Best smartphones with retractable camera

2022-10-19

Smartphones have made their way into our lives and can offer a wide variety of models to suit all tastes and pockets. Those who like exceptional performance and the latest hardware can indulge in a wide range of flagship devices. But a special niche is occupied by smartphones with a retractable front camera. Their number in the market has grown and allows you to fully appreciate the new trend.

In today's selection, we have gathered for you some smartphones with a retractable camera, which are the best in the range of their manufacturers. The retractable camera system has a purely practical purpose, making the display larger and as frameless as possible.

Xiaomi Mi 9T Pro

Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 855
Display: 6.39 inch, resolution 2340 x 1080
Cameras (primary / front): 48 + 8 + 13 MP / 20 MP
Memory (RAM / built-in): 6/64 or 8/128GB
Battery capacity: 4000 mAh

Price: from 34,150 rubles

The flagship from Xiaomi Mi 9 came out in a huge number of varieties, but one of the most interesting is the model - Mi 9T Pro. The device got a retractable selfie camera, a very nice appearance - glass body with Gorilla Glass 5 protection in red and blue colors. The device has a great AMOLED screen, a triple camera with additional modules for wide angle shooting - 124.3 MP and optical double zoom. The Mi 9T Pro also shoots in 4K at 60 fps.

The device has one of the best chipsets of 2019 - Snapdragon 855, excellent storage (no microSD support), a large battery with fast charging. There's NFC, an in-screen finger scanner, and a 3.5 jack on the phone, which is nice to see in a modern flagship-level gadget. All this is accompanied by an affordable price tag.

For those who want to save money, the company offers a simplified variant - Mi 9T. The main difference is in the processor - the model runs on Snapdragon 730, and costs on average 6 thousand cheaper.

Advantages:

Flagship-level processor.
Expensive and practical glass body.
Bright and detailed AMOLED screen.
Long battery life and fast charging.
NFC technology support.
Protected Corning Gorilla Glass 5.

Disadvantages:

Little RAM.

Buy

Samsung Galaxy A80

Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 730
Screen: 6.7 inch, resolution 2400 x 1080
Cameras (primary / front): 48 + 8 MP + ToF
Memory (RAM / built-in): 8/128 GB
Battery capacity: 3700 mAh

Price: from 37 100 rubles

Galaxy A80 is the elder device in the Galaxy A line, and with it the most expensive and experimental. In it, the company has installed a huge Super AMOLED screen 6.7 inches with AoD, under-screen speaker and finger scanner, but that is not the main trick of the device.

The main camera got three sensors - the standard 48 MP (by default shoots at 12 MP), a wide angle 8 MP and TOF sensor. It is also the front camera. In this case, the mechanism works as follows - the camera slides up in a slider format and makes a turn of 180 degrees, after which you can take selfies. Samsung says that the software for normal and selfies shooting is different. In general, the shots are decent, especially users praise the night mode, but there are more interesting devices with a similar or lower price tag.

In the rest of the device is no less interesting - a powerful Snapdragon 730 processor, a huge memory reserve (no microSD support), and NFC and ANT +. The model has an all-glass body - Gorilla Glass 3 on the front and GG 6 on the back. A rather questionable solution is the installation of a modest 3700 mAh battery, which is enough for a working day with active use, but there is fast charging for it.

Advantages:

High quality pictures on the main camera.
There is an NFC module.
Big screen with Super AMOLED matrix.
Dolby Atmos technology support.

Disadvantages:

A price tag expensive for its stuffing.
The processor could have been more powerful.
Not the best battery life.

Buy

OPPO Reno2

Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 730
Screen:<85 inch, 2400 x 1080 resolution
Cameras (primary / front): 48 + 13 + 8 + 2 MP / 16 MP
Memory (RAM / built-in): 8/128 or 8/256GB
Battery capacity: 4000 mAh

Price: from 17,800 rubles

Reno 2 was a logical update of the Reno model, a smartphone with a retractable fin-shaped selfie camera released in 2018. The updated version is almost indistinguishable visually - it's a beautiful device with a successful quad-camera positioning, a glass cover on the back and front and the same retractable fin at the front.

