Best Smartphones Under PHP 7K Philippines 2020 - 2021

Alongside the expansion of 5G and the advent of in-display cameras, the international mobile industry has also been ushered into a reinvigorated budget-friendly segment.

We've already seen how Apple and Google have forayed, and right at the forefront, with the release of the Pixel 4a, its 5G version, and the iPhone SE (2020).

We've also been in awe with the Nord smartphone's arrival, OnePlus' first and official stab in the mid-range competition. Subsequently, the Chinese tech manufacturer has expanded it with the OnePlus Nord N10 5G and the even cheaper Nord N100.

As it stands, there are now many smartphone brands out there that are vying for your hard-earned cash.

In the Philippines, narrowing down your choices on a limited budget is a daunting experience. The market, which has always been flooded with the Xiaomis and realmes of the world, is now joined by a slew of budding brands.

For this reason, we've sifted through the best smartphones under PHP 7,000 and rank them based on their popularity(search volume) to ease your search ultimately.

As it happens, these phones can now be availed through popular online shopping sites and online stores locally.

Without further ado, here are the best smartphones under PHP 7,000 to buy in 2020.

Best Smartphones Under PHP 7,000 in the Philippines 2020

10. Nokia 2.4

The world's most trusted smartphone brand in 2020 is back again in the entry-level competition when it launched the Nokia 2.4 in September 2020.

While its appeal isn't exactly very modern, the Nokia 2.4 is adorned with all the right features. The helm of these can be found in its internals.

The Nokia 2.4 is powered by MediaTek's Helio P22 chipset, an octa-core processor based on a 12nm architecture, and features PowerVR GE8320 for its GPU needs. Meanwhile, the device is listed with a massive 4,500mAh battery.

The Nokia 2.4 also has a 6.5-inch IPS LCD panel, with 720 x 1,600 pixels and a notch that houses a 5MP selfie snapper. On the rear of the handset is a dual-camera setup with an LED flash and a fingerprint reader.

The Nokia 2.4 also features a 3.5mm headphone jack, Bluetooth 5.0, and FM radio. It runs on Android 10, with a confirmed, planned upgrade to Android 11.

Nokia 2.4 Key Specifications

Display Size	6.5 inches
Display Resolution	HD+ 720 x 1600 pixels
OS ver	Android 10 (Android One), planned upgrade to Android 11
CPU	Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) Octa-core Cortex-A53
CPU Speed	2.0 GHz
Storage	32GB, 64GB
External Storage	microSD, up to 512GB
RAM	2GB, 3GB
Main Camera	13MP + 2MP
Front Camera	5MP
Battery	Li-Po 4,500mAh, non-removable Charging 5V 1A
Dimensions	165.9 x 76.3 x 8.7 mm (6.53 x 3.00 x 0.34 in)
Weight	195 g (6.88 oz)
Color	Charcoal, Fjord, Dusk

9. Xiaomi Redmi 9C

Easily one of the most contemporary smartphones on our list in terms of design and key features, the Xiaomi Redmi 9C's placement is one that doesn't surprise us anymore.

The Redmi 9C has all the trappings of a fantastic entry-level handset. It features a 6.53-inch IPS LCD panel, with 720 x 1,600 pixels and a notch, which is home to a 5MP selfie shooter.

Around the back of the Redmi 9C is a modern-looking, square-like module that sports a triple-camera setup. The system is headlined by a 13MP wide camera, with two 2MP macro and depth lenses as its auxiliary sensors.

The Redmi 9C is also powered by the gaming-oriented MediaTek Helio G35 chipset, coupled with up to 3GB of RAM and 64GB of expandable storage. Another highlight of the phone is right in this department, with a 5,000mAh battery.

Xiaomi Redmi 9C Key Specifications

Display Size	6.53 inches
Display Resolution	HD+ 720 x 1600 pixels
OS ver	Android 10, MIUI 12
CPU	MediaTek Helio G35 (12 nm) Octa-core Cortex-A53
CPU Speed	4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53
Storage	32GB, 64GB
External Storage	microSDXC (dedicated slot)
RAM	2GB, 3GB
Main Camera	13MP + 2MP + 2MP
Front Camera	5MP
Battery	Non-removable, Li-Po 5,000mAh Charging 10W
Dimensions	164.9 x 77.07 x 9.0 mm (6.49 x 3.03 x 0.35 in)
Weight	196 g (6.91 oz)
Color	Midnight Gray, Sunrise Orange, Twilight Blue

8. Xiaomi Redmi 9A

Another budget phone from Redmi that is geared for the young gamers in the market, the Xiaomi Redmi 9A, draws its power from MediaTek's Helio G25 system-on-a-chip. The phone is then accompanied by up to 6GB of RAM and an expandable 128GB of onboard storage.

