The Complete Smartphone Buyer's Guide

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coderunknown

coderunknown

Retired Forum Mod
My smartphone pick:


Android from International brands:

Price RangePick 1Pick 2
From 5-10kXiaomi Redmi 3S PrimeLenovo K6 Power
From 10k to 15kLenovo Z2 PlusXiaomi Redmi Note 4
From 15k to 20kMoto G5 PlusLeEco Le Max2
From 20k to 25kXiaomi Mi 5
From 25k to 30kOnePlus 3THuawei Honor 8
From 30k to 35k
From 35k to 40k
 
OP
coderunknown

coderunknown

Retired Forum Mod
Price Range: Under 5K


MobileOperating SystemDisplayCamera / Selfie4G SupportChipsetRam/NANDBattery
Panasonic T44 LiteAndroid 6.04.0" (480X800 @ 233ppi)2MP / VGANOMediaTek MT6580 (quadcore Cortex A7 @ 1.3Ghz + Mali-400)512MB/8GB2400 mAh
Panasonic T44Android 6.04.0" (480X800 @ 233ppi)5MP / 2MPNOquadcore 1.3Ghz1GB/8GB2400 mAh
ZOPO Color M4Android 6.04.0" (480X800 @ 233ppi)5MP / 2MPYESMediaTek MT6737 (quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.3Ghz + Mali-T720 MP2)1GB/8GB1450 mAh
 
OP
coderunknown

coderunknown

Retired Forum Mod
Price Range: 5-10K


MobileOperating SystemDisplayCamera / SelfieFingerprint SensorChipsetRam/NANDBattery
Coolpad Note 5 LiteAndroid 6.05.0" IPS (720X1280 @ 294ppi)13MP (1080p) / 8MPYESMediaTek MT6735 (quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1Ghz + Mali-T720 MP2)3GB/16GB2500 mAh
Coolpad Note 3SAndroid 6.05.5" IPS (720X1280 @ 267ppi)13MP / 5MPYESSnapdragon 415 (quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.4Ghz + quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1Ghz + Adreno 405)3GB/32GB2500 mAh
Coolpad Mega 2.5DAndroid 6.05.5" IPS (720X1280 @ 267ppi)8MP / 8MPNOMediatek MT6735P (quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.3Ghz + Mali-T720 MP2)3GB/16GB2500 mAh
Coolpad Mega 3Android 6.05.5" (720X1280 @ 267ppi)8MP / 8MPNOMediaTek MT6737 (quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.3Ghz + Mali-T720 MP2)2GB/16GB3050 mAh
Gionee Pioneer P7Android 6.05.0" IPS (720X1280 @ 294ppi)8MP (1080p) / 5MPNOMediaTek MT6737 (quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.3Ghz + Mali-T720 MP2)2GB/16GB2300 mAh
Honor Holly 3Android 6.05.5" IPS (720X1280 @ 267ppi)13MP (1080p) / 8MPNOHiSilicon KIRIN 620 (octacore Cortex A53 @ 1.2Ghz + Mali-450 MP4)2GB/16GB3100 mAh
Infocus M535+Android 6.05.5" IPS (1920X1080 @ 401ppi)13MP (Samsung S5K3M2) / 13MPNOMediatek MT6753 (octacore Cortex A53 @ 1.3Ghz + Mali-T720 MP3)3GB/16GB2600 mAh
Lenovo Vibe BAndroid 6.04.5" IPS (480X854 @ 207ppi)5MP (720p) / 2MPNOMediatek MT6735M (quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.3Ghz + Mali-T720 MP2)1GB/8GB2000 mAh
Lenovo A6600Android 6.05.0" IPS (720X1280 @ 294ppi)8MP (1080p) / 2MPNOMediaTek MT6735 (quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1Ghz + Mali-T720 MP2)1GB/16GB2300 mAh
Lenovo A6600 PlusAndroid 6.05.0" IPS (720X1280 @ 294ppi)8MP (1080p) / 2MPNOMediaTek MT6735 (quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1Ghz + Mali-T720 MP2)2GB/16GB2300 mAh
Lenovo K6 Power (2GB)Android 6.05.0" IPS (1920X1080 @ 441ppi)13MP (Sony IMX258, 1080p) / 8MPYESSnapdragon 430 (quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.4Ghz + quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.1Ghz + Adreno 505)3GB/32GB4000 mAh
Lenovo K6 Power (3GB)Android 6.05.0" IPS (1920X1080 @ 441ppi)13MP (Sony IMX258, 1080p) / 8MPYESSnapdragon 430 (quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.4Ghz + quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.1Ghz + Adreno 505)3GB/32GB4000 mAh
Lenovo A7700Android 6.05.5" IPS (720X1280 @ 267ppi)8MP (1080p) / 2MPNOMediaTek MT6735 (quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1Ghz + Mali-T720 MP2)2GB/16GB2900 mAh
Motorola Moto E3 PowerAndroid 6.05.0" IPS (720X1280 @ 294ppi)8MP (1080p) / 5MPNOMediaTek MT6735 (quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1Ghz + Mali-T720 MP2)2GB/16GB3500 mAh
Motorola Moto G4 PlayAndroid 6.05.0" IPS (720X1280 @ 294ppi)8MP (1080p) / 5MPNOSnapdragon 410 (quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.2Ghz + Adreno 306)2GB/16GB2800 mAh
Panasonic Eluga Arc 2Android 6.05.0" (720X1280 @ 294ppi)8MP (1080p) / 5MPNOMediaTek MT6735 (quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.3Ghz + Mali-T720 MP4)3GB/32GB2450 mAh
Panasonic Eluga PrimAndroid 6.05.0" IPS (720X1280 @ 294ppi)13MP (1080p) / 5MPYESMediaTek MT6737 (quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.3Ghz + Mali-T720 MP2)3GB/16GB2500 mAh
Panasonic Eluga PulseAndroid 6.05.0" IPS (720X1280 @ 294ppi)13MP (1080p) / 5MPYESquadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.2Ghz2GB/16GB2200 mAh
Panasonic P88Android 6.05.3" IPS (720X1280 @ 277ppi)13MP (1080p) / 5MPNOMediaTek MT6737 (quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.3Ghz + Mali-T720 MP2)2GB/16GB2600 mAh
Panasonic Eluga NoteAndroid 6.05.5" (1920X1080 @ 401ppi)16MP (1080p) / 5MPNOMediatek MT6753 (octacore Cortex A53 @ 1.3Ghz + Mali-T720 MP3)3GB/32GB3000 mAh
Samsung Galaxy J2 (2016)Android 6.05.0" S-AMOLED (720X1280 @ 294ppi)8MP (720p) / 5MPNOSpreadtrum SC8830 (quadcore Cortex A7 @ 1.5Ghz + Mali-400 MP2)2GB/16GB2600 mAh
Samsung Galaxy J2 AceAndroid 6.05.0" (540X960 @ 220ppi)8MP (720p) / 5MPNOMediaTek MT6737 (quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.4Ghz + Mali-T720 MP2)1.5GB/8GB2600 mAh
Samsung Galaxy ON5 ProAndroid 6.05.0" (720X1280 @ 294ppi)8MP (1080p) / 5MPNOExynos 3475 (quadcore Cortex A7 @ 1.3Ghz + Mali-720)2GB/16GB2600 mAh
TCL 562Android 6.05.5" (1920X1080 @ 401ppi)13MP (1080p) / 5MPYESMediatek Helio P10 (quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.8Ghz + quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1Ghz + Mali-T860 MP2)3GB/32GB2960 mAh
Vivo Y53Android 6.05.0" IPS (540X960 @ 220ppi)8MP (1080p) / 5MPNOSnapdragon 425 (quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.4Ghz + Adreno 308)2GB/16GB2500 mAh
Xiaomi Redmi 4AAndroid 6.05.0" IPS (720X1280 @ 294ppi)13MP (1080p) / 5MPNOSnapdragon 425 (quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.4Ghz + Adreno 308)2GB/16GB3120 mAh
Xiaomi Redmi 3s (16GB)Android 6.05.0" IPS (720X1280 @ 294ppi)13MP (1080p) / 5MPNOSnapdragon 430 (quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.4Ghz + quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.1Ghz + Adreno 505)2GB/16GB4100 mAh
Xiaomi Redmi 3s Prime (32GB)Android 6.05.0" IPS (720X1280 @ 294ppi)13MP (1080p) / 5MPYESSnapdragon 430 (quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.4Ghz + quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.1Ghz + Adreno 505)3GB/32GB4100 mAh
Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 (2GB)Android 6.05.5" IPS (1920X1080 @ 401ppi)13MP (1080p) / 5MPYESSnapdragon 625 (octacore Cortex A53 @ 2Ghz + Adreno 506)2GB/32GB4100 mAh
Zopo Color F5Android 6.05.0" IPS (720X1280 @ 294ppi)8MP (1080p) / 5MPYESMediaTek MT6737 (quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.3Ghz + Mali-T720 MP2)2GB/16GB2100 mAh
Zopo Color F2Android 6.05.5" IPS (720X1280 @ 267ppi)8MP (1080p) / 5MPYESMediaTek MT6737 (quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.3Ghz + Mali-T720 MP2)2GB/16GB2300 mAh
 
