In today’s rapidly advancing world, staying connected is paramount, yet finding a budget-friendly smartphone can be quite challenging. Fortunately, it’s possible to find affordable, high-quality smartphones that provide an exceptional user experience. Smartphones have revolutionized the way we communicate, offering various functionalities, such as instant messaging, calling, emails, web browsing, social networking, photography, and so much more. With a myriad of features and benefits, it’s no wonder smart devices have become an integral part of our daily lives. To help you get the most bang for your buck, this list brings you the top 10 best smartphones under 20K in the Philippines. Handpicked for their unparalleled blend of affordability, stellar performance, and impressive features, these smartphones have been curated to effectively cater to the diverse needs and preferences of mobile users in the Philippine market. Discover your next reliable companion in this list of the very best smartphones available under 20K in the Philippines.
Best Smartphones under 20K
- Poco F5 – (Check price on Lazada) (Check price on Shopee)
- Redmi Note 12 Pro – ( Check price on Lazada) (Check price on Shopee)
Poco F5
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2
- RAM: 8GB, 12GB LPDDR5
- Storage: 128GB, 256GB UFS 3.1
- Display: 6.67 inches, AMOLED, 120Hz
- Camera: 64MP, Triple Rear Camera
- OS: Android 13, MIUI14 for Poco
- Battery: 5000mAh, 67W
The Poco F5 is a mid-range smartphone that boasts impressive features and striking design, making it an appealing choice for those who want a high-performance device without breaking the bank. This smartphone is a powerhouse, running on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7+ Gen 2 octa-core chipset and an Adreno 725 mobile GPU. With multiple RAM and storage options (8GB-12GB LPDDR5 RAM and 128GB-256GB UFS 3.1 flash storage), it caters to different user preferences. Backed by a fantastic set of cameras, a long-lasting battery, and a slew of advanced features, the Poco F5 stands out in the competitive mid-range market. In this review, we’ll dive into the key features that make this smartphone an attractive option.
Product Features
Display
The Poco F5 sports a stunning 6.67-inch Flow AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, 240Hz touch sampling rate, and FHD+ (1080 x 2400) screen resolution. It has a peak brightness of 1000 nits, 1920Hz PWM dimming, HDR10+ support, and a Sunlight display feature. Moreover, the phone has Dolby Vision and a center punch-hole display protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5 for scratch resistance.
Cameras
The prominent photography and videography capabilities of the Poco F5 are facilitated by its 16-megapixel selfie lens and the triple rear camera setup. The 64-megapixel main shooter utilizes an Omnivision OV64B camera sensor, complemented by an 8MP ultrawide lens and a 2MP macro lens. Video enthusiasts can record up to 4K resolution with the rear cameras, while the front camera delivers up to 1080p resolution videos.
Battery Life & Charging
The F5 comes with a robust 5000mAh non-removable battery that ensures extended usage. To add more convenience, the device supports 67W fast charging, significantly reducing the time required to achieve full charge.
Additional Features
Poco F5’s additional features include NFC, dual stereo speakers, Hi-Res audio, Dolby Atmos, an IR blaster, a cooling system, and an IP53 rating for water and dust resistance. The Dynamic RAM Expansion 3.0 allows for seamless multitasking, while the side-mounted fingerprint scanner enhances security.
Product Review
The Poco F5 stands out as a highly competitive mid-range smartphone that offers a premium feel and an array of advanced features. The display is stunning, with vivid colors and smooth motion, thanks to the Flow AMOLED panel, 120Hz refresh rate, and 240Hz touch sampling rate. Gaming and multimedia experiences are further enhanced by the Hi-Res audio, Dolby Atmos support, and dual stereo speakers.
The device offers a versatile camera setup that excels in various scenarios, with the Omnivision OV64B main sensor capturing highly detailed images. The ultrawide and macro lenses add versatility, while the selfie camera produces sharp, vibrant images.
