In February, they introduced the LG G6, a flagship smartphone with a new 18:9 screen format. Probably, the Samsung Galaxy S8 and the anniversary iPhone 8 will be equipped with similar displays.
What is 18:9
Aspect ratio, or aspect ratio, is the ratio of the height of the display to its width. For example, the dimensions of the 5.5-inch LG G3 screen are 12.2 × 6.9 cm. Dividing 12.2 by 6.9, we get 1.77. The same result will occur if 16 is divided by 9.
Most modern smartphones, laptops and TV screens have an aspect ratio of 16:9.
The question arises: if everything was fine, why invent the non-format 18:9? The first reason is marketing. That's why we got 18:9 displays, and not 2:1, which they essentially are.
18:9 is actually 2:1, but in a beautiful marketing wrapper.
18:9 against the background of 16:9 looks larger, more solid, and therefore more convincing. Recognition of the 18:9 format is also better than that of 2:1: because of the nine in the name, it is easier for the average consumer to associate it with the characteristics of the screen.
The second reason is multitasking. 18:9 displays allow you to comfortably work in two applications at once.
How the dimensions of smartphones will change
LG G6 is currently the only smartphone on the market with an 18:9 aspect ratio. Its display is narrower and taller than 16:9 smartphones. This means that the device is more comfortable to hold with one hand, and many buttons are easy to reach with your thumb.
At the same time, the LG G6 has not become larger, only the screen has changed. This can be clearly seen if you compare the smartphone with. Both devices have a 5.7-inch diagonal, but the LG has an 18:9 display and the HTC U Ultra has a 16:9 display.
How apps will change
On an 18:9 display, familiar applications will work differently. For example, the LG G6 camera, in addition to standard photos (16:9), takes square photos (1:1). You can immediately make collages out of them, as in the photo below.
At the same time, the application interface accommodates more settings, for which previously you had to go to the menu. The latest captured frames are displayed in a row.
And, of course, square photos are ideal for Instagram (although it is allowed to post non-format photos on social media).
phonearena.com The navigation buttons on the LG G6 are on-screen, that is, in normal mode, an 18:9 display will behave like 16.7:9. 16.7:9 is not very different from the previous aspect ratio, so you may not notice a significant difference in using instant messengers, a calendar, and an address book in portrait orientation.
All Android programs initially have a function to fit the screen (taking into account its size, aspect ratio and resolution).
Another thing is how they will be shown on the screen if their generally accepted standard is 16:9. Since the LG G6 is still the only one of its kind, and not much time has passed since the presentation of the smartphone, developers are in no hurry to release updates to adapt full-screen content to 18:9.
But if the flagships of Samsung and Apple this year receive such a display, this will be a sufficient reason to update the programs.
In the meantime, LG G6 uses its own adaptation algorithms. The smartphone has two full-screen modes. In standard mode, black bars appear around the application window with 16:9 content. In Full Screen, the window is adjusted to the new aspect ratio programmatically, in most cases simply by stretching the interface. Stretching is especially inconvenient in games, when some action button may unexpectedly go off the screen.
Yes, it's inconvenient, but make allowances for the novelty. 18:9 is a new standard that is already being introduced into the film industry and on TV. So adapting content for 18:9 is a matter of time.
Which ratio do you like best and why? Now the complete impression is that in a couple of months vendors will not release smartphones at all, except with 18:9 or its variations. Perhaps some cheap Chinese noname that you won’t even want to buy, because the appearance will immediately give you away and repel you. Now even budget models are using screens with an aspect ratio of 18:9, and they are moving away from the classic old one.
Xiaomi was one of the first to start this trend with its Mix, then continued with Redmi. And all the vendors picked it up.
By the way, if we talk about 16:9, then for example, for a 5.7-inch screen, the height in horizontal mode will be approximately 4.9 inches, and the width will be around 2.7 inches.
