What is a flagship smartphone? Review of smartphones What does flagship mean?

Most smartphone manufacturers highlight the top devices in their product line, on which they pin their hopes. Such devices are usually called flagships. A flagship is a smartphone that is distinguished by advanced functionality and is superior in equipment to other models of the manufacturer. The term migrated from the navy, where the flagship is the most powerful ship in the squadron, on board which the command is located.

Flagship – does not necessarily combine the best of mobile world. If a manufacturer produces budget handsets (like many Chinese companies), then the flagship may also correspond to the middle class. This state of affairs can be observed, for example, in Philips or Fly. Their tops can only compete with the “average” Samsung or LG. However, these are full-fledged flagships against the backdrop of the most popular inexpensive smartphones for 100-300 dollars.

In their advanced smartphones, manufacturers strive to embody all the achievements and new technologies that are ready for practical use. If a company has its own powerful research base, then the latest developments are used. Companies that use components from third-party developers do not have access to them. In this case, use the best parts that are freely available. Processor suppliers are companies such as Qualcomm or MediaTek, memory is purchased from Samsung, Hynix or Elpida, and displays are purchased from Sharp, Samsung, JDI or LG.

Samsung flagship series

Samsung is the main flagship manufacturer in the smartphone world. The company's top-end devices are such not only in the manufacturer's model range, but also in the market as a whole. This is possible thanks to the concentration of enormous resources, the presence of our own divisions for the development and production of components, as well as large-scale financing.

Samsung installs the fastest RAM and storage memory, the latest Exynos Octa processors, Super AMOLED ultra-high (2.5K) resolution screens and high-quality cameras in its flagships. All these smartphone parts are made by Samsung independently and are not available to other companies until the jackpot is hit on sales of new products.

Series Samsung flagships from Galaxy S (2010) to Galaxy S6 (2015)

Samsung's flagship line is Galaxy smartphones S. Top phablets belong to the series Galaxy Note. It is in these smartphones that the main achievements are concentrated.

Apple flagships

Apple has a different approach when it comes to releasing flagships. Unlike Samsung, the company does not have its own production facilities. The components are supplied by third party contractors, and they also do the assembly. As a result, Apple does not have the opportunity to install the most advanced parts. Yes and the lineup, compared to competitors, looks more modest. Therefore, there are no obvious flagships among the iPhone. Almost every iPhone (with the exception of models positioned as budget ones, like the 5C or SE) can be called a flagship.

Not having the opportunity (and even the particular desire) to be “in the forefront” of implementing new technologies, Apple prefers to work on the quality of implementation. The company's policy is that it is better to thoughtfully implement proven technology than to experiment with a new one and “catch” bugs in it. Therefore, the iPhone is a flagship, despite the fact that “on paper” its characteristics can be attributed to the middle class at most.

Other flagship smartphones

LG produces flagship smartphones in the G line, where it also implements advanced developments in the field of screens and cameras. Until 2016, Sony promoted the Xperia Z series, which also installed the best displays (up to 4K) and cameras (up to 22 MP) of its own production. Now it has become the flagship Xperia series X.

Other companies do not have such a powerful production and research base, so they are forced to use third-party developments. The only exception is Huawei, which makes Kirin processors themselves. Until 2016, HTC released top-end smartphones in the One M series, but the latest flagship of 2016 bears the name HTC 10, without additional letters.

The most difficult thing is to determine the flagships of the Chinese. While Xiaomi and Meizu have it easy with this (Mi and MX series, respectively), Lenovo, ZTE, Huawei, Oppo do not produce special series, which include only distinct flagships. And the wide range of models does not allow us to clearly identify the “best” smartphone from the company.

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Users mobile devices people often wonder what a flagship is. This term is quite often used for various consumer electronics. We often hear phrases like “flagship device,” “flagship smartphone,” and “flagship features,” but we have little understanding of what it all means. In fact, these terms do not have a clear definition, since each person may have their own understanding of the word “flagship”.