Battery life is impressive, with the 5000mAh capacity providing ample power to last through the day. The 67W fast charging is a game-changer, minimizing charging time and ensuring the phone is always ready to go.
The Poco F5’s additional features such as NFC, IR Blaster, cooling system, and IP53 rating contribute to a well-rounded experience, making this smartphone a solid contender in the mid-range segment. For those seeking a feature-rich, high-performance device at an affordable price, the Poco F5 is a top choice to consider.
Check the latest price on Lazada, Check the latest price on Shopee
Redmi Note 12 Pro
Redmi Note 12 Pro, an exciting addition to Xiaomi’s Note series that promises a feature-rich experience at an affordable price. This mid-range powerhouse is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 1080 octa-core processor and a Mali-G68 MC4 mobile GPU, designed to deliver fast and smooth performance. With 8GB LPDDR4X RAM and two UFS 2.2 flash storage options of 128GB and 256GB, the Redmi Note 12 Pro caters to users with varying needs. Additionally, the device’s stunning 6.67-inch Flow AMOLED display, impressive camera setup, and long-lasting battery make it a worthy contender in the market. In this review, we delve into the key features that make the Redmi Note 12 Pro a standout choice for your next smartphone.
Product Features
Display
The Redmi Note 12 Pro houses a gorgeous 6.67-inch Flow AMOLED panel with 120Hz refresh rate, FHD+ (2400 x 1800) resolution, and an approximate pixel density of 395 ppi. The display boasts a 20:9 aspect ratio, Dolby Vision support, and is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5. Moreover, its punch-hole style further adds to the phone’s modern aesthetics.
Cameras
For photography, the device features a triple rear camera setup, consisting of a 50-megapixel main shooter with the renowned Sony IMX766 camera sensor, an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 2MP macro lens. On the front, the phone has a 16-megapixel wide selfie lens. The rear cameras can capture up to 4K video resolution, while the front camera supports 1080p recording.
Battery Life & Charging
A 5000mAh battery powers the Redmi Note 12 Pro, ensuring ample usage time throughout the day. To further enhance convenience, the smartphone supports 67W Turbo Charge fast charging technology, allowing users to quickly recharge and get back on the move.
Additional Features
The Redmi Note 12 Pro is packed with numerous additional features. These include Hi-Res Audio, Dolby Atmos, a Vapor Chamber Cooling System, an X-axis linear motor, face unlock, dual stereo speakers, an IR Blaster, and a side-mounted fingerprint scanner – providing a well-rounded and premium experience for users.
Product Review
The Redmi Note 12 Pro is an excellent choice for individuals seeking an affordable yet feature-rich smartphone. With its beautiful 6.67-inch Flow AMOLED panel, the display provides crisp visuals and an immersive experience. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and enhanced gaming experiences, while Dolby Vision support contributes to vibrant viewing pleasure.
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the powerful camera setup, which delivers stunning photos and videos across various situations. The Sony IMX766 sensor on the main shooter, coupled with the ultrawide and macro lenses, makes for a versatile and high-quality photography experience.
Battery life is commendable, with the 5000mAh capacity able to comfortably last through the day. Moreover, the 67W Turbo Charge fast charging is a considerable time saver, ensuring your phone is quickly ready for action.
The Redmi Note 12 Pro’s additional features, such as the Hi-Res Audio, Dolby Atmos, and the Vapor Chamber Cooling System, further elevate the user experience. Coupled with the responsive X-axis linear motor, face unlock, dual stereo speakers, IR Blaster, and side-mounted fingerprint scanner, this smartphone delivers an exceptional experience at a mid-range price point. If you’re in search of a well-rounded device with ample features at a competitive price, the Redmi Note 12 Pro is an excellent choice.
Check the latest price on Lazada, Check the latest price on Shopee
How to Choose the Best Smartphones Under 20K in the Philippines
In the dynamic and fast-paced world of smartphones, it can be challenging to find the perfect device that fits your budget and meets your requirements. Whether you are a heavy user demanding power-packed performance or a casual user who simply needs a device for daily tasks, there is a plethora of options available. Here, we explore the factors you need to consider when choosing the best smartphone under 20K in the Philippines.
