Rating of the best smartphones under 15,000 rubles in 2020

According to statistics, a person spends an average of 5-7 hours a day in front of a phone screen. It is not surprising, because for many, almost all life is concentrated in it. A telephone with an Internet connection is not only a means of communication, it is access to any information and entertainment. This device is used for work, implementation of creative projects, education, search for like-minded people.

The best manufacturers regularly release new items. As a rule, their price is high. When making a choice in favor of the next premium flagship of a well-known company, you often have to pay extra for the brand. However, you can choose a decent smartphone for up to 15,000 rubles, the characteristics of which will not disappoint.

Recently, manufacturers from China began to occupy the leading positions in the market. They offer budget, but at the same time, reliable and productive models. Do not give in to the belief that inexpensive means substandard. Their characteristics are often superior to their advertised counterparts in the same price segment. These smartphones have a significant plus - a low price.

Selection Criteria Overview

But before you find out which company is better and where it is profitable to buy a smartphone, as well as view the rating of high-quality and popular models, you need to determine your personal selection criteria. After all, everyone has individual needs and preferences, and what will be a significant plus for one user may be a completely useless function for another.

operating system

This is something that cannot be felt and held in the hands, but one of the most important parameters. Something that you have to interact with every time you use the device. By and large, you only have to choose from three options. The three pillars of the modern market are Android, iOS and Windows phone.

The popularity of the first two is beyond doubt. Each has pros and cons.

• Windows phone is not as advertised, but that's not what stops most buyers. The structure of this operating system is somewhat complicated, which is not surprising, because it was originally developed for computers. In addition, there is a shortage of applications for it, and those that are available are mostly paid.
• iOS has established itself as the most secure system. It guarantees the absolute security of the user's personal data, but at the same time "apple products" are of considerable value.
• If we are talking about budget devices, then it is better to opt for those that run on the Android system. It is the most widely used OS today. It is intuitive, easy to operate, allows you to easily customize the smartphone for yourself and control its work. There is a huge selection of apps, including free ones.

But if it is quite simple to decide on the choice of OS, then everything is not so simple with the rest of the criteria.

Display

The main indicators of interest to the user:

• the size;
• brightness;
• matrix;
• resolution.

There are models with a very small screen, with a diagonal of 3 - 3.5 inches. They are mainly intended for making calls and sending SMS. Watching a movie or playing on a device with such a screen will be quite problematic. On the other hand, devices with a screen size over 6 inches can be quite awkward to use. Although some acquire them in order to emphasize their status.

And yet 5-6 inch screens are considered optimal.

Often the screen configuration and camera position are important to the user. The cutout for it can have the shape of a "monobrow" as opposed to a standard frame, or a newfangled "drop". There is no need to talk about the increase in the working area of ​​the screen as a result of these tweaks, it is quite insignificant. But phones with "monobrow" and "droplet" look modern and attractive.

From the size of the display, you can go straight to the discussion of resolution. Naturally, the higher it is, the better and better the picture will be. But buying a phone with a Full HD screen makes sense only with a large display of the device itself. For a standard 5 inches, HD (1280 x 720) is optimal.

The type of matrix is ​​equally important. Currently used:

• TFT;
• IPS;
• Super Amoled;
• Retina.

TFT matrix is ​​an old technology. It is better to refuse to purchase a model with such a display right away.
Super Amoled and Retina give a high quality picture, but the devices equipped with them cost a lot.
It is best to stay on devices with an IPS matrix.

CPU

What determines the speed and performance of the phone? On the number of cores and the clock speed of the processor (as well as on the amount of RAM, but we will talk about it later). The more cores, the more nimble the phone will be, but the faster it will discharge. It makes sense to choose models with a powerful processor if the device will be used for active games.

Qualcomm Snapdragon is considered to be the best manufacturer of processors for mobile phones. There are many modifications to this popular processor. But in the most inexpensive models, you can find a Mediatek processor. It does not differ in high speed of work, but it can significantly reduce the price of the product. An even weaker processor is the Spreadtrum, but nevertheless it is still used in some Philips models.

Samsung uses Exynos processors. Compared to Snapdragon, they run cooler and consume less power. But in games, Exynos are inferior to the competitor.

Huawei products are powered by Hisilicon kirin processors. They have no particular differences from the aforementioned Exynos and Snapdragon.

