Top 5 Best Chinese Smartphones for Under $500 – June 2021

In the past year or so it’s been getting incredibly hard to find full-on flagships for under $500, but that doesn’t necessarily mean we don’t get some very good options in this price range. Thus let’s have a look at the current best Chinese smartphones on the market selling for less than $500.

Best Chinese Smartphones for Under $500

1. OnePlus 9R

Just like last month, this list kicks off with the OnePlus 9R. The smartphone comes with the semi-flagship chipset Qualcomm Snapdragon 870; along with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage.

The 9R by OnePlus also brings a beautiful 6.55-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, 1080x2400px resolution and HDR10+ support. Meanwhile for photos we have four rear shooters a 48MP main camera, an 16MP ultra wide angle lens, a 5MP macro and 2MP depth sensor; along with a 16MP selfie snapper at the front.

Finally, the OnePlus 9R encases a 4500mAh with support for 65W fast charging 65W, it has NFC and runs OxygenOS 11 based on Android 11.

2. iQOO Neo5

Next, we have another device with the great performing Snapdragon 870, the iQOO Neo5. The chipset is then coupled with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. The smartphone also features a large 6.62-inch AMOLED display with a refresh rate of 120Hz and a touch sampling rate of 300Hz.

Photography wise, the iQOO Neo5 comes with a 48MP Sony IMX598 image sensor, paired with a 13MP ultra wide angle lens and a 2MP B&W sensor. While for selfies we have a single 16MP snapper at the front.

As for autonomy, the iQOO Neo5 is fueled by a 4400mAh capacity battery with support for 66W fast charging and NFC is present as well.

Best Chinese Smartphones for Under $500

3. POCO F3

Also coming with a Snapdragon 870 SoC, we find the powerful POCO F3. The handset from Xiaomi’s sub-brand comes packing a large 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED E4 panel with a refresh rate of 120Hz and touch sampling rate of 360Hz.

The POCO F3 features three cameras on the back, including a main 48MP sensor, an 8MP ultra wide lens and a 5MP macro camera. While at the front there’s a 20MP snapper for selfies.

The F3 by POCO also manages to pack an average size 4520mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging; along with NFC and an IR emitter.

 

Best Chinese Smartphones for Under $500

4. Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite

If you’re looking for a thin and light smartphone, the Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite is the one to go for with a thickness of just 6.8mm and a weight of 157 grams. The handset also manages to bring a premium 6.55-inch AMOLED Full HD+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate and 240Hz touch sampling rate.

The Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite is powered by a mid-range Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G; along with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. While for photography we find a 64MP primary sensor, paired an 8MP ultra wide and a 5MP macro lens. For selfies there’s a single 16MP snapper at the front.

Finally the smartphone is fueled by a 4250mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging, there’s NFC and an infrared emitter.

5. Black Shark 4

Last but not least, the mobile gamers out there might be interested in the latest Xiaomi Black Shark 4, a gaming phone with a slim design and a less aggressive look than usual.

Just like many other phones on the list, the Black Shark 4 is also powered by a Snapdragon 870; coupled with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage.

As for photos, the gaming phone packs a 48MP primary sensor, paired an 8MP ultra wide and a 5MP macro lens on the back; along with a 20MP selfie snapper at the front.

Finally, the handset features a 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED E4 panel with a massive refresh rate of 144Hz and a touch sampling rate of 720Hz. We also find a large 4500mAh battery with support for 120Hz fast charging, there’s NFC and a 3.5mm audio jack.

Check out our sub $200 list if you’re on a tighter budget!