Best Smartphone

In a Hurry? Editors choice:
Samsung Galaxy S10+
Test Winner: Samsung Galaxy S10+
Amazon Link
Smartphones today are not only a bare necessity. They more or less hold our life within, they are our job, our social life and they are not just a tool, but the means for better and easier performance in every segment of our common interest. Plus, they represent a symbol of power and status since not everyone can afford some of the crazy expensive smartphones on the market.

This can be greatly seen on the golf course when players enjoy showing off their latest achievements which have been recorded on the newest luxurious devices through the super powerful golf apps which need a large amount of storage and super powerful processors, something that only the best and the most advanced flagships can perform. Plus, in this digital era, nothing is considered done if not shared on social networks in HD video and photos. Therefore, we have selected the top ten.

Standout Picks

Samsung Galaxy S10+
Samsung has outreached itself with the latest addition to the Galaxy family, which can hardly be called a phone since it is way more than that. Even though S10 is a sufficient flagship on its own, we have decided to represent the bigger brother, the S10+, which has slightly more perks that add to its glamorous design. Its extra-large, almost bezel-less screen redefines the meaning of the word phablet, which this one certainly is, and its memory can reach up to 1T, if you can afford it, of course. There’s little not to like about S10+ and it once you enter it in your life it is going to definitely engulf you into its world of possibilities.
Amazon Link
$394.99
Huawei P30 Pro
Another flagship device that has been released just recently and which has all the attention turned towards the incredible quad Leica camera and the extraordinary set of features. If you are a golfer then you will definitely enjoy taking photos on the course, analyze shots with the slow-motion video and smoothly run all golf related apps, including the maps that come within. The 10x hybrid zoom can further enhance your golfing performance.
Amazon Link
$465.00
iPhone X
It has been called the best iPhone ever, even though it has already had a successor with improved features. iPhone X marked a new era for iPhones and marked the iPhone’s entry into the world of phablets, even though this one isn’t truly phablet, it is very close to being one. It delivers an augmented reality of your surroundings and transforms the way you play, learn or work, by connecting to everything connectible. As for golfers, having iPhone on the golf course means capturing every part of your game either through the apps or through live videos and photos taken there. iPhone has never been just a phone, so let’s take a look at what it boasts about.
Amazon Link
$295.00
Honor View 20
No one would have thought of such an advancement coming from Honor in all aspects, the most notable being the 48-inch camera which is the first of its kind ever used in a smartphone and a punch-hole display that is also among the first. Many novelties in Honor 20 and it seems that it was made to live up its name. Golfers can enjoy all its cutting-edge performance features, the ultra-modern design and the ability to perform flawlessly while multitasking The best part? For the specifications it has and the camera features, it is very reasonably priced.
Amazon Link
$585.00
Google Pixel 3 XL
The end of 2018 brought about many impressive releases and nothing less can be said about Google phones. Google Pixel 3 XL is the latest phone that boasts size and an impressive camera, many features that mark the Google’s signature, artificial intelligence, and when it comes to its software, it will receive the constant and the most reliable updates. It’s been called the best Android phone on the market, so let’s take a look at its specs and find out why.
Amazon Link
$218.50
OnePlus 6
If a few years ago you were reluctant to even consider OnePlus, now with its model One Plus 6, the company is boldly defying the ultimate leaders of the premium class. It is made with all the premium features that stand in the same line the most prominent representatives of the latest flagships. It comes equipped with huge storage, exquisite camera, and software that has the capacity to run multiple tasks simultaneously without delays. It also has an updated design and it looks and feels premium. From high-quality shots and videos to simulation games and demanding tasks, it is designed to excel your expectations.
Amazon Link
Nokia 9 Pureview
Rising from the ashes like the mythological Phoenix, Nokia has been able to catch up with the top-piers in lightning speed, but it doesn’t just follow the lead, it leaves its own signature and sets up a new trend. That especially can be seen in the way the camera is designed and the introduction of the five cameras which one reviewer describes them as ‘HDR on steroids’. So, in case you are a golfer that pays special attention to the depth of the images taken on the course and if you are eager to capture every detail with unprecedented quality then the latest from Nokia is the option that you need to seriously consider.
Amazon Link
$225.00
Sony Xperia XZ3
When choosing the best smartphones, mostly one tends to focus on the flagships that mark the new release, so the latest release comes from Sony, their second model that comes with an OLED display and packed with a variety of high-end features, ranging from the superb camera to superb performance. It rivals its peers with some smartly introduced features like Motion Eye camera setup, AI gestures, edge detection and so forth. So, here’s one more phone that will provide an enhanced experience on the golf course when it comes to taking a record of your performance.
Amazon Link
$349.99
Xiaomi Mi Mix 3
Do you remember the old days when mobile phones were competing which one would be smaller in size? Those days are long gone, we’re witnessing the opposite competition nowadays. They are competing which one is going to be larger and more inclusive. And the current leader when it comes to size is Mi Mix 3, coming as distinguished and the most affordable flagship from the Chinese company that is getting really close to the leading brands in terms of quality and performance.
Amazon Link
LG G7 ThinQ
Performance is the area where LG never fails and even though this phone doesn’t really look impressive design-wise it will impress you with its speed. Many LG users are inclined to stick to never failing LG system performance, resulting in almost no failures or delays in its work. You can multitask on the phone easily without even encountering the slightest discontinuation. It comes with a dual rear camera and AI integrated features such as interaction with Google Assistant, so according to many users, it’s a phone that meets the expectations in every segment.
Amazon Link
$99.99

