If you’re lucky enough to be able to go to the beach in this hot summer, you may not want to bring your expensive daily driver out there in the sand. In this case, it’s probably better to get an affordable device you’re not too afraid to break or get stolen. Either because of that or because you simply have a small budget, here’s a list with the 5 best Chinese smartphones under $100.
Best Chinese Smartphones for Under $100
1. Redmi 9
Let’s kick things off with the good old Redmi 9 coming with its powerful MediaTek Helio G80 chipset;, along with a minimum of 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage (expandable via microSD).
The Redmi 9 also packs a large 6.53-inch IPS LCD screen with Full HD+ resolution. Meanwhile, photography wise, we find four cameras including a primary 13MP, an ultra wide 8MP lens, an 8MP portrait camera and a 5MP macro camera. At the front we have a notch with a 8MP selfie camera.
Finally, the Redmi 9 is backed by extra large 5020mAh capacity battery with support for 18W fast charging, it has a 3.5mm audio jack and a rear fingerprint scanner.
2. Realme C11 2021
Next, we have the Realme C11 2021, a smartphone powered by a Unisoc SC9863 chipset, along with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage (expandable via microSD slot).
The handset then flaunts a 6.52-inch display with a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels and a 5MP snapper in the notch at the front. Meanwhile at the back we find a single 8MP camera sensor.
The Realme C11 2012 comes with a large 5000mAh capacity battery, it has a 3.5mm audio jack and runs Android 11 out of the box.
3. Realme C21
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Another great option from Realme is the older Realme C21. The smartphone is indeed powered by the decent Helio G35, paired with a minimum of 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage (expandable via microSD).
Realme’s C21 then packs a large 6.5-inch screen with HD+ resolution and a notch at the top for the 5MP selfie snapper. On the back, we have three cameras including a primary 13MP, an ultra wide 8MP lens, a 2MP black and white and a 2MP macro camera.
Finally, the Realme C21 is fueled by an extra large 5000mAh capacity battery, it feature a 3.5mm audio jack and a rear fingerprint scanner.
Best Chinese Smartphones for Under $100
4. UMIDIGI A11
Coming with a slightly less powerful chipset we find the UMIDIGI A1 with its MediaTek Helio G25 SoC; along with 3GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage (expandable).
The smartphone features a 6.53-inch IPS LCD screen with HD+ resolution encased in a body with a flat edges; which gives it a very similar look to the Apple iPhone SE / 5.
Photography wise, we have a total of three cameras on the back, including a 15MP main sensor, an 8MP ultra wide angle lens and a 2MP sensor for depth data. For selfies we find a single 8MP snapper in the notch at the front.
Finally, the UMIDIGI A11 comes with a massive 5150mAh capacity battery; it has a 3.5mm audio jack and runs Android 11 out of the box.
Best Chinese Smartphones for Under $100
5. OUKITEL C21
Last but not least, the OUKITEL C21 comes bringing a very modern design and decent specs such. These include the powerful MediaTek Helio P60 SoC; along with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage.
The OUKITEL C21 features a “smaller” 6.4-inch display with a nicer Full HD+ resolution and a punch-hole in the upper left corner for the 20MP front camera. Moving onto the back, we have four rear cameras including a 16MP primary and three 2MP sensors.
The C21 is power by a below average 4000mAh battery, supports 18W fast charging and it has a fingerprint scanner on the back.
