How to choose a good smartphone under 20,000 rubles? Review and rating of the TOP 16 best models of 2022

Smartphone up to 20,000 rubles - tips for choosing. Review and rating of popular models with the best cameras, autonomy, screen and price tag.

Budget segment mobile phones Today, almost every day, a new, even more powerful model is replenished.

Improvements relate to cameras, processor, graphics, autonomy The competition in this niche is incredibly high.

We will find out what to look for when choosing a smartphone under 20,000 rubles, consider the best budget models on the market.

Let's turn to the rating of popular models based on customer reviews and expert advice.

Rating of the TOP-16 best smartphones under 20,000 rubles

Place	Model	Price
The best models in the price-quality niche
#1	Realme 6S 6/128GB
#2	HUAWEI P30 Lite
#3	Samsung Galaxy M31
#4	HUAWEI P smart Z 4/64GB
Long run models
#1	Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 4/128GB (NFC)
#2	Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 6/128GB
#3	HONOR 9X 4/128GB
#4	Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC 6/64GB
Smartphones with a good camera
#1	Samsung Galaxy A51 64GB
#2	Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 6/64GB
#3	Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T 4/64GB
#4	HONOR 20s 6/128GB
Phones with a good screen
#1	Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro 6/64GB
#2	Samsung Galaxy A51 128GB
#3	Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro 6/128GB
#4	Samsung Galaxy M21

Criteria for choosing an inexpensive smartphone

Note! When choosing a smartphone under 20 thousand rubles, a number of parameters should be taken into account:

Display.
Resolution (HD, FullHD, QHD) affects the quality of image perception, the higher it is, the better.
On the other hand, high resolution affects power consumption in a big way.
Matrices IPS, AMOLED stand out with the best viewing angles and color reproduction.
Processor and graphics.
Here, indicators such as the number of cores, frequency and chip manufacturing technology are important.
More modern CPUs and GPUs are definitely more productive and energy efficient than their predecessors.
RAM.
A large amount of RAM in mobile devices plays a significant role in many aspects. 4-6 GB of RAM will allow you to run more or less modern games and other resource-intensive applications.
Battery.
The large capacity of the battery has a positive effect on the autonomy of the device.
However, the optimization and balanced functioning of the operating system and applications in the complex play an equally important role.
Cameras.
Even in inexpensive smartphones there are good quality cameras.
When choosing, you should pay attention, first of all, to the resolution and additional features of the modules.

The best models in the price-quality niche

This segment presents not the most expensive, but high performance smartphones close to top performance.

Keep in mind! By choosing one of the models described below, users get an inexpensive device with almost flagship qualities.

Rating TOP-4 of the best devices under 20,000 rubles in terms of price and quality.

Realme 6S 6/128GB

The Realme 6S 6/128GB model is equipped with everything you need for work and entertainment.

The phone is equipped with a powerful processor, an impressive amount of RAM, a USB-C interface, a high-capacity lithium polymer battery with a fast charging option.

The smartphone features a Full HD+ borderless display with a refresh rate of 90 Hz and a matrix with detailed, realistic images with rich colors.

Powerful hardware guarantees smooth and fast functioning of any applications in multitasking mode.

The main and front cameras with autofocus and flash are capable of capturing photos with background blur and high-definition movies.

Includes 30W charger, USB-C cable, case, screen protector and SIM needle.

Key parameters:

display characteristics - IPS, 6.5?, 2400? 1080;
rear cameras - 48, 8, 2, 2 MP, front - 16 MP;
processor / graphics - MediaTek Helio G90T / Mali-G76 MC4;
built-in / RAM - 128 GB / 6 GB;
Battery - 4300 mAh;
weight - 191 g, dimensions (W? H? T) - 74.8? 162.1? 8.9 mm.

Advantages

high speed;
powerful charging;
pure Android without unnecessary software;
Ease of use.

Flaws

incorrect operation of auto brightness control;
not the most powerful battery;
decent weight.

HUAWEI P30 Lite

The optimal design of the smartphone case HUAWEI P30 Lite New Edition provides convenient use of the gadget with one hand.

The stylish elegant design of the device emphasizes the individuality of the user.

On the technical side, the phone is equipped with a camera block with a wide-angle lens, support for artificial intelligence, lossless photo scaling technology and optical zoom.

Its frameless FHD+ resolution screen has a special eye protection mode.

The unique HiVision technology analyzes the surrounding objects and facilitates the implementation of many tasks.