1. Assess Your Needs & Prioritize Features
Begin by assessing your requirements and determining what features are most important to you. Consider your primary uses, such as gaming, multitasking, photography, or seamless web browsing. Prioritize the features accordingly to narrow down your search.
2. Price vs. Specifications
It is essential to strike the right balance between price and specifications. A higher price doesn’t always guarantee a better phone. Look for models that offer good value in terms of specifications within your budget. Compare multiple devices with a similar price range and analyze the differences in specifications to determine which one offers the best deal.
3. Brand Reputation & Customer Support
Opt for a smartphone from a reputed brand with a track record for producing quality devices and offering excellent customer support. Brands like Samsung, Xiaomi, OPPO, and Vivo are known for their affordability and quality in the Philippine smartphone market. Considering a well-established brand also ensures availability in terms of spare parts and easier access to after-sales service.
4. Network Compatibility & Future-proofing
With the increasing availability of 5G networks, smartphones must be equipped to utilize upcoming technology. Ensure the device you choose is compatible with the latest network technologies and can be upgraded to support future developments. Although 5G might not be essential now, compatibility will enable a smooth transition and enhance your smartphone’s longevity.
5. Screen Size & Display Quality
The size and quality of the display can affect your overall user experience. Larger screens are better suited for gaming or content consumption, while smaller screens provide more comfortable one-handed usage. Besides, consider the display resolution and type, such as IPS LCD or AMOLED, which can affect the color reproduction, brightness, and overall display quality.
6. Performance & Hardware
Choose a smartphone with a powerful processor and sufficient RAM to accommodate your usage patterns. Devices with efficient chipsets will run smoothly, especially when multitasking or playing high-end games. Meanwhile, those with a higher RAM capacity will provide a more fluid experience when using multiple apps simultaneously.
7. Storage Capacity
Ensure the smartphone has ample storage capacity for your needs. A decent storage space of 64GB or 128GB is advisable for most users, while heavy users requiring more storage for apps, games, and multimedia files may opt for devices with 256GB or higher storage capabilities. Additionally, consider phones with expandable storage options if you foresee needing more space in the future.
8. Camera Quality & Features
For photography enthusiasts, the camera quality should be a top priority. Examine the device’s rear and front cameras, taking note of the megapixel count, aperture size, and additional features such as optical image stabilization, AI enhancements, and multiple camera modules (telephoto, wide-angle, macro, etc.).
9. Battery Life & Charging Speed
A smartphone’s battery life is crucial, especially for those constantly on the go or with limited access to charging facilities. Opt for devices with larger battery capacities and fast-charging capabilities to minimize charging time and maximize usage.
10. Software & Customizations
The smartphone’s operating system and preinstalled apps can significantly influence your user experience. Choose an OS that is user-friendly and provides regular updates for better performance and security. Some users may prefer customizable interfaces and software that allows extensive personalization.
11. User Reviews & Testimonials
Read reviews from actual users and trusted sources to get a better understanding of the smartphone’s actual performance, defects, or common issues. This will provide you with a clearer perception of what to expect and help avoid potential disappointments.
By considering these factors, you’ll be better equipped to make a well-informed decision and choose the best smartphone under 20K in the Philippines that meets your needs and provides excellent value for money.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the best smartphone under 20K in the Philippines may seem daunting given the wide array of choices. However, by prioritizing your needs, analyzing specifications, and considering brand reputation, future-proofing, and user reviews, you can make an informed decision that delivers value for your money. Remember, the best smartphone isn’t just about high specifications or a well-known brand, it’s about finding a device that fits into your lifestyle and satisfies your specific needs. This list was compiled to guide you towards finding that perfect blend of functionality, performance, and affordability. The world of technology is constantly evolving. While this list provides the top picks for phones under 20K today, keep an eye on new releases and updates, as the tech landscape can often change dramatically year by year.