Technological progress does not stand still, and modern manufacturers are trying to attract as many consumers as possible. User requirements are growing, it becomes more difficult to surprise them, so the developers are forced to produce improved models. A smartphone with a retractable camera is one of the novelties of recent years. You can find out below in our rating about the advantages and disadvantages of these products, and which models are the best on the market.
Content
What it is
The retractable camera is a separate element of the gadget that is hidden inside the body. Thus, you get quite a budget device with a stylish design. At the same time, the display does not overlap with additional elements, there is no iPhone "monobrow" and other attributes on it. The phone cover is not cluttered with a lot of cameras. If you want to take a picture, you need to execute a number of commands, then the camera will automatically pop out of the gadget body by means of a special mechanism. In most cases, the manufacturer equips the front-end with this function.
Benefits:
- compact size;
- the ability to increase the size of the display;
- more neat look.
Despite the trend, pull-out modules and the desire of manufacturers to equip their product line with such an option, such products also have disadvantages. Still, these are still experimental versions, respectively, errors and shortcomings will be observed in these gadgets for a long time.
Disadvantages:
- Lack of protection against liquid - such models cannot be equipped with moisture protection. These are likely temporary drawbacks, and manufacturers will eliminate this point. But for now, users will have to be extremely careful.
- Inability to use the case - if you need to take a picture, the case will interfere with the moving lens. It is inconvenient to remove it every time, and not every user dares to walk without protection.
- Dust and dirt get clogged into the retractable mechanism - a well-known problem. Remember, you probably often had to reanimate headphones or a charging connector, which have ceased to function normally due to debris clogged in them. The same situation will occur with these models; over time, the mechanism may finally become unusable.
- You cannot install high-quality optics - a powerful camera requires more space. Retractable models cannot support this parameter, since they require compact storage in the gadget case. Therefore, creating a beautiful selfie will not be easy for you.
- The battery runs out faster - everything is clear here: the need to operate the mechanism requires more battery resources.
- Fragility - it doesn't matter if you extend the lens yourself, or it happens automatically, all the parts responsible for the retractable camera tend to quickly break down and fail.
Ranking of the best pop-up camera smartphones for 2020
Huawie p smart z
A very stylish gadget, one of the most affordable models. The low cost of the product does not allow us to expect high efficiency and special features from it, but the required minimum is present.
The amount of RAM is quite acceptable for an inexpensive product - 4 GB. This is quite enough for performing several tasks at once, opening several applications. Hangs are also rare due to the performance of the gadget.So, if the speed of the processes matters to you, this product can please. The internal storage is 64 GB. For some, this figure will seem insufficient for a modern smartphone, but for some, this is more than enough. It is possible to additionally insert a memory card.
The most important thing is the photo module. Naturally, it is presented in two variations: main and frontal. As for the first, its capabilities are small and very modest - only 16 megapixels. But the "front camera" leaving the left side of the smartphone is quite capable of providing the user with a high-quality picture. The battery is powerful and efficient, but there is no fast charging function. But there is a module for making contactless payments.
Advantages:
- stylish design;
- affordable price;
- good front camera;
- speed of processes;
- autonomy.
Disadvantages:
- weak main camera.
The average cost is 15,000 Russian rubles.
Xiaomi Mi 9T
The brand, which has long won the hearts of users, also does not deviate from trends. This model is characterized by a good selection of functions and interesting options. First of all, it is worth noting the bright screen with the thinnest frames. This gives you a wide display with great viewing angles. There is also a fingerprint scanner. This is a definite plus for users who want to hide their data.
The amount of RAM is 6 GB. As you already know, this is an excellent indicator that guarantees high speed of processes. Permanent storage is presented in figures of 64 and 128 GB. There is no USB connector, but there is no special need for it.
The outgoing camera is capable of taking photos and videos, its resolution is 48 megapixels. The main camera is dual, so this gadget gives you the opportunity to take good pictures. The battery is standard - 4000 mAh. There is the possibility of wireless charging, as well as the function of contactless payments.
Advantages:
- high-quality camera;
- fingerprint scanner;
- wide bright display;
- relatively low price;
- many positive reviews;
- large amount of RAM.
Disadvantages:
- absent.
The average cost is 20,000 Russian rubles.
Oppo Reno 2
Quite a good performance model with a standard set of functions for a sub-flagship gadget.
