Travel back in time a few years and the idea of a useable $100 Android smartphone would have been ludicrous, now there are so many to choose from we have had to put together a top 10 of Android smartphones under $100!
Chinese smartphone companies are always in a constant state of competition. More competition, prices shifts in component costs and the volume of sales means that phone quickly drop in price and there are some bargains to be had even at below $100!
Here are our top 10 Android smartphones for under $100
Top 10 Android smartphones for under $100!
Mini S4
As the name would suggest, the Mini S4 is a compact Android smartphone with a passing resemblance for the previous Samsung Galaxy S4 flagship phone.
Rather than going down the super tiny display route, the Mini S4 boasts a 4.5-inch 480 x 800 display, support for a micro SD card, dual cameras (2 mega-pixel on the rear), WIFI, Bluetooth and dual SIM. Unfortunately, this bargain phone runs only Android 2.3 and has no GPS, but at just $60.67, it is well below our max price of $100 and has all the features you would need to get you through the day.
Tengda SM-S5
Another low-cost Samsung clone this time with the look of Samsung’s latest Galaxy S5. Slightly larger than the Mini S4, the SM-S5 has a 5-inch 854 x 480 display, dual-core MT65752W processor and 512mb RAM.
According to these specifications the SM-S5 has a 2 mega-pixel front camera and 8 mega-pixel rear, however it is more likely that the rear camera is interpolated from 5 mega-pixels. Other features are dual-SIM support for 2G and 3G networks, 4GB of internal memory, SD card memory expansion and 2600mAh battery. The Tengda SM-S5 is on sale now and costs just $99.99.
Huawei Ascend Y300
The [easyazon_link asin=”B00F3SJJRO” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”gizchicom-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Huawei Ascend Y300[/easyazon_link] has been on the market for just over 12 months now and prices have come down to just $99.99. Buying a big brand phone means that you should get some peace of mind when it comes to warranty and repairs, plus the phone gets some nice details including a 5 mega-pixel rear camera and scratch resistant 4-inch display.
The Y300 also has room for up to 32GB SD cards, has GPS and is compatible with 2G GSM and 3G WCDMA networks.
BLU Advanced 4.0
Another option from a larger phone maker the BLU Advanced get’s dual SIM support, space for a 32GB SD card, a 4-inch WVGA display and dual-core 1.3GHz processor. Like other phones on this list the BLU comes unlocked and is available in either white or black. The [easyazon_link asin=”B00HPTMCRI” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”gizchicom-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]BLU Advanced 4.0[/easyazon_link] can be found for less than $83 online.
JiaYu F1 WCDMA
Packing a more powerful 1.3Ghz dual-core processor and amazing build quality the JiaYu F1 great features at an affordable $69.99 price tag. The F1 has a 4-inch 800 x 480 display, GSM and WCDMA dual SIM standby, GPS, WIFI and room for a 64GB SD card.
Be sure to order the WCDMA version of the JiaYu F1 as only this model will be compatible with 3G networks outside of China.
Gizchina News of the week
KingSing K2
An alternative to the JiaYu F1 is the [easyazon_link asin=”B00HWOMEF6″ locale=”UK” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”gizchicom-21″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]KingSing K2[/easyazon_link] which also sports a 1.3Ghz MT6572 processor and 512mb RAM but with a slightly larger 4.3-inch display. The rest hardware includes a removable 1650mAh battery, Bluetooth, GPS and WIFI.
The phone also ships with a set of earphones, USB cable, charger, screen protector and flip cover with notification window. The KingSing K2 comes in either white or black for around $92.
Doogee DG300
Doogee’s entry-level smartphone offering is the [easyazon_link asin=”B00GWC9P1A” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”gizchicom-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Doogee DG300[/easyazon_link] might look similar to the other phones on the list but this 5-incher has a higher resolution 960 x 540 resolution. The rest of the specs are similar to rival devices at the same $99.99 price and include a MT6572 processor, 512mb RAM, 5 mega-pixel rear camera, dual-SIM support and 2500mAh battery.
Star S1
Compared to the rest of these sub $100 phones the Star S1 is in a league of its own. Originally priced at $243.99, I found the S1 on sale here for just $99.99. The S1 has a more powerful quad-core MT6589 chipset, 1GB RAM, 5.7-inch 720p display and 8 mega-pixel main camera! At this price the Star S1 is one of the best deals we have seen so far!
Cubot C11
A 5-inch screen, dual-core processor and stylish design are what make the Cubot C11 an interesting alternative to the other sub $100 phones. A 5 mega-pixel rear camera, dual SIM and 2000mAh removable battery are all there too.
The Cubot C11 costs $99.99 and comes with a single battery, earphones and protective case.