The aspect ratio does not depend on the screen size. This is the ratio of two sides, essentially the length and width of the screen, to each other. When measuring, you should not take into account the frames around the screen, we are talking only about the matrix. 18:9 or 2:1 means that one dimension is twice the other. Usually when they talk about aspect ratio, they are talking about landscape mode, because it was originally used for video, and we don’t like vertical mode. That is, in our case it turns out that in landscape mode the screen width is 2 times the height.
18:9 ratio
Pros:
- Large screen, despite the compact size of a smartphone, good resolution. A 5.5-inch screen has, for example, 1080x2160 pixels.
- Modern, eye-catching design, almost frameless smartphone
- Conveniently consume content from the screen, optimal for virtual reality
Minuses
- Restricted to using on-screen control buttons only
- Screen resolution does not match camera sensor resolution
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An extravaganza of experiments with phone design occurred in the 2000s, when brands recklessly experimented with shape, sometimes releasing completely crazy models. Then the market matured, and minimalism became the universal dress code for smartphones.
2018 was remembered for the increase in models with frameless screens on the market. Most manufacturers have released more than one series of frameless smartphones, and their number is regularly updated. We will tell you about the leading models in different price categories - from budget ones for 6 thousand rubles to iPhone.
Up to 10 thousand rubles.
Xiaomi Redmi 6A
An inexpensive and productive smartphone from Xiaomi has a powerful battery, a separate memory card slot, an oleophobic coating and a face unlock function. Affordable price combined with wide functionality and a widescreen display have made the model popular among users around the world.
Characteristics:
- Quad-core MediaTek Helio A22, 2000 MHz
- screen 5.45″, resolution 1440×720, 295 PPI, ratio 18:9
- 13 MP camera, autofocus
- Options with RAM and permanent memory: 2/16, 2/32, 3/32 GB
- battery 3000 mAh
- weight 145 g, WxHxD 71.5×147.5×8.3 mm
Advantages:
- powerful processor compared to other quad-core models;
- an option-filled camera app;
- front camera, equal in quality to the rear camera;
- There is enough RAM even for complex applications, 980 MB are always free;
- autonomy and battery saving up to 48-60 hours of operation in moderate mode;
- supports heavy network games, for example WOT - if you don’t turn up the settings, of course;
- There is a separate slot for the card;
- double high-quality speaker;
- high-quality GPS module;
- screen with oleophobic coating;
- affordable price;
- thin and light body, ergonomic design;
- Face unlock feature available.
Price: From 6 thousand rubles.
Lenovo K5 Play
K5 Play from Lenovo is an attractive iridescent body, smooth shapes and an original approach to the design of the model as a whole. In addition to a widescreen image, the model has high performance at an affordable price.
Characteristics:
- 8-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 MSM8937 (budget series of processors)
- support for two nano SIM cards
- screen 5.7″, resolution 1440×720, 282 PPI, ratio 18:9
- dual camera 13 MP/2 MP, autofocus
- Options with RAM and permanent memory: 2/16, 3/32 GB
- 3G, 4G LTE, LTE-A, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, GLONASS
- battery 3000 mAh
- weight 155 g, WxHxD 72.6×153.75×7.85 mm
Advantages:
- combination of good technical characteristics and low cost;
- loud high-quality external speaker;
- rich camera shots;
- good and smooth speed of operation “without brakes”;
- Stylish, memorable design.
Flaws:
- weak microphone;
- users note a weak equalizer;
- The battery lasts for a maximum of 24 hours;
- lack of NFC;
- There is no separate slot for a memory card.
Price: from 8 thousand rubles.
DOOGEE BL5500 Lite
The smartphone is designed for uninterrupted operation from 35 to 700 hours in standby mode. The functionality of the model is not ahead of the average smartphones of 2018: the device supports 2 Nano-SIM and microSD, has a 4-core processor, 16 GB / 2 GB of memory by default, a dual rear camera and a fingerprint scanner.
