Over the past year, many have been surprised by the pace that Samsung and Xiaomi have set in developing mid-range phones. Many leading manufacturers in their context began to look less respectable in this price category. And now another serious competitor appears: Oppo with its Realme sub-brand, which “raised the bar” even higher. In our ranking of the best smartphones under 20,000 rubles in 2021, we can see this.
It must be said right away that it is not possible to find a competitive smartphone from Apple for the indicated amounts, LG, Motorola and Meizu look less attractive. In fact, the championship between them was redistributed by the Chinese companies mentioned above, as well as Samsung. At the same time, do not forget that in the latest developments from Honor and Huawei there is no support for Google services, therefore, despite the “good hardware”, they are significantly inferior in function. However, we will talk more about manufacturers at the end of the publication.
The best smartphones under 20,000 rubles for price and quality
It’s perhaps no secret that you can get a camera phone for a similar price today. All models assembled by PriceQuality in this part of the publication are equipped with advanced quad cameras. Including with large matrices of 48 and 64 megapixels. This is indicative of serious progress in the development of lenses for high-end smartphones, but you need to understand that in each segment of the company there are not only advantages, but also disadvantages. This must be taken into account when comparing phones with high-quality cameras. Including features such as stabilization, zoom, software and more.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro opens the first 10 smartphones under 20,000 rubles. In fact, the Max version is not much different from this device, even if it costs more. At the same time, the “ninth” generation is not much different from its predecessor, previously described in our list. However, the Chinese company has a very high dynamics in the development of phones, and it’s stupid not to mention new products. The device received an even larger 6.67-inch screen based on the same IPS-matrix with a resolution of 2340 by 1080 pixels. The selfie camera has a larger 13-megapixel sensor. The quad camera has the same 64 MP lens. The additional module has changed: instead of 2 megapixels, now 5 megapixels. Power is also boosted by the presence of the all-new Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G paired with the Adreno 618. However, you should obviously expect 8GB of RAM.
Advantages:
- 30W fast charging;
- superior quadruple room;
- powerful processor;
- enlarged screen;
- graphics chip.
Flaws:
- the same screen as the 8 Pro.
Samsung Galaxy A51
This mid-range smartphone is definitely newer than the A60, but in theory it belongs to a lower generation. However, in practice, we see a more advanced camera with four lenses, the main of which has a 48-megapixel matrix. The camera can record 4K video at 60fps. This once again confirms that in class A with a South Korean company, everything is not so simple. At the same time, this model has an excellent 32-megapixel front camera, a stylish design and a chic 6.5-inch Super AMOLED screen. The picture is comparable to the premium segment. The proprietary flagship Exynos 9611 processor, which runs in a pair of Mali-G72 MP3 files, is responsible for the hardware component. Another nice bonus is support for 15W fast charging.
Advantages:
- excellent exposure;
- shooting at a frequency of 240 frames;
- support for 4K at 60 frames per second;
- photo with bokeh effect;
- there is NFC.
Flaws:
- battery life is not ideal.
HUAWEI P40 Lite
The lack of Google services is a serious drawback. However, HUAWEI P40 Lite is a good smartphone with one of the best cameras at a price of 20 thousand rubles. Therefore, it is at least difficult not to mention this. The main camera includes 4 modules of 48, 8 and 2 of 2 megapixels. At the same time, the title matrix is very large and allows you to create images that are not worse than those of the mainstream mid-range phones of the minor brands Oppo (Realmy) and Xiaomi. The front camera also received a large matrix with a resolution of 16 megapixels. A huge plus of the device is support for 40W fast charging, which is rare in this class. The chip is one of the most energy efficient – Kirin 810 based on the 7nm process technology. It’s hard to find fault with a screen with a resolution of 2310 by 1080 pixels, although the IPS matrix, as already mentioned, is weaker than that of South Korean competitors.
Advantages:
- balanced model;
- powerful fast charging;
- large matrices;
- excellent stabilization;
- video at night.
Flaws:
REALME 8
Realme today is a full-fledged competitor for all the leading brands in the production of good smartphones, even in this price category. The “sixth” generation of this line from the aforementioned brand embodies quality cameras with balanced chip, screen and battery life characteristics. The regular version also looks on par with the premium version of Xiaomi Note 10. The main feature of this series is the presence of a 108-megapixel sensor, which is an incredible number for a mid-ranger. The novelty is equipped with a powerful Snapdragon 720G chip with an Adreno 618 accelerator. The display uses Super AMOLED technology. It is also worth noting a really powerful fast charging, the power of which reaches 50 watts.
