TOP 4 BEST SMARTPHONES UNDER 5K

This is my first try in making a top 5 list and I will base this one according to user feedbacks and reviews listed on the web. I will also provide their respective pros and cons to help you decide on what to choose.

TOP 5 Best Smartphones under Php. 5,000

#4. ASUS ZENFONE C

First on the list is the upcoming Zenfone C, I know that its not yet available but talking about its price to specs ratio, it should be added on this list. Basically, it is placed between the Zenfone 4 and Zenfone 5. Here is a quick rundown of the specs, so as mentioned, a 4.5" IPS display, an Intel Atom Z2520 dual-core chipset w/HyperThreading technology, 1GB RAM and 8GB ROM, 5MP "PixelMaster" camera w/LED flash, VGA front facing one, your usual set of connectivity options like 3G, WI-FI, etc. It also sports dual SIM support and a 2100mAh battery.

Again, its still not available for purchase but it should become available soon. So, why is it on this list ? Well, i tried to read some reviews about this phone and to my surprise, somehow they praised it for its affordability. So, according to them, it has a good gaming capability which is the usual for a phone sporting an Intel Atom chipset, running on Asus' custom ZenUI, it offered a smooth and fluid user experience plus some cool features to complete the package. The camera is also decent, it has tons of features which were also available to Zenfone 5. With all of that, you're also ensured that this device is well-built, coming from a reliable smartphone maker, so that's an added point.

PROS :

- Good gaming performance, smooth and feature-pack UI
- Pretty decent camera w/tons of cool features
- More likely to receive an update
- Good battery life
- Good build quality, awesome design

CONS :

- Average display quality, very reflective and sunlight legibility is poor
- Gets warm after hours of moderate use

PRICE : Php. 4,590

Again, if you're willing to get your hands on this smartphone, kindly visit Asus Philippines' website.

#3. STARMOBILE UP LITE

Making it to the number four slot is Starmobile's budget smartphone under their Up line. Released at Q4 last year, the Up Lite remains one of the top contender under the 5K price range. It has the typical mix of specifications like a 4.5" FWVGA IPS OGS LCD display, a quad-core MediaTek MT6582M, 1GB RAM, 8GB of internal storage which is expandable via microSD, 8MP BSI rear-camera w/LED flash, 2MP BSI front-facing selfie camera w/flash (which is very rare for a phone at this price range), a 1,650mAh battery and your usual set of connectivity options, it's also Dual SIM by the way.

So according to symphonyx7's review, it has a pretty decent display which according to him, is one of the best at this price range. It also has a very good camera, comparable to phones which are priced 6K below and don't forget the front facing camera w/LED flash. Plus, it has a pretty attractive classy design for those who are "fashionistas". With all of that being said, the Starmobile Up Lite made its way on this list.

PROS :

- Pretty decent display (one of the best at this price range)
- Very good rear-facing camera
- Above average front-facing camera
- Classy and elegant design
- Generous packaging

CONS :

- Poor audio quality
- Battery isn't enough for its hardware

PRICE : Php. 4,590

Up Lite is still available at your nearest Starmobile kiosks, outlets and concept stores.

#2. SKK MOBILE LYNX

By far, the SKK Lynx is the cheapest octa-core smartphone with an HD screen available. Initially, this is my choice for the best smartphone under 5K but there's one con that made it just sit on the number two slot. (More on that later)

So for its very affordable price, you'll get a phone with a MediaTek MT6592M octa-core chipset partnered with 1GB of RAM, an 8GB internal storage which can be expanded via microSD card. It has a 5" HD IPS display, a 13MP BSI camera, a 2MP front-facing one, your usual set of connectivity options, dual SIM and a 2500mAh battery. Actually, it's very promising, no negative comments from users except one (kindly look on its Cons)

PROS :

- Affordability meets performance, cheapest smartphone with this kind of specs
- Rather enough battery life
- Very good camera performance, both rear and front-facing
- Awesome and attractive design, well-built and no squeaks present

CONS :

- Its so difficult to find stocks, even on their official online store

PRICE : Php. 3,990

So yeah, that made this phone only positioned on the number two slot, but then again, this phone is almost perfect in terms of specs and price. If you're willing to get one, prepare your PATIENCE in waiting for stocks, you can purchase it on your neares SKK stores, kiosks and outlets or you can order online, just visit : www.easyshop.ph

The best smartphone under 5K goes to  ......... (drum rolls)

#1. CHERRY MOBILE FLARE S3 POWER

So, yes it goes to Cherry Mobile's newest offering, the Flare S3 Power ! . So basically, if you already heard the Flare S3, this phone is actually it with an octa-core chipset, an HD screen, and a large 4000mAh battery.

The biggest gripe of the Flare S3 is its battery life, which is just rated at 1800mAh. So Cherry Mobile decided to release an upgraded one with a larger and better battery. So 4000mAh is more than enough for casual to heavy usage. Gaming wouldn't also be a problem because it has an octa-core chipset coupled with 1GB of RAM. What's best is that you will only add Php. 1,000 more from Flare S3's original price. Amazing !

PROS :

- Good performance, its octa-core chipset is reliable in gaming
- Big battery, expect longer battery life
- Good price to specs ratio

CONS :

- Cherry Mobile is known for its poor customer support

PRICE : Php. 4,999

So yeah, this marks our Top 4 best smartphones under 5K ! Stay tuned for more articles of the same kind