10 best smartphones under 12,000 rubles

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Smartphone buyers are divided into conditional categories in terms of the purpose of such a purchase, as well as requirements for the technical characteristics and functionality of the gadget. This determines the amount that will have to be spent on such an acquisition. Budget models for the most part are no longer able to withstand the pressure of modern applications with their resource intensity, and top-end flagships are too expensive for most potential consumers. And the best option is often the 'strong average' for a reasonable price. We will consider one of such price categories of smartphones.

The editors present you with a rating of the best smartphones, according to our experts, no more than 12,000 rubles. Experts have identified ten models in the current electronics market with all its variegated variety, which are characterized by the maximum possible capabilities and functionality for the indicated amount.

Rating of the best smartphones up to 12,000 rubles

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Rating of the best smartphones up to 12,000 rubles	1	Vivo Y85 64GB	RUB 9,991
	2	Sony Xperia Z3 + Dual	–
	3	Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 3 / 32GB	RUB 10 170
	4	Meizu 15 Lite 4 / 64GB	11 387 rub.
	5	Nokia 6 32GB	RUB 12,590
	6	Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 6 / 64GB	RUB 12 650
	7	Nubia Z17 miniS	RUB 11,990
	8	Xiaomi Mi Max 2 32GB	RUB 11,575
	9	Nubia N2 64GB	RUB 9,520

Vivo Y85 64GB

Smartphone rating (up to RUB 12,000): 4.9

First of all, consider a smartphone manufactured by a well-known Chinese corporation Vivo Communication Technology Co. Ltd. – one of the world's largest electronics manufacturers. The model has good functionality, performance and a decent amount of memory.

The dimensions of 75.24×155.21×7.7mm were determined by a large screen with a diagonal of 6.22. The weight of the device is 152g. Matrix resolution – 1520×720, pixel arrangement – 270. Aspect ratio – 19: 9. The plastic case can be in two color options – black or red.

For cellular communication, two sim cards can be used here at once, but with one radio module. That is, in the standby mode both cards will be active, but in the talk mode on one of them the other will be unavailable for receiving calls. Coverage of standards – from GSM900 to LTE. Other types of communication – Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2 version 4.2. There is also a multisystem satellite navigation module with GPS, GLONASS and BeiDou support.

The active part of the smartphone's multimedia profile includes two rear cameras with a resolution of 13 and 2 megapixels, apertures of f / 2.20, autofocus and a mini flash. Front selfie camera resolution – 8MP. In addition to the main audio formats – MP3, AAC, WAV, WMA – this model is also capable of playing FM radio broadcasts.

The entire system is controlled by a fairly powerful 8-core processor Mediatek Helio P22 with a core frequency of up to 2 GHz. The role of the video card is performed by the PowerVR GE8320 graphics chip. 4GB of RAM allows you to comfortably use modern applications. The built-in memory is 64GB. There is a slot for external flash cards. Operating system – Android 8.1 (at the time of the start of sales).

The device is powered by a 3260 mAh battery. Charging is carried out via the microUSB connector.

Auxiliary and service capabilities: speakerphone through the built-in speaker; dialing and managing voice commands; fingerprint authorization; set of sensors.

Advantages

• large, almost frameless screen;
• image quality;
• performance;
• fingerprint scanner;
• dual leading camera;
• autonomy.

disadvantages

• there were no expressed shortcomings and user complaints.

Sony Xperia Z3 + Dual

Smartphone rating (up to 12,000 rubles): 4.8

The second number in our rating of the best devices up to 120,000 rubles. Consider a far from new, but very interesting model of the Xperia line from Sony. The smartphone was announced in May 2015, but it still hasn't lost its relevance due to the very outstanding characteristics of the main camera. The price, from the moment of the start of sales, naturally decreased and overcame the psychological barrier of 10 thousand rubles.

In terms of size and weight, the smartphone is not much different from the previous one, although the screen is one inch smaller – 5.2 ”. Dimensions – 71.9×146.3×6.9mm, weight – 144g. IPS matrix with maximum viewing angles and excellent color reproduction – over 16 million colors are reproduced. The resolution is 1920×1080 with 424 pixels per inch. The aspect ratio is 16: 9. The body is equipped with water protection means.

