In 2020, smartphones are practically our only multimedia device. The object with which we have the most contact is becoming a cybernetic extension of our brain. Whether we like it or not. It would be difficult to walk without a smartphone. This is also why the selection of the best phone of the year is a very demanding task, which we at our editorial office tackled in a somewhat unique way. So these are the best smartphones of 2020.
Anyone can type a search string into Google these days and see how global tech newsrooms are doing specialized media voted about smartphones of the year 2020 and which smartphones are always ranked in the top positions. There is almost always a new series in these lists this year of the iPhone 12 smartphone, premium smartphones Samsung Series 20, and almost all editors choose at least one manufacturer's model OnePlus. Thus, in our selection, it is very difficult to depart from the "general choice", since the world of smartphones has been defined for several years by some key players who always occupy the highest positions. But we can explain and define our choice a little better and choose according to the space in which we are. In this way, we can compile a list that will be closer to Slovenians, who are known for the fact that we do not save excessively on phones, as we have one of the most specific smartphone markets, with an exceptional percentage of smartphone purchases related to this. This is somehow disproportionate to the extraordinary "personal" costs, given the standard we are willing to pay for our telecommunication services and devices. Slovenians love to "furamo" excellent and above-average phones. Especially when we compare ourselves to some of the most developed nations. To begin with, let's look at some of the key technological features that many of the best smartphones of 2020 have in common and are setting new trends this year.
2020 Smartphone Technology Trends
(5G, 5nm processors, 120Hz screens, great budgets)
In terms of progress, this year is extremely interesting. All premium phones have received 5G connectivity, which so far no one can take full advantage of, because in practice the technology is not implemented by operators. In Slovenia, only Telekom is currently testing it "live" with users. Buy a phone with 5G in 2020 therefore, there is no necessity, also for another simple reason, that the coverage of s 5G signal for at least two more years, it will not be enough to be able to use this technology in everyday life. Earlier, the average user will most likely have already bought a new phone that, even in the budget class in 2022, will enable 5G technology. So sometimes it happens that a certain technology simply overtakes. Or it pops up and doesn't significantly change the average user's user experience. Somehow it is with the processors that in the year 2020 in the best devices they use 5 nm processor construction technology. Users will notice all of this in slightly better battery life, as these types of processors are more economical. The most demanding users may notice that the phone works a bit faster, but these will be extremely rare. They are also the ones who will appreciate another new technology, the faster refresh rate of the phone's screen, which this year reached number 120 Hz. This is really noticeable only when playing games, otherwise it represents a complete waste of resources, especially on the smartphone battery side. Most phones, however, use much lower values in "normal" operation. Also because of all the above, one of the "resulting" trends is a new excellence in the class of low-cost phones. These phones in the class up to 300 euros they offer practically all the key features of several times more expensive premium models. Above all, the difference in user experience between cheap and premium devices has been reduced. Cheap low-cost phones no longer "get stuck" and have good screens and often huge batteries. The bigger difference is still in the photo and video capabilities. But this is also decreasing from year to year. However, a sustainable trend is also indicated for the future. He began to emphasize this this year Apple, whose phones have been considered more "durable" for some time, also from the point of view of the average age of the phone and useful life. This year, they are also adding an ecologically sustainable component to this sustainability and are committed to being in sooner than 10 years become a carbon neutral company. One of the main reasons is that they reduced the "packaging" of their phones and discontinued some accessories, such as the usual charger.
Our pick of the best smartphones of 2020
In the editorial office, we are evaluating the phone several factors were taken into account. We therefore took the ratio between price and quality as the main guideline, or the "price performance" and added all other standard evaluation elements, such as design, specifications, etc., to it. and get the following interesting list of winners of each category.
The best budget smartphone
Xiaomi Note 10 Lite
Xiaomi he always makes nice devices, but that's right Mi Note 10 Lite the one that really stands out. It is designed in such a coordinated way that the device could easily be priced several times higher. It all starts with the 6.47-inch screen AMOLED, which is curved and has very minimal bezels. For the selfie camera, the notch is a minimal "teardrop". The phone is available in three beautiful colors (Glacier White, Midnight Black and Nebula Purple), each of which has a very distinct look that is not at all kitschy this time. Beneath the surface is the processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 730G, 6 GB of RAM, 64 or 128 GB of storage space and a truly massive battery s 5,260 mAh. In the camera department, you will find a main camera with 64 MP, an extremely wide-angle camera with 8 MP and a macro camera with 2 MP, which is accompanied by a depth sensor with 5 MP.
