Alien Evolution: Origin of Species. Why wait: big bets on camera
Navigation applications are becoming increasingly popular year after year not only among motorists, but also among ordinary users. The rapidly changing world, renaming streets and interesting places appearing and closing on the map of any city are pushing for this. High-quality maps for a mobile phone are a way to optimize your workday or leisure time, as well as a way to choose the shortest route to a place of interest. It is sometimes very difficult to choose the best option, but if you clearly outline all the requirements for the tool, it will be much easier. To do this, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with all the features of the best maps for Android smartphones in 2018.
2GIS 4.1.38.2169
A rather ancient program that acts not as a pocket assistant on the situation in the city, but as a directory of all the attractions and useful objects that are located in it. It also works exclusively without connection to the network and uses preloaded city maps for this. All changes are made to them infrequently, approximately once every 30 days. But at the same time, for the largest cities there are even schematic plans of large recreation centers, in which you can instantly find your way around and find an emergency exit. There is also a navigator that helps you build routes around the city, including using public transport. All possible options and route numbers are calculated, and detailed recommendations are given on combined routes to certain buildings.
MAPS.ME 8.2.9-Google
Despite its niche nature and low popularity, this application is capable of surprising the imagination of the most discerning traveler. It does not work with the network and does not offer the monstrous functionality inherent in other programs. Maps and objects on them are taken from open sources - mainly the OpenStreetMaps project. Since the database is filled exclusively by users, you can find completely exotic marks that are not indicated on other maps. There is a limitation on the length of the description, because of which the information content suffers a little, but at the same time it saves space on local storage. The cards themselves are also small in volume, which allows the service to work much faster than others. They are more schematic and do not amaze with graphical delights like street view. And at the same time, a pseudo-three-dimensional mode is present here; it is used by a navigator, which has good functionality and accuracy, and promptly responds to arrival at a turning point or destination. After purchasing the Mail.ru Group service, interesting innovations appeared - bicycle lanes were added, integration with the largest hotel room booker and map editing.
Yandex maps
Part of the system of the domestic analogue of Google, which offers multi-layer integration of its services. Very similar to the previous participant, but it also has its own unique features. In general, the unity of design is well maintained here, allowing the user to quickly get used to the surroundings. With the new updates, voice search was replaced by Alice, the company’s virtual assistant, which self-learns and helps users in their interaction with specific services. In addition, there are messages about traffic jams similar to Google, but in the conditions of domestic roads the service copes much more quickly. Traffic accidents that have occurred are also plotted on the map in real time, which allows you to plan a route in advance and avoid any resulting traffic jams. All automatically determined public transport routes are also built in here, with the ability to see individual vehicles, thereby always being on time for them. It is also possible to work offline, with all maps preloaded on local storage. Then it will be possible not to connect to the Internet and see most of the static objects present on the map.
Google Maps
A representative of the Google ecosystem, which not only allows you to easily navigate around a city or country, but is also capable of displaying 3D roads in simplified quality. In addition, thanks to the wide distribution of the company’s services and its representative offices, data on objects and streets is updated with enviable regularity. Another useful feature is the place rating system, to which many users around the world have contributed. This allows you to receive convenient information about nearby cafes or other establishments that are nearby. There is also real-time updated information about traffic jams. The degree of lane congestion is shown in color mode, where red indicates congestion and green indicates free space for travel. It is possible to set routes and select the type of transport that can be used to get to the marked place. The company has information about all types of public transportation, and therefore has the opportunity to schedule a walk or choose a minibus, bus or trolleybus.
The Android Authority portal summed up the results of the past year, naming smartphones worthy of being called the best of the best. Winners in various categories were identified through detailed testing involving experts in a variety of fields.
Best smartphone
Winner: .
Techstage.de
The winner was determined based on the results of all tests, from photo comparison to benchmarks. At the same time, it was not at all necessary to take first place in every test - it was important that the smartphone did not fail in any of them. Which the Galaxy Note 9 did quite well, finishing in the top five in four out of five key tests.
