10 best smartphones by price and quality in 2021

If you want to buy a smartphone under 15,000 rubles and not lose, our article will help you. It contains the best in price and quality models from the budget price segment. All have good performance for routine tasks, good cameras, long battery life and a quality screen.
 
  Name
  Rating
  Nomination
1 realme C21 64GB 4.78
Best price. The easiest
2 Poco M3 4/128GB 4.72
The most popular
3 realme C15 4/64GB 4.71
Best in battery life
4 vivo Y20 4/64GB 4.66
Most Balanced
5 Infinix HOT 10S 4/128GB 4.65
The biggest screen. The largest amount of built-in memory
6 Xiaomi Redmi 9T 4/64GB NFC 4.63
The best ratio of price and quality
7 Samsung Galaxy M12 4/64GB 4.55
Best Screen
8 Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 (2021) 4/64GB 4.54
The most comfortable size. Best front camera
9 Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho 3/32GB 4.45
10 Samsung Galaxy A03s 4/64GB 4.40

It happens that you bought a smartphone, and it freezes, or the speaker does not work well, or the images on the screen are not visible under the sun's rays. This is difficult to foresee, even if you study the technical specifications before buying. If you are planning to buy a budget smartphone and are afraid to make a mistake, this rating is for you. In it, we have collected the best phones in terms of price and quality, the cost of which does not exceed 15,000 rubles.The best value for money smartphone is the one with:

  1. Price lower than competitors with similar capabilities
  2. Specifications are balanced, no distortion. For example, it happens that a smartphone has good cameras, but low performance, or a smooth picture on the screen, but an insufficient supply of brightness;
  3. Quality as expected or higher. For example, a smartphone for 15 thousand rubles cannot be a gaming one, but it must serve well for several years and not fail in basic tasks.

Trendsetter for optimal price-quality smartphones - Xiaomi. Other Chinese manufacturers followed suit: realme, vivoas well as South Koreans Samsung.

Top 10. Samsung Galaxy A03s 4/64GB

Rating (2022): 4.40
  • Average price: 12640 rubles.
  • Country: South Korea
  • Screen: 6.5 inches, 1600x720, PLS, 60Hz
  • Chipset: MediaTek Helio P35, 8 cores, 2300 MHz
  • Cameras: 13 + 2 + 2 Mp / 5 Mp
  • Battery: 5000 mAh
  • Weight: 196g

A budget model with a sufficiently large supply of memory: operational and permanent. Another device holds a charge for a long time and shows good performance capabilities: the smartphone is not gaming, but it quickly opens applications and allows the user to have fun with light games. The camera here is worse than other representatives of the rating, but better than models with the same price. The dimensions of the device are convenient - many people buy it for schoolchildren, and therefore it is quite convenient to use the device. If you were looking for a 2021 smartphone with a low price segment and good value for money, this option is worth considering.

Pros and cons
  • Long battery life
  • Stylish appearance
  • Suitable for schoolchildren
  • Mediocre camera capabilities
  • No NFC module

Top 9. Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho 3/32GB

Rating (2022): 4.45
  • Average price: 11302 rubles.
  • Country: South Korea
  • Screen: 6.5 inches, 1600x720, TFT, 60 Hz
  • Chipset: Exynos 850, 8 cores, 2000 MHz
  • Cameras: 48 + 5 + 2 + 2 MP / 8 MP
  • Battery: 5000 mAh
  • Weight: 205g

A beautiful state employee from Samsung with an improved camera and a basic level of performance. The capabilities of the working bundle from the processor and RAM are enough to quickly open the browser, social network applications, call log, maps and other everyday programs. The phone is not intended for games, but during a break at work, it will still allow you to have fun with simple casual games. The phone looks nice and even elegant, but belonging to the category of inexpensive betrays a drop-shaped protrusion at the top of the screen. Software of the current version - from the factory you will be greeted by Android 11 and One UI Core 3.1 interfaces. There is also a version of the same name with a Mediatek processor on sale - there is no fundamental difference between the modifications, but the manufacturer claims that the Exynos chipset is 29% more productive.