Key parameters:

display characteristics - IPS, 6.15?, 2312?1080;
rear cameras - 48, 8, 2 MP, front - 32 MP;
processor / graphics - HiSilicon Kirin 710 / Mali-G51 MP4;
built-in / RAM - 256 GB / 6 GB;
Battery - 3340 mAh;
weight - 159 g, dimensions (W? H? T) - 72..7? 152.9? 7.4 mm.

Advantages

large amount of RAM;
there is a slot for microSD;
bright screen with excellent viewing angles;
There is a built-in FM receiver.

Flaws

not the most powerful processor;
not the best autonomy;
medium quality sound.

Samsung Galaxy M31

The mid-range phone boasts a high-quality AMOLED display that reproduces detailed images with rich, flawlessly realistic colors.

The quad camera provides the ability to take professional portraits, panoramas, macro shots and selfies.

Samsung Galaxy M31 octa-core processor provides fast and smooth operation in complex modes.

The battery of impressive capacity supports autonomous work of the device during the whole day.

Fingerprint and face recognition scanners are responsible for security, allowing you to activate the system almost instantly.

Key parameters:

display characteristics - AMOLED, 6.4 ?, 2340 × 1080;
rear cameras - 64, 8, 5, 5 MP, front - 32 MP;
processor / graphics - Samsung Exynos 9611 / Mali-G72 MP3;
built-in / RAM - 128 GB / 6 GB;
Battery - 6000 mAh;
weight - 191 g, dimensions (W? H? T) - 75.1? 159.2? 8.9 mm.

Advantages

excellent communication quality;
screen with good color reproduction;
loud external speaker;
powerful battery;
well-functioning proximity sensor.

Flaws

easily soiled plastic case;
it is difficult to find a suitable protective glass;
Too much pre-installed software

HUAWEI P smart Z 4/64GB

An important feature of the HUAWEI P smart Z 4/64GB model is the lack of a camera on the front panel.

The 16-megapixel module is built into the body and is activated at the touch of a button.

This approach made it possible to get rid of cutouts and holes on the front panel, the entire front surface is occupied by a huge high-definition screen.

The main camera unit in the phone consists of two modules, it is controlled by artificial intelligence, which determines the best parameters for clear, sharp and memorable shots.

High processing speed is supported by a powerful processor and an impressive amount of RAM.

Key parameters:

display characteristics - LTPS, 6.59?, 2340?1080;
rear cameras - 16, 2 MP, front - 16 MP;
processor / graphics - HiSilicon Kirin 710F / Mali-G51 MP4;
built-in / RAM - 64 GB / 4 GB;
Battery - 4000 mAh;
weight - 197 g, dimensions (W? H? T) - 77.26? 163.45? 8.85 mm.

Advantages

affordable cost;
stylish design;
screen without cutouts and bangs;
dual-band WI-FI;
fast fingerprint scanner.

Flaws

poor sound quality of the external speaker;
budget main camera;
combined slot for sims.

Long run models

It is worth noting! The best screen, a good camera, a fast processor and a large amount of memory are nothing without a capacious battery.

For various reasons, powerful batteries are not so common in modern devices.

The best smartphones with long battery life.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 4/128GB (NFC)

Thanks to its high-capacity battery, it will not require frequent recharging and will allow you to stay in touch, surf the Internet, take pictures and perform other tasks throughout the day.

Frameless phone design Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 4/128GB (NFC) will appeal to fans of stylish and simple devices.

A large colorful screen will allow you to enjoy the brightness and clarity of the picture, a powerful eight-core processor with a frequency of 2 GHz - run resource-intensive programs, including games. SIM cards support 2G, 3G, 4G networks.

Durable coating protects the device from damage. The camera block will allow you to take high-quality pictures.

Key parameters:

display characteristics - IPS, 6.53?, 2340? 1080;
rear cameras - 48, 8, 2, 2 MP, front - 13 MP;
processor / graphics - MediaTek Helio G85 / Mali-G52 MC2;
built-in / RAM - 128 GB / 4 GB;
Battery - 5020 mAh;
weight - 199 g, dimensions (W? H? T) - 77.2? 162.3? 8.9 mm.

Advantages

pleasant appearance;
excellent autonomy;
sufficient amount of built-in memory;
good camera;
fast application performance.

Flaws

it is difficult to find a suitable protective glass;
intrusive built-in applications;
rather high cost.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 6/128GB

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 6/128GB, equipped with a high-capacity lithium-polymer battery, can work incredibly long standby time - up to 492 hours, and up to two days in active mode.