Criteria Used for Evaluation

Advanced Features

Smartphones are everything but phones and nowadays they represent a unit withholding several devices into one such as a mobile phone, a laptop, GPS device, game player and so forth. So, it comes naturally to directly step forward and look for the advanced features when trying to figure out which is the best smartphone on the market today. The competition is incredibly strong since the leading players are trying hard to outperform each other.

So, what did we look for when narrowing the list down? The performance and the camera of course! When we talk about performance, we consider the ability of the smartphone to perform multiple tasks without any delays and to feature integrated AI which makes the increasingly complicated device easier to use. Almost all this year releases do feature their own proprietary AI and they do make a difference in the way we experience the phones.

'Camera features' - the battlefield where the fiercest battles have been fought since that is the most appealing characteristic for all users without targeting any specific subgroup. The better the camera the better sales rates, so we looked for the most sophisticated camera systems which range from two to five cameras and which are able to provide the clearest and the crispest images.

Capacity

The capacity of each of these smartphones can be measured in details by their RAM memory, internal capacity and the ability to utilize external memory card. The lowest RAM memory that a smartphone has on our list is 4 GB, whereas 6 GB is considered average for a flagship, and the best one, S10+ offers amazing 12 GB RAM memory. The internal memory of these phones ranges from 64 GB which is considered a relatively low capacity for a flagship, the average ranges from 128 to 256 and the maximum possible storage capacity has the best smartphone Samsung Galaxy S10+ with incredible 1T storage possibility.
The storage itself means little if it wasn't for the processors and the software they run. So, the processor for 2019 is Qualcomm's Snapdragon 855, A11 Bionic featured by iPhone or Kirin 980 which is part of Huawei and Honor phones. The best software is Android 9 Pie, EMUI 9 or iOS 12.2.

Model

When we first started narrowing down the phones we considered different models of phones, but the selection was mostly fruitless. Then, as we went deeper into the spec of the phones, we realized that if we were looking for the best ones, we had to focus mostly on the flagships. Therefore, almost all of them are flagships that were launched this year or last year. So, mainly we have selected those smartphones that feature the latest technologies and improvements.

Battery Life

Little can be done with the smartphones if they didn't have decent battery life. So, what do we mean when we say decent battery life and long-lasting capacity? Well, you surely expect to be able to use it for making frequent calls, use the Internet, take a bunch of nice shots and a few videos, then watch some more videos on YouTube, maybe a film on Netflix, run a golf app and still have some more left at night. That means that the battery should have about 4,000 mAh power so that it can perform all those tasks. Everything below would be insufficient and everything above is considered excellent.

Value

As these smartphones aren't just ordinary phones, their prices aren't ordinary too. As a matter of fact, they are pricier than any well-performing laptop. So, the main question that arises here is, are they worth the money? The answer is never straightforward and it is often subjective. They are worth the money if take into consideration all the bells and whistles they come equipped with and all the possibilities they provide through the apps and their features. From artificial intelligence to augmented reality, they deliver the world at your hands reach, but here we get to the other side of the coin, to ask if we really need all those features and if we are ready to spend more than thousand of dollars such commodity. So, it is awfully hard to determine the real value of these smartphones. Therefore, for better reliability, we did take into account the value of everything they provide and come equipped with not wanting to leave anything by chance. The thing is, when someone is looking for the best phone, this person is looking for more than just an ordinary one and he/she is aware that the best often comes with a price.

