Philippines

Best Budget Smartphones in the Philippines below P10,000

January 2021 Edition

Published

December 28, 2020

GadgetMatch

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.

REVIEW: Samsung Galaxy A21s

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.

REVIEW: realme Narzo 20

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.

SPECS: POCO M3

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.

REVIEW: Infinix Note 7

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.

REVIEW: realme C15

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.

REVIEW: Redmi 9C

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.

HANDS-ON: Redmi 9

Related Topics:OPPO Realme Redmi Samsung

Deals

Get the MacBook Neo for as low as PhP 44 a day via Home Credit

Flexible installment payment plans available

Published

April 16, 2026

GadgetMatch

Home Credit is making the MacBook Neo accessible to more Filipinos with an exclusive pre-order installment offer for the new Apple laptop.

The latest offering can be brought home through flexible installments starting at as low as just PhP 44 a day. That’s not even a dollar a day.

This exclusive offer is available during the pre-order period from April 11 to 23. If you’re looking for a high-performance laptop at a great value, then now is the ideal time to upgrade or purchase your first higher tier notebook.

Here’s a quick breakdown of available Home Credit MacBook Neo installment plans:

256GB at 24 months: PhP 44/day
256GB at 12 months: PhP 82/day
512GB at 24 months: PhP 51/day
512GB at 12 months: PhP 97/day

Apple MacBook Neo

The Apple MacBook Neo is the company’s latest laptop, which is also its most affordable. It retails at just about US$ 499 to US$ 599 in the United States and SG$ 729 to SG$ 849 in Singapore.

It runs on an A18 Pro chip for 50% faster everyday performance compared to Intel Core Ultra 5-level PCs. This chip also has a 16-core Neural Engine for Apple Intelligence and 5-core GPU for graphics workloads.

The portable and lightweight laptop has a 13-inch 2408 x 1506 display, two USB-C ports, a headphone jack, and Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 6 connectivity.

The MacBook Neo ships with MacOS Tahoe, complete with apps like Safari, Photos, Messages, and FaceTime. Users are promised up to 16 hours of usage on a single charge.

In the Philippines, the device is available at Apple Authorized Resellers and Home Credit Philippines partner stores nationwide, including:

Abenson
Aerophone
Beyond the Box
Blue Box
Cell Boy
Digimap
Electroworld
Fone Style
Gadget Headz
Greentelcom
Inbox Stores PH
Laycom
Octagon
PC Express
Power Mac Center
Puerto Electronico
Silicon Valley
thinkingtools@mall
The Loop
Wiltelcom
8telcom

Entertainment

Prime Video unveils Philippine slate: More originals, licensed titles

1st ever local slate announcement graced by stars

Published

April 16, 2026

Manila Connoisseur

Prime Video unveiled seven Filipino Prime Original series and more licensed and exclusive content to look forward to during the streaming platform’s first-ever local slate announcement in the market.

Additional titles are likewise coming to Prime Video — including new Korean shows — as well as the live broadcast of the NBA Playoffs and Finals 2026.

The launch event was graced by some of Philippine showbiz’s best stars, like Jericho Rosales, Marian Rivera, Sharon Cuneta, Barbie Forteza, Kim Chiu, Joshua Garcia, Angelica Panganiban, Zanjoe Marudo, Ivana Alawi, Janine Gutierrez, and more.

The lineup marks a significant expansion of Prime Video’s investment in the Philippines. This includes collaborations with network giants ABS-CBN and GMA, for premium storytelling that spans drama, politics, suspense, romance, crime, and comedy.

Part of the slate available on Prime Video are:

Linlang
Saving Grace
The Silent Noise
Love Is Never Gone
The Loyalty Game
Honor Thy Mother
Kopino
Behind Closed Doors

A new season of Last One Laughing Philippines, featuring Vice Ganda, will also be available soon.

Meanwhile, these exclusive licensed Filipino films are joining the lineup:

Samahan ng mga Makasalanan
Gabi ng Lagim
Bayaniverse trilogy: Quezon, Heneral Luna, Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral
Bar Boys: After School
Open Endings

Global hits, K-dramas, and anime titles available or soon to be on the streaming platform include:

The Boys
Fallout
The Summer I Turned Pretty
GOOD BOY
Marry My Husband
A Love Other Than Yours
Final Table
Nine to Six
Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX
Demon Slayer

Viewers can avail of a Prime Video subscription for as low as just PhP 149/month — a great value given all the local and foreign content available to stream on the platform.

Automotive

BYD Previews Atto 2 EV, Sealion 7 at MIAS 2026

And sharing a milestone of two Guinness World Records!

Published

April 14, 2026

MJ Jucutan

The Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) 2026 marks a significant shift in how we view the Philippine drive.

This year, BYD’s exhibit is their largest to date, moving away from purely technical explanations to show how technology lives inside our routines. It’s a showcase of a complete ecosystem — from city crossovers to rugged pickups — designed to prove that the electric transition is no longer a concept, but a proven reality for all Filipinos.

New companions for the modern routine

Among the highlights are two highly anticipated previews that feel like natural extensions of a modern lifestyle.

For instance, the BYD Atto 2 EV is a smart, stylish urban crossover built for the family. It successfully balances everyday utility with a chic, contemporary design.

Meanwhile, for those who seek a more performance-led experience, the BYD Sealion 7 merges a bold aesthetic with a sophisticated All-Wheel Drive system. It also features a tech-forward cabin that serves as a sanctuary on the road.

This shift toward electric mobility is backed by a journey that goes far beyond the showroom floor. Through the “Drive Electric. Love Pinas.” campaign, a convoy of 20 electrified vehicles recently traveled from Northern Luzon to Mindanao.

As a result of this 102-city stress test, BYD earned two Guinness World Records for the eMAX 7 and the Shark 6 DMO. These achievements demonstrate that these vehicles are truly ready for the complexities of the Philippine landscape.

A high-tech future on the road

Consequently, supporting this movement is the “Philippine EV Spine,” which is a network of over 160 charging locations nationwide. This network is built specifically to eliminate range anxiety and ensures that drivers stay powered and connected for the road ahead.

Adding a human resonance to this technological shift, Multimedia Star Alden Richards has joined the brand as its newest advocate. His role reflects a shared goal of inspiring Filipinos to embrace a high-tech and sustainable future.