This model is an excellent option for users who prefer equipment with the maximum level of technical capabilities.

The smartphone will please with a large amount of RAM and internal memory, a slot for expanding memory up to 512 GB, powerful main and front cameras with the ability to record video in resolutions up to 3840 × 2160.

There is biometric protection in the form of face and fingerprint scanners.

Key parameters:

display characteristics - IPS, 6.67?, 2400? 1080;
rear cameras - 64, 8, 5, 2 MP, front - 16 MP;
processor / graphics - Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G / Adreno 618;
built-in / RAM - 128 GB / 6 GB;
Battery - 5020 mAh;
weight - 209 g, dimensions (W? H? T) - 76.68? 165.75? 8.8 mm.

Advantages

excellent autonomy;
lack of heating of the case even with active use;
fast work of all applications;
high-quality screen with high picture quality.

Flaws

impressive dimensions and weight;
a lot of settings that you need to deal with;
bad sound in headphones.

HONOR 9X 4/128GB

The stylish slim HONOR 9X 4/128GB model with a frameless IPS screen is equipped with a fairly capacious battery that allows you to work and have fun autonomously and not be tied to a power outlet.

Reliable stable connection allows you to organize slots for two SIM-cards of the "nano" format.

The modern Android 9.0 Pie operating system is responsible for managing the functionality.

Instantaneous operations are performed thanks to the eight-core HiSilicon Kirin processor. The retractable front camera is equipped with an anti-shock mechanism.

The main dual camera allows you to shoot photos and videos of professional quality.

Key parameters:

display characteristics - IPS, 6.59?, 2340?1080;
rear cameras - 48, 2 MP, front - 16 MP;
processor / graphics - HiSilicon Kirin 710F / Mali-G51 MP4;
built-in / RAM - 128 GB / 4 GB;
Battery - 4000 mAh;
weight - 197 g, dimensions (W? H? T) - 77.3? 163.5? 8.8 mm.

Advantages

compact frameless design;
powerful hardware (no throttling);
pleasant to use shell EMUI 10.1;
high-quality cameras, with natural colors and excellent detail;
convenient lateral location of Touch ID;
long battery life.

Flaws

not the best built-in sound;
GPS work is not reflected in autonomy for the better.

Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC 6/64GB

The Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC 6/64GB phone is powered by a 5160 mAh battery that is huge for smartphones, which is more than enough for two days of active use.

The LCD display has a refresh rate of 120Hz and a touch layer sampling rate of 240Hz.

Frequencies dynamically change depending on the load, allowing you to spend energy as efficiently as possible.

The "heart" of the smartphone, the Snapdragon processor, operates at a frequency of up to 2.3 GHz.

The AI-powered ultra-wide-angle camera unit lets you capture high-quality portraits, landscapes, and selfies with a single tap.

Key parameters:

display characteristics - IPS, 6.67?, 2400? 1080;
rear cameras - 64, 13, 2 MP, front - 20 MP;
processor / graphics - Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G / Adreno 618;
built-in / RAM - 64 GB / 6 GB;
Battery - 5160 mAh;
weight - 215 g, dimensions (W? H? T) - 76.8? 165.3? 9.4 mm.

Advantages

built-in stereo speakers with surround sound;
high screen refresh rate of 120 Hz;
capacious battery;
productive processor;
stable working Touch ID.

Flaws

decent size and weight;
not the most democratic price.

Smartphones with a good camera

Today, even mid-range phones have powerful technical equipment for advanced shooting.

Note! Some of the best representatives in this class with a good camera are presented below.

Samsung Galaxy A51 64GB

With the main quad camera and powerful front camera, users can capture detailed macro shots, create spectacular landscapes and portraits with beautiful bokeh.

cameras, installed in Samsung Galaxy A51 64GB, work under the control of artificial intelligence, which instantly selects the optimal settings.

The smartphone screen occupies almost the entire frontal surface, providing the effect of complete immersion. Exynos proprietary octa-core processor clocked at 2.3 GHz for the fastest launch of resource-intensive applications.

The Game Booster tool helps you play game content at maximum speed and smoothness.

Key parameters:

display characteristics - AMOLED, 6.5 ?, 2400 × 1080;
rear cameras - 48, 12, 5, 5 MP, front - 32 MP;
processor / graphics - Samsung Exynos 9611 / Mali-G72 MP3;
built-in / RAM - 64 GB / 4 GB;
Battery - 4000 mAh;
weight - 172 g, dimensions (W? H? T) - 73.6? 158.5? 7.9 mm.