OP
coderunknown

coderunknown

Retired Forum Mod
Price Range: 10-15K


MobileOperating SystemDisplayCamera / SelfieFingerprint SensorChipsetRam/NANDBattery
Asus Zenfone 3 Max (ZC520TL)Android 6.05.2" IPS (720X1280 @ 282ppi)13MP (1080p) / 5MPYESMediaTek MT6737 (quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.3Ghz + Mali-T720 MP2)3GB/32GB4100 mAh
Asus Zenfone 3s MaxAndroid 7.05.2" IPS (720X1280 @ 282ppi)13MP (1080p) / 8MPYESMediatek 6750 (quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.5Ghz + quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1Ghz + Mali-T860 MP2)3GB/32GB5000 mAh
Coolpad Note 5Android 6.05.5" (1920X1080 @ 401ppi)13MP (1080p) / 8MPYESSnapdragon 617 (quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.5Ghz + quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.2Ghz + Adreno 405)4GB/32GB2800 mAh
Coolpad Cool 1 (3GB)Android 6.05.5" (1920X1080 @ 401ppi)13MP + 13MP (1080p) / 8MPYESSnapdragon 652 (quadcore Cortex A72 @ 1.8Ghz + quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.4Ghz + Adreno 510)3GB/32GB4000 mAh
Coolpad Cool 1 (4GB)Android 6.05.5" (1920X1080 @ 401ppi)13MP + 13MP (1080p) / 8MPYESSnapdragon 652 (quadcore Cortex A72 @ 1.8Ghz + quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.4Ghz + Adreno 510)4GB/32GB4000 mAh
Elephone P9000Android 7.05.5" IPS (1920X1080 @ 401ppi)13MP (Sony IMX258, 1080p) / 8MPYESMediatek Helio P10 (quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.8Ghz + quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1Ghz + Mali-T860 MP2)4GB/32GB3000 mAh
Gionee P7 MaxAndroid 6.05.5" IPS (720X1280 @ 267ppi)13MP (1080p) / 5MPNOMediaTek MT6595 (quadcore Cortex A17 @ 2.2Ghz + quadcore Cortex A7 @ 1.7Ghz + PowerVR 6200)3GB/32GB3100 mAh
Gionee Elife S6sAndroid 6.05.5" IPS (1920X1080 @ 403ppi)13MP (Sony IMX258, 1080p) / 8MPYESMediatek MT6753 (octacore Cortex A53 @ 1.3Ghz + Mali-T720 MP3)3GB/32GB3150 mAh
Huawei Honor 5CAndroid 6.05.2" IPS (1920X1080 @ 424ppi)13MP (1080p) / 5MPYESHiSilicon KIRIN 650 (quadcore Cortex A53 @ 2.0Ghz + quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.6Ghz + Mali-T830 MP2)2GB/16GB3000 mAh
Huawei Honor 8 SmartAndroid 6.05.2" IPS (1920X1080 @ 424ppi)13MP (Sony IMX214, 1080p) / 8MPYESHiSilicon KIRIN 650 (quadcore Cortex A53 @ 2.0Ghz + quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.6Ghz + Mali-T830 MP2)2GB/16GB3000 mAh
Huawei Honor 6X (32GB)Android 6.05.5" IPS (1920X1080 @ 401ppi)12MP + 2MP / 8MPYESHiSilicon KIRIN 655 (quadcore Cortex A53 @ 2.1Ghz + quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.7Ghz + Mali-T830 MP2)3GB/32GB3340 mAh
InFocus Epic 1Android 6.05.5" IPS (1920X1080 @ 401ppi)16MP (1080p) / 8MPYESMediatek Helio X20 (dualcore Cortex A72 @ 2.5Ghz + quadcore Cortex A53 @ 2Ghz + quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.4Ghz + Mali-T880 MP4)3GB/32GB3000 mAh
Lenovo Z2 Plus (32GB)Android 6.05.0" IPS (1920X1080 @ 441ppi)16MP (Samsung S5K2M8, 4k video recording) / 8MPYESSnapdragon 820 (dualcore Kyro @ 1.8Ghz + dualcore Kryo @ 1.5Ghz + Adreno 530)3GB/32GB3500 mAh
Lenovo K5 Note (3GB ram)Android 6.05.5" IPS (1920X1080 @ 401ppi)13MP (1080p) / 8MPYESMediatek Helio P10 (quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.8Ghz + quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1Ghz + Mali-T860 MP2)3GB/16GB3500 mAh
Lenovo K5 Note (4GB ram)Android 6.05.5" IPS (1920X1080 @ 401ppi)13MP (1080p) / 8MPYESMediatek Helio P10 (quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.8Ghz + quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1Ghz + Mali-T860 MP2)4GB/16GB3500 mAh
Lenovo K6 Note (3GB)Android 6.05.5" IPS (1920X1080 @ 401ppi)16MP (1080p) / 8MPYESSnapdragon 430 (quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.4Ghz + quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.1Ghz + Adreno 505)3GB/32GB4000 mAh
Lenovo K6 Note (4GB)Android 6.05.5" IPS (1920X1080 @ 401ppi)16MP (1080p) / 8MPYESSnapdragon 430 (quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.4Ghz + quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.1Ghz + Adreno 505)4GB/32GB4000 mAh
Lenovo K6 Power (4GB)Android 6.05.0" IPS (1920X1080 @ 441ppi)13MP (Sony IMX258, 1080p) / 8MPYESSnapdragon 430 (quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.4Ghz + quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.1Ghz + Adreno 505)4GB/32GB4000 mAh
Lenovo Phab 2 PlusAndroid 6.06.4" IPS (1920X1080 @ 344ppi)13MP + 13MP (1080p) / 8MPYESMediatek MT8783 (octacore Cortex A53 @ 1.3Ghz + Mali-T720 MP3)3GB/32GB4050 mAh
LeEco Le 2 (32GB)Android 6.05.5" (1920X1080 @ 403ppi)16MP (Omnivision OV16880, 4k video) / 8MPYESSnapdragon 652 (quadcore Cortex A72 @ 1.8Ghz + quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.4Ghz + Adreno 510)3GB/32GB (no microSD)3000 mAh
LG X ScreenAndroid 6.04.9" (720X1280 @ 298ppi)13MP (1080p) / 8MPNOSnapdragon 410 (quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.2Ghz + Adreno 306)2GB/16GB2300 mAh