The Redmi 9A also features the same 5,000mAh battery. Unfortunately, like the Redmi 9C, this one doesn't get equipped with support for fast charging either.

The same can be experienced with the Redmi 9A's display offerings. It has a 6.53-inch IPS LCD panel with 720 x 1,600 pixels and a notch with a 5MP selfie snapper. However, its rear differs from the 9C variant, as it sports a somewhat dated camera module, which houses a single 13MP wide lens.

Other key features of the Redmi 9A are Bluetooth 5.0, 3.5mm headphone jack, and FM radio.

Xiaomi Redmi 9A Key Specifications

Display Size	6.53 inches
Display Resolution	HD+ 720 x 1600 pixels
OS ver	Android 10, MIUI 12
CPU	MediaTek Helio G25 (12 nm) Octa-core Cortex-A53
CPU Speed	2 GHz
Storage	32GB
External Storage	microSDXC (dedicated slot)
RAM	2GB
Main Camera	13MP
Front Camera	5MP
Battery	Non-removable, Li-Po 5,000mAh 10W charging
Dimensions	164.9 x 77.07 x 9.0 mm
Weight	198 g
Color	Carbon Grey, Ocean Green, Sky Blue

7. Samsung Galaxy A01

If you ever want to experience the greatness the One UI currently offers, then the Samsung Galaxy A01 is your starting point.

Samsung's budget-friendly smartphone from 2019 is still among the best choices in this segment, and the reasons couldn't be more overstated.

The Galaxy A01 features a 5.7-inch PLS TFT screen, with a resolution of 720 x 1,520 pixels and a notch, in which a 5MP front-facing sensor resides.

On its rear, the Galaxy A01 has a dual-camera setup, comprising 13MP wide and 2MP depth sensors.

The Galaxy A01 also has a dedicated FM radio, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 439 chipset.

The Galaxy A01 runs on One UI 2, based on Android 10.

Samsung Galaxy A01 Key Specifications

Display Size	5.7 inches
Display Resolution	HD+ 720 x 1520 pixels
OS ver	Android 10.0; One UI 2
CPU	Qualcomm SDM439 Snapdragon 439 (12 nm) Octa-core
CPU Speed	4x1.95 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.45 GHz Cortex A53
Storage	16GB
External Storage	microSD, up to 512GB
RAM	2GB
Main Camera	13MP + 2MP
Front Camera	5MP
Battery	Non-removable, Li-Ion 3,000mAh
Dimensions	146.2 x 70.9 x 8.3 mm
Weight	149 g
Color	Black, Red, Blue

6. Xiaomi Redmi 9

The Xiaomi Redmi 9 is, without a doubt, a force to be reckoned with, one that also challenges the experience of a budget-friendly smartphone.

The Redmi 9, for instance, now boasts a 6.53-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 1,080 x 2,340 pixels – a first for the series. The phone's display also packs 400 nits of typical brightness, Corning Gorilla Glass 3, and a notch that houses an 8MP selfie snapper.

The Redmi 9 is also powered by the Helio G80 SoC, one of MediaTek's latest chips that are specially developed to cater to budget-conscious gamers in the market. The phone is then coupled with up to 6GB of RAM and an expandable 128GB of internal storage. Meanwhile, the handset is listed with a 5,020mAh battery, with support for 18W fast wired charging.

The vanilla Redmi 9 also boasts a quadruple-camera setup on its rear, front-lined by a 13MP wide lens. The system also has ultrawide, macro, and depth sensors.

Other crucial features of the Redmi 9 include a 3.5mm headphone jack, NFC, Bluetooth 5.0, wireless FM radio, rear-mounted fingerprint reader, and USB Type-C.

