Are you looking for the best budget smartphones under ₱5K in the Philippines for 2023? You've come to the right place! In this definitive guide, we'll discuss the top budget smartphones available on the market in 2023. We'll also provide a comprehensive overview of their pros and cons, features, and specs so that you can make an informed decision when selecting your perfect device.
Top 5 Budget Smartphones with Price & Specifications
Let's dive in and take a look at what these budget-friendly devices have to offer.
Samsung Galaxy A03
The Samsung Galaxy A03 is a decent entry-level smartphone that provides an adequate user experience, particularly for those who only need their phone for daily tasks. This budget smartphone is enough for online classes and occasional social media use. But because it's a low-cost smartphone, don't expect excellent camera quality. Note that its gaming performance may also be underwhelming to some users.
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Specs:
- Chipset: UNISOC T606
- GPU: Mali-G57 MP1
- Memory: 3GB/4GB RAM, 32GB/64GB/128GM ROM
- Front camera: 5MP, F2.2
- Rear camera (Dual): 48 MP (f/1.8), 2 MP (f/2.4)
- Display: 6.5 inches PLS LCD
- Weight: 196g
- Dimensions: 164.2×75.9×9.1mm
- Battery capacity: 5000mAh
Price: ₱5,490.00
Realme C30
The Realme C30 is another good selection for a low-cost smartphone under Php 5,000. It is fast and smooth, which is unusual for entry-level smartphones. It has a strong, rigid, lightweight design that feels nice in hand. This budget smartphone also has acceptable performance levels. However, the Realme C30 does not have a fingerprint sensor and continues to use micro-USB rather than Type-C. Given that it is a budget smartphone, some may also find its front camera subpar.
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Pros |
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Specs:
- Chipset: UNISOC T612
- GPU: Mali-G57
- Memory: 2GB/4GB RAM, 2GB/64GB ROM
- Front camera: 5MP, F2.2
- Main camera: 8 MP (f/2.0)
- Display: 6.50 inch IPS
- Weight: 182 g
- Dimensions: 164.1×75.6×8.5mm
- Battery capacity: 5000mAh
Price: ₱4,999.00
Vivo Y02s
The newest entry-level smartphone from Vivo is the Y02s. It features a stylish design and is thin and light. Its front camera can capture clear selfies in well-lit settings, and its battery can last long. With its design and battery life, Y02s performs significantly better than its competitors. However, it falls short in terms of performance, with sporadic lags in gaming. This could be the phone for you if you're looking for a cheap smartphone that can handle your social media and take great selfies.
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Specs:
- Chipset: MediaTek Helio P35
- GPU: GE8320
- Memory: 3GB RAM, 64GB ROM
- Display: 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 IPS LCD
- Selfie camera: 5 MP (f/2.2)
- Main camera: 8 MP (f/2.0)
- Weight: 182 g
- Dimensions: 163.95×75.55×8.19mm
- Battery capacity: 5000mAh
Price: ₱5,999.00
Xiaomi Redmi A1
With its excellent battery life, improved main camera quality, and textured back panel design, the Xiaomi Redmi A1 is outstanding for a budget smartphone. Though it is not designed for multitasking and has very basic internal components, it does run Android 12 Go Edition—its saving grace. This means Redmi A1 gets quicker app launches, easier app sharing, and better privacy options than its counterparts.
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Specs:
- Chipset: Helio A22
- GPU: IMG PowerVR
- Memory: 2GB RAM, 32GB ROM
- Front camera: 5 MP (f/2.2)
- Main camera: 8 MP (f/2.0) 0.08 MP (depth)
- Display: 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 IPS LCD
- Weight: 192 g
- Dimensions: 164.9×76.8×9.1 mm
- Battery capacity: 5000mAh
Price: ₱4,499.00
Oppo A17k
The Oppo A17K smartphone outperforms several competitors because of its Mediatek Helio G35 chipset. It has a Mediatek Helio CPU, which provides good speed and great efficiency for smooth performance. Oppo A17K also boasts a 6.4-inch IPS LCD HD+ display, 5000mAh battery, 3GB RAM option, and a 64GB memory capacity.
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Pros |
Cons |
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Specs:
- Chipset: Mediatek Helio G35
- GPU: IMG GE8320
- Memory: 3GB RAM, 64GB ROM
- Front camera: 5 MP (f/2.2)
- Rear camera: 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF
- Display: 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 IPS LCD
- Weight: 189 g
- Dimensions: 164.2×75.6×8.3mm
- Battery capacity: 5000mAh
Price: ₱5,999.00
Top Features That Matter Most in a Budget Smartphone
When it comes to buying a budget device, you should take many key considerations into account. Here are the essential features you need in a budget smartphone.
- Display Quality & Size. A good display will give you a vivid and vibrant picture, while the right size will make it easier to use your phone comfortably. It's important to look at not just the resolution but also other factors such as brightness, color accuracy, viewing angles, and more.
- Camera Quality. Look into the megapixel count, aperture size, and other features of the camera. You should also check reviews and sample photos taken with the phone's camera to get an idea of its performance in different lighting conditions.
- Processor & RAM. The processor is the brain of the device, while RAM is what allows it to run multiple applications at once. As a starting point, 3GB RAM is often enough if you primarily use just one or two apps. But if you want smoother multitasking, look for 4GB onboard RAM or more.
- Overall Value. It can be tempting to buy a phone only based on the price, but consider the entire worth of the item instead. If a phone costs Php 1,000 more but will last a few years longer, it's a better deal. You might pay this extra expense by upgrading to a more durable design or a more potent processor that can handle higher system requirements.
Conclusion
With the ever-evolving technology, it is not a surprise that Filipinos are now looking for the best affordable smartphones that can provide them with the latest features. Thankfully, there’s a wide range of options available for Filipino consumers to choose from.
Do you still prefer a more premium smartphone but don't want to spend too much? Second-hand smartphones can be an excellent alternative for those who want to purchase a high-end smartphone without a hefty price tag.
Here at CompAsia, we thoroughly inspect each device with our 32-step quality check process and ensure that it runs perfectly well before sending it out to you. There are hundreds of used devices to choose from, so you'll find one that matches your needs. Check out our latest offers today.
