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

If you're looking for a flagship phone but you aren't willing to spend more than $500, you're in the right place. In this article we'll indeed be listing the best Chinese smartphones now on sale for under $500; keep reading!

Best Chinese Smartphones for Under $500

1. Redmi K40 Pro

Let's kick off with the Redmi K40 Pro which can now be easily found for less than $500 even for the most expensive variant. The K40 Pro is the most powerful device in the list with its Snapdragon 888 chipset; along with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. The smartphone also features a 6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED E4 panel with a refresh rate of 120Hz and touch sampling rate of 360Hz.

As for photography, the Redmi K40 Pro comes with a main 64MP sensor, an 8MP ultra wide lens and a 5MP macro camera. Meanwhile for selfies we have a single 20MP snapper.

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

2. OnePlus Nord 2

Next, we have the OnePlus Nord 2 coming with the great performing MediaTek Dimensity 1200 CPU; paired with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. This hardware powers a 6.43-inch AMOLED Samsung E3 display with a 90Hz refresh rate, 1080x2400px resolution and HDR10+ support.

Photography wise, the handset brings three rear cameras including a 50MP main sensor, an 8MP ultra wide angle lens and 2MP black and white sensor. Meanwhile at the front we have a whopping 32MP selfie snapper.

Finally, the OnePlus Nord 2 is fueled by a 4500mAh capacity battery with support for 65W fast charging 65W, it has NFC and runs OxygenOS 11 based on Android 11.

Best Chinese Smartphones for Under $500

3. Realme GT Neo

Also featuring the most powerful MediaTek chipset on the market, the Dimensity 1200, we find the GT Neo by Realme. The handset comes with a relatively compact 6.43-inch Samsung AMOLED with a 120Hz refresh rate and 360Hz touch sampling rate.

In the camera department the smartphone features a main rear camera with a resolution of 64MP, the other two lenses are respectively an 8MP ultra wide-angle lens and a 4 cm super macro lens. While in front we find a 16MP ultra-clear wide-angle camera.

In terms of battery, the Realme GT Neo is equipped with a large 4500 mAh battery, along with a 50W smart flash charging. We also find NFC and a 3.5mm audio jack.

4. POCO F3

Another great option in this price range is the very cost-effective POCO F3 sporting with the powerful Snapdragon 870; along with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage. The handset then features a 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.

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

Best Chinese Smartphones for Under $500

5. Black Shark 4

Last but not least, for the gamers out there, the Black Shark 4 by Xiaomi's sub brand is the smartphone to go for. The gaming phone is powered by a Snapdragon 870; coupled with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage.

As for photos, the smartphone 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, 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. We also find a large 4500mAh battery with support for 120Hz fast charging; there’s NFC and a 3.5mm audio jack.

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