Best Phablets

We don’t cover laptops, we don’t cover smartphones. Usually. But since there’s a lot of misunderstanding about “phablets” we figured we will create an article around it and clear some things. That we ourselves found confusing and of course we’ll create a Top list of “best phablets” based on our subjective opinion.

Have you been trying to find out more about the best phablets that offer a top-of-the-line user experience on the big screen? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s check out the top 9 phablets that are available and some common questions e.g. what does qualify as a phablet? Is that even a thing? Or is that’s just something made up? Let’s dive in.

What Qualifies as a Phablet?

Bluntly speaking Phablets are smartphones. There is no difference, no extra features, no additional functionality that your phone doesn’t offer because it is your phone. Word “Phablet” is a made-up word to describe Smartphone that screen size is above 5.6-inches. Sort of a 2-in-1 device: Tablet & Phone.

The word is made up by consumers, you won’t find a category at Samsung store or any other manufacture, retailer as “Phablets”. It’s just a word to describe smartphones that are bigger than 5.6-inches. Usually, Phablets range between 5.6-inches – 7.6-inches.

Now that we know what Phablets are, let’s take a deeper look into the best “Phablets” you can get.

Best Phablets Available in 2021

1. iPhone 12 Pro Max

 

 

The iPhone 12 Pro Max is physically the largest in the section Apple has ever come up with. Featuring a brilliant 6.7-inch OLED Super Retina XDR Display, the device is undoubtedly one of the best phablets to offer a next-level viewing experience in 2021. The iPhone 12 Pro Max bags a stunning build quality. The presence of a stainless-steel frame that runs all around makes the device look more premium in hand.

Alongside the high-definition display and premium built, the device is rich in the hardware section as well. Powered by the Apple A14 Bionic chipset and four-core Apple GPU, get ready to experience the seamless performance through browsing, gaming, and productivity. Moreover, with the three feature-rich Wide, Ultra-Wide, and Telephoto cameras at the back, you can shoot videos and capture images like never before.

Key Specifications:

• OS: iOS 14.1 upgradable to iOS 14.7
• Display: 6.7-inches
• Resolution: 1284 x 2778 pixels
• Storage: 128GB / 256GB / 512 GB
• Memory: 6GB
• CPU: Hexa-core Apple A14 Bionic Chipset
• GPU: Apple GPU 4-core Graphics
• Camera: 12MP (Front) 12MP Wide / 12MP Telephoto / 12MP Ultra-Wide
• Battery: 3687mAh

Pros:

• Brilliant display with a bold screen
• Great processing power
• Tremendous battery life
• Convenient charging
• Excellent set of cameras

Cons:

• Expensive
• No charger in the box
• No upgrade in the camera compared to previous model

2. Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra

 

 

The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is one of the best big-screen smartphones from Samsung. In both size and build, Samsung has been successful in pushing the limit. The frosted matte finish alongside the shiny frame makes sure the device grabs attention in the first place. Regarding the display, Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra provides its users with a 6.9-inch dynamic AMOLED screen operating at QHD+ resolution. The display also supports HDR10+, and the refresh rate can scale up to 120 Hz.

Moving our attention towards the performance, the device doesn’t disappoint in this section either. Home to the octa-core Exynos 990 (Global variant) and Snapdragon 865 5G (US Variant), Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra can seamlessly deliver powerful performance.

Key Specifications:

• OS: Android 10 (upgradable to Android 11)
• Display: 6.9-inches
• Resolution: 1440 x 3088 pixels

• Storage: 128GB / 256GB / 512GB

• Memory: 8GB / 12GB
• CPU: Octa-core Exynos 990 (Global) Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 5G (USA)
• GPU: Mali G77 MP11 (Global), Adreno 650 (USA)
• Ports: USB Type C 3.2, USB On-The-Go
• Camera: 10 MP (Front) 108MP Wide / 12MP Periscope Telephoto / 12MP Ultra-Wide
• Battery: 4500mAh

Pros:

