Just two or three years ago, the words “Chinese smartphone” were synonymous with low quality, deception and disappointment. People who ordered devices from the Middle Kingdom were looked upon as desperate daredevils who decided to play roulette with Uncle Liao.
Now these are different times. Chinese smartphones from first-tier companies such as ZTE, Huawei, Lenovo, Xiaomi, OnePlus have excellent functionality, quality and competitive prices. And the “young shoots” are already breathing at their backs: Oppo, Coolpad, Elephone, LeTV and so on. To survive, they have no choice but to sell their products at even lower prices. Therefore, today many people choose inexpensive Chinese-made smartphones. And here are some additional reasons in favor of this decision.
You can run the same programs on it
Any modern smartphone, whether it costs $100 or $800, can easily handle most of the applications you need. On a budget gadget, you can view your Facebook feed and talk on Skype in the same way. It runs maps, instant messengers, music players and sports trackers. Yes, you may not have access to some 3D games, but on Google Play you will find thousands of equally exciting simpler games.
Budget smartphones have learned to take photographs
Just recently, when buying an inexpensive smartphone, you had to come to terms with the fact that you couldn’t take pictures with it. Chinese manufacturers used such low-quality optics that even in ideal conditions the pictures turned out to be worthless.
Modern “Chinese” have acquired all the necessary megapixels and have learned to take quite decent photographs. For example, Xiaomi Redmi 3, whose price is just over $100, has a 13-megapixel main camera and a 5-megapixel front camera. And I’m more than sure that this is quite enough for amateur photography.
They look great
It’s strange, but nowadays a mobile phone is still perceived by some people as an indicator of well-being and success. We will not consider completely advanced cases of this disease, when people take out unaffordable bank loans just to purchase a smartphone with the coveted inscription on the case. Everyone healthy people We inform you: you definitely won’t be ashamed of appearance your Chinese mobile phone. Today, Chinese manufacturers manage to produce models with modern design, quality materials and good assembly. And some of them look so cool that they even outperform much more expensive models.
What can you say about cheap ones? Chinese smartphones? Has your opinion of them changed over time? Lately? Are you planning a similar purchase or will you remain loyal to famous brands?
In 2017, buyers are increasingly interested in inexpensive and good smartphones, which are located in the budget niche. Chinese companies pay attention to the lower price segment Special attention, as a result of which the market receives worthy representatives who have managed to combine quite good characteristics and an affordable price for many. Attention to cheap smartphones has led to the appearance of many TOPs, and we have not deviated from the general trend, having compiled a rating of the best Chinese smartphones under $100 that became popular in 2017.
Alcatel POP 4 Plus 5056D
This is a good choice if you are looking for a smartphone in the range of 6000-7000 rubles, which not only looks beautiful, but also provides good performance at the same time. Thanks to the 2.5D IPS screen, it also has excellent viewing angles. The body is quite thin and light, making the smartphone pleasant to hold in your hands. For those who love selfies, the company has specially prepared a 5 MP front camera with a wide viewing angle, which takes wonderful photos. The device is powered by a 2500 mAh lithium polymer battery, which is responsible for long hours phablet operation.
Main characteristics:
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 MSM8909 and Adreno 304 video accelerator;
- Memory: 16 GB of internal memory and 1.5 GB of RAM;
- Android 6.0;
- Camera: 8 and 5 MP;
- Battery: 2500 mAh;
Pros:
- Lightweight body;
- Brilliant design;
- Large viewing angle of the front camera;
Minuses:
- One SIM card slot;
- Average CPU performance;
Blackview E7s
The smartphone is the only one on the budget Chinese market that has a fingerprint sensor, which is why it makes it into our TOP. Moreover, the manufacturer claims this scanner will recognize your finger in just 0.1 seconds. The back panel also has a scratch-resistant rubberized lid coating. Mobile phone I received from the manufacturer an 8 megapixel rear camera with f/2.2 aperture and LED flash. The camera is also equipped with a GalaxyCore GC8024 sensor. The smartphone has support for 4G LTE network as well as 3G, but this may not be a feature to be proud of since its main competitors have similar configurations.
Main characteristics:
- Screen: 5.5 inches with a resolution of 1280x720 pixels;
- Processor: MediaTek MT6580A and Mali-400 MP video accelerator;
- Android 6.0;
- Camera: 8 and 2 MP;
- Battery: 2700 mAh;
Pros:
- Low price even among state employees;
- Availability of a fingerprint scanner;
Minuses:
- Medium cameras;
ZTE Blade A510
An excellent device with the most impressive camera, display and processor. The smartphone has a large storage space for personal files and along with its dual SIM features makes it a complete and reliable device. It is a slim gadget with a width of 7.5 mm and comes in gold and silver color options. The 13 megapixel camera allows you to record HD video and take stunning panoramas. It also has other standard features such as auto flash, multiple shooting and exposure compensation to improve the quality of your shooting. From the reviews on the forums you can understand that this smartphone has a loud speaker.