To purchase: AMOLED screen with curved edges; available in beautiful colors; Snapdragon 730G processor; powerful camera system; large battery
The best mid-range smartphone
OnePlus Nord
OnePlus brand right with the model Oneplus Nord returns to to its roots – low-cost excellence. On the "hardware" side, it thus offers almost incredible specifications, dominated by the z screen 90 Hz and technology AMOLED and Full HD resolution. Thanks to the refresh rate, the image runs extremely smoothly. The screen, which is so fantastic, is accompanied by the Snapdragon 765G and a large battery that can be charged at 30W. As for the software, OnePlus Nord drives OxygenOS, which is based on Android 10. A perfectly packaged and cleaned system that we can only praise.
To purchase: AMOLED screen with 90Hz; excellent performance and specifications; long battery life; fast charging with 30 W; Android implementation
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The most attractive smartphone under 500 euros
Motorola Edge
Motorola definitely coming back. They have the best phone in the class under 200 euros, Motorola G8, and according to our editors, the "hottest" package in the class under 500 euros. This year in May, this brand presented a model Motorola Edge, which with its 6.7 inches belongs to the larger phones and brings many excellences. The first is definitely the screen OLED, which is refreshed with frequency 90 Hz and has a rounded shape and is protected by 5th generation Gorilla Glass. The fingerprint sensor is hidden under the screen, where it is accompanied by an excellent processor Snapdragon 765G, which at the same time enables it to transfer data with 5G technology. The offal is stored on a rather large battery that takes a break 4,500 mAh and it can be quickly charged with up to 18 W. Unfortunately, wireless charging is not available.
To purchase: excellent design and overall look of the phone; fantastic OLED screen with 90Hz; a large battery with as much as 4,500 mAh; great price for the package
The best Android smartphone in the premium class
Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra
When it comes to the best Android phone of the year, it has Samsung each year the main candidate for victory. But the moment he adds the word "Ultra" to his products, he raises the whole game to a slightly higher level. And so it is with the model Galaxy S20 Ultra, which in principle differs from the usual one (S20 Plus series), differs in small things, but they are not insignificant and give it that decisive advantage that makes it an Android phone in 2020. For a start, it is slightly larger than the usual one S20+ and serves with a screen of as much as 6.9 inches. It has a slightly better selfie camera sensor that it can handle instead 10MP right 40MP and a slightly larger battery, which has 5,000 mAh and can be charged faster than the normal S20+, i.e. with 45 W. Otherwise, the differences are slowly closing here, but the little things still count when it comes to the title of the best Android phone. No other manufacturer offers such a complete package.
To purchase: if you want the ultimate phone that doesn't make any compromises; exceptional level of manufacturing - comparable only to Apple devices; interesting design; the best display among all smartphones
The best value for money smartphone
Oppo Find X2 Pro
Oppo Find X2 Pro is the only real rival to the series Samsung Galaxy S20 for the crown of the best Android phone and is currently the best value for money phone in the Android world. Powered by GA Snapdragon 865 and is also therefore a really fast phone, while the screen OLED with 120 Hz brings joy to multimedia consumption. The handling of the battery is also more than excellent and enables the fastest charging with a power of as much as 65W. This makes up for the lack of Qi wireless charging. Oppo Find X2 The Pro also supports data transfer with 5G technology. But the camera system supported by the new one is also excellent Sony's sensor IMX689 and creates beautiful photos. It also offers 10x hybrid zoom and 60x digital zoom.