• Powerful specs for seamless performance
• Integrated stylus for next-level input
• Battery life that can run a whole day
• Gorgeous screen with a brilliant viewing experience
• Elegant design

Cons:

• Not great with heat management
• Expensive
• The camera bump(at the back) is pretty big

3. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3

 

 

The Galaxy Z Fold 3 is another fantastic phablet from Samsung that you need to have a look at. The device features a 6.2-inch OLED cover display (when folded) and 7.6-inch once you decide to unfold it. No matter how you operate, the panel offers a 120 HZ refresh rate that lets you navigate different sections flawlessly. Performance-wise, the device doesn’t lag either. With the Snapdragon 888 5G chipset installed alongside Adreno 660 GPU, play games and deal with other activities with no issues whatsoever.

Key Specifications:

• OS: Android 11, One UI 3.11
• Display: 7.6-inches
• Resolution: 1768 x 2208 pixels
• Storage: 256GB / 512GB
• Memory: 12GB
• CPU: Octa-core Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G
• GPU: Adreno 660
• Ports: USB Type C 3.2
• Camera: 4MP + 10MP (Front) 12MP Wide / 12MP Telephoto / 12MP Ultra-Wide
• Battery: 4400mAh

Pros:

• Next-generation foldable design
• Double AMOLED display
• Water-resistant
• Support for the S Pen
• Decent performance
• Brilliant camera
• Great battery
• NFC & 5G enabled
• Good battery life & fast charging
• 4k video recording

Cons:

• A bit heavy
• Quite expensive
• No 8k video recording
• Hard to use it with one hand

4. OnePlus 9 Pro

 

 

Next up on our list of best phablets in 2021, we’ve got the recently launched OnePlus 9 Pro. The device introduces its user to a 6.7-inch LTPO OLED display. Operating at 120 Hz and a QHD+ resolution of 1400×3216, watch movies and play games like never before. The cameras installed in the device also have significant features that need to get mentioned. The company has made way for the new sensors, custom developed by Sony, which takes the performance to more unique dimensions.

OnePlus has chosen to go with the latest Snapdragon 888 chipset alongside 12 GB of RAM to power the 9 Pro up. Having said that, you can expect robust rendering quality. Additionally, the device features a significant element called “Hyper Touch,” which promises to enhance the touch response in certain games.

Key Specifications:

• OS: Android 11, OxygenOS 11.2.7.7
• Display: 6.7-inches
• Resolution: 1440 x 3216 pixels
• Storage: 128GB / 256GB  
• Memory: 8GB / 12GB
• CPU: Octa-core Snapdragon 888
• GPU: Adreno 660
• Ports: USB C 3.1
• Camera: 16MP (Front) 48MP Wide / 8MP Telephoto/ 50MP Ultrawide / 2MP Monochrome
• Battery: 4500mAh

Pros:

• Brilliant performance solution.
• Impressive 120Hz display.
• Fast charging with 65W charger.
• Impressive ultra-wide camera.
• Quality speakers for music & movies
• Great UI
• NFC & 5g support
• Can run high-demanding games

Cons:

• Average battery life
• Nightscape photos are pretty inconsistent
• Camera – front & back, compared to competitors
• Storage
• Overpriced

5. Google Pixel 5a 5G

 

 

Home to a 6.34-inch OLED display, Google Pixel 5a 5G is a fantastic phablet to run your hands over. The device holds on to a resolution of 1800×2400 pixel with 431 ppi. Flooded with features like color accuracy, brilliant contrast ratio, and more, you can expect this device to please you every time you wish to play media on it.

Google Pixel 5a 5G runs on the octa-core Snapdragon 765G processor with 6GB of RAM. The setup is powerful enough to deal with everyday tasks pretty seamlessly. As far as the camera goes, we all know how promising photography is with every Pixel device, and the scenes are no different from this latest one. Have a look at the key specifications to learn more.