LG X CamAndroid 6.05.2" IPS (1920X1080 @ 424ppi)13MP (1080p) + 5MP / 8MPNOMediatek MT6753 (octacore Cortex A53 @ 1.7Ghz + Mali-T760 MP3)2GB/16GB2680 mAh
LG X PowerAndroid 6.05.3" IPS (720X1280 @ 277ppi)13MP (1080p) / 5MPNOMediaTek MT6735 (quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1Ghz + Mali-T720 MP2)2GB/16GB4100 mAh
LG K10 2017Android 7.05.3" IPS (720X1280 @ 277ppi)13MP (1080p) / 5MPYESMediaTek MT6735 (quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1Ghz + Mali-T720 MP2)2GB/16GB2800 mAh
LG Stylus 2Android 6.05.7" IPS (720X1280 @ 258ppi)13MP (1080p) / 8MPNOSnapdragon 410 (quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.2Ghz + Adreno 306)2GB/16GB3000 mAh
LG Stylus 2 PlusAndroid 6.05.7" IPS (2560X1440 @ 515ppi)16MP (1080p) / 8MPNOSnapdragon 430 (quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.2Ghz + quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.1Ghz + Adreno 505)3GB/32GB (no microSD)3000 mAh
Moto G5Android 7.05.0" IPS (1920X1080 @ 441ppi)13MP (1080p) / 5MPYESSnapdragon 430 (quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.4Ghz + quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.1Ghz + Adreno 505)3GB/16GB2800 mAh
Moto G5 Plus (3GB/16GB)Android 7.05.2" IPS (1920X1080 @ 424ppi)12MP (1080p) / 5MPYESSnapdragon 625 (octacore Cortex A53 @ 2Ghz + Adreno 506)3GB/16GB3000 mAh
Moto G4Android 7.05.5" IPS (1920X1080 @ 294ppi)13MP (1080p) / 5MPNOSnapdragon 617 (quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.5Ghz + quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.2Ghz + Adreno 405)2GB/16GB3000 mAh
Moto G4 Plus (16GB)Android 7.05.5" IPS (1920X1080 @ 294ppi)13MP (Omnivision OV16860, 1080p) / 5MPYESSnapdragon 617 (quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.5Ghz + quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.2Ghz + Adreno 405)2GB/16GB3000 mAh
Moto G4 Plus (32GB)Android 7.05.5" IPS (1920X1080 @ 294ppi)13MP (Omnivision OV16860, 1080p) / 5MPYESSnapdragon 617 (quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.5Ghz + quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.2Ghz + Adreno 405)2GB/32GB3000 mAh
Nubia N1Android 6.05.5" IPS (1920X1080 @ 294ppi)13MP (1080p) / 13MPYESMediatek Helio P10 (quadcore Cortex A53 @ 2Ghz + quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1Ghz + Mali-T860 MP2)3GB/64GB5000 mAh
Oppo A57Android 6.05.2" IPS (720X1280 @ 282ppi)13MP (1080p) / 16MPYESSnapdragon 435 (quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.4Ghz + quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.1Ghz + Adreno 505)3GB/32GB2900 mAh
Panasonic Eluga Pulse XAndroid 6.05.5" (1920X1080 @ 401ppi)13MP (1080p) / 5MPYESoctacore Cortex A53 @ 1.2Ghz3GB/16GB3000 mAh
Samsung Galaxy J5 PrimeAndroid 6.05.0" (720X1280 @ 294ppi)13MP (1080p) / 5MPYESExynos 7570 (quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.4Ghz + Mali-T720)2GB/16GB2400 mAh
Samsung Galaxy On8Android 6.05.5" S-AMOLED (1920X1080 @ 401ppi)13MP (1080p) / 5MPNOExynos 7580 (octacore Cortex A53 @ 1.6Ghz + Mali- T720 MP2)3GB/16GB3300 mAh
Samsung Galaxy J7 (2016)Android 6.05.5" S-AMOLED (1920X1080 @ 401ppi)13MP (1080p) / 5MPNOExynos 7870 (octacore Cortex A53 @ 1.6Ghz + Mali-T830 MP2)2GB/16GB3300 mAh
Samsung Galaxy J7 PrimeAndroid 6.05.5" S-AMOLED (1920X1080 @ 401ppi)13MP (1080p) / 5MPYESExynos 7870 (octacore Cortex A53 @ 1.6Ghz + Mali-T830 MP2)3GB/32GB3300 mAh
Sony Xperia XAAndroid 6.05.0" IPS (720X1280 @ 294ppi)13MP (Sony IMX258, 2160p) / 8MPNOMediatek Helio P10 (quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.8Ghz + quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1Ghz + Mali-T860 MP2)2GB/16GB2300 mAh
Vivo Y55sAndroid 6.05.2" IPS (720X1280 @ 282ppi)13MP (1080p) / 5MPYESSnapdragon 425 (quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.4Ghz + Adreno 308)3GB/16GB2730 mAh
Vivo V5Android 6.05.5" (720X1280 @ 267ppi)13MP (1080p) / 20MPYESMediatek 6750 (quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.5Ghz + quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.1Ghz + Mali-T860 MP2)4GB/32GB3000 mAh
Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 (3GB)Android 6.05.5" IPS (1920X1080 @ 401ppi)13MP (1080p) / 5MPYESSnapdragon 625 (octacore Cortex A53 @ 2Ghz + Adreno 506)3GB/32GB4100 mAh
Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 (4GB)Android 6.05.5" IPS (1920X1080 @ 401ppi)13MP (1080p) / 5MPYESSnapdragon 625 (octacore Cortex A53 @ 2Ghz + Adreno 506)4GB/64GB4100 mAh
ZOPO Flash X PlusAndroid 6.05.5" IPS (1920X1080 @ 401ppi)13MP (Sony IMX135, 1080p) / 8MPYESMediatek MT6753 (octacore Cortex A53 @ 1.3Ghz + Mali-T720 MP3)3GB/32GB3100 mAh
ZOPO Color XAndroid 6.05.5" IPS (1920X1080 @ 401ppi)13MP (Sony IMX135, 1080p) / 8MPYESMediaTek MT6737 (quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.3Ghz + Mali-T720 MP2)3GB/32GB3100 mAh
ZTE Blade A2 PlusAndroid 6.05.5" (720X1280 @ 267ppi)8MP (1080p) / 5MPYESMediatek 6750 (quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.5Ghz + quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1Ghz + Mali-T860 MP2)3GB/16GB2500 mAh
 