The 16MP front-face takes great pictures without reservations. The main 48-megapixel module got a telephoto lens in addition, an ultra-wide angle lens and a mono lens for black and white photography. The device takes really good photos, and for many will be nice news is the presence of optical stabilizer. Otherwise, the device is quite usual - a full set of wireless modules, a lot of memory, not a bad battery with fast charging, high-quality AMOLED matrix.

Device is expensive enough, but is not equipped with a top-end chipset. On the one hand this is a minus, but on the other hand for those who do not need performance but want a good camera and an interesting look - Reno 2 is a good choice.

Advantages:

Large amount of internal and RAM.
Excellent camera.
Built-in AK4377a DAC + Dolby Atmos support.
Has NFC.
Quality Super AMOLED display.
Long battery life without recharge.

Disadvantages:

Not found.

Buy

OnePlus 7 Pro

Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 855
Screen: 6.67 inch, 3120 x 1440 resolution, 90Hz
Cameras (primary / front): 48 + 8 + 16 MP / 16 MP
Memory (RAM / built-in): 6/128, 8/256 or 12/256GB
Battery capacity: 4000 mAh

Price: from 26,700 rubles

The flagship from OnePlus is one of the best smartphones of 2019, which will be relevant for several more years. The device got a great screen with Super AMOLED matrix and 90 Hz refresh rate WQHD+, Always On Display and HDR10. Hidden beneath the beautiful exterior is Qualcomm's top-of-the-line processor, multiple memory options, including a huge 12/256GB variant.

All this is accompanied by a liquid cooling system, high-speed under-screen fingerprint, fast charging (50% in 25 minutes), a full set of wireless interfaces, stereo speakers, a triple main camera whose two sensors have optical stabilization and the wide angle supports autofocus and a front-facing camera with a slide-out mechanism.

The output is a very interesting device. Even the controversial usability screen with rounded edges and the lack of a headphone output does not spoil the overall picture at all.

Dignities:

Low price for its level.
Powerful processor + integrated cooling system.
Photo and video capabilities are top notch.
Huge memory capacity.
Battery life and fast charging 30W.
Screen: HDR10+, 90Hz, DCI-P3, AMOLED matrix.
Stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos.

Disadvantages:

Not found.

Buy

HONOR 9X

Processor: HiSilicon Kirin 710F
Screen: 659", resolution 2340 x 1080
Cameras (primary / front): 48 + 2 MP / 16 MP
Memory (RAM / built-in): 4/128 or 6/128GB
Battery capacity: 4000 mAh

Price: from 12 800 rubles

One of the most inexpensive smartphones with retractable camera is HONOR 9X. The model is equipped with a good screen with FHD + resolution, dual camera with support for a large number of modes and functions, as well as a high-capacity battery. In addition to the standard version there is a more advanced modification for the Chinese market 9X Premium with a more powerful processor and improved features, but without NFC.

Although the device was introduced back in 2019, the stuffing remains relevant for smartphones in the budget price segment. The main feature of the HONOR 9X were the cameras. The main module has a resolution of 48 MP and works together with a 2 MP depth sensor. The front panel is hidden in the case, but when necessary is activated almost instantly.

The only thing you can complain about here is a weak processor. Although the proprietary Kirin 710F chipset is hardly suitable for gaming, but it is definitely enough for stable operation of most applications and services. A high-definition IPS display is responsible for the output of a beautifully detailed picture.

Advantages:

Balanced price/performance ratio.
Photo quality on main sensor.
Battery life.
Lightweight and compact.
Having NFC module.

Disadvantages:

The processor could have been more powerful.

