2020 has finally come to an end. This could be one of the worst years for most of us, but this is definitely not the bad year for Technology. Nothing can stop it to happen. We had a lot and a lot of launches this year. Instead of awarding the best smartphones in a specific category, we're gonna award the best from brands this year.
Introduction
Every year every brand launch several devices to satisfy end consumer needs. Let's take a look at the best devices from each brand that launched this year. This list is not based on hands-on impressions, we've made this list based on several reviewers on YouTube and other platforms reviews from e-commerce websites such as Amazon and Flipkart and based on our own thoughts to the specifications.
Apple
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| iPhone 12 |
Apple's iPhone 12 series debuted this year. It had a lot of improvements combined with new features this year. We felt iPhone 12 could be the best considering its price. It has the best display on any iPhone. With very good build quality, awesome camera performance, and A14 Bionic chip performs really well. iPhone 12 Pro is still better at the build quality and camera features but that doesn't speak for the price.
Samsung
For Samsung without any doubt, the best of the brand in 2020 is Galaxy Z Fold 2 5G, while we're at the beginning of the foldable era, Samsung made it possible. This well improved from the Fold one launched last year. It has a 120Hz AMOLED widescreen, combined with SD 865, it offers wonderful performance with a wider screen.
Even though Z fold 2 is the best from the brand, we found it is worth mentioning that Galaxy S20 Fan Edition, is best from the Indian Market perspective. It offers flagship specs such as Exynos 990 (for India), a real triple camera system, up to 120Hz sAMOLED screen, stereo speakers, IP68 water and dust resistance, wireless charging (reverse wireless charging too) combined with a 4500mAh battery. It was introduced at a reasonable price of 50k (after some discounts from the e-commerce website, the price was around 40k which is great value for money).
Realme
Realme's pro series is one of their successful series always. This year we had Realme 6 Pro and Realme 7 Pro. Of the two, we feel the 7 pro is the best. Besides its plastic back, it had an AMOLED screen, Sony's IMX 686 sensor, 65W fast charging, and stereo speakers. This textured back feels grippy in its hands. It has SD 720G. So, despite its plastic back, this is a well-rounded smartphone, which fits most of the users.
Poco
Poco clearly confused all of us this year by launching several rebranded smartphones from Redmi. Redmi K30 aka Poco X2 (for India), is even though a rebranded version, we accepted as it outperformed its competitors by bringing 120Hz refresh rate displays under 20K segment. It was aggressively priced initially, but due to GST increment to 18% and several factors now it sells for 17K. Even though its successor Poco X3 has launched later this year, Poco X2 is still better at design, build material (Gorilla glass on front and back), and camera performance.
Redmi
This year we had only the Note 9 series in the Note lineup from Redmi. It is a successful series for years. This we had Redmi Note 9 Pro Max as the top-end variant. This one of the most sold models on amazon. This we had improved camera, charging speed, battery life and with unique design, upgraded SD 720G Soc. The normal Pro variant and Pro Max variant looks identical, except few difference in specs.
Motorola
Motorola had an unexpected comeback this year, by launching devices at an arguable price point. Motorola One Fusion Plus was the best of them this year. For India, we had SD 730G instead of 730, So, they took some effort in designing this device. This was one of the rare models with a popup camera this year. Even though Moto G 5G is better at performance, we fell still Motorola One Fusion Plus will take over in design and camera performance. Also, the stock android like experience needs to be appreciated here.
Oneplus
Oneplus has a huge market share in the premium segment in India. This year without any doubt we can say Oneplus 8 Pro is the best model launched this year. After a lot of requests from the fans, this year's model had Wireless charging and IP68 water and dust resistant support. With curved AMOLED up to 120Hz and QHD+ display, combined with SD 865, it delivers extreme performance. 8 pro, has not only a 48MP main lens but also a 48MP ultra-wide lens (which makes sense) paired with an 8MP telephoto lens. The pricing in India was better compared to other markets.
Xiaomi
After several launch date delays, Xiaomi launched their Mi 10 in mid of 2020. The main highlight of this phone is the presence of a 108MP camera in it. It offers a curved AMOLED FHD+ screen with up to 90Hz refresh rate. Xiaomi took some effort to match the flagship specs here. With SD 865 and a huge battery, it performs well in everyday usage. It also supports wireless charging. Even though Mi10T Pro launched with a 144Hz LCD screen, still 90Hz AMOLED feels more premium to use.
Oppo
Oppo launches the best smartphones focussed on the offline market in India. This year in the Reno series lineup we had Reno 3 Pro and Reno 4 Pro. Oppo also launched, their best, Find X2 Pro globally, but not for India. But Reno 4 Pro was launched very first in India. This model doesn't feel like an upper midrange model in the hands. With the curved AMOLED 90Hz display panel and matte-finished design, the model feels premium enough. With a lightweight design, and SuperVOOC 2.0 (65W) this model had a lot of attention. There was also an MS Dhoni Signature edition.
Vivo
Vivo (the biggest competitor of Oppo) is always known for its unique design in every segment. They're the ones who launched the first popup camera and in-display fingerprint sensor in India. This year Vivo launched X50 Pro features a gimbal camera system(new level of camera stabilization). This gimbal system allows the camera sensor to move and rotate slightly, compensating for accidental shakes. With curved AMOLED 90Hz and SD 765G it offers decent performance in day-to-day usage.
LG
LG, a Korean brand, also had a lot of attention from everyone by bringing the swivel screen that we haven't even imagined before. This was the first device to have a swivel screen, which means you can rotate your front screen, to use another display behind it. This is very useful for a person who multitasks a lot. It also had a Gimbal camera mode. The display was vibrant enough and the camera performance was good enough. The specifications of the device may not speak for the price, but new innovations need to be appreciated.
Honor
Asus, Google & Iqoo
Even though Asus, Google, and Iqoo launched more devices in other countries, they introduced only one model for India.
In the case of Asus, they launched one of their famous ROG series(gaming phone series). They introduced ROG Phone 3 for India. This model satisfied every gaming need of a user. It has an AMOLED screen with up to 144Hz refresh rate, also powered by a big 6000mAh battery. This was the first model to debut with Snapdragon 865+ Soc. Apart from gaming needs ROG 3 performed well enough in the camera department too.
Google finally launched its Pixel 4a in India. The idea behind this smartphone is to keep everything simple with its design, software, and color options too. This was launched around 30k segment in India, even though specs may not look like great value for money, but it offers a wonderful user experience. It has world-class camera performance
Iqoo, Vivo's sub-brand, is a new brand that debuted this year. Iqoo 3 was their first-ever device focussed on flagship experience. This is the cheapest device with SD 865 Soc. With AMOLED display and 55W charging speed and adequate camera performance made users love it. This device tops in the overall value for the money department.
What to expect
2020 was a great year at least for smartphones. We might see the new 5G devices under the 20k segment and we hope more smartphones to have OLED screens under the 20k segment. Other than these we might the usual improvements with battery, camera, design, built material. The sad thing we came to know is that from next year we might not see smartphones packed with charging adapter starting from the flagship. After a 3.5mm headphone jack and microSD card slot, this new trend is expected to happen.
Conclusion
Hope you all loved the list. Our individual parameters vary to define the best. In 2020, we've spent most of our time with smartphones than ever. So, comment on your favorite smartphone of this year. Comment your thoughts on the blog below, we will be happy to see your comments.
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