OP
coderunknown

coderunknown

Retired Forum Mod
Price Range: 15-20K


MobileOperating SystemDisplayCamera / SelfieFingerprint SensorChipsetRam/NANDBattery
Asus Zenfone 3 (ZE520KL)Android 6.05.2" IPS (1920X1080 @ 424ppi)16MP (Sony IMX298, 4k video) / 5MPYESSnapdragon 625 (octacore Cortex A53 @ 2Ghz + Adreno 506)3GB/32GB3000 mAh
Asus Zenfone 3 Max (ZC553KL)Android 6.05.5" IPS (1920X1080 @ 401ppi)16MP (1080p) / 8MPYESSnapdragon 430 (quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.4Ghz + quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.1Ghz + Adreno 505)3GB/32GB4100 mAh
Asus Zenfone 3 LaserAndroid 6.05.5" IPS (1920X1080 @ 401ppi)13MP (Sony IMX214, 1080p) / 8MPYESSnapdragon 430 (quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.4Ghz + quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.1Ghz + Adreno 505)4GB/32GB3000 mAh
BlackBerry DTEK50Android 6.05.2" IPS (1920X1080 @ 424ppi)13MP (1080p) / 8MPNOSnapdragon 617 (quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.5Ghz + quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.2Ghz + Adreno 405)3GB/16GB2160 mAh
Gionee S6 ProAndroid 6.05.5" IPS (1920X1080 @ 401ppi)13MP (Sony IMX258, 1080p) / 5MPYESMediatek Helio P10 (quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.8Ghz + quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1Ghz + Mali-T860 MP2)4GB/64GB3130 mAh
Gionee A1Android 7.05.5" (1920X1080 @ 401ppi)13MP (Sony IMX258, 1080p) / 16MPYESMediatek Helio P10 (quadcore Cortex A53 @ 2Ghz + quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.2Ghz + Mali-T860 MP2)4GB/64GB4010 mAh
HTC One X9Android 6.05.5" (1920X1080 @ 401ppi)13MP (OIS, 2160p) / 5MPNOMediatek Helio X10 (octacore Cortex A53 @ 2.0Ghz + PowerVR G6200)3GB/32GB3000 mAh
Huawei Honor 6X (64GB)Android 6.05.5" IPS (1920X1080 @ 401ppi)12MP + 2MP / 8MPYESHiSilicon KIRIN 655 (quadcore Cortex A53 @ 2.1Ghz + quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.7Ghz + Mali-T830 MP2)4GB/64GB3340 mAh
LeEco Le 2 (64GB)Android 6.05.5" (1920X1080 @ 403ppi)16MP (Omnivision OV16880, 4k video) / 8MPYESSnapdragon 652 (quadcore Cortex A72 @ 1.8Ghz + quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.4Ghz + Adreno 510)3GB/64GB (no microSD)3000 mAh
LeEco Le Max2 (4GB ram)Android 6.05.7" (2560X1440 @ 515ppi)21MP (Sony IMX230, OIS, 4k video) / 8MPYESSnapdragon 820 (dualcore Kyro @ 1.8Ghz + dualcore Kryo @ 1.5Ghz + Adreno 530)4GB/64GB (no microSD)3100 mAh
Lenovo Z2 Plus (64GB)Android 6.05.0" IPS (1920X1080 @ 441ppi)16MP (Samsung S5K2M8, 4k video recording) / 8MPYESSnapdragon 820 (dualcore Kyro @ 1.8Ghz + dualcore Kryo @ 1.5Ghz + Adreno 530)4GB/64GB3500 mAh
Lenovo P2Android 7.05.5" S-AMOLED (1920X1080 @ 401ppi)13MP (1080p) / 5MPYESSnapdragon 625 (octacore Cortex A53 @ 2Ghz + Adreno 506)3GB/32GB5100 mAh
Moto G5 Plus (4GB/32GB)Android 7.05.2" IPS (1920X1080 @ 424ppi)12MP (1080p) / 5MPYESSnapdragon 625 (octacore Cortex A53 @ 2Ghz + Adreno 506)4GB/32GB3000 mAh
Motorola Moto MAndroid 6.05.5" S-AMOLED (1920X1080 @ 401ppi)16MP (1080p) / 8MPYESMediatek Helio P15 (octacore Cortex A53 @ 2.2Ghz + Mali-T860 MP2)4GB/64GB3050 mAh
Nubia Z11 Mini SAndroid 6.05.2" IPS (1920X1080 @ 424ppi)23MP (Sony IMX318, 1080p) / 13MPYESSnapdragon 625 (octacore Cortex A53 @ 2Ghz + Adreno 506)4GB/64GB3000 mAh
Samsung Galaxy On NxtAndroid 6.05.5" (1920X1080 @ 401ppi)13MP (1080p) / 8MPYESExynos 7580 (octacore Cortex A53 @ 1.6Ghz + Mali- T720 MP2)3GB/32GB3300 mAh
Sony Xperia XA1Android 7.05.0" IPS (720X1280 @ 294ppi)23MP (Sony IMX300, 2160p) / 8MPNOMediatek Helio P20 (quadcore Cortex A53 @ 2.3Ghz + quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.6Ghz + Mali-T880 MP2)3GB/32GB2300 mAh
Sony Xperia XA Ultra DualAndroid 6.06.0" IPS (1920X1080 @ 367ppi)21.5MP (Sony IMX230, 4k video) / 16MPNOMediatek Helio P10 (quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.8Ghz + quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1Ghz + Mali-T860 MP2)3GB/16GB2700 mAh
ZOPO Speed 8Android 6.05.5" Optic AMOLED (1920X1080 @ 401ppi)21MP (Sony IMX230, OIS, 4k video) / 8MPYESMediatek Helio X20 (dualcore Cortex A72 @ 2.5Ghz + quadcore Cortex A53 @ 2Ghz + quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.4Ghz + Mali-T880 MP4)4GB/32GB3600 mAh
 