Main characteristics:
- Processor: MediaTek MT6735P and Mali-T720 MP2 video accelerator;
- Android 6.0.1;
- Camera: 13 and 5 MP;
- Battery: 2200 mAh;
Pros:
- Excellent screen;
- Large expandable memory;
Minuses:
- Lack of a large amount of RAM;
Highscreen Razar
Inexpensive smartphone with good cameras, perfect for those who love photography. This is a thin, compact and lightweight device that fits easily in your hand. In terms of performance, the smartphone has an average configuration, but at the same time it provides satisfactory performance and long battery life. The smartphone flaunts the beauty of a 5-inch HD LCD display with 294ppi pixel density and Corning Gorilla Glass on top for protection. This device is really compact and easy to use.
Main characteristics:
- Screen: 5 inches with a resolution of 1280x720 pixels;
- Processor: MediaTek MT6737T and Mali-T720 video accelerator;
- Memory: 16 GB of internal memory and 2 GB of RAM;
- Android 6.0;
- Camera: 13 and 5 MP;
- Battery: 2500 mAh;
Pros:
- Excellent cameras;
- The net catches everywhere;
Minuses:
- Low RAM;
ASUS ZenFone Go ZB450KL 8Gb
When it comes to value for money smartphone, ASUS is a prominent name. This model is reported to be the successor to the ZenFone Go (ZB452KG), but comes with slightly improved hardware. If you want to purchase an inexpensive, but good phone from famous brand, then this smartphone will be good choice. The cell phone has a small 4.5-inch TFT screen with a modest resolution of 480x854 pixels. The device is available in various color options: Charcoal Black, Glamor Red, Pearl White and Lemon Yellow. The smartphone weighs 135 grams and has a thickness of 11.2 mm. If you prefer compact smartphones, then this model is definitely for you.
Main characteristics:
- Screen: 4.5 inches with a resolution of 480×854 pixels;
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 MSM8916 and Adreno 306 video accelerator;
- Memory: 8 GB of internal memory and 1 GB of RAM;
- Android 6.0;
- Camera: 8 and 2 MP;
- Battery: 2070 mAh;
Pros:
- Compact size;
- Lightweight body;
- Decent camera;
Minuses:
- Average performance;
- Low screen resolution;
DOOGEE Y6 16Gb
An excellent smartphone with a great build, ideal for intensive gaming and multitasking. The user can play his favorite games or watch movies within sufficient quantity time without worrying about battery drainage as this model has a large 3200mAh battery. Although the smartphone is a bit heavy, overall it doesn't matter much if you're buying it for its performance. The smartphone has a 5.5-inch screen and a touch sensor that will quickly respond to your fingers.
Main characteristics:
- Screen: 5.5 inches with a resolution of 1280x720 pixels;
- Processor: Mediatek MT6750 and Mali-T860 video accelerator;
- Memory: 16 GB of internal memory and 2 GB of RAM;
- Android 6.0;
- Camera: 13 and 8 MP;
- Battery: 3200 mAh;
Pros:
- Superior quality iron;
- Decent cameras;
- Nice screen;
Minuses:
- Non-removable battery;
Huawei Y5 II
The manufacturer has endowed the smartphone with all necessary functions, as well as a good configuration and a long battery, which will provide satisfactory multitasking. A unique alert system and various color options make the model a worthy choice for affordable price. The smartphone has a large 5-inch screen with a resolution of 1280x720. The rugged smartphone is available in a variety of color options including Rose Pink, Sky Blue, Arctic White, Obsidian Black and Sand Gold. The unique alert system in the ring around the camera is truly an amazing thing: the user immediately pays attention to different alerts due to the flickering light.
Main characteristics:
- Screen: 5 inches with a resolution of 1280x720 pixels;
- Memory: 8 GB of internal memory and 1 GB of RAM;
- Android 6.0;
- Camera: 8 and 2 MP;
- Battery: 2200 mAh;
Pros:
- Thin and light body;
- Good configuration;
- Decent cameras;
Minuses:
- Average battery capacity;
Lenovo Vibe C2 8Gb
A good choice for users, but it seems to be expensive compared to the previous smartphones launched by Lenovo. The smartphone has a good speaker, but cannot boast in such areas as the presence of a fingerprint sensor, the ability to connect OTG, a lot of RAM, etc. Despite this, the gadget was included in this rating of the best Chinese smartphones, priced up to $100 in 2017 due to for excellent cameras. Under the hood is a quad-core chipset coupled with 1GB of memory and a Mali graphics engine. The MediaTek chipset effectively manages the system, which is why it copes with multitasking.
