Last Updated on January 23, 2021
The prices of flagship smartphones are on the rise. Samsung, Huawei and OnePlus are all following Apple’s lead in pushing up the prices.
Opposite to this trend are some Chinese phone manufacturers which are focusing on delivering the best value for money smartphones.
In this guide we review and update a list of the best value for money Chinese phones, and the best websites to buy them from.
The Best Value for Money Chinese Smartphones
1. Xiaomi Mi A2
Main Specs
Screen size: 5.99 inch | Resolution: 2160 x 1080 | CPU: Snapdragon 660 | RAM: 4GB / 6GB | Storage: 64GB / 128GB | Battery: 3,010mAh | Rear camera: 12MP + 20MP | Front camera: 20MP | Weight: 166g | Dimensions: 158.7 x 75.4 x 7.3 mm
Bottom Line
Xiaomi is one of the fastest growing smartphone brands worldwide, and for a good reason – They offer discounted phones with the same cutting-edge technology used by their competitors.
The Xiaomi Mi A2 offers impressive performance alongside a large screen and decent HDR cameras, all making it one of the most attractive devices in the market.
The main disadvantages of the Xiaomi Mi A2 are its battery life and the lacking of a 3.5mm audio jack.
Best Place to Buy Xiaomi Mi A2
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Xiaomi Mi A2 – Best Deals
2. Xiaomi Redmi Note 6
Main Specs
Screen size: 6.26 inch | Resolution: 2280 x 1080 | CPU: Snapdragon 636 | RAM: 3GB /4GB / 6GB | Storage: 32GB /64GB | Battery: 4,000mAh | Rear camera: 12MP + 5MP | Front camera: 20MP | Weight: 178g | Dimensions: 157.9 x 76.4 x 8.2 mm
Bottom Line
Redmi is a budget phone series by Xiaomi, including Redmi phones, Redmi Note and Redmi Pro.
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 6 is the latest phone on this series, which gives good value for the lowest price range.
Redmi Note 6 main advantages are performance, battery life, and attractive pricing.
Best Place to Buy Xiaomi Redmi Note 6
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Xiaomi Redmi Note 6 – Best Deals
3. OnePlus 6
Main Specs
Screen size: 6.01 inch | Resolution: 2160 x 1080 | CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 | RAM: 6GB/8GB | Storage: 64GB/128GB | Battery: 3,300mAh | Rear camera: 16MP + 20MP | Front camera: 16MP | Weight: 162g | Dimensions: 156.1 x 75 x 7.3 mm
Bottom Line
OnePlus 6 is the best performing budget smartphone, with great performance, strong cameras, and a premium glass design.
Some reviewers claim that the oneplus 6 is even better than the Galaxy S9, with a much lower price tag.
The disadvantages of OnePlus 6 are a shorter than expected battery life, and no expandable storage option.
Best Place to Buy OnePlus 6
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OnePlus 6 – Best Deals
4. Xiaomi Mi 8
Main Specs
Screen size: 6.21 inch | Resolution: 2248 x 1080 | CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 | RAM: 6GB/8GB | Storage: 64GB/128GB /256GB | Battery: 3,400mAh | Rear camera: 12MP + 12MP | Front camera: 20MP | Weight: 175g | Dimensions: 154.9 x 74.8 x 7.6 mm
Bottom Line
Xiaomi Mi 8 is Xiaomi’s latest flagship model (btw – there is no Xiaomi Mi 7, the company went straight to mi 8 because of the company’s 8-year anniversary…).
The Mi 8 has an amazing specification at a pretty low price – A great camera, clear display, and excellent performance.
Best Place to Buy Xiaomi Mi 8
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Xiaomi Mi 8 – Best Deals
5. Xiaomi Mi A1
Main Specs
Screen size: 5.5 inch | Resolution: 1920 x 1080 | CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 | RAM: 4GB | Storage: 64GB | Battery: 3,080mAh | Rear camera: 12MP + 12MP | Front camera: 5MP | Weight: 165g | Dimensions: 155.4 x 75.8 x 7.3 mm
Bottom Line
The Xiaomi Mi A1 is an affordable but feature-rich smartphone, the predecessor of the mi A2.
Although being in the market for over a year now, the Xiaomi Mi A1 still offers solid performance, and is a great value for money smartphone.
Best Place to Buy Xiaomi Mi A1
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Xiaomi Mi A1 – Best Deals
6. OnePlus 5T
Main Specs
Screen size: 6.01 inch | Resolution: 2160 x 1080 | CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 | RAM: 6GB/8GB | Storage: 64GB/128GB | Battery: 3300mAh | Rear camera: 16MP + 20MP | Front camera: 16MP | Weight: 162g | Dimensions: 156.1 x 75 x 7.3 mm
Bottom Line
The OnePlus 5T is an upgraded version of the OnePlus 5, and has a bigger, 6.01 inch display.
It has excellent battery life, a great camera and good performance.
Best Place to Buy OnePlus 5T
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OnePlus 5T – Best Deals
7. Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro
Main Specs
Screen size: 5.99 inch | Resolution: 2160 x 1080 | CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 | RAM: 4GB / 64GB | Storage: 64GB / 128GB | Battery: 4,000mAh | Rear camera: 12MP + 5MP | Front camera: 20MP | Weight: 181g | Dimensions: 158.6 x 75.4 x 8.1 mm
Bottom Line
Redmi Note 5 Pro, the previous Redmi phone was a big hit on many emerging markets, mainly because of its attractive pricing, and its solid features.
With the release of the Redmi Note 6, its prices are expected to move even lower, making it a real bargain.
Best Place to Buy Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro
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