The best innovations in smartphones
If the performance and autonomy of smartphones can somehow be assessed and measured, then with innovation this approach is fundamentally wrong. That is why, choosing the most unusual and interesting technologies, Android Authority relied on a simple survey of the entire editorial staff, which is over 30 people.
At the first stage, experts proposed their options, and at the second, a general vote was held for the best applicants. Based on the results, three truly innovative technologies of 2018 were named:
- Google's Duplex is an artificial intelligence technology that allows the voice assistant to make calls for cafe reservations, ticket purchases and, for example, ordering pizza.
- Folding devices from Samsung and Royole - we are talking about the first folding smartphone and a similar one from Samsung, which was recently demonstrated at a special presentation.
- Vivo's in-display fingerprint scanner - such sensors, according to Android Authority, will be the first step towards technology that allows fingerprint recognition across the entire area of the screen panel.
Best display
Winners: Samsung Galaxy Note 9 and Razer Phone 2.
variety.com To determine the best displays, experts from Spectracal were brought in to help give a correct assessment of color rendering, temperature, brightness and other parameters of smartphone screens. The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 was recognized as the best based on the totality of all ratings. Huawei Mate 20 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S9 were not far behind it.
Separately, experts highlighted the best screen for games. Its owner was the gaming flagship Razer Phone 2, which received an IPS IGZO panel with a frequency of 120 Hz and a brightness of up to 580 nits. The picture on this display looks truly alive.
Best Sound
Winner
cnet.com Representatives of the SoundGuys resource helped determine the best smartphone for audiophiles. They conducted many different tests, evaluating a variety of components of quality sound. The LG V40 ThinQ, equipped with a 32-bit Hi-FI DAC and powerful speakers, was recognized as the best in all tests.
In addition to it, Asus ROG Phone, Nokia 7.1 and Samsung Galaxy S9+ received flattering reviews. The RED Hydrogen One, Huawei P20 and Huawei P20 Pro received a negative rating for sound quality.
Better performance
Winner
websawa.com The performance of the devices was assessed using a whole range of different benchmarks, including AnTuTu, GFXBench, Geekbench and 3DMark. Based on the results of all assessments, the Mate 20 Pro from Huawei was recognized as the best, which received the latest proprietary Kirin 980 processor.
In fact, in terms of performance, many modern flagships are almost equal. The minimum gap from the leader was demonstrated by Asus ROG Phone, OnePlus 6T, Huawei Mate 20, Samsung Galaxy Note 9 and Samsung Galaxy S9+. All of them can be called the most powerful Android smartphones.
Best battery
Winners: Huawei P20 Pro and Huawei Mate 20 Pro.
androidauthority.com Here, experts assessed autonomy in various use scenarios, ranging from simple web browsing over Wi-Fi to mixed use of the gadget in applications. The leader of all tests was the Huawei P20 Pro, which is equipped with a 4,000 mAh battery. Oppo R17 Pro, Vivo V11 Pro and Samsung Galaxy Note 9 were not far behind it.
The charging speed of smartphones was separately noted, the importance of which is also difficult to overestimate. All smartphones were tested with original adapters. The winner was Huawei Mate 20 Pro, which charges 40% in just 15 minutes, 76% in 30 minutes, and 99% in an hour.
Best camera
Winners: Samsung Galaxy Note 9 and Pixel 3/3 XL.
androidpit.com This year the best camera was chosen in two categories. The first was to determine the best solution for so-called traditional photography, when detail, natural color rendition, and a minimum of noise and artifacts are important. In this regard, the lead is the Galaxy Note 9, which has a dual camera with 12 megapixel sensors.
HTC U12+, Samsung Galaxy S9+, LG G7, Huawei Mate 20 Pro and Sony Xperia XZ3 were noted as alternative solutions. All of them were slightly behind the leader.
The second nomination took into account image processing algorithms, the use of artificial intelligence functions and additional shooting modes. Here, the undisputed leaders are the new Google Pixel 3 flagships, equipped with identical single 12-megapixel cameras.
