11 best smartphones under 4000 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.

No one will argue with the fact that modern smartphones can be very expensive. Even the most affordable models are often not affordable for everyone. Fortunately, there are also ultra-budget devices for which they ask for 4-5 thousand rubles. It is worth looking in their direction in the event that your previous device is out of order, and there is still no money for a worthy replacement. Let's find out which smartphones with such a price tag will disappoint the least.

Rating of the best smartphones up to 4000 rubles

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Rating of the best smartphones up to 4000 rubles	1	Samsung Galaxy J1 (2016) SM-J120F / DS	4 190 RUB
	2	ZTE Blade L8	RUB 3,490
	3	Fly FS518 Cirrus 13	4 290
	4	VERTEX Impress Luck NFC (4G)	RUB 3,920
	5	DOOGEE X11	RUB 3,600
	6	Alcatel 1C 5003D (2019)	RUB 2 190
	7	Fly slimline	4 270
	8	Nobby S500	RUB 3,174
	9	INOI 5i	RUB 3,721
	10	Digma LINX X1 PRO 3G	RUB 3,990
	11	Prestigio Wize Q3	RUB 3,490

The review is based on an analysis of the technical characteristics of smartphones on the RankQuality.com portal.

Samsung Galaxy J1 (2016) SM-J120F / DS

Rating: 4.9

You might think that Samsung only produces very expensive smartphones. But in fact, it has been producing J-series devices for a long time. Even a low-income person can afford the devices included in this line. Especially Galaxy J1 (2016) – the youngest model of this series, for which only 4000 rubles are asked in Russian stores. It is clear that for that kind of money, one should not ask for some impressive characteristics. For example, only 8 GB of permanent memory is built in here. This imposes a certain limit on the number of installed applications. I am glad that at least the memory card slot is not forgotten, media files can be stored on it. The device also includes a quad-core Exynos 3475 processor, clocked at 1300 MHz. Its power is enough for stable functioning Android 5.1. Only games will experience problems. However, budget smartphones are not the place to install them.

The device turned out to be very tiny and light. On its front panel there is only room for a 4.5-inch screen. For some, this will be an undoubted advantage, because such a display allows you to control the process with one hand. It is also impossible not to notice that the screen was created using the technology AMOLED. It turns out that the owner of the smartphone will enjoy not only maximum viewing angles, but also deep black color. And such a display is also energy efficient, as a result of which the manufacturer managed to limit itself to a 2050 mAh battery. The only disappointing thing is the screen resolution, which is only 800×480 pixels.

Let's forget about its cameras when describing this smartphone. It is generally better not to think about them if you really want to buy a device for 4000 rubles. But you still need to pay attention to wireless modules, because even a budget device should be able to access the Internet. Here you can use both Wi-Fi and LTE networks for this purpose. The device also allows you to connect Bluetooth – a headset. Well, if you have wired headphones, then the 3.5mm jack will come to the rescue. The accessory, by the way, can act as an antenna if you want to activate the FM radio.

Advantages

• Used AMOLED – display;
• Minimum weight;
• There is an FM radio;
• Implemented support for LTE;
• Built-in separate slot for memory card.

disadvantages

• Micro-USB port is used;
• No light sensor;
• Very little memory;
• Weak processor;
• Low display resolution.

ZTE Blade L8

Rating: 4.8

This smartphone comes in two flavors. Both of them have 1 GB of RAM on board, nothing can be done about it. However, the amount of built-in storage can be different. We recommend that you do not save three or four hundred rubles, and buy a version that has 32 GB of permanent memory. This volume is enough to install absolutely all the applications you need. Do not forget that modern Android does not allow many programs to be installed on the memory card, so a smaller volume will quickly seem insufficient for you. And the 'green robot' here is really modern – this is the ninth version, albeit in a simplified Go-version.

Like many other ultra-budget smartphones, the ZTE Blade L8 is compact in size. The diagonal of its display barely reaches 5 inches. The resolution is predictably low, only 960×480 pixels. Curiously, the aspect ratio has been brought to 18: 9. By this, the manufacturer emphasizes that even such an inexpensive device can be used for comfortable viewing of videos. The only pity is that for this you need to keep the smartphone strictly in front of your eyes, since its display does not have very wide viewing angles.