Top 10 Picks

1. Samsung Galaxy S10+

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$394.99
Samsung Galaxy S10+
Amazon Link

Samsung has outreached itself with the latest addition to the Galaxy family, which can hardly be called a phone since it is way more than that. Even though S10 is a sufficient flagship on its own, we have decided to represent the bigger brother, the S10+, which has slightly more perks that add to its glamorous design. Its extra-large, almost bezel-less screen redefines the meaning of the word phablet, which this one certainly is, and its memory can reach up to 1T, if you can afford it, of course. There’s little not to like about S10+ and it once you enter it in your life it is going to definitely engulf you into its world of possibilities.

Read more

Display and Design
The display is what captivates at first glance. It is the largest Galaxy phone so far with 6.4-inch super AMOLED display with a 93.1% screen-to-body ratio which has almost no bezels. On the top right of the new Infinity-O display, it is situated the laser-cut hole which places the two front cameras and when it comes to size it is slightly bigger. In line with this punch-hole, you’ll see the notification bar which disappears once you engage the phone into activity. The impressive resolution it has is 1440 x 3040 QHD+ and provides sharp pixel density of 526 PPI. A novelty this flagship has is the on-screen fingerprints sensor and reverse wireless charging. When it comes to the design, its compactness, neatly polished structure and the subtle aluminum frame in black, green and ‘prism’ white. The display features Corning Gorilla Glass 6 which boasts endurance and damage and impact resistance. This design, however, allows less grip, or we’d better say no grip, so finding a good case is a must once you buy the phone.

Camera
The camera this flagship has is the real pearl. There are three back cameras and two front cameras that transform the way you shoot and make you are a real pro. The back camera has three lenses types 12MP telephoto camera, 12MP wide-angle camera and 16 MP ultra-wide camera with an AI sensor that recognizes the images and adopts the camera mode on itself. The front camera features 10 MP selfie camera that is boosted by an 8MP RGB depth camera for brighter and more stable images even when you are on the go and this RGB camera is what distinguishes S10 from S10+. The camera has a dual aperture of f/1.5 and f/2.4 which combines multiple frames and detects low-light and bright light scenes to bring the perfect image. The selfie camera includes 4K UHD recording which is the new feature and Live focus.

The Technology Behind
This is not just a smartphone, but it is a device that has enabled to get to KNOW you by the Intelligent Performance Enhancer. This means that it anticipates what you’ll need and it pre-launches the apps so that they start instantly. It reduces blue light before you go to bed and it can turn itself off if you’re not using it. The NPU makes the cameras faster and smarter by the ability to detect the environment so by pointing the camera towards an object you learn what it is, it is translated if there’s something written in another language, or you get the general info about that object.

Cost and Value
There’s so much more to talk about this phone which is impossible to have it all written in this article. The triple back camera, the NPU, and AI functions and the 3400 Ah battery capacity with supported power share, the faster CPU and the impressive RAM of 12GB and storage to up to 1T make this device into a powerful virtual-reality friend. And, especially for golfers, don’t worry about the lack of storage, you can simulate the game through this device and play the most demanding golf games without any delays. This might be among the most expensive phones in the world (different prices for different storage option), but there’s a good reason for that.

Amazon Link
$394.99

2. Huawei P30 Pro

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$465.00
Huawei P30 Pro
Amazon Link

Another flagship device that has been released just recently and which has all the attention turned towards the incredible quad Leica camera and the extraordinary set of features. If you are a golfer then you will definitely enjoy taking photos on the course, analyze shots with the slow-motion video and smoothly run all golf related apps, including the maps that come within. The 10x hybrid zoom can further enhance your golfing performance.

Read more

Display and Design
The magnificent elegance and the 6.47” OLED Dewdrop display with 2340 x 1080 pixel will take you to a higher, unknown so far, imaging level which is full of a detailed record of your life within the reach of the finger. The front camera is centralized in a teardrop-notch that is positioned up against the screen. The on-screen fingerprint scanner is positioned low on the screen and currently, it is one of the fastest. The glass-metal case features five colors, all uniquely shiny and recognizable.

Camera
P30 Pro’s is all about its camera and the absolutely most dynamic range it has. There is a triple rear camera consisting of 40MP wide-angle lens with an aperture of f/1.6, 20 MP ultra-wide angle lens of f/2.2 and 8MP telephoto camera of an f/3.4 aperture with optical image stabilizer. The glowing moment of the Time-of-Flight (TOF) camera presents the images in a 3D reality and captures the moments as you see them. The front camera is 32 MP with f/2.0 aperture which adapts to the different light and adds on a number of bokeh effects.