The closest to the Pixel 3's capabilities were Huawei P20 Pro, Huawei Mate 20 Pro, Xiaomi Mi A2, LG V40 and Vivo Nex.
The best smartphone for gaming
Winner
gadgetmatch.com When testing gaming devices, we primarily took into account their performance in the 3DMark benchmark, which most accurately characterizes the gaming capabilities of smartphones. The Asus ROG Phone, equipped with an overclocked version of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor with a frequency of up to 2.96 GHz, scored the maximum number of points.
The same smartphone has one of the best displays for gaming - a six-inch AMOLED panel with FHD+ resolution, displaying 108.6% of the DCI-P3 color profile gamut and a refresh rate of 90 Hz. In this regard, it is second only to the Razer Phone 2 with a 120 Hz screen.
The third component of the test is support for gaming accessories. Here, the victory was also awarded to the Asus ROG Phone, for which a number of peripheral devices were developed, including a convenient dock with an additional screen and controllers that turn the device into something like a Nintendo Switch.
Best price
Winners: and OnePlus 6T.
manchikoni.com The best value for money was Xiaomi's Pocophone F1, which has a flagship processor, 6GB of RAM and impressive battery life for around $300.
The more expensive OnePlus 6T was also highlighted. Starting at $550, it offers a more modern design, an edge-to-edge display with a waterdrop notch, and an in-display AMOLED fingerprint scanner.
Android Authority Readers' Choice
Winner
Readers of the resource made their choice not in one general vote, but in a whole set of “duels”. You only had to vote for one of two smartphones. As a result, two models reached the finals: Samsung Galaxy Note 9 and Huawei Mate 20 Pro. The first flagship won with a result of 63% (1,216 votes).
What can we expect from new phones in the second half of 2018? And which one would be the best new phone to buy?
Because most smartphone manufacturers have already established an annual update cycle. Thanks to this, we have an idea of when the most anticipated phones of 2018 will launch. There is already official information about some smartphones.
In this article, we will talk about what to expect in the second half of 2018 in the mobile phone market. You will get an idea of new trends and trends that will be reflected in new models.
New trends and trends
The big focus of 2018 Android flagship phones will be the new Snapdragon system chip. In 2017, most, if not all, flagship phones were powered by the Snapdragon 835. It will be interesting to see how similar the next processor model will be to the previous one.
Apple fans will be interested to know what new technologies will be used in the new products. How the functionality of AR and Face ID will change.
Of particular interest is the following trend in smartphone design. Will the new phones be completely bezel-less?
Without further ado, let's get into our list of the most anticipated phones of 2018.
| Telephone | Expected Features | Release time | Expected price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sony Xperia XZ3 | New interface, dual camera, advanced design | Autumn | $ 800 |
| Nokia 9 | Innovative multi-lens camera from Zeiss | Autumn | $ 700 |
| Huawei Mate 20 | Excellent battery life, performance and camera improvements | October | $ 800 |
| Moto Z3 Force | Continuous display, performance and camera improvements | August | $ 700 |
| LG V40 | Focus on professional features such as audio quality and video recording | October | $ 800 |
| OnePlus 6T | Not yet known | November | $ 500 |
| Google Pixel 3 | New edge-to-edge design, new Android version, new AI capabilities | October | $ 650 |
| Google Pixel 3 XL | Improved display quality, new Android version, new AI features | October | $ 850 |
| Samsung Galaxy Note 9 | Built-in fingerprint scanner, better than S Pen | October | $ 950 |
| Apple iPhone 9 | 6.1" edge-to-edge LCD, no 3D Touch, new AR features | September | $ 700 |
| Apple iPhone X 2018 | Performance and camera improvements, new AR features | September | $ 1000 |
| Apple iPhone 9 Plus | 6.5" OLED edge-to-edge screen, new higher price, focus on camera performance, new AR features | September | $ 1100 |
Sony Xperia XZ 3
Expected release date: Fall 2018 (IFA)
Expected price: $800
Why wait for it: Will they offer us a new interface?