The ZTE Blade L8 case is made of polycarbonate. This is partly what made it possible to reduce the weight to 143 g. It is curious that there was a place on the front panel for an event light. Some owners of flagship smartphones that are sold for completely different money still suffer from its absence.

On the back of the device, you can see the camera lens. You shouldn't expect anything special from this module. Its 8-megapixel sensor and f / 2.8 aperture are enough for photographing documents and people for a contact book, but nothing more. As for the front camera, it is mainly intended for video communication in instant messengers – taking selfies using a 5-megapixel module is not recommended.

Like many other smartphones under 4000 rubles, the ZTE Blade L8 has a 3.5mm audio jack. When you connect headphones to it, the FM radio becomes available. Also, the gadget received support for the standard Bluetooth 4.2, so no one will forbid the buyer to use a wireless headset. If we talk about going online, then it’s better to be in the coverage area of ​​the Wi-Fi network. Of course, mobile Internet is also supported here, but only the third generation, so you will have to forget about the high speed of downloading pages and images.

As a processor, it uses a modest Unisoc SC7731E – a quad-core chipset with a clock speed of 1.3 GHz. However, its computing power is quite enough for the operating system Android Go Edition to work without any problems. Confused only by the amount of RAM.

Many super-cheap smartphones still have a removable battery. The ZTE Blade L8 also has it. The capacity of the battery used here is 2050 mAh, so there is no need to expect miracles from it. Charging takes place via the micro-USB connector.

Advantages

• Good amount of read-only memory;
• There is an FM radio;
• Not forgotten 3.5mm audio jack;
• Not the worst rear camera;
• There is a light indicator of events;
• Small size and weight;
• A fresh version of the OS is installed.

disadvantages

• No light and proximity sensors;
• Built-in micro-USB connector;
• Little RAM;
• No support for LTE networks;
• Not the best display.

Fly FS518 Cirrus 13

Rating: 4.7

In the old days, when looking for ultra-budget smartphones, you must have stumbled upon many models from Fly. However, now the company is going through hard times, and fewer and fewer of its devices remain in stores. Perhaps the most successful option should be the purchase of the Fly FS518 Cirrus 13. It can still be found in some online retailers, while the cost of the device often does not exceed 4500-5000 rubles.

When creating this smartphone, the manufacturer did not skimp on an excellent display. The 5-inch LCD panel has a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels! This means that the device can be safely used to watch movies, this process will only be a pleasure. Viewing angles are close to maximum, color distortions are barely noticeable even with careful study of the device.

The operating system is responsible for what is happening on the screen Android 7.0. It functions here without any problems, although the quad-core processor MediaTek MT6737T is not able to boast of any prohibitive power. Through the pre-installed applications, you can access the Internet using not only Wi-Fi, but also LTE networks. The smartphone supports work with two SIM-cards, which will certainly delight someone. But the second slot is combined here. You will have to make a choice: insert a second SIM card or increase the amount of permanent memory, which is 16 GB here.

The device is compact and lightweight. A camera lens is found on its rear panel, under which a 13-megapixel matrix is ​​hidden. With this module, you can take good pictures. But we recommend to forget about video shooting. Even though the resulting video looks good on paper. As for the front camera, its resolution does not exceed 5 megapixels.

The owner of the Fly FS518 Cirrus 13 will be able to listen to the radio from time to time. To do this, you just need to connect some headphones to the 3.5 mm jack. If you want to listen to ordinary music, you can also use a wireless headset, synchronization with which will be carried out via Bluetooth 4.1. There is also a micro-USB port at the end of the smartphone. It is used to transfer files from a computer and connect a charger. By the way, the capacity of the battery installed here is 2400 mAh. It would seem an excellent parameter that should provide long battery life. But do not forget that a high-resolution screen is installed here, and the processor is not capable of boasting any energy efficiency.

Finally, let's note the main feature of this device. Fly FS518 Cirrus 13 has a fingerprint scanner. Yes, not the fastest, but most of the representatives of this collection do not have this sensor at all!

