Welcome to GadgetMatch’s list of the best smartphones priced below PhP 10,000! Each month, we update our selection with the budget-friendly phones we believe are most deserving of your hard-earned savings.
Even though the spotlight has been on high-end smartphones this entire year, there have been a few surprisingly good entry-level handsets coming out lately, as well. So good, in fact, that we had to reassess our entire list.
Here they are in no particular order:
Samsung Galaxy A21s (PhP 9,990)
You might consider this cheating as it is originally priced at PhP 11,990. However, it is currently discounted and we’re willing to bet this is gonna be its price even as 2021 truly rolls around. That makes the Galaxy A21s somewhat of a steal at this price range. Samsung has really made good strides in the non-flagship category ever since ditching the J-series. In its place is the expanded A-series — and this phone specifically checks most boxes you need out of a basic smartphone.
realme Narzo 20 (PhP 7,990)
Easily the best gaming-skewed smartphone in the this price range. Budget phones these day tend to be focused on a few things and then have comprises in some areas. That seems to be the case here as you shouldn’t expect much from this phone’s cameras. But what it lacks in shooting, it makes up for in letting you play the most popular mobile gaming titles with relative ease.
POCO M3 (PhP 7,990)
Judging this solely on paper alone, the POCO M3 is in collision course with the realme Narzo 20 in terms of pricing and overall target market. POCO was relentless in releasing good value for money smartphones in 2020 and the POCO M3 is no different. It has fun camera features that you can play with. Granted, the image quality won’t leave jaws dropping, the output is still… fine. It’s also slated to perform relatively well. A fine option at this price range.
Infinix Note 7 (PhP 7,990)
Here’s another phone in the same price range as the realme Narzo 20 and the POCO m3. Like the latter, this appears to be aiming at a more balanced approach — a smartphone for a smartphone’s sake. It has all the essentials, performs just about as advertised, and takes fairly decent photos.
realme C15 (PhP 6,990)
The realme C15 is essentially just the realme C11 but on steroids. Specs-wise, they have many similarities with a few improvements here and there. This is still a reliable purchase for people (or even oldies) who just want a basic phone without spending too much.
Redmi 9C (PhP 5,990)
Many people are struggling to get by and shelling out cash for a phone is potentially not within the priorities of survival. If anything, it could be what someone needs, but cannot afford. So, as much as phones like the Redmi 9C have a catch to their low cost, it’s well worth it.
Redmi 9 (PhP 6,490)
Probably the best compromise if you want a capable budget phone but don’t necessarily want to be near the top-end of the budget spectrum. You’ll have to settle for using Lite apps to not feel any slow down, but other than that, this thing works and is built well.
OPPO has confirmed that the Reno16 Series 5G is coming soon to the Philippines.
The upcoming smartphone series will introduce the company’s new Pocket Studio imaging experience alongside OPPO Bubble with Camera Remote View. The launch also continues OPPO’s partnership with K-pop girl group BABYMONSTER, the brand’s global ambassadors.
Pocket Studio puts the focus on photography
OPPO positions the Reno16 Series 5G as a camera-first smartphone. The series features a 200MP main camera, a 50MP ultra-wide selfie camera, and Dual View Video for capturing photos and videos from multiple perspectives.
The company says these upgrades are designed to make mobile photography and content creation more versatile. Users can capture wide group selfies, detailed portraits, and creative videos without carrying dedicated camera gear.
OPPO Bubble brings remote camera controls
A standout feature is OPPO Bubble with Camera Remote View.
The new feature lets users pair the Reno16 Series 5G with compatible OPPO devices. From there, they can preview the camera feed remotely and trigger the shutter wirelessly.
This also allows users to frame selfies and group photos using the phone’s rear cameras while viewing the composition from another device. OPPO says the feature makes it easier to capture everyone in the frame without relying on timers.
Coming soon
The OPPO Reno16 Series 5G will arrive in the Philippines soon.
OPPO has yet to announce the official launch date, pricing, and local availability. More details are expected in the coming weeks.
News
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Watch9: Price, availability in the Philippines
Prices start at PHP 24,990
Samsung has officially launched the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9 in the Philippines alongside the new Galaxy Z8 Series.
The new wearables expand Samsung’s smartwatch lineup with upgraded health tracking, AI-powered wellness features, and faster performance. The Galaxy Watch9 is designed for everyday health and fitness, while the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 caters to users looking for a more rugged smartwatch for outdoor adventures.
Here’s how much they cost in the Philippines.
Pricing
Galaxy Watch Ultra2
- PHP 44,990
Galaxy Watch9
- 40mm — PHP 22,990
- 46mm — PHP 24,990
Availability
Pre-orders begin on July 23 through Samsung Philippines and authorized retailers. Both smartwatches will be offered in multiple color options depending on the model.
Pre-order offers
Customers who pre-order either smartwatch can enjoy several launch offers, including:
- Up to 15% off
- Up to 36 months of 0% installment plans with participating banks
- Up to 50% off through eligible trade-ins
- Up to 36% off Samsung Care+ device protection
Galaxy Watch9
The Galaxy Watch9 is Samsung’s latest everyday smartwatch. It features the company’s newest health and wellness platform with AI-powered insights, comprehensive health tracking, and everyday activity monitoring.
