Looking for new mid-range smartphones? We’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’re doing a rundown of the newest smartphones released in the Philippines during Q3 of 2024 — specifically priced under PHP 25,000.
So, without further ado, let’s dive right into the list.
DISCLAIMER: The smartphones featured in this list were officially released in the Philippines during Q3 2024 (July to September). Listed prices here reflect their suggested retail prices at time of release.
Table of Contents
TECNO Spark 20 Pro 5G
Starting with the most affordable of the bunch, we have the TECNO Spark 20 Pro 5G.
It retails for only PHP 11,999, sporting a design that looks too familiar — almost like an iPhone. The back features a “triple” camera setup led by a 108-megapixel main shooter along with a 2-megapixel macro and auxiliary sensor.
Powering the device is a MediaTek Dimensity 6080 chipset with an ANTUTU score of around 400,000, combined with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage.
The display is a bit of a bummer — just a 6.78-inch full HD+ LCD screen. It’s still smooth though, running at 120Hz refresh rate. Battery-wise, the phone packs a 5,000mAh Li-ion with 33W of fast charging.
TECNO Spark 20 Pro 5G full specs
CMF Phone 1
Remember Nothing? Well, they now have a sub-brand of their own they call “CMF” which had recently released its very first smartphone offering.
Enter the CMF Phone 1 which brings back replaceable housings and takes customization up a notch.
Aside from the different case colors, the brand also added a few attachable accessories. There’s a lanyard, a kickstand, and a card holder that can be attached through the phone’s physical screws.
While that is a really fun way to customize the phone, sadly, such accessories and cases are sold separately. And even if the phone’s housing is replaceable, the battery is not — which is kind of a missed opportunity.
Anyways, going back to specs, the CMF Phone 1 runs on a 4-nanometer chip from MediaTek, the Dimensity 7300. The phone managed to get 648,563 points n our ANTUTU test, utilizing 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. It even adds a nifty microSD card slot for storage expansion of up to 2-terabytes.
Up front, it has a 6.67-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED display running at 120Hz refresh. It does have noticeably thick bezels all around, especially at the chin. This is quite expected of a phone that was designed with replaceable back panels in mind.
For cameras, it’s got a dual rear setup with a 50-megapixel main shooter and a 2-megapixel depth sensor. Battery is rated at the usual 5000mAh capacity with 33W of fast charging.
CMF Phone 1 Review | video review
realme 12 (4G)
Aside from the new realme 13 Pro 5G Series, the brand also released the vanilla, 4G version of the realme 12. Yes, you heard that right, it is a 4G smartphone that retails for PHP 13,999… Are you for real, realme?
For that price, it’s honestly a bit of a letdown. The phone is only powered by a dated chip, the Snapdragon 685. For config, it comes with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of expandable storage.
Maybe its other features could justify the price?
For starters, the realme 12 has a design akin to its flagship siblings. It sports a 6.67-inch Full HD+ E4 AMOLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate, up to 2,000 nits of peak brightness; and dual rear cameras headlined by a 50-megapixel main sensor with support for optical image stabilization.
It even has an IP54 rating for protection against dust and some water splashes. The battery is a 5000mAh unit complemented with a 67W fast charging.
Personally, I think the realme 12 4G variant, carrying a price tag of PHP 13,999, could have been priced more competitively.
realme 12 (4G) full specs | Lazada, Shopee
OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G
Moving on, we have the OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G. It features a 6.67-inch Full HD+ AMOLED screen with 120Hz refresh; a Snapdragon 695 chipset and comes with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of expandable storage.
The rear panel sees a dual camera setup with a 50-megapixel main sensor and optical image stabilization support complemented by a 2-megapixel depth sensor.
Its battery pack is a bit larger than usual at 5500mAh capacity and supports 80W of fast charging.
OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G full specs
OPPO Reno12 F 5G
Next up, we have the OPPO Reno12 F. It’s not 4G but it’s a toned-down version of the vanilla Reno12 5G.