Main characteristics:
- Screen: 5 inches with a resolution of 1280x720 pixels;
- Processor: MediaTek MT6735P and Mali-T720 MP2 video accelerator;
- Memory: 8 GB of internal memory and 1 GB of RAM;
- Android 6.0;
- Camera: 8 and 5 MP;
- Battery: 2750 mAh;
Pros:
- Good cameras;
- Excellent battery backup;
- Slim body;
- Data transmission via 4G technology;
Minuses:
- Non-removable battery;
Meizu M3 16Gb
Meizu M3 has all the elements powerful smartphone. Fast processor and for a long time Battery life is the backbone of this smartphone. The quality and performance of the camera is also very bright. If you're looking for a full-featured smartphone, this is an option worth considering. The smartphone has a 5-inch HD display with a 2.5D front panel. To ensure smooth performance, there are two quad-core processors supported by Mali graphics engine and 3GB of RAM.
Main characteristics:
- Screen: 5 inches with a resolution of 1280x720 pixels;
- Processor: MediaTek Helio P10 and Mali-T860 MP2 video accelerator;
- Memory: 32 GB of internal memory and 3 GB of RAM;
- Android 5.1;
- Camera: 13 and 5 MP;
- Battery: 2870 mAh;
Pros:
- Good battery;
- Brilliant performance;
Minuses:
- Hybrid SIM slot;
- Non-removable battery;
Limited budget? Do you need a second phone, but one with multimedia capabilities? Or perhaps you want the device as a testing ground to get your grandma into technology?
Welcome to the cat!
If you are one of those “lucky ones” who are faced with the problems described above, or you really need a very budget device, but so that you can watch movies, listen to music, and sometimes play games, then this selection is for you.
We will help you navigate the choice of smartphone in the “under $100” category. And in the end we will choose the best.
And yes, taking into account some factors, prices are traditionally given in green. And as a place to buy, we choose popular Chinese services, such as Aliexpress, Gearbest and the like. By the way, our telephones also come from the Middle Kingdom.
But this is not a cause for concern, because the Chinese copying industry has undergone significant changes, and it has now been replaced by serious and self-sufficient brands. Many, by the way, even have official representative offices and service centers in the CIS. That's how it is with the next hero of our article.
Doogee X5
- display: 5 inch IPS with HD (1280 x 720) resolution;
- RAM: 1 GB;
- ROM: 8 GB;
- main camera: 5 MP, autofocus, LED flash;
- front: 2 MP;
- battery: 2400 mAh;
- other: support for micro-SD (up to 32 GB) and 2 micro-Sim (combined slot), 3.5 mm audio output.
Price: ~55$
Doogee, as it describes itself, is “a young Chinese brand of smartphones and wearable electronics.”
For this money, the company is ready to offer you several models, most of which are slightly better than the one presented.
But we made our choice, guided by just one, but very important decision. After all, there are still those who don’t trust, who don’t know how, and who are urgent. So, Doogee X5 is officially presented by several large Ukrainian retailers, and at a very reasonable price. A definite plus is also the warranty provided. As for residents of other nearby countries, have we already mentioned Chinese online platforms? :)
By the way, a few weeks ago an updated version was released with the MAX prefix, in which the battery capacity was increased (4 Ah versus 2.4 Ah) and RAM (2 versus 1), a fingerprint scanner and LTE support appeared, and cameras were improved (now 8 MP each) and changed the design a little.
And the difference with the previous version is only about $5-10.
And then we noticed one interesting feature- most smartphones in the budget category, like flagship solutions, have almost no different characteristics. The only differences are the name, design and, most importantly, the price.
Umi Touch X
- display: 5.5 inch LTPS with Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution;
- processor: 4-core MediaTek MT6735 (1.3 MHz), Mali-T720;
- RAM: 2 GB;
- ROM: 16 GB;
- front: 2 MP, LED flash;
- battery: 4000 mAh;
- network: GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz, WCDMA 850/1900/2100 MHz, LTE: 800/1800/2600 MHz;
- interfaces: WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, USB 2.0, GPS, A-GPS;
- other: support for micro-SD (up to 128 GB) and 2 micro-Sim (combined slot), 3.5 mm audio output.
Price: ~100$
Unlike the previous model, it has a newer processor with LTE support, more RAM and permanent memory, an increased battery capacity, slightly improved camera modules and a display (by the way, Gorilla Glass 3), covered with 2.5 D glass. And in appearance it is very similar to Meizu M2 mini.
