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As we approach the end of the year, the smartphone market is constantly flooded with new releases. From high-end to mid-range to entry-level, we have yet to see them all this year.
In this article, we’ll be showcasing the best smartphones below 20K for our savvy readers who are looking for a bargain. So buckle up and let’s dive into the list!
realme 11 Pro 5G
Current price: PHP 19,399
One of the latests from the brand, the realme 11 Pro 5G presents a bang for your buck with its fantastic display, sleek design, and long battery life. Its realme UI also provides a stable and dependable user experience, making it a solid mid-range option for the savvy consumer.
realme 11 Pro 5G specs
6.7-inch AMOLED display @ 1080 x 2412 pixels
120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, 950 nits (peak)
MediaTek Dimensity 7050 chipset
Octa-core CPU, up to 2.6GHz
Mali-G68 GPU
8GB/12GB RAM (Virtual RAM: up to 8GB)
256GB/512GB storage, no card slot
100MP f/1.8 (wide), PDAF, OIS
2MP f/2.4 (macro)
LED flash, HDR, panorama
4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/480fps, gyro-EIS video
16MP front-facing camera
GSM / CDMA / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE / 5G
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, NFC
USB Type-C 2.0
Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Android 13, Realme UI 4.0
5,000 mAh Li-Po battery, 67W wired charging
Gold, Green, Black
Dimensions: 161.7 x 73.9 x 8.2 mm
Weight: 183 g
POCO X5 Pro 5G
Current price: PHP 14,181 via Lazada 101
The POCO X5 Pro 5G is a powerhouse that punches above its weight with its 6.67-inch AMOLED display and a buttery smooth 120Hz refresh rate, all powered by a Snapdragon 778G chipset. It’s the ultimate value option for the savvy consumer who wants top-notch performance without breaking the bank.
POCO X5 Pro 5G specs
6.67” FHD+ AMOLED DotDisplay
2400 x 1080 Resolution
120Hz Refresh Rate, 240Hz Touch Sampling Rate
Corning Gorilla Glass 5
SnapDragon 778G Chipset
Adreno 642L GPU
6GB+128GB, 8GB+256GB
Triple rear cameras:
– 108MP main
– 8MP ultrawide
– 2MP macro
16MP Front Camera
Dual-Sim
5G, 4G LTE
USB-C
3.5mm Audio Jack
Fingerprint Scanner
MIUI Global 14 (Android 12)
5000mAh battery
67W wired charging
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite
Current price: PHP 14,590 via OnePlus website 49.
The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite is a jack-of-all-trades, perfect for everyday use. While it may not be the brand’s flagship model, it still impresses with its affordability and solid performance.
The price tag of PHP 14,990 is a steal for what it has to offer, and its battery life easily lasts the entire day. So, if you’re looking for a budget everyday phone, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite is definitely worth considering, even with its slightly dated chipset.
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite specs
6.72-inch LCD display @ 2400×1080 pixels
120Hz refresh rate
Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chipset
Adreno 619 GPU
8GB LPDDR4X RAM
128GB, 256GB UFS2.2
108MP EIS f/1.7
2MP depth-assist f/2.4
2MP macro f/2.4
1080p@30fps, 720p@30fps
16MP front-facing camera f/2.4
5G, dual SIM/microSD
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, 2.4G/5G
Bluetooth 5.1
NFC
GPS (BDS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS)
OxygenOS based on Android 13
5000mAh Li-Ion battery, 67W SUPERVOOC
Chromatic Gray, Pastel Lime
165.5mm x 76.0mm x 8.3mm (dimensions)
195 grams (weight)
Samsung Galaxy A34 5G
Price: PHP 19,990 via Samsung website 83.
The Samsung Galaxy A34 5G is a well-rounded smartphone that ticks all the boxes with its stunning 6.6-inch FHD+ AMOLED display, buttery smooth 120Hz refresh rate, powerful Dimensity 1080 chipset, and versatile triple camera setup featuring a 48MP main, 8MP ultrawide, and 2MP macro lens. Plus, with its intuitive and well-designed One UI, you can expect a seamless and delightful user experience.
Samsung Galaxy A34 5G specs
6.6-inch FHD+ (1080 x 2340) Super AMOLED display
120Hz refresh rate
MediaTek Dimensity 1080 SoC
8GB RAM
128, 256GB internal storage
Up to 1TB expansion via microSD (hybrid slot)
Triple rear cameras:
– 48MP f/1.8 main, OIS
– 8MP f/2.2 ultrawide
– 2MP f/2.4 macro
13MP f/2.2 front
Dual SIM
5G, 4G LTE
WiFi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac 2.4G + 5GHz, VHT80 MIMO
Bluetooth 5.3
GPS
USB Type-C
NFC
Under-display fingerprint sensor
IP67 dust and water resistance
One UI 5.1 (Android 13)
5000mAh battery
25W fast charging
161.3 x 78.1 x 8.2 mm (dimensions)
199 grams (weight)
Lime, Silver, Violet and Graphite
Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G
Current price: PHP 15,999 via Lazada 38
If you’re on a tight budget, the Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G is the complete package, with a 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED display, 120Hz refresh rate, and a powerful Dimensity 1080 chipset. It’s the perfect balance of affordability and performance.
Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G specs
6.67-inch FHD+ Flow AMOLED @ 2400 x 1800 pixels
120Hz refresh rate
Corning Gorilla Glass 5
IP53 Splash-proof tested
MediaTek Dimensity 1080
6GB, 8GB LPDDR4X RAM
128GB, 256GB storage
Triple-rear camera:
• 50MP IMX766 OIS wide f/1.88
• 8MP ultra-wide f/2.2
• 2MP macro f/2.4
16MP front camera f/2.45
MIUI 14 (Android 12)
5000mAh battery (67W turbocharging)
5G, 4G/LTE, Wi-Fi
Dolby Atmos
Side fingerprint sensor
AI Face Unlock
162.9 x 76 x 7.9 mm (dimensions)
187 grams (weight)
Midnight Black, Polar White, Sky Blue
HONOR X9a 5G
Current price: PHP 16,990 via Lazada 41
The HONOR X9a 5G is a true bargain, offering decent performance with its Snapdragon 695 chipset and a durable 6.6-inch curved OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate that is hailed as the “strongest” smartphone screen. It’s one of the ultimate value phones that doesn’t skimp on features.
HONOR X9a 5G specs
6.67-inch FHD+ (2400 x 1080) 45° Curved AMOLED display
120Hz refresh rate, 300Hz touch sampling rate
10-bit colors
Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 SoC
6GB, 8GB RAM
128GB, 256GB storage
Triple rear cameras:
• 64MP f/1.8 main
• 5MP f/2.2 ultrawide/depth
• 2MP f/2.4 macro
16MP f/2.45 front
Dual SIM
5G, 4G LTE
Bluetooth 5.1
GPS
USB Type-C
NFC
Under-display fingerprint sensor
MagicUI 6.1 (Android 12)
5100mAh, 40W charging rate
161.6 x 73.9 x 7.9 mm
175 g
Emerald Green, Titanium Silver
