Motorola has unveiled the Moto X Style, a flagship with the “best camera ever.” Motorola unveils Moto X Style – flagship with “best camera” Software features, or almost pure Android

At a press conference dedicated to the presentation of the flagship, Motorola presented its new flagship- Moto X Style model. It is positioned as equipped best camera in the segment. Is it so good in action, and what else has Motorola shown that is new?

The unique camera of the Moto X Style is 21 megapixels, enhanced by dual flash and an infrared filter. Enthusiasts immediately began testing the new flagship, comparing it with the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. A DxOMark test showed that the Moto X Style is indeed superior to top-end Apple smartphones in terms of camera performance and scored 83 points, compared to 82 points for the iPhone 6.

The maximum aperture of the Moto X Style camera is F/2.0. It is possible to record video in 4K resolution. Experts confirmed Motorola's ambitious claim, because the smartphone really demonstrated exceptional image characteristics: noise is almost unnoticeable, autofocus is very accurate, stabilization when shooting video is also excellent.

The Moto X Style software platform also provides a significant competitive advantage. Unlike other brands, Motorola installed “pure” Android 5.1.1 Lollipop on the Moto X Style.

Moto X Style Processor - Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 1.8 GHz volume random access memory- 3 GB, permanent - up to 64 GB. The front camera has a resolution of 8 megapixels, there is a separate slot for microSD cards. The 3000 mAh battery promises to last up to 30 hours on a single charge and is additionally equipped with TurboRower technology.

Buying the most affordable phablet from the Moto family of advanced communicators - the Motorola Moto X Play 16 GB DS - will be a good choice if you are looking for a beautiful device with a decent camera and high performance. Branded “chips” will delight the owner of such a gadget, and the record-breaking capacity battery will allow you to use the X Play 16 in any situation - both in the city and in long trip. On one charge, the gadget can work for 42 hours in the mode you need.

Design for aesthetes and originals

Diamond-shaped pattern on the back panel that decorates the Motorola Moto X Play 16 GB smartphone Dual SIM, looks great and feels extremely pleasant in the hand. Special plastic creates the feeling of a rubberized “back” of the gadget; it is resistant to dirt and scratches. The body is curved for maximum comfort in the palm. The design can withstand falls. The case and components of the mobile phone are treated with water-repellent liquid according to the IP52 standard - protection from water, but not from drowning.

Extremely high-quality display

The high-quality IPS display that distinguishes the Motorola Moto X Play 16 GB Dual SIM has significant dimensions - its diagonal reaches 5.5 inches and has a resolution of 1920x1080, for quite budget smartphone this is a great option. The picture on the display is smooth, the brightness is auto-adjustable, the screen continues to be readable in the sun.

Maximum viewing angles allow you to comfortably watch movies with friends. The screen is protected by special glass Gorilla Glass 3 with an oleophobic coating.

Cameras you'll admire

Front-camera Motorola smartphone Moto X Play 16 GB Dual SIM for selfies and video chats has a 5 MP resolution - you will like the result of its work and gesture activation. The main feature of the gadget was the main camera - a 21 megapixel resolution with f/2.0 sensitivity is rarely found even in more expensive models. The proprietary camera control application has features that are designed to make the operation of this solid video module trouble-free. The camera was reinforced with an IR-absorbing filter, double LED flash, geotagging, autofocus, the ability to find faces, take photo panoramas and HDR, and also write 1920x1080 videos.

Performance: more than sufficient

The increased size of RAM (2 GB) is perfectly complemented by an 8-core Snapdragon 615 chipset and an Adreno 405 graphics accelerator. This is enough for smooth and fast work all applications, without exceeding energy consumption. 16 MB of built-in file storage can be expanded with a card up to 128 GB, which is very convenient. The clean version of Android OS 5.1.1 makes managing your phone extremely simple. Mobile device supports all types of communication - from 2 to 4 G, Wi-Fi modules, hotspot, Bluetooth 4.0, A2DP, NFC, GPS/A-GPS/GLONASS.

Mega autonomy and fast charging

The battery with a record capacity of 3630 mAh, as well as fast charging technology (80 minutes), is an excellent reason to buy the Motorola Moto X Play 16 GB DS Black. The device can work up to two days with mixed use, while the screen will work for 5-6 hours.

