The Best Flagship Smartphones with Snapdragon 888 Chip
It is an honor to own a flagship. That gratifying feeling filling our hearts when someone wants to know about the device we are holding. A wry smile appears on our lips as we tell them that the device, they are looking at right now is the best and latest in the world.
The first thing we focus on while glorifying our purchase is the processor of the flagship. The processor is the brain of a device and a flagship usually has the latest processor powering it. A sense of modesty then engrosses us as we proceed towards the other specifications of the device. It is indeed an honor to own a flagship.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G
As of today, the best processor from Qualcomm is the Snapdragon 888. It supports professional-grade cameras, intelligent multitasking, and elite class gaming. The processor supports the latest 5G mobile network and Wi-Fi 6 in terms of connectivity. The processor delivers 25 percent better performance and power efficiency and 35 percent better graphics performance through its Adreno 660 GPU platform.
The Snapdragon 888 is the first processor that delivers superb audio processing with an improved AI Engine that allows manufacturers a lot of freedom in being creative and make their devices feature-rich.
Top Snapdragon 888 Powered Flagship Smartphones
Here is a list of flagship smartphones from the most popular manufacturers that use the Snapdragon 888 chip.
1. Samsung Galaxy S21 Series
We have 3 devices from the S21 series this time from Samsung. The Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G is the best and highest offering from the company. This is followed by the Galaxy S21+ 5G and the Galaxy S21 5G. As the name suggests, all three devices from the latest Galaxy series sport the Snapdragon 888 processor with 5G connectivity.
The specs are top of the line in each of these devices with the screen sizes increasing as you move up the hierarchy. All three sport a Dynamic AMOLED display with some differences in peak brightness. The major difference is seen in the photography section with the Ultra getting a Quad Camera array at the back offering photography previously unseen on smartphones.
All three variants support 8K video recording. Battery capacities differ in every model.
Here is a table with the main specifications of each model with a link to check their prices.
| S21 Ultra | S21 Plus | S21 | |
| Display | 6.8-inch, AMOLED, FHD+ | 6.7-inch, AMOLED, FHD+ | 6.2-inch, AMOLED, FHD+ |
| Rear Camera | 108, 10, 10, and 12MP | 12, 12, and 64MP | 12, 12, and 64MP |
| RAM | 12/16GB | 8GB | 8GB |
| Front Camera | 40MP | 10MP | 10MP |
| Storage | 128GB/256/512GB | 128GB/256GB | 128GB/256GB |
| Battery | 5,000mAh | 4,800mAh | 4,000mAh |
2. OnePlus 9 Series
The OnePlus 9 series saw daylight in March this year (2021). There are two devices in the line up namely the OnePlus 9 Pro and OnePlus 9. Both the devices are similarly built with similar specifications with only minor differences in size. The display panel used on the 9 Pro supports a billion colors. Both models offer HDR10+ display but the peak brightness is lower than that of the Samsung S21 series.
The processor core configuration is the same in both variants with the OnePlus 9 sporting a slightly inferior camera configuration than the 9 Pro. Both the variants carry cameras from the famed Hasselblad which gave us the images from the Apollo mission and both have 8K video recording capabilities.
Here is a table with the main specifications of each model with a link to check their prices.
| OnePlus 9 Pro | OnePlus 9 | |
| Display | 6.7 inches, LTPO Fluid2 AMOLED, QHD+ | 6.55-inch, Fluid AMOLED, QHD+ |
| Rear Camera | 48, 50, 8, and 2MP | 48, 50, and 2MP |
| RAM | 8/12GB | 8/12GB |
| Front Camera | 16MP | 16MP |
| Storage | 128/256/512GB | 128/256GB |
| Battery | 4,500mAh | 4,500mAh |
3. Asus ROG Phone 5 Series
The only gaming dedicated smartphone on our list is the Asus ROG Phone 5 which has garnered quite a bit of following since its launch in March 2021. It is the first gaming smartphone with the Snapdragon 888 chipset and has all the gaming hardware you need. Adreno 660 GPU coupled with a UFS 3.1 storage ensures your games run smoothly. There are three variants in this series, the ROG Phone 5 and ROG Phone 5 Pro, and the ROG Phone 5 Ultimate.
