Best smartphones under 150 usd in 2023: TOP 10 rating

The extremely stylish and at the same time technologically advanced smartphone from the Meizu company is becoming the best on the list of under 150 usd. The excellent sub-flagman has significantly lost in its price and now has crossed the bar of 150 usd. For this money, we get an extremely ergonomic and beautiful case made of glass and metal, decorated with a dual camera and frameless display without any cutouts. The 5.99-inch screen is made using AMOLED technology and is equipped with a built-in fingerprint scanner. In terms of brightness and contrast, the panel is not much inferior to modern flagships, but the resolution of 2160 x 1080 pixels is enough for a detailed picture. Technical specifications are also encouraging, because the Snapdragon 710 processor, 6GB of RAM and the Adreno 616 video accelerator cope with games like PUBG, Call of Duty Mobile even at high graphics settings. The cameras deserve compliments. From the point of view of photography, 12 and 20-megapixel photo modules led by the Sony IMX380 sensor leave behind all the representatives of the rating. Even the evening photos of the gadget come out amazing. The battery capacity of 3100mAh is unlikely to impress anyone, but the small diagonal of the energy-efficient AMOLED panel and software optimization can achieve about 6-7 hours of active screen time on a single charge. The real Cons of the smartphone are only the lack of NFC (contactless payments) and the FlymeOS shell, which updates can not be expected for the global market. Thus, Meizu 16 is the most beautiful, productive phone with the best photographic capabilities. 

Meizu 16X 6/64Gb video review

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The merited silver is received by a magnificent device from the same Xiaomi company, copying Redmi Note 8 almost literally. The main difference is the appearance of NFC (contactless payments). Unfortunately, appearance has also changed somewhat, but not for the better. If the rear glass panel still pleases with four photomodules and a fingerprint scanner, then the frames of the 6.3-inch screen above and below have become larger. The display itself still has bright and saturated colors at FullHD + resolution. The games look good on OGS panels. Specifications in the face of the Snapdragon 665 processor, 4GB of RAM and the Adreno 610 graphics adapter are relevant for the middle price segment and will allow you to enjoy many resource-intensive games. The main cameras, headed by a 48-megapixel sensor, have not lost their photographic capabilities. When using the Google Camera application, pictures are slightly worse than smartphones at a double price. Autonomy has always been the fad of the Redmi Note line of devices. In this device, a 4000mAh battery is installed, from which it is easy to get about 8-9 hours of active screen time. An infrared port for controlling household appliances is also in place. Thus, the only drawback is the MIUI proprietary shell. You may like it for some things (optimization, frequent updates), as well as hate it for another (advertising, sometimes strange interface). As a result, Redmi Note 8T is one of the best smartphones in the cost category, which will appeal even to a sophisticated user.

Today's best Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T 4/64Gb prices

The bronze medal found its owner in the face of an amazing phablet from the Xiaomi company. Its main advantage is the photographic capabilities of the main cameras. As many as four modules, led by a modified Samsung GM1 sensor, are ready even during evening shooting to please with clarity of photos while maintaining a large number of details. The Google Camera app only enhances camera capabilities. It should be noted that in other aspects the phone tries to surpass opponents under 150 usd. The glass case with four photomodules and a fingerprint scanner, a frameless 6.3-inch display, excellent color choices - most recently, the flagships were less attractive. Screen quality does not cause complaints. Before us is a decent OGS-panel with a resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels with a minimum cutout for the front camera. Brightness, contrast, overall image detail are not inferior to those of competitors in the price segment. You can not scold and technical specifications. Of course, the combination of the Snapdragon 665 processor, 4GB of RAM and the Adreno 610 video adapter proved to be better in the Mi A3 model due to the low resolution of its display, but such a combination in Redmi Note 8 allows you to enjoy almost all modern demanding games. A 4000mAh battery capacity guarantees about 8-9 hours of active screen time, so power banks can be left at home more and more often. To control household appliances there is an infrared port. Of the obvious shortcomings, only the lack of NFC for contactless payments can be noted. Some users will not like the MIUI branded shell with advertising and an unusual interface.

Today's best Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Global 4/64Gb prices

A  very productive smartphone from the company Meizu  turned out to be extremely close to the top three. The Snapdragon 710 processor installed in it, along with 4GB of RAM and the Adreno 616 graphics chip, will allow you to enjoy all demanding games at high graphics settings. Given the extremely low price of the phone, we can only be surprised at the power of the device. In other aspects, the phablet does not surprise, but does not disappoint. The appearance of the device is not bad, but the large cutout of the screen for the front camera can hardly be called modern. But a dual camera, a fingerprint scanner, a modest display frame can not be considered a minus. The OGS-screen itself with a resolution of 2200 x 1080 pixels is not deprived of a decent margin of brightness, and the contrast is good. The main 12 and 5-megapixel photo modules, led by the Sony IMX362 sensor, are only partially suitable for evening shooting, and it’s difficult to record high-quality video with them due to the lack of normal electronic stabilization. On the other hand, for the money requested for the phone, this is a very decent result, which is far from the majority of opponents. The battery capacity is 3210mAh, which is quite a bit by today's standards. However, even from such a battery, the manufacturer was able to achieve 6-7 hours of active screen time due to software optimization. Now about the cons. The smartphone does not have NFC support (contactless payments), the proprietary FlymeOS shell is almost devoid of updates for global versions of devices, and its interface is far from ideal. The phone case is made of plastic, so it is prone to scratches and a quick loss of appearance. However, if you are looking for the best inexpensive gaming phone with a nice looking design and decent cameras,then these Cons won’t seem that much significant for you.