Characteristics:
- Quad-core MediaTek MT6739
- support for two nano SIM cards
- screen 6.19″, resolution 1500×720, 269 PPI, ratio 18.5:9
- dual camera 13 MP/8 MP, autofocus
- memory 16 GB, memory card slot
- RAM capacity 2 GB
- battery 5500 mAh
- weight 180 g, WxHxD 76.9×160.8×10.5 mm
Advantages:
- powerful battery;
- affordable price;
- widescreen display picture;
- the presence of a fairly high-quality dual camera, detailed pictures even in low light - considering its cost;
- The convenient case is easy to hold in the palm of your hand even without a case;
- “clean” sound of external speakers, good equalizer;
- fast display response, multi-touch support.
Flaws:
- The camera program may be slow; if the lighting is too low, there will be a lot of noise in the pictures;
- Comes with a weak charger - it will take a long time to charge;
- small amount of RAM;
- lack of NFC;
- By default, you cannot adjust the screen color temperature.
Cost: from 8 thousand rubles
Up to 15 thousand rubles
Nokia 3.1 Plus
A powerful battery, NFC support and the absence of a notch in the design - the Nokia smartphone is significantly ahead of models in this price segment. Despite the small amount of RAM, programs launch and respond almost instantly, and the built-in memory can be supplemented with a microSD card.
Characteristics:
- 8-core Mediatek Helio P22 (MT6762V), 2000 MHz
- Dual SIM support
- 6″ screen, resolution 1440×720, 268 PPI, 18:9 ratio
- dual camera 13 MP/5 MP, autofocus
- memory 32 GB, memory card slot
- RAM capacity 3 GB
- battery 3500 mAh
- weight 180 g, WxHxD 76.44×156.88×8.19 mm
Advantages:
- holds a charge for a long time;
- widescreen image, rich and bright picture;
- supports NFC, which is rare in this price segment;
- memorable design;
- powerful processor;
- lack of “bangs” on the screen;
- high speed of application operation, despite the small amount of RAM;
- absence of unnecessary programs in the Android firmware;
- quickly finds even remote Wi-Fi networks, efficiently distributes traffic in modem mode;
- The external speaker reproduces music without noise and with high quality.
Flaws:
- when talking on the speakerphone there is a low sound;
- small package (set includes only charger, cable and headphones).
Price: from 11 thousand rubles.
Expensive design combined with stunning photography and video - a smartphone from ASUS will perfectly satisfy aesthetic tastes and completely replace the average camera. In addition, the phone supports fast charging, which takes just 90 minutes.
Characteristics:
- Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 632
- support for two nano SIM cards
- screen 6.3″, resolution 1520×720, 267 PPI, ratio 19:9
- dual camera 13 MP, autofocus
- 3G, 4G LTE, LTE-A, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, GLONASS
- battery 4000 mAh
- weight 160 g, WxHxD 76×158×7.7 mm
Advantages:
- image stabilization when shooting video;
- high-quality and loud speakers;
- the battery holds a charge for a long time;
- Full charge function in 1.5 hours;
- the front camera is equipped with backlight;
- high-quality assembly;
- expensive design;
- full-length rich image.
Flaws:
- lack of NFC;
- Only high-resolution images are displayed on the screen in high quality, low-quality images are visible pixel by pixel;
- the presence of a “bang” on the screen;
- Not very high-quality firmware, lack of useful custom applications.
Price: from 11 thousand rubles.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 6 Pro
The Pro line from Xiaomi has a fairly powerful processor, high-quality rear and front cameras, large internal memory and a capacious battery. Unlike previous lines, the Note 6 Pro's speakers produce noticeably better sound.
Characteristics:
- support for two nano SIM cards
- screen 6.25″, resolution 2280×1080, 404 PPI, ratio 19:9
- Options with RAM and permanent memory: 3/32, 4/64 GB
- 3G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, GLONASS
- battery 4000 mAh
- weight 182 g, WxHxD 76.4×157.9×8.26 mm
Advantages:
- fast processor;
- instant application response;
- large RAM and built-in memory;
- high-quality external and high-quality double front camera;
- sensitive microphone, no problems with the speaker during a call, as in previous models;
- the battery holds a charge for a long time;
- huge screen and comfortable body;
- affordable price with high build quality.