Meaning of the term

If we look at history, we can come to the conclusion that this word has nothing to do with smartphones. Initially, the flagship was the name given to the ship carrying the commander of the navy. As a rule, such a ship was marked with an officer's flag. From this we can conclude that the word “flagship” is in some sense a synonym for the word “main”. That's why flagships are usually called the most advanced mobile devices in a particular manufacturer's lineup.

If you want to better understand the meaning of a word, the first step is to turn to dictionaries to find out its official definition. It turns out that the flagship is not only a naval ship. This word can have another meaning - “the best and most important item from a system or group.”

It seems that mobile device developers have used an alternative meaning of the word to refer to their best smartphones. But the question arises whether the devices that are called flagships are really the best on the market. The problem is that mobile devices become obsolete very quickly. What is currently considered a flagship product may become obsolete in just a few months.

Most often, a manufacturing company uses this word to refer to a smartphone that it considers its best product in the world. this moment. Thanks to this approach, everything immediately becomes clear. As a result, it becomes very easy to distinguish flagships from regular phones. Flagship status is automatically assigned to the best universal phone company and is not dependent on features or specifications. The flagship is considered the most popular device that is in demand regardless of whether it has the most advanced features. Even manufacturers of relatively cheap mobile devices have their own smartphones that also fall under this definition.

Typically, Flagship represents everything that a single company can offer within 1 phone. At the same time, the manufacturing company itself decides which device is considered the main one, effectively depriving its customers of this right. Typically, Flagship has all or most of the features that the company has developed at the time of its release. For example, samsung device Galaxy, which has 4 GB random access memory, is considered the main one, despite the fact that OnePlus 3 has 6 GB of RAM. The new flagship must have best characteristics compared to its predecessor.

Such mobile phone will always be compared with other devices. The company is trying to make its Flagship as impressive as possible so that it looks decent against its competitors. But contrary to popular belief, the main phone may not always be the most expensive in the line. Recently, there has been an interesting trend where manufacturers are increasingly leaning towards so-called budget flagships. Such devices are compared not with expensive competitors’ phones, but with those devices that are in the same price range.

Since all smartphone manufacturers designate certain devices as flagships, buyers will pay attention to them first. If a phone is assigned this status, it automatically falls into a certain category, which distinguishes it from a huge variety of less popular devices. But what are the defining characteristics that earn a phone flagship status?

It can be assumed that such a smartphone must have functions that are considered standard among competitors. For example, a device with a 1080 pixel display cannot achieve Flagship status because all companies are already moving to the Quad HD standard.

Every year the phrase “flagship smartphone” or “flagship smartphone” is becoming more and more popular. Some users don't know what it means, so today we'll reveal the secret.

Frankly speaking, there is nothing to disclose here - flagships are called the top-end (read: the best and most powerful) smartphones of the company. For example, at the time of writing this article, top smartphones Samsung can be called the Galaxy S10 (S10+) and Galaxy Note 10+ models. They are installed best screens, the best hardware, best cameras, there is protection from water and dust, support for fast and wireless charging, and the Galaxy Note 10+ even has a stylus! In general, everything is the very best, which is why these two smartphones are called flagship devices. Both at once, some users will ask? Yes, after all, in essence, even though different devices, but both are flagship.

Samsung Galaxy S10:

Samsung Galaxy Note 10+:

Almost every company has flagships, although Apple was an exception until recently. After all, in fact, Apple released only one iPhone model, which was the company’s flagship/only smartphone. Then the 5c model saw the light, and after some time - the SE. At the time of writing, there are three main models in the line: 11, 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max (the last two differ in screen diagonal, dimensions and battery capacity).

And one of Huawei’s flagships is the Mate 30 Pro:

Flagship devices typically change generations once a year, while smartphones can change completely or only partially.

Surely each of us, while studying information about a particular mobile phone, has come across the phrase “flagship smartphone”. Lenovo K900 Apple iPhone The 6S and many other models are often referred to by this term. At the same time, ordinary users do not always understand how such a mobile phone differs from others, and what they should expect when purchasing categories.

In this article we will tell and analyze how it differs from simple devices. We will also give examples of phones that can definitely be called “flagships”, and explain why.