Xiaomi Redmi 9 Key Specifications

Display Size	6.53 inches
Display Resolution	FHD+ 1080 x 2340 pixels
OS ver	Android 10, MIUI 12
CPU	Mediatek Helio G80 (12 nm) Octa-core Cortex-A75 & Cortex-A55
CPU Speed	2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55
Storage	32GB, 64GB
External Storage	microSD, up to 512GB
RAM	3GB, 4GB
Main Camera	13MP + 8MP + 5MP + 2MP
Front Camera	8MP
Battery	Non-removable, Li-Po 5,020mAh Fast charging 18W
Dimensions	163.32 x 77.01 x 9.1 mm (6.43 x 3.03 x 0.36 in)
Weight	198 g (6.98 oz)
Color	Carbon Gray, Ocean Green, Sunset Purple, Pink/Blue

5. Infinix HOT 9

Infinix has always been at the top of its game when delivering bang-for-your-buck smartphones with unbelievably modern design.

The Infinix HOT 9 is no different. If there's anything, its release made this brand's reputation all the more pronounced.

The Infinix HOT 9 features a 6.6-inch IPS LCD panel with 720 x 1,600 pixels and a display cutout that houses an 8MP selfie shooter.

On its rear, the phone's quadruple-camera system features a 16MP wide lens as its primary unit. This is then accompanied by two 2MP macro and depth sensors, alongside a QVGA module, which is a low-light sensor. A mounted fingerprint reader is also featured.

Ultimately, all these sensors are embedded in a rectangular module, which is also home to a triple-LED flash.

The Infinix HOT 9 also has a 3.5mm headphone jack, Bluetooth 5.0, and a dedicated FM radio.

The Infinix HOT 9 is powered by MediaTek's Helio A25, with 4GB of RAM and an expandable 128GB of storage. A 5,000mAh battery is also listed for the phone.

Infinix HOT 9 Key Specifications

Display Size	6.6 inches
Display Resolution	HD+ 1600 x 720 pixels
OS ver	XOS 6.0, based on Android 10.0
CPU	MediaTek Helio A25 (12nm) Octa-core
CPU Speed	4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53
Storage	64GB, 128GB
External Storage	microSD, up to 256GB
RAM	4GB
Main Camera	16MP + 2MP + 2MP + AI Lens AF
Front Camera	8MP
Battery	5,000mAh Xcharge 10W
Dimensions	165.4 x 76.8 x 8.8 mm
Weight	185 g
Color	Midnight Black, Quetzal Cyan, Ocean Wave, Violet

4. realme C12

Apart from Redmi and Infinix, realme has also cemented its status as the ultimate bringer of innovation in the budget-friendly segment.

One of the smartphone series which rallies behind this movement is the C lineup from realme, and one of the pioneers of this is the realme C12.

The realme C12 is a defiant all-rounder. It features a 6.5-inch IPS LCD panel with a resolution of 720 x 1,600 pixels and Corning Gorilla Glass. There's also a notch which houses a 5MP selfie shooter.

The realme C12 also has an impressive set of internals. It is headlined by the MediaTek Helio G35 chipset, 3GB of RAM and an expandable 32GB of storage, and a 6,000mAh battery.

The realme C12 also features a Nightscape triple-camera setup on its rear, headlined by a 13MP wide camera, with two 2MP B/W and macro units as its auxiliary sensors.

The phone also has a 3.5mm headphone jack, FM radio, Bluetooth 5.0, and rear-mounted fingerprint reader.

realme C12 Key Specifications

Display Size	6.5 inches
Display Resolution	HD+ 1600 x 720 pixels
OS ver	Android 10, realme UI 1.0
CPU	MediaTek Helio G35 (12 nm) Octa-core Cortex-A53
CPU Speed	2.3 GHz
Storage	32GB
External Storage	microSDXC (dedicated slot)
RAM	3GB
Main Camera	13MP + 2MP + 2MP
Front Camera	5MP
Battery	Non-removable, Li-Po 6,000mAh Charging 10W
Dimensions	164.5 x 75.9 x 9.8 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.39 in)
Weight	209 g (7.37 oz)
Color	Coral Red, Marine Blue

3. realme C15

If your concerns over the previous entry are that it may lack some camera and battery features, then allow the realme C15 to take some of the weight off that.

The realme C15, for one, now features a quadruple-camera setup on its rear. This gets spearheaded by a 13MP wide camera, with an 8MP ultrawide and two 2MP macro and B/W units as its secondary sensors. It also boasts an 8MP front-facing camera.

And while the realme C15 still sports the enormous 6,000mAh battery, it now supports 18W fast wired charging – a feature its sibling sorely lacks.

The realme C15 is also fueled by the same Helio G35 chipset, with up to 4GB of RAM and 64GB of expandable storage.