Flaws:
- there is too much bass in the speakers;
- the presence of a “bang” in the screen design;
- The sound in the headphones may be quiet;
- lack of an NFC contactless payment system.
Price: from 14 thousand rubles.
Up to 20 thousand rubles.
Huawei P20 Lite
“Smart” messages, face unlocking and NFC contactless payment - the model from Huawei is able to fully satisfy the needs of the modern user.
Characteristics:
- 8-core HiSilicon Kirin 659
- Dual SIM support
- dual camera 16 MP/2 MP, autofocus
- memory 64 GB, memory card slot
- 3G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, GPS, GLONASS
- RAM capacity 4 GB
- battery 3000 mAh
- weight 145 g, WxHxD 71.2×148.6×7.4 mm
Advantages:
- support for smart notifications;
- the ability to unlock using a face photo;
- NFC system support;
- large amount of built-in and RAM memory;
- wide-format, rich, “juicy” image;
- relatively fast operation of all applications;
- high performance.
Flaws:
- rear cameras are comparatively inferior in quality to previous models;
- lack of water protection;
- weak battery;
- the built-in alarm clock application may be slow;
- bad headphones included.
Price: from 15 thousand rubles.
Honor 8X
Honor 8X has a huge display with rich images, a high-quality equalizer, convenient and professional external and front cameras, an additional slot for a memory card and support for an NFC terminal.
Characteristics:
- 8-core HiSilicon Kirin 710, 2200 MHz
- Dual SIM support
- 6.5″ screen, resolution 2340×1080, 396 PPI, ratio 19.5:9
- dual camera 20 MP/2 MP, autofocus
- Options with RAM and permanent memory: 4/64, 6/64, 4/128 GB
- 3G, 4G LTE, LTE-A, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, GPS, GLONASS
- battery 3750 mAh
- weight 175 g, WxHxD 76.6×160.4×7.8 mm
Advantages:
- huge widescreen display with rich pictures;
- high-quality and advanced camera application;
- The camera pictures are detailed and high-quality even in poor lighting conditions;
- good equalizer;
- convenient shell, you can manually reconfigure the phone to suit your tastes;
- availability of NFC contactless payment system;
- high level of assembly;
- presence of a separate slot for a memory card;
- lack of unnecessary custom applications;
- attractive external design;
- high performance and instant application response;
- The battery charges quickly and discharges slowly.
Flaws:
- The diagonal is too large, users with small hands will have to get used to it for a week
- Without a case, the phone slips out of your hands;
- easily soiled body;
- lack of oleophobic coating;
- some users report slow performance of the face unlock application;
- inconvenient small external speaker;
- lack of fast charging function;
- the presence of a “bang” on the screen.
Price: from 18 thousand rubles.
Nokia 7.1
Multifunctional camera, capacious battery, fast processor, convenient design with a wide diagonal and NFC support ‒ Nokia 7.1 follows the latest trends. The list of useful parameters will be complemented by a fast charging function and a sensitive Wi-Fi receiving module.
Characteristics:
- Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 636
- support for two nano SIM cards
- screen 5.84″, resolution 2280×1080, 432 PPI, ratio 19:9
- dual camera 12 MP/5 MP, autofocus
- Options with RAM and permanent memory: 3/32, 4/64 GB
- 3G, 4G LTE, LTE-A, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, GPS, GLONASS
- battery 3060 mAh
- weight 160 g, WxHxD 71.18×149.7×7.99 mm
Advantages:
- capacious battery;
- high-quality lens and multifunctional camera application;
- NFC support;
- reliable body;
- widescreen screen with rich picture;
- good sounding speakers;
- rich and contrasting camera shots even in poor lighting;
- charges quickly and discharges slowly;
- efficiency;
- high-quality radio module (can connect even in remote regions) and Wi-Fi module;
- ergonomic design, despite the large diagonal.
Flaws:
- turns red when the screen is locked;
- too few default apps;
- Nokia's standard ringtones irritate some users;
- a small number of settings in the equalizer (which, however, does not affect the quality of the sound);
- small amount of built-in and RAM memory.