Specifications

• Android 5.1.1
• Chipset Qualcomm Snapdragon 615, 1.7 GHz, 8 cores, Adreno 405 graphics accelerator
• 2 GB RAM, 16 or 32 GB internal memory, memory cards up to 128 GB
• Screen 5.5 inches, 1080p, 403 ppi, IPS, automatic adjustment backlights, Corning Gorilla Glass 3
• Li-Ion battery 3630 mAh, support for TurboCharge fast charging mode, stated operating time in mixed mode is about 48 hours
• nanoSIM card (dual SIM cards for selected markets)
• One speaker for music playback
• Water-repellent impregnation, IP52
• FM radio
• Bluetooth 4.0 LE, NFC, GSM/GPRS/EDGE, UMTS/HSPA+, 4G LTE (LTE band 1(2100), 3(1800), 5(850), 7(2600), 8(900), 19(800) , 20(800), 28(700), 38(2600), 41(2500) - XT1562); LTE band 1(2100), 2(1900), 3(1800), 4(1700/2100), 5(850), 7(2600), 8(900), 12(700), 17(700), 28 (700) - XT1563 (SS);
• Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual band
• GPS/A-GPS
• 5 megapixel front camera, 21 megapixel main camera with LED flash
• Dimensions – 148x75x8.9-10.9 mm, weight – 169 grams

Contents of delivery

• Smartphone
• Charger with USB cable
• SIM Card Clip
• Brief instructions

Positioning

By the third generation, Moto X has increased in size and at the same time multiplied, now there are not one, but three models with the Play, Style, Pure prefix. The difference between them is huge, starting with the screen diagonal and its resolution and ending with the amount of RAM, battery size and processor. The youngest device in the line is the Moto X Play, the capabilities of which we will talk about in this review. The text will definitely include a comparison of these models, but for now I want to dwell on the positioning of the Moto X Play, which becomes the most affordable model of the family at a minimum price of 299 euros and above.

The idea of ​​Moto X has always been simple and close to the consumer: for three kopecks (three hundred in our case) you can get a phone that, even if it is inferior to flagships costing two to two and a half times more, is not by much. In short, a device that looks good, has high-quality performance, and a decent camera. A sort of workhorse with a nice design, good materials housing and decent performance.

Motorola MOTO X 2014

If in 2014 the Moto X model had typical flagship dimensions, and the screen diagonal was 5.2 inches, then in 2015 Motorola decided to go a little further and make a model with a 5.5-inch diagonal. Despite the same name, we have a fundamentally different device; it has quietly moved from the phone segment to the phablet segment and here, in terms of price/quality ratio, it offers one of the best options for purchase. A distinctive feature of the entire line of phones from Motorola is their favorable price and the presence of their own features that improve the perception of the devices, putting them on the same level as the best solutions other companies. But for those who already own Moto X of previous generations, the new product may seem too big for the hand. There is a feeling that the company wanted to improve many parameters, but decided to focus on the screen diagonal as one of the most understandable and familiar characteristics for the consumer. Unwittingly, the 2014 Moto X is replaced by more cheap model Moto G, and all devices with the X index have turned into phablets.

Perhaps it is important to make one digression here. If you don't have compact phone, you're used to large devices, then the new Moto X will be welcome; it is not at all as gigantic as it might seem. But the dimensions are larger than those of 5-inch models, and this should be remembered, especially if you want to buy a phone in absentia, you should weigh the pros and cons many times.

Speaking about Moto X Play, it should be noted that this is one of the most interesting phones in terms of cost, although it is not without certain drawbacks and compromises that the manufacturer was forced to make. However, let's take a closer look at it, especially since I used the device for a month as my main phone.

Design, dimensions, control elements

Motorola usually gives you the opportunity to customize the phone to suit you and your ideas about beauty; for this you can use special utility MOTOMaker, you choose the body color, panel and design. By default, Play comes in two colors – white and black.

This model does not provide for deep customization, especially since it is supplied only to a number of European countries and Asia. For example, it is available in India but not in the USA, where its place is taken by the previous device. Therefore, if you were expecting that, as before, you could choose a bamboo back panel, then you should forget about it.

Back panel made removable, which allows us to hope that it will be possible to find it on sale various options additional panels. Interestingly, the case is non-separable and opening the panel has only one function - changing the appearance of the device.

