Best Budget Smartphones Under ₱5,000 in the Philippines

If you’re on the hunt for an affordable smartphone this year, you’re in luck. The first quarter of 2025 saw the release of several budget-friendly smartphones in the Philippine market—all priced below or around ₱5,000. Whether you’re a student, first-time smartphone user, or just looking for a reliable backup phone, these options deliver great value without breaking the bank.

Let’s take a closer look at the top budget smartphones released in Q1 2025 that offer great features at unbeatable prices.

1. Realme Note 60 – Entry-Level Efficiency at ₱4,999

Realme kicked off the year with the release of the Realme Note 60, a solid entry-level smartphone priced at just ₱4,999 for the 4GB RAM + 64GB storage model. Under the hood, it runs on the UNISOC T612 chipset, delivering sufficient power for everyday tasks like browsing, messaging, and light app usage.

The device sports a 6.74-inch IPS LCD screen with a 90Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth visuals, whether you’re scrolling through social media or watching videos. Camera-wise, it features a 32MP rear camera with f/1.8 aperture capable of recording 1080p at 30fps, while selfies are handled by a modest 5MP front camera located in a teardrop notch.

Realme has equipped this device with Android 14 and its custom Realme UI 5.0, and powering it is a 5,000mAh battery with 10W wired charging support. Other highlights include a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, IP64 water resistance, and dual SIM support. It comes in Voyage Blue and Marble Black, with a higher-end 6GB + 128GB version available at ₱5,999.

2. Tecno Spark Go 1S – Stylish and Capable at ₱4,699

Next up is the Tecno Spark Go 1S, a competitively priced smartphone retailing at ₱4,699 for the 4GB + 64GB configuration. This device is fitted with a 6.67-inch HD+ display supporting a 90Hz refresh rate, and it boasts a punch-hole front camera design housing an 8MP selfie shooter.

At the rear, the phone features a 30MP main camera with f/1.88 aperture alongside an AI lens, all tucked into a square-shaped module. It’s powered by the MediaTek Helio G50 processor, runs Android 14, and uses Tecno’s HiOS 14 interface.

The 5,000mAh battery offers 15W fast charging, while the phone itself is available in Slight Rail Black and Glittery White, giving users aesthetic choices without sacrificing performance.

3. Nubia V70 Max – Big Battery and Big Display for ₱4,699

The Nubia V70 Max stands out for offering flagship-like specs in a budget package. Priced at ₱4,699, this phone is equipped with a large 6.9-inch HD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate, which is quite rare in this price category.

Inside, it runs on the UNISOC T606 processor, paired with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage—a huge bonus for multitaskers and casual gamers. The device ships with Android 15 layered with Nubia’s custom MyOS 15 interface.

Photography is handled by a 50MP main sensor and an 8MP front camera, making it a great choice for those who want better image quality without spending much. Powering it all is a massive 6,000mAh battery with 22.5W fast charging. It also comes with IP54 splash resistance and a side-mounted fingerprint scanner.

4. Infinix Smart 9 HD – Affordable Yet Reliable at ₱3,699

For those on an even tighter budget, the Infinix Smart 9 HD is a highly capable option priced at just ₱3,699 for the 4GB RAM + 64GB storage model. It features a 6.7-inch HD+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate and a punch-hole notch housing an 8MP front camera.

At the back, you’ll find a 13MP main camera supported by a bright LED flash. This device runs on the MediaTek Helio G50 chip, and operates on the lightweight Android 14 Go Edition skinned with XOS 14.

The 5,000mAh battery offers 10W charging, and unique to this model is its 300% loudspeaker volume, ensuring powerful audio for media consumption. It also supports both facial recognition and fingerprint unlocking, making it a standout in its price range.

5. Vivo Y04 – Tough and Feature-Packed at ₱4,999

Rounding out the list is the Vivo Y04, an entry-level phone known for its durability and practical features. With a price tag of ₱4,999, it offers a 6.74-inch HD+ display and a 90Hz refresh rate for fluid user interaction.

One of its highlights is the IP64 rating and military-grade shock resistance, making it a suitable option for users with active lifestyles. It houses a 30MP main camera and a 5MP front shooter, both with f/2.2 apertures for decent photos and videos.

Under the hood, the Y04 is powered by a UNISOC T7225 chipset and 4GB of RAM, running Funtouch OS 14 based on Android 14. A notable software feature is the built-in AI Erase, allowing users to remove unwanted elements from photos easily.

The 5,000mAh battery with 15W charging, a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, and 200% loudspeaker volume round out the features. For those needing more storage, a 4GB + 128GB variant is available at ₱5,299, and it supports microSD expansion up to 1TB.

Final Thoughts: Which Budget Smartphone Should You Pick?

Each of these smartphones proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a capable device. Whether you prioritize display refresh rate, camera quality, battery life, or extra features like durability and facial recognition, there’s something here to suit your needs.

If you’re looking for pure performance with a big battery, the Nubia V70 Max is hard to beat. For durability and software features, Vivo Y04 stands out. For the best price, the Infinix Smart 9 HD offers unbeatable value.

Which of these smartphones would you choose? Share your pick in the comments! For more tech updates, reviews, and comparisons, stay tuned to our blog.