Gadget

*A review of the best according to the editors of expertology.ru. About selection criteria. This material is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

The popularity of low-cost smartphones is steadily growing. Budget and mid-range phones accounted for more than 60% of total sales in 2022, according to analyst firm IDC. At the same time, the part of the devices of the upper sector of the category of smartphones of the present value amounted to a little less than 12%. Thus, models for 100 … 300 dollars are in special demand.

Research by IDC shows a particularly intensive growth in the popularity of low-cost smartphones in Asian, Latin American, African, Eastern European, and Middle Eastern countries. On the territory of the above regions, the share of sales of phones of budgetary and average prices reached 85%. In the US, in 2021, consumers purchased 10% more budget smartphones than during the previous year. Russia does not lag behind current trends. For domestic lovers of inexpensive smartphones, we have compiled a rating of the best models.

10 best smartphones under 17,000 rubles

In the process of compiling the rating, we took into account the opinions of the owners of such devices, the quality of the hardware of the devices, the number of options, and expert comments. The price was taken as an average, according to the cost of phones in the most popular electronics stores.

OPPO A74 4/128 GB

Rating: 4.9

The model is distinguished by the presence of an AMOLED display, which ensures accurate reproduction of the shades of the reproduced graphics. The screen diagonal of 6.53 «contributes to comfortable viewing of videos, movies, various graphics. Due to the resolution of 2340×1080, the smartphone’s display is distinguished by a high-quality display of the smallest details of the reproduced picture.

The phone is distinguished by the presence of 4 GB of RAM (also RAM, or RAM). This makes it possible to simultaneously run several powerful applications with the uninterrupted functioning of system and other software in the background. The smartphone is equipped with 128 GB of permanent memory (ROM), so the user can store a significant amount of music, video files, photos. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 octa-core central processing unit (CPU) ensures stable operation of the device even when running modern games.

The screen has a cutout for the front 16-megapixel lens. Such optics are great for negotiations and business meetings, attending online trainings. The main camera unit has 3 lenses — 48 + 2 + 2 MP. This makes it possible to capture detailed images from any distance of objects of various sizes. In general, the optics of this phone is no worse than the camera unit on some premium segment smartphones.

Xiaomi Redmi 9T NFC 4/128

Rating: 4.8

The phone supports 2 Nano-SIM. The device runs on Android 10. This makes it possible to install any modern applications. The model is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 processor similar to the previous model, the same amount of RAM (4 GB). The 128 GB physical memory can be expanded with up to 512 GB of removable storage. It provides unlimited possibilities for storing your favorite music, photos, video files.

The device is equipped with a 6000 mAh battery. Such a battery provides 56 hours of uninterrupted battery life of the smartphone in talk mode and about 195 hours of operation when listening to music files. If it is necessary to update the battery charge in a short time period, the user can use the quick recharge option.

The IPS display ensures that the tones and midtones of the reproduced graphics are accurately reproduced. Thanks to a resolution of 2340×1080, the screen is able to accurately display the smallest details. The main camera unit has a format of 48 + 8 + 2 MP, there is an 8 MP front lens. This makes it possible to engage in amateur photography, conduct negotiations, business meetings via video link.

Realme 8i 4/128 GB

Rating: 4.7

We recommend this smartphone to gamers. Support for modern games is provided by an 8-core MediaTek Helio G96 processor, an ARM Mali-G57 MC2 GPU, as well as a modern 4 GB RAM. Such “iron” contributes to the smooth operation of the phone even under conditions of significant loads, makes it possible to simultaneously run several “heavy” applications. Built-in memory of 128 GB is enough for installing modern games. At the same time there will be a place for music, video files. Additionally, there is a slot for microSD up to 256 GB.

The 6.59-inch IPS screen delivers accurate hues and colors. The resolution of 2408×1080 provides good detail of the reproduced picture. Thanks to the display refresh rate of 120Hz, the screen is able to transfer dynamic gaming scenes without freezes and interruptions.

The model is equipped with a 5000 mAh battery. A battery of this capacity ensures autonomous operation of the device in active mode for about 13.5 hours. There is a fast charging function. The 16 MP front lens is made in an island version. The main optics block consists of three modules — 50 + 2 + 2 MP. This is quite enough for amateur photography.

Xiaomi POCO M3 4/128

Rating: 4.7

The gadget features a bezel-less display with a screen-to-body ratio of just over 90%. Resolution 2340×1080 contributes to the detailed transmission of graphics. Among the rating devices, representatives of this line are distinguished by the presence of powerful dual speakers. The latter broadcast sound with high realism, purity, clarity.

The device is equipped with a processor similar to the OPPO A74 and Xiaomi Redmi 9T models, the same amount of RAM and ROM. This makes the device convenient for surfing the Internet space, using most applications. The Adreno 610 video adapter contributes to the smooth transfer of dynamic scenes. There is a slot for removable storage microSD up to 512 GB.

The main camera unit has a format of 48 + 2 + 2 MP. This is enough to shoot Full HD video, take high-quality amateur photos. The 8 MP front lens makes it possible to conduct video conferences and negotiations. The phone supports GPS and GLONASS technologies. The latter will help you quickly navigate in unfamiliar terrain. Among the wireless connections, we should highlight Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, 3/4G. There are USB Type-C and mini-jack connectors. The smartphone comes with a case.

Samsung Galaxy A22 4/64

Rating: 4.6

The model differs from the previous ones by a 4-module optical unit of 48+8+2+2 MP format (main+ultra-wide-angle+macro+depth lenses). This opens up wide opportunities for amateur photography and video filming. There is an autofocus option, which helps to focus on the right objects. Thanks to the bright flash, you can take high-quality pictures in low light conditions. The 13 MP front camera is suitable for taking selfies, video calls.

