The best of the best! Choosing the coolest Android smartphone

Asus Zenfone 2 32 GB / 2 GB

Asus is strengthening its presence in the smartphone market, and after the first series of Zenfone smartphones, the Zenfone 2 is launched, a smartphone that in its own way technical characteristics competes with the flagships of other brands, but at the same time it costs almost half.

The company decided to make the Zenfone 2 screen of high quality and at the same time not chase ultra-high resolutions. The decision is justified, because at a pixel density of more than 300, the difference is no longer particularly noticeable. Therefore, the gadget has a Full HD display resolution with a diagonal of 5.5". The matrix is IPS, so the colours, contrast and viewing angles are predictably good.

In terms of design, Asus cheated a little, borrowing a well-established “chip” with volume buttons on the rear panel from one of the competitors. At the same time, the rest of the design elements — branded engraving and laconic design — remained in the style of Asus.

What is especially interesting in this smart is the processor. Unlike other companies that choose between powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon or energy-efficient Medaitek, Asus is betting on Intel processors that combine both in a balanced way. It uses an Intel Atom Z3560 chip with four high-performance cores, which handles well with most tasks and does not heat up during operation. Some slowdowns in games are possible due to their insufficient optimization for running on Intel chips. There are two versions of the flagship on the market — with 2 or 4 GB of RAM, and the 4 GB version is currently one of the most powerful among smartphones. In addition, the Zen UI interface, which many users consider one of the simplest and most successfully optimized to work on smartphones of any power, contributes to the smoothness of work. In addition to a powerful processor, the smartphone is also equipped with a powerful 3000 mAh battery so that the smartphone can easily last a day at high loads.

The camera in Zenfone 2 has not become a crown “chip”, nevertheless, it is worthy of the flagship of early 2015 . The main camera here is 13 megapixels, equipped with a dual flash for getting normal pictures when photographing at night. The 5-megapixel front-facing camera is also in the selfie trend.

All in all, the Asus Zenfone 2 is a great powerful smartphone that costs much less than its closest competitors.

LG G4 32GB 32 GB / 3 GB

LG has released its new flagship in leather to put an end to disputes about which is better — metal, glass or the right soft touch . Moreover, its texture differs depending on the colour of the removable cover, and plastic options are also provided, so there are plenty to choose from.

In the new flagship, LG decided to go on the offensive on all fronts at once, so you can’t even single out the most cool feature in it. Let's start with the display because it's amazing. Firstly, it is made using Quantum IPS technology, which gives a colour gamut much wider than the accepted sRGB standard, namely 120%. So with such a display, you can distinguish all the subtleties of shades, and of course — at any viewing angle, up to 178 degrees. Secondly, like the G3, which at one time became the first smartphone with QHD resolution, the G4 received a resolution of 2560x1440 with a 5.5-inch diagonal display. So the picture on this smartphone pleases with incredible clarity and detail.

To demonstrate the level of the camera, LG used professional photographers for whom the terms aperture ratio, exposure compensation and aperture sound familiar and understandable. Now these aspects of photography can be mastered in mobile photography. The LG G4 has a special manual control mode in which the user has control over all shooting parameters. There are also simpler modes for those who prefer not to bother with the settings and rely on automation, since here it is simply of the highest level.

From a technical point of view, the device is simply out of competition. The G4 has the fastest F1.8 optics among smartphones and a 16 MP sensor. In addition, the camera was equipped with a three-axis stabilization system, which makes the video as smooth as possible, and the pictures are clear and sharp even in low light. In addition, there is a special night mode for "drawing" the tails of car headlights and other light sources. In addition, LG took care not only about the quality of the pictures, but also about the speed, so the camera is equipped with laser autofocus, and its start-up time can be considered a record — only 0.6 seconds.