I really like the way Motorola designs its panels, and this device is no exception. Diamond-shaped pattern, the panel is made of rubber to the touch, does not slip in your hands and is tactilely pleasant. The feel of this device in the hand can give a head start to many other models, especially since they are noticeably more expensive.

Compared to Samsung Galaxy Note 5

The body is curved, so the size is indicated both in the thinnest part and in the middle, where the thickening is maximum. Dimensions – 148x75x8.9-10.9 mm, weight – 169 grams. Fits perfectly in your hand, it’s weighty, you can take it out of your pocket without looking.

On the back panel there is a recess with the company logo. When you hold the device in your hands, your finger fits into it, which is convenient. There is an on/off button on the right side, it is ribbed and easy to feel without looking at the phone. Below is a paired volume key.

The case materials are typical for a product of this class - it is plastic, there is no metal in the phone. The frame around the body looks like metal, but it is plastic painted in the mass and is quite scratch-resistant. I don’t see anything wrong with the fact that there is no metal frame; the design is quite reliable and can withstand falls. The screen is covered by Corning Gorilla Glass 3.

The phone has two microphones, has a noise reduction system, it works great. Microphones are located at the ends. Also at the top end you can see a 3.5 mm headphone jack, and next to it is a slot for SIM cards and a memory card. The design of the holder is quite interesting: on one side you can insert one or two SIM cards, on the other side - a memory card. The fact that memory cards appeared can be considered progress. Those who buy the European version of the phone with one nanoSIM card can easily reflash it with proprietary software with support for two cards, and you need to remove the plug, and you will have a full-fledged connector. In a word, you can get a full-fledged device for two SIM cards cheaply and cheerfully, but the radio module will remain the same. You should also think about what LTE frequencies you need, it is possible that the game is not worth the trouble and activating the second card when flashing is an unnecessary hassle.

The microUSB connector is located on the bottom end, everything is standard here.

Now a few words about the Activity Display, in the previous model on the front panel, in addition to the light sensor, there were also IR sensors that sensed that you were raising your hand to the screen and turned on icons on it with which you could quickly open an application or rewind music. Here the icons remain, but the sensors themselves have been removed. Now the icons are displayed as soon as you touch the phone, their activation is based on movement.

Unfortunately, in a car this leads to false positives, often the screen turns on when the phone just bounces on bumps, on a table it can also sometimes react to shaking. There is less useful information in this mode than we would like.

Not available on phone led indicator, this is also a sign budget decision. Finally, it remains to be said that Motorola treated the body and components of the device with a water-repellent liquid; it complies with the IP52 standard. It cannot be heated, but it should be able to easily withstand heavy rain.

Externally, the front panel is designed in such a way that it gives the impression that there are two speakers. So, however, it is. But when playing music, only the bottom speaker works, the top one only during calls. There is nothing wrong with this, since the speaker volume is very high, the sound is clear and clearly distinguishable. More than once we sang to this phone in the car, playing music through the speaker.

Build quality, water protection (even if additional) – all this makes the device stand out from the mass of other models. The manufacturer can be praised for its appearance and characteristics; he managed to make an interesting model.

Display

While every manufacturer tries to put on flagship models SuperAMOLED screen, here we have a regular, but very high-quality IPS display. With a diagonal of 5.5 inches, a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels for a phone in this price group is great offer. The quality of the screen is beyond praise: the picture is smooth, the brightness can be adjusted automatically and works well. In the sun the screen remains readable and the picture is clearly visible. Viewing angles are maximum. Whatever one may say, this screen gives the impression of very high quality and at the level of the best samples in its class. It is possible that there is a little lack of brightness, but this is an acquired taste, you quickly get used to the level that is in the device.

It is comfortable to watch movies on it, both diagonal and resolution allow. In a word, this device can be praised for its screen for a long time. Fingerprints remain visible despite the oleophobic coating.

Battery

The characteristics of the built-in Li-Ion battery are as follows: 3630 mAh, total charging time with the included charger is about 3.5 hours. But the phone has TurboCharger technology (similar to Qualcomm's QuickCharge or Samsung's Fast Adaptive Charge), with which the battery can be fully charged in about an hour and twenty minutes. Agree that support for this technology is a huge plus, but you’ll have to buy it separately Charger. I tested Samsung's fast charging with my phone, it works without any problems.

