10 best Chinese smartphones under 15,000 rubles

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Modern smartphones are multifunctional devices, for a long time already equipped with a whole range of additional functions: video and sound recording from front and rear cameras, support for a variety of communication standards, satellite navigation and much more. If the task is to choose a smartphone as a status item, then the choice is more or less clear – any well-known manufacturer regularly updates expensive flagship series. It's another matter when you just need a modern smartphone, but there is no point in spending unnecessary amounts on a flagship. It is to this topic that today's rating review is devoted to, in which even the most expensive models do not exceed 15 thousand rubles at a price. All presented devices are manufactured by well-known Chinese companies.

Ranking of the best Chinese smartphones

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
The most inexpensive Chinese smartphones under 6 thousand rubles	1	ZTE Blade A530	RUB 5 490
	2	Meizu M6 16GB	RUB 6,170
	3	Xiaomi Redmi 6A 2 / 16GB	RUB 5,840
Best Chinese Smartphones under 10,000 rubles	1	HUAWEI Y5 Prime (2018)	RUB 7,290
	2	ZTE Blade V9 Vita 2 / 16GB	RUB 6,590
	3	Xiaomi Redmi 6 4 / 64GB	RUB 8,740
	4	Meizu M5 16GB	RUB 9,990
The best Chinese smartphones 'at maximum speed' up to 15,000 rubles	1	Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite 4 / 64GB	RUB 11,040
	2	HUAWEI P20 Lite	RUB 13,990
	3	Meizu M6 Note 3 / 32GB	RUB 10 490

The most inexpensive Chinese smartphones under 6 thousand rubles

Let's start the ranking with the cheapest models, which, nevertheless, satisfy the list of conditions that make these smartphones, if not top-end, then at least relevant to the current generation of devices. The price differences between models and modifications are mostly minimal here, but the difference in performance can be significant.

The ranking is based on RankQuality data.

ZTE Blade A530

Rating: 4.8

Let's start with the handset of the highly successful Blade A530 series, a prominent Chinese telecommunications equipment manufacturer ZTE. It is made, like most of the presented models, in a modern minimalist form factor in a good plastic case. Available body colors within the series: silver, gray, blue, black. Sales started in mid-summer 2018.

The physical dimensions of the device are 69.2×147.8×8.95 mm, the screen size is 5.45 inches diagonally. Matrix type – IPS with an image size of 1440×720, a pixel density of 295 pixels per inch and an aspect ratio of 18: 9 with an auto-rotate image function. Capacitive screen with multitouch support. This system uses two nano SIM cards with a variable operating mode.

The smartphone is equipped with one rear camera with a technical quality of 13MP without its own aperture. The system is also equipped with a rear LED flash. Additional functions of the rear camera – auto focus, video recording. Front camera resolution – 5 megapixels.

The device supports a wide range of communication standards from the standard and most widely used GSM 900 to 4G LTE and VoLTE. Supported interfaces for communication with peripherals: USB and wireless Bluetooth 4.1 standard, Wi-Fi 802.11n. Supports two satellite navigation systems – GPS and GLONASS.

The entire system is powered by a powerful 4-core processor MediaTek MT6739. Video subsystem – PowerVR GE8100 processor. The built-in memory capacity is 16GB, the operative one is 2GB. For memory expansion, there is a standalone slot for an external card up to 128GB.

Autonomy of work is provided by a battery with a capacity of 2600 mAh. Supports charging from the micro-USB connector.

General additional functions: speakerphone, voice control and dialing, flight mode, proximity and lighting sensors, gyroscope.

Operating system – Android 8.1.

Advantages

• screen parameters;
• IPS matrix;
• functionality;
• Memory.

disadvantages

• faulty firmware requiring improvement.

Meizu M6 16GB

Rating: 4.7

The second position in our ranking is a representative of one of the freshest generations of smartphones of a well-known brand Meizu. Like the previous model, this device is made in a characteristic modern minimalist candy bar form factor. The body of the device is made of high strength polycarbonate. Available body colors – gold, silver, blue, black. The series was announced in the fall of 2017, and official sales started differently in different countries.