The Technology Behind

No doubt that this is a top-notch cellphone with a cutting-edge technology that provides superior work and performance. It is luxury at your hand with a powerful EMUI 9.1 software and Kirin 980 CPU that offer flawless workability and unhindered multitasking with no delays. The dual NPUs enhance the AI capabilities allowing smart features like ambient recognition, architectural designs and smart scene set up. And lastly, for top performance and unobstructed, prolonged experience, it is equipped with massive 4100 mAh battery which is charged with a wireless fast charger within minutes and plus it has the Power Share option. P30 Pro is waterproof up to 30 minutes in 1.5 meters depth and it is dust and splash resistant.

Cost and Value

When it comes to flagships of the latest models it is incredibly hard to summarize all their features into a few sentences, but we hope that you’ve got the idea that this is one of the most powerful mobile devices right now. Featuring two RAM possibilities of 6 and 8 GB and three options of internal storage of 128/256/512 GB, it makes clear that there are different price tags for each of the available options. And you have probably realized that such a sophisticated device comes with a price which as high as the standards this flagship has set.

Amazon Link
$465.00

3. iPhone X

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$295.00
iPhone X
Amazon Link

It has been called the best iPhone ever, even though it has already had a successor with improved features. iPhone X marked a new era for iPhones and marked the iPhone’s entry into the world of phablets, even though this one isn’t truly phablet, it is very close to being one. It delivers an augmented reality of your surroundings and transforms the way you play, learn or work, by connecting to everything connectible. As for golfers, having iPhone on the golf course means capturing every part of your game either through the apps or through live videos and photos taken there. iPhone has never been just a phone, so let’s take a look at what it boasts about.

Read more

Display and Design
When it was first launched on the market a year and a half ago, it was the most expensive flagship ever and up to date, it is still being sold with a hefty price tag. There’s a good reason for that though. Let’s start with its design first, since much was (and still is) talked about. The 5.8 inches OLED display prior to XS was the best vibrant and clear one that blazes at you once you pick it up. Even though it was called bezel-less phone, it does have slight bands which protect it from accidental touches on the screen. The TrueDepth front camera has been positioned on the top of the screen and it looks a bit impinging on the screen. When it comes to its design it is rounded, with a glass back and no home button. The steel band gives an extra weight but not in a negative way, it gives it a premium feel and subtle luxury.

Camera
Even though there are some more advanced camera options in XS and XS Max, the camera of the X is still considered to be one of the best. The rear camera has 12 megapixels and it features dual optical stabilization with a wide angle aperture lens of f1/8 and telephoto aperture lens of f/2.4. The front 7-megapixel camera has auto image stabilization, it supports portrait mode and has exposure control. The advanced image processor used in the X allows for both cameras to use augmented reality (AR) features and Natural Lighting effect. When it comes to the video, you can record in 4K with HD movies.

The Technology Behind
The extra fast and efficient 64-bit A11 Bionic chip comes as a heritage from the iPhone 8 but with an improved graphics unit and has 30% more speed. The six cores and the 3 GB RAM memory do a decent job in performing multitasking even in several demanding apps. The phone is fully splash-, dust- and water- resistant so you can enjoy your summer activities without worrying too much about the phone’s safety. The battery it has isn’t too impressive though and its capacity is 2716 mAh which is enough for daily use and it can be charged via Qi compatible accessories.

Cost and Value
What more can we say about one of the most impressive phones that Apple has ever produced except that it can seriously threaten to replace your real life with the virtual life it is ready to provide. It is not the latest Apple model, but it was the phone that set a new era of Apple’s phones and it abounds with super advanced features. The fact that it is still among the most expensive phones talks a lot.

Amazon Link
$295.00

4. Honor View 20

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$585.00
Honor View 20
Amazon Link

No one would have thought of such an advancement coming from Honor in all aspects, the most notable being the 48-inch camera which is the first of its kind ever used in a smartphone and a punch-hole display that is also among the first. Many novelties in Honor 20 and it seems that it was made to live up its name. Golfers can enjoy all its cutting-edge performance features, the ultra-modern design and the ability to perform flawlessly while multitasking The best part? For the specifications it has and the camera features, it is very reasonably priced.