Sony finally updated the design of its phones with the new XZ2 series in early 2018. Now we expect the company to improve the appearance of the phone with the new Xperia XZ3.
The XZ3 is rumored to have a dual camera system on the rear. The biggest changes are planned in the interface of the new product. Sony's new interface will follow the innovations of Android P and may support gestures.
Nokia 9
Expected price: $700
Why wait: big bets on camera
HMD Global brought us our favorite Nokia brand in phones in 2017. However, this did not cause the expected excitement. But there is every reason to believe that the new model will be significantly better.
Nokia has traditionally focused on a great camera. We expect the new premium Nokia 9 flagship in 2018 to do just that: offer a great smartphone with an excellent camera with Zeiss optics.
Huawei Mate 20 Pro
Expected release date: Fall 2018
Why wait for it: Huawei hopes to bet on AI intelligence
Huawei is now the third largest phone maker in the world. It has several different premium models. In the future, it is a global leader in the smartphone market.
The most anticipated new product, P20 Pro, is planned to use three cameras, a large OLED display and a capacious battery. We also expect Huawei to improve its intelligent assistant system. An update to its own Kirin processor is also expected.
Moto Z3 Force
Expected release date: summer 2018
Expected price: $700
Why wait for it: one-of-a-kind modular design
Lenovo owns Motorola and invests heavily in the development of this brand.
The new 2018 Moto Z3 Force will likely bet on two factors. A unique “ShatterShield” display and a unique module that allows you to transform your phone.
LG V40
Expected release date: Fall 2018
Expected prices: $800
Why wait for it: the desire to restore user trust
LG has also decided to introduce two flagship phones in a year. Recently we were able to get acquainted with the LG G7 ThinQ. But the real flagship is expected later. We are talking about LG V40.
This phone will have top-end performance, excellent cameras and excellent battery life.
OnePlus 6T
Expected release date: Fall 2018
Expected prices: from $550
Why wait: Ultra-fast performance and charging speeds, affordable price
OnePlus is a company that has 4 years of experience in the world of mobile phones. All previous models were extremely successful. Swept off the shelves like pies.
We don't yet know what the OnePlus 6T will look like. It is unlikely that he will change much. The usable display area will probably increase.
OnePlus 6T will traditionally be the most affordable flagship and one of the fastest phones. We hope that the camera's hardware capabilities will also be improved.
Google Pixel 3/3 XL
Expected release date: Fall 2018
Expected prices: $650 / $850
2018 is ending, and journalists from the Android Authority resource decided to compile a list best Android smartphones, which, according to one or another criteria, can be considered the most striking new products. The models were evaluated both in terms of specifications and functionality, the importance of innovation, and price. To make the assessment objective, the smartphones were subjected to a series of tests, and experts from various fields were invited as arbitrators. The result is a selection of devices, to each of which the epithet “the best” can be applied. We decided that our readers would be interested to know which models became winners in each category, and we are publishing this information.
Best smartphone: Samsung Galaxy Note 9
Was recognized as the best smartphone 2018 Samsung Galaxy Note 9. It performed best in benchmark testing, placing in the top 5 in four of the five main tests. The design of the device was also highly praised by experts.Why you should buy OnePlus 6T:
- High-quality hardware at a much lower price than competitors;
- Available unlocked or as a T-Mobile smartphone.
- The cameras aren't the best;
- No headphone jack.
Second place in the category went to the smartphone Xiaomi Pocophone F1. This phone costs only $340 on Amazon, but it has many flagship-level hardware features. However, it is inferior to the OnePlus 6T due to the plastic back panel and not the best IPS LCD display with a large notch. And the device, unfortunately, runs out of the box on Android 8.1 Oreo, and not on Android 9 Pie, like the OnePlus 6T.
Was recognized as the best gaming smartphone. It also received flattering reviews in the “Best Sound” category, where it won, equipped with powerful stereo speakers and a 32-bit Hi-FI DAC. The phone became a record holder in terms of performance Huawei Mate 20 Pro with processor Kirin 980. The results of its tests on the Geekbench, GFXBench, AnTuTu and 3DMark benchmarks were the most impressive. However, Huawei Mate 20, Galaxy Note 9 and Galaxy S9+ from Samsung, as well as Asus ROG Phone and OnePlus 6T managed to get very close to the leader.