RELATED: Best Smartphones for Gaming and What to Look For
The top two variants are scheduled for launch this month. While all three variants have an edgy look, the Ultimate variant has an extra monochrome PMOLED display at the back, and the Pro version sports a color PMOLED display on the back panel. Gaming triggers are present in all three models and they are available with a lot of accessories to keep the devices cool. The display refreshes at 144Hz in all three devices but the brightness though HDR10+ supported has a lower average and peak levels in comparison to the above devices.
Here are the specifications.
| Asus ROG Phone 5 Ultimate | Asus ROG Phone 5 Pro | Asus ROG Phone 5 | |
| Display | 6.78 inches, AMOLED, Full HD+ | 6.78 inches, AMOLED, Full HD+ | 6.78 inches, AMOLED, Full HD+ |
| Rear Camera | 64, 13, and 5MP | 64, 13, and 5MP | 64, 13, and 5MP |
| RAM | 18GB | 16GB | 8/12/16GB |
| Front Camera | 24MP | 24MP | 24MP |
| Storage | 512GB | 512GB | 128GB/256GB |
| Battery | 6,000mAh | 6,000mAh | 6,000mAh |
| Launch | May 2021 | May 2021 | March 2021 |
3. Xiaomi Mi 11 Series
RELATED: Read our full review of the Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra.
This time Xiaomi is here to take on the incumbents. With four devices in its 11th lineup, the Mi 11 5G, Mi 11i, the Mi 11 Pro, and the Mi 11 Ultra, the brand is ready to go head-to-head with Samsung and Apple. All four devices are powered by the latest Snapdragon 888 processor and Xiaomi has equipped these devices with top specs.
The crème de la crème among these is the Mi 11 Ultra that goes toe to toe and, in some areas ends up beating the Galaxy S21 Ultra. The camera performance of the whole lineup is exemplary and each of these sports an AMOLED display. They all can record 8K videos and have a multi-camera setup. The Ultra and Mi 11i is not available on worldwide eCommerce portals yet but the curtains have been raised and you can expect to get your hands on these devices soon.
Here are the specifications.
| Mi 11 Ultra | Mi 11 Pro | Mi 11 | Mi 11i | |
| Display | 6.81 inches, AMOLED, Quad HD | 6.81 inches, AMOLED, Quad HD | 6.81 inches, AMOLED, Full HD+ | 6.67 inches, Super AMOLED, Full HD+ |
| Rear Camera | 50, 48, and 48MP | 50, 13, and 8MP | 108, 13, and 5MP | 108, 8, and 5MP |
| RAM | 8/12GB | 8/12GB | 8/12GB | 8GB |
| Front Camera | 20MP | 20MP | 20MP | 20MP |
| Storage | 128/256/512GB | 128/256/512GB | 128/256GB | 128/256GB |
| Battery | 5,000mAh | 5,000mAh | 4,600mAh | 4,520mAh |
| Launch Time | May 2021 | Awaiting Global Launch | Awaiting Global Launch | Awaiting Global Launch |
4. VIVO X60 Pro Plus
The Vivo X60 Pro Plus was launched in January 2021 and was one of the first few devices to sport the Snapdragon 888 chipset. Since then, it has been dominating the benchmark charts at every tech portal most of the time. The specifications of this device are off the charts and the device looks as elegant as it performs. It is available in grey and orange colors, both with a leatherette finish that makes it a pleasure to hold.
The display is Super AMOLED HDR10+ certified and produces excellent colors. The performance of the same octa-core processor for some unknown reason magnifies a bit on the Funtouch OS. Cameras are studio-grade and offer Zeiss optics at a much lesser price than its competitors. The X60 Pro Plus can shoot 8K videos on the rear camera and 4K videos on the selfie camera.
