Top 10 Best Budget Phones in Philippines 2024 – Top Brands

Welcome, savvy shoppers, to our newest feature! If you’re scouring the web for the “Best Budget Phones”, you’ve struck gold. We know that finding a good, reliable, and affordable smartphone can be like seeking a needle in a tech-stack. But fear not, our team of gadget geeks has rolled up their sleeves, turning the digital marketplace upside down to bring you the Top 10 Best Budget Phones that will keep you connected without breaking the bank.

In this world where flagship phones often flaunt sky-high prices, we champion the unsung heroes, the budget phones. The ones that pack a punch without leaving a hole in your pocket. Imagine having a smartphone as powerful as the narzo 50i Prime, or as user-friendly as the vivo Y01, without spending a fortune.

The world of budget phones isn’t a barren wasteland, quite the opposite! Brands like Xiaomi and Realme have been crafting affordable devices that perform admirably, day in, day out. We’ll be diving deep into the features, performance, and value these phones bring, comparing them head-to-head.

Just like a thrilling story, each phone has its unique plot twist. From the long-lasting battery of the Infinix Note 12 to the superb camera quality of POCO M5, there’s a device that will cater to your narrative. So, come aboard our technological journey as we sift through the ‘Best Budget Phones’ and help you discover your perfect mobile companion. Stay tuned, your wallet will thank you!

List of 10 Best Budget Phones in Philippines 2024

1. narzo 50i Prime

 Estimated Price ₱3,699 –  ₱4,099 – Check latest price below

Product Specification:-

narzo 50i Prime Review

The narzo 50i Prime is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers some impressive features for its price range. One of its key selling points is the large 6.5-inch HD+ display, offering decent visual experience for your daily needs such as social media browsing, reading, and watching videos.

Under the hood, the narzo 50i Prime comes with the Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset coupled with 3GB of RAM. While this might not be the most powerful combination on the market, it’s more than capable of handling everyday tasks and lighter gaming. The phone also runs on Android 11 OS with realme UI R Edition interface, offering a user-friendly experience.

For photography, it has an 8 Megapixel rear camera and a 5 Megapixel front camera which should suffice for basic photography needs and social media updates. However, don’t expect high-quality photos in challenging lighting conditions due to its lower camera specifications.

One major advantage of this device is its large 5,000mAh battery, which should keep the phone running all day with moderate use. However, it only supports 10W charging rate, which could make for slower charging times. Storage is also decent at 32GB, and it’s expandable up to 1TB via a microSD card.

On the downside, the lack of Gorilla Glass protection, low-resolution display, and the absence of a fingerprint scanner may be off-putting to some users.

Why you should buy this

If you’re looking for a budget smartphone with a large screen, robust battery, and expandable storage, the narzo 50i Prime could be a good choice.

Pros

• Large 6.5-inch HD+ display
• Large 5000mAh battery
• Expandable storage up to 1TB
• Budget-friendly price.

Cons

• Lower-end camera quality
• No fingerprint scanner.

2. vivo Y01  

Price Around ₱4,999 :- Check latest price below

Product Specification:-

Review of Vivo Y01

The Vivo Y01, an entry-level smartphone introduced in March 2022, combines fundamental features with affordability. Its 6.51-inch HD+ touchscreen display with a 60Hz refresh rate delivers a decent viewing experience, and the 720×1600 pixel resolution presents fairly sharp images, making it ideal for casual media consumption.

Powered by the MediaTek Helio P35 octa-core processor and equipped with 2GB RAM, the Vivo Y01 offers smooth performance for daily tasks, such as browsing, messaging, and light app usage. Heavy-duty gaming or multitasking, however, might pose a challenge.

The device’s standout feature is its 5,000mAh battery, promising long-lasting usage. This means less time charging and more time enjoying your device, which is a plus for anyone on the go.

Camera-wise, the Vivo Y01 boasts an 8-megapixel rear camera with autofocus and a 5-megapixel front camera, delivering adequate photography for its price range.