Meizu X8 4/64Gb video review

Today's best Meizu X8 4/64Gb prices

The fifth line in the list of the best Android devices under 150 usd was awarded a beautiful, productive, but often criticized smartphone from Xiaomi. The main complaint to the device is the low resolution of the 6.09-inch AMOLED panel in the absence of DC Dimming function. Note that not all users are able to feel the problem of the PWM effect, and HD + resolution still does not allow to be horrified by the pixel image. At the same time, the display has no problems with brightness and contrast. The design of the device is pretty darn good. An unusual shimmering texture of the back glass panel, a frameless screen, a triple photo module, a fingerprint scanner built into the AMOLED display - it's hard not to fall in love with such a good-looking smartphone.Specifications also do not upset. With a resolution of 1560 x 720 pixels, the latest Snapdragon 665 processor, 4GB of RAM and the Adreno 610 graphics adapter run almost all modern gaming applications at medium graphics settings without a single lag. The photographic capabilities of the phablet, if not flagship, are very impressive. Surprisingly, the inexpensive unit received the main basic photomodule as the popular 48-megapixel Sony IMX586, which, together with auxiliary 8 and 2-megapixel sensors, even in overtly poor lighting, will try to make photos and videos pleasant to the eye. The installed battery capacity reached as much as 4030mAh, which, thanks to software optimization and hardware energy efficiency, lasts for 10 hours of active screen time. There is a gadget and an infrared port for controlling household appliances. Let's move on to the minuses. In addition to the originality of the screen, it is impossible not to note the absence of NFC (contactless payments) and the MIUI branded shell, which is not without advertising and the controversial design of the interface. As a result, the phone from Xiaomi turned out to be very balanced for its price. Unfortunately, the general hatred of critics for the applied screen did not allow the model to reach its full potential and become a bestseller.

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A step away from the five leaders was an extremely interesting phablet from the Meizu company. This model was opposed by Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 and in some aspects was even better. For example, the Snapdragon 675 processor, along with 4GB of RAM and the Adreno 612 video accelerator, allows you to enjoy demanding games at medium or even medium-high graphics settings. Not that bad, isn’t it? In terms of design, the phone is fairly standard for nowadays’ measures, but the combination of a frameless screen with a drop, a dual camera, a fingerprint sensor and gradient back panels can hardly be called very boring. Unfortunately, the case is made of polycarbonate, so scratches and chips when wearing the device without a case will be commonplace. The quality of the 6.2-inch OGS-panel is high. At FullHD + resolution, the displayed image remains bright even under direct sunlight. They didn’t save on the main 48 and 5-megapixel photo modules, with this kind of camera both day and evening shooting will be quite successful. True, in the latter scenario, noise and a decrease in detail will still be noticeable. The battery capacity is 4000mAh, there is a quick charge function. Up to 8-9 hours of active screen time, the smartphone "lives" without any problems. Unfortunately, there were some offensive minuses in the device. So, the fans of contactless payments (NFC) can bypass the gadget, and the proprietary FlymeOS shell will upset both with limited functionality and with the lack of updates. However, a decent combination of performance,beauty and good photographic capabilities make Meizu Note 9 perfect mobile assistant for many people.

Today's best Meizu Note 9 Global 4/64Gb prices

The seventh place receives a pleasant in all aspects phone from Nokia. Why it is not bad at all of the levels?  Let's figure out. First of all, design. The case made of glass and metal, decorated with a dual camera and a fingerprint scanner, as well as a 5.84-inch frameless OGS panel with a small cutout for the front sensor, looks great for a segment of the best phones under 150 usd. Fans of compact mobile devices will be pleased with the dimensions of the gadget, because it is easy to use with one hand. The smartphone’s display is notable for it’s good brightness and contrast, the resolution of 2244 x 1080 pixels also does not cause problems. However, such a screen requires appropriate technical characteristics to run modern games. The gadget has a balanced Snapdragon 636 processor that works together with 4GB of RAM and the Adreno 509 video adapter. This solution is more productive than those in the previously reviewed devices and allows you to count on low-medium graphics settings even with FullHD + resolution. For storing applications and other data, 64GB of ROM and a microSD card slot are allocated. The main 12 and 5-megapixel photomodules are better than those of Meizu Note 8 and Sharp Aquos S2, which is reflected in a more detailed picture with a decrease in the amount of noise. Fans of contactless payments will be delighted by the presence of NFC. Among the shortcomings, we note only the 3060mAh battery, which provides only 6 hours of active screen time. And although the smartphone can not be called the most powerful, beautiful or autonomous, it is definitely one of the most balanced solutions for your money.

