In 2020, there are many high-end smartphone models, more or less sophisticated, more or less pretty, all compatible with 5G networks. But for those who have an unlimited budget to choose the model that will suit him perfectly, the options are fewer.
Whether it’s high-performance products, refined aesthetics, or devices with original functionalities, the phones included in this selection are firmly in the world of premium. Called flagships in jargon, these terminals promise to offer a complete and optimal experience with all the best features of the moment.
To help you make your choice, discover our recommendations to better choose your next high-end phone.
SAMSUNG GALAXY S20 ULTRA
Samsung announced in February 2020 its Galaxy S20 series, headed by the Galaxy S20 Ultra. It is currently the highest-end terminal on the market.
Certainly. It sports a very large 6.9-inch AMOLED screen displaying 3200 x 1440 pixels and especially with a refresh rate of 120 Hz for extremely fluid animations and particularly pleasant to watch.
The second main difference with the previous generation is in the photo block. It consists of three sensors, the main one being 108 megapixels, but more than the latter, it is especially the “telephoto” sensor which is interesting. That’s allows 4x optical zoom and even 100x in hybrid zoom.
At this level of magnification, the picture is not really usable, but the technical prowess is impressive. In general, the photos are not surprisingly excellent.
For everything else, the S20 Ultra obviously has everything you would expect from a premium smartphone: neat design, impeccable performance, and water resistance and … no jack.
As always with the Korean, the smartphone works with the OneUI 2.0 interface, which to date remains one of the best overlays on the market. We will simply regret the autonomy, just in the norm, nothing more.
The Galaxy S20 and S20 + are also in the game, but the S20 disappointed us a little, especially on the autonomy. This makes it a little less recommendable than the S20 Ultra. The S20 Plus partially corrects this error.
OPPO FIND X2 PRO
New Oppo flagship, the Find X2 Pro has everything that makes a good premium smartphone in 2020.
Like the Galaxy S20, it has an excellent 120 Hz AMOLED screen, also stamped, but this time in the left corner, and with curved edges to further infuse this premium look into the device. The screen spans 6.7 inches. Another interesting design element is its faux leather backside, which is quite unique on the market.
Obviously, it does not forget the technical aspect within particular a Snapdragon 865 processor supported by 12 GB RAM. Just that. It goes without saying that the terminal performs admirably in all circumstances.
The photo part is not to be outdone with a triple sensor module including a 5x telephoto capable of achieving 10x hybrid zooms. The main sensor, like the ultra-wide-angle, is 48 megapixels. On the whole the results are very good, but not yet quite at the level of what the best students can offer, like Samsung precisely.
Where it does a little better than the Galaxy S20 Ultra is on the autonomy with not only a slightly more enduring battery that will last a day of use without any hesitation but also a fast recharge to 65W.
It makes it possible to recover almost all of the battery in around thirty minutes. Oppo is also making progress on its ColorOS interface – here in version 7 – but is still behind the tenors that are Samsung or OnePlus on this point. You can find all the details in our test of Find X2 Pro.
SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE 10 PLUS
Aesthetically, the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus is a real success. At the front, all the space is reserved for its magnificent OLED panel (considered to be the best on the market according to DisplayMate), where the extremely thin borders give more the impression of holding in the hands a miniature television set than a real smartphone.
Only its punch, centered for the first time at the top, could make say the opposite. And again, it’s easy to hide it with a suitable wallpaper.
On the back, it is the apotheosis if you choose the color Silver stellar rather than the very classic black. Indeed, the glass surface is of the most beautiful effect with its many reflections changing according to the light. It’s a real firework of colors for the retina.
In terms of photography, it surprises with its versatility coupled with a quality obviously evident in this segment. It has 4 sensors:
- The main one is 12 megapixels with a variable aperture lens at f/1.5 – f/2.4.
- The second one is an f/2.2 16 megapixels ultra-wide-angle,
- The third one is a telephoto lens of 12 megapixels
- Finally, the last one called “ToF (Time of Flight) to manage the depth of field in portrait mode.
This module cannot disappoint on a daily basis, especially since it is easy to have fun with the different macro, ultra-wide-angle, and even portrait video modes.
In addition, it is capable of shooting in Full HD and 4K at 30 or 60 frames per second, but the stabilization mode is only available in Full HD.
It also goes up in performance compared to the Samsung Galaxy S10 and S10 Plus！ Thanks to the integration of the SoC Exynos 9825 engraved in 7 nm, where the 9820 of the S10 was engraved in 8 nm.
