite for gamers. The disadvantages of the technology outweigh the advantages - poor color rendering, contrast, color distortion when the angle of inclination is changed. For these reasons, TN matrices are installed on older or cheaper models.
2. IPS is perhaps the most widespread technology at the moment that combines a number of advantages of a TN matrix without its disadvantages. Realistic color reproduction, no distortion when rotating the screen plane, good pixel density due to which the image has good clarity. The advantage of the matrix is ​​the average price, which causes widespread use among smartphones of various price categories.
3. OLED is an advanced coating found in most premium models. It is more economical than IPS, colors are more saturated, and there are more colors in terms of quantity. Black gives high contrast, which is usually pale gray on the matrices described above. The disadvantages of matrices are the high price, the need for preliminary adjustment, since the color rendition and contrast can be irritating to the eyes. In addition, during static work, for example, while reading books, pixels begin to burn, which reduces the lifespan of such a screen.

It is worth mentioning the fact that companies have their own names for technologies. For example, Samsung's OLED is called AMOLED. And IPS has such types of designations as PLS, Retina, AH-IPS.

The main user parameters that you need to pay attention to are screen size, resolution, brightness. Size and resolution are interdependent and are best considered together. The diagonal of the screen is chosen based on whether the smartphone will be used purely as a phone or as a gaming device, e-book, multimedia center.In the first case, the main thing is that the smartphone fits in the hand, without causing discomfort, can be used without trying to "escape" from the hand. Such phones can have a display diagonal of up to 5 inches, which is not enough for watching movies and games. Gaming, multimedia models should be larger so that the user's vision does not strain and does not get tired. But as the screen size grows, an increase in the number of pixels per square inch, that is, the resolution, is required. This accordingly affects the price of the entire device. On the other hand, excessive resolution will not be noticeable if the display is small. The user will only overpay for extra pixels, and the battery will drain faster. The optimal ratio will be 840x450 pixels for models up to 4.5 inches, 1280x720 - 5 inches, 1920x1080 above 5 inches screen.

We should also mention such monitors as curved, frameless, with oleophobic, anti-reflective coating or Gorilla Glass. The first, curved, were experimental devices, which is why they did not receive wide popularity. The second, frameless, on the contrary, are increasingly found even among the middle price category. However, according to buyers of such devices, the wide matrix surface makes it difficult to work, often causing false touches. Gorilla Glass coatings are more useful, protecting the display from shock. Oleophobic ones will prevent the formation of fat spots, fingerprints. The most useful anti-reflective coating. As a rule, in the sun, the monitor begins to glare, reducing the brightness of the transmitted image, movies, games. The only way out is to increase the brightness by adjusting the settings, which makes the battery drain quickly and the matrix burns out faster. Anti-reflective coating levels out the sun's rays, allowing you to comfortably use your smartphone during the day without increasing brightness.

Processor and memory

The processor is the heart of any electronic device, the faster the chipset, the more cores, the faster the smartphone will work. At the same time, buying the fastest, most powerful models is sometimes unwise. First of all, a lot of power is required only when loading complex, voluminous applications for games. The presence of more than two cores, a processor with a high clock frequency, other modes of operation with a smartphone are not needed. In addition, if the device's RAM is small, then it will not allow the full potential of the microchip to be realized. A gamer can be frustrated if a powerful smartphone is struggling to “pull” advanced gaming applications. After all, the power of the video chip is more important for games. The middle ground between low-power microchips suitable for "dialers" and high-speed, expensive gaming chips will be cores with a frequency of 1.7 - 2.2 GHz. The number of cores is 2 - 4. This will allow the average user to effectively work with applications, process photos.

RAM - random access memory, it, like the processor, determines the speed of the device, its ability to solve several tasks simultaneously. More recently, RAM with a volume of 1-2 Gigabytes was considered comfortable. Now such memory is considered small, with it the device is about to "slow down" if several programs are turned on at once. The minimum recommended amount of modern RAM is 2 - 4 Gigabytes.