Price: from 18 thousand rubles.
Up to 30 thousand rubles.
Xiaomi Pocophone F1
The inexpensive, powerful smartphone Pocophone F1 pleased users with its efficiency, face unlock and convenient ergonomic design.
Characteristics:
- support for two nano SIM cards
- screen 6.18″, resolution 2246×1080, 403 PPI, ratio 18.5:9
- dual camera 12 MP/5 MP, autofocus
- Options with RAM and permanent memory: 6/64, 6/128 GB
- 3G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, GLONASS
- battery 4000 mAh
- weight 182 g, WxHxD 75.2×155.5×8.8 mm
Advantages:
- capacious battery;
- fast charging capability;
- pleasant sound from external speakers;
- The Wi-Fi module is capable of catching the most distant networks;
- ultra-fast processor;
- fast response even when loading heavy applications;
- unlock by fingerprint or selfie;
- convenient design, despite the diagonal, the phone fits easily in the palm of your hand;
- The model does not overheat even with intensive applications.
Flaws:
- easily soiled, sensitive to scratches and dirt screen;
- There is no NFC payment system.
Price: from 20 thousand rubles.
Vivo V11
A 25 MP front camera, instant application operation, a capacious battery and a memorable design - Vivo V11 is suitable for lovers of high performance, infrequent charging and high-quality selfies.
Characteristics:
- Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 660
- Dual SIM support
- screen 6.41″, resolution 2340×1080, 402 PPI, ratio 19.5:9
- dual camera 12 MP/5 MP, autofocus
- memory 128 GB, memory card slot
- 3G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, GLONASS
- RAM capacity 6 GB
- battery 3400 mAh
- weight 156 g, WxHxD 75.08×157.91×7.9 mm
Advantages:
- lack of a “unibrow”;
- The fingerprint sensor is located on the screen itself;
- high-quality assembly;
- unusual and expensive design;
- streamlined shapes, thoughtful ergonomics;
- fast response when running several heavy applications;
- holds a charge for a long time;
- Dual charging function possible;
- sensitive Wi-Fi module;
- high-quality rear camera, not inferior to more expensive models;
- The 25 MP front camera takes very detailed pictures;
- combination of cost and quality.
Flaws:
- lack of wireless charging;
- no NFC.
Price: from 25 thousand rubles.
Meizu 16th
The model supports fast charging (all users pleasantly noted this fact), is equipped with a convenient finger scanner, a professional equalizer and an advanced camera application. Among the advantages of the design, one can highlight not only the wide diagonal, but also the absence of “bangs” on the model. Audiophiles will undoubtedly appreciate the dedicated DAC.
Characteristics:
- 8-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 845, 2800 MHz
- support for two nano SIM cards
- 6″ screen, resolution 2160×1080, 402 PPI, 18:9 ratio
- dual camera 12 MP/20 MP, autofocus
- Options with RAM and permanent memory: 6/64, 6/128, 8/128 GB
- 3G, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, GLONASS
- battery 3010 mAh
- weight 152 g, WxHxD 73.3×150.5×7.3 mm
- separate DAC
Advantages:
- two models to choose from with medium and large memory by default;
- lack of bangs in the design;
- capacious and powerful battery, the charge lasts more than a day during active operation;
- fast application response, no slowdowns;
- the fingerprint sensor is located under the screen;
- convenient facial image scanner;
- Wide range of rear and front cameras;
- fast charging supported;
- affordable price compared to more expensive analogues;
- Pleasant sound from the front speakers and equalizer.
Flaws:
- lack of protection from liquids;
- no wireless charging;
- does not support NFC.
Price: from 27 thousand rubles.
From 40 thousand rubles
OnePlus 6T
OnePlus 6T is a widescreen smartphone with an Amoled display, support for A2DP wireless headphones, and face or fingerprint unlocking. The device comes complete with a protective case, headset and screen film.
Flaws:
- lack of a slot for a memory card;
- does not support wired headphones with a 3.5 jack;
- weak custom camera app;
- It is impossible to manually disable autorun applications, only by rooting.