Key Specifications:

• OS: Android 11
• Display: 6.34-inches
• Resolution: 1080 x 2400 pixels
• Storage: 128GB
• Memory: 6GB
• CPU: Octa-core Snapdragon 765G
• GPU: Adreno 620
• Ports: USB C 3.1
• Camera: 8 MP (Front) 12.2MP Wide / 16MP Ultrawide
• Battery: 4680mAh

Pros:

• 5G-enabled
• Excellent 90Hz screen
• Compact design
• Water and dust resistance
• Great battery life & fast charging
• Affordable pricing
• Excellent photo & video features

Cons:

• Lacks a zoom lens
• Average speakers

6. Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra

 

 

From design to functionality, everything is amazing with Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra. Featuring an aluminum frame running over a curved display, the design is powerful enough to spray a “wow” factor right with the first impression. Together with a ceramic back, Xiaomi Mi Ultra 11 looks great overall. Moving ahead, you’ll have a 6.8-inch OLED display that produces color and quality that is enough to fall in love with.

In case you wonder, to what extent the device is capable of dealing with heavy performances, well, let me tell you, be ready to get amazed. The Mi 11 Ultra packs in the latest octa-core Snapdragon 888 5G alongside the Adreno 660 GPU. The combination is powerful enough to help you play heavy games, edit videos, and do much more seamlessly.

Key Specifications:

• OS: Android 11, MIUI 12.5
• Display: 6.81-inches
• Resolution: 1440 x 3200 pixels
• Storage: 256GB / 512 GB 
• Memory: 8 GB / 12 GB
• CPU: Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G
• GPU: Adreno 660
• Ports: USB-C 2.0
• Camera: 20MP (Front) 50MP Wide / 48MP Periscopic Telephoto / 48MP Ultrawide
• Battery: 5000mAh

Pros:

• Home to an attractive curved-screen design
• Premium build
• Brilliant 120Hz display
• The battery life is excellent
• Impressive stereo speakers
• Great UI

Cons:

• Overheating issues
• One of the heaviest phablets
• Camera bump
• Can overheat

7. Huawei P50 Pro

 

 

Running on HarmonyOS 2.0, the Huawei P50 Pro is already set to deliver a feeling like never before. Right out of the box, you get a 6.6-inch full HD+ OLED curved display that operates at a 120 Hz refresh rate. In the power section, you’ll have two options to choose from, either HiSilicon Krin 9000 or Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G. No matter which one you decide to go with, rendering all kinds of stuff daily will be no big deal. Moreover, the Huawei P50 Pro features a quad camera setup to allow you to capture memories in the truest form of excellence.

However, if you’re from the US, there is something you need to be aware of. Because of the US sanctions on Huawei, the manufacturer is barred from running Google Play Services Framework, which in turn means that you have no access to the suite of Google apps, such as the Play Store, Play Music, Play Games, and several more. Also, the US has restricted the device from being granted access to the 5G variant of the Snapdragon 888 chipset. One good thing though, Huawei promises to provide powerful performances with the HarmonyOS. However, since it is fresh out of the oven for now, we will have to wait and see on how much it delivers.

Key Specifications:

• OS: HarmonyOS 2.0
• Display: 6.6-inches
• Resolution: 1228 x 2700 pixels
• Storage: 128GB / 512GB /
• Memory: 8 GB (upto 12 GB)
• CPU: Octa-core (Snapdragon 888 4G) Kirin 9000
• GPU: Adreno 660
• Ports: USB C 3.1
• Camera: 13 MP (Front) 50MP Wide / 64MP Ultrawide / 13MP Macro / 40MP Depth
• Battery: 4360mAh

Pros:

• Brilliant OLED display
• 120 Hz refresh rate
• Amazing cameras
• Great processing power
• Superfast charging
• Water and dust resistant

Cons:

• Lacks reverse charging

8. LG W41 Pro

 

The W41 Pro from LG is another impressive device that makes it into our list of best phablets. Launched back in February 2021, the device is rich in hardware components that make it worthy of having a look at. LG W41 Pro comes with a 6.55-inch display with an aspect ratio of 20:9. 

