In 2020, despite the coronavirus pandemic, many innovative gadgets were released that support the most current technologies. For example, devices support 5G, which has become the new standard for mobile phones, foldable smartphones have gained popularity, and almost any device supports wireless charging. 2021 is not going to lag and is preparing even more high-profile releases.
We have collected for you the most excellent and most exciting devices on the smartphone market. These are true flagships without compromise. Packed with technology literally from head to toe, they offer the best of the best:
- Premium body materials and designs
- Cutting-edge innovation
- The fastest update support available
There are four Android smartphones in the selection: one brand new from Xiaomi, which boasts the title of the people’s photo flagship, and three from Samsung. Among them – something for lovers of everything technically unusual, geeks, and just those who are tired of the monotony of standards and yearn for a radically new user experience. This is us about the Samsung foldable smartphones Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3. And, of course, we added one iPhone to this magnificent four – the newest, largest, and most advanced. And with a whole terabyte of memory! Let’s sort out what kind of trump cards they play and what is in smartphones that you want them so badly.
Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max
iPhone 12 Pro Max has entered the top 10 flagships of 2021. And the brand new 13 Pro Max is the best of the best. This is precisely the case with iOS devices. Apple fans, impressed by the device, were eagerly awaiting the start of sales.
Visual differences from the 12 Pro Max are minuscule. Well, “bangs” are already new, although not everyone will notice it visually. Well, the body is slightly thicker and heavier. If you want everyone to see that you have the latest iPhone, go for the new Sierra Blue color. There is also black, silver and gold.
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The iPhone 13 Pro Max finally has a 120Hz screen. So the key drawback compared to Android competitors has been leveled. In addition, the manufacturer has redesigned the main cameras. Now they can do even more. And it’s nice that the cameras are mega-cool not only in the Pro Max but also in the younger firmware.
But the internal differences are decent – from the new 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display with a refresh rate of 120 Hz and a new camera (12 MP + 12 MP + 12 MP + TOF 3D LiDAR, 3x optical zoom) to a new processor (Apple A15 Bionic ) and fresh iOS features. More details in our review.
The new product is presented in various configurations: 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, and the whole 1 TB. This is the first time this storage volume is available in an iPhone.
Check out detailed review of iPhone 13 Pro Max here
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra is the reference Android flagship. One of the best-operating systems is a sizeable adaptive display, capable cameras, and stylus support.
The flagship of 2021 seems to have warmed up last winter by a few degrees. Samsung fans, at first glance at the device, understood: this is TOP.
A camera with a record range of “native” focal lengths, which can write video in 4K 60p at any value, should be noted immediately. And the photos on the smartphone delight. 108 MP is not a joke to you. According to reviews, the pictures are “indistinguishable from a professional camera with the naked eye.” We advise you to take the configuration with the maximum memory capacity – 512 GB with 16 GB of RAM if you like to shoot. And then, the support for the memory card was removed. There is also a 256 GB model (12 GB RAM). Primary – 128 GB. All are equipped with an eight-core Exynos 2100.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra feels solid in hand. It is a large and heavy metal and glass device. Premium quality is felt in everything: in body materials, tactile sensations, robust hardware base, high-end camera system (108 Mp + 12 Mp + 10 Mp + 10 Mp).
Throw in a Dynamic AMOLED screen with 1440 x 3200 pixels, 120Hz refresh rate, 1500 nits peak brightness, and S Pen support. And the protection with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus is the coolest. And the Samsung people have not forgotten about moisture resistance (IP68).
In general, the flagship is the ultimate, meeting premium standards without any real compromises. Perhaps someone lacked a 3.5mm audio jack and a 3D scanner in the Galaxy S21 Ultra to implement FaceID fully. But this is hardly a disadvantage. But the fact that everything in it is high-class flagship: the screen, sound, cameras, and hardware is hard to deny. Well, support for an electronic pen, which only a few can boast, is also a handy thing. The flagship now, after the release of the new iPhones, has dropped well in price. This is another reason to take a closer look at it.
Check out detailed review of Galaxy S21 Ultra here
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3
This is the third generation of a smartphone with a flexible screen, shown in August as part of the Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2021 and the Galaxy Z Fold 3. The most advanced: with IPX8 water resistance and Gorilla Glass Victus, an even more robust folding mechanism, and a flagship 5-nm processor Snapdragon 888. But the strength of the novelty lies precisely in the form factor, non-standard. The model is fashionable and eye-catching. If you want to stand out, this is your option.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3 is a new generation of clamshell smartphones. Compared to the first Flip, everything has been improved here: from the opening mechanism to the screen protection. And this is the very thing if you want to be in the spotlight. You can beautifully take a smartphone out of your pocket, and it will fit there and surprise others.
There are two configurations: 128 GB and 256 GB. Please note that there is no space for a memory card. Each comes in a quartet of colors: Phantom Black, Green, Lavender, and Cream.
Check out detailed review of Galaxy Z Flip 3 here
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3
It was folded like a 6.2-inch smartphone. And it is pretty comfortable to hold it with one hand. Opened – transforms into a small tablet with a 7.6-inch Infinity Flex display. View content, play, work – everything is possible. Since the camera disappears when the screen is turned on, absolutely nothing interferes with contemplating the picture—another one: bright and smooth. Still, AMOLED technology and 120 Hz.
This is the value for both the main screen and the secondary screen. The functionality of working with an electronic pen has been added to the device. The compact S Pen Fold Edition has been developed specifically for foldable smartphones. The S Pen Pro can also be used. And the Dolby Atmos-enabled stereo speakers turned out to be useful. All this promises a comfortable user experience.
As well as water resistance (IPX8). By the way, this is the world’s first flexible smartphone. And the most durable: the panels are covered with the latest generation of Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, which can withstand a drop from a height of 2 meters, and the internal hinge parts are armored aluminum.
Well, the hardware novelty is power. There are no questions about the performance of the Snapdragon 888 + 12 GB RAM tandem. Together with a sub-screen camera, stylus support, and a reinforced body, all this makes the third incarnation of the Korean foldable smartphone exciting.
The model is available in two configurations: with 256 and 512 GB of permanent memory—a choice of black, green, and silver colors.
Check out detailed review of Galaxy Z Fold 3 here
Xiaomi 11T Pro
The new range from Xiaomi, which already debuted in many countries. The smartphone managed to get the title of the people’s photo flagship. And he shoots, equipped with a Cinemagic camera, imposing.
6.67-inch AMOLED screen with a resolution of 1080 × 2400 pixels and a refresh rate of 120 Hz. And the protection with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, which is so fond of new premium smartphones, is. Compared to the previous generation, it is 200% more scratch-resistant and 150% more drop resistant. Everything is also flagship.
Inside is the popular Snapdragon 888 processor in the device class, supplemented by 8 or 12 GB of RAM. The storage capacity reaches 256 GB.
The trick is fast charging at 120 watts. In 17 minutes, the smartphone is gaining 100% of the supplied power supply.
Xiaomi 11T Pro is a powerful new product with flagship performance, advanced cameras, and fast charging at 120W, giving 100% everything in 17 minutes.
Xiaomi 11T Pro can please with all the features of the top segment, except wireless charging, an under-screen fingerprint scanner, and water resistance. Only splash-proof – IP53. However, this does not spoil the user experience. And the formula of powerful hardware + balanced feature set + good cameras justifiably makes Xiaomi 11T Pro one of the best flagships available.
The device is presented in three colors: Meteorite Gray, Moonlight White, and Celestial Blue.
