With the cooler days comes a batch of new fresh phones, in this particular list, we bring you the best ones you can currently get from China for under $200, whhich is probably where Chinese handsets makes the most sense, allowing you to get the higher price to performance ratio. Are you looking for your next phone? then keep reading!
Top 5 Chinese Smartphones for Under $200
1. Xiaomi Redmi Note 6 Pro
Yes, we know, it’s just a “re-notched” Redmi Note 5, but the Xiaomi Redmi Note 6 Pro is already one of the best phones on sale for less than $200, if you like following the latest design trends, at least. Because of the notch, the handset now has a larger 6.26-inch screen footprint while sporting an unique 1080 x 2246px resolution.
The smartphone is powered by the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 CPU of the predecessor paired with either 3GB or 4GB of RAM and 32GB or 64GB of internal storage.
Also in the camera department we find the exact same setup, at least on the back with a main 12MP shooter and a secondary 5MP. Meanwhile at the front we now have an extra sharp 20MP selfie snapper accompanied by a 2MP sensor to add a nice bokeh effect.
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 6 Pro is fueled by a 4000mAh battery and supports a good variety of 4G LTE networks around the globe (except for NA).
2. Xiaomi Redmi Note 5
Adding the new Redmi Note 6 Pro won’t take off the list the best selling Xiaomi Redmi Note 5, which might still be a better option for some people due to the absence of a notch. On the handset we find a Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 along with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage (also available in 4GB/64GB) which fuels a now averagely-sized 5.99-inch LCD IPS display with a resolution of 1080 x 2160px (FHD+).
The Redmi Note 5 is then equipped with a main 12MP rear shooter accompanied by a 5MP secondary sensor to create photos with a shallow depth of field effect; meanwhile a 13MP front camera will be snapping your selfies.
Finally, the smartphone packs a big 4000mAh battery, runs MIUI based on Android 8.0 Oreo and supports a wide selection of 4G networks in its Global version.
3. Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite
If you want an affordable phone with a stock Android experience than the Android One-powered Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite might be your best bet. Xiaomi’s handset comes with a good 5.84-inch FHD+ display and is fueled by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 along with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of expandable storage.
On the Mi A2 Lite we then find a 12.0MP + 5.0MP dual camera setup on the back and a 5MP selfie snapper.
The smartphone is fueled by a big 4000mAh battery which brings great battery life and it supports most global 4G LTE bands (out of NA).
On a side note, if you’re willing to spend just over $200, the more powerful Xiaomi Mi A2 is a good option as well, beware it packs a smaller battery though.
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4. Nokia 5.1 Plus
Are you a fan of the Nokia brand? Then check out one of their latest budget phones for under $200, the Nokia 5.1 Plus. The handset boasts a powerful MediaTek Helio P60 CPU along with 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal cameras.
Cameras include a main 13MP sensor with F/2.0 aperture and a secondary 5MP to create photos with bokeh effect. On the front we instead find an 8MP snapper with F/2.2 aperture.
5. Vivo Y85
As most of you probably know, Chinese phone maker Vivo isn’t renown for their affordable handsets, but more for their premium phones and consequently higher prices. The Vivo Y85 we added in this list is kind of an exception as it can now be found for just $200.
Vivo’s Y85 doesn’t come with the most powerful hardware featuring a Qualcomm Snapdragon 450, 4GB of RAM and 32GB of storage (expandable), but it does look quite sweet for the price, sporting a 6.26-inch Full HD+ display and an 84% screen-to-body ratio.
The smartphone also packs a 13MP main rear shooter with F/2.0 aperture, a secondary 2MP to snap photos with the bokeh effect and a 16MP front camera to shoot high quality selfies.
Finally, the Vivo Y85 is powered by a 3260mAh capacity battery and runs Funtough 4.0 OS based on Android 8.1 Oreo out of the box.
Honorable Mentions
Nubia Z17 Lite
Albeit not too recent, the Nubia Z17 lite is definitely a great option now that it can be gotten for around $160, even more so for those who aren’t fully into the new 18:9 ratio display devices. The Z17 Lite does indeed come with a 5.5-inch FullHD display while being powered by a good Qualcomm Snapdragon 653 CPU paired with 6GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage.
The smartphone does then pack a 13MP main rear shooter along with a secondary 13MP image sensor to create photos with a shallow depth of field effect; meanwhile at the front we have a 16MP shooter for high res selfies.
The Nubia Z17 Lite is fueled by a 3200mAh battery and comes with Android 7.1 Nougat out of the box. If you’re willing to fiddle with ROMs though, you can install something like LineageOS which brings Android Oreo (Unofficial).
Top 5 Chinese Smartphones for Under $200
With the Nubia Z17 Lite we conclude our monthly rendezvous for the month of October. If you’ve found your next mid-ranger comment below, otherwise let us know which smartphone under $200 you’d have liked to see on the list.