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coderunknown

coderunknown

Retired Forum Mod
Price Range: 20-25K


MobileOperating SystemDisplayCamera / SelfieFingerprint SensorChipsetRam/NANDBattery
HTC Desire 10 ProAndroid 6.05.5" IPS (1920X1080 @ 401ppi)20MP (Toshiba T4KA7, 1080p) / 13PYESMediatek Helio P10 (quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.8Ghz + quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1Ghz + Mali-T860 MP2)4GB/64GB3000 mAh
Huawei Honor 8Android 6.05.2" IPS (1920X1080 @ 424ppi)12MP + 12MP (Sony IMX286, 1080p) / 8MPYESHiSilicon KIRIN 950 (quadcore Cortex A72 @ 2.3Ghz + quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.8Ghz + Mali-T880 MP4)4GB/32GB3000 mAh
Motorola Moto Z PlayAndroid 6.05.5" S-AMOLED (1920X1080 @ 401ppi)16MP (Omnivision OV16860, 4k video) / 5MPYESSnapdragon 625 (octacore Cortex A53 @ 2Ghz + Adreno 506)3GB/32GB3510 mAh
Samsung Galaxy A9 ProAndroid 6.06.0" S-AMOLED (1920X1080 @ 367ppi)16MP (OIS, 1080p) / 8MPYESSnapdragon 652 (quadcore Cortex A72 @ 1.8Ghz + quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.4Ghz + Adreno 510)4GB/32GB5000 mAh
Sony Xperia XAndroid 7.05.0" IPS (1920X1080 @ 441ppi)23MP (4K video) / 13MPYESSnapdragon 650 (dualcore Cortex A72 @ 1.8Ghz + quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.4Ghz + Adreno 510)3GB/32GB2630 mAh
Vivo V5 PlusAndroid 6.05.5" IPS (1920X1080 @ 401ppi)16MP / 20MP + 20MP (Sony IMX376)YESSnapdragon 625 (octacore Cortex A53 @ 2Ghz + Adreno 506)4GB/64GB3055 mAh
Xiaomi Mi 5Android 6.05.2" IPS (1920X1080 @ 428ppi)16MP (Sony IMX298, OIS, 4K video) / 4MPYESSnapdragon 820 (dualcore Kyro @ 1.8Ghz + dualcore Kryo @ 1.5Ghz + Adreno 530)3GB/32GB (no microSD)3000 mAh
 
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coderunknown

coderunknown

Retired Forum Mod
Price Range: 25-30K


MobileOperating SystemDisplayCamera / SelfieFingerpint SensorChipsetRam/NANDBattery
Asus Zenfone 3 (ZE552KL)Android 6.05.5" IPS (1920X1080 @ 401ppi)16MP (Sony IMX298, 4k video) / 5MPYESSnapdragon 625 (octacore Cortex A53 @ 2Ghz + Adreno 506)4GB/64GB3000 mAh
Lenovo Phab 2 ProAndroid 6.06.4" IPS (2560X1440 @ 459ppi)16MP / 8MPYESSnapdragon 652 (quadcore Cortex A72 @ 1.8Ghz + quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.4Ghz + Adreno 510)4GB/64GB4050 mAh
LG G5Android 6.05.3" IPS (2560X1440 @ 544ppi)16MP + 8MP (OIS, 4K video) / 8MPYESSnapdragon 820 (dualcore Kyro @ 1.8Ghz + dualcore Kryo @ 1.5Ghz + Adreno 530)4GB/32GB2800 mAh
Nubia Z11Android 6.05.5" IPS (2560X1440 @ 544ppi)21MP (Sony IMX298, OIS, 4k video) / 5MPYESSnapdragon 820 (dualcore Kyro @ 1.8Ghz + dualcore Kryo @ 1.5Ghz + Adreno 530)4GB/64GB3000 mAh
OnePlus 3Android 6.05.5" Optic AMOLED (1920X1080 @ 401ppi)16MP (Sony IMX298, OIS, 4k video) / 8MPYESSnapdragon 820 (dualcore Kyro @ 1.8Ghz + dualcore Kryo @ 1.5Ghz + Adreno 530)6GB/64GB3000 mAh
OnePlus 3TAndroid 6.05.5" Optic AMOLED (1920X1080 @ 401ppi)16MP (Sony IMX298, OIS, 4k video) / 16MPYESSnapdragon 821 (dualcore Kyro @ 2.4Ghz + dualcore Kryo @ 1.6Ghz + Adreno 530)6GB/64GB3400 mAh
Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017)Android 6.05.2" S-AMOLED (1920X1080 @ 424ppi)16MP / 16MPYESExynos 7880 (octacore Cortex A53 @ 1.9Ghz + Mali-T830 MP3)3GB/32GB3000 mAh
Samsung Galaxy C7 ProAndroid 6.05.7" S-AMOLED (1920X1080 @ 386ppi)16MP / 16MPYESSnapdragon 626 (octacore Cortex A53 @ 2.2Ghz + Adreno 506)4GB/64GB3300 mAh
 
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coderunknown

coderunknown

Retired Forum Mod
Price Range: 30-35K


MobileOperating SystemDisplayCamera / SelfieChipsetRam/NANDBattery
Huawei P9Android 6.05.2" JDI IPS (1920X1080 @ 424ppi)dual 12MP (Sony IMX286, 1080p) / 8MPHiSilicon KIRIN 955 (quadcore Cortex A72 @ 2.5Ghz + quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.8Ghz + Mali-T880 MP4)3GB/32GB3000 mAh
LG V20Android 7.05.7" IPS (2560X1440 @ 515ppi)16MP (Sony IMX298, OIS, 4K video) / 5MPSnapdragon 820 (dualcore Kyro @ 2.2Ghz + dualcore Kryo @ 1.6Ghz + Adreno 530)4GB/64GB3200 mAh
Oppo F3 PlusAndroid 6.06.0" IPS (1920X1080 @ 367ppi)16MP (Sony IMX398, OIS, 4K video) / 16MP + 8MPSnapdragon 653 (quadcore Cortex A72 @ 2Ghz + quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.4Ghz + Adreno 510)4GB/64GB4000 mAh
Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017)Android 6.05.7" S-AMOLED (1920X1080 @ 386ppi)16MP / 16MPExynos 7880 (octacore Cortex A53 @ 1.9Ghz + Mali-T830 MP3)3GB/32GB3000 mAh
Samsung Galaxy C9 ProAndroid 6.06.0" AMOLED (2560X1440 @ 367ppi)16MP (1080p) / 16MPSnapdragon 653 (quadcore Cortex A72 @ 2Ghz + quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.4Ghz + Adreno 510)6GB/64GB4000 mAh
 