Advantages

bright screen with excellent viewing angles;
compact arrangement of the camera unit;
high quality photo and video;
convenient shell OneUI 2.0;
stylish design.

Flaws

sometimes the screen screen with the palm of your hand does not work correctly;
the front camera is a little soapy;
low autonomy.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 6/64GB

A quad-camera on the rear panel and a single front camera will allow you to replenish your photo and video archives with high-quality pictures and videos.

These can be both ordinary photos and wide-angle panoramas, selfies, portraits with bokeh and other effects.

Artificial intelligence in the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 6/64GB phone will correct the result to get the perfect shot, and the processor/RAM combination will ensure high speed and good performance.

A powerful rechargeable battery will allow you to shoot autonomously for a long time.

Key parameters:

display characteristics - IPS, 6.67?, 2400? 1080;
rear cameras - 64, 8, 5, 2 MP, front - 16 MP;
processor / graphics - Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G / Adreno 618;
built-in / RAM - 64 GB / 6 GB;
Battery - 5020 mAh;
weight - 209 g, dimensions (W? H? T) - 76.68? 165.75? 8.8 mm.

Advantages

affordable price;
large high-quality screen;
high overall performance;
long battery life;
powerful 30-watt charger included;
decent cameras.

Flaws

the phone is big and heavy;
there is no stock of screen brightness;
The fingerprint scanner doesn't always work the first time.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T 4/64GB

The quad rear camera and front camera allow you to take clear pictures and videos in ultra-high resolution without any loss in quality.

It can be both day and night shots in low light with four pixels combined into one with a significant increase in contrast and noise reduction.

Available in smartphone Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T 4/64GB wide-angle panoramas, portraits with beautifully blurred backgrounds (bokeh), macro photos.

A powerful processor, a high-speed video card, a solid amount of RAM and a capacious battery will help you experiment without losing performance.

Key parameters:

display characteristics - IPS, 6.3?, 2340? 1080;
rear cameras - 48, 8, 2, 2 MP, front - 13 MP;
processor / graphics - Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 / Adreno 610;
built-in / RAM - 64 GB / 4 GB;
Battery - 4000 mAh;
weight - 200 g, dimensions (W? H? T) - 75.4? 161.15? 8.6 mm.

Advantages

premium design;
good performance;
excellent photo quality in both good and low light conditions;
the presence of an infrared port to control various household appliances.

Flaws

a lot of pre-installed programs that can neither be removed nor disabled;
poor camera autofocus in low light;
decent price tag.

HONOR 20s 6/128GB

The camera can be safely compared to professional equipment for photographers - it can automatically adjust to each frame without losing the smallest details.

Modular main camera unit smartphone HONOR 20s 6/128GB recognizes several dozen scenes, sets the optimal level of brightness and contrast, as well as color saturation.

With it, you can get wide-angle panoramas, portraits with bokeh effect.

The technology of combining four pixels into one contributes to a significant reduction in the level of interference in low light.

The front module supports HDR technology, allowing you to get ultra-clear selfies.

Key parameters:

display characteristics - IPS, 6.15?, 2312?1080;
rear cameras - 48, 8, 2 MP, front - 24 MP;
processor / graphics - HiSilicon Kirin 710 / Mali-G51 MP4;
built-in / RAM - 128 GB / 6 GB;
Battery - 3340 mAh;
weight - 159 g, dimensions (W? H? T) - 72.7? 152.9? 7.4 mm.

Advantages

good camera;
large amount of RAM and built-in memory;
simultaneous operation of two SIM-cards in 4G;
compactness, ease of use.

Flaws

CPU/GPU not for gaming;
combined SIM/microSD slot;
rear location of the fingerprint scanner.

Phones with a good screen

Important! A high-quality screen is the key not only to a pleasant pastime on the Internet or playing games, but also to the health of the user's eyes.

A selection of inexpensive smartphones with the best displays is presented below.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro 6/64GB

Equipped with a large frameless screen, 91.4% of the front surface of which is occupied by an IPS display with excellent brightness, realistic color reproduction and high image detail.

Processor withsmartphone Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro 6/64GB from MediaTek is always ready to solve the most difficult tasks.

Efficient liquid cooling system to avoid overheating.

The main cameras take ultra-clear photos, record video in 4K, have macro and wide-angle modes.

Users can make contactless payments thanks to the built-in NFC module. The fingerprint sensor ensures complete data privacy.

