We recently covered an article on the Best Chinese smartphones that you can buy in 2014. These phones were perfectly balanced with powerful specifications and a decent pricetag. But what if you are not willing to spend a lot on a new smartphone?

We have got a lot of requests from readers asking to write an article on cheap Chinese phones to buy in 2014. And today, we decided to make the list. It took some time, but we are sure, it will help you decide which phone is perfect for you this holiday season.

Although these phones come under $100, they have enough hardware to challenge phones from international companies which usually sell for more than $200. We have also added deals and coupons wherever available to get you the phone for a lot less than its regular pricetag.

So, lets not waste any more time and check out the Best Chinese Smartphones under $100.

1. NEO M1

Looking for the best deal of the season? Well, you have got to take a look at the Neo M1 mid range smartphone. The device comes with a beautiful aluminium design which makes it look much more costlier than it is actually.

The phone features a 1.3GHz MediaTek MT6582 quad-core chipset with 1GB RAM and 8GB ROM. The storage is further expandable via a MicroSD card slot up to 32GB. On the front, you have a 5inch 720p display which translates into pixel density of 326PPI. The device is extremely thin at 5.99mm and weighs just about 148 grams.

On the back, you have a 13MP Sony BSI sensor, which according to our tests take decent pictures while the front camera measures 5MP. You have a 2,000 mAh battery to power all these features, which we feel is just enough for a day’s usage.

As you can see, the Neo M1 has all the features that you want from a mid range smartphone, in fact much more than a regular $100 smartphone would offer. The device is normally available for sale for $180, but thanks to the holiday season sale, you can get it for just $99 from Giztop. That’s an impressive $80 discount.

Now you guys get it why the Neo M1 makes to the top of the list?

PROS:

• Beautiful Aluminium Design
• Super Slim
• Amazing price

CONS:

• Still runs on Android 4.2 Jellybean

We have also included our review of the device below to help you make the decision.

Full Tech Specifications:

2. Zeaplus M4

Next up in the list is the recently announced Zeaplus M4. This is another beautiful looking phone as it is the clone of the popular Xiaomi Mi4 flagship. So, if you like the Mi4, the Zeaplus M4 should definitely be on your list.

Apart from the beautiful design, the affordable M4 does have some decent hardware up its sleeve. For example, you get the same MediaTek MT6582, 1.3GHz, Quad-core processor on this device as the Neo M1 along with 1GB RAM. Again like the Neo model, the M4 comes with an 8GB ROM which can be expandable with MicroSD card.

There’s a 5.0 inch 720p display up front with Gorilla Glass 3 protection. On the back, you have an 8MP f/2.2 camera with LED flash and 2K video support, while on the front, there’s a 2MP shooter. The sensor is smaller than the M1, but expect similar image quality from both the devices.

Although the Zeaplus M4 is lighter than the Neo M1, its much thicker at 9mm. But to compensate the extra width, you get a 2,500mAh battery inside.

You can purchase the new Zeaplus M4 directly from the company website for just $99.

PROS:

• Beautiful Design taken from Xiaomi Mi4
• Super Light (130 grams)

CONS:

•  Relatively thick

Check out our review for more detailed information about the Zeaplus M4.

Full Tech Specifications

3. CUBOT S200

Those who hate smooth back texture on their phones, can take a look at the Cubot S200 smartphone. Unlike the M4 and the Neo M1, the S200 comes with a rough back panel, which makes it easier to hold the device. It may not be as pretty as the above two, but we know there are some buyers who will like its design.

Internals are more or less the same as other phones in its class. So, you get the 1.3Ghz MT6582 Quad Core SoC, 1GB RAM and 8GB ROM with expandable storage. There’s an 8MP rear camera like the M4 along with a 5MP front shooter. The 5 inch screen up front features a 1280 x 720 pixel resolution.

Now you must be thinking, this is the same as the above two, right? But NO! Cubot comes with one thing that most other smartphones in this price range lacks, a big battery. You get a 3,300 mAh battery inside, which is actually bigger than what most flagships feature these days. As a result, you will get an exceptional battery life on the device, much better than the above two devices.

So, if you are looking for a device under $100 which will last you more than a day long, then Cubot S200 is your best bet.

The phone is available for purchase at Comebuy for just $100. Pretty good deal right?

 PROS:

• Rough back design
• 3,300mAh Extra Large battery

CONS:

• Relatively thick (due to the large battery)
• No Gorilla Glass

Full Tech Specifications

 4. THL T6 PRO

If you are looking for something more powerful, then you can go for the new THL T6 Pro. It comes with a Mediatek MT6592m Cortex A7 processor clocked at 1.4 Ghz. This should give you more than enough power to run any apps or games on the device without any lag. For RAM, you get 1GB and for storage, you have 8GB internal with MicroSD card expansion support.

