2021 was another year rich in smartphone releases. If you want to buy a new mobile, but find it difficult to see it clearly in this market, we have selected the best phones according to your uses.
The smartphone buying guide in summary
It has become our first communication tool, our portable camera and our mini play station all at the same time. The smartphone has taken a preponderant place in our lives. It is even now the main computer for many users.
The industry is so flourishing that there are now smartphones of all sizes, colors and tastes. We recommend the best smartphones for your uses.
Benchmark smartphones
iPhone 13 Pro: the essential
In 2021, Apple kept a good part of its novelties for its “Pro” iPhone range. The iPhone 13 Pro therefore embeds a mode dedicated to macro photography, a screen with variable refresh rates (to save energy) and software and hardware improvements that allow you to (almost) film like a pro.
The iPhone 13 Pro also has excellent battery life, almost flawless photo quality and consistently impeccable finishes. We just regret that Apple has not converted to the USB-C port for its phone. Admittedly, at 1,159 euros the telephone is expensive, nobody will say the opposite. But for those who want the best iOS has to offer, this is the best choice right now.
If you’re into big smartphones, then the 13 Pro Max (priced from $ 1,259) might be right for you.
Galaxy S21: The Android benchmark
Samsung’s flagship, the Galaxy S21 arrives with almost all the latest technologies available in the Android world. Excellent photophone, power monster and neat object, this S21 still makes some concessions on autonomy compared to its big brothers that are the S21 + or the S21 Ultra, but it is also much cheaper since the S21 is sold at € 799.
Concretely, the S21 will offer you the best of the Android experience and will surely last you a few years. If you want to equip yourself with a high-end mobile for less than 1000 €, the S21 is a safe choice. It is also the most compact high-end mobile from the manufacturer if this point is important for you.
The best smartphone for photography
Google Pixel 6 Pro: Know-how and versatility
Like every year, Google is making a small place in our buying guide thanks to its Google Pixels. And this year is no exception since the Pixel 6 Pro, sold at 899 euros, is probably one of the best phones that Google has ever released as we noted in our test.
Equipped with three photo modules on the back (an ultra wide angle of 12 Mpx, a wide-angle of 50 Mpx and a 4x zoom of 48 Mpx), the 6 Pro is efficient and versatile in the photographic exercise. Google has put all its know-how on its Google Tensor chip which sublimates your photos with neat image processing. Many more or less fun modes will also allow you to create funny effects on your shots.
In addition to that, the latest from Google enjoys excellent autonomy and lots of advanced features related to artificial intelligence. On the other hand, its rather cleaving design and its imposing size could potentially discourage you. If so, the Pixel 6, a bit more compact (and cheaper since it sells for 699 euros) may suit you better.
But if you want the best of the best at Google then the Pixel 6 Pro is your best bet.
The compact smartphone
The iPhone SE 2: small size for a low price
For those who want a compact iPhone at a reduced price, the iPhone SE 2 is the ideal solution. Offered at a price of 489 €, this model allows you to enter the Apple universe without breaking the bank, and has solid arguments for it, as we explained in our test of the iPhone SE 2.
We can notably mention the presence of TouchID (practical for unlocking your phone when you are hidden) or the quality of its screen and its exemplary finishes. The mobile is also excellent in photos. Small size rhymes on the other hand with small battery, so you will have to be careful to charge the iPhone SE every day so as not to be dry. But if you are looking for a small, inexpensive smartphone, then go for it.
For those who want a more premium compact smartphone, Apple has what you need too: the iPhone 13 Mini. Compared to the previous generation, this iPhone offers better battery life, better photo results and more storage. The mobile is sold from 809 euros.
The excellent quality / price ratio
OnePlus Nord CE: balanced and elegant
The OnePlus Nord CE uses what made the success of the Chinese brand, namely a solid technical sheet for a minimum price. Sold at 329 €, the OnePlus Nord CE offers enough power for most uses. The phone is also elegant and well finished. A feature that is not found on all phones offered at this price.
It is not the best in photography in its price category, however. The North CE produces clichés with slightly forced colors which may displease purists. Apart from that, the Nord CE ensures a balanced and efficient experience thanks to a beautiful screen and solid battery life. Recommended for all those who want a powerful and efficient phone without breaking the bank.
The best smartphone under 250 €
Redmi Note 10S: The unbeatable entry level from Xiaomi
Still unbeatable in the budget phone segment, Xiaomi has pulled off a feat with the Redmi Note 10S. The phone offers you excellent battery life and a more than respectable technical sheet for its price of around € 229.
The mobile isn’t the most photo-savvy (few phones at this price point are), but it has an OLED display, can run a game like Fortnite well, and sports a great design for a price. contents.
If you want to buy an inexpensive and relatively versatile phone, then the Note 10S might be for you.
What criteria should be taken into account to choose the right smartphone?
iOS or Android: choose the operating system
The mobile world is now divided into two camps: iOS and Android. The operating systems of Apple and Google swept the competition to establish themselves as the only valid platforms in 2021. The choice of one OS or another will be more of your personal preferences as the two solutions are today ‘Mature technically and graphically.
Apple’s ecosystem deserves credit for taking privacy and software tracking very seriously. IPhones generally receive updates for at least 5-6 years and come with features such as ad tracking blocking. Android phones are based on a code open to all, allowing users to customize and model the system to their desires, both technically and aesthetically.
Evaluate the smartphone’s photo capabilities
The trend in mobile photography today is the proliferation of sensors. Many smartphones are increasing the number of devices on the back to offer greater versatility in photo exercise. If the presence of an ultra wide-angle or zoom module undeniably allows you to vary the pleasures, this does not guarantee that your photos will be impeccable. Sometimes it’s better to have a single, great camera than a bunch of average sensors.
Should we take a 5G smartphone?
The very latest generation of mobile broadband has been slow to arrive, but it has finally settled in France since the end of 2020. For the moment, the territory is not yet very well covered and 5G speeds are often random. These problems should resolve themselves over time. So should you fall for a 5G phone? It depends.
If you want to keep your mobile for many years, it can indeed be worth preparing for the future. 5G phones are moreover quite capable of surfing the networks of previous generations. Many operators also use the 4G bands for 5G. Result to ensure better network reception, 5G is preferable.
Are foldable smartphones interesting?
Obviously technically impressive, foldable smartphones are now more a technological demonstration than a real revolution. Whether it’s the Huawei Mate Xs, Galaxy Z Fold 2, or Motorola’s Razr, all are still very expensive and still have some youthful flaws.
What is the repairability index?
Since early 2020, all phones sold in France must be accompanied by their repairability index. This detail lets you know if you can repair your smartphone yourself, or have your smartphone repaired by a third party. The more easily a smartphone can be repaired, the longer you can keep it. All resellers are required to indicate this index on their product sheet. So don’t hesitate to take a look.
A universal charger?
Today, USB-C charging has become widely used in the mobile industry. Most Android phones have opted for this convenient, reversible port. Only Apple persists and signs with its LIghtning port still present on the iPhone. But the EU has tightened its screws on the issue, so we will have to see what happens in the coming years. In the meantime, if you buy an Android phone, there’s a good chance that it will come with a USB-C port, which has become the new standard.
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