Read more

Display and Design
Largely resembling all the flagships in this list, it comes with a large 6.4-inch HD screen that has a punch-hole on the right corner where the camera sensor is placed. It definitely looks unique and it doesn't take up much of the screen visibility. Even though it is not completely bezel-less it does look advanced with the tiny bezels on the sides. The case is made of glass which covers the metal unit giving the phone a glossy and stylish look. On the back of it, you can notice the dual cameras and the fingerprint sensor.

Camera
This phone will be definitely distinguished as the first smartphone featuring 48 MP back camera accompanied by individual Time of Flight (TOF) camera with a flesh, while the front features 25 MP camera sensor. The hole-punch represents a technical sophistication of the highest possible form and it is not even noticeable, something that many smartphones are struggling with when it comes to the design. The photos taken in good light are more than impressive and they can compete with the latest flagships of Samsung, Huawei or iPhone.

The Technology Behind
As Honor is still part of the Huawei family it features Kirin 980 processor and runs Android 9.0.1 with the 2019 security patches and Honor's Magin UI 2.0 which is the other name for EMUI. The RAM memory it comes with is 8 GB and the lowest internal memory is 128. That combination makes Honor View 20 an incredibly fast phone that shows impeccable performance and the preliminary testing and benchmarks showed that it runs faster and performs better than Huawei Mate 20 Pro, which means you get an impressive performance. Such demanding processor and extraordinarily high resolution require high battery capacity which luckily we can see it here. The smartphone comes equipped with 4000 mAh battery power which is more than necessary for this device and which allows two whole days above average use.

Cost and Value
This is one of the most impressive smartphones that we have seen launched at the beginning of this year for even more strikingly affordable price tag. Despite being extraordinarily powerful and featuring an amazing camera, the phone is cheaper than Samsung S10, Huawei and iPhone, making it an excellent value for the money.

Amazon Link
$585.00

5. Google Pixel 3 XL

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$218.50
Google Pixel 3 XL
Amazon Link

The end of 2018 brought about many impressive releases and nothing less can be said about Google phones. Google Pixel 3 XL is the latest phone that boasts size and an impressive camera, many features that mark the Google’s signature, artificial intelligence, and when it comes to its software, it will receive the constant and the most reliable updates. It’s been called the best Android phone on the market, so let’s take a look at its specs and find out why.

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Display and Design
The end of 2018 and the beginning of 2019 were marked by large screen launches and all the flagships that popped out range within the 6 inches size, so Pixel 3 Xl follows the steps of the new trend with its 6.3 inches display with sharp 2,960 x 1,440 resolution and vibrant colors. The front side looks slightly outdated with a large notch that looks a bit distractive and the bezels are too large for some, especially if you compare it with the flagships of Samsung or iPhone XS. The back of the phone looks much better, having all glass on the rear. The surface is matted out and it has a nice grip which isn’t slippery at all and it doesn’t look flaked with fingerprints all over.

Camera
By the end of last year, it was called the winner of the cameras, despite the fact that it comes with a single camera of 12.2 megapixels and f/1.8 aperture. Due to improved HDR+ in action and the new image sensor, the images are clear, sharp and detailed. Unfortunately, there’s no digital zoom, however, even with half a zoom you can get a good quality photo. The portrait mode is incredibly detailed, and it is the best compared to many flagships. The front camera features dual 8-megapixel cameras with an aperture of an f/1.8 of the main lens and f/2.2 for the secondary wide-angle lens.

The Technology Behind
The processor used in Pixel 3 XL is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 845 with RAM of 4 GB. As it can be expected, it runs its own Android 9 Pie software and it is packed with multiple features. When the phone was first launched at the end of last year this was on par with all the flagships, but now there’s a new updated version, so it feels slightly outdated, even though Mi Mix 3 features the same processor. The RAM, however, is definitely low compared to the other flagships, however, it won’t affect the workability of the phone whatsoever. When it comes to internal memory, there’s no possibility for Micro SD slot, but you can choose from 64 GB or 128 GB, but with the purchase, you get a free internal storage of the photos in their original size, so you can expect a lot of free memory. Regarding its battery, it is the first Google phone that offers wireless charging, and if there’s something that this phone lacks, that’s durable battery life.

Cost and Value
If you want a phone that will function as your personal assistant, which is powerful enough to run the most demanding apps and which will provide you with the greatest shots and 4K video and unlimited Google storage than this is the right phone for you. The price is on the higher end, slightly cheaper than the Samsung S10 or iPhone XS, but it will meet your expectations in almost any aspect of its functionality.