The phone runs on Android 11 (Go edition) complemented by Vivo’s Funtouch OS 11.1, and houses 32GB of expandable storage (up to 1TB), offering plenty of space for your photos, apps, and files.

Its connectivity options are comprehensive, including Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth v5.00, USB OTG, Micro-USB, FM radio, and 4G with Band 40 support for some LTE networks in India. The device also supports face unlock for convenient security.

Why you should buy this

The Vivo Y01 is an excellent choice if you’re seeking an affordable, feature-packed smartphone. Its large display, satisfactory processor, remarkable battery life, acceptable camera setup, and expandable storage make it a well-rounded option for the budget-conscious buyer. Plus, the face unlock feature offers modern security in an entry-level phone.

Pros

• Large HD+ display
• Capable processor for everyday tasks
• Long-lasting battery life
• Expandable storage
• Face unlock security feature.

Cons

• Not water-resistant
• May struggle with heavy gaming or multitasking.

3. Redmi 10

Estimated Price ₱5,590 – ₱7,990 :- Check latest price below

Product Specification:-

Review of Redmi 10

The Xiaomi Redmi 10 showcases an ideal blend of performance and affordability. It comes with a 6.5-inch FHD+ display that offers a 90Hz refresh rate, ensuring smoother scrolling and a more fluid gaming experience. For photo enthusiasts, it boasts a 50MP + 8MP + 2MP + 2MP quad rear camera setup and an 8MP front camera, capable of handling a wide variety of photography scenarios.

The device is powered by a MediaTek Helio G88 chipset, available in configurations of 4GB or 6GB of RAM, alongside 64GB or 128GB of expandable storage. The performance is optimized for typical smartphone tasks and can handle some light gaming. It runs on Android 11 OS with Xiaomi’s EMUI 12.5, offering a user-friendly interface with several customization options.

Notable features include a side-mounted fingerprint scanner for quick and secure access, 4G LTE connectivity, an infrared blaster, and stereo speakers delivering impressive audio quality. It also houses a robust 5,000mAh battery that supports 18W fast charging. The phone is available in Carbon Gray, Pebble White, and Sea Blue.

Why you should buy this

If you’re seeking a budget-friendly yet feature-rich smartphone, the Redmi 10 is an excellent choice. Its best-in-class display, admirable camera setup, solid performance, and good battery life make it a standout pick in the budget category. The inclusion of user-friendly features like the side-mounted fingerprint scanner and stereo speakers add to its value.

Pros

• High refresh rate display
• Quad-camera setup
• Good battery life with fast charging
• Decent performance.

Cons

• Lacks 5G connectivity.

4. Realme C30

Estimated Price ₱4,999 :- Check latest price below

Product Specification:-

Review of Realme C30

The Realme C30, with its striking “8.5mm Ultra Slim Vertical Stripe Design,” offers a wallet-friendly alternative for smartphone users. The 6.5-inch HD+ display provides decent clarity, while the 8-megapixel rear camera and 5-megapixel front camera ensure you don’t miss capturing those precious moments.

The heart of this phone is the Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset, paired with 2GB of RAM. It runs on Android 11 OS and Realme’s custom UI Go Edition software, ensuring a seamless user experience. For data storage, it provides 32GB of space, which is expandable up to a whopping 1TB via microSD.

Realme C30’s robust 5,000mAh battery ensures it can go the distance, and the 10W charging rate allows for decent recharging times. The unique design variants in blue and green, and the efficient Android 12 OS with Realme UI Go Edition, add to the charm of this device. It falls short in certain areas, such as still using a MicroUSB port and lacking a fingerprint sensor. The camera performance could also have been better.

Why you should buy this

The Realme C30 is a phone that doesn’t pretend to be anything it isn’t. It’s a budget-friendly option that delivers a solid performance, good battery life, and expandable storage. If you need a phone that handles everyday tasks, offers a unique design, and won’t break the bank, the Realme C30 is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Robust design
• Decent performance
• Acceptable display
• Massive expandable storage.

Cons

• Mediocre camera performance
• Still uses MicroUSB
• Lacks a fingerprint sensor.