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coderunknown

coderunknown

Retired Forum Mod
Price Range: 35-40k


MobileOperating SystemDisplayCamera/SelfieChipsetRam/NANDBattery
HTC U PlayAndroid 7.05.2" S-LCD (1920X1080 @ 424ppi)16MP (1080p, OIS) / 16MPMediatek Helio P10 (quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.8Ghz + quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1Ghz + Mali-T860 MP2)4GB/64GB2500 mAh
HTC 10Android 7.05.2" S-LCD5 (2560X1440 @ 565ppi)12MP (Sony IMX377, OIS, 4K video) / 5MPSnapdragon 820 (dualcore Kyro @ 1.8Ghz + dualcore Kryo @ 1.5Ghz + Adreno 530)4GB/32GB3000 mAh
HTC 10 EvoAndroid 7.05.5" S-LCD3 (2560X1440 @ 534ppi)16MP (OIS, 4K video) / 8MPSnapdragon 810 (quadcore Cortex A57 @ 2Ghz + quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.5Ghz + Adreno 430)3GB/32GB3200 mAh
Motorola Moto ZAndroid 7.05.5" AMOLED (2560X1440 @ 534ppi)13MP (Sony IMX214, OIS, 4k video) / 5MPSnapdragon 820 (dualcore Kyro @ 2.2Ghz + dualcore Kryo @ 1.6Ghz + Adreno 530)4GB/64GB2600 mAh
Samsung Galaxy S7 (32GB)Android 6.05.1" S-AMOLED (2560X1440 @ 577ppi)12MP (Sony IMX260, OIS, 4K video) / 5MPExynos 8890 (quadcore M1 Mongoose @ 2.3Ghz + quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.6Ghz + Mali- T880 MP12)4GB/32GB3000 mAh
Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge (32GB)Android 6.05.5" IPS + Curved Edge display (2560X1440 @ 534ppi)12MP (Sony IMX260, OIS, 4K video) / 5MPExynos 8890 (quadcore M1 Mongoose @ 2.3Ghz + quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.6Ghz + Mali- T880 MP12)4GB/32GB3600 mAh
Sony Xperia XZAndroid 6.05.2" IPS (1920X1080 @ 424ppi)23MP (Sony IMX300, 4K video) / 13MPSnapdragon 820 (dualcore Kyro @ 1.8Ghz + dualcore Kryo @ 1.5Ghz + Adreno 530)3GB/64GB2900 mAh
 
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coderunknown

coderunknown

Retired Forum Mod
Price Range: Above 40k


MobileOperating SystemDisplayCamera/SelfieChipsetRam/NANDBattery
BlackBerry DTEK60Android 6.05.5" IPS (2560X1440 @ 534ppi)21MP (Sony IMX230, 4k) / 8MPSnapdragon 820 (dualcore Kyro @ 1.8Ghz + dualcore Kryo @ 1.5Ghz + Adreno 530)4GB/32GB3000 mAh
Asus Zenfone 3 DeluxeAndroid 7.05.7" S-AMOLED (1920X1080 @ 386ppi)23MP (Sony IMX318, OIS, 4K video) / 8MPSnapdragon 820 (dualcore Kyro @ 2.2Ghz + dualcore Kryo @ 1.6Ghz + Adreno 530)4GB/64GB4600 mAh
Asus Zenfone 3 Deluxe (256GB)Android 7.05.7" S-AMOLED (1920X1080 @ 386ppi)23MP (Sony IMX318, OIS, 4K video) / 8MPSnapdragon 821 (dualcore Kyro @ 2.4Ghz + dualcore Kryo @ 2Ghz + Adreno 530)6GB/256GB4600 mAh
Asus ZenFone 3 UltraAndroid 6.06.8" IPS (1920X1080 @ 324ppi)23MP (Sony IMX318, OIS, 1080p) / 8MPSnapdragon 652 (quadcore Cortex A72 @ 1.8Ghz + quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.4Ghz + Adreno 510)4GB/64GB4600 mAh
Google Pixel (32GB)Android 7.15.0" AMOLED (1920X1080 @ 441ppi)23MP (Sony IMX378, 4K video) / 8MPSnapdragon 821 (dualcore Kyro @ 2.2Ghz + dualcore Kryo @ 1.6Ghz + Adreno 530)4GB/32GB2770 mAh
Google Pixel (128GB)Android 7.15.0" AMOLED (1920X1080 @ 441ppi)23MP (Sony IMX378, 4K video) / 8MPSnapdragon 821 (dualcore Kyro @ 2.2Ghz + dualcore Kryo @ 1.6Ghz + Adreno 530)4GB/128GB2770 mAh
Google Pixel XL (32GB)Android 7.15.5" AMOLED (2560X1440 @ 441ppi)23MP (Sony IMX378, 4K video) / 8MPSnapdragon 821 (dualcore Kyro @ 2.2Ghz + dualcore Kryo @ 1.6Ghz + Adreno 530)4GB/32GB3450 mAh
Google Pixel XL (128GB)Android 7.15.5" AMOLED (2560X1440 @ 441ppi)23MP (Sony IMX378, 4K video) / 8MPSnapdragon 821 (dualcore Kyro @ 2.2Ghz + dualcore Kryo @ 1.6Ghz + Adreno 530)4GB/128GB3450 mAh
HTC U UltraAndroid 7.05.7" S-LCD5 (2560X1440 @ 515ppi)12MP (1080p, OIS) / 16MPSnapdragon 821 (dualcore Kyro @ 2.4Ghz + dualcore Kryo @ 1.6Ghz + Adreno 530)4GB/64GB3000 mAh
LG G6Android 7.05.7" IPS (2560X1440 @ 515ppi)13MP + 13MP (Sony IMX258, 1080p, OIS) / 5MPSnapdragon 821 (dualcore Kyro @ 2.4Ghz + dualcore Kryo @ 1.6Ghz + Adreno 530)4GB/64GB3300 mAh
Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge (128GB)Android 6.05.5" IPS + Curved Edge display (2560X1440 @ 534ppi)12MP (Sony IMX260, OIS, 4K video) / 5MPExynos 8890 (quadcore M1 Mongoose @ 2.3Ghz + quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.6Ghz + Mali- T880 MP12)4GB/32GB3600 mAh
Samsung Galaxy S8Android 7.05.8" S-AMOLED (2960X1440 @ 568ppi)12MP (Sony IMX333, OIS, 4K video) / 8MPExynos 8895 (quadcore M2 Mongoose @ 2.3Ghz + quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.7Ghz + Mali- G71 MP20)4GB/64GB3000 mAh
Samsung Galaxy S8+Android 7.06.2" S-AMOLED (2960X1440 @ 531ppi)12MP (Sony IMX333, OIS, 4K video) / 8MPExynos 8895 (quadcore M2 Mongoose @ 2.3Ghz + quadcore Cortex A53 @ 1.7Ghz + Mali- G71 MP20)4GB/64GB3500 mAh
Sony Xperia XZsAndroid 7.15.2" IPS (1920X1080 @ 424ppi)19MP (Sony IMX400, OIS, 4K video) / 13MPSnapdragon 820 (dualcore Kyro @ 2.2Ghz + dualcore Kryo @ 1.6Ghz + Adreno 530)4GB/64GB2900 mAh
 
