Best Budget Smartphones under Php 5,000 (Q3 2023)
We’re back with another installment of our quarterly roundup series, highlighting the latest smartphone releases in the Philippines.
In this article, we will cover the third quarter of 2023, specifically focusing on the new budget-friendly options priced under PHP 5,000. And we actually just have two new budget phones released in that quarter: the realme C51 and the Redmi A2 Plus 33.
With a thousand-peso price difference, let’s take a closer look at what both of them have to offer.
Display
Starting off with their displays. As usual, both get an HD+ resolution IPS LCD panels.
However, only the realme C51 features a 90Hz screen. It is also slightly larger, measuring at 6.74 inches compared to the 6.52-inch screen on the Redmi A2 Plus.
Chipset
Moving on to their chipsets, the realme C51 uses the UNISOC T612, while the Redmi A2 Plus has the MediaTek Helio G36.
Both of these chips are based on a 12-nanometer process node and feature eight cores. The former reaches a clock speed of up to 1.82 gigahertz (GHz), while the latter takes it a step further with a max clock speed of 2.2 GHz—implying slightly faster performance.
Memory and Storage
In terms of configuration, both devices have extended RAM capabilities.
The realme C51 offers a couple of RAM options, with either 3GB or 4GB of onboard RAM, and up to 4GB of extended memory. Additionally, it offers ample storage choices, including 64GB and 128GB variants.
In contrast, the Redmi A2 Plus has a default 3GB of onboard RAM, with 2GB of extended RAM. As for storage, it comes with a default capacity of 32GB.
Both phones offer expandable storage, but if you’re someone who needs a lot of storage, you’ll be glad to know that the realme C51 can support an impressive 2TB of additional space via microSD, while the Redmi A2 Plus can handle up to 1TB, which is still quite impressive for the price.
Cameras
Now, let’s talk about the cameras. This is where the realme C51 shines, boasting a dual-camera setup with a 50-megapixel main lens.
The Redmi A2 Plus also features dual cameras with an 8-megapixel main lens. As for selfies, both phones are equipped with a 5-megapixel front-facing camera.
Battery and Charging
For the battery, both models have a 5000mAh battery pack. The Redmi A2 Plus only supports a 10W charging rate via a microUSB port, while the realme C51 supports a 33W SuperVOOC charging via USB-C.
Software
Software-wise, the realme C51 runs Android 13 out of the box with a toned-down realme UI T Edition on top. Meanwhile, the Redmi A2 Plus runs Android 12 Go Edition, which I presume uses a toned-down version of MIUI as well.
Price
Now for the most important part, the price.
The realme C51 is priced at PHP 4,999 69. For the price, you get a smoother screen, flexible RAM and storage options, a better main camera, faster charging, and more updated software.
On the other hand, the Redmi A2 Plus costs only PHP 3,999 35, making it a thousand pesos cheaper.
To achieve this lower price, some compromises had to be made, but it’s still a great deal considering it falls into the budget tier category.
Tech specs: realme C51 vs Redmi A2+
| realme C51 | Redmi A2+ |
| 6.74” HD+ LCD | 6.52” HD+ LCD |
| 90Hz refresh, 560nits brightness | 1600 x 720 pixels |
| Unisoc T612 | MediaTek Helio G36 |
| 12nm, 8-cores, up to 1.82GHz | Up to 2.2GHz clockspeed |
| 3GB, 4GB LPDDR4X RAM | 3GB RAM (+2GB extended memory) |
| 64GB, 128GB storage | 32GB internal storage |
| Supports up to 2TB expansion | Supports microSD (dedicated slot) up to 1TB |
| Dual rear cameras: | Dual rear cameras: |
| – 50MP f/1.8 main | – 8MP f/2.0 main |
| – Auxiliary lens | – Auxiliary (QVGA) lens |
| 5MP selfie shooter | 5MP f/2.2 selfie shooter |
| Dual SIM | Dual SIM |
| 4G LTE | 4G LTE |
| 2.4/5GHz Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 2.4GHz |
| Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| GPS /AGPS / GLONASS / Galileo | GPS L1 | Glonass G1 | BDS B1I | Galileo E1 |
| USB Type-C | microUSB |
| 3.5mm audio jack | 3.5mm audio jack |
| N/A | Rear fingerprint sensor |
| realme UI T Edition (Android 13) | Android 12 (Go Edition) |
| 5000mAh battery | 5000mAh battery |
| 33W SuperVOOC | 10W charging rate |
| 167.2 x 76.7 x 7.99mm | 164.9 x 76.75 x 9.09mm |
| ~186g | 192 grams |
| Mint Green, Carbon Black | Light Blue, Light Green, Black |
Disclaimer: This comparison includes the recent smartphone releases in the Philippines during Q3 2023 (July to August) and highlights their pricing details at launch. Prices may change without prior notice.