Buy

ASUS Zenfone 8 Flip ZS672KS

Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 888
Display: 6.67 inch, resolution 2400 x 1080, 90 Hz
Cameras (main / front): 64 + 12 + 8 MP
Memory (RAM / built-in): 8/256 GB
Battery capacity: 5000 mAh

Price: from 61 700 rubles

New flagship from ZenFone 8 Flip from ASUS also worth noting. Here uses a special mechanism in which the rear camera moves out of the body and replaces the front. Thus selfies are obtained as clear as possible, because the main sensors have always been of higher quality. Separately, we should highlight the built-in 32-bit amplifier, which audiophiles will definitely appreciate.

Unlike many smartphones, even mid-range smartphones, there are only three cameras here, but ZenFone 8 Flip proves to us that it's not about quantity. The standard 64 MP Sony IMX686 module can shoot video in 480fps, 8K, has fast phase autofocus and UIS. In addition, the device has an 8 MP optical stabilized telephoto, a 12 MP "shirik", RAW and many other features.

Smooth operation and high performance is provided by the top-of-the-line Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor. At the moment this is one of the three most powerful mobile chipsets, so any comments about its gaming capabilities will be superfluous here. The 5000 mAh battery will be enough for at least 24 hours of active use and is charged with a 30W adapter.

Features:

Stereo speakers and integrated amplifier CS35L45 (32 bits audio).
Corning Gorilla Glass 6 protective glass.
World's most powerful processor among Android devices.
Has NFC, Bluetooth 5.2 LE.
Good battery life.
Quality optics.

Disadvantages:

No detected.

Xiaomi Poco F2 Pro

Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865
Screen: 6.67 inch, 2400 x 1080 resolution
Cameras (primary / front): 64 + 13 + 5 + 2 MP / 20 MP
Memory (RAM / built-in): 6/128 or 8/256GB
Battery capacity: 4700 mAh

Price: from 57,100 rubles

Another flagship with unusual cameras - Poco F2 Pro from Xiaomi. As it usually happens, many smartphones of the Chinese manufacturer are equipped with the most technological "iron", but in this particular case, the model has frank pros and cons. For example, in a device costing 57 thousand, many would probably like to see a more advanced screen or wireless charging.

On the back of the body on a circular plate is QUAD camera, consisting of a main lens with 64 MP, a 13 MP wide angle (123 degrees), macro module and depth sensor (5 and 2 MP, respectively). The front sensor has found its place right in the body and slides out when needed. Of the features, 8K recording, RAW mode, ultra slow motion (up to 960fps at 1080p for the rear camera and up to 120fps at 720p for the front) are worth mentioning.

The Poco F2 Pro is powered by an 8-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 single-core chip system. The mobile chipset was unveiled in December 2019, but thanks to the modern architecture and the performance core, the power reserve here will last at least another couple of years. Any games will run comfortably at maximum graphics settings, which doesn't hurt the battery either.

Advantages:

Powerful hardware and cooling system.
There is NFC.
Battery life.
Splash protection IP53.
Stereo speakers + Smart PA sound amplifier.
Super AMOLED display with 1200 nits peak brightness and HDR10+.

Disadvantages:

No wireless charging.
The screen only works in 60Hz mode.

Buy

Xiaomi Mi Mix 3

Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 845
Screen: 6.39 inch, resolution 2340 x 1080
Cameras (main / front): 12 + 12 MP / 24 + 2 MP
Memory (RAM / built-in): 6/128, 8/128 or 10/256GB
Battery capacity: 3200 mAh

Price: from 30 200 rubles

The Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 continues the rating. The model cannot be called a novelty for a long time, and it was introduced back in 2018. But given the shortage of smartphones with retractable cameras, we have to pay attention to such devices. However, even now the Mi Mix 3 has quite a powerful and decent core, which meets all modern requirements.