Price: from 40 thousand rubles.
Samsung Galaxy S9+
The combination of smooth design and Korean quality is a true flagship among frameless smartphones - Galaxy S9+ is equipped with an NFC terminal, fast boot function and a multi-functional photo and video camera.
Flaws:
- may overheat;
- inconveniently located Bixby voice assistant button;
- Users note the poor quality of slow-motion camera performance.
Price: from 43 thousand rubles.
Apple iPhone Xs
The undisputed leader among frameless smartphones - IPhone Xs - has the most extended display without a notch, a high-quality camera application and high performance. Compared to the previous X line, the night shooting mode has been improved, the screen brightness and speaker volume have been increased, and the battery capacity has been increased.
Flaws:
- in “Portrait” mode, the front camera “blurs” the face;
- the image may turn yellow;
- there is no horizontal unlocking function in FaceID;
- weight is a little more than previous models,
- Unlike most Android smartphones, the iPhone Xs does not require the installation of a memory card.
Price: from 72 thousand rubles.
Let's sum it up
The best budget frameless models - productive Xiaomi Redmi 6A and owner DOOGEE BL5500 Lite. A slightly lower quality option in some respects - Lenovo K5 Play.
Models supporting NFC contactless terminal – Nokia 3.1 Plus, ASUS Zenfone Max (M2) ZB633KL, Xiaomi Redmi Note 6 Pro, Huawei P20 Lite, Honor 8X, Nokia 7.1, S amsung galaxy s9+ and iPhone Xs. For some reason, Chinese manufacturers often continue to ignore this point, which is necessary in Russia.
Smartphone with a bright and rich AMOLED display ‒ OnePlus 6T. It can rightfully be considered a “flagship killer” smartphone. We have prepared about the latter.
Owners of the most powerful camera ‒ ASUS Zenfone Max (M2) ZB633KL, Xiaomi Redmi Note 6 Pro, Vivo V11, Galaxy S9+ and iPhone Xs.
Updated January 2019
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Article Description
Greetings, my dear Mi fans! Are you ready to further improve your level in photography? Today I want to talk to you about a camera setting called “frame format”. Do you know how to use this function correctly? Or do you just use 16:9 standards so that your camera's footage is full screen? If yes, then this topic is especially for you! So, let’s not mark time and begin to figure it out! What is the camera aspect ratio? What is this for? An image frame describes the proportional relationship between its width and height. There are some established formats or ratios that are widely used in the photo/video industry, and lately 4:3 and 16:9 are widely used as standard aspect ratios in most photography and cinema (And here I will focus on smartphone photos since these two ratios are the default). Let's also look at the difference between 16:9 and 4:3. The first format is the most popular today, which is used in almost all multimedia and technology: most smartphones have an aspect ratio of 16:9, and almost all films are released in this format so that it is convenient to watch both in the cinema and at home on TV. And if we watch movies/photos with a 4:3 format on a TV with a 16:9 format, then there will be black bars on the sides of the frame. Few people will like this, of course. Why are there only 2 formats in the camera settings when there are many options? These standards have been adopted by the communities of photographers and filmmakers. No one argues that there are many format options, but for smartphone users, ease of use is important. That's why only 2 popular formats were chosen. But if you need a different format, you can easily crop (crop) the photo. How to do this, you can read this in my topic by following the link Which format should you choose? It's time to answer the most important question: which format should you choose? The fact is that a definite answer cannot be given. With a ratio of 16:9, the length is almost 2 times the width. This format is useful when the “sky” and “ground” in the frame are not needed, but what is important is what is to the left and right of the object. 4:3 is approximately a square image. This aspect ratio can be used when there is only one subject in the frame, but it is important to show what is above and below it, the so-called “sky” and “ground”. Below I give you several examples of shooting in these two formats so that you can see the difference . I really hope that this topic was useful to you and that you will continue to choose the format of your photos. I wish everyone a good mood and see you in the vast Mi Community!