Unlike the more powerful Snapdragon 810, the Snapdragon 808 processor installed here does not heat up so much in games. So nothing will spoil your joy to drive in your favorite race or shooter. Because its power is also enough for all modern 3D games. 3 gigabytes of RAM allow the smart to quickly cope with current tasks and ensure the work of a beautiful and functional LG shell. And a capacious 3000 mAh battery provides the system with power for a whole day at the highest loads.

The LG G4 will captivate customers with its luxurious leather design and premium multimedia features — a great screen and an amazing camera.

p>

Lenovo Vibe Shot 32 GB / 3 GB

The era of specialized camera phones is slowly passing due to the fact that the main cameras of flagships take excellent quality photos. Therefore, each of them, to one degree or another, can be called a camera phone. Lenovo went even further and stylized the appearance of the smartphone as a digital camera, and this immediately drew attention to the Lenovo Vibe Shot.

The materials in the case are used so that it is immediately clear — this flagship. Its edging is metal, and the back panel is made of mineral glass. Gorilla Glass 3 is used to protect the face and back. A 5-inch display with optimal Full HD resolution.

The main camera, for which everything was actually started, received a BSI sensor at 16 megapixels and six-component optics with an optical image stabilization system. All this allows the camera to take good pictures under various shooting conditions, even in the dark. If you have high requirements for photo quality, then you are likely to find small flaws in the pictures. In this case, you might think about purchasing a compact but excellent camera?

The front camera was also not deprived of attention — here the module is on 8 MP is more than enough for the most demanding selfie lovers. In addition, wide-angle lenses will capture everyone (both you and those around you) in the frame.

The processor is not the most powerful (Snapdragon 615), but its performance is enough for most modern games. Moreover, the smartphone has 3 gigabytes of RAM, so there are no problems with running several applications. But such an energy-efficient system had an excellent effect on battery life. Therefore, a capacious 2900 mAh battery is enough for one and a half to two days of intensive work.

Xiaomi Mi Note Pro 64 GB / 4 GB

Xiaomi Mi Note Pro is a smartphone for fans of bigger and cooler gadgets. This is evidenced by a huge 5.7-inch display, both for a smartphone, and a powerful Snapdragon 810 processor (like the HTC One M9). This processor is often blamed for the problem of overheating, so it is recommended to limit your gaming sessions and let the smartphone cool down periodically. Although with such a powerful "beast" you want to work to the fullest, especially since they put 4 GB of RAM here, which is already comparable to mid-range laptops.

In addition to power, Xiaomi Mi Note Pro also boasts a willingness to serve faithful companion in all aspects of the life of its owner. The camera received optics with an aperture of F2.0 and a Sony CMOS sensor, supplemented by an optical stabilization system. Therefore, it is easy to take even pictures in low light conditions. Thanks to stabilization, the camera is suitable for night photos and video shooting under any conditions.

The smartphone received a display with a resolution of 2560x1440. And the matrices themselves are manufactured by Sharp and JDI, among other things, guaranteeing the user high image clarity, enhanced by an additional dynamic contrast system. By this parameter, this is one of the highest quality displays among the flagships presented in our selection, and only the Samsung S6 Edge with a Super AMOLED display can demonstrate such rich blacks, but at the same time it has a Pen Tile matrix, which not all users like.

The battery was selected here based on system requests. Therefore, Xiaomi Mi Note Pro can easily withstand a day of activity with a 3090 mAh battery. And the best part is that such a capacious battery has almost no effect on the weight and thickness of the device. This is one of the thinnest flagships to date. In addition, the mineral glass used here with protective Gorilla Glass 3 on the back gives the smartphone individuality and status.

Mi Note Pro will be the perfect companion for those who are not afraid of the new and know that Xiaomi is young a brand that fundamentally changes our understanding of smartphones from China. Because this smartphone can compete with the flagships of A-brands in some criteria (like screen quality and style), and even surpasses them in some (like screen size).

