Best Android Smartphones Under 3000 Pesos, 2018 to Late 2017 Models

What gadget or accessory can you buy with just PHP 3,000 these days?

A good pair of earphones? A basic feature-phone with alpha-numeric keyboard? A splash-proof Bluetooth speaker?

Well, did you that PHP 3,000 or around $57 USD is good enough to buy you an entry-level Android smartphone with decent features? It's true.

In fact, here are my four recommended models - from Proudly Filipino handset brands - which are priced below that amount:

Cherry Mobile Desire R8 Lite
Price: PHP 2,999
Key Specs:
5.2-inch 1,280 x 720 pixels HD IPS Display
8 MegaPixel Back Camera with LED Flash
5 MegaPixel Front Camera with Soft LED Flash
Android 7.0 Nougat
1.3 GHz Quad Core Mediatek MT6580 Processor
1GB RAM
8GB ROM
microSD Card Slot
Dual SIM Capability
3G HSPA+ Support
WiFi, Bluetooth
FM Radio
2,600 mAh Li-Ion Battery Pack

I like this model because of its fairly large high-definition screen, big battery pack, and 5MP front cam with Soft LED flash that lets you snap selfies even if there's little ambient light. I think it's a pretty well-rounded device given its price.

CloudFone Thrill Boost 2
Price: PHP 2,699
Key Specs:
5-inch 854 x 480 pixels FWVGA IPS Display
5 MegaPixel Back Camera with LED Flash
5 MegaPixel Front Camera
Android 7.0 Nougat
1.3 GHz Quad Core Mediatek MT6580 Processor
1GB RAM
8GB ROM
microSD Card Slot
Dual SIM Capability
3G HSPA+ Support
WiFi, Bluetooth
FM Radio
2,500 mAh Li-Ion Battery Pack

Handsets under CloudFone's Boost Series are known for delivering long uptime because of their big battery packs. The Thrill Boost 2 stays true to this branding all while having a tall display that's quite posh or trendy these days.

MyPhone MyA7 DTV
Price: PHP 2,899
Key Specs:
5-inch 854 x 480 pixels FWVGA AMOLED Display
5 MegaPixel Back Camera with LED Flash
5 MegaPixel Front Camera
Android 7.0 Nougat
1.3 GHz Quad Core Mediatek MT6580 Processor
1GB RAM
8GB ROM
microSD Card Slot
Dual SIM Capability
3G HSPA+ Support
WiFi, Bluetooth
FM Radio
2,350 mAh Li-Ion Battery Pack

Given its set of technical specifications plus the fact that it also has DTV functionality, I think this relatively new release from MyPhone gives great value for money. If you enjoy watching local TV channels even while you're on the road or during break time in the office and you just have PHP 3,000 to spare for a new handset, check out this model.

Starmobile Play Boost
Price: PHP 2,790
Key Specs:
5-inch 854 x 480 pixels FWVGA IPS Display
8 MegaPixel Back Camera with LED Flash
5 MegaPixel Front Camera
Android 7.0 Nougat
1.2 GHz Quad Core Spreadtrum 7731C Processor
1GB RAM
8GB ROM
microSD Card Slot
Dual SIM Capability
3G HSPA+ Support
WiFi, Bluetooth
FM Radio
2,000 mAh Li-Ion Battery Pack

This one is for the millions of budget-conscious Starmobile fans. Play Boost packs an 8 MegaPixel rear camera with LED flash, which is a great feature to have on an Android smartphone that's this easy on the wallet.

Cherry Mobile Flare S6 Lite
Price: PHP 2,999
Key Specs:
5-inch 1,280 x 720 pixels HD IPS Display
13 MegaPixel Back Camera with LED Flash
5 MegaPixel Front Camera
Android 7.0 Nougat
1.3 GHz Quad Core Mediatek MT6580 Processor
1GB RAM
8GB ROM
microSD Card Slot
Dual SIM Capability
3G HSPA+ Support
WiFi, Bluetooth
FM Radio
2,000 mAh Li-Ion Battery Pack

As its name suggests, CM Flare S6 Lite is the most affordable handset in the #1 Pinoy smartphone brand's current hero series. Aside from sporting a 5-inch HD display, this release also comes with a 13 MegaPixel autofocus rear camera with LED flash. If you're a budding mobile imaging enthusiast who's currently on the look out for a very affordable Android smartphone to get you started on this passion, you might want to take a look at this model.

So there you have it! That's my current list. Did I miss any good Android smartphone model priced below PHP 3K? Would you also recommend any of the above-mentioned handsets as an owner? Let me know your thoughts by sharing them in the comments section below or by messaging me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Cheers!