Advantages:
- shooting in 4K;
- main camera sensor;
- fast charging power;
- good power;
- elegant appearance.
Flaws:
- not at this price.
Poco X3 NFC
According to our resource, the best smartphone under 20 thousand is the Poxo X3 NFC model. This mid-range device boasts a number of features. In particular, the sharp display with a refresh rate of 120 Hz attracts attention, this is a record in the price category up to 20 thousand. The screen has a wide viewing angle, good brightness and pixel density. The camera includes four sensors, including a 64-megapixel primary with f/1.89 aperture. Users appreciated the amazing macro mode, which is able to create excellent images at a distance of up to 4 centimeters. The high performance is due to the presence of the Snapdragon 732G chip. Also, in terms of battery life, everything is at the highest level, since the battery capacity is 5160 mAh.
Advantages:
- powerful processor;
- large battery;
- update frequency;
- balanced camera.
Flaws:
Smartphones under 20 thousand with a good camera
If in the previous category we focused more on video and photo shooting options, now let’s talk about the feature set, including power, appearance, battery life and much more. As you can imagine, good camera phones are not always pleasant in many other ways. Given this circumstance, the publishers decided to include the most worthy stabilized phones in this price category (in our subjective opinion) in a separate section of the publication).
Samsung Galaxy M22
Samsung Galaxy M22 falls into the rating of smartphones under 20,000 rubles due to fairly solid parameters “in all directions”. This is a truly elegant device that received a relatively new branded screen based on AMOLED technology. The downside is that the 6.4-inch model has a resolution of 1600 x 720 pixels. The Mediatek Helio G80 chip, supplemented by 4 gigabytes of RAM, is responsible for the performance of this device. The battery capacity reaches 5000 mAh, which in the specified parameters is enough for 2-3 days of autonomy. Also worth noting is the good camera, which includes a 48MP sensor with f/2.0 aperture.
Advantages:
- good camera;
- fast charging;
- bright design;
- good sound.
Flaws:
- screen resolution.
POCO M3 Pro
Definitely worthy of attention this year is a phone under 20 thousand Poco (we are talking about a Xiaomi sub-brand). We’re talking about the M3 Pro, which boasts a massive 5000mAh battery and a decent camera. The main sensor is a 48-megapixel ultra wide-angle lens with f/1.79 aperture. Good performance is confirmed by support for the MediaTek Dimensity 700 processor. The IPS display attracts with a refresh rate of 90 Hz at a resolution of 2400 by 1080 pixels. The amount of RAM in the version with the declared budget is 6 gigabytes, which is quite enough for a high level of performance in games and other modern applications.
Advantages:
- good sound;
- bright appearance;
- good camera;
- reverse charge;
- Game Mode.
Flaws:
- class lower than X3.
Samsung Galaxy A32
Actually a worthy gadget with a 6.4-inch Super Amoled screen. The display resolution is 2400 x 1080 pixels, and the refresh rate reaches 90 Hz, as a result, the gadget boasts a good smooth picture. Indeed, the image is juicy, bright and contrast enough. The processor corresponds to the segment, as does the hardware. This model uses the Helio G80 processor. Also worth noting is the quad-camera, which includes a lens with a resolution of 64 megapixels. The battery capacity is 5000 mAh, which is enough to support a fairly solid hardware base and a clear display. Fast charging power is not the highest for this class, but having a minimum of 15W is good.
Advantages:
- chic screen;
- decent camera;
- smooth image;
- big battery.
Flaws:
- fast charging with only 15W.
Xiaomi Redmi 9T
If you are interested in a smartphone under 20 thousand with a good battery, we advise you to pay attention to the Redmi 9T model with a 6000 mAh battery. It uses an entry-level processor, although the previous Snapdragon 662 seemed much more reliable (up to the 700 series). Given that we are talking about a previous generation model, it is not at all surprising that Android 10 with a relatively cool MIUI 12 shell is responsible for the operating system. megapixel and 2 megapixel depth sensor. The level of light sensitivity is excellent, as evidenced by photos taken with the camera in the dark. The screen has a size of 6.53 inches, based on IPS technology. The level of color reproduction is fully consistent with the cost, as well as the brightness of this model.
Advantages:
- main camera;
- battery capacity;
- good screen;
- compact size.
Flaws:
- mid-range chip.
