Best 10 budget smartphones at Aliexpress 2023

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For those who dream of a new but affordable smartphone, searching on AliExpress can turn into a real adventure. To avoid getting lost in this vast variety and regretting your choice, you need to sift through a bunch of reviews and feedback.

We've decided to help you out with this matter. After conducting thorough analysis, we've selected 10 super smartphones from Ali that offer a great price-quality ratio. They are categorized based on price ranges: up to $70, $120, $180, $220, and $300. Anything more expensive is no longer for budget heroes.

Here, we provide a brief description. Want to dive deeper? Then explore professional reviews of each model.

And if one list is not enough for you, take a look at our material featuring the TOP 10 best phone sellers on AliExpress.

Category up to $70

A decade ago, the dream of a moderately priced smartphone that wouldn't lag and could also take decent photos and videos seemed like fantasy. But times change, competition is fierce, and now in China, for the same price, you can find yourself an excellent "phone assistant."

Cubot Note 8

1

This phone is perfect as a first gadget for a child: losing $70 for potential damage isn't as disappointing. Despite the cost, the device allows for watching YouTube and playing games. The sound is vivid, and the camera quality is surprisingly good for the price. With a limited budget, it's an excellent choice. This is the best offer on AliExpress in this price range.

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Category up to $120

In this price range, phones comfortably handle basic functions. Calls, social media, chats, video playback, and even light gaming are all within reach. Of course, don't expect lightning speed, but for everyday tasks, it's more than sufficient. An ideal choice for kids, seniors, or parents who aren't chasing technological novelties.

Cubot MAX 3

2

This smartphone stands out with its large 6.95'' screen and 48 MP camera. Daytime photos are good, but the quality drops in low light.

The HD+ screen with a 60 Hz refresh rate supports up to 5 touches simultaneously. Surprisingly, you can remove the back cover, revealing access to the battery—a rarity nowadays. Inside, there are slots for two SIM cards and a micro SD card. The battery is 5000 mAh, and the memory is 4/64 GB.

There's a fingerprint scanner, but it works slowly—up to 1 second. With the Helio i22 processor, you can play games at minimal settings. Perfect for social media, communication, and video viewing. An excellent choice for a child or an elderly person.

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Xiaomi Redmi 10, 2022

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This is an updated model of the Redmi 10, but don't get too excited. There aren't many pros here.

The tray accommodates 2 SIM cards and an SD card, which might be important for some. Its 90 Hz screen has limited brightness in sunlight. The Helio G88 processor maintains the power of the previous model but doesn't surpass it.

The 50 MP camera, although impressive-sounding, doesn't deliver breakthrough quality. Video recording is limited to 1080p without stabilization, so consider this for frequent shooting.

There's no event indicator. The battery lasts 11-12 hours for video playback and around 5 hours in gaming mode.

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POCO M5

4

A budget phone with a powerful chip, quality screen, and average camera, but with a rather ordinary design.

Supports 4G, has a 5000 mAh battery, and runs on MIUI 14. It handles basic tasks and most games well. For this money, you get the Helio G99 processor. No other model can offer that. It's equipped with an IPS screen.

We recommend considering the Poco M5s. It's a bit more expensive but comes with improved cameras and an AMOLED display.

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Category up to $180

These devices are suitable not only for the younger and older generations but also for young people who aren't chasing the highest technical specifications. For everyday tasks, they are simply a find.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 11S

5

A compact budget phone with a 90 Hz AMOLED screen, a 108 MP camera, and fast charging. Excellent performance and electronic stabilization for video shooting. It's recommended to go for the version with more memory. Although it's from last year, it remains competitive now. If you need quality photos and high performance, consider this option.

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POCO M5S

6

A budget smartphone with a 6.4" AMOLED screen. It features a 64 MP camera with a wide-angle lens and video stabilization. Stereo speakers provide quality sound. The 5000 mAh battery offers two days of autonomy and supports fast charging (60% in 30 minutes). An excellent choice for those who value a good camera and extended battery life.

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Category up to $220

The golden middle in terms of price but a real powerhouse in capabilities. With such a device, you can work, have fun, and capture great shots. It will come in handy in any life situation and satisfy the needs of the majority.

POCO M4 Pro

7

The smartphone has its nuances. The body is noticeably slippery, so a case is a prime necessity. The built-in tray comes with limitations: either two SIM cards or one SIM card and a microSD.

Surprisingly, the stereo speakers don't meet expectations in terms of sound quality, considering the device's cost. The IPS screen, while not the brightest, boasts excellent viewing angles and vibrant colors. It also features 90 Hz refresh rate. The Dimensity 810 processor isn't designed for heavy gaming, but it can handle medium-level graphics.

Convenience-wise, there's a fast fingerprint scanner on the side button, an audio jack for music enthusiasts, and NFC for contactless payments. The 5000 mAh battery provides up to 15 hours of video playback and 6-7 hours in games.

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Redmi Note 11 Pro

8

A smartphone with the Helio G96 processor ensures responsiveness and smooth operation. The 120 Hz AMOLED screen impresses with its brightness and sensitivity.

Face unlock adds convenience. The speakers are positioned well, delivering stereo sound that's perfect for gaming and video. However, the 5000 mAh battery's endurance is limited with active usage. Additionally, the camera might struggle in low light conditions.

Overall, this model strikes a balance between power, design, and features. But keep the battery capacity and camera specifics in mind before making a purchase.

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Category up to $300

This is a challenging category. Its distinguishing feature from the previous segment is enhanced gaming performance and extended camera capabilities. If you're not a gamer or a photography enthusiast, it might be worth considering whether it's truly necessary to pay more?

Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite

9

Lightweight and slim, weighing only 156 grams. Features a 64 MP camera with excellent picture quality day and night, surpassing competitors. The 4250 mAh battery allows for up to 17 hours of video playback, and fast charging fully charges it in an hour.

Downsides include the rear cover, which, while stylish, is prone to marks. The absence of a headphone jack might not suit everyone. The proximity sensor, like in Redmi, occasionally malfunctions when near the ear.

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Realme GT Neo 2

10

This model impresses with its 6.5-inch high-resolution screen, providing users with clear visuals. The Snapdragon 870 processor ensures high device performance.

Photo enthusiasts will be pleased with the 64-megapixel main camera and 16-megapixel front camera, especially considering the night mode, which provides quality shots even in poor lighting. The sound quality is also top-notch thanks to the stereo speakers. The device's design is elegant, and its 5000 mAh battery promises extended autonomy. 65W fast charging is another advantage.

Despite some drawbacks like blurriness in heavy zoom and a 2 MP macro camera, this is an excellent choice for those seeking a high-performance and reliable smartphone.

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POCO X5 Pro 5G

11

The X5 Pro is powered by the Snapdragon 778G processor, enhancing performance and video capabilities, including 4K shooting and electronic stabilization. Photo improvements are less noticeable, although the cameras have been upgraded.

Photography enthusiasts should explore other models with better cameras. An optical proximity sensor has been added. With the 5000 mAh battery, autonomy is high. The X5 Pro comes with the updated MIUI 14 on Android 12, which adds positives.

Overall, the X5 Pro is a relatively affordable choice with a focus on video and performance.

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Compiling this TOP list was a thorough and thoughtful process, considering the features of each smartphone and its price on AliExpress. We focused on models that, in our opinion, deserve attention. If you believe that a certain device is missing, we'd appreciate your expert opinion in the comments. Let us know which models should be added or excluded.

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