Are you tired of spending a lot on premium smartphones? Well, don’t worry anymore as we’ve got you covered! You don’t need to spend more than $1,000 to get your hands on a high-end device. We have done the hard work for you and have curated a list of the best high-end smartphones that come under $800, often called flagship killers.
It’s no secret that the smartphone market has seen the introduction of several ultra high-end devices over the years. These phones come loaded with the latest technologies, materials, and designs. However, they come with a hefty price tag of more than $1,000, making it difficult for everyone to afford them.
Thankfully, manufacturers have been competing with each other to offer ambitious and less expensive models, also known as “flagship killers”. You no longer have to break the bank to purchase a top-of-the-line smartphone that will last you for many years. You can now get your hands on high-quality smartphones that come between $500 and $800.
While these smartphones are often equipped with the same super-powerful processors as their more expensive counterparts, they do make a few sacrifices on comfort functions to bring down the cost. But, if you’re looking for a top-notch smartphone, these devices offer the best value for money.
Without further ado, here is our selection of the best smartphones that come within the price range of $500 and $800:
TOP 5 best flagship killer smartphones in 2023
Google Pixel 7
Google’s Pixel range of smartphones has made a significant impact in the market with its aggressive pricing strategy for high-end models. Following the success of the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, Google is back in 2022 with the Pixel 7, which lives up to the reputation of its predecessors. The design of the device is a continuation of the previous models, with a refined and elegantly revised photo block.
The Pixel 7 boasts a 6.3-inch OLED screen that is simply magnificent. It comes with a 90 Hz refresh rate and an excellent maximum brightness of 922 cd/m². The colorimetry is close to perfect, and the display is a treat for the eyes. On the photo side, the Pixel 7 features a main lens of 50 MP, allowing you to take stunning shots. Google’s AI technology, further refined, works wonders, especially on the “Unblur” function. Which allows you to catch up with a blurry shot, and on the “Super Res Zoom,” which offers up to x8 zoom. Portrait mode is impressive, and video quality is very satisfying.
The new Pixel is equipped with the Tensor G2 chip, which performs well in most uses but may struggle a bit when it comes to gaming performance. The software is another area where the Pixel 7 shines, with a special version of Android 13, called “Pixel Experience,” which offers a very clean and user-friendly experience.
However, when it comes to battery life, the Pixel 7 falls short, providing only a day and a half of use without worrying. It’s not terrible, but it could have been better. The fast-charging feature is also a bit of a letdown, taking 1h30 for a full charge, which is a disappointment in 2023.
In conclusion, the Pixel 7 manages to excel in all areas, avoiding the pitfalls of its competitors. It easily stands out as one of the best smartphones in this price range. With its stunning display, impressive camera capabilities, and clean software, the Pixel 7 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-end smartphone that doesn’t cost much.
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE has been long-awaited due to several shortages, but it has finally arrived as a sleek and quality device. It is a great option for those who want a lower-cost alternative to the Galaxy S22, which costs around $700. The smartphone’s design is efficient, with quality materials and a good grip. Samsung’s expertise in touch screens is also evident in the 6.4-inch OLED panel. Which offers Full HD+ resolution with a 120 Hz refresh rate. The Vivid mode offers a variety of colors, although they may not always be accurate.
Performance-wise, the Snapdragon 888 processor and 6 GB of RAM are good enough for most tasks. However, when the settings are pushed to the maximum on Fortnite, the configuration may suffer. Unfortunately, the phone’s battery life is weak and drains quickly when in use, without any fast charging feature to compensate for this weakness.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE’s camera is equipped with three complementary lenses that provide fairly accurate shots in their composition, but some details may be lacking. Selfies, in particular, are of lower quality. Overall, Samsung has delivered a quality smartphone at a surprisingly low price point. Making it a good option for those looking for a cost-effective device.
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ASUS Zenfone 9
If you prefer small smartphones, the Asus Zenfone 9 might be perfect for you. Despite its compact size, it is still a high-end device. The 5.9-inch AMOLED screen is small enough to fit in your pocket. But it has a beautiful FHD+ resolution (2400 x 1080 pixels) and an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120 Hz.
Asus has put a lot of effort into making this phone powerful. It has a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 processor, which is excellent for gaming and doesn’t overheat. The phone also has 8 GB of RAM, which makes multitasking a breeze. Despite its small size, the Zenfone 9 has an exceptional battery life and can last up to two days on a single charge. The 30W charging speed is decent, but not exceptional.
The only downside to this phone is its camera. It only has two sensors, and it doesn’t seem to be as good as other phones in the same price range. It’s still decent, but it’s not the phone’s strong point.
Xiaomi 12T Pro
If you’re considering a smartphone purchase and you don’t want to pay too much, we suggest looking toward the Xiaomi 12T Pro. It’s a great option for those seeking a smartphone under $800. The phone boasts a refined and pleasant design, but it lacks certification for sealing.
The main highlight of the Xiaomi 12T Pro is its touch screen. Which features a beautiful 6.67-inch AMOLED display with an adaptive refresh rate of 30 to 120 Hz. The screen has a good contrast and can reach a maximum brightness of 910 cd/m². While the MIUI software is good, there are too many pre-installed third-party apps.
The second main advantage of the Xiaomi 12T Pro lies in its internal power. The smartphone comes with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chip, 8 GB of RAM, and 256 GB of storage. Allowing you to run the most demanding mobile games. The battery life is decent and the 120W charging allows for quick recharging in less than 30 minutes.
In terms of photography, the 200-megapixel sensor delivers sharp and precise images in good conditions. The ultra-wide angle is helpful, but the results can be improved. Lastly, the macro feature doesn’t add much to the user experience.
Overall, the Xiaomi 12T Pro is a good option for its price, but it doesn’t revolutionize the high-end smartphone market.
OnePlus 10T
The top-of-the-range OnePlus smartphones are always in the spotlight, and the OnePlus 10T is no exception, despite making some concessions such as the disappearance of the Alert Slider. However, it is an excellent smartphone available for under $800.
The main highlight of the phone is its internal hardware, featuring a Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 that is powerful enough for everyday apps, and capable of running demanding games like Genshin Impact or Fortnite without overheating. Additionally, it has a 4800 mAh battery that offers all-day endurance. And a fast charge of 150W that can fully charge the phone in less than 30 minutes. The OxygenOS software is also present to improve the user experience.
In terms of the display, the OnePlus 10T has a beautiful 6.7-inch OLED screen with a refresh rate of 120 Hz. However, the only downside is that the brightness is slightly lower compared to the competition.
The phone’s photography capabilities have taken a hit with the disappearance of the Hasselblad partnership and the telephoto lens. As a result, the photos are less relevant, despite being decent overall.
Overall, the OnePlus 10T is a consistent performer in all categories. With strong internal hardware, great battery life, and a beautiful display. The only downside is the slightly lower brightness and the less impressive camera performance.
Verdict
So, there you have it. Don’t hesitate to invest in one of these high-end smartphones that come at an affordable price. Trust us: you won’t regret it! In addition to their affordability, these high-end smartphones offer several features that make them stand out from the rest. From stunning camera setups to powerful processors, these devices are designed to give you a premium experience without the premium price tag. They also come with long battery life, fast charging capabilities, and impressive displays that provide an immersive viewing experience. Whether you’re a gamer, a photographer, or a social media enthusiast, these smartphones have got you covered. With their advanced features and affordable price range, they are the perfect choice for anyone looking to upgrade their smartphone without paying too much.