To purchase: 120Hz screen refresh rate; fastest charging with 65W, Snapdragon 865
The best value for money for iOS
Apple iPhone 12
His predecessor Apple iPhone 11 was by far the best-selling phone of the year. Apple's biggest selling point. That's also why this year Apple he didn't skimp on the model iPhone 12 and dedicated to the latter much of the excellence of his bigger "brothers". That's right the biggest leap with a smartphone screen that is the same as the Pro version, and the guts where the processor beats are the same A14 Bionic with slightly less RAM. The major difference is in the camera system, which as usual is only two. So the telephoto lens and the Lidar sensor are missing. But most users will not miss this. The colors of the phone are also slightly less premium, but that is a matter of completely individual taste and choice. The bottom line is definitely the price that is for the world Apple still extremely interesting and puts the phone in an interesting place. It's fine for most users iPhone 12 by far the best phone of the year 2020. The sales figures will also show this.
To purchase: the greatest improvement compared to its predecessor; great photography and video; value for money; value preservation
The best large smartphone of 2020
Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra
When it comes to ultra-large phones, measuring as much as 6.9 inches, the Note series is always the one that offers the most complete phone. And this year is no different, because Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra brings practically everything. This means that everything in this phone is "ultra" and at the highest possible level. The triple camera system with a main sensor of 108 MP was adopted from the "smaller brother" S20 Ultra. Photography and videography are both at the highest possible level. The Note is also the best Android phone for video producers. So it makes the best and most stabilized video. To the processor Exynos 990 keeps company just 12 GB working memory. But he supports everything data transfer with 5G technology, which is standard in this 2020 price range. The screen, which refreshes at 120 Hz and is in technology, is also proverbially excellent AMOLED 2X. In addition to fast wireless charging IQ with 15 W, enables classic fast charging with 25 W. It is of course waterproof according to the standard IP68, which is almost logical. Its biggest advantage over the competition is definitely the pen, which is its trademark and causes a certain addiction when used. This is also why "Note users" often remain "Note users".
To purchase: a huge phone that will conjure up a cinematic experience in your hands; the S Pen is positively addictive and is what really sets it apart from the rest of the competition; the manufacturing level is at the highest possible level
The best phone of 2020
Apple iPhone 12 Pro
New ones iPhone 12 Pro it is simply a complete package. Its 6.1-inch size seems like the right size phone for most users. Compared to last year's model, however, it has grown somewhat in this segment and does not create such a need for a larger MAX model. We also praise the design, which is not drastically changed at first glance, but when you hold the phone in your hand, it is clear that it is a completely new phone that has little in common with last year's. The processor is hidden inside A14 bionic with 5 technology 5 nm, which is without a doubt the best processor in the industry and will soon be seen in new laptops as well Apple. It supports data transfer with 5G technology. Of course, the camera system has also been greatly improved with an emphasis on "better lenses" and an additional Lidar sensor that helps with autofocus and depth perception. For videographers, this is the best phone to take video to the next level this year. So it can capture video in 4K with as much as 60 fps and support Dolby Vision HDR. You can capture photos in RAW format. There is a "not so" fast charging with 20 W, but it is necessary to take into account that the battery is smaller than that of normal phones, because at Apple they know how to put together the right package of software and machine. Finally, perhaps a not so insignificant feature: excellent speakers, for a great user experience when enjoying music or movies. Add to that a great operating system iOS 14, the story becomes almost ideal and slightly kitschy. This is also why it is extremely easy to place it on the very top.
To purchase: the proverbial preservation of the value of the phone; greatly improved camera system; the most comprehensive phone; iOS operating system
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Some more phones that simply cannot be overlooked in 2020
The phones listed above are clear winners, but this year is extra special. This is also why we have prepared an additional selection of phones that stand out for one or a set of features and added a few new categories, among which we were particularly pleasantly surprised by Sony this year with the Sony Xperia 1 II model. It is one of those phones that made the most concrete progress this year. It's a real shame that so few of these phones are sold.
The cheapest phone with 5G: Realme X50 5G / €305.79
Best display: OnePlus 8 Pro / €720.14
Best movie phone: Sony Xperia 1 II / €999.58
The most powerful phone: OnePlus 8T / €599.00
The best Google phone: Pixel 5 / €800.00
Current best smartphones and prices and purchase through the links below
Last Updated 2024-11-12 / Affiliate Links / Photo Source: Amazon Product Advertising API
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The prices in this record are dynamic nature and are subject to change. Links in this post may contain affiliate links.