Experts from Spectracal were invited to determine the best display. They chose the winner in two categories: general and for gaming smartphones. Brightness, color rendering, temperature and a number of other parameters were assessed, based on the totality of which the screen was recognized as the best display Samsung Galaxy Note 9. Among gaming smartphones, there was no equal to the device. The clear and colorful, literally living pictures that its display projected based on the IPS IGZO matrix (frequency 120 Hz, brightness up to 580 nits) made the most favorable impression on the experts.
And finally, innovation. In this category, the winner was chosen based on the results of a survey, and there were quite a few options. Therefore, it was decided to announce the innovations that took the first three places. They became:
- Duplex technology from Google based on artificial intelligence (it allows the voice assistant to make calls to book a hotel, buy pizza, order tickets, etc.).
- Folding smartphones - FlexPai from Royole and a conceptual model from Samsung, which we have already written about on the pages of our website.
- Display-integrated fingerprint scanner from Vivo.
Almost every smartphone manufacturer offers its users a proprietary software shell based on a single version of Android (currently Android 8 and the latest Android 9). For example, Xiaomi uses its own MIUI environment, while Huawei offers EMUI. Samsung, LG, OnePlus, HTC, Meizu and others have the same modified operating systems.
This provides certain benefits to users in the form of proprietary controls, sets of widgets and manufacturer services. Many people love individual companies precisely because of their corporate identity and the capabilities of their version of Android.
But recently it has become very popular to purchase smartphones with pure Android, as Google sees it. It is also called Android One.
What is pure Android (Android One)?
This is a completely pure Android operating system with Google's corporate style, which is also called Material Design. Every year, changes are made to the design and the OS looks more cohesive and easier to use. There are only Google services here and nothing else.
Android One is a “good corporation” loyalty program that includes smartphones with pure Android. This system has a number of advantages compared to most other models based on third-party software shells.
Advantages of pure Android (Android One)
- Performance. It is believed that the manufacturer’s third-party services and their proprietary OS slow down the system. True, this will not be noticeable on smartphones with good power. Therefore, the factor of discomfort plays more of a role, that is, third-party software will download excess traffic from the network and take away battery power. Over time, this becomes noticeable and quite annoying. In pure Android, due to the fact that the system is clean, the performance is better and, accordingly, this will also affect autonomy.
- No unnecessary programs. In addition to the corporate design, manufacturers install a bunch of their own services that few people use, and they take up a fair amount of system resources. Therefore, the bare system has a number of advantages. You decide for yourself which Google services you need and install the necessary ones manually.
- Google support. A very important point among the advantages of pure android. Especially if you are registered and have a search engine mailbox. This way you can easily synchronize data on your smartphone and PC. Also important is updating the OS. All devices that are part of the Android One program are the first to receive the latest updates and are supported for several years. Not all smartphones can be upgraded to Android 9.0 from Android 8.0, but here it is possible, but only if you have chosen this loyalty program.
- Unified design. Google's proprietary native Material Design is considered more convenient in contrast to the changes that manufacturers bring with their software shells. It meets the philosophy of the creators of the Android operating system and is completely original. But this is a personal matter for everyone; some people like MIUI from Xiaomi or Oxygen OS from OnePlus.
Nokia smartphones
Nokia rose from the ashes last year. In order to quickly gain lost positions in the market, a series of smartphones with pure Android was released. All models of the manufacturer are included in the Android One program and receive updates on a par with Google phones Pixel and Pixel 2. Namely models: Nokia 8 Sirocco, Nokia 7 Plus, Nokia 6 (2018), Nokia 6.1 Plus (Nokia X6), Nokia 5.1 Plus (Nokia X5), Nokia 5.1, Nokia 3.1, Nokia 2.1 and the entire 2017 model range. We will not list the latter, since they have been completely updated by those already listed. We will select only a couple of the best devices of 2018, in our opinion.