The concept of “flagship”

The term itself, which the article is devoted to, comes from the phrase “flagship ship”. This is how they characterize one of the ships that exercises command.

Similarly this term, transferred to mobile market, may refer to one thing - the most prestigious, productive, expensive device. Thus, the development company claims: “This phone is a flagship. It’s more powerful, faster and more convenient than all the others.” Buyers, in turn, can focus on such a model and make their choice either in favor of it or another, cheaper device.

A review of smartphones shows that a flagship, as a rule, is released in the form of some kind of unique technological solution and appears in the guise of a new product. Due to this, an artificial demand for this device. Tools for promoting such a phone include a massive advertising campaign. Read on to find out what a flagship smartphone is in each specific line of devices.

Criteria for evaluation

Actually with search criteria flagship model everything is quite simple. Most often, the price set by the manufacturer can serve as a hint. After all, it is logical that the most advanced and powerful phone will also be the most expensive.

In addition to the price, attention should also be paid to technical specifications. This concept includes such indicators as the performance of the processor device, the amount of RAM, the number of cores and their type), its operating life (this is affected by battery capacity), the operating system and a number of other options. All this is indicated in the description of each phone - and based on these indicators, you can confidently identify the best flagship smartphones.

You can guess which model is the flagship model by its release date and presentation of the device. Of course, the most advanced, powerful and expensive phones- always new. Flagship smartphones are constantly updated in order to diversify the range and, in addition, stimulate additional sales. You don’t need to look far for an example - look at Apple, which releases a new model every six months, creating a real sensation.

Who is cooler?

In fact, it is difficult to compare flagship smartphones and say which one is cooler. And the thing is that almost any most advanced phone is equipped with the most high-tech components - a new processor, a colorful display, a strong battery and an advanced wear-resistant case. Due to this, each such device is “the best”. Therefore, the difference between those that are released in the same period of time (say, in a period of 1-2 months) lies solely in the company that developed it and in its vision of the “ideal smartphone”. In all other respects, almost all flagships are the same.

Marketing

True, there is another point of view regarding this issue. Some mobile device market analysts argue that the very concept we are talking about in this article does not exist. They explain what a flagship smartphone is by saying that it is a marketing decision to “promote” one specific model in every possible way. Essentially, a phone with strong characteristics and a high-quality (according to the developers) design is taken and begins to be actively advertised. For this, of course, it is called a “flagship” to show: this is the best that the user can get.

If you look at this category of phones from this point of view, then you really should review flagships - smartphones positioned as the “coolest” from their manufacturer.

Characteristic

In order for the user to understand more about flagships, as part of the article we will conduct short review some of the most famous models. All of them are widely advertised in the media and various reviews, and some have been in the news for several years. Thus, a review of smartphones in this category will give us the opportunity to compare them and perhaps even choose the best one.

Apple iPhone 6S

Of course, we will start with the world famous iPhone. It is believed that this phone is the best in the world in all categories, and it is simply the embodiment of the most advanced technologies available to humanity.

But that's not true. The device is certainly good, but it is also “just a phone.” The device runs on an A9 processor consisting of two cores. Despite their small number (as it may seem to users of Android gadgets), the phone simply shows miracles of performance. In addition to speed, it also allows you to enjoy impeccable design (sleek shapes, brushed metal, iOS 9 graphics) and useful options like unlocking the screen using Touch ID.

What is there to describe - the iPhone is the most popular device, despite its high cost in relation to other phones. Obviously, for good reason.

Sony Xperia Z3+ DS

Apple isn't the only one with cool phones. Take Sony, for example. The flagship smartphone in its line is the Xperia Z3+ DS. Although the device is built on Android and does not have the “Apple” logo on back cover, its cost is slightly less than the iPhone. Ask why this is so?

Well, we won’t talk about the design for a long time - and it’s clear that the device is presented in a beautiful, framed metal case that is pleasant to hold in your hand. In addition, there is a powerful eight-core processor (every 4 cores have a clock frequency of 1.5 GHz and 2 GHz). This device will definitely not freeze, slow down or glitch, rest assured!