Despite belonging in the same series, it comes with a different design language. At the rear, it sports a center-aligned, circular camera island housing three cameras. A 50-megapixel camera, an 8-megapixel ultrawide, and a 2-megapixel macro sensor.
Under the hood, it packs a MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset, 12GB of RAM and 256GB of expandable storage. It has a 5,000mAh battery paired with 45W fast charging. In ANTUTU, the phone garnered 455,476 points.
Flip to the front, it sports a 6.67-inch full HD+ OLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Another notable feature is the addition of an IR blaster.
OPPO Reno12 F 5G Review | video review
Nothing Phone (2a) Plus
Now, let’s move up the price ladder. Coming in at PHP 24,990, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus is an upgrade to the regular variant that sports a more premium-looking back panel design.
Notable changes are an “exclusive” chipset, the MediaTek Dimensity 7350 Pro, and a large 50-megapixel selfie shooter.
We haven’t tested a Phone (2a) Plus yet, but according to published sources, it scored 771,491 points in ANTUTU.
Other features remain largely the same, including a 6.7-inch full HD+ AMOLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, and 1,300 nits peak brightness; a dual camera setup with 50-megapixel sensors, both primary and ultrawide lenses, with optical image stabilization.
The battery is the same 5,000mAh unit with a slightly faster 50W of charging.
For reference, the Nothing Phone (2a) Plus had a significant price increase to PHP 24,990 from PHP 18,990 on the regular Phone (2a).
Nothing Phone (2a) Plus full specs
realme 13 Pro 5G
Next on the list is the realme 13 Pro fronting its AI-powered camera capabilities.
The phone boasts of a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen2 with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. It has a score of 663,044 points in ANTUTU.
The display is a 6.7-inch full HD+ OLED panel with 120Hz refresh rate and up to 2,000 nits of peak brightness.
Despite the “Pro” moniker, the dual camera setup seems to be a bit basic. There’s a 50-megapixel main shooter with optical image stabilization, accompanied by an 8-megapixel ultrawide sensor. A third sensor or a telephoto would’ve been nice.
As for the battery, it packs a slightly higher 5,200mAh unit with 45W charging. Expect a tougher build quality, as it comes with an IP65 rating for dust and splash resistance, as well as a newer Gorilla Glass 7i for an added layer of screen protection.
realme 13 Pro 5G Review | video review
HONOR 200
Then, there’s the HONOR 200 rocking the most powerful chipset on this list — the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 with an ANTUTU score of 831,091 points.
The phone’s display is also the best one out of the bunch with a 6.7-inch, 1.2K quad-curved AMOLED panel, 120Hz refresh rate, and up to 4,000 nits of peak brightness.
Camera performance is also one of its strong suits. The three rear sensors include a 50-megapixel main shooter with optical image stabilization, another 50-megapixel telephoto sensor with OIS as well, and a 12-megapixel ultrawide/macro camera.
Selfies are also crisp with a 50-megapixel front camera.
Its battery also uses a new tech with a 5,200mAh silicon-carbon battery, a topic which we delved through in one of our video explainers which you can watch here.
For charging, the phone comes with a blazing fast 100W charging.
The HONOR 200 is also priced at PHP 24,999.
HONOR 200 Review | video review
OPPO Reno12 5G
Last but not the least, we go back to the Reno12 Series. The regular Reno12 5G features significantly better hardware than the F version at a relatively heftier price.
Coming in at PHP 24,999, it packs a better chipset, the MediaTek Dimensity 7300. The device comes with 12GB of RAM and up to 512GB of internal storage. Interestingly, it retains a microSD card slot for storage expansion.
In ANTUTU, the Reno12 scored a decent 642,338 points.
The cameras, however, appear to be the same. The regular Reno12 features a 50-megapixel main sensor with optical image stabilization, an 8-megapixel ultrawide, and a 2-megapixel macro sensor.
It retains the same battery capacity at 5,000mAh with support for faster 80W charging (from 45W).
The OPPO Reno12 5G sets you back PHP 24,999.
OPPO Reno12 5G Review | video review
That wraps up this list! Which do you think is the best buy in this price range? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