Key parameters:

display characteristics - IPS, 6.53?, 2340? 1080;
rear cameras - 64, 8, 2, 2 MP, front - 20 MP;
processor / graphics - MediaTek Helio G90T / Mali-G76 MC4;
built-in / RAM - 64 GB / 6 GB;
Battery - 4500 mAh;
weight - 200 g, dimensions (W? H? T) - 76.4? 161.35? 8.79 mm.

Advantages

high-quality screen with excellent color reproduction;
decent iron;
optimized OS;
high quality body and materials;
case included.

Flaws

MIUI 12 - there are small interface bugs;
unimportant night shooting;
smartphone is quite heavy.

Samsung Galaxy A51 128GB

It not only looks stylish and provides ample opportunities for communication and entertainment, but also has a huge high-quality frameless screen with the effect of complete immersion in content.

The main camera of this device allows you to take pictures of impeccable quality in any situation.

In withsmartphone Samsung Galaxy A51 128GB dMacro, landscape and portrait modes with bokeh effect are available.

The eight-core processor of Samsung's own design and a large amount of RAM make it possible to quickly launch resource-intensive programs.

According to the manufacturer, the battery of the device on a single charge provides video viewing up to 20 hours.

Key parameters:

display characteristics - Super AMOLED, 6.5 ?, 2400 × 1080;
rear cameras - 48, 12, 5, 5 MP, front - 32 MP;
processor / graphics - Samsung Exynos 9611 / Mali-G72 MP3;
built-in / RAM - 128 GB / 6 GB;
Battery - 4000 mAh;
weight - 172 g, dimensions (W? H? T) - 73.6? 158.5? 7.9 mm.

Advantages

decent Super AMOLED screen;
original design;
the presence of a fast charging adapter in the kit;
fast fingerprint scanner.

Flaws

quickly "collects" scratches;
poor autonomy;
not the best build quality.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro 6/128GB

The large frameless screen with 16 million colors will be convenient for everyday communication, solving work tasks, exciting entertainment.

Display protective coating in smartphone Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro 6/128GB helps protect it from scuffs and scratches.

All operations and actions are performed instantly thanks to the MediaTek processor and an impressive amount of high-speed RAM.

Liquid cooling eliminates dangerous heating of key components of the device under high loads.

The main and front cameras can be used, including for professional shooting.

Key parameters:

display characteristics - IPS, 6.53?, 2340? 1080;
rear cameras - 64, 8, 2, 2 MP, front - 20 MP;
processor / graphics - MediaTek Helio G90T / Mali-G76 MC4;
built-in / RAM - 128 GB / 6 GB;
Battery - 4500 mAh;
weight - 200 g, dimensions (W? H? T) - 76.4? 161.35? 8.79 mm.

Advantages

large colorful screen;
long battery life;
decent camera;
high performance;
smooth interface.

Flaws

many pre-installed (often unnecessary) branded applications;
complete bumper is not the highest quality;
firmware functionality leaves much to be desired.

Samsung Galaxy M21

The screen gives you the opportunity to watch movies and videos with the effect of immersion in an incredibly realistic picture with the highest saturation and deep blacks.

Such a good screen phone Samsung Galaxy M21 uses a lot of resources.

A huge 6000 mAh battery will allow you to last a whole day without recharging, even under heavy load.

You can quickly replenish the energy reserve with the help of a complete 15-watt charger.

The cameras of the device allow you to get wide-angle panoramas, selfies, portraits with bokeh effect without losing the smallest details.

Gamers will love Game Booster technology for consistently stable FPS, power consumption and heat control.

Key parameters:

display characteristics - AMOLED, 6.4 ?, 2340 × 1080;
rear cameras - 48, 8, 5 MP, front - 20 MP;
processor / graphics - Samsung Exynos 9611 / Mali-G72 MP3;
built-in / RAM - 64 GB / 4 GB;
Battery - 6000 mAh;
weight - 188 g, dimensions (W? H? T) - 75.1? 159? 8.9 mm.

Advantages

super powerful battery;
large screen with perfect color reproduction;
interesting one-handed control option;
slim, elegant body;
a large number of settings;
loud external speaker.

Flaws

easily soiled and slippery case back;
short cable for charging;
high price.

Reviews

Customer Reviews

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Conclusion

Of course, for 20 thousand rubles it can be difficult to buy a powerful gaming smartphone, but it is quite possible to find a reliable device for any other purpose.

According to user reviews, these are the following models: