When you're on a tight budget, buying a smartphone can feel overwhelming. With so many cheap models flooding the market, it's hard to know which ones can actually handle your daily tasks, whether it's messaging, video calls, or browsing social media. If you're a student, working parent, or someone just looking for a backup phone, you need a device that's affordable but still reliable.
We’ve compiled this practical buying guide to help you choose the best phones under ₱5,000 available on Lazada and Shopee. From battery life and display size to storage and camera quality, here’s everything you need to know before making your purchase.
Quick List - Top Phones Under 5K
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Table of Contents
Every mybest article is crafted with hours of in-depth research and interviews with experts. Each month, we are continually expanding our database of products based on our research. By emphasizing user insight and reliable information, we deliver trustworthy content to readers.
Make smarter buying decisions with this simple breakdown of what to look for in a budget smartphone.
The heart of a phone’s performance lies in the combination of RAM, internal storage, and processor. These three components work together to handle your daily apps, from Facebook and YouTube to Shopee and Zoom. If any of these are too low, your phone may struggle to run smoothly or multitask efficiently.
RAM helps your phone handle tasks at the same time; don’t settle for less. A minimum of 2GB of RAM is necessary if you want your phone to open apps without freezing or crashing. For smoother multitasking and app switching, go for 3GB RAM or higher. This helps when you're switching between Facebook, GCash, or Messenger Lite, and it keeps background tasks running.
Avoid phones with only 1GB of RAM; they often lag even with light use. While more RAM usually costs more, some budget models from brands like itel, Cherry Mobile, and Xiaomi offer 3GB options under ₱5,000.
A phone with only 16GB of storage won't go far in 2025. The operating system itself takes up about 10GB or more, leaving little room for apps or photos. At least 32GB of internal storage gives you enough space for essential apps like TikTok, Lazada, and your camera roll.
Storage fills up quickly, so aim for 32GB to avoid constant "low memory" warnings. Many budget phones also support microSD cards, which can help expand storage for photos, videos, or offline downloads. Look for models that support up to 128GB expandable storage for added flexibility.
In the budget category, you’ll often see phones using MediaTek or Unisoc processors. These chips aren’t built for heavy gaming, but they’re good enough for regular browsing, video calls, or watching YouTube. Paired with enough RAM, they can keep your apps running without overheating or slowing down.
Your processor affects how fast and responsive your phone feels. Avoid older or unknown chipsets, which can be inefficient or outdated. Look for well-reviewed budget models from real user feedback to ensure stable performance.
Battery life matters, especially if you're using your phone throughout the day. Look for a battery capacity of at least 4,000mAh. This size is enough to last 6–10 hours of screen time, depending on usage. It’s ideal for students in online classes or workers who can't always charge on the go.
A larger battery means more hours of use without charging all the time. Some budget models offer 5,000mAh batteries, which can last even longer. Just remember: high battery capacity is only useful if the phone is optimized for it, so check user reviews for real-world performance.
Choose a screen size that balances usability with comfort for reading and video. A screen size of 6.0 to 6.5 inches is ideal for budget users. It’s big enough to enjoy videos or read text clearly, but still compact enough to hold comfortably. These sizes are now common, even in phones below ₱5,000.
Look for HD+ (720p) resolution at minimum, as lower resolutions can make text look blurry or hard to read. IPS LCD screens are also better than basic TFT displays when it comes to color clarity and brightness.
You don’t need high-end specs to take decent photos for school, work, or social media. Cameras in this price range won’t compete with flagship models, but you can still get decent shots. Aim for at least an 8MP rear camera and 5MP front camera, good enough for selfies, Zoom calls, and casual photos in daylight.
Avoid phones with VGA or 2MP cameras, which tend to produce grainy, low-quality images. Check user reviews to see photo samples if available, and consider phones that offer built-in beauty or HDR modes for added value.
Dual SIM lets you separate work and personal use, while microSD cards add extra space. For Filipinos juggling multiple roles or promo networks, dual SIM functionality is a must. It allows users to switch between two carriers, keeping data and call costs low. This is helpful for students, online sellers, or anyone managing two numbers.