Amazon Link
$218.50

6. OnePlus 6

Where to buy
Amazon Link
OnePlus 6
Amazon Link

If a few years ago you were reluctant to even consider OnePlus, now with its model One Plus 6, the company is boldly defying the ultimate leaders of the premium class. It is made with all the premium features that stand in the same line the most prominent representatives of the latest flagships. It comes equipped with huge storage, exquisite camera, and software that has the capacity to run multiple tasks simultaneously without delays. It also has an updated design and it looks and feels premium. From high-quality shots and videos to simulation games and demanding tasks, it is designed to excel your expectations.

Read more

Display and Design
What draws attention in OnePlus 6 is the extreme detail emphasis and the luxurious look, especially on the back. The whole phone casing features Gorilla Glass 5 which is as durable as having a metal casing. The remarkable 6.28 inch AMOLED display marks the impressiveness of the phone, since not only is it large, but it offers impressive pixel density and full-screen brightness. The notch for the front camera is something that seems to be unnecessarily large and somehow decreases the full screen-to-body ratio.

Camera
For many users, the camera is an excellent ace under the sleeve, since OnePlus drew the attention with the dual rear camera that pairs 16 and 20-megapixel lenses. Both camera feature wide f/1.7 aperture and shoot under the wide-angle, so there’s no telephoto perspective or optical zoom that is usually obtained by the secondary lens implemented in Samsung or iPhone. However, the camera is able to provide much better low-light images because of the larger aperture. The front camera has a 16 MP lens which is kind of flat and doesn’t truly provide sufficient contrast. Regarding video recording, as it might be expected, you can record 4K videos.

The Technology Behind
What OnePlus has really to boast about is its super-fast performance which is provided by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor which has Adreno 630 graphics making it the fastest phone that was launched last year. The internal RAM memory comes with two varieties of 6 and 8 GB with ROM of 128 or 256 GB appropriately. The battery life is surprisingly long and the phone doesn’t seem to struggle when pushed its limit, nor does it drain the battery. The battery capacity is 3,300 mAh and it is one of the fastest charging batteries.

Cost and Value
Despite having an updated version that has just been launched, OnePlus 6 has marked flagship performance into an affordable phone. It costs almost double the price of iPhone X but it delivers almost identical performance. If you are a golfer who is looking for the maximum performance smartphone which is affordable at the same time then this model is worth considering.

Amazon Link

7. Nokia 9 Pureview

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$225.00
Nokia 9 Pureview
Amazon Link

Rising from the ashes like the mythological Phoenix, Nokia has been able to catch up with the top-piers in lightning speed, but it doesn’t just follow the lead, it leaves its own signature and sets up a new trend. That especially can be seen in the way the camera is designed and the introduction of the five cameras which one reviewer describes them as ‘HDR on steroids’. So, in case you are a golfer that pays special attention to the depth of the images taken on the course and if you are eager to capture every detail with unprecedented quality then the latest from Nokia is the option that you need to seriously consider.

Read more

Display and Design
The design seems to keep a thread from the past, as a reminiscence that it once was a great player, and instead of a notch, it keeps the traditional bezels where the front camera is placed on the top bezel. The back design of the cameras distinguishes Nokia from the other flagships. You can see them in a circular array accompanied by the flash and the ToF (time of flight). The rest of the phone looks typical, with standard buttons and Gorilla Glass 5 gives a premium feel of the phone. The 5.99-inch 1440 x 2880 pOLED display fits the latest flagships’ trend of large screens and it is vivid, bright colors. The fingerprint scanner is built into the screen which features optical reader.

Camera
As each flagship has its distinctive point, Nokia 9 Pureview has marked its fleet with the five camera array. What is noteworthy is that only two of the cameras are in colors, the other three are monochromatic and all of them feature the same 12 MP lenses with an f1/8 aperture with Zeiss optics. This might feel not as impressive as the latest flagships, however, the images taken with the synchronized cameras go deeper into the spec and provide a more detailed representation of the photos. The five cameras utilize the AI to figure out which is the best shot and what is the best picture depth and size. The front camera features a 20 MP single lens without showing much HDR.

The Technology Behind
It is not really clear why Nokia has decided to utilize Qualcomm 845 which is one generation behind its latest release of 855 which has been used by the flagships of 2019. Not that there’s anything wrong with the Snapdragon 845, but it is not the latest. However, in order to be able to tackle five simultaneous images, it uses a dedicated Light Lux Capacitor which presets and organizes the images before they are processed by the Snapdragon. When it comes to its capacity it is satisfactory and follows the lead of the other flagships, so it comes with 6GB of RAM and 128GB internal storage. The software is the latest Android release, Pie 9. Regarding its battery capacity, it will suit you well with its 3.320 mAh for a day or so, depending on the actual use and the wireless charging is enough support for a daily requirement.