Pros and cons
  • beautiful appearance
  • Convenient up-to-date software
  • There is an NFC module
  • Low resolution
  • Ugly teardrop-shaped protrusion in the screen

Top 8. Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 (2021) 4/64GB

Rating (2022): 4.54
Accounted for 47 reviews from resources: Yandex.Market, M.Video, DNS, Otzovik
Most comfortable size

This smartphone has a screen diagonal of 6.3 inches and a weight of 190 grams. Thanks to this, the device sits more comfortably in the hand and is suitable for those who do not like modern “shovels”.

Best front camera

The only state employee in the ranking, whose front camera received a resolution of 13 megapixels. Other smartphones have 8 megapixels or less.

  • Average price: 13900 rubles.
  • Country: China
  • Screen: 6.3 inches, 2340x1080, IPS, 60 Hz
  • Chipset: MediaTek Helio G85, 8 cores, 2000 MHz
  • Cameras: 48 + 8 + 2 + 2 MP / 13 MP
  • Battery: 4000 mAh
  • Weight: 190 g

The device of 2021 release, which became an update of one of the most popular models from Xiaomi. It will be the best choice for those who are looking for a compact 2021 version with up-to-date fillings and an optimal price-quality ratio. The smartphone is endowed with a screen with a diagonal of 6.3 inches and Full HD + resolution, thanks to which it pleases with ergonomic dimensions and a high-quality detailed picture. The pixel density is high, so the image on the screen looks like a monolithic, solid. Another device takes good pictures for its money. In the reviews, they are dissatisfied with the cut-down battery - it is smaller than that of competitors, and the lack of an NFC module.

Pros and cons
  • Convenient size
  • Quality screen
  • Good budget camera
  • No NFC module
  • Holds a charge less

Top 7. Samsung Galaxy M12 4/64GB

Rating (2022): 4.55
Accounted for 439 reviews from resources: ROZETKA, Yandex.Market, DNS
Best Screen

A smartphone that has a screen with a screen refresh rate increased to 90 Hz. Competitors from this rating either with a standard hertz or with an increased diagonal at the same resolution, which reduces the density of pixels per inch.

  • Average price: 13980 rubles.
  • Country: South Korea
  • Screen: 6.5 inches, 1600x720, PLS, 90Hz
  • Chipset: Exynos 850, 8 cores, 2000 MHz
  • Cameras: 48 + 5 + 2 + 2 MP / 8 MP
  • Battery: 5000 mAh
  • Weight: 214g

One of the best inexpensive Samsung smartphones in terms of price and quality. The model is balanced in terms of characteristics: it has an excellent processor for the money, a good battery, good cameras and a high-quality screen with a smooth image. In terms of weight, the device is slightly heavier than competitors, but in terms of size it is quite comfortable. The smartphone is great for those who are looking for a budget model without overpayments and with important features like contactless payment. The reviews say that the phone is good for everyone, but there are nuances. For example, the manufacturer removed support for Samsung Pay, but you can activate the NFC module through Google Pay. There are still some users who encounter slowdowns when using medium-heavy applications.

Pros and cons
  • Balanced Features
  • Holds a charge for a long time
  • Takes good pictures
  • Heavy
  • Does not support Samsung Pay
  • Can slow down

Top 6. Xiaomi Redmi 9T 4/64GB NFC

Rating (2022): 4.63
Accounted for 1253 feedback from resources: DNS, Otzovik, Yandex.Market, Onliner
The best ratio of price and quality

Competitors with the same high resolution, high performance and powerful camera cost more. And as a bonus, the manufacturer offers a long battery life.

