The new iPhone series was announced earlier this week. The cheapest of the line - the iPhone XR - is still not 'cheap' for most consumers and will weigh you down for $749 or a whopping Php 40500. Most of us cannot just drop that huge amount of money for a smartphone. Our basic needs like communication (texting and chatting), multimedia (such as listening to music in Spotify or watching videos on YouTube), and, for some, a little bit of gaming should be met when we consider buying a new smartphone. Yes, the new iPhone X can handle these things with a breeze. However, the bigger question now is: Are there smartphones that can meet our basic needs without spending too much money? That is why I wrote this article to find out!
How I pick the devices
- All are from reputable brands, none are from sketchy brands.
- Prices were based on the listing in Lazada Mall and Shoppe Mall to avoid fake or clones and other inconvenience.
Devices listed as 'best' is subject to my preference. Though I also provided some alternatives.
How I came up with the best
Specifications- The latest OS version is better.
- Newer and Chipset is better
- Fingerprint sensor
- Display quality
- A metal body is better than plastic.
Meizu M6 (currently Php 3,599 in Shoppe Mall)
- 5.2-inch HD IPS display with 2.5D curved glass
- Android 7.0 Nougat
- MediaTek MT6750 Octa-core processor
- 2GB RAM
- 16GB internal storage expandable via microSD
- 13MP Rear + 8MP Front cameras
- Front-mounted Fingerprint sensor
- 3070mAh battery + Fast Charging
Xiaomi Redmi 6A (currently at Php 4,990 in LazMall)
Key specifications:
- 5.45-inch HD+ IPS display on 18:9 aspect ratio
- Android 8.1 Oreo
- MediaTek Helio A22 Quad-core processor
- 2GB RAM
- 16GB internal storage expandable via microSD
- 13MP Rear + 5MP Front cameras
- 3000mAh battery
CloudFone Thrill Plus 2 (currently out of stock on LazMall and Shoppe Mall but available via 3rd party seller Php 4,500 in Lazada)
Key specifications:
Key specifications:
Firefly Mobile Aurii Razor Plus 4g (currently at Php 4,399 in Shoppe Mall)
Key Specifications:
Key specifications:
- 5.5-inch HD IPS display
- Android 7.0 Nougat
- MediaTek MT6580 Quad-core processor
- 2GB RAM
- 16GB internal storage expandable via microSD
- 13MP Read + 8MP Front cameras
- 2800mAh battery
CloudFone Thrill Access (currently at Php 4,999 in Shoppe Mall)
- 5.0-inch HD IPS Display
- Android 6.0 Marshmallow
- MediaTek MT6735 Quad-core processor
- 2GB RAM
- 16GB internal storage expandable via microSD
- 8MP Rear + 5MP Front cameras
- 2500mAh batter
Firefly Mobile Aurii Razor Plus 4g (currently at Php 4,399 in Shoppe Mall)
- 5.5-inch HD IPS display with 2.5D curved glass
- Android 7.0 Nougat
- Unspecified Quad-core 64-bit processor
- 2GB RAM
- 16GB internal storgae expandable via microSD
- 13MP Rear + 5.0MP Front cameras
- Front-mounted Fingerprint sensor
- 2820mAh battery
Firefly Mobile Aurii Magnum (currently at Php 4,799 in Lazada)
- 5.7-inch HD IPS display with 2.5D curved glass
- Android 7.0 Nougat
- Unspecified Quad-core 32-bit processor
- 2GB RAM
- 16GB internal storage expandable via microSD
- 13MP Rear + 5.0MP Front cameras
- 5500mAh battery
MyPhone MyX8 (currently at Php 4,999 in Shoppe Mall)
Key Specifications:
- 5.45-inch HD+ IPS display on 18:9 aspect ratio
- Android 8.1 Oreo
- MediaTek MT6739 Quad-core processor
- 2GB RAM
- 16GB internal storage
- 8MP Read + 5MP Front cameras
- 4000mAh battery
Verdict
I believe that the Meizu M6 is unbeatable with regards to its value and features. It has everything one needs: good display, respectable specs, decent camera, high battery capacity with fast charging, and a fingerprint sensor. If I would like to buy a new smartphone today and only have a budget of Php 5,000, I will not hesitate to buy the M6. Do you agree with me?
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