In addition to saving energy, this allows it to obtain an appreciable gain in power, and ultimately come much closer to the power of a Snapdragon 855. On a daily basis, this configuration will not fail you, both in terms of user experience and the most demanding games in the Play Store.
What’s more, it benefits from a comfortable autonomy with its 4,300 mAh battery, while being compatible with fast charging (up to 45 W), wireless charging (up to 15 W) and reverses wireless charging.
Finally, how to talk about the Galaxy Note 10 without addressing the new features of its stylus, the S Pen. In a new unified design, it has an accelerometer and a gyroscope allowing it to detect movements on six axes. Concretely, it is literally used as a magic wand in front of the smartphone. While only Samsung apps are currently compatible, other third-party apps are expected to follow suit.
HUAWEI P30 PRO
The P30 Pro is the best alternative to the Galaxy S10 or Note 10. It is also a very complete solution which can undoubtedly meet the majority of uses. If he is also very versatile, Huawei has mainly focused on the photo.
Let’s start with its big highlight: the photo part. With three sensors, one of which corresponds to 5x optical zoom, this is the terminal that offers the best zoom on the market today.
Even better, the software manages to produce a 10x zoom with very little loss. In the test, it’s just amazing. You also have a wide-angle sensor, and a fourth sensor called “ToF” which allows it to achieve excellent portrait modes.
This photographic debauchery, however, prevented Huawei from offering a smartphone as thin and light as Samsung despite a screen of similar size: 6.47 inches. In hand, the phone is, therefore, less pleasant.
Its OLED screen is however of very good quality but limited to a Full HD definition, and with Kirin 980 processor is less efficient than the Samsung solution. Its autonomy is however excellent: you will last two days of use most of the time.
ONEPLUS 8
OnePlus returned in spring 2020 with the OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro. A change of generation therefore after the 7T of autumn 2019. A change of generation and therefore a change of design with this year hallmarked screens and carved slabs on the sides.
As usual, the manufacturer integrates the best processor of the moment: the Snapdragon 865. For the first time at OnePlus we also have support for 5G. The classic model revolves around a 6.55 inch AMOLED panel at 90 Hz for animations that are fluid and always as pleasant to look at.
On the photo side, you will find three sensors on the back, including the main one of 48 megapixels and an ultra-wide-angle of 16 MP. The last one, dedicated to macro, is more anecdotal. On the whole, the result is correct, but OnePlus is not entirely at the level of certain competitors on this point.
Despite this pitfall, the OnePlus 8 remains a highly recommendable smartphone and good value for money. Especially since it offers comfortable autonomy with always fast charging and a very pleasant OxygenOS interface. It has therefore once again positioned itself very comfortably in this “high-end, but not too much” segment. ”
-OnePlus 8 PRO
If we find that the OnePlus 8 offers better value for money than the 8 Pro, this more luxurious model is also recommendable. You will gain a slightly larger screen at 120 Hz, better photos as well as wireless charging and IP 68 certification. These additions will cost you an additional 200 euros, but they may hit some users.
APPLE IPHONE 11
Apple still retains a place of choice in the high-end mobile segment. If the iPhone 11 Pro is undeniably excellent, we prefer the iPhone 11 “short”, which we believe offers the best value for money from the 2019-2020 vintage from Apple. You will lose the Amoled screen and the third photosensor, but you have everything else.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE PURCHASING
Before buying a high-end smartphone, many questions can cross your mind. We’ve listed a few here with answers that we hope will light your lantern.
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CAN I REALLY DO EVERYTHING WITH A HIGH-END SMARTPHONE?
Yes. If you invest as much in a phone, luckily you can do it all. It’s the ultimate. These products are designed for the most demanding uses, make the best photos, and offer the best general experience. So you don’t have to worry about anything.
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WHAT MAKES A TOP-OF-THE-RANGE SMARTPHONE?
High-end smartphones simply offer the best that technology has to offer when released. You will therefore find the best processors on the market, the most complete photo parts, the most beautiful screens. Then they are usually fitted with additional refinements such as wireless charging and sealing. Finally, special care is given to the design and the materials used.
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WHAT ARE THE TRUSTED BRANDS?
Over the years, a few brands have established themselves in the high-end segment, the podium steps are disputed by three brands generally: Samsung, Apple, and Huawei. Whoever gets the gold medal varies over the years.
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WHAT PACKAGE TO ACCOMPANY MY PREMIUM SMARTPHONE?
High-end smartphones are very expensive, and it can sometimes be worth linking their purchase to a mobile plan to lower the bill, at least at the time of purchase. To find the one that best suits your needs, while staying within your budget, you can consult our comparison of mobile plans.
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