In the market for the best smartphones, but working on a budget? Are the reviews you’ve read all international reviews?
Don’t worry. We have gathered the 10 best phones under 10k, available in the Philippines.
We’ve chosen three phones, which relatively have the same features to help you make a decision with fewer considerations. These phones boast a minimum of 720p display resolution, 4,000 mAh of battery life, and high-resolution cameras for the best selfies. We’ll highlight their best features in the individual reviews below.
10 Best Phone Under 10k
Samsung Galaxy A14
Size: 6.6 inches (~80.2% screen-to-body ratio)
Weight: 202 g
Main Camera: Triple (50 MP, 5MP, 2MP)
Selfie Camera: 13 MP, 1080p@30fps
Sensors: Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
OS: Android 13, One UI Core 5
Memory: 4 gb RAM
CPU: Octacore (2×2.0 GHz, 6×1.8 GHz)
Battery: Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable
Release Date: January 2023
Samsung is one of the most reliable brands when it comes to smartphones. The South Korean electronics giant has been delivering quality devices to customers for years, and the Samsung Galaxy A14 is no exception. This phone offers an excellent balance between performance and price, making it an attractive option for those looking for a budget-friendly device. With its octa-core processor, the phone can handle multiple applications and tasks simultaneously without any lag. Its 4GB RAM might seem limited, but it’s still enough to ensure a smooth experience when using the phone.
Moreover, the Samsung Galaxy A14 comes equipped with a powerful 50MP main camera, which is quite impressive for a phone in this price range. The camera’s high resolution and reliable performance enable users to capture clear and sharp images. This feature alone makes the Samsung Galaxy A14 an excellent option for anyone who loves photography but is on a tight budget.
HUAWEI Nova 8i
Size: 6.67 inches (~89.4% screen-to-body ratio)
Weight: 190 g
Main Camera: Quad (64 MP, 8MP, 2MP, 2MP)
Selfie Camera: 16 MP, 1080p@30fps
Sensors: Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
OS: Android 10, EMUI 11
Memory: 8 gb RAM
CPU: Octacore
Battery: Li-Po 4300 mAh, non-removable
Release Date: July 2021
The HUAWEI Nova 8i is another great option to consider when looking for a budget-friendly smartphone in the Philippines. Huawei has established itself as a reliable brand when it comes to smartphones, and the Nova 8i is a testament to that. It boasts superior specs compared to the Samsung Galaxy A14, including 8GB of RAM and a quad main camera with an impressive 64MP resolution. Additionally, it has the highest screen-to-body ratio of all the smartphones on this list, giving users an immersive viewing experience.
However, there are a few downsides to consider. The HUAWEI Nova 8i does not come with Google services and Google Play, which may be a deal-breaker for some users who rely on these apps. Additionally, its battery capacity is smaller compared to other phones on this list. Despite these drawbacks, the HUAWEI Nova 8i still offers a great package of features for its price and is a viable option for those looking for a reliable phone with impressive specs.
Infinix Note 10 PRO
Size: 6.95 inches (~84.8% screen-to-body ratio)
Weight: 209 g
Main Camera: Quad (64 MP, 8 MP, 2MP, 2MP)
Selfie Camera: 16 MP, 1080p@30fps
Sensors: Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
OS: Android 11, XOS 7.6
Memory: 8gb RAM
CPU: Octacore
Release Date: June 2021
If you’re looking for a phone with similar specs to the HUAWEI Nova 8i but with Google services and apps, the Infinix Note 10 PRO is definitely worth considering. This phone boasts an impressive 8GB of RAM and a high screen-to-body ratio, allowing for an immersive viewing experience. Additionally, the quad 64MP main camera and 16MP selfie camera provide excellent photo and video capabilities.
It’s important to note, however, that Infinix is a relatively new brand, and some users have reported issues with overheating. It’s crucial to use the phone properly and avoid overusing it to prevent any potential problems. It’s also worth mentioning that the phone comes at a lower price point compared to the HUAWEI Nova 8i, making it an even more attractive option for those on a budget.
Vivo Y22s
Size: 6.55 inches (~82.4% screen-to-body ratio)
Weight: 192 g
Main Camera: Dual (50 MP, 2 MP, 0.3MP)
Selfie Camera: 8 MP, 1080p@30fps
Sensors: Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
OS: Android 12, Funtouch 12
Memory: 4 gb RAM
CPU: Octacore
Battery: Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable
Release Date: August 2022
Vivo is a well-known brand in the mobile phone industry and is considered one of the leading brands in the world. The Vivo Y22s is a great option for those looking for a reliable smartphone with an eye-catching design and decent specs. Although it may not have the same amount of RAM as some of the other smartphones on this list, such as the Infinix Note 10 PRO or the Huawei Nova 8i, it still offers sufficient specs for fair to moderate usage.
One of the standout features of the Vivo Y22s is its ergonomic design, which makes it comfortable to hold and use. The phone is also designed to be compact and portable, making it easy to carry around wherever you go. Additionally, the phone comes under Php 10,000 making it an attractive option for those on a tight budget.
