Five smartphones without a notch that you can buy right now

The notch trend got out of hand a long time ago. Apple set a trend with the iPhone X that, although initially heavily criticized, was soon followed by other brands, making this notch at the top of the screen a common feature on phones today. If you're still resisting this trend, know that there are still some rebel phones that continue to opt for a design without the prominent notch. Today we're sharing our favorites.

The origin of the notch: no Apple was not the pioneer

We've said that the iPhone X set a trend in the industry, but that doesn't mean it was the first to launch with this solution. Contrary to what many believe, the Cupertino company doesn't hold the title of being the first manufacturer to release a phone with a notch. That honor belongs to Essential , which launched the first phone with a notch on the market, the PH-1 – pictured below – on May 30, 2017. It was, however, a discreet notch – very much in the style of the recent OnePlus 6T, for example – teardrop-shaped and nothing like the large notches we've seen since.

Prior to Essential, LG also registered a notched terminal patent in November 2016, something Samsung also did, weeks before the iPhone X saw the light of day.

The abuse of the notch

After the arrival of the iPhone X on the market, the fever spread. At first, many voices criticized this design, however, in the following months, the brands began to copy the same aesthetic, which did not always have functionalities. And here is the biggest problem with this absurd fashion.

While in some phones the implementation was justified, looking for a space in which to include various front sensors while offering the maximum possible screen, in other smartphones it contributed absolutely nothing, limiting itself simply to copying something meaningless that could have been better solved another way.

After a year (and a bit) of intense notch-related trends, it's now difficult to find a phone without one. While some devices offer the option to hide it via software, their primary purpose is to join the ranks of phones with notches . Today, we're going to select five smartphones that have managed to avoid this trend.

Sony Xperia XZ3

Sony's phone arrived in September eager to claim its usual place alongside the big players. The phone company had been struggling in the sector for some time, and with its Xperia XZ3, it attempted to offer a high-end device that also stands out from many of its competitors precisely because it lacks a notch. The phone boasts a latest-generation processor, Triluminos technology in its screen , and a distinctive design that might be enough to convince you.

Best

Its design, which is still different
The quality of your screen

Worst

It only has a photographic sensor on its back

For whom it is

For brand lovers who give importance to screen quality and want a different design in a not very large body

Buy Sony Xperia XZ·

Samsung Galaxy S9

Surprisingly, Samsung didn't jump on the notch bandwagon when it launched its flagship Galaxy S9 (including the Galaxy S9+) and instead presented a phone that eschewed the notch, opting for a top bezel combined with a bottom bezel that helps balance its aesthetics. While it's true that its own Note 9 (with a notch) has ended up overshadowing it more than desired, the Galaxy S9 remains an attractive option with (almost) the latest and greatest : screen, processor, camera… It will never be a bad choice.

Best

High-end design

Worst

only have one camera

For whom it is

Design lovers who want a phone that is also manageable

Buy Samsung Galaxy S9

Xiaomi Mi Mix 2S

Perhaps the most original of all when it comes to hiding the notch. Xiaomi incorporates a strip at the bottom of the phone to house its front-facing sensors (camera and ambient light), leaving a completely unobstructed and clean screen. The phone boasts excellent performance thanks to a latest-generation Qualcomm processor and a decent, though not outstanding, camera.

Best

Very good overall performance
Attractive price

Worst

Autonomy could be better
Its front design is not symmetrical because of the lower bar
The front camera below is "strange"

For whom it is

Those who are looking for a phone with large dimensions, great overall performance and a price that is not very high.

Buy Xiaomi Mi Mix 2

Nokia 5.1 Plus

Not all the phones in this selection are high-end. Nokia recently unveiled a phone that comes without a notch. Well, sort of. The Nokia 5.1 Plus actually has a notch, but it's hidden by software and can't be changed, so, practically speaking, it's a notchless phone. It's a low-to-mid-range device that, nevertheless, offers a more positive experience than you might expect for its price. Its performance is good, and it comes with stock Android (One) – no frills.

Best

It is cheap
Very good performance

Worst

You cannot ask for great things from your screen or your camera

For whom it is

People who are looking for a cheap, very fluid, easy-to-use phone and who are not going to consume a lot of audiovisual material (or capture it) with the phone

Buy Nokia 5.1 Plus

Oppo Find X

The Chinese firm Oppo is taking a little longer than other Asian brands to conquer the Spanish market, but with the Find X, it managed to make quite a splash. And rightly so. To avoid the notch, the phone integrates a sliding camera system that automatically pops up from the top of the device when you open the camera app—they claim to guarantee up to 300.000 slides. This results in a screen-to-body ratio of 93,8% (which is quite impressive), combined with the latest Qualcomm processors, a large battery, and a well-equipped camera system.

Best

His approach is original
Its panel looks addictive, with an absolute “all screen” feeling

Worst

Who guarantees that there will be 300.000 slips and it will not break before?

For whom it is

Those who like to bet and boast of different technologies and priority to design

Buy the Oppo Find X