A device can genuinely be called a flagship only when it has a perfect balance of all the aspects that constitute a smartphone. We already have several that focus on specific captures which over power the other aspects of the phone. There are a few devices that have an excellent camera but don’t have the specs to back it up while there are a few other that have a premium design while everything else about the device is a major let down.
In this post, we’ve curated a list of phones, that we believe to check most if not all the boxes of a perfect flagship. This list only contains devices that we’ve personally reviewed or the ones that we’ve received feedback from our friend bloggers.
Google Pixel 2 / Pixel 2 XL
Google Pixel 2 is the revision of its last year predecessor Google Pixel, similar to Google Pixel, the Pixel 2 has an excellent camera. We could go as far as saying that Google Pixel has the best camera in a smartphone so far. We’ve extensively tried and used the Google Pixel 2, from our usage we can give it an A+ when it comes to the performance of the device. Also, if you are looking for future updates over an extended period then the Pixel 2 or the Pixel 2 XL might be your best bet, these devices have an option where you can opt-in for a beta program and you will get even the beta updates as a regular OTA update on your device. The device uses AI and ML extensively to create the Bokeh effect in the images captured using both the front and the rear camera.
OnePlus 5T
The OnePlus 5T came just a few months after the original OnePlus 5 launched, this device takes the best aspects of the original OnePlus 5 and adds an 18:9 aspect ration screen to it. Also, both the rear sensors are now 20MP in the OnePlus 5T. The OnePlus 5T has a unique design factor and performs exceptionally well. The most important aspect about the smartphone is the price that it comes for, considering the fact that the OnePlus 5T starts at Rs 32,999, the device is a clear winner when it comes to value for money.
iPhone X
The iPhone X is the biggest change in iPhone since the initial iPhone. This is the first time the brand has gone out of the way to offer a unique experience to its users. The device has been totally revamped and has very few buttons now, the most noticeable thing in the device is the bezel-less design with a top notch to accommodate all the sensors and the earpiece. We really liked the Face ID feature which works exceptionally well all the time. The user interface is also very pleasing now and it feels very natural swiping through all the newly added gestures. The camera on the device is awe-worthy and takes excellent shots even in low light.
Samsung Galaxy S8
Although the Note 8 from Samsung is newer than the S8 we choose to have the S8 on the list for the fact that it is an overall better performer in our opinion. The Samsung S8 has a gorgeous display with one of the most accurate color reproduction ever seen. The single lens camera of the device performs better than we expected and takes excellent shots even in the low light situations. The company also launched an S8 Plus variant of the smartphone which has a slightly bigger screen and a slightly bigger battery. The S8 Plus also has an option for a bumped-up RAM up to 6GB which might be a deal maker if you are planning to future proof your phone.
HTC U11
Image source: Shimon Das
HTC U11 is a premium flagship from the company and is powered by the latest Snapdragon 835 which makes the device an excellent performer. The device has a special Squeeze feature where in you squeeze the smartphone to perform a special action. You could either use the squeeze action to launch Google Assistant or any other app of your choice. Although the device has a considerably small battery, the software has been optimized to return an excellent battery life. Also, not to forget, HTC has done very well with its cameras.
LG G6
LG G6 was launched in the very beginning of 2017 and has stood the test of time. The device has an excellent design language and pretty good specifications to back it. The dual camera setup on the device really helps in capturing images. One of the two lenses is a wide-angle lens which lets you get a wider perspective and capture more data in the same frame.
Mi Mix 2
The Mi Mix 2 is the revision for last years Mi Mix which wasn’t launched in India. This device comes with a bezel-less design and has moved the front camera to the bottom of the device to accommodate the narrow bezels on the top. The device has a spectacular design and performs really well. The display is the most important factor that sets the phone apart, the color accuracy on the display is pretty good and the contrast ratio is excellent. The blacks are deep and colors vivid, making the overall viewing experience a pleasurable one.
Honor 8 Pro
The Honor 8 Pro does well in every department and does exceptionally well when it comes to the camera department. The Honor 8 Pro has a dual lens setup and captures images in an intricate manner. The device performs very well and is backed by their in-house Kirin chipset and the software optimizations in the device make the deal sweeter. The device has a decent design and feels sturdy when held in the hand.