You can connect the gadget to a PC via a USB Type-C connector. Headphones, speakers are connected via the mini-jack input. The phone is equipped with a Super AMOLED screen matrix. The latter broadcasts a picture with high accuracy in the transmission of shades and colors. The 90Hz refresh rate contributes to smooth frame delivery in fast-paced scenes.

The phone has less (64 GB) than previous models the amount of permanent memory. But the gadget supports removable drives up to 1 TB. The stability of the functioning of applications is ensured by the MediaTek Helio G80 CPU with 8 cores and an «operational» 4 GB. Among the supported wireless technologies, it is worth highlighting Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 2/3/4G.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 4/64GB

Rating: 4.5

The smartphone differs from the above models by supporting the innovative 5G wireless mobile technology. The device is also capable of connecting to 3/4G networks. The gadget supports 2 Nano-SIM. The SIM card slot is combined with a removable microSD drive.

The device has a frameless design. The IPS display accurately reproduces tones and midtones. The screen diagonal is 6.5 inches. This makes it possible to comfortably watch videos, movies, as well as engage in video and photography. Thanks to a resolution of 2400×1080, the display transmits a picture with a high level of detail. The realism of the picture is provided by the screen support of 16 million colors.

The performance of the device is ensured by a powerful 8-core MediaTek Dimensity 700 CPU. 4 GB of RAM makes it possible to simultaneously run several powerful applications. And it won’t interfere with software running in the background. The model runs on Android 11 OS. Therefore, the user will be able to install any modern application on the phone. There are navigation technologies GLONASS, GPS, Galileo, Beidou. Supported interfaces are Wi-Fi (protocols 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac), Bluetooth 5.1.

Honor 30i

Rating: 4.4

Externally, the model is very similar to the Honor 9C. The plastic case is distinguished by rounded rounded edges. The bezel-less front side is equipped with a front-facing 16-megapixel camera, the screen occupies 90% of the area. Behind is an optics block for 3 modules (48 + 8 + 2 MP). Under the vertical row of cameras is a bright flash. Thus, the phone is suitable for making video calls, amateur video, photography.

The smartphone operates on the basis of a productive 8-core central processor. The CPU provides high speed applications. The device is equipped with a Mali-G51 video adapter. The latter is able to «pull» the graphics of even modern games. 4 GB of RAM is enough for the simultaneous background work of the main applications and forcing the Internet space or the functioning of powerful software.

The device is equipped with a 4000 mAh battery. The battery provides more than 16 hours of continuous battery life when watching videos. A full battery recharge takes 135 minutes. The device is equipped with a 6.3-inch AMOLED screen. The latter is distinguished by the accuracy of reproduction of shades and the high detail of the displayed graphics.

Vivo Y31 4/128 GB

Rating: 4.4

The monoblock is equipped with an IPS display with a diagonal of 6.58″. The case features perfectly fitted seams and is made of a durable, lightweight and tactile polymer.

The speed of running applications is provided by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 processor (8 cores). The amount of RAM is similar to the previous model. 128 GB of permanent memory is enough to install instant messengers, popular software, as well as store your favorite audio and video files. The model supports removable storage devices up to 1 TB (like the Samsung Galaxy A22).

The 8MP front lens is great for making video calls and taking selfies. The main optics unit consists of 3 modules (48 + 2 + 2 MP), there is a bright flash. This makes the phone a great option for amateur photography. The gadget supports wireless technologies Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC. There is a 3.5 mm audio jack and a USB Type-C slot.

Huawei P Smart 2021 4/128 GB

Rating: 4.3

We recommend this smartphone to fans of amateur video and photography. The main camera unit includes 4 modules — widescreen, ultra-wide-angle, macro and depth cameras (48 + 8 + 2 + 2 MP). The firmware of the phone provides for an effective night shooting mode. The front optics is represented by one 8 MP lens. The front camera shoots in Full HD quality. There is an autofocus function.

The smartphone operates on the basis of the central processor HiSilicon Kirin 710A with 8 cores. This ensures high performance of launched applications. 4 GB of RAM is able to ensure the simultaneous uninterrupted operation of background software, as well as powerful applications running in active mode. The amount of permanent memory of 128 GB is enough to install popular programs and store photos, videos, music. There is a slot for removable storage microSD.

The battery capacity (5000 mAh) is enough for uninterrupted use of the smartphone throughout the day. In case of emergency, the user can use the option provided by the manufacturer to quickly charge the battery. The device supports Wi-Fi, NFC, Bluetooth technologies. There is a mini-jack input for headphones, speakers. You can connect the gadget to a PC using the USB Type-C slot.

OPPO A54 4/128 GB

Rating: 4.2

The model is equipped with a block of 3 lenses — main + macro + bokeh modules (13 + 2 + 2 MP). This camera system makes it possible to conduct high-quality shooting at various distances. A bokeh lens, for example, makes it possible to perform a blurred background, focusing attention on a particular object. There is an autofocus option, a powerful flash. The 16 MP front camera is located at the top left and is capable of shooting in high quality (1920×1080).

The smartphone is equipped with a 5000 mAh battery. This battery allows you to continuously listen to music files for 41 hours, or watch streaming videos for about 20 hours. The phone supports wireless interfaces Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC. The device can be connected to a computer via the USB Type-C input. For headphones, speakers, a traditional 3.5 mm audio jack is provided.

The above model, like the OPPO A74 phone, is protected from external influences. The degree of protection of the smartphone meets the IPX4 standard. The device withstands strong directional splashes. Thus, the phone can be used outdoors during rain, near ponds with a large number of swimmers or waterfalls, fountains. The design of the smartphone provides for the presence of light sensors, proximity, as well as a geomagnetic sensor.

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Attention! This rating is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.