Expandable storage also matters when internal memory is limited. Many phones under ₱5,000 support microSD cards up to 128GB, letting you save more photos, videos, and offline content without slowing down your phone.
Stick with brands that have a known presence in the Philippines, such as itel, Infinix, realme, Cherry Mobile, or Xiaomi. These brands usually offer better build quality, service centers, and software updates compared to generic models.
When shopping on Lazada or Shopee, always check verified buyer reviews, return policies, and seller ratings. Not all cheap phones are created equal. Check the reputation before buying. A lower price might mean poor performance or fake specs if you’re not careful.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Screen Size | Storage | RAM | Processor | Camera Quality (Front) | Camera Quality (Back) | Battery | Dual Sim | Expandable | |||||
1 | Infinix Smart 9 HD | ![]() | Smooth-Running Smartphone With Vibrant 6.7-Inch Display | 6.7in | 64GB | 4GB | MediaTek | 8MP | 13MP | 5000mAh | |||
2 | Xiaomi Poco C71 | ![]() | Long-Lasting 5200mAh Battery With 15W Fast Charging | 6.88in | 64GB、128GB | 3GB、4GB | UNISOC | 8MP | 32MP | 5200mAh | |||
3 | itel A50C | ![]() | Dynamic Island UI With USB-C Fast Charging | 6.6in | 32GB | 4GB | UNISOC | 5MP | 8MP | 4000mAh | |||
4 | TECNO Spark Go 2 | ![]() | Splash-Resistant Design With Vibrant 120Hz Display | 6.67in | 64GB | 6GB | UNISOC | 8MP | 13MP | 5000mAh | |||
5 | TECNO Spark Go 1 | ![]() | IP54 Dust and Splash Resistance for Everyday Protection | 6.67in | 64GB、128GB | 3GB、4GB | UNISOC | 8MP | 13MP | 5000mAh | |||
6 | Infinix Smart 10 | ![]() | Sleek Smartphone With Extended 8GB RAM and Loud Dual Speakers | 6.67in | 128GB | 4GB | UNISOC | 8MP | 50MP | 5000mAh | |||
7 | Samsung Galaxy A06 | ![]() | Experience Smooth, Vivid Visuals on a 6.7-Inch HD+ Display | 6.7in | 128GB | 4GB | MediaTek | 8MP | 50MP | 5000mAh | |||
8 | Cherry Mobile Omega X | ![]() | Budget-Friendly Phone With Surprisingly Vibrant Visuals | 6.2in | 32GB | 3GB | MediaTek | 8MP | 13MP | 2800mAh | |||
9 | vivo Y04 | ![]() | Enhanced Audio With a Drop-Resistant Design | 6.64in | 128GB | 8GB | MediaTek | 8MP | 50MP | 5500mAh | |||
10 | itel A50 | ![]() | Quick and Secure Access With Side-Mounted Fingerprint Unlock | 6.6in | 64GB | 8GB | UNISOC | 5MP | 8MP | 5000mAh |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
Many users highlight the responsive screen size paired with smooth operation during social media browsing and streaming. Battery life is frequently praised for lasting through a typical day without needing frequent recharges. However, some note that the plastic body feels less premium compared to other models.
Screen Size | 6.7in |
---|---|
Storage | 64GB |
RAM | 4GB |
Processor | MediaTek |
Camera Quality (Front) | 8MP |
Camera Quality (Back) | 13MP |
Battery | 5000mAh |
Dual Sim | |
Expandable |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
The large, bright display and smooth handling for social media and video streaming receive praise from many users. Battery life often supports extended use without frequent charging. Some users, however, find the HD+ screen resolution less sharp on this large screen.
Screen Size | 6.88in |
---|---|
Storage | 64GB、128GB |
RAM | 3GB、4GB |
Processor | UNISOC |
Camera Quality (Front) | 8MP |
Camera Quality (Back) | 32MP |
Battery | 5200mAh |
Dual Sim | |
Expandable |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
Users like the bright, large screen for watching videos and browsing social media. The phone performs well for everyday apps and light gaming. Some note, however, that the limited RAM and storage can make heavy multitasking or installing many apps challenging.