Cost and Value

What we can conclude from the latest of Nokia, is that this flagship gives us a clear sign that Nokia is back on its track and that it can stand next to the other flagships of this year, even though featuring a few slight flaws which wouldn’t affect the performance of the phone. Featuring a good camera, fairly speedy processor and full waterproof rating, it is one of the most reasonably priced flagships.

Amazon Link
$225.00

8. Sony Xperia XZ3

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$349.99
Sony Xperia XZ3
Amazon Link

When choosing the best smartphones, mostly one tends to focus on the flagships that mark the new release, so the latest release comes from Sony, their second model that comes with an OLED display and packed with a variety of high-end features, ranging from the superb camera to superb performance. It rivals its peers with some smartly introduced features like Motion Eye camera setup, AI gestures, edge detection and so forth. So, here’s one more phone that will provide an enhanced experience on the golf course when it comes to taking a record of your performance.

Read more

Display and Design
The designers of Sony did manage to retain some of the ‘ambient flow’ curves that are remarkable even for the previous Sony designs but of course, in this model they come in much more sophisticated form. This design is one of the ‘curviest’ that Sony has launched so far, making it recognizable as Xperia release. The frame is made of aluminum and the whole device is rounded with Gorilla Glass 5, and yet again, the lines that are curve-shaped provide a good grip. The OLED screen delivers the greatest slope when compared with all of their devices and that provides better color contrast and representation. The bezels aren’t completely removed, as we can see the front camera is positioned on the notch.

Camera
The quality of Sony’s camera has never been disputed and this one comes with the best of it. It is equipped with 19MP Motion Eye camera with f/2.0 aperture with HDR recording and 4K video. It also features slow-motion video-capture with supreme quality. Even though a second camera is still a miss, the final images are clear, vivid with striking contrast. The proprietary BIONZ processing algorithm delivers better details under low-light and the involvement of AI applies proper exposure in different settings. What this phone can really boast about is its selfie 13.2 MP autofocus enabled camera with a brighter aperture of f/1.9.

The Technology Behind
Featuring Snapdragon 845 and RAM 4GB it should be clear its processing power will be on a decent level, enabling you to basically go through all the required tasks without any delays, however, it is something that goes on the lower end, especially when it comes to the flagship. The Android 9 Pie runs smoothly with slightly versatile Xperia interface. There are many apps and features that make Xz3 unique, such as the Xperia ear Duo which includes the most unique earphones that make you aware of your surroundings with smart assistance that provides contextual alerts based on your current position and activity.

Cost and Value
There’s no doubt that this is one of the best Sony Xperia flagships with recognizable Xperia design and Sony camera quality. It has proprietary features that make it smart, fast and unique. Even though it was price competitor to iPhone X when it was first launched, its price has now dropped, most probably due to the new releases of the leading companies which offer increased speed and more power. It is not the best at the moment, but it deserves to be numbered among the best, at least, because it won’t fail your expectations.

Amazon Link
$349.99

9. Xiaomi Mi Mix 3

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Xiaomi Mi Mix 3
Amazon Link

Do you remember the old days when mobile phones were competing which one would be smaller in size? Those days are long gone, we’re witnessing the opposite competition nowadays. They are competing which one is going to be larger and more inclusive. And the current leader when it comes to size is Mi Mix 3, coming as distinguished and the most affordable flagship from the Chinese company that is getting really close to the leading brands in terms of quality and performance.

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Display and Design
As the phones are changing the current track if our lives, their primary function is being obscured by the advanced possibilities they offer. From chatting and reaching to people around the world, to watching a film, game playing and simulating, to reading books and even working. So, it comes naturally to expect that a larger screen would do better the job. With its 6.39 inch AMOLED display and 2340 x1080 resolution, almost bezel-less design and 93.4% body-to-screen ratio, it is the largest phone in its range. The front camera is what makes Mi Mix 3 distinguished from most of the phones which are revealed only by sliding the display that is moved by a magnetic mechanism, which is a smart solution to have the display completely clear and unobstructed from the notch. On the back, you’ll find the cameras positioned vertically with the finger sensor positioned there too. The case is made of metal with a good grip and it has round edges.

