The 2018 Smartphone Market: A Year of Greatness

2018 has been an incredible year for smartphones, with several devices that have caught our attention. One such device is the Google Pixel 3, which has taken the camera game by storm. The phone's camera capabilities are impressive, and it's no surprise that it's become a favorite among many smartphone enthusiasts.

Another device that deserves mention is the OPPO Find X. This phone boasts an impressive design, with a futuristic look that sets it apart from other smartphones on the market. While it may not have the same level of performance as some of its competitors, its unique design makes it stand out in a crowded field.

Then there's the Pocophone, which has changed the game when it comes to affordable flagship-like smartphones. Previously, phones like the OnePlus were considered benchmarks for affordability, but the Pocophone is taking that concept to new heights by offering top-notch performance at an incredibly low price point of $300. What sets the Pocophone apart from other budget-friendly options is its exceptional hardware, which includes a Snapdragon 845 processor and a large battery that rivals some of the most expensive flagship phones on the market.

The Pocophone's design is also worth noting, with a notch similar to the one found on the iPhone. While it may not be as premium as some other smartphones, the phone's build quality is surprisingly good, considering its affordable price point. The phone is available in two configurations, including an armored edition that features aramid fiber and a more affordable plastic version.

However, the Pocophone's biggest competitor on the market is the Nokia 7.1, which offers similar performance at a slightly higher price point of $350. While the Nokia has a nicer build quality, with glass and aluminum construction, it may not be as durable as the Pocophone. Additionally, the phone's battery life is significantly shorter than that of the Pocophone.

One area where the Nokia excels is in its software, which runs on Xiaomi's MIUI version of Android 8.1. This offers a unique skinned experience that some users may find appealing. However, this also means that the phone may not receive as many software updates as stock Android devices, such as the Pocophone.

The camera capabilities of both phones are also worth noting. The Pocophone's camera is consistently good, with impressive results out of the box and a slight edge over the Nokia in low-light conditions. However, the Nokia's camera is still usable, although it may not be as sharp or detailed as that of the Pocophone.

In terms of video capabilities, both phones offer 4K recording, although the Pocophone's video looks particularly impressive. Additionally, the Nokia does have an advantage when it comes to selfies, thanks to its slightly better camera hardware.

One key difference between the two phones is their warranty policies. The Nokia offers a standard warranty for its devices in certain regions, while the Pocophone does not offer any U.S. warranty, which may be a dealbreaker for some users.

In conclusion, the 2018 smartphone market has offered a range of exciting options for buyers. While both the Pocophone and the Nokia 7.1 are great devices in their own right, the Pocophone's combination of exceptional hardware, impressive camera capabilities, and affordability make it the standout choice for many users.

Saving Money with the Pocophone

One of the most significant advantages of the Pocophone is its incredibly low price point. At $300, this phone offers top-notch performance that rivals some of the most expensive flagship devices on the market. By saving hundreds of dollars compared to a bigger, more expensive smartphone, buyers can afford to upgrade their daily essentials, such as a pair of shiny new Massdrop headphones.

In addition to its affordability, the Pocophone's value proposition extends beyond just hardware. Its software experience, while not as polished as some other devices, is still solid and offers many of the features that users have come to expect from Android devices. Furthermore, the phone's battery life is significantly longer than that of most budget-friendly options, making it an excellent choice for users who need a reliable device that can keep up with their busy lifestyles.

Of course, not every user will want to sacrifice build quality or software experience in favor of affordability. In those cases, devices like the Nokia 7.1 offer a more premium experience at a slightly higher price point. However, for many buyers, the Pocophone's unbeatable combination of performance and value make it an attractive option that is sure to please.

The Pocophone's Camera Capabilities

One of the most impressive aspects of the Pocophone is its camera capabilities. The phone's camera is consistently good, with impressive results out of the box. In low-light conditions, the camera shines, offering images that are significantly better than those from many other budget-friendly options.

The Pocophone's camera also offers 4K video recording, which is a notable feature in today's smartphone market. While some users may be content with lower resolutions, the Pocophone's 4K video looks particularly impressive, making it an excellent choice for users who want to capture high-quality video on the go.

The Nokia's camera, while still usable, cannot quite match the Pocophone's performance in low-light conditions. However, the phone's selfie capabilities are slightly better than those of the Pocophone, thanks to its more advanced camera hardware.

In terms of software, both phones offer a range of features that enhance their camera capabilities. The Pocophone offers a camera app with a variety of modes and options, while the Nokia's MIUI version of Android 8.1 also includes several camera-related features.

Overall, the Pocophone's camera capabilities are one of its standout features, making it an excellent choice for users who want high-quality images and video on their smartphone.