The trend for triple and quad cameras began not so long ago, so this smartphone has acquired only two sensors: the main 12 MP + portrait module at 13 MP. But this does not prevent it from delivering high quality pictures. The Mi Mix 3 does the best job in daytime outdoor photography, but in other cases the cameras are unlikely to disappoint you. The front camera with 25 MP resolution and an additional 2 MP lens deserves special attention - selfies here are also decent.

The heart of the Mi Mix 3 is the flagship-level Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 single-crystal system. Not the most recent chip, but in terms of performance will not disappoint you, even if you try to heavily load the smartphone. But the battery can let you down: 3200 mAh is not enough even for 24-hour active use. It is worth noting that you can find a more current version of the device with Snapdragon 855, 5G support and a larger battery.

Advantages:

Practical metal and ceramic housing.
Always-On-Display function.
There is fast (18W) and wireless (10W) charging.
NFC support.
Get good cellular signal, GPS, Wi-Fi.
AMOLED screen with minimal bezel.

Disadvantages:

Low battery capacity.

Buy

Lenovo Legion Pro

Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 Plus
Screen: 665 inch, 2340 x 1080 resolution, 144Hz
Cameras (primary / front): 64 + 16 MP / 20 MP
Memory (RAM / built-in): 8/128, 12/128, 12/256 or 16/512GB
Battery capacity: 5000 mAh

Price: from 37,400 rubles

As you can understand from the list of specifications, and just by looking at the appearance, Lenovo Legion Pro is a toy for gamers. In addition to powerful "iron" model has a high-capacity battery and a screen with a refresh rate of 144 Hz, to play was even more comfortable and the system did not shut down at the most inopportune moment.

The main cameras here are two: the main sensor with 64 MP resolution and wide-angle module at 16 MP. The front lens Samsung S5K3T1 at 20 MP is hidden in a small sliding mechanism. Given such an original arrangement, Legion Pro can rightly be called one of the most unusual devices. On the background of "mirrors" quality will limp, but in general for a gaming smartphone model produces very attractive photos in most cases.

Lenovo Legion Pro as the processor received an overclocked version of Snapdragon 865 with the label "Plus". In benchmarks, the model outperforms 95% of all mobile devices based on other single-chips. The amount of memory is also amazing: up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of built-in of the latest LPDDR5 and UFS 3.1 types, respectively. All in all, you will be able to play on this system for a very long time. The battery will last a long time and if it does run out, the 90W adapter will replenish the energy as fast as possible.

Disadvantages:

Long running time.
Fast charging with 90W.
There is support for NFC, 5G, Wi-Fi 6.
Low cost (considering the guts).
Screen: Corning Gorilla Glass 6, AMOLED, 144Hz.
Stereo sound and dual vibration motor.

Disadvantages:

Not detected.

Buy

TECNO Camon 15 PRO

Processor: MediaTek Helio P35
Screen: 6.6", resolution 2340 x 1080
Cameras (primary / front): 48 + 5 + 2 + 0.3 MP / 32 MP
Memory (RAM / built-in): 6/128GB
Battery capacity: 4000 mAh

Price: from 14,390 rubles

Camon 15 Pro is not just a smartphone with a retractable camera, but a device that truly attracts attention. It has a stylish look with a slight gradient shimmer that looks organic and not too bright.

The rear camera consists of four lenses. To the main sensor of 48 MP added a 5 MP wide-angle module and a 2 MP macro module, the latter sensor is responsible for AI modes and helps in photo processing. It is worth noting that the camera here shoots great and will satisfy the needs of even very demanding users. Numerous modes with intelligent scenarios contribute to this. The front panel of 32 megapixels slides out of the body, it will also please you with the quality of photos.

All is well with the phone and the other parameters - a powerful processor, a lot of memory, triple slot, a headphone jack and protection in the form of fingerprint and face unlock. The display is high resolution and good brightness, and it's also covered by Asahi Glass. The battery is pretty standard - 4000 mAh, enough for a working day, however, the branded HiOS shell has a lot of interesting features, including to optimize battery consumption.

Advantages: