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Practical Guide to Buying Mobile Phones (Smartphones) [Updated for 2023]

Last Updated: 2 months ago by BrodNeil

TL;DR: Searching for a mobile phone with exceptional performance and high-end features at a price below ₱5,000 can be a challenging task. However, we have compiled a list for you to review.

The best 5k budget phone in the Philippines

With the latest advancements in mobile phones, we now have many choices. However, not all of them are worthwhile investments. Many Filipinos are looking for less expensive options for getting a nice phone.

Although practically everything is increasing in price these days, you can still find phones with outstanding performance and high-quality features for under ₱5,000. However, finding a good mobile phone with the right combination of performance and price can be difficult with so many options on the market.

Before we dive into the phones, let’s first discuss the expectations, specs, and tips for choosing the best 5k budget phone in the Philippines.

Phone 5k budget expectations

A P5,000 smartphone belongs to the most affordable category of smartphones. While you can count on smooth performance for basic phone tasks, you should not expect the phone to have the best of everything. 

Expect a 5k budget phone to make decent calls and texts. Accessing and posting on social media like Facebook should also be smooth. Features like a multi-lens camera, dual-sim capability, and fingerprint sensor may also be added.  

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On the inferior side, budget phones may not have the best screen resolution and camera quality. The speed may not be the fastest, too. Finally, memory storage may not be much compared to higher-priced phones.     

How to choose the best Android phone under 5k

Budget phones are not necessarily poor in quality. However, some specifications are lower than their more expensive counterparts so that manufacturers can drop and justify their prices. With a mix and match of features, you can choose the best Android phone under 5k by considering your priorities. For example, ask yourself if you prefer a better camera quality over longer battery life. Do you want one with bigger storage or with better speed? Do you like a budget phone with added sensors?

The following tips can also help you choose the best budget phone under 5k:  

  • Choose a trusted brand with reliable after-sales customer service.
  • Find a phone with dual-sim capability that allows you to have a backup network if one is out of coverage area or experiencing network issues. It also lets you have separate personal and work numbers.
  • Find a budget phone with a micro-SD slot to expand internal storage capabilities.
  • For a phone with a screen of 6 inches or smaller, go for a battery capacity of at least 3,500mAh. Find one with a battery capacity of 4,500mAh for phones with bigger screens. 
  • Do not expect to have the current version of Android, but do not settle for anything older than Android 10 for compatibility and security reasons.  
  • Choose a budget phone with higher RAM and storage.
  • Find one with a micro-SD slot for expandable storage.
  • Prefer a more durable phone over a cheap-built one. For instance, pick a model with strengthened glass, like Gorilla Glass 3 or better.   
  • Compare features like screen resolution, camera quality, storage, battery life, and other added specs.

The best smartphones under 5K in the Philippines for 2023

Don’t settle for second-rate technology this year – start your search with our guide to finding great quality smartphones in the Philippines under 5K!

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Looking for quality but affordable smartphones in the Philippines? This guide will help you navigate the market and find a great phone for under 5K PHP. Learn about the features and specs that go into making a top-notch budget phone, discover the best brands to shop for, and explore our pick of the best smartphones currently available in the Philippines for under 5K PHP.

We’ve handpicked the best devices for you to consider.

We’ve selected the top-performing smartphones today for shoppers looking for a great device on a budget. Each of these smartphones comes with killer specs and carefully chosen features to ensure you get high-quality technology without breaking the bank. From advanced camera systems and waterproofing to sleek designs and superfast processing, you’ll find the perfect phone for your needs and budget in our selection of under 5K models.

Infinix Smart 7

Infinix Smart 7

The Infinix Smart 7 has a large 6000mAh battery and supports 10W charging. This phone features a 6.6-inch HD+ screen and runs on a UNISOC SC9863A processor with 7GB of extended RAM. It offers 64GB of expandable storage. The phone’s rear houses a 13-megapixel primary camera, a VGA depth sensor, and a fingerprint scanner. On the front, there is a 5-megapixel camera.

Price: ₱ 3,799.00

Realme C30

Realme C30

The Realme C30 has a 6.5-inch IPS LCD display with HD+ resolution and a 20:9 aspect ratio, making it well-suited for tasks like video watching and web browsing. It has a UNISOC T612 chipset, a capable mid-range processor with balanced performance and power efficiency. This makes it suitable for everyday usage, light gaming and supports advanced camera features. However, the Realme C30 features a single 8MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera.

Price: ₱ 4,399.00

Xiaomi Redmi A1

Xiaomi Redmi A1

The Xiaomi Redmi A1 is affordable due to its impressive battery life, improved main camera, and textured back panel design. While it lacks a multitasking interface and has minimal internal components, including Android 12 Go Edition is a game-changer. Compared to its competitors, the Redmi A1 offers faster app launches, simplified app sharing, and enhanced privacy options.

The Redmi A1 features an IPS LCD display with HD+ resolution and a peak brightness of 400 nits. It is powered by the 12nm Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 chipset. It handles basic tasks like web browsing, social media, and light gaming smoothly. However, it may struggle when running more demanding applications or multitasking due to its lower processing power and limited RAM capacity.

Price: 4,499

Tecno Spark Go 2023

Tecno Spark Go 2023

The Infinix Smart 7 has a 6.56-inch HD+ IPS display powered by a MediaTek Helio A22 chipset. It offers up to 4GB of RAM (with an additional 3GB of extended memory) and 64GB of expandable storage. The phone features a dual-camera setup with 13+2-megapixel lenses at the rear, and it is supported by a 5000mAh battery that charges through USB-C at a speed of 10W.

Price: 3,599.00

Nokia C12

Nokia C12

The Nokia C12 features a 6.3-inch HD+ IPS LCD display powered by the Unisoc SC9863A1 processor. It has 5GB of extended RAM and 64GB of storage capacity. The phone has a single 8MP rear camera and a 5MP front-facing camera for selfies.

While it only has a 3000mAh detachable battery and runs on Android 12 (Go version), it does offer additional protection against splashes with its IP52 rating.

Price: 4,590.00

Not sure which one to buy? Here is a comparative table of their specifications.

ModelInfinix Smart 7Realme C30Xiaomi Redmi A1Tecno Spark Go 2023Nokia C12
Body160.6 x 74.3 x 8.8 mm (6.32 x 2.93 x 0.35 in)
177.4 g (6.24 oz)
Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame
164.1 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.33 in)
182 g (6.42 oz)
Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back
164.9 x 76.8 x 9.1 mm (6.49 x 3.02 x 0.36 in)
192 g (6.77 oz)
163.9 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.45 x 2.97 x 0.35 in)160.6 x 74.3 x 8.8 mm (6.32 x 2.93 x 0.35 in)
177.4 g (6.24 oz)
Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame
DisplayIPS LCD
6.3 inches, 95.8 cm2 (~80.3% screen-to-body ratio)
720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~278 ppi density)
Scratch-resistant glass
IPS LCD, 400 nits
6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.2% screen-to-body ratio)
720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density)
IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ)
6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio)
720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)
IPS LCD
6.6 inches, 104.4 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio)
720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density)
IPS LCD
6.3 inches, 95.8 cm2 (~80.3% screen-to-body ratio)
720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~278 ppi density)
Scratch-resistant glass
OSAndroid 12 (Go edition)Android 11, Realme UI GoAndroid 12 (Go edition), MIUI 12Android 12, HIOS 12Android 12 (Go edition)
ChipsetUnisoc SC9863A1 (28nm)Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm)Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm)Unisoc SC9863A1 (28nm)
NetworkGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
Rear/Main Camera8 MP, AF
LED flash, HDR
8 MP, f/2.0, 27mm (wide), 1/4.0″, 1.12µm, AF
LED flash, HDR, panorama
8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
0.08 MP (depth)
Dual-LED flash, HDR
13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF
QVGA
Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR
8 MP, AF
LED flash, HDR
Front Camera5 MP5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0″, 1.12µm5 MP, f/2.25 MP5 MP
Loudspeaker
3.55mm jack
USBmicroUSB 2.0microUSB 2.0, OTGmicroUSB 2.0USB Type-C 2.0, OTGmicroUSB 2.0
SensorsAccelerometer, proximityAccelerometer, proximityAccelerometerFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximityAccelerometer, proximity
BatteryLi-Ion 3000 mAh, removable
10W wired
Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable
10W wired
Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable
10W wired
Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable
10W wired
Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable

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5k budget phone specs 2022

Most 5k budget phone specs in 2022 include the following:

  • Dual-sim capabilities
  • Screen resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels or lower
  • 4,ooo-6,000 mAh battery
  • 13MP or lower rear camera
  • 8MP or lower selfie camera
  • 2 or 3G RAM and 32 or 64G expandable storage

Best Smartphones under 5k in the Philippines 2022

So, if you’re shopping for a new smartphone, here are some of the best smartphones under ₱5,000 in the Philippines.

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At this point in time, these are all Android phones under 5k.

Samsung Galaxy A02

Samsung A02 - 5k budget phone

The Samsung Galaxy A02 is an affordable smartphone with a 6.5-inch HD+ display, dual back cameras of 13MP + 2MP, and a single 5MP selfie camera.

It features a MediaTek MT6739W processor, 3GB of RAM, Android 10 OS, and OneUI software. In addition, 4G LTE connectivity and 32GB of extendable storage are also included.

The device is powered by a big 5,000mAh battery that supports a 5V/1.55A charging rate.

Price: ₱4,990.00

Xiaomi Redmi 9C

Xiaomi Redmi 9C 1

The Xiaomi Redmi 9C has a 6.53-inch HD+ display, triple back cameras of 13MP + 2MP + 2MP, and a notch-mounted 5MP selfie camera.

It has a MediaTek Helio G35 processor, 2GB of RAM, an Android 10 operating system, and MIUI 12 software. In addition, a fingerprint scanner is included on the back of the phone, facial recognition, dual-SIM 4G LTE connectivity, and 32GB of expandable storage.

The device is powered by a 5,000mAh battery that charges at a rate of 10W.

Price: ₱4,990.00

realme C11 2021

realme C11 2021 2

The realme C11 2021 is a budget smartphone with a 6.5-inch HD+ display, an 8-megapixel back camera, and a 5-megapixel front camera.

It has a 2GB RAM Unisoc SC9863 processor, Android 11 OS, and realme UI 2.0 software. Face Unlock, 4G LTE connectivity, and 32GB of expandable storage are all included.

The device is powered by a big 5,000mAh battery that supports a 10W charging rate via a micro-USB 2.0 interface.

Price: ₱4,990.00

Infinix Hot 10 Play

Infinix Hot 10 Play 3

The Infinix Hot 10 Play is an affordable smartphone with a 6.82-inch HD+ display, dual rear cameras with 13MP + AI Lens, and a single 8MP selfie camera.

It features a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, 4G LTE connectivity, up to 64GB of expandable storage. It runs on MediaTek Helio G35 CPU with 2GB or 4GB of RAM and Android 10 (GO Edition) OS.

The device is powered by a 6,000mAh battery that charges at a 10W pace.

Price: ₱4,290.00 (2GB RAM) and ₱4,990.00 (4GB RAM)

Nokia C20

Nokia C20 4

The Nokia C20 features a 6.52-inch HD+ display, a 5-megapixel back camera, and a 5-megapixel front camera. An LED flash is included with both cameras.

It’s powered by a Unisoc SC9863A with 2GB of RAM and runs Android 11 (Go Edition). In addition, 4G LTE connectivity, Face Unlock technology, and 32GB of expandable storage are also included. It also has a replaceable 3,000mAh battery that charges at a 5W pace.

Price: ₱4,690.00



Not sure which one to buy? Here is a comparative table of their specifications.

ModelSamsung A02Xiaomi Redmi 9Crealme C11 2021Infinix Hot 10 PlayNokia C20
Size6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2
(~81.9% screen-to-body ratio)
6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2
(~81.1% screen-to-body ratio)
6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2
(~81.3% screen-to-body ratio)
6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2
(~82.4% screen-to-body ratio)
6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2
(~77.5% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution720 x 1600 pixels720 x 1600 pixels720 x 1600 pixels720 x 1640 pixels720 x 1600 pixels
OSAndroid 10 (upgradable to  Android 11), One UI 3.1Android 10, MIUI 12Android 11,
Realme Go UI
Android 10 (Go edition),
XOS 7
Android 11
(Go edition)
ChipsetMediatek MT6739W (28 nm)MediaTek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm)Unisoc SC9863A (28nm)MediaTek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm)Unisoc SC9863A (28nm)
Rear Camera13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF
2 MP, f/2.4, (macro)
LED flash
1080p@30fps
13 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1.0µm, PDAF
2 MP, f/2.4, (macro)
2 MP, f/2.4, (depth)
LED flash, HDR
1080p@30fps
8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF
LED flash, HDR, panorama
1080p@30fps
13 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/3.1″, 1.12µm, AF QVGA
Quad-LED flash, panorama, HDR
1080p@30fps
5 MP
LED flash, HDR
720p@30fps
Front Camera5 MP, f/2.05 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.12µm
HDR
1080p@30fps
5 MP, f/2.2, (wide)
HDR, panorama
1080p@30fps
8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
LED flash
1080p@30fps
5 MP
LED flash
720p
Loudspeaker
3.55mm jack
USBmicroUSB 2.0microUSB 2.0, USB On-The-GomicroUSB 2.0, USB On-The-GomicroUSB 2.0, USB On-The-GomicroUSB 2.0
SensorsAccelerometer
Virtual proximity sensing
Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximityAccelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compassAccelerometer, proximity
BatteryLi-Po 5000 mAh, non-removableLi-Po 5000 mAh, non-removableLi-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable
Li-Po 6000 mAh, non-removableLi-Ion 3000 mAh, removable

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Tara Mae Dela Cruz is a passionate writer and storyteller hailing from the Philippines. With a love for words and a vivid imagination, she weaves compelling tales that transport readers into captivating worlds. Her writing style is characterized by its lyrical prose and deep emotional resonance, drawing inspiration from her own experiences as well as the diverse cultures she encounters. Tara's work often explores themes of identity, family dynamics, and the power of human connection. When she's not writing, you can find Tara exploring new hiking trails or curled up with a good book, always seeking to broaden her horizons and find inspiration in the world around her.

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