The AnTuTu benchmark team recently published their November ranking of the best value-for-performance smartphones across four price bands. The list targets buyers who want strong performance without paying a premium, highlighting the devices that deliver the most bang for the buck in each category.
In the up-to-1999 yuan tier (roughly up to 25.3 thousand rubles), the top three spotlights went to Redmi models. The Redmi Note 12 Turbo, powered by the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2, earned a high place alongside the Redmi Note 11T Pro featuring the Dimensity 8100 and the Redmi K60 with the Snapdragon 8+ Gen. 1. These selections emphasize a balance of fast processors, efficient power consumption, and solid camera performance at a friendlier price point.
Moving into the 2000–2999 yuan range (up to about 38 thousand rubles), the leaders shift toward flagships that pair premium components with strong software optimization. Nubia Z50, Realme GT5 with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, and iQOO Neo8 equipped with the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 claim the top three ranks in this category. Each of these models brings flagship-level performance and advanced cooling, designed to sustain peak speeds without breaking the bank.
For the higher tier, the November rankings crowned several flagship favorites. The iQOO 12 with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 powered inside, along with Vivo’s continued emphasis on performance, demonstrate the market’s push toward extreme speed and efficiency in gaming and multitasking scenarios. These devices showcase cutting-edge cores and thermal management that help maintain top-tier performance over extended use.
In the luxury segment priced at 4000 yuan and above, the competition centers on premium experience and the latest silicon. The iQOO 12 Pro, Vivo X100 Pro featuring the Dimensity 9300, and Xiaomi 14 Pro all earned top positions thanks to their hardware configurations and software integration. Notably, the first and third place units rely on the newest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, underscoring the ongoing race to deliver maximum performance with efficient power usage in a premium chassis.
These rankings align with what enthusiasts and reviewers have long observed: such devices combine speed, solid battery life, refined cameras, and robust screens to create a compelling package at each price point. The November lineup mirrors the broader trend of manufacturers pushing flagship-grade experiences into more affordable tiers, ensuring more users can access high-end performance without paying top-tier prices. This pattern underscores the competitive dynamics within the Android ecosystem and the continual push for greater efficiency, cooler operation, and better sustained performance across daily tasks, gaming, and multimedia workloads. Citation: AnTuTu Research.