The device is powered by the octa-core Media Tek Helio G35 processor together with 6GB of RAM. As far as the camera goes, you’ll have a single 8 MP on the front end and a quad-camera setup at the back. Overall, the device is great for all-around usage.

Key Specifications:

• OS: Android 10
• Display: 6.55-inches
• Resolution: 900 x 1600 pixels
• Storage: 128GB
• Memory: 6 GB
• CPU: Octa-core Media Tek Helio G35
• GPU: Power VR GE8320
• Ports: USB-C
• Camera: 8MP (Front) 48MP Wide / 8MP Ultrawide / 5MP Macro / 2MP Depth
• Battery: 5000mAh

Pros:

• Excellent battery.
• Decent camera quality.
• Impressive display.

Cons:

• Lacks fast charging.
• Not great with low-light photography.

9. Motorola Edge (2021)

 

For everyone who is looking for an affordable yet powerful phablet, Motorola Edge is genuinely a promising choice. The device looks stylish from every angle, and together with the curved display, it is pretty tough to distinguish it from the available premium ones. Motorola Edge comes with a 6.8-inch display operating at a 90 Hz refresh rate and ensures you hold on to an amazing feeling scrolling across the device.

Besides display and design, the 2021 launched Motorola Edge is brilliant in other sections as well. Whether we talk about three cameras on the back, a 32MP camera on the front, the octa-core Snapdragon 778G chipset powered by 8GB of RAM, or the Adreno 642L GPU, everything makes sure to help the individuals of today be ready for tomorrow.

Key Specifications:

• OS: Android 11
• Display: 6.8-inches
• Resolution: 1080 x 2460 pixels
• Storage: 256GB
• Memory: 8GB
• CPU: Octa-core Snapdragon 778G
• GPU: Adreno 642 L
• Ports: USB C 2.0
• Camera: 32 MP (Front) 108MP Wide / 8MP Ultrawide /2MP Depth 
• Battery: 5000mAh

Pros:

• Brilliant display (curved OLED) with 90Hz refresh rate
• Great design
• Power aided chipset
• Versatile camera
• NFC & 5g enabled
• Decent battery life with 30W fast charging
• 8k video recording
• Camera with x5 optical zoom

Cons:

• No SD card support
• No wireless charging options

 

Why have we ranked iPhone 12 Pro Max higher than Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra?

Although both the iPhone 12 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra are great choices in 2021, many aspects present the former superior. Yes, the latter provides you with the Snapdragon 865 5G process, but when put under test, the A12 Bionic chipset from Apple proves to be more robust. Talking about the display size, both sit under a pretty similar roof, but again, viewing media somewhat feels better on the iPhone 12 Pro Max. Moreover, considering how well iOS is optimized as compared to Android, the iPhone 12 Pro Max is definitely a better choice than Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra. However, if you’re someone who holds a special place for Android, going for the latter would be a better idea, I guess. 

Is Phablet a Phone?

Practically speaking, the Phablet is a smartphone. From functionality to usage, you can’t set a phablet apart from a smartphone. However, one thing that does act as the distinguishing factor is the display size. In simple words, we can put a Phablet as a device with the size of the display larger than a smartphone but less than that of tablets.

What is the largest Phablet?

In case you’re wondering, which is the largest available Phablet in 2021, undoubtedly, it is the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3. The device, when unfolded, offers a 7.9-inch OLED display operating at a 120 Hz refresh rate. 

Wrapping Up

In case you’ve been seeking the best available Phablets but finding trouble choosing one, here we’ve got the solution for you. In this article, we’ve listed 8 of the best options that are loaded with brilliant features. Alongside, we also made room for two honorable mentions that can serve the purpose of amazing phablets in 2021.

And yes, we usually don’t cover smartphones, but we figured that we would pitch into “phablets” since it’s quite relevant to our niche and give our two cents. We hope you liked the article. If you have any comments, please, drop us a line below.

Also Read: Phablet vs Tablet: Which is the right device for you?