One of the main trends in smartphone manufacturing over the past year has been the introduction of screens with aspect ratios of 18 to 9 (2 to 1). The trendsetters, as always, were the giants represented by Samsung and LG, who decided to extend the displays of their flagships Galaxy S8 and G6 in height to increase the usable area occupied by the display. Following them, other companies joined, and by the end of 2017 there were already several dozen devices with 18:9.
The first full-screen gadgets were flagship devices, then mid-level models appeared, but now you can freely buy a budget smartphone with an 18:9 screen. Even though they are not as frameless as some Xiaomi Mix 2, their matrix-to-front panel area ratio is higher than that of gadgets with 16:9. Another advantage of such screens is the increase in area without increasing the width. This allows you to fit more information on the display without compromising the ergonomics of the device.
The selection of good inexpensive smartphones with an 18:9 screen includes 5 models that are widely available in retail sales. The criteria for getting into the top were price (up to $200 or 12 thousand rubles), modern characteristics, the presence of some interesting useful feature, as well as a good balance between these qualities.
Ulefone Power 3 – inexpensive long-liver
The selection of the best budget smartphones with an 18:9 display opens with Ulefone Power 3. This device costs in Russia from 12 thousand rubles and offers very decent characteristics for this amount. It is equipped with a 6-inch display with 18:9 sides and a resolution of 2160x1080 pixels. A distinctive feature of the device is a capacious 6080 mAh battery. Because of this, it turned out to be quite thick (1 cm) and weighty (210 grams), but this is the price of good autonomy.
The internal components of Ulefone Power 3 are also pleasing. The device is equipped with a MediaTek Helio P23 chipset, manufactured using the 16 nm process technology, and therefore energy efficient. Also inside the gadget there is as much as 6 GB of RAM. The flagship amount of RAM does not make the device a flagship, but it is a good reserve for the future. The permanent memory in Ulefone Power 3 is 64 GB, there is a slot for a flash drive. The smartphone runs Android 8.1.
The main camera of Ulefone Power 3 is dual, matrix resolution is 16 and 5 megapixels. The front module is also dual, its sensors are 13 and 5 megapixels. Considering that the Helio P23 chipset is initially optimized for working with dual cameras, the effect from them should be real, and not marketing. One of the shortcomings of the device is the lack of a 3.5 mm jack.
Doogee BL12000 – phablet with a huge battery
Have you ever had to go online or make calls from a brick? If not, then Doogee BL12000 will kindly provide the opportunity to find out what it is like. The dimensions and weight of the smartphone are truly impressive: its thickness reaches 14 mm and its weight is 300 grams. But inside this block there is a 12,000 mAh battery hidden. This is a record among smartphones; in extreme cases, I have never seen more powerful batteries anywhere. The Doogee BL12000 screen has a diagonal of 6" and a resolution of 18:9.
The hardware component of the smartphone is represented by the MediaTek MT6750 chipset, 4 GB of RAM and 32 GB of permanent memory. It can be expanded using a flash drive. The filling is not the best, I would like to see Helio P2x, since then the device could last at least a month. But for 12 thousand rubles, a modest chip can be forgiven, since the competitor in the form of Oukitel K10000 Max, in general, has an MT6753 installed, which is even more modest. The OS in Doogee BL12000 is Android 7.
The camera on the back of the smartphone is double, with 16 and 13 megapixel matrices, and on the front, too, but with 16 and 8 megapixel sensors. However, you should not rely on the photographic capabilities of the device. Firstly, it was not possible to detect a visible effect from the double modules, and secondly, there is a suspicion that there is interpolation of the images, and their actual resolution is lower. This is definitely a minus, spoiling the overall impression of the smartphone, but overall the gadget can be called good.
Asus ZenFone Max Plus M1 – budget phone with two cameras
Another good budget smartphone with an 18:9 screen is Asus ZenFone Max Plus. It costs about 12 thousand rubles, like other devices in the selection. The smartphone is equipped with a 5.7" screen with a resolution of 2160x1080. As befits a representative of the Max line, the gadget is equipped with a battery with a decent capacity of 4130 mAh.