Like the model described above, this smartphone supports the installation of two SIM-cards nano SIM format with alternating operation. The dimensions of the device are 72.8×148.2×8.3 mm, the weight without packaging is 143 g. These dimensions contain a high-quality IPS matrix with a diagonal of 5.2 inches, the actual image size is 1280×720 and the density of dots is 282 per inch. The aspect ratio is 16: 9, the screen supports multitouch, there is an auto-flip function.

This Chinese smartphone is equipped with a slightly better rear camera with a resolution of 13 megapixels with its own f / 2.20 aperture and autofocus. Rear camera flash – ordinary, LED. The camera is capable of recording videos in high resolution 1920×1080. As for the front camera, here it is noticeably better – with a resolution of 8 megapixels.

In terms of support for communication standards, this model is almost as good as the previous one: the 'minimum' GSM 900 and high-speed 4G LTE are supported. Communication and data transmission interfaces – USB, Bluetooth 4.1 standard, Wi-Fi 802.11n. There is also support for GPS satellite positioning (including cold start of the receiver via A-GPS) and GLONASS.

The striking difference of this model from the previous one is its processor. In this case, it is a newer and more powerful 8-core processor MediaTek MT6750. Video chip – Mali-T860 MP2. In terms of equipping with memory (operational and built-in), this model completely repeats the previous one – 16 and 2 GB, respectively. As for expanding memory, the possibilities are somewhat limited – there is a slot for external memory up to 128GB, but not standalone, but combined with a SIM card.

Another important advantage of this solution is autonomy, which is provided by a 3070 mAh battery. Charging is carried out via the micro-USB connector.

Additional functions: voice dialing and control, flight mode, light sensors, compass, gyroscope, fingerprint scanner, flashlight, USB-host.

Operating system – Android 7.0.

Advantages

• high quality video recording from the rear camera;
• powerful processor (provides fast work);
• capacious battery;
• quality of materials;
• high resolution front camera.

disadvantages

• separate user complaints about the lack of an NFC module.

Xiaomi Redmi 6A 2 / 16GB

Rating: 4.6

Rounding out the three most inexpensive smartphones in our rating is one of the freshest models in the line of devices Xiaomi Redmi, announced only in June last year. The execution is classic, as in the first two cases. Available body colors – blue, gold, pink, silver, gray, black. Made, like the two solutions described above, in a classic form factor in a high-quality plastic case. Case dimensions – 71.5×147.5×8.3 mm, device weight without packaging – 145 g.

This Chinese smartphone has some features that are superior to the previous two solutions, and some are inferior to them. First, let's describe the parameters in which this model coincides with the two previous ones. This is support for two SIM cards of the nano SIM standard with alternating work; 16 and 2 GB of built-in and RAM, respectively; the presence of typical additional functions: auto image rotation, one rear camera, flash, autofocus, voice dialing and control, flight mode, light and proximity sensors, flashlight (flash LED is used).

Next, we will focus on differences and / or indirect similarities in characteristics. This model uses a matrix type IPS with support for 16 million colors. It also supports the 'mandatory' capacitive touch input and multi-touch input for modern smartphones. The screen size is 5.45 inches diagonal. The full size of the output image at the maximum resolution is 1440×720, the dot density is 295 per inch. The aspect ratio of the sides is 18: 9.

The stock rear camera has its own F / 2.20 aperture. At a resolution of 13 megapixels, the camera is capable of recording in high resolution 1920×1080 at up to 30 frames per second. The parameters of the front camera are the same as the ZTE smartphone discussed above.

In this device we see the most extended set of supported communication standards: from GSM 900 to LTE-A; in addition to the 'obligatory' Wi-Fi 802.11n and Bluetooth radio modules of the 4.2 standard, there is Wi-Fi Direct technology (as well as a regular USB socket); for satellite navigation, a smartphone can use data not only from GPS (including A-GPS) and GLONASS, but also from BeiDou.