Camera
The sliding display to activate the front camera is the smartest approach that Xiaomi has made in order to eliminate the notch or punch-holes and what you get is a clear screen. So, as you slide the phone, you are immediately taken to the selfie snapper of dial lenses featuring 24MP and 2MP with AI available for this camera too, producing high-quality photos, but not as good as those of Samsung, Huawei or Google Pixel. The back camera features dual 12 MP rear cameras with 2x optical zoom in portrait mode without reduction of the quality. The cameras take shots in HDR mode which brightens the dark images, AI mode which is an intelligent detector of the scenes, portrait mode which clearly defines the front and back objects and night mode which provides greater illumination.

The Technology Behind

The operating system of Mi Mix 3 is the latest Google’s operating system-Android 9 Pie, but it comes with MUII 10 OS interface. It is a powerful flagship though, packed with a Snapdragon 845 chip which isn’t the latest offering from Qualcomm which is 855, and ROM storage of 128 GB while the RAM comes with sufficient 6 GB allowing it to run several applications simultaneously without lagging or interruption. When it comes to its battery, even though it less powerful compared to its competitors having only 3,200 mAh it is still capable of providing enough capacity for all-day use of the phone with all its apps and still have something left. It is charged wirelessly and comes with a wireless pad.

Cost and Value
This is a powerful flagship which even though isn’t on the equal grounds with Samsung or iPhone, it is closely following it by offering a similar experience for a much more affordable price tag. In case you are a golfer who wants to maximize its productivity by using the most advanced apps or take high-quality shots or 4K video of the performance, Mi Mix 3 isn’t going to fail you.

Amazon Link

10. LG G7 ThinQ

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$99.99
LG G7 ThinQ
Amazon Link

Performance is the area where LG never fails and even though this phone doesn’t really look impressive design-wise it will impress you with its speed. Many LG users are inclined to stick to never failing LG system performance, resulting in almost no failures or delays in its work. You can multitask on the phone easily without even encountering the slightest discontinuation. It comes with a dual rear camera and AI integrated features such as interaction with Google Assistant, so according to many users, it’s a phone that meets the expectations in every segment.

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Display and Design
The front of the phone is designed with a notch where the camera is nicely fitted, there’s a chin too and even though the trend goes toward more bezel-free design, this one does have side bezels which make it look slightly boring and outdated. The 6.1-inch QHD display has an impressive 3120 x 1440 resolution with enhanced colors and visual performance. It is covered with Gorilla Glass 5, as it is the rest of the phone, allowing it to be wirelessly charged with Qi.

Camera
There’s an opinion that LG G7 Thinq’s camera has been understated since it is a high-performance camera with dual lenses of 16 MP featuring standard one with an aperture of f/1.6 and optical image stabilization and the 16MP wide-angle camera with f/1.9 aperture camera. The camera is more than impressive in bright light, however, in low light conditions it can’t really hold a candle to Huawei, Samsung or iPhone latest releases, even though LG has added Super Bright Camera Mode to help when shooting at night. What stands out is the wide-angle camera that provides superb photos. The AI mode identifies 10 scenes which are less compared to its competitors. The front camera features 8 MP and it can deliver nice shots during the day, but night shots tend to lack more depth and details.

The Technology Behind

As it is the case with all flagships that emerged during 2018, it is powered with Snapdragon 845 processor, offering two RAM possibilities of 4 or 6 GB and internal memory of 64 and 128 GB accordingly. It runs Android 8.0 operating system, which isn’t the latest that comes from Google, however, it isn’t the pure version since LG has enabled its own skin. Regarding the performance, as we have previously mentioned, it is smooth and fast even with the most demanding games and apps, so feel free to enjoy all golf apps that require enhanced system support. What this phone is struggling with is the low battery capacity of 3000 mAh and it is considered low end when it comes to flagships.

Cost and Value
Generally speaking, G7 Thinq is a very good phone that stands out with its performance and high-quality photos. You can multitask and engage it into many operations without a delay. No matter whether you are on the golf course and you’re using one of the apps that help you track your performance, recording 4K video or simulating or playing a game, you’ll enjoy it. The price is now lowered from what it first was, so it is much more affordable now, then it was.

Amazon Link
$99.99

Sources

  1. Gareth Beavis, John McCann , Buying Guide, Review
  2. Samuel Gibbs, Buying Guide, Review
  3. MarkSpoonauer, Buying Guide, Review
  4. Julian Chokkattu, Buying Guide, Review