  • Average price: 13750 rubles.
  • Country: China
  • Screen: 6.53 inches, 2340x1080, IPS, 60 Hz
  • Chipset: Snapdragon 662, 8 cores, 2000 MHz
  • Cameras: 48 + 8 + 2 + 2 MP / 8 MP
  • Battery: 6000 mAh
  • Weight: 198g

Budget smartphone with a powerful battery and processor from Qualcomm. Specifications are balanced, and looking at them it seems that the phone should cost more.The screen is excellent - with Full HD + resolution, IPS matrix, which means a detailed picture, large viewing angles and correct color reproduction. The main camera is four-module, and in its price segment it takes excellent pictures - it can create portraits with the right background blur, detailed landscapes and satisfactory macro shots. Front camera no frills. The battery is the strong point of this model. In average mode, the device can withstand 2-3 days without recharging.

Pros and cons
  • Fast processor
  • Clear picture on the screen
  • Stable working speed
  • Plastic body
  • Auto brightness lowers values
  • The firmware is overloaded with third-party services and applications

Top 5. Infinix HOT 10S 4/128GB

Rating (2022): 4.65
Accounted for 35 reviews from resources: Ozon, Yandex.Market
The biggest screen

This smartphone has the largest screen among the models presented in the top. The diagonal reaches 6.82 inches, while competitors are endowed with screens with a diagonal of 6.53 inches maximum.

The largest amount of built-in memory

This smartphone offers as much as 128 GB of permanent memory for up to 13 thousand rubles. In this price range, it's the only offering with this much storage.

  • Average price: 12499 rubles.
  • Country: China
  • Screen: 6.82 inches, 1640x720, IPS, 90 Hz
  • Chipset: Mediatek Helio G85, 8 cores, 2000 MHz
  • Cameras: 48 + 2 + 2 MP / 8 MP
  • Battery: 5000 mAh
  • Weight: 202g

The best choice for price and quality if you need a smartphone with a large screen. The model boasts not only a tablet-like display size, but also a screen refresh rate increased to 90 Hz.But the screen is not so chic - a fly in the ointment is made by the fact that the resolution here is not Full HD, and individual pixels can be noticeable on such a large diagonal. The rest of the characteristics are just ordinary: a good battery, a three-module camera with the ability to create photos in a resolution of 48 megapixels, a simple front camera. Despite its decent size, the phone is not too heavy. In the reviews, they complain about the face recognition function - the device stops recognizing the owner.

Pros and cons
  • big screen
  • Smooth screen display
  • Work without slowdowns
  • Large
  • Poor face recognition

Top 4. vivo Y20 4/64GB

Rating (2022): 4.66
Accounted for 231 feedback from resources: DNS, Yandex.Market, M.Video, Citylink, IRecommend
Most Balanced

This smartphone has an NFC module, a good screen, a good camera, a powerful battery and a sufficient level of performance.

  • Average price: 11744 rubles.
  • Country: China
  • Screen: 6.51 inches, 1600x720, IPS, 60 Hz
  • Chipset: Snapdragon 460, 8 cores, 1800 MHz
  • Cameras: 13 + 2 + 2 MP / 8 MP
  • Battery: 5000 mAh
  • Weight: 192g

One of the most affordable smartphones in this ranking. The model is not in vain in the top of the best in terms of price and quality - in the budget segment, it demonstrates chic features. So, the phone has a good screen with an optimal diagonal size, a sufficient amount of built-in and RAM, a stable processor and a powerful battery. The device is not heavy by the standards of devices of similar size, so it will suit both children and fragile girls. In the reviews, as other advantages, they mention the NFC module, a good bundle, a good supply of screen brightness.Cons: Charging via outdated micro-USB port, no fast charging, no notification light.

Pros and cons
  • Low price
  • Stable work without lags
  • Looks nice
  • Fast charging not supported
  • Charging not via USB Type-C

Top 3. realme C15 4/64GB

Rating (2022): 4.71
Accounted for 904 feedback from resources: DNS, M.Video, Yandex.Market, IRecommend
Best in battery life

The phone has a particularly powerful battery with a capacity of 6000 mAh, and at the same time the price of a smartphone is within 12 thousand rubles. Competitors with the same powerful battery are more expensive.

