Best Android Smartphones Below Php 10,000 : 2016 to Early 2017 Models

"Sir Mark, what are your recommended Android smartphones priced at less than Php 10,000?"

That's probably one of the three tech-related questions that I've been asked the most within the past five years or so.

If you're one of those who've sent the same inquiry or if you're planning to purchase a new mid-range handset soon, this post is for you.

Here's my list of what I think are the best 2016 to early 2017 Android smartphones priced below Php 10K.

Moto E3 Power - Php 7,149

Key Specs:
143.8 x 71.6 x 9.6 mm
153 grams
5-inch HD IPS
8 MegaPixel main camera
5 MP Selfie cam
1 GHz Quad Core ARM Cortex A53, Mali-T720, Mediatek MT6735P
2GB of RAM
16GB of ROM, expandable via microSD card slot
Android Marshmallow
Dual SIM (micro + micro)
4G LTE
Non-removable 3,500 mAh battery pack

Released in the Philippines late last year by Lenovo, Moto E3 Power has a sleek metal rim making it look both elegant and tough as well as a large battery ensuring all-day uptime.

LG X Screen - Php 8,990

Key Specs:
142.6 x 71.8 x 7.1 mm
120 grams
4.93-inch HD IPS + Secondary Screen
13 MegaPixel main camera
8 MP Selfie cam
1.2 GHz Quad Core ARM Cortex A53, Adreno 306, Qualcomm MSM8916 Snapdragon 410
2GB of RAM
16GB of ROM, expandable via microSD card slot
Android Marshmallow
Dual SIM (nano + nano)
4G LTE
Non-removable 2,300 mAh battery pack

This mid-range model has a secondary display-strip on top of the screen, a feature that was formerly only found on flagship-level LG Android smartphones.

O+ Ultra 3.0 - Php 8,995

Key Specs:
150 grams
5.5-inch HD IPS
8 MegaPixel main camera
5 MP Selfie cam with Soft LED flash
1.3 GHz Quad Core Mediatek MT6580
2GB of RAM
144GB Total Storage
Android Marshmallow
Dual SIM (micro + micro)
4G LTE
Non-Removable 4,700 mAh battery pack

O+ Ultra 3.0 not only has a whopping 144GB of storage space but also features a 5 MP selfie cam with Soft LED flash and a massive 4,700 mAh battery pack for extended uptime! Talk about delivering great value for  your hard-earned money.

OPPO A37 - Php 7,990

Key Specs:
143.1 x 71 x 7.7 mm
136 grams
5-inch HD TFT
8 MegaPixel main camera
5 MP Selfie Cam with Beauty Mode
1.2 GHz Quad Core ARM Cortex A53, Adreno 306, Qualcomm MSM8916 Snapdragon 410
2GB of RAM
16GB of ROM, expandable via microSD card slot
Android Marshmallow
Dual SIM (nano + nano)
4G LTE
Non-removable 2,630 mAh battery pack

A smaller version of the best-selling OPPO F1s, the A37 also has an attractive form factor as well as a front cam with advanced beautification mode, reinforcing the brand's Selfie Expert moniker.

CloudFone Next - Php 9,999

Key Specs:
148 x 72.4 x 9.5 mm
150 grams
5.2-inch Full HD IPS, Gorilla Glass 4
16 MegaPixel main camera, f/2.0 aperture, Samsung S5K3P3 ISOCELL sensor w/ PDAF
8 MP Selfie cam, f/2.4 Samsung S5K4H8 sensor w/ BSI and Soft LED flash
1.4 GHz Octa Core Qualcomm MSM8937 Snapdragon 430, Adreno 505 GPU
4GB of RAM
32GB of ROM, expandable via microSD card slot
Android Marshmallow
Dual SIM (micro + micro)
4G LTE
Fingerprint Scanner
Non-removable 3,000 mAh battery pack

Representing the best that Pinoy brand Cloudfone has to offer currently, metal-clad CF Next is the best cameraphone that the company has released so far -- all while having great internal hardware and a attractive aesthetics.

Cherry Mobile Flare Maxx - Php 9,999

Key Specs:
180 grams
6.44-inch Full HD IPS
13 MegaPixel main camera
8 MP Selfie cam
1.3 GHz Octa Core MediaTek MT6753, Mali-T720MP3
3GB of RAM
32GB of ROM, expandable via microSD card slot
Android Marshmallow
Dual SIM (micro + micro)
4G LTE
Non-removable 6,010 mAh battery pack

Equipped with a massive display, a big battery, decent imaging capabilities, and good internal hardware, Cherry Mobile Flare Maxx should be a great option for consumers looking for a relatively budget-friendly smartphone-tablet hybrid.