The camera of the device is presented in several forms. The outgoing part is installed in front. Its parameter is 16 megapixels, not bad, but not the best option. It is noteworthy that the block does not leave the case completely, this approach of the manufacturer guarantees an unusual design of the model. The main camera is more equipped, it is represented by a 48 megapixel main camera, as well as zoom and wide-angle.
The battery is capacious, it guarantees a long period of operation. As for the fast charging function, its availability is provided by the manufacturer. Also worth noting is the presence of a fingerprint scanner and a contactless payment option. A big plus, according to users, is the speed of the device. All programs and applications literally "fly". The device copes with any, even the most modern games with complex graphics.
Advantages:
- high quality of goods;
- stylish design;
- lack of eyes on the main screen, "mono-eyebrows";
- powerful main photomodule;
- autonomy.
Disadvantages:
- the price tag is too high;
- rare updates;
- fragile glass screen;
- no moisture protection.
The average cost is 40,000 Russian rubles.
Asus Zenfone 6 ZS630KL
The flagship representative in our selection. The first thing that catches your eye is the stylish performance of the product. The gadget is not limited by additional frames, so annoying bangs, eyes and other elements. The package bundle cannot be called basic, besides the standard set, it is equipped with a wired headset and a protective case. The cover is made of durable plastic, there is a slit for an outgoing camera on it, so you don't have to worry about the integrity of the device's case. Thus, this flagship model fully fulfills its value. Naturally, the technical specifications also meet the requirements.
The assembly of the product is of high quality, all parts and elements take a stable position and are firmly fixed. However, it is worth noting the excessive movement of the camera mechanism. Therefore, you will often hear rattling when shaking the gadget. The display is bright, the matrix is based on IPS, the color reproduction is as correct as possible. The smartphone is equipped with a powerful modern processor, which guarantees high speed of processes and competent allocation of resources.
The interface is simple and intuitive, the main menu is simple, an ordinary user does not have to rack his brains to configure this or that option. The lens is located on the exit block, the indicator is 48 megapixels. There are also additional cameras. The quality of the frames is excellent, you can get the perfect picture even in the dark. The only inconvenience is the impossibility of quick face recognition, but you can turn off this option, leaving only the finger scanner.
Advantages:
- high build quality;
- autonomy;
- performance;
- stylish design;
- additional equipment;
- powerful camera.
Disadvantages:
- the device heats up under load;
- it is not very convenient to use the face recognition function.
The average cost is 40,000 Russian rubles.
Vivo nex 3
One of the best representatives of smartphones with an outgoing camera. If you want to buy the freshest and most modern model, pay attention to this particular product. It is currently the only gadget completely devoid of bezels. In addition, it is characterized by the curvature of the screen, this feature is not new, but quite attractive. The device is made of durable glass, such a design solution guarantees a stylish look of the phone, but keep in mind the fact that all prints instantly remain on the case, which makes the overall look of the device untidy.
The front camera is located in a sliding block in the middle of the upper part of the case, there is also a backlight there. Note that we are talking about constant lighting, not flash. This feature will appeal to users who regularly shoot videos on the front-end (for example, Instagram bloggers). A sliding camera has the ability to recognize a fall and instantly hide in the case, this is a big plus for the safety of the gadget.
The display has a correct color reproduction, the speakers provide quite comfortable listening to music, the volume is average, but you shouldn't expect any impressive emotions. These are rather average indicators, not calculated for any subtleties of use. The battery is powerful and efficient as in most flagship models. The memory is represented by the following numbers: 8/128 GB.
Advantages:
- intuitive interface;
- stylish design;
- convenient to use, the gadget is comfortable in the hand;
- autonomy;
- powerful processor;
- high quality camera.
Disadvantages:
- not the best sound quality;
- there is no moisture protection;
- there is no way to insert a USB flash drive.
The average cost is 55,000 Russian rubles.
One Pluse 7 Pro
Currently, it is the best smartphone with a retractable photo module. It is in this model that most of both professional and ordinary users have identified the best ratio of technical characteristics and capabilities to the price. For those who want to save a little, the brand has released a more simplified version.