SIM card slots in this model are only compatible with the nanoSIM format. The radio module is one for two SIM cards, that is, in active work (not waiting), SIM cards can be alternately. The coverage of cellular standards is impressive – from the most basic GSM900 to the outrageous LTE-A Cat.9. An expanded set of other supported wireless data transfer technologies is also noteworthy: Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 4.1, ANT +, NFC. The satellite navigation module supports all three popular systems – GPS, GLONASS and BeiDou. There is even support for a set of DLNA standards for transferring media content over a local home network.

No less interesting are the capabilities of this smartphone in terms of multimedia. Some of the characteristics are remarkable even today, and at the time of the presentation of the model, this became an outstanding event. The main camera has a resolution of 20.7MP. In addition to such ordinary things as a mini flash and autofocus, the camera is also equipped with a zoom. In this case, there is not only digital zoom (8x), but also optical (3x). There is a face recognition function. A separate important advantage is the ability to record video in 4K quality (resolution 3840×2160). The front camera here is already quite ordinary – with a resolution of 5 megapixels. The smartphone supports geotagging.

The central processor is an 8-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 MSM8994. The Adreno 430 video chip is responsible for the graphics. The developers have provided 3GB of RAM and 32GB of built-in memory. External flash memory cards up to 128GB are recognized. Operating system – Android 5.0 (at the start of sales).

The device is powered by a 2930 mAh battery. A full charge lasts approximately 17 hours of talk time or 91 hours of audio playback or 590 hours of standby. Charging – via the microUSB port.

Advantages

• image quality;
• IPS matrix;
• expanded coverage of cellular standards;
• support for ANT + data transmission technology;
• NFC module;
• high resolution of the main camera;
• digital and optical zoom on the main camera;
• shooting video in 4K resolution;
• water protection;

disadvantages

• often overheats.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 3 / 32GB

Smartphone rating (up to RUB 12,000): 4.7

The third number in the ranking of the best smartphones under 12,000 rubles according to the version is an interesting model of a super popular Chinese brand Xiaomi, and not anyhow, but the well-known 'seven' of the line Redmi Note. Consumers appreciate this model for its exceptional image quality, high resolution, powerful cameras, and a host of other remarkable technical features. The phone was announced in January 2019.

Due to the significant density of the electronic “filling”, the voluminous battery and the large screen, the smartphone has a pleasant weightiness within reason – 186 g. Dimensions – 75.21×159.21×8.1mm. The screen size is 6.3 inches diagonally. Increased resolution of the IPS-matrix – 2340×1080 with a pixel arrangement of 409 and an aspect ratio of 19.5: 9. Screen glass – Gorilla Glass 5 with increased scratch resistance.

Cellular communication in this smartphone is organized in the most widespread way in the current market conditions – two sim card slots controlled by one radio module. The sim card format is nanoSIM. Wide support for mobile communication standards – from GSM900 to the fourth generation standard, and not only LTE, but also LTE-A and VoLTE voice transmission. It is also worth noting a powerful front to support other wireless technologies – Wi-Fi of the high-speed 802.11ac standard, a new generation 5.0 module Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct, infrared port. Satellite positioning in GPS, GLONASS and BeiDou systems.

One of the most impressive technical qualities of this model is its multimedia capabilities, namely the characteristics of the cameras. For the main photo and video shooting, a pair of rear cameras with a resolution of 48 and 5 megapixels, respectively, with apertures of F / 1.80 and a mini flash are used. There is autofocus and macro mode. Video can be recorded in quality up to FullHD 1920×1080. Even the front camera, which in most smartphones leaves much to be desired in terms of resolution, in this case can deservedly boast of its 13 megapixels.

Good performance of the device is provided by an 8-core processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 and an Adreno 512 video chip. There is not a record amount of RAM here, but it is enough for most tasks – 3GB. Built-in memory – 32GB. External flash memory is readable up to 256GB. Operating system – Android 9.0.

The smartphone is powered by a 4000 mAh lithium-ion battery. Charging via USB Type-C. There is a fast charging function.

Advantages

• large screen;
• high-quality matrix;
• wide coverage of communication standards;
• performance;
• powerful cameras;
• capacious battery;
• fast charging.

disadvantages

• a lot of pre-installed software of questionable usefulness.

Meizu 15 Lite 4 / 64GB

Smartphone rating (up to 12,000 rubles): 4.6

The rating is continued by the smartphone brand Meizu. Over the past few years, the manufacturer has shown itself to be on the best side in terms of producing high-quality, productive and stylish smartphones in different price segments. The presented model has several unexpected and remarkable qualities that stand out against the background of other solutions in the review.