Some of its other key features are Bluetooth 5.0, a 3.5mm headphone jack, FM radio, and a rear-mounted fingerprint reader.

realme C15 Key Specifications

Display Size	6.5 inches
Display Resolution	HD+ 720 x 1600 pixels
OS ver	Android 10, realme UI 1.0
CPU	MediaTek Helio G35 (12 nm) Octa-core Cortex-A53
CPU Speed	2.3 GHz
Storage	64GB, 128GB
External Storage	microSD, up to 256GB
RAM	3GB, 4GB
Main Camera	13MP + 8MP + 2MP + 2MP
Front Camera	8MP
Battery	Non-removable, Li-Po 6,000mAh Fast charging 18W
Dimensions	164.5 x 75.9 x 9.8 mm
Weight	209 g (including battery)
Color	Seagull Silver, Marine Blue

2. realme C11

Inarguably the most accessible among the realme C series of smartphones in 2020 is the C11 variant. As such, it's no longer such a wonder that this phone is placing high on our list.

Like the realme C12 and C15, the realme C11 is the ultimate all-rounder in its class. Perhaps the only advantage of the phone over the former is that it was announced earlier, which ultimately precipitated its popularity in the Philippines.

But enough digressing, the realme C11 features a 6.5-inch IPS LCD panel, with a resolution of 720 x 1,560 pixels and a notch, home to a 5MP selfie snapper.

There are also two cameras on its rear, enveloped in a square-like module that also houses an LED flash. Note, though, that the phone doesn't get equipped with a fingerprint reader in this section.

The realme C11 also draws its power from the capable Helio G35 chip, with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of expandable storage. A 5,000mAh battery is also listed.

realme C11 Key Specifications

Display Size	6.5 inches
Display Resolution	HD+ 720 x 1560 pixels
OS ver	Android 10, realme UI 1.0
CPU	MediaTek Helio G35 Octa-core Cortex-A53
CPU Speed	2.3 GHz
Storage	32GB
External Storage	microSDXC (dedicated slot)
RAM	2GB
Main Camera	13MP + 2MP
Front Camera	5MP
Battery	Non-removable, Li-Po 5,000mAh Charging 10W
Dimensions	164.4 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm (6.47 x 2.99 x 0.36 in)
Weight	196 g (6.91 oz)
Color	Pepper Grey, Mint Green

1. HUAWEI Y6p

Say whatever you want, but the chart-topper of our list is the HUAWEI Y6p. And this is quite a deal, considering that it doesn't launch with Google Play Services.

The HUAWEI Y6p has an understated design, one that must echo to many users who only want a straight-up smartphone that has a lot in it. It features a 6.3-inch IPS LCD panel, with a resolution of 720 x 1,600 pixels. It also has a notch in its display, which seems to be the pervading theme in our list.

Around the back of the HUAWEI Y6p is a classic-looking panel, which is only interrupted by a fingerprint reader and a familiarly-shaped module that houses a triple-camera setup. The system consists of 13MP wide, 5MP ultrawide, and 2MP depth sensors.

Meanwhile, the HUAWEI Y6p's notch has an 8MP wide unit in it.

The HUAWEI Y6p is powered by MediaTek's Helio P22 chip, with up to 4GB of RAM and 64GB of expandable storage. A 5,000mAh battery is also in the mix.

HUAWEI Y6p Key Specifications

Display Size	6.3 inches
Display Resolution	HD+ 720 x 1600 pixels
OS ver	EMUI 10.1 (Based on Android 10)
CPU	Mediatek MT6762R Helio P22 (12 nm) Octa-core Cortex-A53
CPU Speed	4 x 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4 x 1.5 GHz Cortex-A53
Storage	64GB
External Storage	microSD, up to 512GB
RAM	3GB, 4GB
Main Camera	13MP + 5MP + 2MP
Front Camera	8MP
Battery	Non-removable, Li-Po 5,000mAh
Dimensions	159.07 x 74.06 x 9.04 mm
Weight	185 g
Color	Midnight Black, Emerald Green, Phantom Purple

The Bottom Line

Competition is always a good thing. And this rings especially true in the budget-friendly segment. This market should be inundated more across all regions, which are now ravaged by the pandemic's unforgiving economic repercussions.

This is where realme and Xiaomi are effectively thriving. With three entries each in our list, these two smartphone brands from China are at the top of their game.

But these brands' popularity wasn't achieved overnight. If there's anything these companies have perfected since it's the meticulous approach to combining only the right features and specifications in a smartphone, then seal it with a competitive price tag.

Spec Comparison

• Images from  consumer.huawei.com