Powering the experience is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Wear Elite platform, which promises faster performance while supporting Samsung’s latest wellness features. The watch is available in 40mm and 46mm sizes.
Galaxy Watch Ultra2
The Galaxy Watch Ultra2 builds on Samsung’s premium outdoor smartwatch with a durable titanium construction, improved comfort, and new sport tracking modes such as Trail Run and Diving.
Like the Galaxy Watch9, it runs on the Snapdragon Wear Elite platform and supports Samsung’s latest AI-powered health and wellness tools.
Samsung has officially launched the Galaxy Z8 Series in the Philippines, bringing three foldables to the local market. The lineup includes the new passport-style Galaxy Z Fold8, the flagship Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, and the Galaxy Z Flip8.
Pre-orders are now open nationwide. Alongside updated Galaxy AI experiences, Samsung’s latest foldables cater to different lifestyles—from productivity-focused power users and those looking for a more portable Fold experience to fans of compact flip phones.
Samsung Galaxy Z8 Series price in the Philippines
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra starts at PHP 123,990, while the new Galaxy Z Fold8 begins at PHP 109,990. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Z Flip8 starts at PHP 77,990.
Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra
| Storage | Price |
| 256GB | PHP 123,990 |
| 512GB | PHP 137,990 |
| 1TB | PHP 165,990 |
Colors: Violet Shadow, Cream, Graphite, Green Shadow (Online Exclusive)
Galaxy Z Fold8
| Storage | Price |
| 256GB | PHP 109,990 |
| 512GB | PHP 123,990 |
| 1TB | PHP 151,990 |
Colors: Lavender, Cream, Graphite, Pistachio (Online Exclusive)
Galaxy Z Flip8
| Storage | Price |
| 256GB | PHP 77,990 |
| 512GB | PHP 91,990 |
Colors: Coral, Cream, Graphite, Mint
Availability and pre-order offers
Pre-orders for the Samsung Galaxy Z8 Series in the Philippines run from July 23 to August 13.
During the pre-order period, customers can enjoy a free storage upgrade worth up to PHP 7,000, trade-in savings of up to PHP 14,000, and three months of Samsung Care+ at no additional cost.
Samsung is also offering up to 15% off and 0% installment for up to 36 months through participating banks. Monthly installment plans start at PHP 1,841.43 for the Galaxy Z8 Series and PHP 542.82 for the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9.
Participating banks include BDO, BPI, UnionBank, Metrobank, EastWest Bank, PNB, Security Bank, HSBC, RCBC, and Chinabank.
Customers can also take advantage of Samsung’s trade-in program through CompAsia and bolttech, with guaranteed trade-in values of up to PHP 16,000 for the Galaxy Z8 Series and up to PHP 7,000 for the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9.
For added peace of mind, Samsung is offering up to 36% off Samsung Care+ through bolttech. The protection plan includes unlimited repairs for up to two years, up to two device replacements, global coverage across 55 countries, and free nationwide pick-up and delivery.
Galaxy Z Fold8 introduces a new Fold experience
Headlining the lineup is the new Galaxy Z Fold8, which introduces an entirely new take on Samsung’s book-style foldable.
Instead of simply shrinking its flagship Fold, Samsung designed the Fold8 around a different idea: making a book-style foldable that’s easier to carry and use every day. Its passport-inspired form factor prioritizes portability and one-handed usability while retaining the large inner display for multitasking, productivity, and entertainment.
The new Fold8 joins—not replaces—the Fold8 Ultra, giving buyers another option depending on how they use their foldable.
Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra builds on Samsung’s flagship foldable
Existing Fold users should note that the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra is the direct successor to last year’s Galaxy Z Fold7. This year, Samsung renames its traditional book-style foldable as the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra while introducing an entirely new model simply called the Galaxy Z Fold8.
Rather than redesigning the device, Samsung focuses on refinement. The Fold8 Ultra features a 200MP main camera, Flex Titanium Technology, a brighter display, improved performance, and expanded Galaxy AI capabilities for users who want Samsung’s most advanced foldable.
Galaxy Z Flip8 refines Samsung’s compact foldable
Samsung also updates its clamshell foldable with the Galaxy Z Flip8.
The latest model builds on its familiar design with upgrades to FlexWindow, FlexCam, Galaxy AI, and overall performance. Samsung says the larger cover display allows users to accomplish more everyday tasks without unfolding the device, while its compact design continues to make it the most pocket-friendly model in the lineup.
Galaxy AI powers the Galaxy Z8 Series
Galaxy AI remains a central part of Samsung’s latest foldables.
The company introduces new features such as Gemini-powered Notebooks for organizing information from multiple sources, alongside expanded Photo Assist editing tools and My Filter for more personalized image creation. Across the Fold lineup, Samsung also continues to optimize AI features for multitasking and productivity on larger displays.
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