Advantages

• Not the oldest OS version;
• Very small size and weight;
• Maximum viewing angles;
• High resolution display;
• Decent rear camera
• There is an FM radio;
• There is a fingerprint scanner.

disadvantages

• The second slot for the SIM-card is combined;
• Not the longest battery life;
• Micro-USB connector is used;
• There are intrusive pop-up ads;
• There are no cases for this smartphone.

VERTEX Impress Luck NFC (4G)

Rating: 4.6

Perhaps, you can guess the main advantages of this device on your own – they are reflected in its name. This is one of the few smartphones for that kind of money, which received an NFC chip at its disposal. This allows you to use it to pay for purchases in the store. Also, the device has support for LTE networks. This is important, because some ultra-budget devices still work only in the 3G standard.

In fact, the device can be praised for its other characteristics. For example, the choice of three body colors is good news. It also uses a far from the oldest version Android – the features of the 'eight' should be enough for absolutely all buyers. Well, one more joy – a separate slot for a microSD card. Therefore, you can insert both a memory card and a pair of SIM cards into a smartphone.

Of course, in reality, the picture is not as rosy as it might seem. You can find fault with the device. First of all, claims arise with the LCD display. Yes, it has good viewing angles. But why is the resolution only 854×480 pixels? With a 5-inch diagonal, this parameter is not at all impressive. Another problem with the device is memory. Its volume makes it necessary to use the device only as a 'dialer'. An attempt to install any large number of applications is doomed to failure, because only 8 GB of storage is built in here. As for the RAM, the VERTEX Impress Luck NFC (4G) only has 1 GB on board. But this practically does not bother. Just as the processor MediaTek MT6739 does not make you panic, the power of which is quite enough at this screen resolution.

At the ends of this device there is a micro-USB port and a 3.5 mm audio jack. A full charge will not last long, so try to keep the AC adapter somewhere nearby. The smartphone also has an FM radio.

We can safely say that this device has approximately the same number of advantages and disadvantages. This must be why he is in the middle of our selection.

Advantages

• There is an FM radio;
• Three colors to choose from;
• Small size and weight;
• Maximum viewing angles;
• A very recent version is used Android;
• Implemented support for LTE;
• There is a separate slot for a memory card;
• Built-in NFC chip.

disadvantages

• I would like a larger display resolution;
• The simplest cameras;
• An aging micro-USB port is used;
• Short battery life;
• Extremely low memory;
• No light and proximity sensors.

DOOGEE X11

Rating: 4.5

Like most other smartphones under Rs 4,000, this one has a 5-inch display at its disposal. Someone will even be pleased with this, because such a screen makes the device compact. But the resolution is rather disappointing, it is 854×480 pixels. The viewing angles are also not ideal. In short, the display is not the strong point of the smartphone.

Most of all positive emotions can be felt from the weight of the device. It does not exceed 145 g. It also causes pleasant feelings Android 8.1. We all know that on store shelves you can still find a huge number of cheap smartphones with a much older version of the operating system. Also, it should be noted two slots for SIM-cards, supplemented by a slot for a microSD card. And you can't do without a memory card, because the volume of the built-in storage is only 8 GB. The saddest part is that not all applications will want to be installed on an external drive.

Nothing good can be said about the cameras present here. Alas, these are standard modules of mediocre quality, the resolution of which is only 5 and 2 megapixels. But if it is quite possible to put up with cameras, then this cannot be said about the absence of an LTE module. With 3G, you will not be able to watch a video on the street or download a heavy file from the Internet, you will have to look for a Wi-Fi network. There is no NFC chip here either, but this is already more predictable. Well, the usual quad-core MediaTek MT6580M acts as a processor here.

Autonomous operation of this device is provided by a 2250 mAh battery. In this regard, everything is standard – you need to charge the smartphone every evening, the process lasts a very decent period of time.