The device looks very attractive outwardly, but the material of the case is soiled, it is also heavy in weight and is somewhat uncomfortable in the hand. The main camera is located in the center of the device, and the front camera is hidden in the exit block. The device detects a fall, so in an emergency, the camera will hide back into the body. There is a fingerprint scanner, the ability to install two SIM cards at once, but a slot for a memory card is not provided.As for the display, it has wide viewing angles and correct color reproduction. The interface of the gadget is simple, there are several modes of operation that optimize the processes.
The product is available in a wide range of colors.
Advantages:
- wide range of color shades;
- autonomy;
- excellent process optimization;
- stylish design;
- does not lag or freeze.
Disadvantages:
- large screen, inconvenient to hold;
- easily soiled case;
- the retractable mechanism quickly becomes unusable due to dust and other debris.
The average cost is 45,000 Russian rubles.
Lenovo Z5 Pro
The novelty of 2019 immediately became one of the favorites. Given the moderate cost and technical capabilities, this model really deserves your attention.
The memory capacity is quite decent - 6/128 GB. The user can count on good performance and resource intensity. A capacious battery guarantees long operating hours. The wide bright display is not cluttered with frames and eyes. The color rendition is good and close to the original. But the main thing that attracts buyers is the outgoing camera. It is located at the top of the case. There is also a main camera built into the device. You should not expect excellent image quality. If during the day in natural light you can get a good picture, then at night its quality will be significantly reduced.
Advantages:
- low price;
- stylish design;
- high-quality reliable battery;
- sturdy construction.
Disadvantages:
- users noted the need to improve the device firmware;
- the body is quickly scratched;
- inconvenient speaker placement.
The average cost is 15,000 Russian rubles.
Samsung Galaxy A80
This is the most expensive device in the manufacturer's lineup, and it should be noted that the production of this model has become a kind of experiment for the brand. And whether he succeeded, we can find out in the information below.
The screen of the device has wide viewing angles, a fingerprint scanner is located under the display. All cameras of the gadget are enclosed in a pull-out unit that works like a slider. When it appears, the camera rotates 180 degrees and takes a picture. At the same time, the image is of high quality even in the dark, thanks to the presence of the night mode. As for optimization, it is at a decent level, since the amount of RAM is 8 GB, and this is more than enough for resource-intensive games with high-quality graphics. The built-in storage is represented by a figure of 128 GB, this figure does not require a slot for a removable memory card. The processor is modern, the battery is capacious. Summing up, we can say that this is a decent model, but its cost is somewhat overpriced.
Advantages:
- decent camera;
- good sound quality;
- high performance;
- autonomy.
Disadvantage:
- fingerprint recognition does not work well;
- it is difficult to hear the interlocutor during a conversation.
The average cost is 26,000 Russian rubles.
Comparative table of technical characteristics:
| Name | Camera: main / frontal | RAM | Built-in memory | OS | Battery capacity | CPU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Huawie p smart z | 16 Mp / 2 Mp | 4 GB | 64 GB | Android 9.0 | 4,000 mAh | HiSilicon Kirin 710, 2200 MHz |
| Xiaomi Mi 9T | 48 MP / 8 MP / 13 MP | 6 GB | 64/128 GB | Android 9.0 | 4,000 mAh | Qualcomm Snapdragon 730 |
| Oppo Reno 2 | 48 Mp / 8 Mp / 13 Mp / 2 Mp | 8 GB | 128 GB / 256 GB | Android 9.0 | 4,000 mAh | Adreno 618 |
| Asus Zenfone 6 ZS630KL | 48 Mp / 13 Mp | 6 GB | 128 GB | Android 9.0 | 4,000 mAh | Qualcomm Snapdragon 855, 2840 MHz |
| Vivo nex 3 | 64 Mp / 13 Mp / 13 Mp | 8 GB | 128 GB | Android 9.0 | 4 500 mAh | Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 Plus |
| One Pluse 7 Pro | 48 MP / 8 MP / 16 MP | 6 GB | 128 GB | Android 9.0 | 4,000 mAh | Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 |
| Lenovo Z5 Pro | 16 Mp / 8 Mp | 6 GB | 128 GB | Android 8.1 | 3 300 mAh | Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 |
| Samsung Galaxy A80 | 48 Mp / 8 Mp | 8 GB | 128 GB | Android 9.0 | 3 700 mAh | Qualcomm Snapdragon 730 |
If you had experience using the products described in the rating, write your feedback in the comments.