Doogee Collo2 DG120
If you are more interested in having a phone with the longest battery life possible for under $100 then the [easyazon_link asin=”B00IIDXS2I” locale=”US” new_window=”default” nofollow=”default” tag=”gizchicom-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”default”]Doogee Collo 2 DG120[/easyazon_link] is the phone for you. Along with having the longest name of all the phones listed here, the DG120 also has the largest battery being an impressive 3000mAh unit. The battery along with the dual-core processor, and 3.5-inch display should see the phone last a few days on a single charge. Plus at only $62.99 it is affordable enough to carry around as a back up phone.
Top 10 Android smartphones for under $100!
What are your opinions of the current crop of $100 Android phones? Are there any other phones you think we should have listed? Let us know in the comments section below.
Please clarify if your list is based on actual users experience or on the specs. only – all of us knows that “dry” specs. in most cases will not guarantee good quality – and when we read such lists we really expect to find the best phones in terms of quality – phones which were tested and have good users feedback for both hardware & software … If you could provide this kind of knowledge this would be a great benefit to us…
I have personally used the KingKing K2, Doogee phones, Huawei Y300 and JiaYu F1. Not sure which of the phones Robin has used of the list, he did email me and a few others for our opinions when he wrote this up.
I think this is the silliest list ever posted by Gizchina, is it meant to be read by Idiots ? A comparison list of 10 Best Android Fones should have included only fones with latest specs including at least JB, and at least a min of 4inch Display–display quality very important must be specified- Processor- which ? Battery size is very important especially in smart Android fones, Also the camera -whether AF or fixed focus and also LED light.Out of this silly list the only genuine Genuine choice is JiaYu F1, with its 4inch Sony display- a good AF cam and Jelly bean 4.2out of box, and a 2400 mAH battery , as a bonus price is only $ 70.coupled with a reliable manufacturer.Rest of the list..ignore.
True story…
couldn’t agree with you more. excellent comment
when are you doing the review for kingsing k2?
The Ascend Y300 is in very high demand locally in Kenya,its a nice budget phone. It goes for Ksh11,200incVAT. I wouldn’t buy anything else on this list really except maybe the JiaYu for $70. Wouldn’t go anywhere near any of the samsung clones,and Cubot are hit or miss with their quality. I’d call it a list of 3 if I add the BLU Advanced. I think you could’ve done better Andi. No ZTE,no Coolpad,wasn’t there a FAEA price cut? Poor list.
i like your comment 🙂
a pure and honest one
Robin, not Andi. FAEA should be on there I agree.
Hi Andi,
from jiayu f1 and faea f1 which one would you recommend? in terms of better user experience.
Thanks
I would say the JiaYu, it is more likely to get support from MIUI and other devs and its an overall great phone for the money
Andi, do you recommend the Doogee Pixels DG350 for 110$? Also is there any other good phones with 4.7 and 5.0 inch and 1 gb ram under 120$ ? Thanks in advance 🙂
i know both of them have nearly the same Antutu score. i seek your experienced advice considering build quality, stability, bug fixes, development, cam etc.
Please clarify if your list is based on actual users experience or on the specs. only – all of us knows that “dry” specs. in most cases will not guarantee good quality – and when we read such lists we really expect to find the best phones in terms of quality – phones which were tested and have good users feedback for both hardware & software … If you could provide this kind of knowledge this would be a great benefit to us…
I have personally used the KingKing K2, Doogee phones, Huawei Y300 and JiaYu F1. Not sure which of the phones Robin has used of the list, he did email me and a few others for our opinions when he wrote this up.
I think this is the silliest list ever posted by Gizchina, is it meant to be read by Idiots ? A comparison list of 10 Best Android Fones should have included only fones with latest specs including at least JB, and at least a min of 4inch Display–display quality very important must be specified- Processor- which ? Battery size is very important especially in smart Android fones, Also the camera -whether AF or fixed focus and also LED light.Out of this silly list the only genuine Genuine choice is JiaYu F1, with its 4inch Sony display- a good AF cam and Jelly bean 4.2out of box, and a 2400 mAH battery , as a bonus price is only $ 70.coupled with a reliable manufacturer.Rest of the list..ignore.
True story…
couldn’t agree with you more. excellent comment
when are you doing the review for kingsing k2?
… a handfull of smartphones for which, the owners won’t see any bugfixes or android updates….
and in some cases… low quality from unknown manufacturer
The Ascend Y300 is in very high demand locally in Kenya,its a nice budget phone. It goes for Ksh11,200incVAT. I wouldn’t buy anything else on this list really except maybe the JiaYu for $70. Wouldn’t go anywhere near any of the samsung clones,and Cubot are hit or miss with their quality. I’d call it a list of 3 if I add the BLU Advanced. I think you could’ve done better Andi. No ZTE,no Coolpad,wasn’t there a FAEA price cut? Poor list.
i like your comment 🙂
a pure and honest one
Robin, not Andi. FAEA should be on there I agree.
Hi Andi,
from jiayu f1 and faea f1 which one would you recommend? in terms of better user experience.
Thanks
i know both of them have nearly the same Antutu score. i seek your experienced advice considering build quality, stability, bug fixes, development, cam etc.