Phone dimensions – 72.38×143.62×7.45mm, weight – 145g. The screen is slightly smaller than that of the above model – 5.46 ”, but the resolution of the IPS-matrix is ​​decent – FullHD 1920×1080 with 403 pixel arrangement and 16: 9 aspect ratio. Case colors are available in gold, red and black. The developers managed to achieve an unusual, but very harmonious and pleasant appearance of the front of the smartphone when it is on. So, the working area of ​​the screen on the sides has almost no noticeable frame, and above and below there are non-working areas of black color. Users describe this combination as pleasing to the eye.

The organization of cellular communication here is practically the same as in the other models in the review – support for two nanoSIM cards under one radio module with coverage of standards from GSM900 to LTE. Other means of wireless communication – Wi-Fi 802.11n standard, infrared port, Bluetooth version 4.2. Satellite Positioning – GPS, GLONASS and BeiDou.

Quite unexpectedly, the developers approached the camera device in this smartphone. So, the main camera on the back of the device has a resolution of 12MP, aperture F / 1.90. The front camera is equipped with a matrix with almost twice the resolution – 20MP. This 'reverse' approach is ideal for those users who need to take high-quality selfies in large quantities and shoot themselves on camera – beginner video bloggers, streamers, active Instagram and social network users.

The central processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 626 MSM8953Pro controls all electronics and software on eight cores with frequencies up to 2.2 GHz. The graphics chip is Adreno 506. There is 4GB of RAM and 64GB of built-in memory. You can expand the memory with external flash cards up to 128GB.

The smartphone is powered by a 3000mAh battery. Charges via USB Type-C port. There is a function of fast charging technology Meizu Super mCharge.

Advantages

• image quality;
• a high resolution;
• unusual, but useful for a significant part of the target audience, the organization of cameras;
• harmonious ratio of the working area of ​​the screen with non-working areas in combination with an ultra-thin frame;
• face recognition to unlock.

disadvantages

• not the most capacious battery, as for such power consumption.

Nokia 6 32GB

Smartphone rating (up to 12,000 rubles): 4.5

Further in the ranking, we will consider a powerful smartphone of the legendary Nokia brand. The device is quite 'flat' in terms of technical characteristics – there are no sharply distinguished parts, but in general all the features and functionality are fully consistent with the price and the famous brand.

The build quality and attention of the developers to details are clearly noticeable already by the tactile sensations – the metal case made of aluminum alloy is really monolithic without the slightest backlash and assembly flaws. Front glass – Corning Gorilla Glass with high scratch resistance and oleophobic coating. The dimensions of the device are 75.8x154x7.85mm, the weight is 169g. Available in silver, beige and orange body colors. The 5.5 ”screen is equipped with a high-quality IPS-matrix with a resolution of 1920×1080, 401 pixels per inch and a 16: 9 aspect ratio of the working area.

Two slots are designed for nanoSIM format sim cards with control of one radio module. Supports cellular technologies up to LTE-A Cat. 4. Other wireless technologies – Wi-Fi 802.11n, Bluetooth 4.1. There is also an NFC module. Satellite positioning – GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou.

The smartphone is equipped with good cameras: rear – 16Mpix with mini-flash, F / 2 aperture and autofocus; frontal – 8MP. FM radio is functioning.

For the role of the central processor, the developers have identified an 8-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 MSM8937. Graphics chip – Adreno 505. RAM-memory installed 3GB, built-in data storage – 32GB. External flash memory is recognized up to 128GB. At the time of the release, the standard operating system was Android 7.1.

The smartphone is powered by a 3000 mAh lithium-ion non-removable battery. Charging via micro-USB. Additional functions: fingerprint authorization, control and dialing of the number by voice commands, loudspeaker, set of sensors.

Advantages

• image quality;
• FullHD resolution;
• quality of materials and workmanship;
• Gorilla Glass;
• metal case;
• performance and optimization;
• equipment.

disadvantages

• point comments of users regarding irrelevant points.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 7

Smartphone rating (up to 12,000 rubles): 4.4

Now let's devote part of the rating to another smartphone Xiaomi. This is the younger model of the line Redmi Note in relation to the above Redmi Note 7, but in terms of the totality of characteristics and user feedback, it is definitely worthy of attention. Moreover, when you consider twice the amount of RAM, a battery of increased capacity and a number of other important advantages.

