The year 2023 is proving to be an exceptional year for mobile device launches, with an unprecedented number of announcements and an impressive level of quality. However, amidst this abundant selection, there are a few devices that stand out for the wrong reasons, and it’s worth highlighting them.
While the four devices featured in this publication are undoubtedly of good quality, they somehow fail to capture my attention. It’s important to note that individual preferences vary, and what doesn’t resonate with me might still be a great choice for other users. However, from my perspective, these devices exhibit certain significant shortcomings that cannot be overlooked.
Least Favorite Mobile Phones of 2023
When it comes to selecting from the array of noteworthy releases in 2023, singling out a single favorite becomes quite the challenge. With options like the Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy A54 5G, Redmi Note 12, and OnePlus 11, there’s no shortage of intriguing choices. Nevertheless, it’s easier for me to pinpoint those that left me disappointed for various reasons.
HONOR Magic5 Pro: too expensive
HONOR’s latest flagship, the Magic5 Pro, failed to meet my expectations, especially given its initial price tag surpassing 1,000 euros. In the market, there are better high-end alternatives available for around 700 euros, such as the Galaxy S23 and Xiaomi 13.
While the HONOR Magic5 Pro boasts expected flagship features, it falls short in performance. The cameras are decent, but the texture definition leaves much to be desired. Similarly, its battery supports only 66W fast charging, whereas more affordable options offer up to 120W. However, my main gripe is its excessive size, with a screen exceeding 6.8 inches and a thickness of nearly 9 mm.
Realme 11 Pro+ 5G: pretty on the outside, but on the inside…
Realme‘s premium mid-range device initially caught my eye with its striking design. However, when aesthetics take precedence over functionality, I believe something is amiss. The Realme 11 Pro+ 5G attempted to compete with the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G, but it seemed like a losing battle from the start.
At first glance, it appears to be a well-rounded phone, featuring a 200 MP camera promising excellent images. Unfortunately, the Realme UI customization layer introduces numerous issues, severely hindering the user experience and making this Realme model one of the year’s disappointments. Moreover, its price is unjustifiably high, especially when the Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G offers better value for money.
Huawei P60 Pro: they continue with mobile phones without Google apps
As a longtime Huawei enthusiast, it pains me to say that selling a phone without Google services, 5G connectivity, or Android for 1,200 euros is simply astounding. Many consumers avoid the company’s budget-friendly models due to this limitation, and pricing a flagship at such a level is counterproductive.
I don’t doubt the Huawei P60 Pro’s performance, which includes exceptional cameras and the usual EMUI excellence. However, the absence of Google apps is a significant drawback that affects the device’s usability. In today’s smartphone landscape, essential apps we’re accustomed to are absent on this Huawei device. Potential buyers must be aware of this limitation to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Realme C55: a cheap copy of the iPhone 14 Pro
Budget smartphones are becoming increasingly competitive, and the Realme C55 not only lags behind more affordable alternatives like the Redmi Note 12 but also disappoints users with false promises. Despite featuring a Dynamic Island like the iPhone 14 Pro, its software-level compatibility is extremely limited. Realme’s implementation of this feature failed to impress anyone and led to widespread disappointment.
Furthermore, the Realme C55 comes with a higher price tag compared to its competitors, combined with somewhat limited specifications, including a 90 Hz LCD screen, MediaTek Helio G88 chip, and a single camera. It’s safe to say that this is one of the least impressive phones I’ve encountered in a long while.