ROM - read-only memory, a storage device that stores all available user information. Applications, documents, photos, videos. The amount of ROM can be small, provided there is a slot for a memory card. Otherwise, the ROM size will always be lacking.

Camera

Camera - it is simply impossible to imagine a modern device without this equipment. Moreover, now two modules are already widely used, the rear camera as the main one, therefore it has a larger number of megapixels and a front camera used for selfies when communicating through instant messengers. Its number of megapixels is less than that of the rear one.

It would be wrong to compare cameras of different models in terms of the number of megapixels, because it is not their number that is important, but the size of the receiving matrix. Therefore, with the same resolution, the quality of the resulting images may vary.The work of the camera also depends on the algorithm of work (firmware), the aperture value. The latter regulates the flow of light, denoted by a fraction, so 1/9 is better than 1/22. Considering all of the above, it is very difficult to say exactly which module shoots how. Therefore, before buying, it is recommended to look in advance on the forums, sites, examples of photos made by the smartphone intended for purchase, in order to understand how the module takes pictures during the day, at night.

Battery

Battery - provides the operating time of the device without recharging. Old batteries were made using lithium-ion technology (Li-ion), now lithium-polymer (Li-pol) are more common. When choosing the size of the battery, it should be borne in mind that the phone works for a day if its capacity is 2500 mAh, up to two days with a capacity of 3000 mAh. There are also more and more new items with fast charging function. Such a charger (charger) charges the phone faster, increasing the operating time.

Communication parameters

Any phone is just a "dialer" if it has no connection with the outside world through communication modules, data exchange. Internet - communication takes place according to three popular standards 3G, 4G, 5G. However, 3G is already considered an outdated standard, 5G is not yet supported by all mobile operators, and a device with this standard is more expensive than analogues without it. Between devices, with peripheral devices, the connection is made via bluetooth. It is replaced by a new type of data exchange, NFC, which allows data transfer between two phones, and replaces a bank card for purchases.

Which company to prefer

Almost all manufacturers of equipment in the budget, middle price category can be conditionally attributed to those from China and to everyone else. The popularity of Chinese-made models is ensured by the concept - maximum "filling" at a democratic price. Such functional saturation is achieved sometimes due to poor build quality or components. The models of Samsung and Nokia are considered more reliable, but their functionality is poorer than that of Chinese competitors.

Where can I buy

When buying budget equipment, every ruble is valued, therefore, trying to save money, many consider it profitable to buy devices in an online store. However, this type of purchase is fraught with some unpleasant moments. First of all, small shops sell outright counterfeit products that have little to do with the real brand. Many online stores will not be able to provide a guarantee, and therefore warranty service. Moreover, some devices, for example, from AliExpress, are sold refurbished after repair. If you skip the corresponding inscription on the product, then it is easy to become a "happy" owner of the equipment, whose work will be unpredictable in the future.

Rating of high-quality smartphones up to 12,000 rubles for 2020

With NFC

Samsung Galaxy A30s 32GB

Competition between Chinese brands and other companies has led to a battle for the hearts of users. It can only be won by the best price-quality ratio. An example of a competitive device is the improved version of the famous A30 phone, the A30S. The advantages of this device are the widespread use of the latest technologies. The A30S has support for fast charging, NFC, three cameras, a large battery, two SIM card slots, a fingerprint scanner. A distinctive feature of the South Korean brand's products are its proprietary displays. A30S continues the tradition of the company, it is equipped with a 6.4-inch AMOLED matrix with a resolution of 1520x720 pixels. A narrow bezel surrounding the display adds space, adding a modern, eye-catching look.

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Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T

A direct competitor to the device described above, which has a number of advantages over it.The powerful performance of the quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 processor, 4 GB of RAM, allows you to play, surf the Internet, communicate through instant messengers without delays or freezes. The device is equipped with a rear camera of Samsung Isocell GM2 with a resolution of 48 megapixels. Such a module is installed by the best manufacturers of mobile equipment. The advantages of the device are its fast charging, Gorilla Glass 5 protective glass, good entertainment options.

