Top 5 Best Chinese Smartphones for Under $500 – October 2021

Welcome back to our monthly top 5 in which we check out the best Chinese smartphones currently on sale. In this article, in particular, we'll be having a look at the best options for under $500; keep reading!

Best Chinese Smartphones for Under $500

1. Redmi K40 Pro

We cannot avoid kicking off with the post powerful smartphone on the list, the Redmi K40 Pro. The handset is indeed fueled by the mighty Snapdragon 888 chipset; along with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage.

The Redmi phone then features a 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED E4 panel with a refresh rate of 120Hz and touch sampling rate of 360Hz. Meanwhile for photography we find a main 64MP sensor, an 8MP ultra wide lens and a 5MP macro camera on the back and a single 20MP selfie snapper at the front.

Finally, the smartphone comes with a 4520mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging; along with NFC and an IR emitter.

2. POCO F3

Another great option in this price range comes from Redmi's sister company, POCO, with the very cost-effective POCO F3. The handset sports the powerful Snapdragon 870; along with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage.

POCO's F3 brings a quite large 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED E4 panel with a refresh rate of 120Hz and a touch sampling rate of 360Hz.

As far as photography is concerned, the POCO F3 packs a main 48MP sensor, an 8MP ultra wide lens and a 5MP macro camera. At the front, we find a 20MP snapper for selfies.

Finally, the POCO F3 is fueled by a 4520mAh capacity battery with support for 33W fast charging; it has NFC and an IR emitter.

3. Oppo K9 Pro

Next, we have the recently launched OPPO K9 Pro powered by the great performing MediaTek Dimensity 1200 CPU; paired with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage.

The smartphone boasts a 6.43-inch AMOLED Samsung E3 display with a quite high 120Hz refresh rate, Full HD+ resolution and 1100 nit peak brightness.

As for photos, the handset is packed with three rear cameras including a 64MP main sensor, an 8MP ultra wide angle lens and 2MP macro sensor. Meanwhile at the front we have a 16MP selfie snapper.

Finally, the OPPO K9 Pro is fueled by a 4500mAh capacity battery with support for 60W fast charging. It also features NFC and a 3.5mm audio jack.

Best Chinese Smartphones for Under $500

4. Realme GT Neo 2

Coming from OPPO's daughter company, Realme, we find the remarkable Realme GT Neo 2. The latest mid-ranger from the phone makers packs the powerful Snapdragon 870; along with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage.

The handset comes with a large 6.62-inch Samsung AMOLED E4 display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 600Hz touch sampling rate; thus making it great for gaming.

In the camera department the smartphone features a main rear camera with a resolution of 64MP, an 8MP ultra wide-angle lens and 2MP macro lens. While in front we find a 16MP ultra-clear wide-angle camera.

Finally, as far as autonomy is concerned, the Realme GT Neo 2 is equipped with a large 5000mAh battery, along with 65W fast charging.

Best Chinese Smartphones for Under $500

5. Black Shark 4

Last but not least, if you're a "real gamer", the Black Shark 4 is the best option in this price range. The gaming phone brings the powerful Snapdragon 870; coupled with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage.

The handset features a 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED E4 panel with a massive refresh rate of 144Hz and a touch sampling rate of 720Hz.

Photography wise, Black Shark phone packs a 48MP primary sensor, paired an 8MP ultra wide and a 5MP macro lens on the back; along with a 20MP selfie snapper at the front.

Finally, we find a large 4500mAh battery with support for 120W fast charging. The handset doesn't lack NFC functionality and a 3.5mm audio jack.

Check out our sub $300 list if you're on a tighter budget!