The processor equipment is not outstanding, but decent, as for a model of this class – a 4-core MediaTek Helio A22 at a core frequency of 2000 MHz. Video subsystem – IMG PowerVR. The slot for external memory is combined with a SIM-card, but it is designed for twice the volume than any of the above models.

The battery with a capacity of 3000 mAh is responsible for the autonomy of the Chinese smartphone. The micro-USB socket is used for charging.

Advantages

• good main camera;
• twice as much space for expanding external memory;
• accurate navigation;
• extended set of supported communication systems.

disadvantages

• there are times when the touchscreen is not responsive enough.

The best Chinese smartphones under 10,000 rubles

The second group of smartphones presents a mini-rating of models of the middle price category, which, in terms of a number of characteristics, may not even be inferior to the above-described budget devices, but in some issues they are still, of course, better even with formal coincidences of properties.

HUAWEI Y5 Prime (2018)

Rating: 4.9

This model, focusing on the formal characteristics, can be attributed to the first, 'budget' group of devices. But other things being equal, it has a noticeably larger technological reserve, which determines its higher cost compared to the cheapest smartphones in the review. Nevertheless, this is still the cheapest model in the group, and the class of devices is slightly different, so we will start this part of the rating with it.

Most of the technical characteristics of the smartphone are either comparable, or directly coincide with the characteristics of the three above models. Let's list them briefly in 'express' mode. The dimensions of the Chinese smartphone are 70.9×146.5×8.3 mm, the weight without packaging is 142 g, the available colors are golden, blue, black. The form factor is a classic candy bar. There is support for two SIM-cards with an alternating mode of operation. 5.45-inch color touch screen with IPS-matrix with multitouch support. The full size of the output image is 1440×720 with a density of 295 dots per inch. The aspect ratio of the screen is 18: 9. There is an auto-flip function.

Multimedia capabilities are provided by a rear 13MP camera and a 5MP front camera. The cameras are equipped with autofocus, the rear is complemented by an LED flash.

Supported GSM standards from 900 to 4G LTE. It also supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi 802.11n communication. Satellite navigation aids include GPS (cold start via A-GPS) and GLONASS support.

The whole system is powered by a 4-core processor MediaTek MT6739, a video chip – PowerVR GE8100, built-in and RAM 16 and 2 GB, respectively. A small advantage is a separate slot for an external memory card.

The smartphone battery with a capacity of 3020 mAh provides an estimated time in audio listening mode for 62 hours. Charging via micro-USB.

Additional functions: voice dialing and control, flight mode, proximity sensor, light sensor, use of the flash LED as a flashlight.

Operating system Android 8.1

Advantages

• fast enough;
• reliable;
• large technological stock;
• separate slot for memory cards.

disadvantages

• many lack performance for this price class.

ZTE Blade V9 Vita 2 / 16GB

Rating: 4.8

Next in the ranking of the best Chinese smartphones at a price of up to 15 thousand rubles according to the version is a device that is comparable in characteristics with the previous model, but has a number of important advantages. The line was officially announced last September.

Device dimensions – 68.7×146.8×7.6 mm. As for the form factor, there are no surprises here – a classic black candy bar made of good plastic, which creates a tactile feeling of a certain 'high cost'. Supports two 'sim cards' of the nano format with an alternating mode of operation.

The diagonal of the screen is 5.45 ”. The dimensions of the displayed 'picture' are 1440×720 with a density of 295 dots per inch and aspect ratios of 18 to 9. Matrix type – IPS with 16.78 million shades display, support for multitouch touches and auto-rotate images.

The multimedia arsenal of the model is represented by two rear cameras with a resolution of 13 and 2 M-pixels and a front camera with 8 M-pixels. A pair of rear cameras are capable of capturing high quality 1920 × 1080 video. Additional camera functions: autofocus, LED flash, aperture (F / 2) of the main rear camera.