  • Average price: 12090 rubles.
  • Country: China
  • Screen: 6.5 inches, 1600x720, IPS, 60 Hz
  • Chipset: Mediatek Helio G35, 8 cores, 2300 MHz
  • Cameras: 13 + 8 + 2 + 2 MP / 8 MP
  • Battery: 6000 mAh
  • Weight: 209g

The best model for those who are looking for an inexpensive phone with a powerful battery and balanced other technical characteristics. In terms of price-quality ratio, this Realmi bypasses most competitors with the same low price. It has a good screen with a convenient size, a very productive chipset from Mediatek, a four-module camera. It captures pictures at a resolution of 13 megapixels - not bad for the money, but if photo quality is important to you, you better take a closer look at other participants in this rating. The battery is the best you could come up with for the money. The manufacturer did not stint to install a 6000 mAh battery. In the reviews, users are dissatisfied with the scarcity of equipment - there is not even a cover, a weak camera and a slow Wi-Fi module.

Pros and cons
  • There is an NFC module
  • Long battery life on a single charge
  • Good performance at a low price
  • No case included
  • Weak camera
  • Slow WiFi

Top 2. Poco M3 4/128GB

Rating (2022): 4.72
Accounted for 807 reviews from resources: IRecommend, Yandex.Market, Otzovik, DNS
The most popular

This smartphone is interested in at least twice as often as the next most popular representative of this rating. The data is confirmed by figures from the Yandex.Wordstat service.

  • Average price: 13690 rubles.
  • Country: China
  • Screen: 6.53 inches, 2340x1080, IPS, 60 Hz
  • Chipset: Snapdragon 662, 8 cores, 2000 MHz
  • Cameras: 48 + 2 + 2 MP / 8 MP
  • Battery: 6000 mAh
  • Weight: 198g

One of the most beautiful and bright smartphones from Xiaomi. The model is inexpensive, runs on Snapdragon and boasts a particularly long battery life compared to other participants in the rating. In addition, the device has an excellent screen: it has not only an IPS matrix and a large diagonal, but also a Full HD + screen resolution. Thanks to all this, the phone is suitable for comfortable watching videos and movies. Another device takes good pictures and is not too heavy. Dimensions are not suitable for everyone - because of the powerful battery, this Poco is thicker than its competitors. If you were looking for the best model in the budget segment that could last two or three days without charging, take the Poco M3.

Pros and cons
  • Bright body colors
  • Holds a charge for a long time
  • High-quality screen with detailed images
  • Thick
  • Large
  • No NFC module

Top 1. realme C21 64GB

Rating (2022): 4.78
Accounted for 1062 feedback from resources: M.Video, Yandex.Market, Citylink, Otzovik, DNS
Best price

The most budget member of the rating. The next highest price model costs 8% more than this one.

The easiest

A smartphone with a screen diagonal of 6.5 inches and a weight of only 190 grams. Competitors with the same display size weigh 192 grams or more.

  • Average price: 10473 rubles.
  • Country: China
  • Screen: 6.5 inches, 1600x720, IPS, 60 Hz
  • Chipset: MediaTek Helio G35, 8 cores, 2300 MHz
  • Cameras: 13 + 2 + 2 Mp / 5 Mp
  • Battery: 5000 mAh
  • Weight: 190 g

One of the best budget smartphones with the best value for money. The device is convenient in size, with a powerful battery and a comfortable weight. There is a three-module camera, the capabilities of which are enough for daily needs. An eight-core chipset from Mediatek works as a processor - it is from the middle budget segment and does not slow down in everyday tasks, allows the user to play simple games without waiting for a long application launch. The reviews are satisfied with the large screen, good battery life, stable operation and nice design. There are no serious shortcomings: someone lacks a reserve of sound volume, and there are those who are dissatisfied with the capabilities of the camera.

Pros and cons
  • Convenient size
  • Powerful battery
  • Stable work without bugs
  • Not enough speaker headroom
  • Mediocre picture quality
  • Weak front camera
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