Advantages

• There is a separate slot for a memory card;
• Small size and weight;
• The latest version of the operating system;
• The software works without any problems.

disadvantages

• No proximity and light sensors;
• Not very long battery life;
• A micro-USB socket is used;
• Extremely low memory;
• Simple display;
• It's better not to think about cameras;
• There is no LTE support.

Alcatel 1C 5003D (2019)

Rating: 4.4

Another smartphone up to 4000 rubles, running Android 8.1. Russian stores sell it for only 3000 rubles, so you definitely won't have to rely on impressive characteristics. It uses a display typical of such a price tag – with not very wide viewing angles and a resolution of 960×480 pixels. A tiny front camera lens can be seen above the screen. As you might guess, it uses the simplest 2-megapixel sensor.

If you flip the 148-gram smartphone, you can see another lens. This is already a rear camera, it is capable of slightly higher quality shooting. But you shouldn't expect miracles from a 5-megapixel sensor. There is also a speaker that produces a very loud sound. But if you want to listen to music, then it is better to use the 3.5 mm audio jack by connecting headphones to it. Also, the smartphone is able to transmit sound to a wireless headset, for which one should thank the support of the Bluetooth 4.0 standard. But when you connect it, you will no longer be able to listen to FM radio.

At such a cost, it is foolish to expect the device to be able to receive and transmit data over LTE networks. The amount of permanent memory is also predictable – it is only 8 GB. This allows Alcatel 1C 5003D (2019) to be used only as a 'dialer'. Alas, with this amount of built-in storage, it is unlikely that more than three or four additional applications can be installed.

Otherwise, this is a typical ultra-budget smartphone. It is endowed with a micro-USB connector, it is with its help that a 2000 mAh battery is charged (the process takes about four hours). As for the processor, you are traditionally waiting for a quad-core chipset with a clock speed of 1300 mAh. I am glad that the manufacturer has not forgotten about the proximity sensor at least. But the brightness of the backlight will not be automatically adjusted – there is no corresponding sensor here.

Advantages

• There is a proximity sensor;
• Not forgotten 3.5mm audio jack;
• There is an FM radio;
• The latest version is installed Android;
• Small size and weight;
• Very low cost.

disadvantages

• No light sensor;
• Short battery life;
• Built-in micro-USB connector;
• Very little RAM and persistent memory;
• There is no support for LTE networks;
• Unpretentious cameras;
• Not everyone will like the display.

Fly slimline

Rating: 4.3

This selection mainly features compact smartphones with a very small display. There are few exceptions to the rule. One of them is Fly Slimline. The front panel of this device houses a screen with a diagonal of 5.45 inches. This LCD panel was created using IPS technology, so the viewing angles are close to maximum. Well, the resolution is 1440×720 pixels, which can be considered a very decent parameter.

Despite the rather large dimensions, the smartphone is very light – its weight does not exceed 146 g. The device allows you to use two SIM-cards. In addition to this, a microSD card can be installed. As you might guess, you can't do without it. The smartphone has only 8 GB of permanent memory built in, so you can forget about storing media files on it.

The operation of this model is provided by the usual quad-core processor with a clock frequency of 1300 MHz. The device is also capable of boasting an FM radio. You can turn it on only after you have connected some headphones to the 3.5 mm audio jack. The device also has Bluetooth – a module, so you can use a wireless headset to listen to MP3 music.

The 8-megapixel camera installed here can be considered a pleasant surprise. No, it is seriously inferior to any smartphone that sells for twice the money. But it looks good against the background of cameras built into other representatives of our rating. As for the front-facing camera, its resolution is 5 megapixels.

It's nice that the manufacturer tried to increase the battery life. As a result, the device received a 2500 mAh battery. There is no need to wait for records, but the smartphone will definitely hold out until the evening, even with fairly intensive use. It is a pity that this device does not support fast charging. Well, the network adapter is connected using the well-known micro-USB connector.

Advantages

• There is a proximity sensor;
• Decent battery life
• There is a separate slot for a memory card;
• There is support for LTE networks;
• There is an FM radio;
• Comparatively good cameras
• There is a 3.5mm jack;
• Decent IPS display
• Minimum weight;
• The latest version of the operating system.

disadvantages

• No light sensor;
• Micro-USB connector is used;
• Very little permanent and random access memory;
• Difficult to find at a low price.