REALME 8 Pro
The best smartphone for price and quality under 20,000 rubles in 2021 is Realme 8 Pro with a stunning Super AMOLED display. The 6.4-inch screen has a resolution of 2400 by 1080 pixels with excellent color gamut and brightness levels. The camera differs from competitors with a large 108-megapixel lens. Fast charging power is also head and shoulders above the competition at 50W. Also worth noting is the powerful Snapdragon 720G processor from Qualcomm, a leading manufacturer of mobile chips. Among other things, I would like to note the elegant design, excellent sound and correct ergonomics of the novelty.
Advantages:
- camera sensors;
- large battery;
- new Snapdragon 720G processor;
- good display options;
- fast charging at 50 watts.
Flaws:
How to choose the right smartphone under 20,000 rubles?
It is a mistake to assume that someone can help you choose the right smartphone (a consultant in a store, a resource or a YouTube channel), because everyone has their own favorites. I remember my trip to several stores, the purpose of which was to buy a phone only in the middle price range. In one of them, the consultant proved to me that Samsung phones have longer battery life and camera quality, in the other, they obsessively suggested something from the Xiaomi lineup to me, saying that the battery life is better because the chips are more energy efficient. I had to deal more thoroughly with the choice of device, compare (DxOMark, Antutu) according to individual parameters. It turned out that ideal smartphones do not exist – they differ in each of the parameters, all lines are designed for a specific target audience. The only thing that is important is to understand how much you can get for a certain amount and which brands are leading for a certain period of time in each of the segments. Let’s try to figure it out:
- Cameras. For a smartphone under 20 thousand rubles, the standard is the presence of a quad-core camera with a main sensor from 32 to 64 megapixels. At the same time, cameras from Chinese manufacturers allow you to create heavier and sharper images, have excellent portrait modes and stabilization. Samsung, in turn, attracts with video quality, scaling, flexible settings.
- Screens. The undisputed leader here is the South Korean brand, which offers a wide range of Infiniti displays based on Amoled and Super Amoled technologies. Similar matrices are used by Oppo and Vivo. Xiaomi and Huawei, in turn, rely on IPS, which also have good color reproduction, viewing angle, but even worse.
- Battery. Samsung M-class at this price really has the longest battery life justified by the presence of batteries, up to 6000 mAh. In this case, much depends on power consumption, processor power and screen size.
As for the processors and the amount of RAM, not everything is clear here. Obviously, the 600 and 700 series shots are much better than the Samsung-branded chips and solutions used in much of the mid-range Xiaomi (Mediatek), but sometimes it makes sense to go for a less powerful phone on a budget to get a better camera. In this class, there is not much superiority on the part of “dragons.
Rating of smartphone manufacturers
Leaders of all prices and categories are constantly evolving. Until recently, Huawei was one of the top three in the production of mid-range smartphones, but after the US sanctions, everything has changed. Now the gadgets of this company are deprived of the support of Google services and are inferior in parameters to their counterparts. However, Oppo came along with its subsidiary and offered such a good value for money that it edged out Samsung, which only recently removed the J segment and finally released a decent lineup of decent budget smartphones. Their M-class with excellent autonomy and A-class up to 20,000 rubles with beautiful screens and good cameras deserve special attention. Brands such as Vivo (great displays, balanced and beautiful phones) and Motorola (average, stylish and original devices) are hot on the heels of these leaders. As for other branded companies, it is still difficult for them to compete with these companies due to the incredibly fast dynamics and growing influence in the markets of different countries.
Which smartphone under 20 thousand is better to buy in 2022?
We tried to give an objective, albeit partially subjective, assessment. We also have our own favorites and opinions on the pricing policy of different companies. It is no secret that Xiaomi and Samsung products are rapidly falling in price with the advent of new lines, initially often more expensive than they should be. However, if you don’t know what to buy a smartphone under 20 thousand for, then most likely you should look in their direction first. The OPPO brand is still trusted by a certain percentage of users who are not afraid to trust new companies. As far as our opinion is concerned, it can be summarized as follows:
- a good smartphone with a powerful battery – Redmi 9T;
- smartphones under 20 thousand with the best camera – Realme 8 Pro;
- balanced smartphone of the previous generation: HUAWEI P40 Lite;
- the best smartphone under 20,000 in all respects is the Poxo X3 NFC.
Actually, I would like to hear your opinion. We are waiting for comments, friends.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gI0NBlJEgYs
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 11.61% Samsung Galaxy A51 4.46% HUAWEI P40 Lite 3.13% REALME 8 7.14% Poxo X3 NFC 29.46% Samsung Galaxy A52 6.25% POCO M3 Pro 8.93% Samsung Galaxy A32 4.91% Xiaomi Redmi 9T 4.02% REALME 8 Pro 20.09 % rating: 224