The manufacturer claims that the phone can work up to 48 hours in mixed mode, that is, with active use it will last two days. Impressions in the first week of using the device were not so rosy, the battery ran out within a day, and the screen operating time was about 3.5-4 hours, which cannot be called a record. And no other tasks were performed that would negatively affect the work time. I was perplexed why other users had completely different results.

On the sixth day, a miracle happened: the phone suddenly, on its own and without any change in the settings, began to work noticeably longer. You can look at the results below, but on average it is always two days with 5-6 hours of screen operation (backlight at medium level), a fairly large amount of transferred data. I would like to remind you that in the GSam program some data is displayed crookedly and does not match the built-in utility, so you should give preference to it if the data diverges.

The resulting operating time can safely be called very good. For comparison, my Note 5/EDGE+ in the same modes lasts about 1.5 times less time (they have a brighter backlight, higher screen resolution and a smaller battery, but they still last noticeably less). Among modern LTE smartphones, this model can easily be called one of the longest-living, especially since the Pure/Style has a shorter battery, as well as operating time. That is, the younger model also wins in terms of operating time, which is not bad.

Memory, RAM, chipset and performance

The phone has 2 GB of RAM, which can be considered the golden mean for such devices; it is not little, but not much either. You can choose 16 or 32 GB of internal memory, but there is also card support microSD memory up to 128 GB. This is a big plus for the device, especially given the fact that Samsung is abandoning memory cards in many models.

The chipset inside the phone is Snapdragon 615, 1.7 GHz, 8 cores, Adreno 405 graphics accelerator. The performance of this solution is at an average level, but Motorola has learned to squeeze the maximum possible out of Qualcomm chipsets without increasing power consumption. Take a look at the synthetic benchmark results below.

In practice, not everything is as rosy as we would like. Let me start with the fact that there are often slowdowns in the interface, third-party programs may open slowly, but there may be slowdowns even when waking up in regular menu, for example, the list of SMS or calls. This is not very annoying, especially if you remember the price of the phone, but it is certainly very far from the flagships. Here I can advise a simple thing: evaluate for yourself how critical this moment is for you. There are people who can't handle even a millisecond of delay, and there are those who simply don't care.

USB, Bluetooth, communication capabilities

Version BT 4.0, all profiles are supported, which can be considered a nice feature of the device. Depending on model number supported different frequencies for LTE:

• LTE band 1(2100), 3(1800), 5(850), 7(2600), 8(900), 19(800), 20(800), 28(700), 38(2600), 41(2500 ) - XT1562;
• LTE band 1(2100), 2(1900), 3(1800), 4(1700/2100), 5(850), 7(2600), 8(900), 12(700), 17(700), 28 (700) - XT1563 (SS).

For Wi-Fi there is support for 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band 2x2 (MIMO). The phone has NFC, but the USB version is 2.0.

Camera

The front camera has a resolution of 5 megapixels, which is quite good for its class. But the main camera is built on a Sony IMX230; it is a matrix with a resolution of 21 megapixels (f/2.0), which matches the best cameras in terms of image quality in ideal conditions and clearly outperforms almost all models with a similar price.

In absentia, I was interested in this model precisely because of the quality of the camera, I looked at a dozen reviews made by American publications, and I desired this device like never before and any phone before. Even before I saw the phone, I had the strong impression that the camera was something special and that it could take pictures at least as well as Samsung’s flagships.

The first disappointment was that Motorola used its proprietary camera application, which in terms of ergonomics can be considered very, very poor.

For example, by default you cannot focus on an object by touching the screen; to do this, you need to turn on the appropriate mode, and then exposure compensation will appear. This is not just inconvenient, it is a crooked implementation that cannot be justified in any way.

The camera module uses 192 phase focusing sensors, which in theory makes autofocus operation fast and trouble-free. Keyword- in theory. Autofocus is slow, often fails, and focuses on the wrong subjects. Indoors, the camera blurs the picture, and the sensitivity of the matrix is ​​not enough. Look at two pictures taken almost immediately; in one, the camera captured the image, and in the other, it was typically blurred.