Redmi 12C
Size: 6.71 inches (~82.6% screen-to-body ratio)
Weight: 192 g
Main Camera: Dual (50 MP, 0.08MP)
Selfie Camera: 5 MP, 1080p@30fps
Sensors: Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, Virtual proximity sensing
OS: MIUI 13
Memory: 6 gb RAM
CPU: Octacore
Battery: Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable
Release Date: January 2023
The Xiaomi Redmi 12C is a budget-friendly smartphone option that is worth considering, especially if you’re a fan of the Xiaomi brand. The phone features a good-looking and sturdy plastic build, making it a durable option for daily use. Additionally, the phone comes with a decent camera that is capable of capturing clear and sharp photos.
Samsung Galaxy A04s Smartphone
Size: 6.5 inches (~80.7% screen-to-body ratio)
Weight: 195 g
Main Camera: Triple (50 MP, 2MP, 2MP)
Selfie Camera: 5 MP, 720p@30fps
Sensors: Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, Virtual Proximity Sensing
OS: Android 12, One UI Core 5
Memory: 4 gb RAM
CPU: Octacore
Battery: Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable
Release Date: October 2022
The Samsung Galaxy A04s is another great budget-friendly smartphone option from Samsung. Although it’s cheaper than the A14, it still comes with almost the same specs, including the octa-core processor and 4GB RAM. The only noticeable difference is the 5MP main selfie camera, which is lower than the A14’s camera.
Despite this difference, the Samsung Galaxy A04s is still a capable smartphone that is perfect for those who don’t use heavy apps or need high-quality selfies.
XIAOMI POCO M5
Size: 6.58 inches (~83.6% screen-to-body ratio)
Weight: 201 g
Main Camera: Triple (50MP, 2MP, 2MP, 2MP)
Selfie Camera: 5 MP, 1080p@30fps
Sensors: Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
OS: Android 12, MIUI 13
Memory: 6 gb RAM
CPU: Octacore
Battery: Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable
Release Date: September 2022
The Xiaomi Poco M5 is another great option from Xiaomi, with a unique leatherette design that sets it apart from other phones under 10k on this list. Additionally, it boasts 6GB of RAM, which is higher than many other phones in this price range, providing smooth and seamless multitasking capabilities.
The camera module of the Poco M5 extends across the entire width of the chassis, providing stability and preventing the phone from wobbling when placed on a flat surface. While the camera setup may be similar to what you’ll find on other budget phones, it still offers decent specs and image quality, making it a great option for those looking to capture photos without breaking the bank.
OPPO A57
Size: 6.56 inches (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio)
Weight: 186 g
Main Camera: Dual (13 MP, 2 MP)
Selfie Camera: 8 MP, 1080p@30fps
Sensors: Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
OS: Android 12, ColorOS 12.1
Memory: 4 gb RAM
CPU: Octacore
Battery: Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable
Release Date: April 2022
Oppo is a highly reputable brand for smartphones, known for its great selfie cameras. Despite its excellent reputation, the Oppo A57 is not ranked high on our list due to its relatively low-resolution main camera, which is only 13MP. However, it still manages to capture decent photos, and the 8MP front-facing camera is excellent for taking selfies.
Apart from its camera, the Oppo A57 boasts a minimalist and lightweight design, making it easy to carry around. The phone features 4GB of RAM, allowing for decent multitasking, and a non-removable Li-Po 5000mAh battery, providing long-lasting battery life.
Realme C35
Size: 6.6 inches (~84.0% screen-to-body ratio)
Weight: 189 g
Main Camera: Triple (50 MP, 2 MP, 0.3MP)
Selfie Camera: 8 MP, 720p@30fps
Sensors: Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
OS: Android 11, Realme UI 2.0
Memory: 4 gb RAM
CPU: Octacore
Battery: Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable
Release Date: February 2022
The Realme C35 is a stylish and elegant phone that offers a sleek design similar to the iPhone 12 series. It’s interesting to note that Realme started as a sub-brand of Oppo, but its powerful 50Mp main camera beats Oppo’s entry on this list.
In addition to the impressive camera, the Realme C35 has 4GB of RAM, making it suitable for light multitasking. The phone is also a good entry-level smartphone, offering a great combination of performance and value for money.
Tecno POVA 4
Size: 6.82 inches (~84.9% screen-to-body ratio)
Weight: 213 g
Main Camera: Dual (50 MP, 0.08 MP)
Selfie Camera: 8 MP, 1440p@30fps
Sensors: Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
OS: Android 12, HIOS
Memory: 8 gb RAM
CPU: Octacore
Battery: Li-Po 6000 mAh, non-removable
Release Date: October 2022
Tecno is a new brand in the market, but the Tecno POVA 4 beats all the phones on this list in terms of specs. It boasts 8GB of RAM, a high screen-to-body ratio, and a dual camera setup with a 50MP main camera capable of recording up to 1440p@30fps.
Another main highlight of the phone is its high battery capacity of 6000mAh, which can provide long hours of use. It’s a great budget phone that provides value for its price. However, some users have reported touch sensitivity issues and lagging, which could be a downside.
We hope this list helped you find the best phone under 10k that suits your needs and preferences. Our top pick for the best phone under 10k Philippines is still the Samsung Galaxy A14 for its reliable performance. If you prioritize photography and gaming or don’t need Google services, the Huawei Nova 8 is a good choice as a secondary phone. The Infinix and Tecno POVA 4 are also popular options due to their impressive specs.
As for the other phones on the list, your choice will depend on personal preference for looks and user interface. They have their own unique features, so it’s up to you to decide which one you prefer.