I would say the JiaYu, it is more likely to get support from MIUI and other devs and its an overall great phone for the money
Andi, do you recommend the Doogee Pixels DG350 for 110$? Also is there any other good phones with 4.7 and 5.0 inch and 1 gb ram under 120$ ? Thanks in advance 🙂
Andi, do you recommend the Doogee Pixels DG350 for 110$? Also is there any other good phones with 4.7 and 5.0 inch and 1 gb ram under 120$ ? Thanks in advance 🙂
Faea F1 is still at 99.99$ on their site with 4.5 inch 720p , quad A5 from Qualcomm , 8MP and 2MP cams.
… a handfull of smartphones for which, the owners won’t see any bugfixes or android updates….
and in some cases… low quality from unknown manufacturer
Faea F1 is still at 99.99$ on their site with 4.5 inch 720p , quad A5 from Qualcomm , 8MP and 2MP cams.
Why would anyone bother with outdated dualcore 512MB RAM phones when you can already buy the current MT6582 quadcore with 1GB of RAM for 99USD?
Google for
– Mpie MP707
– ZLR F9006
– Star W450
All are internationally available for < 100USD
Even the WCDMA Jiayu G2F is offered for 99 USD on some places
Yeah, Andy there are better phones you could choose. For example, the Faea F1 is at 99$ with free shipping! And that is not a very good deal. As written in another article, the Faea F2 was at 99$ also, with free shipping. Unfortunately it is out of stock : We could also buy the neo M1 and others for that price.
The M1 was only $99.99 for a short time, FAEA F2 is $119.99 now
Why would anyone bother with outdated dualcore 512MB RAM phones when you can already buy the current MT6582 quadcore with 1GB of RAM for 99USD?
Google for
– Mpie MP707
– ZLR F9006
– Star W450
All are internationally available for < 100USD
Even the WCDMA Jiayu G2F is offered for 99 USD on some places
Yeah, Andy there are better phones you could choose. For example, the Faea F1 is at 99$ with free shipping! And that is not a very good deal. As written in another article, the Faea F2 was at 99$ also, with free shipping. Unfortunately it is out of stock : We could also buy the neo M1 and others for that price.
The M1 was only $99.99 for a short time, FAEA F2 is $119.99 now
Yeah, Andy there are better phones you could choose. For example, the Faea F1 is at 99$ with free shipping! And that is not a very good deal. As written in another article, the Faea F2 was at 99$ also, with free shipping. Unfortunately it is out of stock : We could also buy the neo M1 and others for that price.
The M1 was only $99.99 for a short time, FAEA F2 is $119.99 now
these phones are not nearly the best for under 100 dollars
in my personal experiance I’ve had a 130 and doogee not been what I expected
but I also had a catee 100 and I can say it is the best phone you can buy for 70 dollars
4.5 Real ips screen
2000 mah battery
processor mtk6572w
500 mb ram
good finishes
much better than all those mentioned in article
sorry for the bad translation
these phones are not nearly the best for under 100 dollars
in my personal experiance I’ve had a 130 and doogee not been what I expected
but I also had a catee 100 and I can say it is the best phone you can buy for 70 dollars
4.5 Real ips screen
2000 mah battery
processor mtk6572w
500 mb ram
good finishes
much better than all those mentioned in article
sorry for the bad translation
Really? this is a list of junky Chinese phones, want a real phone with a 4″ screen quad core and a real brand name lte nfc 8gb rom/1gb ram and a 1800 mah battery that lasts all day with moderate use try the Samsung galaxy light top rated and I love it!http://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phones/Samsung-galaxy-light.html in fact AT&T can’t touch T-mobile’s $100 unlimited everything for 4 lines wonderful phone and service if it’s in your area and wifi calling who could ask for more? Btw vjayhimla is right silliest list ever!
Really? this is a list of junky Chinese phones, want a real phone with a 4″ screen quad core and a real brand name lte nfc 8gb rom/1gb ram and a 1800 mah battery that lasts all day with moderate use try the Samsung galaxy light top rated and I love it!http://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phones/Samsung-galaxy-light.html in fact AT&T can’t touch T-mobile’s $100 unlimited everything for 4 lines wonderful phone and service if it’s in your area and wifi calling who could ask for more? Btw vjayhimla is right silliest list ever!
Right now if you want a good smartphone coming with 4.4.2 KitKat, the Tengda N5 Quad-core 1.3Ghz, 1gb RAM, APN 8mpx, front 5mpx, mali-400mp.
Be aware the cpu is made by MediaTek, so no updates nor fixes. i paid mine $117
Right now if you want a good smartphone coming with 4.4.2 KitKat, the Tengda N5 Quad-core 1.3Ghz, 1gb RAM, APN 8mpx, front 5mpx, mali-400mp.
Be aware the cpu is made by MediaTek, so no updates nor fixes. i paid mine $117