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The eighth place goes to the popular bestseller represented by Sharp Aquos S2. A huge number of people appreciated the functionality of the device. It includes the rare for low-cost devices NFC (contactless payments), a good productivity, the good photographic capabilities - the device is balanced to the limit. The design of the phone has a certain charm, but it is not without the drawbacks. The strong side of device includes a high-quality assembly of an ergonomic case made of metal and glass, small frames of a 5.5-inch screen on three sides, a dual camera and a fingerprint scanner in front. Unfortunately, the huge “chin” of the front display and the peculiar rounding of the OGS panel probably will not please the customer. But the Full HD + IPS screen is good in all aspects. Specifications are presented by the Snapdragon 630 processor, 4GB of RAM and the Adreno 508 graphics adapter. Due to the high resolution of the display, demanding games will be launched only at the minimum graphics settings. But 64GB of ROM and a microSD card slot will be more than enough to store applications and other files. The main 12 and 8-megapixel cameras take pictures in about Meizu Note 8 level, which can hardly be considered a bad result. Autonomy is not the strongest side of the gadget, because a 2700mAh battery will provide only 5-6 hours of an active screen time. Another disadvantage of the smartphone is not fully optimized software, in which you can find poorly translated or not translated at all words and phrases. In addition, the device does not have a separate headphone jack. But anyway, Sharp Aquos S2 can be safely recommended for purchase and for the money requested by the manufacturer due to it’s functionality and ergonomics.

Today's best Sharp AQUOS S2 prices

At the ninth line of the best phones under 150 usd’s TOP there is a beautiful, functional and, most importantly, a very inexpensive smartphone from the Chinese company Meizu. It's hard not to fall in love with a phone with such a thoughtful and stylish design. Rare these days  metal case, dual camera, fingerprint sensor, bezel-less 6-inch display - this gadget is easy to mix up with much more expensive opponents. Unlike Redmi 8, there is no saving on the screen design. Before us there is a full-fledged OGS panel of high resolution FullHD +, which guarantees a bright, contrast and clear picture even under direct sunlight. Technical specifications are difficult to scold considering the extremely modest price of the device. The Snapdragon 632 processor, 4GB of RAM and the Adreno 506 graphics adapter adequately cope with many modern games and in general show the results a little more interesting, than Snapdragon 439 at HD + resolution.  64GB of ROM is allocated for data storage, there is also a microSD card slot. Producing less noisy photos in the evening,the main 12 and 5-megapixel photomodules outperform their competitors from Xiaomi. Sure, in terms of autonomy, Meizu loses significantly. But hardly anyone can tell that 7-8 hours of active screen time from a single battery charge of 3600mAh is a bad result. As a smartphone’s shortcomings there can be noted only the lack of NFC and the original, peculiar in terms of the interface FlymeOS shell, which is also deprived of support from the manufacturer. A number of users will be dissatisfied with the MicroUSB port. In other aspects, the phone leaves no reason for nitpicking. Isn’t it a sign of a wonderful mobile assistant? 

Today's best Meizu Note 8 4/64Gb prices

An extremely balanced and autonomous phablet from the Chinese company Xiaomi opens a list of the best smartphones under 150 usd. The main advantage of the model is a huge 5000mAh battery, which allows do not think about the power banks and charges for almost 10-12 hours of active screen time.The phone is not without a number of other Pros. A good-looking dual camera styling, a nice fingerprint scanner design ,the pleasant body colors and the modest frames of a 6.22-inch display makes device design look attractive. Unfortunately, the back panel is made of polycarbonate so it’s quite easy to scratch. The screen pleases  the supply of brightness and the level of contrast, but HD + resolution is still not enough to get a detailed picture. On the other hand, it’s that manufacturer’s solution which has increased a battery life and productivity. The technical characteristics of the energy-efficient Snapdragon 439 processor, 3 / 4GB of RAM and the Adreno 505 video adapter with the OGS panel do an excellent job of rendering the Android OC interface, and a number of resource-intensive games (for example, Call Of Duty Mobile, PUBG Mobile) run without problems . The main 12 and 2-megapixel photo modules provide the necessary minimum of photographic capabilities, with which you can try to take a picture even in poor lighting conditions. But will it be successful? It all depends on the luck and skills of the photographer. It should be noted that there is an infrared port for controlling household appliances. In addition to the Cons which were described earlier we may also include the MIUI branded shell with an abundance of advertising and the lack of NFC.

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