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coderunknown

coderunknown

Retired Forum Mod
non-Android Smartphones:


Price Range: Below 10K
MobileOperating SystemDisplayCamera/Selfie4G SupportChipsetRam/NAND
Samsung Z2Tizen OS 2.44.0" (480X800 @ 294ppi)5MP (flash) / VGAYESSpreadtrum SC9830A (quadcore Cortex A7 @ 1.5Ghz + Mali-400 MP2)1GB/8GB
 
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coderunknown

coderunknown

Retired Forum Mod
Chipset performance reference chart:

TierARMv7 (32bit)ARMv8 (64bit)
LegacyExynos 3475 (4 X Cortex A7 + Mali-720)
MediaTek MT6580 (4 X Cortex A7 + Mali-400)
Snapdragon 400 (4 X Cortex A7 + Adreno 305)
Spreadtrum SC8830 (4 X Cortex A7 + Mali-400 MP2)
Spreadtrum SC9830 (4 X Cortex A7 + Mali-400 MP2)
LowendExynos 7570 (4 X Cortex A53 + Mali-T720)
Exynos 7580
(8 X Cortex A53 + Mali-T720 MP2)
HiSilicon KIRIN 620 (4 X Cortex A53 + Mali-450 MP4)
Mediatek MT6735 (4 X Cortex A53 + Mali-T720 MP2)
Mediatek MT6737 (4 X Cortex A53 + Mali-T720 MP2)
Mediatek MT8783 (4 X Cortex A53 + Mali-T720 MP3)
Mediatek MT6750 (8 X Cortex A53 + Mali-T860 MP2)
Mediatek MT6753 (8 X Cortex A53 + Mali-T720 MP3)
Snapdragon 410 (4 X Cortex A53 + Adreno 306)
Snapdragon 415 (8 X Cortex A53 + Adreno 405)
Snapdragon 615 (8 X Cortex A53 + Adreno 405)
Snapdragon 616 (8 X Cortex A53 + Adreno 405)
Snapdragon 617 (8 X Cortex A53 + Adreno 405)
MidrangeExynos 7870 (8 X Cortex A53 + Mali-T830 MP2)
HiSilicon KIRIN 650 (8 X Cortex A53 + Mali-T830 MP2)
Mediatek Helio X10 (8 X Cortex A53 + PowerVR G6200)
Mediatek Helio P10 (8 X Cortex A53 + Mali-T860 MP2)
Mediatek Helio P15 (8 X Cortex A53 + Mali-T860 MP2)
Snapdragon 430 (8 X Cortex A53 + Adreno 505)
Snapdragon 625 (8 X Cortex A53 + Adreno 506)
HighendHiSilicon KIRIN 950 (4 X Cortex A72 + 4 X Cortex A53 + Mali-T880 MP4)
HiSilicon KIRIN 955
(4 X Cortex A72 + 4 X Cortex A53 + Mali-T880 MP4)
Mediatek Helio X20 (2 X Cortex A72 + 8 X Cortex A53 + Mali-T880 MP4)
Snapdragon 650 (2 X Cortex A72 + 4 X Cortex A53 + Adreno 510)
Snapdragon 652 (4 X Cortex A72 + 4 X Cortex A53 + Adreno 510)
Snapdragon 808 (2 X Cortex A57 + 4 X Cortex A53 + Adreno 430)
Snapdragon 810 (4 X Cortex A57 + 4 X Cortex A53 + Adreno 430)
PremiumExynos 8890 (4 X M1 Mongoose + 4 X Cortex A53 + Mali- T880 MP12)
Snapdragon 820 (4 X Kyro + Adreno 530)
Snapdragon 821 (4 X Kyro + Adreno 530)
 
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coderunknown

coderunknown

Retired Forum Mod
Basics of smartphone purchase: Don't get fooled twice

From a techie's point of view, a smartphone can be broken down into the following parts: chipset, memory (both ram & rom), display, operating system and lastly battery. Things like camera, connectivity or thickness boils down to customer preference and is left out.


Chipset: Just like PC, a smartphone too has a CPU, GPU, memory but unlike the huge bundle of parts in PC it is all cramped down into a chip (SOC or system on a chip) not larger than a Re.1 coin. Chipset or processor is generally used interchangeably in mobiles. [ANANDTECH] State of the Part: SoC Manufacturers explains many of the things that i included in this post. Don't miss the comments as it offer some delightful insight the article missed.

General rule is to go for the fastest h/w possible but then this is no Intel/AMD stuff and there is no Core i3/i5/i7 to differentiate performance. Instead the only way to tell performance without checking benchmark is to look for application cores (or CPU). You'll rarely find these info in spec list of shopping sites and most of the time is full of error or completely messed up so stick to this guide to better differentiate the chipsets.

Application Cores: Think of these as the cores in your computer processor. The number can go as high as 8 and has their own naming scheme like Cortex & Krait series from ARM (Krait is a highly modified ARM core designed by Qualcomm) and Atom chipsets from Intel (they have different names for each gen of cores so will call them Atom for now). ARM has Cortex A7 & A15. Qualcomm has Krait 400. Intel has Atom chipsets with their own custom cores (not based on ARM, will discuss this soon). Performance wise: Cortex A7 < Atom < Cortex A15 < Krait 400. There are a few chipsets based around old/legacy cores like Cortex A5/A9 & Krait 200/300 but those are no longer in production and mobiles based around those are either EOL or discontinued.

NOTE: Mobiles powered by Krait 200/300 chipset are still an excellent choice as they cost below 20k but offers 2 times the performance of Cortex A7 powered mobiles.

Architecture: This may seem irrelevant but just for the sake adding it anyway. Currently in the mobile space there is 2 architecture being used: ARMv7 (as one can expect from ARM itself) and X86-64 (from Intel). All the mobiles added in the guide has ARMv7 with only the Atom being powered by x86-64. This is important because all apps (for now only valid for Android mobiles) are designed for ARMv7 but not for x86-64. If you are an app addict, you may want to have a mobile powered by ARM based chipset.

Graphics processor: There isn't much to talk about mobile GPUs as unlike PC, GPU is integrated directly into the chipset so it boils down to which chipset is powering the mobile. Also unlike PC, where highend processor may get paired up with crappy GPU, mobile chipsets is usually properly balanced.

DO go for these processor according to price range:
Under 10k: Intel Atom or Snapdragon 200/Mediatek 6582 (quadcore Cortex A7).
10-20k: Intel Atom or Snapdragon 400/Mediatek 6592 (octacore Cortex A7).
20-30k: Snapdragon 800 (quadcore Krait 400)
30-40k: Snapdragon 800/801 (quadcore Krait 400)
40k+: Snapdragon 801 (quadcore Krait 400)

DON'T:
Snapdragon 200/Mediatek 6572 (dualcore Cortex A7): more and more mobiles under 10k now ship with quadcore processors then why settle for dualcore.
Snapdragon 400 (quadcore Cortex A7): above 20k you can easily find a mobile with Snapdragon 800 which is 2-3 times faster than Snapdragon 400.
Mediatek 6592 (octacore Cortex A7): excellent choice under 20k but falls face first Snapdragon 800 in the 20k+ section.
Clockspeed: if the processing core is weak, clockspeed won't save the day. 2Ghz quadcore Cortex A7 will get manhandled by 1.7Ghz dualcore Krait 300.
Core count: more is better but only if they can perform. Octacore Cortex A7 is any day regardless of clockspeed slow than quadcore Krait 400.