In ideal conditions, when you have even, bright sunlight and no contrast differences, the camera in the Moto X shoots at the same level as the best cameras from other manufacturers. But as soon as the lighting conditions worsen, all is lost. For example, taking a photo of a sunset and not getting a mess at the end is an almost impossible task.

Moto X Play	Galaxy EDGE+

To show the difference in the quality of the pictures, I took them with this camera and with Samsung EDGE+, I think the pictures speak for themselves.

Moto X Play	Galaxy EDGE+

And here are some photos in different places taken with the Moto X Play camera.

The camera can also automatically read barcodes (the option appeared with an update to the camera application). But it is unlikely that many will need this opportunity.

Software features, or almost pure Android

Almost in front of us pure android, which Motorola has barely changed at all. Version 5.1.1, 6.0 should appear in October. This will be one of the first 6.0 devices, not counting the new Nexus.

The menu organization is familiar, repeat the standard Android description there's no point.

At the same time, I would like to note that there is a built-in FM radio, it works with headphones, the quality is not bad.

From a multimedia point of view, I liked this device, it plays music well, and comparing it with classmates of predominantly Chinese origin, I give preference to it, the sound is reproduced cleaner and better.

The Moto app shows you how you can swipe your wrist to activate the camera, how you can record a voice tag to wake up your phone, and introduce you to night mode.

Individual applications processed, for example, this is a gallery or the creation of multimedia cuts from videos and photos that you receive automatically.

But nothing that would be worth talking about as a new and additional quality for the familiar Android.

Over the course of a month of using the phone, I caught errors in standard applications, for example, Google maps crashed for me.

There were not many such small problems, they arose sometimes, but in general they happened. It is also worth knowing about this so as not to expect anything from the device perfect job. But I also can’t call it raw. I get the feeling that some errors are associated with the absence of a number of sensors (gyroscope, magnetometer, etc.) and traces of their use in Motorola software. I think that with new firmware the stability of the device will increase; today it is already at a good level and there are no noticeable problems, there are minor and annoying flaws that do not spoil the overall impression.

Impression

The ringer volume is excellent and can be heard from the jacket and internal pockets. The vibration alert is average and is not always felt. The quality of voice transmission is good, but here you need to remember one thing - in which country and what model you are purchasing. For example, my phone was purchased in Germany and it is intended for Europe. There were no problems with it in Moscow networks, but a device that was similar in characteristics, but came from India, showed much worse results, lost the network and behaved disgracefully. As far as I know, after flashing to European software, all the problems disappeared.

While roaming in the UK, my phone sometimes behaved strangely, losing the 4G network, connecting to it with restrictions (data transmission was disabled). During a conversation while roaming, the connection was often lost. In the native network in Moscow, nothing similar was observed even remotely; everything worked like clockwork.

Considering that the cost of this device is 299 euros without taxes in Germany, with delivery it can be obtained in Russia for 24 thousand rubles, this is exactly how I purchased the device. There is nothing on the Russian market in this class and with such characteristics even close. In terms of price/quality ratio, Moto X Play beats most devices from large companies, however, it also does this with manufacturers from China. This phablet is often compared to OnePlus Two, but it worse camera, battery, controversial chipset, though, comparable screen and, in theory, the invitation price is equal to that of the Moto X.

In practice, there is no memory cards, the price from resellers is from 30 thousand rubles. This is a bad purchase in every sense, and the model is very controversial.

For those looking for a cheap and productive phablet, you can look at Idol 3 5.5; at a price of about 19 thousand rubles, it gives an excellent price/quality ratio. But this is a lower class product, it has a worse camera, two speakers are quieter than the one in the Moto X.

Motorola has made a very good workhorse. Great screen great camera For daylight, which allows you to get decent pictures and beats almost all competitors in its class. And most importantly, it has a long operating time on a single charge and fast getting android 6 by air. The model turned out to be interesting and is worth paying close attention to. In a crisis, this is an excellent offer, a kind of golden mean, the device will definitely last for a couple of years of use. And he is simply pleasant in appearance.

Now just a few words about how the Style/Pure version differs from the regular Play. Screen size – 5.7 inches with QHD resolution, Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 chipset, 3 GB of RAM, 3000 mAh battery instead of 3630 mAh, stereo speakers instead of one mono. As you can see, the differences are quite serious and allow us to consider this device as a different model. But the price is at least a hundred euros higher, and in some countries the difference is even greater. Moto Review We'll try to prepare X Style/Pure later.

