Choosing a smartphone during the release of new technologies always turns into a difficult quest for the buyer. 2018 was a turning point in the mobile device industry, when manufacturers finally abandoned physical buttons and frames, offering the market the first mass devices with frameless displays. It was during this period that the standards that we still use today were formed, including multi-camera systems and artificial intelligence in photo processing.
The consumer was faced with a dilemma: overpay for flagships with revolutionary functions or choose affordable models that offer 90% of the same functionality for half the price. The market was flooded with devices with fingerprint scanners on the back panel and the first attempts to introduce face unlocking. To understand which Android is better in 2018, it is necessary to analyze in detail not only the characteristics of the hardware, but also the quality of software optimization.
In this article we will conduct an in-depth comparison of key market players, evaluate their autonomy, build quality and durability. You will get an objective picture that will help determine the winner in the arms race of that time, be it Samsung Galaxy S9, Google Pixel 3 or Chinese hits from Xiaomi and OnePlus.
Criteria for choosing a flagship smartphone
When assessing which Android is better, you cannot rely only on the screen diagonal or the number of processor cores. The key factor in 2018 was performance in real tasks. Benchmark tests often showed inflated results that did not correspond to the smoothness of the interface in everyday use. The leaders were those models where the developers paid attention to code optimization and memory management.
The second critical parameter was the quality of photography. It was this year that the real war of algorithms began. The devices have learned to take night pictures without using a tripod, and portrait mode has become available not only for dual, but also for single cameras thanks to software processing. It was important for the buyer to look not at megapixels, but at the sensor size and lens aperture. computational photography. The devices have learned to take night pictures without using a tripod, and portrait mode has become available not only for dual, but also for single cameras thanks to software processing. It was important for the buyer to look not at megapixels, but at the size of the sensor and lens aperture.
We should not forget about autonomy. With the increase in screen resolution to standard 2K and the advent of energy-intensive processors, operating time on a single charge has become a sore point for many users. The best models of 2018 were able to combine high performance with capacious batteries and fast charging technologies, allowing you to replenish energy in 40-60 minutes.
- 📸 The presence of optical stabilization and night shooting mode.
- ⚡ Support for fast charging technologies with a power of 18 W.
- 🛡️ Build quality and water protection according to standard
IP67orIP68. - 📱 Clean interface and speed of receiving security updates.
⚠️ Attention: Many manufacturers began to remove the 3.5 mm headphone jack in 2018. If this is critical for you, be sure to check the specifications before purchasing, as adapters are often lost or create inconvenience.
Market leaders: Samsung and Google
The company Samsung in 2018 introduced the line Galaxy S9 i S9+, which many experts call the standard of that time. The main feature was a camera with a mechanically variable aperture, which allows you to switch between values f/1.5 and f/2.4 depending on the lighting. It was a unique hardware solution that gave an advantage in dynamic range and detail.
On the other hand, Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL proved that you don't need to have a dual camera to take great photos. Thanks to algorithms HDR+, these smartphones produced a picture that often surpassed the results of more expensive competitors. However, Google devices had serious problems with battery life and screen quality on the older model, which became the subject of numerous user complaints.
Both giants offered frameless displays with aspect ratio 18.5:9. Samsung used technology Super AMOLEDthat provided deep blacks and saturation, while Google used panels POLED. In terms of performance, both devices were processor-based Snapdragon 845, but Samsung's shell One UI (which replaced Experience) turned out to be more functional for the mass user.
If you are choosing between Samsung and Pixel, keep in mind: Samsung offers more customization options, while Pixel provides the purest Android and instant updates from Google.
⚠️ Attention: Manufacturer shells may change over time. Features available in the 2018 Android version may have been changed or removed in newer updates, so check the current list of features in your device settings.
People's favorites: Xiaomi and Huawei
Chinese brands made a real breakthrough in 2018, offering flagship functionality at mid-segment prices. Xiaomi Mi 8 became the company's first smartphone with a cutout in the screen and support for dual-frequency GPS, which significantly improved the accuracy of navigation in urban environments. This device became a bestseller due to the balance between price and the presence of a top-end processor.
The company Huawei relyed on its own developments, introducing a chipset Kirin 970 with a dedicated neural processor (NPU). Smartphones of the series P20 i P20 Pro were equipped with triple cameras, where the third module was responsible for monochrome shooting or optical zoom. This allowed them to top the ratings DxOMark and gain a reputation as the best camera phones of the year.
However, these devices had a significant nuance - software. Shells MIUI and EMUI often contained built-in advertising or an excessive number of pre-installed applications that had to be removed manually. However, the speed of operation and set of functions made up for these shortcomings for most buyers looking for the maximum benefit.