In terms of communication standards, this model implements an expanded set of them from GSM at a frequency of 900 to extended options for high-speed LTE communication (LTE FDD ranges from B1 to B38 are supported. Other technologies implement 802.11n 'Wi-Fi' communication, direct communication technology between devices Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth generation 4.2, NFC module, mechanical connection and USB charging socket As for satellite navigation, the device supports two networks – GPS and GLONASS.

As for the basic electronics in this Chinese smartphone, the situation is ambiguous. On the one hand, we see a powerful 8-core Snapdragon 435 MSM8940 series processor from Qualcomm and a good Adreno 505 series video module.On the other hand, there is a fairly ordinary memory equipment: 2 and 16GB of RAM and built-in, respectively, a slot for external memory up to 128GB.

The 3200 mAh battery provides, according to the manufacturer, 8 hours of talk time or 200 hours of standby. Charging takes place through a mechanical connection to the network via a micro-USB socket.

Additional functions: speakerphone, voice control, flight mode, USB host, the flash turns into a flashlight on demand, face recognition, a set of sensors, a fingerprint scanner.

The smartphone software runs under the new OS Android version 8.1.

Advantages

• screen color rendering;
• fast processor;
• two rear cameras;
• the ability to record high definition video;
• the presence of a block of short-distance communication NFC;
• user identification by face and fingerprint.

disadvantages

• some users don't have enough memory.

Xiaomi Redmi 6 4 / 64GB

Rating: 4.7

Now, within the framework of our rating, we will consider a smartphone, the characteristics of which are already obviously higher and better than most of the options examined above. This is a pretty bright representative of the mid-price segment of smartphones Redmi from Xiaomi. Officially announced by the manufacturing company last summer.

The dimensions of the smartphone are 71.5×147.5×8.3 mm, the weight without packaging is 145 g. The form factor is standard, “no surprises” in the form of a candy bar with available colors: blue, gold, pink, silver, black. The smartphone software runs under the new OS Android version 8.1.

The device allows the use of two 'sim cards' of the 'nano' format in alternating mode. IPS screen with multitouch support, 5.45 ”diagonal, full size of the displayed image – 1440 × 720 with a density of pixels in an inch of 295. The aspect ratio is 18 to 9, there is a function of automatic rotation of the 'picture' at a convenient angle for the viewer.

The smartphone has decent multimedia parameters in all respects. These capabilities are provided by two rear cameras with f / 2.20 apertures and a resolution of 12 and 5M pixels, respectively. The shooting quality of the front camera is 5M-pix. The rear main pair of cameras is capable of recording videos in 1920 × 1080 quality with a high frame rate of up to 120 per second. Additional functions of leading cameras – LED flash, macro mode, Geo Tagging.

Support for communication standards in this model is organized as follows. All popular and demanded GSM standards are supported from the usual 900 frequency, which is used most often, to super-fast LTE connection, and in the extended version, VoLTE and LTE-A are added. Other wireless technologies – Wi-Fi 802.11n generation, direct communication between devices Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth standard 4.2. There is also a micro-USB jack for wired connection and charging. We also see expanded support for navigation positioning networks here. There are as many as three networks offered to perform this function: GPS (including cold start via A-GPS), GLONASS and BeiDou.

This Chinese smartphone is equipped with a powerful eight-core central control chip of the Helio P22 (MT6762V) series Mediatek, PowerVR GE8320 video subsystem, 64 gigabytes of integrated and 4GB of RAM. Increasing memory is available through an external mini-card – the same slot that is used to install the second card works for this purpose. The size limit is 256GB.

The smartphone is powered by a battery with a capacity of 3 thousand. mAh. Additional functions: voice command control, flight mode, proximity and light sensors, fingerprint identification.

Advantages

• speed and performance;
• powerful processor;
• a lot of memory;
• high-quality video shooting;
• macro photography.

disadvantages

• separate claims of an individual nature.

Meizu M5 16GB

Rating: 4.7

The third part of our ranking is completed by the smartphone of the M5 series of production Meizu. Our experts have selected this model especially for those who give priority to time-tested technology and fundamentally do not want to become an unwitting tester, on which the manufacturer will 'work out' all the bugs of the next flagship. The series was announced on October 31, 2016.