On the back there’s an 8MP camera which clicks decent pictures while on the front, there is a 2MP sensor. The screen is of 5 inches like the earlier listed models and comes with 720p resolution. Battery is a bit of a disappointment, as it comes with only 1,900 mAh capacity Li-Polymer battery. But even with 8 cores, the device should survive a day, owing to the less powerful power efficient Cortex A7 processor.

Design wise, the device has nothing new to offer, but the it feels well built and the power of 8 cores should definitely attract a lot of new users to the company.

At present, you can purchase the device from comebuy for just $108.5. You can also opt for the German warehouse but it would be a bit more costly.

You can also buy from lightinthebox.com for $111 from this link here.

PROS:

• Powerful Octa Core processor

CONS:

• 1,900mAh Small Battery
• No Gorilla Glass

5. THL 4000

Cubot S200 isn’t the only smartphone in town with a large battery. In fact, if you are looking for a device that will really last for more than a day, even with heavy use, then the THL 4000 is perfect for you. The THL model makes up for what its elder brother THL T6 lacked, with a large 4,000 mAh battery (hence the Name THL 4000!). This is really the most you can get on a smartphone under $100.

So, you must be wondering why didn’t we list it ahead of the S200. Well, the reason is simple. Apart from the large battery, the THL 4000 is a very average phone Although the basic package remains the same – MTK6582 1.3Ghz Quad Core processor + 1GB RAM + 8GB ROM, the camera sensor and the display are much smaller than what you get from the earlier listed devices. For example, you just have a 4.7 inch screen with 960 x 540 qHD resolution. Rear camera is of 5MP and the front camera is of 2MP.

However, for a smaller camera sensor and display, you have to shell out a lot less than other phones in its class. Usually, you will have to pay around $99 for the THL 4000, but you can get it for $91 from Comebuy for a limited period. There’s also an option to ship it from German Warehouse.

PROS:

• A massive 4,000 mAh battery
• Much Cheaper Pricetag ($91)

CONS:

• Low resolution 4.7 inch screen (Just qHD instead of 720p HD)
• No Gorilla Glass
• Very Thick (11.2mm)

 Full Tech Specification

6. Cubot S168

Don’t have $100 to spend on your next smartphone or looking for an extremely cheap back up smartphone? We have a device which satisfies this need too. We present the cheapest smartphone in the list, the Cubot 168. Its less than $80 but only sacrifices in some areas to get to this price tag.

For example, the display remains at 5 inches like most other phones in the list, but the resolution is reduced to qHD i.e. 960 x 540 pixels. Also, the battery is small and at 1,900 mAh capacity, it should barely last you an entire day. However, other than this, the features are the same as the S200. So you have a MT6582 Quad Core processor, 1GB RAM and 8GB internal storage with a MicroSD card slot. Camera too remains the same at 8MP rear sensor and 5MP front sensor.

So, the choice is simple. If you are short on cash and are looking for a cheap smartphone, Cubot S168 should serve you well.

Let me remind you that you have a powerful Quad Core processor as well as a decent display in this phone, so things are not as bad as you may think. Its just that you have better options out there, all for less than a $100 which makes this device look a bit weak.  But for $80, we think you get much more than your money’s worth.

Buy Cubot S168 at just $77 directly from the reputed retailer lightinthebox!

PROS:

• Cheapest phone in the list

CONS:

• Low resolution screen (qHD)
• Small Battery (1,900 mAh)
• No Gorilla Glass

Full Tech Specifications

 7. KingSing S2

If you didn’t like the design on the earlier listed phones, there’s a very good chance that the KingSing S2 won’t disappoint you. This is because, S2 is a clone of one of the most beautiful smartphones currently available in the market. the LG G3. It even features the same rear volume and power buttons like the G3.

The build is quite solid with a glossy back cover (unlike the metal finish on the G3) and looks wise, you will be impressed for sure (for a device of this price). Surprisingly, there’s even a heart rate sensor on the device, which although isn’t very accurate, it could be something that you can boast about your $100 smartphone.

Inside, the specifications are pretty average. You get a Quad Core 1.3GHz MTK6582 processor with 1GB RAM and 8GB storage with memory card slot. Like most other models, you have a 5 inch display up front, but unfortunately, the resolution is just qHD i.e. 960 x 540 pixels. For camera you have 8MP sensor at the back and a 2MP sensor up front. The battery is also decent, a 2,000 mAh capacity(though we would have loved atleast 2,300mAh), which with the power efficient processor and the lower resolution screen should be just enough to last an entire day.

So, the only reason you would choose this device from other rivals in the market is because of its design. But, there’s one more incentive. The KingSing S2 is available at Giztop for just $89, cheaper than most other phones in the list.

Or you can also buy it from  the reputed retailer lighinthebox.com for a slightly higher price $97

PROS:

• Good Looks (LG G3 Clone)
• Heart Rate sensor
• Slightly Cheaper Pricetag

CONS:

• Build Quality not that great
• Lower Resolution Display
• No Gorilla Glass

Check out our hands on review below to get more idea about this device.