In 2017, many new inexpensive devices with a good camera appeared on the market: among these smartphones there are both premium-segment models and very simple ones.

The latter are particularly interesting: the combination low price and excellent shooting quality - a real killer feature that gives the device a huge advantage over its competitors.

Naturally, other characteristics are also important, but when it comes to camera phones, they fade into the background.

Advice: You shouldn’t focus only on sensor size and megapixels. The numbers are important, but what is more important is the actual image quality the camera produces.

You should definitely look at examples of photographs and videos, preferably taken in different conditions - at home and on the street, day and night, without flash and with it.

It’s also worth looking for reviews of phones with the same camera module that were released earlier: they will help you figure out what you can expect from this smartphone.

Moto G4 - the king is back

Motorola introduced this year the next line of its Moto G4, which have already gained fame as very good smartphones at an extremely low price.

The new line is true to these ideals - the manufacturer managed to keep the price of the devices at the upper limit of our price bracket.

For a G4 Plus with 32 gigabytes of memory you will have to pay an average of 19-20 thousand rubles.

In some stores, however, the price goes beyond a thousand rubles - but you can always find a cheaper option.

There is also a much cheaper G4 Play in the line, but it is not suitable for our selection - its main camera is only 8 megapixels, while the G4 has 13, and the G4 Plus has 16 megapixels.

Characteristics:

• Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow.
• Display: 5.5-inch diagonal, 1920 x 1080 pixels, IPS matrix, Gorilla Glass 3.
• Camera: G4 - 13 MP, G4 Plus - 16 MP, autofocus, panoramic shooting, HDR, Full HD video with a frame rate of 30 fps.
• Memory - 2 GB RAM/16-32 GB ROM in G4 and 2/16, 3/32 and 4/64 in G4 Plus.
• The processor is an eight-core Qualcomm MSM8952 Snapdragon 617. All cores are Cortex-A53, four operate at 1.5 GHz, the rest at 1.2 GHz.
• Battery: non-removable, Li-Ion, 3000 mAh.
• Availability of LTE.
• Fingerprint scanner and fast charging TurboPower in Plus version.

Xiaomi Mi 5 is the best Xiaomi flagship

The new Mi from Xiaomi has become a qualitative step forward in the history of the development of the company's flagship devices.

A combination of amazing features modern design and a very attractive price ensured the new Mi5 enormous popularity.

You can love it at least for the main camera: 16 megapixels, IMX298 sensor from Sony, sapphire crystal.

It is also worth noting the diagonal of the smartphone screen: a 5.15-inch screen gives a little more space than a five-inch one, but it is still relatively comfortable to hold with one hand, which can hardly be said about 5.5” devices.

Price range for different variants This device is wide - you can find Mi5 for 17 thousand rubles, and for 40.

They differ in the amount of RAM and built-in memory and the central processor.

Characteristics:

• Android 6.0 Marshmallow, MIUI 7 shell from Xiaomi.
• Display: 5.15 inches, 1920x1080 px, 428 ppi, Gorilla Glass 4.
• Main camera: 16 megapixels, f/2.0, OIS, IMX298 sensor, flash, autofocus, sapphire crystal.
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 820, 4 cores, 1.8 GHz/2.15 GHz.
• RAM: 3 GB 1333 MHz LPDDR4, 3/4 GB 1866 MHz LPDDR4 (depending on version).
• ROM: 32/64/128 gigabytes.
• Battery: non-removable, 3000 mAh, fast charging.
• NFC, fingerprint scanner, GLONASS and GPS, LTE, two nano-SIM slots, no memory card slot.

LeEco Le 2 is a sales record holder

The LeEco company was not very well known on the Russian market: their previous series of devices, Le 1, received good grades, the same cannot be said about distribution.

Having assessed the market, the company began an active advertising campaign in the CIS with new devices.

Bet on low price And good characteristics the younger model worked, and the first batch of pre-orders of new phones at a discount was “swept off the shelves” of the online store in a matter of days.

The company boasted of 121 thousand sales in Russia in the first 24 hours.

The device has a good 16-megapixel main camera.