Dimensions of the smartphone – 72.8×147.2×8 ​​mm, weight without packaging – 138 g, made in exactly the same minimalist form factor as all previous models, available body colors – blue, gold. Body material – polycarbonate of a special composition.

Like any of the above models, this smartphone supports the installation of two SIM cards in the nano SIM format with alternating operation. 5.2-inch screen, matrix type – IPS, support for multitouch and automatic image rotation. The full size of the picture displayed on the screen is 1280×720 with a dot density of 282 and aspect ratios of 16: 9.

In terms of multimedia parameters, this Chinese smartphone is inferior to the previous two, but this is not its main advantage. The main rear camera has a resolution of 13 megapixels and has its own F / 2.20 aperture. Capable of shooting in high resolution 1920×1080 at 30 frames per second. Additional functions of the rear camera – LED flash, autofocus. Front camera resolution – 5 megapixels.

The device supports a wide range of GSM communication standards from 900 to LTE (five bands – from 2100 to 800 MHz) and VoLTE. Supports other standards: Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi 802.11n generation, Bluetooth 4.0 standard. Wired communication and charging is provided by the micro-USB interface. Satellite Navigation Support – GPS Cold Start A-GPS, GLONASS.

The system is equipped with a rather powerful processor MediaTek MT6750 with eight cores and a Mali-T860 MP2 video module. Equipped with built-in and RAM – 16 and 2 GB, respectively. The slot for external memory cards is combined with a SIM-module and is designed for cards up to 128GB.

The Chinese smartphone is powered by a non-removable battery with a capacity of 3070 mAh. There is also an A2DP profile, due to which disproportionately higher sound performance is achieved when broadcasting an audio signal from a smartphone to a receiving audio system.

Advantages

• reliable, time-tested model;
• rich colors of the image;
• good oleophobic coating of the screen;
• fast processor.

disadvantages

• non-removable battery.

The best Chinese smartphones 'at maximum speed' up to 15,000 rubles

The final group of models is the most expensive Chinese smartphones, which still do not exceed the established conditional limit of 15 thousand rubles. In this part of the rating, we will look at the three most high-performance (as far as possible given the price limit) models from the most famous Chinese manufacturers – Xiaomi, HUAWEI and Meizu.

Xiaomi Mi A2 Lite 4 / 64GB

Rating: 4.9

First, we will consider a smartphone of the Mi family of the A2 Lite series produced Xiaomi. The model is made in a classic form factor in a high-quality plastic case. Available body colors – blue, gold, blue, black. The model was announced last summer.

Dimensions of the device – 71.68×149.33×8.75 mm, weight without packaging – 178 g. Supports two SIM cards with alternating mode of operation. The SIM card format is nano SIM.

The size of the color capacitive screen for this model is 5.84 inches diagonally. Matrix – IPS, multitouch and auto-rotation are supported. The full size of the output image is 2280×1080 with a density of 432 dots per inch. The aspect ratio of the sides is 19 to 9.

The model has good multimedia parameters, which are provided by two rear cameras with a resolution of 12 and 5 megapixels and a front camera with a resolution of 5 megapixels. The rear cameras have their own F / 2.20 apertures and LED flash. All cameras with autofocus. The rear cameras can record video up to 1920×1080 resolution and up to 30 frames per second.

The device supports all the most popular cellular standards from GSM 900 to LTE. Other forms of wireless communication: Wi-Fi 802.11n, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth generation 4.2, IRDA. There is also a standard micro USB jack for wired communication and charging. Expanded support for GPS cold start satellite navigation networks via A-GPS, GLONASS and BeiDou has been implemented.

The system is controlled by a processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 MSM8953 on eight cores and an Adreno 506 video chip. Equipped with 64 GB of internal memory and 4 GB of RAM. For memory expansion, you can use a stand-alone independent memory card slot up to 256 GB.