Full Tech Specification

8. Elephone G5

All the phones we have covered till now feature 5 inch screen or less. But those who are looking for something bigger, can go for the new Elephone G5 smartphone. It comes with a 5.5 inch display with  a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels. While this will reduce the pixel density of the screen as compared to other phones in the list, the display still should be clear enough for your everyday use.

G5’s design is inspired by the famous OnePlus One flagship, so you get the same premium soft back finish on the phone that everyone loves. The overall dimensions of both the devices are almost the same, the G5 measures 155 x 78.5 x 7.5 mm while the OPO measures 152.9 x 75.9 x 8.9 mm.

Like all other phones in the list, you have a Cotex A7 1.3Ghz MTK6582 processor inside with 1GB RAM and 8GB ROM. On the back, you get a 13MP camera along with a 5MP front shooter. As you can see, the rear camera sensor is slightly better than the 8MP usually found on phones in this price range. The battery is also decent and at 2,550 mAh, you can easily play around with the device for a day.

Elephone G5 usually sells for $130 on various online stores, but as a part of the holiday season sale, the device is available for just $99 from Giztop.

PROS:

• Carries the loved OnePlus One Design
• Larger Display (5.5inch)
• Gorilla Glass

CONS:

• Lower Pixel Density

Here’s our short review on the G5. Also, check out the hands on video to get more idea about the phone.

Full Tech Specification

9. Leagoo Lead 3S

Back when we reviewed the Leagoo Lead 2, we were quite impressed with the hardware that it brought to the table. Now, there’s the new Leagoo Lead 3S model, which is ideal for someone who’s looking for a compact phone.

We have made sure that this list contains all types of phones that will suit the needs of different users, and this ‘Lead 3S’ is especially made for people who want a small screen. We know not everyone likes a large 5 inch or 5.5 inch device which is hard to fit in the pocket, so this compact device with a 4.5 inch screen will definitely serve these guys well.

Like we said above, it comes with a 4.5 inch display with a qHD resolution i.e. 960 x 540 which is good for a small device. The processor, RAM and the internal storage are MT6582 1.3Ghz Quad Core, 1GB and 8GB respectively, just like the other models in the list. Similarly, you have an 8MP rear camera and a 2MP front camera on the device. With the smaller screen, you get a smaller battery too, but at 1,600 mAh, the talk time should be at par or slightly lesser than most other devices.

Even with these features, the device is quite cheap. You can purchase the device for just $89 from a famous retailer, Banggood.com

PROS:

• Compact (4.5 inch screen)
• Cheap ($85.99)

CONS:

• Small Battery (1,600 mAh)
• No Gorilla Glass

Full Tech Specification

10. LANDVO L550

Looking for a cheaper Octa Core running smartphone under $100? Then take a look at the LANDVO L550 model. It comes with the same Octa Core MTK6592 1.4Ghz processor as the THL T6 Pro model. You get 1GB RAM, 8GB ROM along with a memory card expansion slot.

However, for a cheaper price tag, you have to sacrifice in some areas. For example, the 5.0 inch screen up front is of 960 x 540 pixel qHD resolution as opposed to the HD resolution display on the THL T6 Pro. Moreover, you get a slightly smaller 1,800 mAh battery on the device as opposed to 1,900 mAh one found on the latter.

Other specifications are almost the same as T6 Pro, so we are not elaborating further.

The device is currently listed on various websites for $110 but at Pandawill, you can get it for just $99.

PROS:

• Powerful Octa Core processor (MTK6592 1.4Ghz)
• Cheap Price tag ($89)

CONS:

• No Gorilla Glass
• Lower Resolution (qHD)
• Small Battery (1,800mAh)

Full Tech Specification

CONCLUSION

I know this was a very long article, but here, we wanted to include all the best phones available to buy this year under $100. Each one has its own USP, which will make your purchase decision much easier.

In fact, to conclude, we are listing ‘THE ONE REASON’ why you should buy each of these devices. We know there would be many other reasons for choosing one among these 10, but here’s what we think.

1. CUBOT S200 : BEAUTIFUL METAL DESIGN

2.ZEAPLUS M4:  AMAZING BUILT & DESIGN (Xiaomi Mi4 Clone)

3.CUBOT S200: LARGE BATTERY

4. THL T6 PRO: OCTA CORE PROCESSOR

5. THL T4000: A VERY LARGE 4000 mAH BATTERY

6. CUBOT S168:  VALUE FOR MONEY DEVICE (Cheapest on the List- Just $79.99)

7. KINGSING S2: UNIQUE DESIGN (LG G3 Clone with rear buttons)

8. ELEPHONE G5: LARGE 5.5 inch SCREEN

9. LEAGOO LEAD 3S: COMPACT FORM FACTOR (4.5 inch screen)

10. LANDVO L550: CHEAPEST OCTA CORE CPU PHONE IN THE LIST

Tell us which one would you choose.

The post Best Chinese Smartphones under $100: 2014 Edition appeared first on Gizmochina.