Here is a quick look at the specifications.
| VIVO X60 Pro Plus | |
| Display | 6.56 inches, Super AMOLED, Full HD+ |
| Rear Camera | 50, 48, 32, and 8MP |
| RAM | 8/12GB |
| Front Camera | 32MP |
| Storage | 128/256GB |
| Battery | 4,200mAh |
5. Vivo iQOO 7 Legend
With many popular manufacturers opting for sub-brands such as the Redmi for Xiaomi and RealMe for Oppo, here we have a completely unknown sub-brand of Vivo, iQOO. Needn’t try and pronounce it. My jaw is paining already. Well, it is a brand that has recently tried to step out of China and try its hand at the global market.
With the 7 Legend, iQOO is planning to go global with a regional Amazon retailers launch already. It does have the latest Snapdragon 888 processor and they have been historically (I mean whatever short history they have) known to provide splendid audio performance owing to dedicated audio hardware in their devices.
Right now, it is perhaps the cheapest Snapdragon 888 smartphone in the market, though I have strong doubts if the brand will retain the price. It has a 120Hz AMOLED display and triple camera set up using Sony’s IMX 598 sensor. Touch sampling rates are jaw-dropping and the device has a huge vapor chamber for superior cooling. Our only complaint; the brand could have invested a bit more to improve the agonizingly bleak looks of the device.
Here are the specifications.
| iQOO 7 Legend | |
| Display | 6.62 inches AMOLED, Full HD+ |
| Rear Camera | 48, 13, and 2MP |
| RAM | 8/12GB |
| Front Camera | 16MP |
| Storage | 128/256GB |
| Battery | 4,000mAh |
| Price | Amazon |
6. Oppo Find X3 Pro
Finishing the list is the Find X3 Pro from Oppo. Other than an odd-looking camera module that seems like it has been punched out from the inside, this device has nothing much to complain about. Elegance exuberates off its glossy black color variant as it rips through everyday tasks thrown at it using the Snapdragon 888 processor.
It has a high-density AMOLED display which gives unmatched clarity to whatever is being displayed on the screen. Latest features like reverse wireless charging and aptX HD support through Bluetooth are present in the Find X3 Pro. A bad miss is the lack of 8K videos as oddly the camera, though capable enough, does not support anything more than 4K videos at a maximum of 60 fps. A 65-watt fast charger comes bundled with the smartphone that claims to charge the smartphone in less than an hour.
Here is a quick look at the specifications.
| Oppo Find X3 Pro | |
| Display | 6.7 inches AMOLED 1440 x 3216 pixels 20:9 ratio |
| Rear Camera | 50, 50, 13, and 3MP |
| RAM | 8/12GB |
| Front Camera | 32MP |
| Storage | 256GB UFS 3.1 |
| Battery | 4,500mAh |
Conclusion
A big part of owning a flagship is looking forward and waiting in anticipation. We wait desperately for a new flagship launch and if it falls short of our expectations, we wait further for the next big launch. Our wait is fuelled by the rumor mill. So here are few devices that are in the pipeline from few manufacturers. Few of these devices have already launched but have not stepped foot outside China. The story is concrete for some and not so much for others. We would advise you to take these with a pinch of salt.
Redmi K40 Series
When a Redmi K series launches, a particular segment of the market gets disrupted. Their no-nonsense, budget-friendly devices aim to bring the latest tech to the hands of consumers in a much affordable price bracket. The Redmi K40 series will aim to take the crown to be the cheapest Snapdragon 888 smartphone when it launches worldwide.
Sony Xperia III Series
There are rumors of two devices namely Xperia 1 III and 5 III as Sony seeks a strong comeback in the smartphone market and take back the market share it has been bleeding out constantly to other manufactures. As with every Sony device, these two smartphones are expected to have sharp angles and gorgeous looks. They would have the latest chipset from Qualcomm and there are rumors that Xperia 5 III is going to be the cheaper of the two.
ZTE Nubia RED Magic 6 Pro
The Asus ROG Phone 5 has been garnering quite a name for itself to be the only gaming smartphone with the latest Snapdragon processor and it seems ZTE is hell-bent on challenging its hegemony with the Red Magic 6 Pro. Still to see a global launch, you may find a RED Magic 6 Pro popping its head out at some shady online store but we would advise you to stay put and wait for a global launch.
There you have it, folks. A complete list of the flagships using the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 Chipset. Happy Buying.