Memory

RAM is temporary storage for all the data that the system needs to run. The amount of RAM directly affects the speed of work. For surfing the Internet, chatting, listening to music or reading books, 2 GB will be enough. Fans of heavyweight games and watching videos are recommended to choose models with 4 GB.

The permanent memory provides the amount of information (photos, videos, games, documents) that can be stored in the phone. And the required amount of memory depends entirely on the needs of the user. Modern smartphones come with a minimum volume of 16 GB and an additional memory card slot. But you should check before buying what the maximum memory card size can be supported by this model. There are smartphones that support up to 512 GB, on such devices there will be more than enough space for everything you need.
An important criterion is the presence of a separate slot for a memory card and sim cards. Sometimes it is hybrid, and then the user has to choose what to use. Simultaneous installation of two SIM cards (and all modern smartphones are dual SIM) and memory cards with a hybrid slot is impossible.

Sensors

Light sensors are installed on all modern devices.They allow you to adjust the brightness of the screen in different lighting conditions for comfort and reduce eye fatigue.

Accelerometer and gyroscope are sensors that determine the position of the phone in space. Thanks to them, the screen is automatically rotated when changing position and gesture control.

The proximity sensor is used to turn off the display when you bring the phone to your ear during a conversation. The display dims to prevent accidental button presses.

There are noise canceling devices for correct voice control.

Wireless interfaces: It is hardly possible to find a smartphone that does not support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. But the useful function of contactless payment for services - not all devices have NFC yet.

Protection

For many users, confidentiality and protection of personal data is very important. Considering how much personal information is stored in the phone, it is worth considering restricting access to it by third parties. Modern smartphones are equipped with a fingerprint scanner and face unlock function. With the latter, it became possible to turn on the device with your own smile.

Dual sim

Recently released models have a dual SIM card slot. It's comfortable. Work and personal spheres of communication may not overlap.

Battery

The energy-intensive battery ensures long-term autonomy of the smartphone. For comfortable use of the device, it must have a battery with a capacity of at least 3000 mAh. Depending on the intensity of work, the phone will have to be charged once every 1-3 days. But the rate at which battery power is consumed depends not only on the user, but also on the device itself. A powerful processor and a large, bright display will capture precious charging percentages well.

Camera

The quality of the pictures is determined by the number of megapixels. Modern smartphones come with two cameras: rear and front.

The rear camera, as a rule, has a higher resolution, in most popular models from 12 MP, and in top smartphones this figure can reach 40 MP, thereby turning the device into a so-called camera phone. Although recently, lovers of taking selfies are beginning to pay special attention to the front, or more simply front-facing, selfie camera.

But the number of megapixels is not everything. An important factor is the presence of ISO - an intelligent image stabilization function. There is no point in talking about flash, autofocus and zoom, almost all modern smartphones are equipped with them.

Cameras that have a bokeh effect, that is, a blur of the background, are interesting. Photo enthusiasts definitely need to clarify how the phone takes pictures at night.

Sample photos of different models can always be found on the Internet.

Housing

Most phones are made of plastic. And this is not surprising. Thanks to this, the weight of the device is reduced, if repair is necessary, the plastic case can be opened much easier, and the cost of such smartphones is significantly lower than those models where materials such as aluminum or glass are used.

Manufacturers often use special coatings, hydrophobic - for moisture protection, and oleophobic, thanks to which fingerprints do not remain on plastic and glass.

The cover glass of the screen should be fairly scratch resistant. Gorilla Glass is considered ideal today. The thickness of this glass also matters. But to protect against small scratches, an additional protective glass should be used.

Equipment

In addition to the phone and charging, manufacturers often put in the packaging an additional silicone case, a screen wipe and other useful little things. It is also worth paying attention to the length of the charging cord, it is desirable that it be at least one meter. Otherwise, it makes sense to purchase a separate cord.

The dimensions of the phone must be indicated on the box.After all, some large models are not convenient to carry in pockets.

Based on all of the above, you can draw up a plan for choosing a smartphone and then start exploring the range of stores.

Rating of the best smartphones under 15,000 rubles in 2020

Philips S561

Opens a dozen smartphones worth up to 15,000 rubles model s561 from Phillips.
The cost of a smartphone is 6500 rubles.