The materials of the smartphone body are dominated by aluminum and durable plastic. The assembly is solid, high-quality, the front glass is scratch-resistant. The dimensions of the device are 75.45×158.5×8.05mm, the weight is 181 g. The working area of ​​the screen measures 5.99 “diagonally. Matrix – IPS with an increased resolution of 2160×1080. Pixel arrangement is 403 per inch, aspect ratio is 18: 9.

Two sim cards of the nanoSIM format work from one radio module. The fourth generation LTE cellular standard is supported. Also noteworthy is the presence of a Wi-Fi module with support for high-speed 802.11ac standard. There are also communication modules Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi Direct, and an infrared port. Three-system satellite positioning – GPS, GLONASS and BeiDou.

Opportunities in terms of photo and video shooting in this model are quite remarkable – two rear cameras 12 and 5 megapixels, autofocus, flash and aperture F / 1.90. Front camera – 13MP. Video recording by a pair of leading cameras in FullHD 1920×1080 quality at 30 frames per second.

Having reached the basic electronics in the express analysis of the characteristics of a smartphone, we see clear advantages over all the solutions described above. Powerful 8-core processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 and Adreno 509 video chip, but most notable – as much as 6GB of RAM. The built-in memory is also installed twice as much as in most of the considered options – 64GB. It is also possible to insert an external flash memory card, but the slot is combined with the operator's SIM card, which is not quite convenient.

Pleases in this model and a capacious battery – 4000 mAh. A full charge lasts 165 hours of audio playback or 408 hours of standby. Charging via micro-USB.

The package includes a charger, a USB cable, a SIM card removal tool and even a regular case.

Advantages

• image quality;
• a high resolution;
• good multimedia profile;
• powerful processor;
• 6GB of RAM;
• high-quality body materials.

disadvantages

• many complaints about the lack of an NFC module.

Nubia Z17 miniS

Smartphone rating (up to 12,000 rubles): 4.3

Further in the ranking is another vivid example of the achievements of the Middle Kingdom in terms of high-quality modern electronics – a smartphone of the Nubia trademark. The brand owner and manufacturer of this model is the world-famous ZTE corporation. The smartphone was announced in April 2017.

Externally, the device, quite expectedly, has minimal differences from many other smartphones on the market, but the metal case, scratch-resistant glass and the overall high build quality expressively emphasize the manufacturer's responsibility. The dimensions of the device are 72.5×146.7×7.5mm, the weight is 155g. The diagonal of the working area of ​​the screen is 5.2 ”, the high resolution of the matrix is ​​1920×1080 with the pixel arrangement of 424 per inch and the aspect ratio of 16: 9.

For cellular communication, two sim cards of the nanoSIM format can be used under one radio module. Coverage of cellular standards is quite impressive: the upper limit is LTE and VoLTE. The support of the highest-speed Wi-Fi standard – 802.11ac is also encouraging. Also available Bluetooth version 4.2 and the NFC module. Satellite Positioning – GPS, GLONASS and BeiDou.

The multimedia capabilities of this smartphone are very remarkable. A pair of leading rear cameras have a resolution of 13MP each (!) With F / 2.20 apertures, mini flash, autofocus and even optical stabilization. Video recording with the main pair of cameras can be done in ultra-high quality 4K 3840×2160. Even the resolution of the front camera here can give odds to many of the leading rear cameras of smartphones in the same price range – 16MP.

In this case, things are also very good with the central electronics: processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 652 MSM8976 on eight cores, Adreno 510 video chip, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of internal memory, memory cards up to 200GB can be read. The standard operating system, however, is old – Android 6.0, but users for the most part put up with it.

The weak point of this model is the battery. Its capacity is 2950 mAh, which is not enough for many comfortable use. In this case, the battery is not removable. Charging – via USB Type-C. There is a fast charging function.

Additional functions are typical for most smartphones of this class: voice control and dialing, a set of sensors and sensors, fingerprint authorization and so on.

Advantages

• image quality;
• powerful cameras, leading pair – with optical stabilization;
• video recording in 4K;
• high-speed Wi-Fi;
• fast charging.

disadvantages

• weak battery.