Nokia 7 Plus
Are you looking for a powerful smartphone that is close in performance to flagships, but not so expensive? Pay attention to this model. The device has modern functionality, a beautiful metal body design and a frameless 18:9 diagonal screen. 6 inches with permission 2160 x 1080 pixels and density 402 ppi. Which is also protected by glass Gorilla Glass 3. When you pick up the Nokia 7 Plus, you understand that the manufacturer’s legendary quality has not gone away.
The pre-flagship processor is used as the central processor. Octa-core Snapdragon 660 with graphics Andreno 512. Complement the chip 4 GB operational and 64 GB general Battery capacity is 3800 mAh.
In addition to excellent performance and operating system Android 8.1, the smartphone boasts cameras: main 13 MP + 13 MP (Sony IMX36) and frontal on 16 MP + 13 MP. Both feature proprietary Zeiss optics and offer plenty of creative shooting capabilities. There are all the necessary interfaces including NFC, 4G LTE and geolocation from three satellite systems. The minimum purchase price is 310 euros (24,000 rubles).
Nokia 6 (2018)
If you don’t require very high performance and you are looking for a smartphone within 200 euros, then the next model for 180 euros (14,000 rubles) will be an excellent option. Moreover, this configuration and pure android based on version Android 8.0 enough for absolutely all modern tasks.
Unlike last year's model, the updated Nokia 6 (2018) received a more interesting processor - Octa-core Snapdragon 630 instead of Snapdragon 430. This chip is much more productive and efficient in terms of power consumption and other parameters. They work in conjunction with him 4 GB RAM and 64 GB general
The smartphone boasts a nice design and excellent build quality. The screen was left in the old format, which will certainly find its fans. The diagonal is 5.5 inches and the resolution 1920 x 1080 pixels with density 401 ppi and tempered glass Gorilla Glass 3.
All necessary functions and connections are included as well 4G LTE, geolocation and contactless payments NFC.
Xiaomi smartphones
The Chinese company Xiaomi was the first to get into the Android One program with its last year's Xiaomi Mi A1. The smartphone has become so successful that it is still wildly popular for its excellent performance/price ratio. This year the model was updated and even expanded into a line of two smartphones. We will tell you about them.
Xiaomi Mi A2
The new generation of smartphone has received a number of improvements on all fronts. First of all, this is a new format display 18:9 diagonally 5.99 inches with permission 2160 x 1080 pixels with point density 432 ppi. Image on IPS matrix- excellent quality.
Further improvement affected the central chip, now it is Snapdragon 660, which is much more productive than last year. Complement the configuration 4 GB RAM and 64 GB storage device. Battery capacity 3000 mAh. Ideal and balanced configuration for comfortable work in the environment Android 8.0 for an affordable price.
The device’s cameras deserve special attention: main 20 MP + 12 MP (Sony IMX486) and selfie camera 20 MP + 20 MP (Sony IMX382). Powerful sensors have extensive shooting capabilities, including algorithms A.I.. Otherwise, the smartphone has everything that a modern user needs. You can buy Xiaomi Mi A2 for 200 euros (15,500 rubles).
Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite
The next smartphone is a lightweight version of the previous one, but also with pure Android version 8.0. The key feature of the device is the screen with a top indentation, which have become fashionable this year. Display size is 5.84 inches, and the resolution IPS matrices on 2280 x 1080 pixels with density 432 ppi. The new screen made by Xiaomi looks cool. True, this format is criticized a lot and not everyone likes it.
A not quite up-to-date chip is responsible for performance Snapdragon 625, but the light version and for the money the performance is quite decent. Work together with the processor 4 GB RAM And 64 GB ROM. Autonomy is ensured by a battery 4000 mAh.
Everything is also very good with the cameras; we used the familiar one as the main sensor Sony IMX486 12 MP + 12 MP, and the front sensor with a simple sensor on 5 MP. Plus all modern interfaces and connections. For 160 euros (12,000 rubles) it will be difficult to find something better.