Screen Size | 6.6in |
---|---|
Storage | 32GB |
RAM | 4GB |
Processor | UNISOC |
Camera Quality (Front) | 5MP |
Camera Quality (Back) | 8MP |
Battery | 4000mAh |
Dual Sim | |
Expandable |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
Some users feel the phone could offer more color options for personalization. Still, many highlight its sleek design and comfortable grip, making it easy to hold during extended use. Others praise the responsive touchscreen, which enhances both navigation and gaming experiences.
Screen Size | 6.67in |
---|---|
Storage | 64GB |
RAM | 6GB |
Processor | UNISOC |
Camera Quality (Front) | 8MP |
Camera Quality (Back) | 13MP |
Battery | 5000mAh |
Dual Sim | |
Expandable |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
Many users appreciate the phone’s lightweight build and comfortable grip. The dual LED flash is often praised for improving low-light photography. Some suggest that including a protective case would further enhance its durability.
Screen Size | 6.67in |
---|---|
Storage | 64GB、128GB |
RAM | 3GB、4GB |
Processor | UNISOC |
Camera Quality (Front) | 8MP |
Camera Quality (Back) | 13MP |
Battery | 5000mAh |
Dual Sim | |
Expandable |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
Users appreciate the phone’s sleek, lightweight design, which makes it comfortable to handle. The responsive fingerprint scanner is praised for providing quick and secure access. Some wish for a faster charger to improve convenience.
Screen Size | 6.67in |
---|---|
Storage | 128GB |
RAM | 4GB |
Processor | UNISOC |
Camera Quality (Front) | 8MP |
Camera Quality (Back) | 50MP |
Battery | 5000mAh |
Dual Sim | |
Expandable |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
Many appreciate the phone’s fast 25W charging capability, which enables quick power-ups. The sleek design and vibrant color options are also commonly highlighted. A few users mentioned that the side fingerprint sensor could be more responsive.
Screen Size | 6.7in |
---|---|
Storage | 128GB |
RAM | 4GB |
Processor | MediaTek |
Camera Quality (Front) | 8MP |
Camera Quality (Back) | 50MP |
Battery | 5000mAh |
Dual Sim | |
Expandable |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
While some note that the battery life could be better for heavy use, many praise the phone’s budget-friendly price, making it a solid choice for cost-conscious buyers. Several also highlight the clear, bright screen as great for watching videos and browsing.
Screen Size | 6.2in |
---|---|
Storage | 32GB |
RAM | 3GB |
Processor | MediaTek |
Camera Quality (Front) | 8MP |
Camera Quality (Back) | 13MP |
Battery | 2800mAh |
Dual Sim | |
Expandable |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
Many highlight the phone’s sturdy, drop-resistant design as ideal for everyday use. The 200% volume audio booster is praised for producing loud yet clear sound. However, a few users mention that photos from the camera could be sharper.
Screen Size | 6.64in |
---|---|
Storage | 128GB |
RAM | 8GB |
Processor | MediaTek |
Camera Quality (Front) | 8MP |
Camera Quality (Back) | 50MP |
Battery | 5500mAh |
Dual Sim | |
Expandable |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
Users often praise the phone’s smooth performance for daily tasks, along with its sleek design and vibrant display colors. Some note that low-light camera performance could be improved.
Screen Size | 6.6in |
---|---|
Storage | 64GB |
RAM | 8GB |
Processor | UNISOC |
Camera Quality (Front) | 5MP |
Camera Quality (Back) | 8MP |
Battery | 5000mAh |
Dual Sim | |
Expandable |
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
Phones under ₱5,000 can handle light gaming, but they may struggle with graphics-heavy or fast-paced games due to limited RAM and basic processors.
Most phones under ₱5,000 use budget chipsets like MediaTek or Unisoc. It's rare to find models with Snapdragon processors in this price range.
Looking for more affordable tech to match your needs? Check out these handpicked guides for budget-friendly gadgets that deliver great value without the hefty price tag.
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different e-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Infinix|Smart 9 HD
No. 2: Xiaomi|Poco C71
No. 3: itel|A50C
No. 4: TECNO|Spark Go 2
No. 5: TECNO|Spark Go 1
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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