5. Xiaomi Redmi A1

Price Around ₱4,499 :- Check latest price below

Product Specification:-

Review of Xiaomi Redmi A1

The Xiaomi Redmi A1 is a value-oriented smartphone that provides a robust set of features at an affordable price point. Available in Light Green, Light Blue, and Black, this device offers a 6.52″ IPS LCD display with a 720×1600 pixel resolution for a pleasant viewing experience.

Under the hood, it boasts a Mediatek A22 Chipset with a Quad Core processor and a PowerVR GE8320 GPU, ensuring smooth and efficient performance. The storage capacity stands at 32GB, which is further expandable, paired with a 2GB RAM variant, to support your apps and multimedia files.

In terms of cameras, the Redmi A1 features an 8MP dual rear camera setup and a 5MP selfie camera – enough for casual photographers. A strong 5000mAh battery powers the device, providing substantial battery life, and it supports standard charging speed via a microUSB port.

While it doesn’t boast the high-end features of premium smartphones, the Redmi A1 does an impressive job given its price point. It’s a perfect pick for those seeking reliable performance without denting their pocket.

Why you should buy this

The Redmi A1 from Xiaomi is an excellent budget-friendly option for those who want a smartphone that performs well for everyday tasks. Its strong battery life, decent camera setup, and expandable storage make it a great option for those looking for value for money.

Pros

• Robust battery life
• Good display
• Adequate performance
• Affordable.

Cons

• Still uses MicroUSB
• Not ideal for heavy gaming or advanced tasks.

6. Oppo A17K

Estimated Price ₱5,999 :- Check latest price below

Product Specification:-

Review of Oppo A17K

The Oppo A17K is a budget-friendly smartphone that provides a host of features, considering its price point. It sports a 6.56-inch HD+ IPS LCD display with a 60Hz refresh rate, offering a decent visual experience.

Powered by the MediaTek Helio G35 chipset, the phone has 3GB of RAM and runs on the latest Android 12 OS with ColorOS 12.1 interface. The 64GB expandable storage allows you to store your favorite apps and multimedia files.

The A17K comes with an 8 Megapixel rear camera and a 5 Megapixel front camera, which is quite adequate for casual photography. However, it might not meet the expectations of photography enthusiasts. The device also includes a side-mounted fingerprint scanner for quick and secure access.

With a substantial 5,000mAh battery, the Oppo A17K should easily last a day of regular use. However, the phone supports only a standard 10W charging rate, and the use of an outdated microUSB port might disappoint some users.

The device’s robust build and the addition of a side-mounted fingerprint sensor are commendable for its price. However, the lower RAM and storage support might limit its multitasking capabilities and performance.

Why you should buy this

The Oppo A17K is a budget-friendly smartphone that provides a good balance between features and affordability. If you’re looking for a device for casual use, this phone could be a great option, thanks to its decent display, satisfactory performance, and substantial battery life.

Pros

• Good battery life
• Decent display
• Expandable storage
• Android 12 OS.

Cons

• Uses micro-USB
• Lower RAM and storage
• Lacks fast charging.

7. realme C35

Estimated Price ₱6,899 – Check latest price below

Product Specification:-

Review of Realme C35

The Realme C35 is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers an impressive performance for its price point. It appears that Realme has managed to bring some elements of mid-range device experience to the budget category, which is quite commendable.

Boasting a 50-megapixel main camera with Sony’s IMX766 sensor, the Realme C35 offers excellent low-light photography, capturing lots of color and light in well-lit or night-time scenes. However, the absence of an ultra-wide camera or additional features like a portrait mode on the front camera is a minor downside.

The device uses a Unisoc Tiger T616 chipset and comes with 4GB of RAM. Despite the reputation of Unisoc processors as relatively weak, the Realme C35 provides a surprisingly snappy performance for everyday use. However, it might not be the best choice for heavy gaming.

The battery life of the Realme C35 is impressive. It can last closer to two days than one, a feature common to many budget phones. The 18W wired charging isn’t particularly fast but is acceptable for a budget device.