The phone has a standard appearance. The plastic case is quite scratch resistant, but there is no oleophobic coating.

This phone has the smallest screen of 5.45 inches out of those offered in the rating. Not a very high resolution (1440 × 720), but it produces a good picture, moderately bright, fades a little in the sunlight.

The processor produced by Spreadtrum is not the strongest, but the manufacturers have laid 3 GB of RAM to help it. Therefore, the performance of this model is not bad. There are no tangible problems, it supports many games on minimal settings.

Built-in memory - 32 GB, you can additionally install microSD up to 128 GB. Separate card slot.
Average camera characteristics. The main one with a resolution of 13 MP and an additional lens of 2 MP. Frontal - 5 MP.

Quite a capacious battery - 4000 mAh. It works for a long time, but also takes a long time to charge, up to 4 hours. Unfortunately, fast charging is not available.

• separate card slot;
• 3 GB of RAM;
• low price;
• loud noise;
• excellent battery capacity.

• not very high quality of communication;
• average image quality;
• nondescript design;
• no NFC;
• weak processor.

Decent and reliable device for its price. Perfect for making calls, watching videos, surfing the Internet, reading and listening to music.

Honor 8a

On the 9th place is the smartphone of the Chinese company Honor.
The cost of the device is from 6000 rubles.

It has a plastic case and a diagonal of 6.09 inches, a good resolution (1560 × 720), but the TFT matrix fails.
Mediatek processor, 2 GB of RAM. Built-in - also not a lot of 32 GB, but there is a separate slot that supports up to a maximum of 512 GB.
There is a fingerprint scanner and an NFC interface.

Cameras without features. The resolution is 13 MP for the main and 8 MP for the front.
A rather weak battery - 3020 mAh, but is able to maintain autonomy in talk mode for 254 hours.

• availability of NFC;
• separate card slot (supports up to 512 GB);
• fingerprint scanner.

• TFT matrix;
• low processor power;
• not a very good battery.

Decent reviews about this smartphone allow us to recommend it to those who do not plan to play a lot of heavyweight games, or seriously engage in photography.

Huawei Y5

On the 8th line - the market leader from Huawei.
Cost - from 6500 rubles.

The body of the phone is made of plastic, but the back leather panel is noteworthy.
The screen of the device is 5.71 inches, the matrix is ​​IPS, the resolution is average (1520 × 720).

Processor 4-core Mediatek, the minimum required 2 GB of RAM. 32 GB built-in. Non-hybrid slot (up to 512GB).

In terms of characteristics, the cameras do not differ much from previous competitors. 13 MP for the main and 5 MP for the front. There is a face scanner.

The battery is the same capacity as the Honor 8a.

• IPS display matrix;
• low price;
• separate card slot.

• low processor power;
• weak battery.

A practical and affordable phone. The characteristics are quite consistent with the cost.

Honor 10i

The cost of this device starts at 13,000 rubles.

The body is made of plastic and glass, available in one color - blue.
The display has a diagonal of 6.21 inches. Frameless, with the highest resolution (2340 × 1080). Matrix, respectively, IPS.

The device is powered by a powerful HiSilicon Kirin processor with 4GB of RAM. There is also a lot of built-in memory - 128 GB. Additionally, you can install a 512 GB card. But the slot is hybrid with a SIM slot.

The smartphone has three main cameras. 24 MP, 8 MP (wide angle) and 2 MP (video recording, depth sensor).
The front camera has 32 MP, wide-angle lens, many additional effects, which allows you to take flawless pictures.

The smartphone is equipped with various sensors, including a fingerprint scanner.
There is a wireless NFC interface.

The battery is more powerful than its predecessors - 3400 mAh. Support autonomy in standby mode 579 hours, talk time - 19 hours.

• powerful and efficient processor;
• excellent front camera;
• Full HD bezel-less display;
• fingerprint scanner;
• a lot of built-in memory;
• NFC interface.

• hybrid slot;
• weak battery.

The screen of the device is noteworthy. Suitable for fans of spectacular, colorful games and amateurs.

Samsung Galaxy A01

Cost - up to 8000 rubles.

The screen is quite comfortable, with a diagonal of 5.7 inches, but the matrix technology, unfortunately, is TFT (TN variation). Not very high resolution (1520 × 720), but expected for a smartphone in this price segment.