NOTE: Don't confuse between Snapdragon 400 & Krait 400. The former is a chipset based on Cortex A7 cores whereas the latter is the cores powering the Snapdragon 800 chipset. Snapdragon 801 brings small performance boost to CPU, GPU & memory.


Memory: By memory we have ram & NAND (internal memory). Nowadays most mobiles come equipped with at least 1GB of ram even in under 10k and this should be the bare minimum irrespective of OS. Android Kitkat has a smaller memory footprint but most manufacturers prefer to add a ton of bloatwares which hog up the available ram and makes mobile slow. Add to that with more and more mobile going for HD display even in budget section which requires more buffer space. Even with Windows Phone 1GB ram should be as low as one should go to be safe that upcoming features will be usable and games are supported as unlike Android, Windows Phone check memory requirement per game. If the mobile ships with 2GB ram under 20k, its a bonus.

A recent trend is to launch mobiles without memory card. If you are going for such a smartphone check:
1) If USB-OTG (USB on the go) is supported. You can always copy content of NAND to PC or laptop but for those unknown times a OTG pendrive may come in handy provided your mobile support it.
2) User accessible space is sufficient. Eg: a 16GB NAND will have around 14GB usable out of which 2GB will be taken up by OS and another 2-3GB by the bloatwares. You get barely 10GB out of it.
3) Some NAND are partitioned for user space and application space i.e. 2-3GB is reserved for apps and rest for user to store their songs, videos, etc.

DO go for these ram capacity:
1GB: is you budget too low to get 1GB ram ? save more and but a mobile with minimum 1GB ram.
2GB: only available in a handful of mobiles under 20k but this is becoming a standard with high resolution displays.
3GB: exclusive mostly to the highend or extreme highend, 3GB ram makes sense for mobiles packing FHD display.

DON'T:
512MB: get ready to feel handicapped.
1GB above 20k: chances are the processor is a crappy Snapdragon 400 and packs low resolution display. AVOID.


Display: There isn't much to talk about display size as it completely depends on buyers preference. For most a 4.5-5.0" suites best as it allows one hand operation yet big enough to browse desktop based websites. As for resolution, in lowend section WVGA/FWVGA is the only available resolution with rarely OEM going for qHD or HD. Above 10k, unless going for a 4.0" screen, avoid WVGA at all cost. More and more manufacturers are switching to HD even under 15k and that is what one should get. Also keep a check in ppi (pixel per inch) as it too contributes to sharpness with higher the better but falling below 250 and the screen may loose clarity and sharpness. Finally for the highend section you have Full HD with a few available for as low as 20k price range. Go for these provided the processor is powerful enough (Snapdragon 800 or equivalent) and has 2GB or more ram.

Also not to miss is the display type with TFT being the used mostly but also IPS. Rarely and mostly in the highend section AMOLED display are also available. IPS gives better viewing angle and more life like picture whereas AMOLED has better contrast and may suite those who want to use the mobile for watching videos.

DO go for these resolution depending on screen size:
720X1280: for 4.5" to 5.5".
1080X1920: for 5.0" and above.
check for IPS or AMOLED display whenever possible.

DON'T:
480X800/480X854 on 4.5" or bigger screen: ppi goes so low you'll even text is mostly unreadable.
480X800/480X854 above 10k: you'll likely find more mobiles with qHD (540X960) and HD (720X1280) in this price range.
2560X1440: this is absolute overkill. moreover to drive this much of pixel you'll need a strong battery which won't be there. you know the outcome.


Operating System: Not going to say which OS is better but rather stick to the latest version, more importantly in Android. In case of Windows Phone one gets the official update in a timely manner even for low end or discontinued mobiles but for Android, getting a timely update on a midrange mobile feels more like a dream. For now stick to mobiles which ship Android Kitkat out of the box or update is available instead of getting one powered by older Jellybean OS and hoping the manufacturer will release Kitkat update soon enough as this has never ever worked (read NEVER).

Another point is to check for custom rom support as most mobiles don't receive more than 2 OS updates (from 4.2 to 4.3 and finally 4.4) in best case scenario so those looking for long time support, may well be interested in checking if stable custom rom is available and more importantly if the community (XDA is the go to place) is active or not so future release of Android can be tried safely. That said, mobiles with Qualcomm processor have higher chance of getting custom rom than the ones powered by Mediatek or Exynos.

DO go for these OS:
Android Kitkat: out of the box or update has arrived.

DON'T:
Android 4.3 or below: even if the phone manufacturer said they'll seed update soon, its best to ignore that as previously such promises were not kept.


Battery: If you are buying an Android smartphone, make sure the battery is sufficient capacity. There is no proper guideline for battery capacity but for 4.5" or bigger display a 2000mah battery should be the bare minimum even if it means sacrificing thickness or world's slimmest mobile. For phablets with Snapdragon 800/801, even 3000mah may fall short.


MISC: Just a few irrelevant kind of points that i want to throw in.
1) 4G is beginning to take shape here but only 2300Mhz band is available which is requires TDD-LTE. Some 4G mobiles only supports FDD-LTE and won't work here even if it is 4G ready.
2) Megapixel of a camera doesn't say anything about image quality. Best is to check image samples from reviews.



Important Tips:
1) ARMv8 is around the corner but only for midrange chipset (Snapdragon 410/Mediatek 67xx series) with a big performance jump over quadcore Cortex A7 based chipsets which it'll replace.
2) Snapdragon 805 (Krait 450, Adreno 420, ARMv7) based mobiles will be launched this fall. Brings massive GPU boost. Should appear at
3) Avoid Cortex A5 based processors at all cost.
 

Skud

Super Moderator
Staff member
Re: Mobile Reference Guide: January 2012

Nice compilation, Sam. Looks like the TDF is going to see some changes in coming months. ;)
 

Vyom

The Power of x480
Staff member
Admin
Re: Mobile Reference Guide: January 2012

You saved me the trouble to make a thread for the best Android around Rs. 14k.
I have a shortlist now!

An effort like this can't be awarded with a "thank". :|

But thanks anyway...!! :D Thanks for this new year gift...
 
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coderunknown

coderunknown

Retired Forum Mod
Re: Mobile Reference Guide: January 2012

thanks everyone. will update it whenever necessary but the last part (25K & higher priced mobile) will take a week. college starts from tomorrow & hence less free time.

You saved me the trouble to make a thread for the best Android around Rs. 14k.
I have a shortlist now!

An effort like this can't be awarded with a "thank". :|

But thanks anyway...!! :D Thanks for this new year gift...

but you already own one. New mobile for whom?
 
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