Nobby S500

Rating: 4.2

One of the most affordable smartphones in our ranking. It is often sold for only 3000 rubles! At the same time, the device cannot be called in any way outdated. He has an operating system Android 8.1. There is no doubt that its functionality will definitely be enough for you. Nothing bad can be said about the display, the resolution of which is 1280×720 pixels with a 5-inch diagonal. It is comfortable to watch both YouTube videos and full-length films on such a device.

The Nobby S500 is also an extremely lightweight smartphone. The scales beneath it lazily change their numbers, stopping at a measly 97 grams! At the same time, the device cannot be called particularly small and thin. How did the manufacturer achieve this? We will never know this secret.

You might think that a tiny battery is hidden under the back cover of such a gadget. In fact, its capacity of 2000 mAh is quite sufficient for the device to last until the evening if not actively used. Charging is carried out via the micro-USB connector, the process will be quite long. As for the body, it is made of plastic. Two color options have gone on sale, but there is no need to wait for a bright color.

The work of this model is provided by the quad-core Spreadtrum SC7731. This is a modest chipset, the capabilities of which are unlikely to be enough for some heavy applications. But they cannot be installed here. For example, a program for controlling a quadcopter will definitely complain about the lack of free space. Only 8 GB of permanent memory is built here! Therefore, the owner of the Nobby S500 will be able to rely only on instant messengers and other applications weighing a few megabytes.

You can easily guess that this device does not support LTE networks. I am glad that at least the Wi-Fi module is not forgotten, you can watch videos online with it. As for listening to music, wired headphones should be involved in this process. Alas, the built-in speaker here is very bad. Well, Bluetooth 2.1 should be used for talking on a mono headset, but no more.

Some readers will certainly take an interest in what cameras are built into this device. It's better not to talk about them at all! They arrived here straight from the ancient push-button telephones. With their help, you can get a picture for a contact book, but you need to forget about high-quality photos for social networks with the purchase of the Nobby S500.

Advantages

• The smartphone is extremely lightweight;
• A fresh version of the OS is installed;
• Decent HD display
• The set includes headphones.

disadvantages

• No light and proximity sensors;
• Micro-USB connector is used;
• Very little memory;
• There is no LTE support;
• Disgusting cameras;
• Old standard Bluetooth.

INOI 5i

Rating: 4.1

Basically, our selection consists of devices with two or three color options. As for the INOI 5i, it can be painted in four different colors! Grown men will choose a device in a black case, while children will be delighted with the yellow version. The case here, by the way, is plastic. This made the device quite light, although it has a fairly large 5.5-inch screen on its front panel. The display resolution is not very large, only 1280×640 pixels. But on the other hand, IPS technology was used for the production of the LCD panel, and this indicates the maximum viewing angles.

Like many others Android – devices sold for 4000 rubles, this one received 8 GB of permanent and 1 GB of RAM. Therefore, it is almost impossible to install something here other than instant messengers and social network clients. Something more could not be pulled by a quad-core processor, the clock frequency of which is only able to reach 1300 MHz.

Despite the extremely low cost, the smartphone received not the worst cameras. At least, one cannot say that push-button mobile phones once possessed the same. The rear camera is even supposedly double. But don't be fooled, the second matrix is ​​dormant here. As for the first, it pleases with 8-megapixel resolution and stable autofocus. The front camera has a 5-megapixel sensor, thanks to which the camera performs well when organizing video calls.

A 3.5mm audio jack and a micro-USB port are easily found on the smartphone body. When you connect wired headphones, you can listen to the FM radio. The product also received support Bluetooth 4.0. But the presence of an LTE module seems to be much more important. It allows you to enjoy YouTube videos not only in the Wi-Fi range, but also anywhere on the street.

This is one of the longest-playing smartphones in our review. Under its back cover is a removable 2850 mAh battery. Charging is carried out, of course, via the micro-USB socket.