In terms of design, the Realme C35 is distinctive, especially in its Glowing Green color option. However, its large size and angular edges might not be very comfortable to hold.

Despite some minor issues, the Realme C35 is a value-for-money option in the budget phone category. It offers a surprisingly good main camera, reasonable performance, and excellent battery life for its low price.

Why you should buy this

If you’re looking for a budget smartphone that delivers a decent performance and great battery life, the Realme C35 could be a solid choice. Its 50-megapixel main camera is especially impressive for a device in this price range.

Pros

• Good main camera
• Affordable price
• Long-lasting battery.

Cons

• Lack of an ultra-wide camera
• The display is somewhat dim.

8. WIKO T10 Smartphone

Estimated Price ₱3,990 – Check latest price below

Product Specification:- 

Review of WIKO T10 Smartphone

The WIKO T10 is an entry-level smartphone that ticks all the basic boxes of smartphone functionality. First, let’s take a glance at the design and display. This gadget boasts a 6.5-inch HD+ display that provides a decent view. The vibrant colors and 720 x 1600 pixels resolution make scrolling through social media feeds or watching your favorite show quite enjoyable, although it’s not comparable to an AMOLED display.

The MediaTek Helio A22 chipset coupled with 4GB of RAM and Android 11 Go Edition operating system are like the heartbeat of this device. While this setup might feel a bit dated, it offers a generally smooth operation for everyday tasks like web browsing, social media, and light gaming.

The camera department, with its 13 Megapixel rear camera and a 5 Megapixel selfie camera, might not be impressive, but it’s certainly up to par for a phone in this range. The photos taken in well-lit environments are fair, but the low light shots show grainy images and struggle with exposure balance.

Now, the huge 5000mAh battery is a real champ, it offers extensive battery life. However, with a 10W charger, you may have to wait a while for it to be fully charged.

Why You Should Buy This

If you’re on a budget but need a device capable of performing daily tasks without any glitches, the WIKO T10 is worth considering. Its stock Android Go experience ensures bloatware-free operation. Plus, it offers large internal storage of 128GB, expandable up to 512GB, which is quite generous for an entry-level smartphone.

Moreover, it’s a good fit for anyone who desires a smartphone with a simple interface and basic features. Despite the underwhelming performance and slow charging, its large battery, sizeable storage, and budget-friendly price make it stand out.

Pros

• Stock Android Go Experience
• Bloatware Free
• Large Internal Storage.

Cons

• Underwhelming Performance
• Slow Charging.

9. Infinix Note 12

Price Around ₱8,500 :- Check latest price below

Product Specification:-

Review of Infinix Note 12 Smartphone

The Infinix Note 12 smartphone, an embodiment of reliable functionality, is a worthy mention among mid-range phones. One of its standout features is the large 6.7-inch FHD+ AMOLED display that offers bright and sharp visuals, ideal for streaming or gaming.

The MediaTek Helio G96 processor, paired with 8GB RAM (which can be extended to 13GB), ensures the phone runs smoothly, enabling efficient multitasking and lag-free performance for your daily activities. An impressive attribute here is the Dar-link 2.0 system that optimizes battery, temperature, and memory based on your usage patterns, maximizing overall performance.

For the photography enthusiast, the 50MP Ultra Night Camera is noteworthy. It captures high-resolution images, making your photos look truly artistic. Although, the night photography and video recording may not be up to par. The 16MP selfie camera also adds value, producing quality images.

Infinix Note 12 is equipped with a sturdy 5000mAh battery that ensures longevity. The 33W fast charging capability is an added advantage, reducing wait times for a full charge.

Notably, the phone has some nifty features such as a Linear Motor Tactile System, which offers a variety of haptic feedback, and a Privacy Guardian that helps safeguard your data. Despite having no NFC and some bloatware, the overall package is appealing.