Next, we can mention the complete waterproofness of the case - if you drop your Sony into a puddle, there is no need to panic. There is also a powerful 20-megapixel camera and a colorful Triluminos Display for viewing photos in the best quality.

Again, since this is a flagship, the price goes up to $800.

LG G4

Another interesting Android model was developed by LG. It retails for the same price as the previous phone, costing around $800. At the same time, the phone has its advantages, the most obvious of which is design. It is clear that the developers have worked hard to create the concept of a “phone for the successful.” In particular, the leather insert on the back panel looks interesting and is also pleasant to the touch.

In addition to it, you can point to a high-quality screen with a display with a density of 543 pixels per inch. This is a lot - the quality of the image on the device matches the quality of the picture on the leaflets that are handed out to you near the metro.

The performance of the model is also at the level - 6 cores with clock frequency 1.6 GHz allows you not to worry about system requirements, before launching another colorful game.

Also, according to customer reviews, the phone has an excellent body build, a high-performance camera with a resolution of 16 megapixels and a laser autofocus function. Rest assured that the gadget takes the best pictures imaginable on a device of this class. Look at the LG G4 - and you will understand

Samsung

Of course, the Korean corporation Samsung also has a flagship device. We are talking about a model whose presentation took place shortly before the writing of the article. What's remarkable about Samsung phones- this is the positioning of each of the presented versions of devices as “the best” in a particular class. For example, the A7 is currently the best in the “budget flagship smartphone” category (since it costs only about $400).

There is also the Galaxy S6 (we already mentioned it at the very beginning of the article). This device will cost almost $1,100, since it is equipped even better than the same iPhone 6S. Let's say there is a 5.1-inch Super AMOLED display with a high-quality picture and a pixel density of 577 ppi.

There is also a super-powerful eight-core processor (4 cores with a clock frequency of 1.5 GHz and 2.1 GHz). In addition, the developers paid Special attention the design of the device, the materials from which the phone is made.

Finally, another flagship device from the Koreans is the Samsung Note Edge. It also has strong characteristics, but is presented in a different class of gadgets - with a 5.6-inch display (like the A7, but more expensive).

In fact, the Korean giant is trying to occupy all niches at once, presenting phones in different classes. We can judge this at least by the number of devices produced by the company on a regular basis. Samsung has several dozen models that are constantly updated and replaced by other, newer ones. There is a constant rotation, in which you can also notice the flagships.

Lenovo P90

Not all “top” devices are offered at the highest possible price. There are, for example, Chinese flagship smartphones released by Lenovo. This is the P90 model, priced at $400. The device is equipped with powerful cameras (13 and 5 megapixels), a quad-core processor from Intel, and a colorful display operating on Full HD technology.

Together with a battery with a capacity of 4000 mAh, the phone offers the user exactly the set that is necessary to perform basic tasks. Both the functionality and speed of the model make it an indispensable assistant in any situation.

HTC One M9

HTC also recently introduced its flagship - the One M9. It will cost the buyer more than the previously presented phone - $900. But the device has an even more powerful “heart” (4 cores with a clock frequency of 2 GHz, and 4 with a clock frequency of 1.5 GHz), a high-quality 20-megapixel camera, a memory card slot, and a 2840 mAh battery. These technical parameters make the device very convenient and “smart” in everyday use.

As for additional options, these include an attractive metal case (built according to the “tiered” principle), on the camera lens, a magnetic sensor, and more.

However, as for this flagship, the reviews about it are not the most flattering. There are a lot of comments that the device gets hot, or that the lens glass is glued crookedly. Of course, such defects should not exist on best device model range.

Huawei Ascend Mate7

Another Chinese manufacturer, Huawei, also has a flagship. The company is producing the Ascend Mate7 model, a business smartphone priced at $550-600. The device, like those described above, is offered with an 8-core processor that can switch between cores while performing tasks. This ensures maximum performance.