Advantages

• Four body colors to choose from;
• Long battery life;
• Maximum viewing angles;
• Not the worst rear camera;
• There is an FM radio;
• Implemented support for LTE;
• There is a 3.5mm audio jack;
• There are light and proximity sensors.

disadvantages

• Screen resolution is not very high;
• Extremely low memory;
• Not the most powerful processor.

Digma LINX X1 PRO 3G

Rating: 4.0

This model almost ends our selection. However, it cannot be said that she is the worst of the best. Some of its characteristics are capable of impressing a person who expects only the functionality of a 'dialer' from such a device. For example, a nice 5-inch display is built in here. It was created using IPS technology, and its resolution is 1280×720 pixels. Some people will use such a screen with might and main to watch movies.

Three color variants of this smartphone are on sale. However, don't expect bright colors – only black, gray and blue are available to choose from. Whichever option you choose, you will receive a device with Android 8.1. The update will not arrive on the smartphone, but this version is enough for the eyes. The weight of the smartphone is 152 g. It cannot be called quite light. So there is a capacious battery inside? Indeed, 2500 mAh is the parameter that should definitely be enough for the device to hold out until late at night even with very active use.

It should be noted that there are also good components responsible for the processing power and storage of various files. If the processor MediaTek MT6580 is familiar for this kind of devices, then 16 GB of constant and 2 GB of RAM cannot but rejoice. They allow you to install additional applications here, including quite heavy ones.

But why is this device on one of the last positions in our rating? The fact is that the device is not capable of operating in LTE networks. Also, there are no light and proximity sensors, which make working with a smartphone more convenient. And buyers also complain about the rather quiet speaker. Well, and where without glitches in the operating system … To be fair, there could be much more of them.

Advantages

• Three color options available;
• The latest version is installed Android;
• Maximum viewing angles;
• Decent display resolution;
• Decent rear camera
• There is an FM radio;
• There is a 3.5mm audio jack;
• Decent amount of memory;
• Long battery life;
• There is a separate slot for a microSD card.

disadvantages

• Disgusting front camera;
• No support for LTE networks;
• Not the most powerful processor;
• Micro-USB connector is used;
• No light and proximity sensors.

Prestigio Wize Q3

Rating: 4.0

The record holder of our collection. This smartphone has as many as five color options! And sometimes the device can be bought for only 2900 rubles! After looking at the price tag, you can forgive the device for almost everything. Even the fact that it has a TN-display, the viewing angles of which are far from ideal. As for the resolution of the 5 “screen, it is 5”.

This model operates under Android 7.0. The refusal of powerful components allowed the manufacturer to reduce the weight of his creation to 137 g. Of course, this was achieved, among other things, due to the plastic case and a weak battery. The capacity of the latter does not exceed 2000 mAh. Its charging is carried out through the usual micro-USB connector, the plug into which is often inserted only from the second, and sometimes from the third time. But waiting for USB Type-C in such cheap smartphones is not worth it yet.

The fact that there is an 8-megapixel camera here is a little surprising. As for the front camera, it pleases much less, since its resolution is only 2 megapixels. It is proposed to upload pictures to the Internet using 3G. The process will be very lengthy. However, no one bothers to use Wi-Fi instead.

A 3.5 mm audio jack is used to connect headphones. You can also use the 'blue tooth', but it is only the second version here, so you should not count on any high-quality sound.

It remains to add that the device received only 8 GB of permanent memory, and a modest quad-core chipset is used as a processor, the clock frequency of which does not exceed 1200 MHz. This is partly why this model closes our selection of smartphones up to 4000 rubles.

Advantages

• There is an FM radio;
• There is a slot for a memory card;
• Not the worst rear camera;
• Modest size and weight;
• A large number of body colors to choose from.

disadvantages

• No light and proximity sensors;
• Short battery life;
• Micro-USB connector is used;
• Extremely low memory;
• Very weak processor;
• No support for LTE networks;
• A simple display.

Conclusion

Now you know which smartphones worth up to 4000 rubles are worth paying attention to. Of course, you don't need to rely on any fast operation of such devices – in the future you will definitely want to buy something more expensive. Well, our site will definitely help in this matter, telling about mid-budget smartphones!

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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.