Why You Should Buy This

If you’re seeking a powerful processor and extended RAM in a mid-range smartphone, the Infinix Note 12 is a good option. It offers a large AMOLED display, Android 12 out of the box, a potent processor, and extensive 5G band support. Besides, its large battery and fast charging provide day-long usability.

Pros

• Stereo Speakers
• Android 12 Out of the Box
• Powerful Processor
• Extensive 5G Band Support
• AMOLED Panel.

Cons

• No NFC
• Average Cameras
• Full of Bloatware.

10. POCO M5

Price Around ₱5,990 :- Check latest price below

Product Specification:-

Review of POCO M5 Smartphone

The POCO M5 comes as a strong contender in the budget-friendly smartphone category, blending high-end performance with appealing aesthetics.

The phone’s display is a high point, featuring a 6.58-inch Full HD+ DotDrop display with a 90Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for gaming and streaming multimedia content. The Sunlight display feature enhances outdoor usability, making it a great companion for users always on the move.

Camera-wise, the POCO M5 boasts a versatile triple camera setup, including a 50MP main camera. While this setup is perfect for regular photography, the lack of a wide-angle shooter might be a disappointment for some users. Nonetheless, the depth and macro sensors ensure variety in the type of shots you can capture.

The device is powered by the MediaTek Helio G99 processor, an advanced chipset built for superior gaming performance and long-lasting battery life. The integration of Game Turbo 5.0 further enhances the gaming experience by optimizing the chipset, RAM, and ROM to support smoother, extended gameplay.

The POCO M5 stands out with its unique design. It continues the design ethos of the POCO M3 and M4 Pro, but with a larger camera island on its back panel. The faux leather finish, combined with a matte plastic frame, enhances the phone’s look and grip, making it easier to hold and resistant to fingerprint smears.

Why You Should Buy This

If you’re in search of a budget smartphone that doesn’t skimp on performance or aesthetics, the POCO M5 is worth considering. Its powerful processor, dynamic display, and solid battery life make it a capable device for daily tasks and moderate gaming.

Pros

• Excellent battery life
• Sleek design
• Reliable hardware
• 90Hz display
• Affordable.

Cons

• No wide-angle shooter
• Average rear cameras
• No 5G support
• Longer charging time.

Here’s a comprehensive buying guide to help you navigate the world of budget smartphones:

1. Determine Your Budget: First and foremost, set a clear budget. ‘Budget’ can range widely for different people. Knowing how much you’re willing to spend will help narrow down your choices.

2. Identify Your Priorities: Decide what features matter the most to you. Is it the camera quality for those Instagram-worthy shots, or is it the battery life because you’re always on the go? Maybe you need a large screen for browsing or streaming. Pinpointing your priorities will guide your decision.

3. Operating System: Most budget smartphones run on Android, as it’s a versatile and customizable OS. The version of Android can impact the phone’s performance and features, so look for a phone with the latest or near-latest version.

4. Display Quality and Size: Look at the screen size and resolution. If you enjoy watching videos or gaming, you might want a larger screen. But remember, a larger screen can make a phone harder to handle.

5. Processor and RAM: These determine the phone’s speed and multi-tasking abilities. If you’re a heavy user or enjoy gaming, look for a powerful processor and more RAM.

6. Storage: Consider how much internal storage the phone has and whether it can be expanded with a microSD card. If you download lots of apps or store media, opt for more storage.

7. Battery Life: If you use your phone heavily throughout the day, you’ll need one with a long battery life. Also, check if it supports fast charging for quick top-ups.

8. Camera: For photo enthusiasts, camera specs are important. However, don’t just look at megapixels, consider lens quality, aperture, pixel size, and software optimizations.

9. Build Quality: A phone’s durability depends on its build material. Metal and plastic are durable, while glass looks premium but can be fragile.

10. Connectivity: Check if the phone supports the latest 4G LTE networks for fast internet, and if it’s future-proof with 5G.

11. Brand and Reviews: Lastly, consider the brand’s reputation and read user reviews. This can provide real-world insights that specs can’t tell you.

Remember, the best budget phone is the one that suits your needs and preferences the most, so choose wisely!

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