Acer Liquid Z6 Plus - Php 9,999

Key Specs:
153.6 x 75.4 x 8.5
170 grams
5.5-inch Full HD IPS
13 MegaPixel main camera
5 MP Selfie cam
1.3 GHz Octa Core MediaTek MT6753, Mali-T720MP3
3GB of RAM
32GB of ROM, expandable via microSD card slot
Android Marshmallow
Dual SIM (micro + micro)
4G LTE
Fingerprint Scanner
Non-removable 4,080 mAh battery pack

Although not as aggressive as other international companies in promoting its mobile devices, Acer actually has a solid line-up of Android smartphones. The Liquid Z6 Plus not only looks sleek but also has a big battery pack, a large and brilliant display, reliable front and back cameras, and a decent set of internal hardware.

Vivo Y55 - Php 7,990

Key Specs:
147.9 x 72.9 x 7.5 mm
142 grams
5.2-inch HD IPS
8 MegaPixel main camera
5 MP Selfie cam
1.4 GHz Octa Core Qualcomm MSM8937 Snapdragon 430, Adreno 505 GPU
2GB of RAM
16GB of ROM, expandable via microSD card slot
Android Marshmallow
Dual SIM (micro + micro)
4G LTE
Non-removable 2,650 mAh battery pack

Great for budget-conscious millennials, Vivo V55 is a well-designed Android smartphone that has good selfie-snapping capability and reliable performance for everyday use.

Asus ZenFone 3 Max 5.2 - Php 8,995

Key Specs:
149.5 x 73.6 x 8.6 mm
148 grams
5.2-inch HD IPS
13 MegaPixel main camera
5 MP Selfie cam
1.2 GHz Quad Core ARM Cortex A53, Mali-T720, Mediatek MT6735
3GB of RAM
32GB of ROM, expandable via hybrid secondary SIM slot
Android Marshmallow
Dual SIM (micro + nano)
4G LTE
Fingerprint Scanner
Non-removable 4,100 mAh battery pack

Flaunting a unibody aluminum shell, Asus ZenFone 3 Max 5.2-inch has a 4,100 mAh battery pack that gives you peace of mind when away from a power source. If you're always on the go and you want a svelte daily driver that also offers smooth performance and has good imaging capabilities, this one could very well be right for you.

Meizu M3 Note - Php 9,990

Key Specs:
153.6 x 75.5 x 8.2 mm
163 grams
5.5-inch Full HD IPS
13 MegaPixel f/2.2 main camera
5 MP f/2.0 Selfie cam
1.8 GHz Octa Core Mediatek MT6755 Helio P10, Mali-T860MP2
3GB of RAM
32GB of ROM, expandable via microSD card slot
Android Marshmallow
Dual SIM (nano + nano)
4G LTE
Fingerprint Scanner
Non-removable 4,100 mAh battery pack

Five Things I Love About the Meizu M3 Note: 1. Helio P10 processor, 2. Big Full HD Screen, 3. 4,100 mAh battery pack, 4. Fingerprint Scanner, 5. Real Metal Shell. This handset is a real treat at this price point.

Starmobile Knight Spectra - Php 9,990

Key Specs:
154 x 76.6 x 7.25 mm
161 grams
5.5-inch Full HD AMOLED
Dual Camera Set-up (13 MegaPixels + 2 MegaPixels AutoFocus BSI with Flash)
8 MegaPixels, Fixed Focus + Soft LED flash Selfie cam
1.5 GHz Quad Core Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 MSM8939, Adreno 405 GPU,
3GB of RAM
32GB of ROM, expandable via hybrid secondary nanoSIM slot
Android Lollipop
Dual SIM (nano + nano)
4G LTE
Non-removable 3,500 mAh battery pack

Although it was announced in November 2015, the Starmobile Knight Spectra's true market impact was felt early in 2016. From its launch date until today, this model - with its Dual Camera set-up and gorgeous glass-sandwich construction - remains to be one of the best Android smartphones ever released by a Filipino handset maker; One that's worthy of the TechPinas Badge of Excellence.

There you have it, TP Friends! Those are my picks! Let me know your thoughts about these stellar devices via our comments section below. If you think we missed a good smartphone in this price bracket, feel free to write it down too.