Xiaomi Mi Max 2 32GB

Smartphone rating (up to RUB 12,000): 4.2

And again, our rating refers to the brand Xiaomi – the company has managed to organize the production of smartphones with ample opportunities at more than democratic prices very well. So here – in addition to the generally good characteristics, Mi Max 2 has another important advantage – a battery of increased capacity. The model was announced in May 2017.

The external monotony of modern smartphones in this case is manifested in exactly the same measure. The only possibility of at least some variety is three color options – white, black and gold. The dimensions of the smartphone are 88.7×174.1×7.6mm, the weight is significant – 211g. The record size of the working area of ​​the screen is 6.44 “, the matrix is ​​IPS with a resolution of FHD 1920×1080 with a pixel arrangement of 342 per inch and an aspect ratio of 16: 9. The matrix reproduces more than 16 million shades. The body is metal.

In this model, two SIM cards can also be used at once, only another form factor compatibility is microSIM + nanoSIM. There is only one radio module – both cards are active only in standby mode, and in talk mode the second card will be inactive. There is support for cellular technologies of the 4th generation LTE and LTE-A. We are pleased with the expanded set of other wireless data exchange systems: high-speed Wi-Fi of the 802.11ac standard, infrared port, connection of devices bypassing the Wi-Fi Direct router, Bluetooth 4.2. Satellite positioning – GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou.

Compared to the previous model, the cameras in this smartphone are no longer particularly remarkable, but the developers did not plan to focus on them. Rear master camera – 12MP with F / 2.20 aperture, mini flash, autofocus. Allows you to record video in 4K 3840×2160 at 30 frames per second. Geotagging is supported. Front camera resolution – 5MP.

The central control modules of the smartphone electronics are almost the same as those of the above-described Nubia: processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 MSM8953 on eight cores, Adreno 506 video chip; 4GB of RAM; 32GB of internal memory; support for external flash cards for data storage up to 128GB. Operating system at the start of sales – Android 7.0.

And now the most interesting thing that this smartphone can boast of is the battery. It is non-removable, about its capacity is as much as 5300mAh. According to customer reviews, this is one of the most 'long-playing' smartphones, capable of working without recharging with quite active use for about five days, and even more with moderate use. Fast charging supported. Charging connector – USB Type-C.

Advantages

• image quality;
• a high resolution;
• IPS matrix;
• 4K video recording;
• outstanding autonomy thanks to a capacious battery.

disadvantages

• unnecessary and non-removable pre-installed applications.

Nubia N2 64GB

Smartphone rating (up to 12,000 rubles): 4.1

And at the end of the rating of the best smartphones up to 12,000 rubles according to the version, we will consider another successful model of the Nubia trademark. Our experts singled out this smartphone in a wide market offer for a combination of not top-end, but good characteristics, exclusively autonomy and an affordable price. The model was announced in March 2017.

The dimensions of the device are 75x155x7.9mm, the weight is noticeable, but much less than the previous model – 180g. The diagonal of the working area of ​​the screen is 5.5 ”, an advanced matrix AMOLED with a resolution of 1280×720, pixel arrangement of 267 per inch and aspect ratio of 16: 9.

Two sim cards of the nanoSIM format work from one radio module with LTE support. Also available are Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 wireless modules. Satellite navigation – GPS and GLONASS.

The capabilities of the cameras are quite ordinary, but with a peculiarity – 13Mpix resolution of the rear leading camera, aperture F / 2.20, mini flash, autofocus. The resolution of the front camera is even higher than the rear one – 16MP.

The smartphone's electronics are controlled by the central processor MediaTek MT6750 on eight cores. Video subsystem – Mali-T860 MP2. RAM installed 4GB, internal memory – 64GB. Memory cards up to 128GB are readable. At the time of sales, the standard operating system is Android 6.0.

The most remarkable characteristic of this model, as already mentioned, is its autonomy. The device is powered by a non-removable lithium-polymer battery with a capacity of 5000 mAh. A full charge can provide up to 60 hours of talk time or 41 hours of audio listening. Charging (including fast) – via USB Type-C.

Additional functions: fingerprint authorization, voice control and dialing, proximity sensors, Hall, light level.

Advantages

• AMOLED matrix;
• super-capacious battery ensures long working time;
• fast charging;
• powerful front camera;
• the most affordable price in the review.

disadvantages

• old Android.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.