Sony Xperia Z3 Plus 32 GB / 3 GB

To the delight of those who take their smartphone with them to the beach, pool and camping, Sony continues to make its devices capable of resist the elements. The Sony Xperia Z3 Plus received protection against dust and moisture according to the IP68 standard (like its predecessor Xperia Z3), as well as a very convenient waterproof micro-USB connector, which does not need to be covered with a plug.

The display here is of optimal size — neither large nor small — 5.2" with Full HD resolution. To date, this is no longer the maximum possible resolution for a flagship. Nevertheless, the matrix creates a clear detailed picture and at the same time uses the energy of the smartphone quite economically.

The Sony Xperia Z3 Plus uses the most powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor at the moment (the Z3 had a Snapdragon 801). So then the question will not arise: will it pull this or that toy? But the question remains of heating the smartphone and quickly discharging the battery. And given that it is here for 2930 mAh, you can count on about a day of intensive work, less.

Cameras have always been a strong point of Sony devices. The Z3 Plus left the same cool 20-megapixel module as in the previous flagship of the company. On the spot and users' favorite additional shooting modes, such as augmented reality and time management. And the front camera is now 5 megapixels, and 2, like its predecessor.

Considering that the top-end Samsung of the current generation has lost water protection, the Sony Xperia Z3 Plus remains the only flagship that is not afraid of dust and moisture and gives its users a pleasant experience using a top device.

HTC One M9 32GB 32 GB / 3 GB

HTC's strategy is not to change the flagship's time-tested design. In the new versions of the smartphone, engineers make minimal external changes and focus on a qualitative increase in the functional part.

A stylish metal case and two front stereo speakers have become a signature feature of HTC flagships. But it was in this version of the smartphone, equipped with a very powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor (8 cores!), The metal case caused a strong heating of the case, which, due to the high thermal conductivity of the metal, causes some users inconvenience when using the camera or playing games for a long time. However, if you are not very fond of toys, then you may not notice the problem.

In the new HTC One M9, they decided to abandon the camera with ultrapixel technology, relying on a standard 20 MP module for flagships. As users of the new smart note, this step clearly benefited the gadget, because now it is really a multimedia centre for all occasions. After all, the selfie camera has also been improved — now it is 4 megapixels.

While other companies are making screens bigger and higher resolution, the HTC One M9 is such an example of moderate luxury. It has a display with a diagonal of exactly 5" and with Full HD resolution. Watch and enjoy the picture, and you can measure the numbers in performance benchmarks.

The battery here is small in capacity among the flagships (2840 mAh), but the problem is not in it, but in the high "voracity" of the system and its tendency to overheat . So one smartphone charge is enough for less than a day.

HTC One M9 is chosen by fans of metal flagships, especially fans of HTC smartphones, because visually it is a completely recognizable style.

Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge 32 GB

The Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge first of all stands out for its appearance. Indeed, the concept of a screen with two curved side edges has so far been embodied in only one smartphone. Moreover, these beveled edges are not only aesthetic, but also functional.. One of the faces of your choice becomes active and a separate function panel can be called from under it. Notifications are displayed on it, the clock is dimly lit at night, and when you call, it tells you who is calling. If you set a special colour for a number, it will glow with the colour of your choice when you receive a call.

In its flagships, Samsung strives to achieve perfection, so it pays attention to absolutely all models of smartphone use. First of all, of course, the smartphone is used as a means of communication and obtaining visual information. That's why the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge features a 5.1-inch Super AMOLED display that delivers the deepest blacks and brightest, most saturated colours at wide viewing angles. There is no weak link among the rest of the components.

The presence of a fingerprint scanner takes the S6 Edge to another level of security, giving the user absolute control over the availability of smartphone content. Fingerprint unlocking, like Touch ID in iPhone, is considered one of the most reliable ways to lock a smartphone.

The smartphone is made of premium materials — glass and metal, and due to the relatively small screen and battery, it turned out to be one of the most the lightest and most compact flagships to date. However, it is the display with two beveled edges, which, in addition to aesthetics, have practical applications, distinguish the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge from competitors and make it unique.