WEBVTTKind: captionsLanguage: en- Hey guys, this is Austin.2018 has been a greatyear for smartphones.The Pixel 3 is killingit on the camera side.We've got the OPPO Find X,which might be the coolest design yet,and we have the good old Pocophone,which at $300 has kinda changed the game.I just realized that this is a blue phoneon a blue background.Does that look weird?Wait, I'll hold it in this hand.The Pocophone, it's changing the game.For real though, this phonehas changed the way a lotof smartphones are being sold right now.Previously the OnePlus reallywas kind of like the standardof the, sort of, benchmark phoneat a much cheaper price, right?So you get all the flagship specs,but usually at a couplehundred dollar discount.However, this year the Pocophoneis doing the exact same thing,but it's something close to $300.While most phones at this price pointhave significantly slower internals than the flagships of the world,that's where the Pocophonedefinitely differs.Inside, it has the exactsame Snapdragon 845 processoras in the $1,000 Galaxy Note9.The battery, again, the exactsame size as that Note9,and when you take a look at the design,it's fairly similar tothe notch on the iPhone.And while yes it is made of plastic,when you consider that allof this is coming in a phonethat's just a little bit over $300,it is seriously impressive.That's where this comes in.The brand new Nokia 7.1,which at $350 might justbe able to go head to head.The biggest difference here is in build.So the Pocophone does come ina couple of configurations.This is the Armored Editionwith the aramid fiber back,and you also have the cheaper plastic.But neither of these really can hold upto the glass and metal of that Nokia.This looks so much nicer.Not only does it have that glass,but it's also made out of aluminum,and personally, as far as I'm concerned,it feels a lot nicer, right?Sure they definitely spenta lot more of the budgeton the build quality versus the internals,but you spend all day holding the phone.I do think that's animportant consideration.Of course, though none ofthis really matters too muchif you put these phones in a case.As much as I like thefeeling of the Nokia,it is a lot more fragile right?If I drop the phone,I'm gonna shatter theback more than likely.Whereas with the Pocophone,might be plastic,but if I scratch it whatever.I guess not whatever,but I don't have toreplace the entire phoneas apposed to this guy.Considering that bothphones are pretty cheap,the screens are not bad at all.The Pocophone is a little bit bigger.Although, they're aboutthe same resolution.The main difference hereis with the speakers.Neither of these phonessound all that great.So the main issue is that they bothhave a single bottom firing speaker,which is a little tinny and easy to cover.But the good thing is that they bothhave our friend jack, headphone jack.That headphone jack is usefulfor the sponsor of today's video,Massdrop and their excellentAKG M220 Pro headphones.Do you see how smooth that was?- Wow!- I know right.Headphone Jack approves.These have quickly become someof my favorite headphones,especially when you considerthat right now on Massdrop,they're only $35.With a wide soundstage thanksto the semi-open design,not only do they sound way betterthan you would expect for the price,but on top of that they're comfortable.They're fairly lightweight.They have replaceable earcups as well as a cable.It's a really, really solid package.Really, really, not just really solid,really, really solid.Because I know adjectivesand adverbs and thesauruses.Massdrop wanted to makea deal just for you guys,so for the next 30 days, youcan pick these up for only $35.If you've been in the marketfor some decent audiophile grade headphones,definitely be sure to go check them outat the link in the description of this video.The real differencebetween these two phonesis in performance.Run them throughGeekbench, and you will seethat there is a massivelead for the Pocophone.It is really playingin a different league.It also has the advantage of a heat pipeto help keep the phonecool while you're gaming,and on top of that, thePocophone has more RAM,six gigs versus four.There isn't as big ofa real-world differencein performance as you might expect,but it is very clear tome that the Pocophoneis a superior performer.And that goes a long way,especially if you wanna usethis phone for a few years.It should be able to keep up.It also helps that the Pocophonehas a significantly bigger battery.4,000 milliamp hoursversus 3,000 on the Nokia.Now at this point it mightseem like the Pocophoneis the very obvious winner,but there's one key areathat the Nokia has over it,and that is software.So this is using Xiaomi'sMIUI on top of Android 8.1,which is a little bit of skinned versionof Android shall we say.Whereas this is completely stockversion of Android 9.0 Pie,and it is Android Onecompatible, which means that this isguaranteed at least two yearsof solid software updates.Whereas the Pocophone,it's got an update so far,but who knows how long that will last.Now software can be a subjective thing,and maybe you might likesome of the extra featuresor the way that they'veskinned the Pocophone,but as far as I'm concerned,I will definitely takestock Android any dayand the very least,I would wanna put a launcher on the Poco.Around back, both have a similar setupwith a 12 megapixel main cameraas well as a depth sensorfor portrait mode and forlooking like you have two camerason the back of your phone.Honestly, both are totally usable,but I will give a slightedge to the Pocophone.Not only does it consistentlygive really nice resultsright out of the box, but on top of that,I think a lot of people justwill prefer these slight tuningof the image that Poco is doing.The Nokia looks fine,but I do feel like I trust the Pocophonejust a little bit more,and that goes especially in low light.The Nokia does have alittle bit of an advantagewhen it comes to selfies,but as far as video goes, again,I'm gonna give it to the Pocophone.That 4K video actuallylooks really impressive.At least here in theU.S. both of these phonesare easily available on Amazon,links in the description.But the main difference here is thatwhile the Nokia does comewith a warranty here,the Pocophone actually doesn'thave any U.S. warranty.Your results will vary basedon what country you're in,but that might be a dealbreaker for some people.The build quality andespecially the softwareis really impressive on the Nokia,but I have to give thisone to the Pocophone.Not only is it a great overall package,but with the hundreds ofdollars you're gonna saveversus a bigger, more expensive flagship,you could even buy yourself a pairof shiny new Massdrop headphones,available right now (laughing)link in the description.(funky music)Link in the description.Go check (laughs).