Bluboo Picasso 3G
Bluboo Picasso 3G
- display: 5-inch IPS with HD (1280 x 720) resolution;
- processor: 4-core MediaTek MT6580 (1.3 GHz), Mali-400;
- RAM: 2 GB;
- ROM: 16 GB;
- main camera: 8 MP, autofocus, LED flash;
- front: 8 MP;
- battery: 2500 mAh;
- network: GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz, WCDMA 850/1900/2100 MHz;
- interfaces: WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, USB 2.0, GPS, A-GPS;
- other: support for micro-SD (up to 64 GB) and 2 micro-Sim (combined slot), 3.5 mm audio output.
Price: ~80$
Well, this baby is here because of its interesting design. The abstract pattern of the back cover is somewhat reminiscent of the solution used in Zenfone Deluxe 2 from Asus. And if you want to stand out from the crowd, even without spending too much on expensive flagships, or you are simply tired of the monotonous design, then this will be an excellent purchase solution. Although it is always better to stand out with your knowledge.
Bottom line
Why are Xiaomi, Meizu, Elephone and other equally worthy companies not on the list?
It’s simple, they are more expensive :) But our budget is limited, like the guys from “Heads and Tails”.
However, they will definitely appear in our next selections of smartphones “affordable and capable.”
Which of the presented smartphones has the best price-quality ratio?
My choice is Doogee X5 Max. This is one of best models, presented on the market today, according to the ratio of the two criteria described above. And with the saved $35-40 you can, for example, buy good headphones or a Power Bank. Well, or both.
What smartphone would you buy if you had such a limited budget?
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You won’t surprise anyone with premium smartphones; in modern gadgets you can find everything: from a metal case to sapphire crystals, heart rate monitors and retinal scanners. The price of the Apple iPhone is growing year by year, like most of the top manufacturers on the market. But most simply do not need this, and such premium devices are opposed to ultra-budget smartphones costing up to $100. What are these gadgets? Are they worth attention, and are there any worthy specimens among them?
Inexpensive, high-quality smartphone for basic needs
The first thing to look at is the little-known one. The device is compact and fits well in your hand. The smartphone has a 4-inch screen, a 5 MP main camera and a quad-core Spreadtrum SC7731 processor. For normal everyday tasks like social networks and searching on the Internet, the power of the smartphone is enough, the device does not slow down, but you should not expect miracles from the Lenovo A1000.
High quality smartphone with good battery
The scourge of modern gadgets is the battery. Why do we need all the bells and whistles like cameras, ultra-resolution screens, if the phone runs out of power, and even basic functions become unavailable?
The longer the device works on a single charge, the more reliable it is. Apparently, Oukitel thought so and released the K4000 model with a 4000 mAh battery. This volume will provide a whole day of smartphone operation; you can safely take the device on a long trip without fear of battery drain and without the need for an external battery. Not all top flagships can boast such a capacity. However, you still shouldn’t hope that the device will work for a week without recharging, like the good old Nokia 1100.
Famous public sector employee
If suddenly unfamiliar brands scare you, then you should take a look at the Meizu M3 Mini smartphone. The gadget has well-balanced characteristics that will allow you, in addition to “every day” tasks, to also use your smartphone in games and heavy applications. In addition, Meizu services will provide the user with a comfortable experience right after purchase, without unnecessary settings.
Longest-lasting budget smartphone
It turned out that not only Oukitel received a large battery. Homtom has even surpassed the K4000 model in terms of battery capacity. Homtom HT6 has a whopping 6250 mAh. IN normal use and everyday use, the smartphone can last for several days, and with application optimization and an energy-saving mode enabled, the device can last up to 5 days on a single charge. No smartphone has been able to achieve this time, making the HT6 a unique representative in the line of budget gadgets.
Which inexpensive smartphone is better?
But which smartphone is the best among state employees? This is Xiaomi Mi4c. After all, the smartphone has a 5-inch display with Full HD resolution and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor. This combination will ensure full functionality with absolutely any application, including playing heavy Android games or running several applications simultaneously.
Budget smartphones are certainly not suitable for everyone, but it’s worth paying attention to such devices, because sometimes their features are very attractive.
Buying an inexpensive smartphone - what's the risk?
If you are not ready to shell out a tidy sum, then you will simply have to come to terms with the limitations of the device.
Risk #1 - disappointment
Ultra-budget smartphones, as a rule, are equipped with basic hardware; the camera lacks stabilization, zoom and focus. At some point, you simply may not have enough power.
Risk #2 - quality
The lower the price of a smartphone, the lower the build quality and materials. This means that the case, screen, and buttons will quickly wear out and lose their presentation. The housing often plays and creaks.
Risk #3 - service
The lower the quality of the phone, the higher the risk of breakdown. Problems with service centers and repairs do not arise; they are in many cities. But not all breakdowns are covered under warranty, and not everything is repaired for free. And I don’t want to be left without a phone.
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