Welcome back to our monthly rendezvous in which we check out some of the best Chinese smartphones currently on the market. In this list in particular, we have a look at five mid to high-end handsets for under $500; keep reading!
Best Chinese Smartphones for Under $500
1. Redmi K40
Let’s kick things off with the latest Redmi K40, the most powerful handset on the list with its last gen Snapdragon 870 SoC. The chipset is then coupled 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, to power a large 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED E4 panel with a refresh rate of 120Hz and touch sampling rate of 360Hz.
As for photography, the Redmi K40 comes with a main 48MP sensor, an 8MP ultra wide lens and a 5MP macro camera. Meanwhile for selfies we have a single 20MP snapper.
Finally, the smartphones encases a 4520mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging; along with NFC and an IR emitter.
2. OPPO Reno 5 5G
If you’re more into photography, the OPPO Reno 5 5G is a great alternative for under $500. The smartphone does indeed pack four rear cameras including a main 64MP Sony IMX686 image sensor, paired with an 8MP ultra wide angle lens, a 2MP macro and 2MP depth sensor. Meanwhile for selfies we have a 32MP selfie snapper.
OPPO’s phone is powered by a Snapdragon 750 CPU; along with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage (expandable). We then find a relatively compact 6.43-inch AMOLED display with Full HD+ resolution and 90Hz refresh rate.
Finally, the device is fueled by a 4300mAh capacity battery with 65W fast charging support, we also have a 3.5mm audio jack and Android 11 out of the box.
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Best Chinese Smartphones for Under $500
3. Honor Play 4 Pro
Another great smartphone for photography lovers is the Honor Play 4 Pro. The last flagship from Honor comes with top camera hardware including a primary 40MP Sony IMX600 large size sensor with f/1.8 aperture paired with an 8MP 3X periscope camera; both featuring OIS (optical image stabilization). Meanwhile for selfies, we have a 32MP selfie snapper and a secondary 8MP ultra wide lens.
As for performance, the Honor Play 4 Pro comes with the powerful Huawei Kirin 990 chipset; coupled with up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage (expandable).
The smartphone is packed with a 4200mAh capacity battery with support for 40W fast charging and it has NFC functionalities.
4. Realme V15
Next, we have the recently launched Realme V15, a powerful and relatively affordable mid-ranger pushed by a MediaTek Dimensity 800U CPU; along with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage.
The smartphone then features a 6.4-inch AMOLED display sporting Full HD+ resolution with a 16MP selfie snapper in a punch-hole in the upper left corner. As for the rear cameras, we we have a main 64MP camera, paired with an 8MP ultra wide lens a 2MP macro lens.
Finally, the Realme V15 comes packing a 4310mAh capacity battery with support for 50W fast charging.
Best Chinese Smartphones for Under $500
5. Ulefone Armor 11 5G
Last but not least, we have the handset for those of you who need something tougher. The latest Ulefone Armor 11 5G is indeed a rugged phone with some rather good internal hardware, including a powerful MediaTek Dimensity 800 CPU, 8GB of RAM and a whopping 256GB of internal storage (expandable).
The smartphone features a relatively compact 6.1-inch display with a 16MP selfie snapper in the notch at the top. Meanwhile on the back we find a main 48MP sensor, paired with a 13MP ultra wide lens, a 5MP macro sensor and a 2MP depth sensor.
Finally, the Ulefone Armor 11 5G features a large 5200mAh capacity battery with support for 18W wireless charging and NFC.
Check out our sub $200 list if you’re on a tighter budget!