No less important is that LeEco was not bypassed even in the younger model front camera- here it is 8 megapixels, which will finally allow you to take truly high-quality selfies.

The price of the device is only 15 thousand rubles.

Characteristics:

• Android 6.0 Marshmallow, proprietary EUI shell.
• Display: 5.5”, 1920 x 1080 px, IPS, In-Cell technology.
• Camera: 16 MP, f/2.0 autofocus, dual-tone flash.
• Front camera: 8 megapixels, f/2.2.
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 652, eight cores, 1.8 GHz.
• Memory (RAM/ROM): 3/32 gigabytes.
• Battery: 3000 mAh, fast charging.
• Connecting CDLA headphones (included) via USB Type-C, 3.5 mm adapter, LTE, no memory card slot, fingerprint scanner, two SIM cards.

Lenovo Vibe X3 - 21 megapixels for 21 thousand

Lenovo released Vibe smartphone X3 at the beginning of 2016.

Initially it was positioned in a higher price category- its price at the start was in the range from 26 to 31 thousand rubles, which did not add to its popularity.

After three quarters, the price of a smartphone has dropped significantly, which is good news.

After all, for 21-22 thousand, for which you can now buy a Lenovo Vibe X3, the buyer gets a phone with excellent sound (three amplifiers, 1.5 W stereo speakers, ESS Sabre9018C2M audio processor) and a camera.

The latter takes it in numbers here: 21 megapixels in a device for $300 is a very good indicator.

Characteristics:

• Android 5.1 Lolipop, proprietary VIBE UI shell;
• Display: 5.5 inches, 1920×1080 pixels, 403 ppi, IPS, Gorilla Glass 3;
• Camera: 21 megapixels, flash, autofocus, f/2.0 aperture;
• Front camera: 5 megapixels, f/2.2;
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 MSM8992, two Cortex-A57 cores (1.8 GHz), four Cortex-A53 cores (1.44 GHz).
• Memory (RAM/ROM): 3/64 gigabytes.
• Battery: 3600 mAh.
• Two nano-SIM, NFC, LTE, support for memory cards up to 128 GB, Dolby ATMOS.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 3 Pro - a legend for 13 thousand rubles

Another phone from Xiaomi, but this time more deserved. It was announced on January 14, 2016, and went on sale on the 17th.

This phone became a real hit in the market and outshone all its competitors. The reason for this was the unsurpassed combination of characteristics and price.

Several things distinguished it from the younger model, Redmi Note 3: the processor (MT6795 was replaced by Snapdragon 650), video chip (Adreno 510 was installed instead of PowerVR G6200), and a memory card slot appeared (the absence of which was the main drawback of Redmi Note 3).

The main camera module has also been updated - instead of a 13-pixel one, a 16 megapixel module was installed. Everything else remains the same.

But the combination of such long-awaited and important changes along with the low price of the device (at the start the difference in cost between the models was 3 thousand, now it is much less) was the very reason why Redmi Note 3 Pro gained enormous popularity and has not lost it to this day .

But during this time the price has decreased - today this smartphone can be bought for only 11-13 thousand rubles.

Characteristics:

• Android 5.1 Lolipop, MIUI 7 proprietary shell;
• Display: 5.5 inches, 1920 x 1080 pixels, IPS matrix, 401 ppi;
• Camera: 16-megapixel S5K3P3 module from Samsung. f/2.0, shooting video in 4K through Google app Camera;
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 650, 6 cores, 2 cores - Cortex A72 (1.8 GHz), 4 cores - Cortex A53 (1.2 GHz);
• Memory (RAM/ROM): 2/16 GB, 3/32 GB;
• Battery: non-removable, 4050 mAh;
• LTE Cat. 7, support for memory cards up to 128 GB, two SIM, one radio module.

Conclusion

More and more manufacturers of mid-end smartphones this year have decided to move away from the standard combination of a 13-megapixel main and 5-megapixel front camera module and release a phone at an affordable price that is capable of taking really good pictures.

Many succeeded immediately; those who decided to release a phone with modest characteristics at a higher cost had to reconsider their pricing policy.

At the end of this year, in recent months, manufacturers will begin to make high-profile announcements for the fourth quarter of 2016 and Q1 of 2017, and it is likely that there will be more and more such phones - and we will see even more good camera phones at a low price in the new year.