Why did the Huawei P20 Pro shoot so well?
The secret of success was the combination of a 40 MP color sensor, a 20 MP monochrome module for detail and a telephoto lens with 3x zoom. Algorithms for combining frames made it possible to obtain images with minimal noise even in poor light.
Comparison of technical characteristics
To clearly demonstrate the difference between the market leaders, we have compiled a summary table. It will help you quickly navigate the key parameters that affect the user experience. Pay attention to the battery capacity and support for charging technologies, as this directly affects the comfort of use.
| Model | Screen | Processor | Camera (MP) | Battery (mAh) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S9+ | 6.2" Super AMOLED | Snapdragon 845 | 12 + 12 | 3500 |
| Google Pixel 3 XL | 6.3" POLED | Snapdragon 845 | 12.2 | 3430 |
| Huawei P20 Pro | 6.1" IPS LCD | Kirin 970 | 40 + 20 + 8 | 4000 |
| Xiaomi Mi 8 | 6.21" AMOLED | Snapdragon 845 | 12 + 12 | 3400 |
| OnePlus 6 | 6.28" Optic AMOLED | Snapdragon 845 | 16 + 20 | 3300 |
As can be seen from the data, Huawei P20 Pro won in battery capacity and the number of camera modules, while Samsung offered the best type of display matrix. Google Pixel 3 XL it stood out for its largest screen, but lost in autonomy to competitors with a similar processor. The choice of a specific device depended on priorities: for some, zoom was more important, and for others, the richness of the picture on the screen.
The Snapdragon 845 processor has become the de facto standard for all top models of 2018, providing equally high performance in all listed devices.
Problems and typical ones malfunctions
Despite high technology, not a single device was without flaws. Owners Samsung Galaxy S9 complained en masse about spontaneous reboots, which sometimes required replacing the motherboard. This problem was associated with defects in a batch of processors and appeared after several months of active use.
The models Google Pixel weakness turned out to be the communication module. Users have reported problems with signal reception in areas of poor coverage and Bluetooth problems when connected to car radios. Software updates only partially resolved these issues, since the reason lay in the design features of the antennas.
Smartphones Xiaomi and Huawei often suffered from overheating during prolonged use, for example, while playing games or recording videos in 4K. Glass and metal cases did not dissipate heat well, which led to throttling - a forced reduction in processor frequency to protect components. This could cause brakes in the interface at the most inopportune moment.
☑️ Diagnostics of a smartphone before buying a used one
⚠️ Attention: When purchasing a used 2018 device, be sure to check the condition of the battery. Over several years, the capacity could degrade by 20-30%, which would require immediate replacement.
Final verdict and recommendations
So which Android is better in 2018? The answer depends on your needs. If you need a versatile soldier with the best screen and feature set for work and play, then Samsung Galaxy S9+ remains the most balanced option. It offers water protection, a slot for memory cards and a headphone jack, which is becoming a rarity in the modern world.
For lovers of mobile photography, Huawei P20 Prois the undisputed leader. Its ability to shoot in difficult lighting conditions is unparalleled even among newer mid-range models. However, you should be prepared for a specific shell and possible problems with Google services in the future (although in 2018 they still worked fully).
If you value the cleanliness of the system and want to receive updates first, your choice is Google Pixel 3. Despite the controversial autonomy, the experience of interacting with the operating system here is the most pleasant and intuitive. This is a phone for those who just want to use the device without setting up every little detail.
Be sure to hold the smartphone in your hand before purchasing. The ergonomics of 2018 devices vary greatly: some models slide in your hands due to glass backs, others are too heavy due to metal frames.
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth buying a 2018 flagship in 2026-2026?
Purchase makes sense only with a very limited budget or for collection purposes. The batteries of such devices are already worn out, and software support by most manufacturers has been discontinued, which creates security risks.
Is it possible to update Android on these models to the latest version?
Officially, most 2018 models settled on Android 10 or 11. However, for popular devices like Pixel or OnePlus there are custom firmwares that allow you to install newer versions of the system.
Which of these smartphones is best for gaming?
They are all equipped with a processor Snapdragon 845but OnePlus 6 and Xiaomi Mi 8 often showed better frame stability due to less aggressive throttling and effective cooling compared to competitors.
Why does the Google Pixel 3 have a bad battery?
Google engineers sacrificed battery capacity for the sake of compactness and placement of high-quality stereo speakers, as well as high power consumption of a high-resolution screen and the constant operation of background AI algorithms.
Does it make sense to replace the glass on a broken screen of an old flagship?
If the cost of the original display module is more than 50% of the market price of a used phone, repairs are not economically feasible. It’s cheaper to add more money and buy a more modern model.