Unbox.ph’s Top 10 LTE Smartphones Under Php21,000 (Mid 2013)

Unbox.ph’s Top 10 LTE Smartphones Under Php21,000 (Mid 2013)

Almost everyone here at Team Unbox is hooked up to Smart LTE. Yes, we’re internet junkies. Speed addicts. We love fast mobile internet and we can’t stand HSPA+ or 3G anymore. We want to spread this and infect all of youuuuuu! Hehe. Anyway, that said we compiled a top 10 list of LTE capable smartphones for under Php21,000. The prices we got are from online stores and not the SRP that you’ll see in the malls. We were inspired by Yuga to do this post since he recently just came out with his Top 10 Smartphones under 20k list.

Here are the top ten LTE-powered smartphones on our list that are currently being offered for below Php21,000. This is in no particular order or arrangement. Cheers!

LG Optimus G (Php15,700)

Awesome value for money handset
Awesome value for money handset

The LG Optimus G offers very good value for money as it is equipped with top of the line specifications. It’s powered by a Qualcomm quad-core processor and 2GB RAM. It runs on Android Jelly Bean 4.2. It even has a 13-megapixel shooter and respectable battery life (2,100mAh). In other words it’s a flagship smartphone that’s currently selling for within the mid-range price spectrum. Not bad right? Click here for our initial review of the LG Optimus G.

Click here to check out the Php15,700 product listing on DB Gadgets.

Sony Xperia SP (Php14,380)

Sony Xperia SP
Sony Xperia SP

When it comes to bang-for-buck, the Sony Xperia SP is definitely one to consider. Not only does it look really nice, it also has a Qualcomm dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, and a 4.6-inch TFT scratch resistant display. It even has an 8MP shooter. Our only reservation about it is the battery life as it only has a battery with a rating of 1,750mAh. Click here for more information about the Sony Xperia SP.

Sony Xperia V (Php13,190)

One of the first few LTE smartphones that landed locally
One of the first few LTE smartphones that landed locally

The Sony Xperia V was one of the first LTE smartphones offered by Smart… and that means it’s one of the most affordable units to-date. Priced at just Php13,190, the Sony Xperia V is definitely a tempting buy for any LTE hungry customer. Not only does it have decent specifications, it’s also water resistant. Click here for our initial review of the Sony Xperia V.

Sony Xperia ZR (Php19,380)

Waterproof Sony Xperia ZR
Waterproof Sony Xperia ZR

What’s not to like about the Sony Xperia ZR? It has top-of-the-line specifications (quad-core, RAM, etc.), a good camera, and it’s priced at just Php20,300. Our only qualm about it is probably the design (not a fan of the bulky back, hehe) but other than that this is a fantastic LTE device especially since you can use it to take photos and videos underwater! Epic. Click here to read our full review of the Sony Xperia ZR.

Click here for the Php19,380 listing of the Xperia ZR on Widget City.

Sony Xperia ZL (Php20,580)

Xperia Z and ZL. The one on our list though is the ZL, hehe.
Xperia Z and ZL. The one on our list though is the ZL, hehe.

The Sony Xperia ZL is very similar to the Sony Xperia Z. It has the same specifications from the processor, RAM, and even to the camera. The only main difference is the design and that this one is not water resistant. It has a bigger screen and less bezel, slightly better battery, and a curved back for better ergonomics. It’s also currently cheaper than the Xperia Z.

Nokia Lumia 820 (Php12,800)

Pwede!
Pwede!

Thanks to Nokia, Android doesn’t have a monopoly on this list, hehe. The Nokia Lumia 820 is the most affordable LTE capable smartphone at just Php12,800. However we did encounter fast draining of the battery each time we would use it as a hotspot (much faster than usual). For Windows Phone fan users though this is the cheapest LTE powered device you can get. Click here for our full review of the Nokia Lumia 820.

Nokia Lumia 625 (Php12,400)

Via Kimstore!
Via Kimstore!

The Nokia Lumia 625 is a 4.7-inch dual-core Windows Phone 8 smartphone that’s currently priced at just Php12,400 via Kimstore. Not only is it the biggest Windows Phone 8 from Nokia, it also supports LTE connectivity. We’re not sure though if it’s compatible with Smart’s network (we’re confident it works with Globe due to the 1800 band). Click here to check out the product listing on Kimstore.

Samsung Galaxy S3 LTE (Php18,290)

The Galaxy S3
The Galaxy S3

One of the best things that happened when the Samsung Galaxy S4 was launched was that it drove down the price of the Samsung Galaxy S3. The LTE version of the S3 actually sells for just Php18,600 now which is a pretty good deal considering the specs and capabilities of that phone (it gave the iPhone 4S and 5 a run for their money). Click here for our review of the Samsung Galaxy S3.

Samsung Galaxy Mega 6.3 (Php18,580)

Tower of power
Tower of power

Next up we have the biggest LTE smartphone under Php21,000, the Samsung Galaxy Mega 6.3. This device, as the name suggests, sports a humungous 6.3-inch display. It’s a hybrid tablet and smartphone in one device and the LTE connectivity is a huge plus as it lets you enjoy watching HD YouTube video seamlessly on a big screen while you’re on the go. Definitely one of our favorites in this list. Click here to read our full review of the Samsung Galaxy Mega 6.3.

Nokia Lumia 920 (Php17,300)

The venerable Lumia 920
The venerable Lumia 920

The Nokia Lumia 920 is the device that put Nokia back on track (they’ve surpassed BlackBerry). This was actually our primary smartphone for over 4 months and we thoroughly enjoyed it when we were using it. The device offered a breath of fresh air in a tech space dominated by Apples and Androids. Click here for our full review of the Nokia Lumia 920.

What about you guys? What’s on your list?

And that wraps up this post. Do you guys agree? Disagree? Please do let us know in the comments section below if we missed any good LTE smartphones under Php21,000.

Cheers and happy shopping!

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