The Snapdragon 439 processor paired with 2GB of RAM allows you to run tons of games. Although the processor model is already slightly outdated, the phone is quite nimble.

The built-in memory of the device is 16 GB, it is possible to install a 512 GB card, a separate slot.

Dual main camera: 13 MP and 2 MP. There is an LED flash and 8x digital zoom. Allows you to shoot videos in Full HD. Front - normal 5 MP.

There is a face scanner.

Very small battery capacity, only 3000 mAh.

• a well-known, well-known brand;
• affordable price;
• separate slot supporting up to 512GB.

• outdated processor model;
• TFT screen matrix;
• lack of a fingerprint scanner;
• lack of NFC.

An affordable and functional device for fans of the brand, without unnecessary bells and whistles.

Xiaomi Redmi 7a

Average price - 6,000 rubles.

The device has a display with a diagonal of 5.45 inches, which with a resolution of 1440 × 720 and an IPS matrix gives a good picture.
The body is made of plastic, with moisture protection - p2i hydrophobic coating.

Snapdragon 439 processor. RAM 2 GB, built-in 16 GB. A separate slot supports up to 256GB.
The main camera has only 12 MP, although this is quite enough for amateurs. There is autofocus, flash, night shooting in HDR mode. There is face recognition. Videos can be shot in Full HD. Frontal - 5 MP.

Battery - 4000 mAh. No fast charging support. In standby mode, the phone can maintain autonomy up to 456 hours.

• powerful battery;
• waterproof layer.

• small screen size;
• not enough RAM and built-in memory;
• no NFC.

The device will be an excellent purchase for those who do not want to be tied to a power network or carry a power bank with them.

Xiaomi Redmi 8

Cost - from 10,000 rubles.

The device has a screen with a diagonal of 6.22 inches, an IPS matrix (resolution 1520 × 720). The camera cutout is teardrop-shaped, but the bezel is quite wide.

Snapdragon 439 processor has 8 cores. RAM - 4 GB. Built-in - 64 GB. Dedicated microSD slot (supports up to 512GB).

The smartphone has sensors, proximity, illumination, compass, accelerometer, fingerprint scanner, face recognition sensor. There is an FM radio and an infrared port.

The case is waterproof - p2i hydrophobic coating.

Xiaomi Redmi 8 has a 12 MP rear camera with a 2 MP auxiliary module; and an 8 MP front camera. The main camera has autofocus and LED flash. Allows you to shoot videos in Full HD resolution.

5000mAh battery. There is a fast charging function. Autonomous work in standby mode up to 672 hours, talk time - 28 hours, listening to music - 180 hours, video - 17 hours.

• powerful battery combined with low power consumption ensure the longest battery life;
• the presence of an infrared port allows you to control household appliances;
• Full HD shooting.

• weak processor;
• the fingerprint reader is located next to the rear camera lens - the lens gets dirty;
• lack of NFC.

Numerous rave reviews about this model make it one of the best smartphones in this price range.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 7

Cost - from 10,000 rubles.

Phones in this price range are mostly similar to each other. But here the glass back panel is striking. The color flowing along the gradient plays very nicely in the sun.
The screen has a diagonal of 6.3 inches, IPS matrix, (resolution 2340 × 1080).There is a teardrop notch under the front camera. The screen bezel is rather thin and the corners are rounded. The front panel is covered with Gorilla Glass with an oleophobic coating. The set comes with a silicone case.

Snapdragon 660 processor, 8 cores.
RAM - 3 GB.
Permanent - 32 GB.
The model is equipped with a hybrid slot for 2 SIM-cards and microSD.

There are built-in sensors: proximity, illumination, there is a compass, gyroscope, fingerprint scanner. The infrared port is used to control household appliances.

No NFC.

The main camera sticks out strongly above the body. This is inconvenient, since the phone is not level and the contact with the surface falls on the camera.
The Xiaomi Redmi Note has a dual camera, the main module is 48 MP plus an additional module of 5 MP to increase the depth of field and blur the background. Pictures, by default, are taken in a resolution of 12 MP, to use 48 MP in the settings, you must select the "PRO" mode. No zoom and widescreen mode. There is a night mode, but there is a lot of "noise" in the pictures. Front - has a resolution of 13 MP and takes beautiful, high-quality pictures. We can say that this is the best selfie phone. Video can be shot with both cameras, quality 1080 p.