As for additional options, here is available, for example, the ability to remove the screen lock by touching the back cover of the device. The thing is that it has a special sensor installed that can accurately read the user’s fingerprint data. A decent response to the sensor Home button(like iPhone and Samsung).

conclusions

In the article, we described some of the most common top-end device models on the market. As you can see, they all have advanced technical components, presented in the form of a powerful processor, quality cameras and display, capacious battery. Also, which is typical, “flagships” also rely on additional options. For example, this is the design of the device, its ergonomics, interface, some functions that make the everyday operations that we carry out with a smartphone easier and more accessible.

In fact, the flagship differs from a regular device only in the set of these same “extras” and, of course, in the level of performance. If you need a phone for some more mundane purposes - communication and banal surfing the Internet, then it is not necessary to purchase a “top” model. And, on the contrary, if you want to get the best copy of those that are present in the manufacturer’s line, in order to work with the most productive and stylish device, take the “flagship” - you won’t regret it.

Usually this is a device that is noticeably superior in its capabilities to other models of the manufacturer. Every company has its own flagships, but the greatest interest, of course, is in devices created by recognized market leaders. They are the ones people talk about most, and they are the ones that other, less well-known companies focus on.

At the same time, a flagship smartphone, by definition, cannot be cheap. But even the high price does not stop those who want to own top-end devices. Today we will tell you why you should choose such devices.

Advanced Solutions

All the most interesting and unusual things appear first in flagship smartphones. Dual cameras, incredibly high resolution screens, NFC support and 4G/LTE networks, extremely powerful processors, a solid amount of RAM, wireless charger- this list can be continued. Everything we listed could initially be seen only on top-end devices. And only after some time these features begin to be found in devices belonging to other price categories.

Unique Features

Although many solutions are gradually migrating from the flagship segment to middle class and even in the budget category, top-end devices can often boast that they have truly unique functions. Such that they are almost, if not not, found in other smartphones. Examples? Please! A screen optimized for the use of a stylus or distinguishes between pressures made with different strengths. Camera with optical zoom. Display resolution compliant with 4K standard.

Stylish design

It not only has a powerful filling, but also a stylish design, as well as carefully thought out ergonomics. Such a device cannot help but look attractive. Therefore, it impresses even those who are poorly versed in the world of modern mobile devices. You can immediately see from it: this is a thing that is worthy of attention. Most modern flagships are made from carefully crafted metal and tempered glass, and the developers come up with interesting colors for them.

High quality

A flagship smartphone is made with the expectation that you will use it for a long time. This means that it is simply impossible to find fault with the build quality. This device is pleasant to hold in your hand, nothing creaks in it, and all functions work perfectly. The same applies to optimization; after all, the top device is considered the face of the company, and they work on it with special diligence. Yes, minor troubles and real incidents do happen, but much less frequently than with models in other price categories.

Doesn't get old for a long time

Any top-end device is ahead of its time. This means that it will not become outdated for a long time. Even if you don’t have the opportunity to purchase a new device every six months or a year, the capabilities of your flagship will allow it to compete on equal terms with new middle-class models for several years and even surpass them. First of all, this concerns computing abilities: top devices released several years ago can easily handle running modern applications and games. It is not surprising that there are people who are happy to purchase last year’s flagships, which have fallen in price due to the appearance of fresh, top-end devices that have just gone on sale.

Long-term support

The reason mentioned above is related to another one - long-term support. Manufacturers pay special attention to their flagship devices and do not forget to update them OS and branded shells. It is the top models that receive updates first, and in some cases they are the only ones that are updated. Therefore, despite the fact that 2-3 years have passed since its release, a smartphone belonging to this category does not look outdated.

Simple repairs at the service center

It is worth noting that spare parts for flagship smartphone It’s easier to find than for a nameless state employee from a little-known manufacturer. In addition, leading companies have a wide network of authorized service centers staffed by specialists who know their business well. And repairing a top-end device is really profitable.

Versatility

Flagship device – universal device, with which you can solve the most different tasks. Using it, you understand that the definition of a smartphone is mobile computer, which you can call, is completely true. You can watch videos on the screen with excellent detail, play the latest games, high speed surf the Internet, make video calls, take photographs, and each function works without compromising the others. It's not that easy to get that kind of experience with a budget device or even a mid-range device.