The Asus ZenFone Max Plus is powered by the MT6750 chipset, 3 GB of RAM, 32 GB of storage memory, and a MicroSD slot. Of course, this chipset is already boring, but it is not as outdated as the conventional MT6580, and its presence in a budget phone can be forgiven. The main thing is that it works stably, and the OS is optimized, but Asus seems to have noticed no problems with this. The operating system of Asus ZenFone Max Plus is Android 7 with ZenUI interface.
Asus ZenFone Max Plus is equipped with a dual main camera with 16 and 8 megapixel matrices. The matrix configuration is similar to that in the LG G6: the main module has standard optics, and the auxiliary module is equipped with a wide-angle lens. It is capable of taking photos with a field of view of 120 degrees. The front camera is based on an 8-megapixel sensor.
The main feature of the device is its photographic capabilities, not its autonomy. After all, due to the rather power-hungry chipset, Asus ZenFone Max Plus shows an average operating time (up to 9-10 hours of active screen) and does not deserve the title of long-liver.
Huawei P Smart - an inexpensive smartphone with NFC
Contactless payments are gaining popularity, but buying a budget smartphone with NFC is still difficult. In China, this technology is not very popular, since they have long mastered payment via QR codes, so manufacturers are in no hurry to introduce new products with it. But Huawei P Smart compares favorably with its competitors by the presence of this wireless module, and it costs from 12 thousand rubles.
Huawei P Smart is a good inexpensive smartphone with an 18:9 screen, 5.65" diagonal and a resolution of 2160x1080. It is powered by Huawei's own HiSilicon Kirin 659 chipset. This chip is produced according to the 16 nm process technology and is a competitor to the popular Snapdragon 450/ 625/626/630, in some ways inferior to them, and in some ways superior. RAM on board is 3 GB, and permanent memory is 32 GB, expandable. The operating system on board is EMUI based on Android 8.
The battery capacity of Huawei P Smart is 3000 mAh, it is difficult to say anything good or bad about it. The battery is like a battery: autonomy is normal, but not record-breaking; for those who use a smartphone every day, it’s quite suitable. The dual main camera has a resolution of 13 megapixels, the second 2 megapixel module is used to create the bokeh effect. An 8-megapixel camera with flash is installed on the front. The smartphone is definitely good, there is no obvious reason to blame it for anything.
Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus – affordable and balanced
The selection of inexpensive smartphones with an 18:9 screen is completed by Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus (aka Redmi Note 5). We left it as a “snack” because this device costs less than its competitors, from 8 thousand rubles for the 3/32 GB version. However, despite the lower price tag, it is not inferior to its neighbors in the selection, and in some ways it surpasses them. For example, this gadget is the only device on the list equipped with a Qualcomm chipset.
The Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus display has a diagonal of 6" and a resolution of 2160x1080. The Snapdragon 625 chipset is paired with 3 or 4 GB of RAM. The storage capacity is 32 or 64 GB, there is a slot for a flash drive. A 4000 mAh battery that supports the technology is responsible for autonomy fast charging Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus OS – MIUI9 based on Android 7.1.
The main camera of the smartphone is single, but its matrix is the same as in Mi A1, it has a resolution of 12 megapixels. A modest 5 MP module is installed on the front. There is a flash on the front panel. But in other respects it is quite good, the main thing is to buy the version of the smartphone for global sales. If you purchase a modification designed for China, you can.
There have already been quite a few budget devices with a full-screen design; the cheapest of them cost significantly less than 10-12 thousand rubles. You can even buy a budget smartphone with an 18:9 screen for $70-80. But there is little point in purchasing such a gadget. Let it have a newfangled display, but the rest of the functions will not satisfy many. 2 GB of RAM may seem insufficient, the MT6580 or 6737 chipset may seem weak, and the cameras may seem like a show-stopper. Therefore, the selection included exactly the 5 devices listed above. However, if you want to save money, but the requirements for the smartphone’s parameters are low, you can look for cheaper models.
