Top Smartphones of 2016 Above Php20,000

Earlier we gave you a compilation of last year’s top smartphones with a budget of above Php30USD 0.51INR 43EUR 0.49CNY 4k. This time, we’re lowering the price bracket at above Php20k. These phones may be less expensive but they still pack a punch and can go head-to-head with the flagships.

Here are the top smartphones of 2016 above Php20,000USD 341INR 28,892EUR 325CNY 2,482.

Note: List is arranged alphabetically. Phones included are those that can be purchased locally through official or online stores with a price range of Php20,000USD 341INR 28,892EUR 325CNY 2,482 to Php29,999USD 511INR 43,337EUR 487CNY 3,723.

Apple iPhone SE

Apple is known for releasing expensive smartphones costing above Php30K, but in March last year they released the iPhone SE. It looks and feels like the iPhone 5/5S but sports more powerful internals that can match the iPhone 6S. It’s small form factor and 4-inch display might disappoint some buyers but it’s one of the best iPhones you can buy at this price range. The iPhone SE starts at Php23,590USD 402INR 34,078EUR 383CNY 2,928.

ASUS Zenfone 3 Deluxe (ZS550KL)

Next is the Zenfone 3 Deluxe (ZS550KL). Don’t get confused though as this is the 5.5-inch model with a Snapdragon 625 CPU, 4GB RAM, 16MP camera, 64GB of storage, and 3,000mAh battery. It might be a bit toned down compared to its larger sibling but this is the most affordable Deluxe in the family. The Zenfone 3 Deluxe (ZS550KL) is priced at Php22,995USD 392INR 33,219EUR 373CNY 2,854.

Huawei P9 / P9 Plus

One of the most popular devices of 2016 falls under this price bracket – the P9 and P9 Plus. Huawei’s flagship for 2016 features dual 12MP rear cameras co-engineered with premium camera brand Leica. Buyers also have two options: if you want a 5.2-inch screen, 3GB RAM, 32GB storage, and 3,000mAh battery – the P9 is the best way to go at Php24,990USD 426INR 36,101EUR 406CNY 3,101. But if you want more like a 5.5-inch display, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, and 3,400mAh battery – the P9 Plus is your next best bet at Php29,990USD 511INR 43,324EUR 487CNY 3,722.

Lenovo Phab 2 Pro

Lenovo also surprised us last year with a launch of a 6.4-inch phablet powered by a Snapdragon 652 octa-core CPU, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, and 4,050mAh battery. But what makes this phone unique is its Google Tango technology. Aside from its 16MP rear camera, it has a special camera for augmented reality. The Lenovo Phab 2 Pro is priced at Php24,999USD 426INR 36,114EUR 406CNY 3,102.

LG G5

LG’s flagship for 2016 is the G5. A powerful phone with a 5.3-inch QHD display, Snapdragon 820 CPU, 4GB RAM, 32GB storage, and a dual 16MP + 8MP rear camera setup. What makes it stand out though is its modular design that lets you connect it to special modules and accessories. It is priced at Php29,990USD 511INR 43,324EUR 487CNY 3,722 but some stores sell it for around Php27K bundled with some modules.

Motorola Moto Z Play

If the Moto Z is expensive, then you might want to take a look at the Moto Z Play. It’s a bit toned down with its 5.5-inch FHD display, Snapdragon 625 CPU, 3GB RAM, 16MP camera with Laser AF, 32GB storage, and 3,510mAh battery, but it’s more affordable at Php22,999USD 392INR 33,224EUR 373CNY 2,854.

OnePlus 3T

OnePlus may not be officially available in the country but you may purchase it at online stores for Php23,500USD 400INR 33,948EUR 381CNY 2,916 (see listing here). It sports a 5.5-inch FHD Optic AMOLED display, Snapdragon 821 CPU, 6GB RAM, 16MP camera, 64GB of starting storage, and 3,400mAh battery. It’s dual-SIM as well, has a premium build, but lacks support for microSD cards.

Samsung Galaxy A9 Pro

If you’re looking for another smartphone with a large screen, Samsung’s Galaxy A9 Pro is one of the best out there. It has a 6-inch FHD Super AMOLED display, Snapdragon 652 CPU, 4GB RAM, 32GB storage, 16MP camera, and a large 5,000mAh battery. The A9 Pro is suited for users who are into multimedia consumption like watch videos and viewing photos. It is priced at Php25,990USD 443INR 37,545EUR 422CNY 3,225.

Sony Xperia X

Sony launched the Xperia X back in June 2016. This smartphone boasts a 5-inch Full HD display, Snapdragon 650 CPU, 3GB RAM, 64GB storage, 23MP PDAF camera, fingerprint scanner, and Android Marshmallow. A bit toned-down and also more expensive compared to the rest of the phones here at Php29,990USD 511INR 43,324EUR 487CNY 3,722.

Xiaomi Mi Note 2

Last, but not the least, is the Xiaomi Mi Note 2. This phone arrived after Samsung pulled out the Galaxy Note7 and amusingly had some similarities with it. It has a 5.7-inch FHD OLED display with dual curved edges, Snapdragon 821 CPU, 4GB/6GB RAM, 64GB/128GB storage, 23MP camera, and 4,070mAh battery. It’s not officially available in the Philippines but can be purchased at online sellers starting at Php28,990USD 494INR 41,879EUR 471CNY 3,598 (see listing here).

And that sums it up. If we missed anything, let us know in the comments below. We’ll be back with another compilation at a lower price range, so stay tuned.