The model is equipped with a 4000 mAh battery. A full charge takes 2 hours. The battery capacity ensures the autonomy of the smartphone in standby mode up to 3 days, games - 11 hours, video - 16 hours, maximum load - 10 hours. There is a possibility of fast charging.

• glass back wall;
• a high resolution;
• loud speaker;
• great camera;
• the presence of an infrared port.

• lack of NFC;
• hybrid card slot.

The leader from the Xiaomi series is perfect for people who are keen on photography, a powerful battery will allow you to stay in touch for a long time even in the field.

Realmy 5

The second line of the rating is occupied by the Chinese smartphone Realmy 5.
The cost of the device is from 9000 rubles.

Screen with a diagonal of 6.5 inches, (with a resolution of 1600 × 720). IPS matrix. Microdrop-shaped cutout for the camera.

Snapdragon 665 processor, 8 cores.
RAM - 3 GB.
Permanent - 64 GB + microSD slot (not hybrid).

The Realmy 5 smartphone has four cameras. The main one is 12 MP, an ultra-wide-angle module 119 °, there is autofocus and LED backlight. Supports night mode. Front camera - 8 MP. During shooting, a white screen turns on, acts as a flash.
2 MP - photographing micro-objects.
2 MP - portrait module.

Battery - 5000 mAh. Talk time up to 46 hours, 718 hours standby, 30 hours of music and 19 hours of video.
Time to fully charge 2.5 hours.

• quad camera with ultra wide-angle module;
• front camera with flash;
• moisture protection;
• fingerprint scanner;
• NFC;
• 64 GB of internal memory.

• Non-oleophobic coating of the back panel (includes a transparent case);
• low quality of night shooting.

This device from manufacturers from China has rightfully earned the second place. Functionality and cost are well balanced.

Samsung Galaxy A 10

The cost is 9000 rubles.

On the Russian market, they are presented in three colors: blue, red and black (dark gray, titanium). The phone has an attractive appearance and is ergonomic. Lies comfortably in the hand. The body is made of plastic with a special glossy coating that is quite scratch resistant. The display of the device is frameless - 6.2 inches, IPS matrix (with a resolution of 720 × 1520).

Exynos processor 2 cores + 6 additional.
Has the minimum required 2GB of RAM.
Permanent - 32 GB. MicroSD slot supporting up to 512GB.
The device works alternately on 2 SIM, and the slot is not combined with a microSD slot.

The phone lacks a fingerprint scanner.

Samsung Galaxy A 10 has two cameras.
The main one is 13 MP, LED flash, allows you to shoot 1080p video.
Front - 8 MP, no autofocus, but there is a bokeh effect and some others.

Battery - 3400 mAh. Talk time battery life for 21 hours, video playback - up to 18 hours.

• low price for a well-known, promoted brand;
• attractive appearance;
• powerful processor with 8 cores, which can be turned off if necessary;
• non-combined slot for SIM and microSD;
• face unlocking;
• NFC module.

• not very capacious battery;
• lack of a fingerprint scanner;
• no charging from USB type-C.

Permanent sales leader with many useful features and a low price.

Output

The main criteria for choosing buyers are most often:

Size and resolution

The large screen and high-quality picture have:

• Xiaomi Redmi Note 7;
• Realmy 5;
• Honor 10i.

Battery life

The top three looks like this:

• Xiaomi Redmi 8;
• Realmy 5;
• Xiaome Redmi 7a.

Photo quality

Many photographers and selfie enthusiasts are primarily concerned with the question: how does one or another device take pictures, its focusing and sharpness of pictures. The real leaders are located here:

• Xiaomi Redmi Note 7;
• Honor 10i;
• Realmy 5.

Powerful processor

Fans of games on the phone should choose which model is better to buy from:

• Xiaomi Redmi Note 7;
• Samsung Galaxy A 10;
• Honor 10i.

Price quality

With a huge range of prices, it is difficult to navigate what and how much it costs, but if you choose from the rating of the best, then you should stop at:

• Xiaomi Redmi 7a;
• Honor 8 a;
• Huawei Y5.

The choice of a device that would please you for a long time is a crucial moment. You should not rely entirely on the advice of friends. Before deciding which company is better to buy a phone, you must carefully study all the characteristics of the selected model.