This model is characterized by increased autonomy compared to other models described in the review – this is the responsibility of a non-removable lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 4000 mAh.

Advantages

• autonomy;
• performance;
• “juicy” picture;
• pure Android;
• high-quality assembly.

disadvantages

• non-removable battery.

HUAWEI P20 Lite

Rating: 4.8

The second model in the ranking of the most productive smartphones is the representative of the P20 Lite series manufactured by HUAWEI. Made in a classic candy bar form factor with an extended screen in the style of iPhone X. The model was announced in March last year. Works under the operating system Android 8.0. Available body colors are blue and black.

Device dimensions – 71.2×148.6×7.4 mm, weight without packaging – 145 g. Supports two SIM cards with alternating operation. The screen size is 5.84 inches diagonally. Image size 2280×1080 with a density of 432 dots per inch. The matrix displays up to 16.78 million shades. Aspect ratio – 19 to 9. Supports multi-touch and auto-rotate images.

Here we see the advanced multimedia options that are provided by the two rear cameras with 16 and 2 megapixels with f / 2.20 apertures. The front camera also has a more than decent resolution – 16 megapixels. Additional functions of the rear cameras: LED flash, macro mode, high definition video recording.

This model supports cellular standards from GSM 900 to LTE. Other wireless formats are Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi 802.11ac. There is an NFC module and a micro-USB socket. Satellite Navigation Support – GPS cold start via A-GPS and GLONASS.

The system operates under the control of an 8-core HiSilicon Kirin 659 processor. The video chip is Mali-T830 MP2. Equipped with memory – 64GB of built-in and 4GB of RAM. The memory can be expanded with an external card up to 256GB. The slot is combined with a SIM card.

The smartphone is powered autonomously from a 3000 mAh battery. Charging socket – USB Type-C.

The package includes the smartphone itself, a USB cable, a charger, headphones, a card ejector, a protective case.

Advantages

• high-quality display of colors;
• high resolution cameras;
• NFC module;
• fast charging;
• pleasant tactile sensations from interaction.

disadvantages

• some users lack battery power.

Meizu M6 Note 3 / 32GB

Rating: 4.8

Completes the rating of the best Chinese smartphones at a price of up to 15 thousand rubles according to the M6 ​​Note series smartphone produced Meizu. Made in a classic form factor with available colors – gold, silver, blue, black. The body is metal. The model was announced by the manufacturer in August 2017. Operating system – Android 7.1.

Dimensions of the device – 75.2×154.6×8.35 mm, weight without packaging – 173 g. Supports the use of two SIM cards nano SIM format with alternating operation. The screen is 5.5 inches diagonally capable of displaying a 1920×1080 image with a pixel density of 401 per inch. Aspect ratio – 16 to 9. Matrix type – IPS. Auto-rotate image is supported.

The multimedia options are represented by two main rear cameras with a resolution of 12 and 5 megapixels and a powerful 16 megapixel front camera. The characteristics of the rear pair of cameras are F / 1.90 apertures, LED flash, autofocus. The rear cameras are capable of recording video at resolutions up to 3840×2160.

The model works on all the most popular cellular communication standards from GSM 900 to LTE today, the latter in a significantly expanded version. Other types of wireless communication are Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. There is also a micro USB socket. Supported satellite navigation networks GPS and GLONASS with support for cold start A-GPS receiver.

The center of electronics is a powerful mobile processor Snapdragon 625 MSM8953 from Qualcomm with eight cores. Video subsystem – Adreno 506. Equipped with RAM-memory – 3GB, integrated – 32GB. You can expand the memory by using an external card up to 128GB (slot combined with a SIM card).

This model demonstrates good autonomy due to the 4000 mAh battery. True, the battery itself is of a non-removable type. There is a function of normal charging via the micro-USB socket, as well as Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 fast charging.

Advantages

• metal case;
• bright colours;
• powerful processor;
• fast work;
• fast charging function;
• autonomy;
• responsive touchscreen.

disadvantages

• the fingerprint scanner does not always work (only for some users).

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