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Gaming

Realme 5 Pro

The rating of gaming models is rightfully headed by the brand, which is gaining popularity among domestic geeks day by day. The attractive feature of the 5 Pro is its powerful hardware and versatility. It has everything that a modern mobile device should have. Four cameras (selfie, portrait, main, wide-angle), long-lasting battery, bright screen protected by Gorilla Glass 3. Such a device with a good battery and a camera will be a good present for a dear person or work colleague.

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Honor 9X

Choosing a mobile game device, the question is - how much such a technique costs, it is better to forget a little. Indeed, by default, any gaming device, laptop, PC costs more than its working, office counterparts. The world of mobile gadgets is no exception. Therefore, the 9X is slightly more expensive than other similar models. Since, in addition to the "nimble" microchip Huawei HiSilicon Kirin 810, made according to the new 12nm architecture, it has a number of pleasant user-friendly "goodies". They will be able to communicate with the advanced standards 3G, 4G, fast, two hours, battery charging, fingerprint sensor, NFC module. But in order to avoid mistakes when choosing this smart, it should be borne in mind that 9X are sold in two types. For the domestic, Chinese market and for Europe. The latter have a 710F processor, less powerful than the "Chinese" 810. But they have a built-in NFC module, which is not among the Chinese models. Therefore, if power is more important to the user than NFC, then such a device can be ordered online through a Chinese online store.

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With 4G LTE

Realme 5

A simplified version of the gadget mentioned above with the acronym Pro. Hence, a more affordable price with practically the same functionality. Quad lenses, eight "stones" of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 processor, 3 Giga RAM and realistic sound make this device an interesting acquisition. The color reproduction of the monitor has received the best customer reviews thanks to its wide dynamic range, rich colors. A long time of "fermentation" on the World Wide Web through 4G will provide a large battery. If you don't know which one is better to buy a functional, high-speed phone, then pay attention to Realme 5.

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Meizu Note 9 4-64GB

What to look for when choosing a device that allows you to lead an active virtual life in social networks, to visit Internet platforms! Here a "smart" microchip is not required, the parameters of the hardware, the presence of the video chip are secondary.First of all, you need a good, fast-charging battery. Recommendations of experienced users - pay attention to the model Meizu Note 9. Its processor is fast, but "eats" a little energy, which makes the autonomy reaches 48 hours. The IPS screen is bright, eye-fatiguing. Fans of "shooters", massive game - applications are offered the Hyper Gaming function, which stabilizes the frame rate per second. Note 9 is attractive purely outwardly. Plastic body for a glass, glossy surface, smooth outlines of the camera, flash.

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With two sim cards

OPPO A5 3-64GB

An innovative device equipped with a front and four rear cameras. In the evening, the photos are distorted, but this is a software flaw that is supposed to be eliminated in future updates. Advanced technologies are incorporated into the A5 charging system. The 5000 mAh battery is capable of charging other electronics on occasion, such as quadrocopters, smart watches. The disadvantage may seem like the aspect ratio of the display is 20: 9. After all, most of the video formats of mobile devices, video hosting sites have a ratio of 16: 9. This disadvantage has a positive feature, since the ratio of 20: 9 format is found among movies, music videos. What makes the A5 a home theater.

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Meizu 16

What well-equipped but budget smartphones are there! If the issue of price is more relevant than ever, then issues of previous years can be considered. These include Meizu 16. Equipped with two classic photo lenses, a fast chip, slots for two nano - SIM cards, it will satisfy the basic needs of a modern user. There are few cameras, but the quality is better than that of "contemporaries", the screen is small, although clear, the processor of the previous generation, however, copes with most of the tasks.

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Conclusion

Choosing a good, functional smartphone at a price of up to 12,000 rubles is realistic today. If you have a budget smartphone that is not listed in the rating, be sure to share your opinion about it in the comments to this article.