Best Smartphones of 2018 (PHP 30K-above)

We’re finally in 2019 and surely there will be new smartphones to be announced. But before we welcome those new devices, let’s take a look at the best smartphones of 2018. For this article, we’re starting with the phones priced at PHP 30,000 and above.

Note: The smartphones listed are those announced in 2018 and are officially available in the Philippines. Highlighted are the best devices from each brand but we’re also including their alternatives.

Apple iPhone XS Max

If you want the best that Apple has to offer, then look at the iPhone XS Max. It has the largest screen in the bunch at 6.5-inches and the largest battery capacity at 3,178mAh. It is also the most expensive at PHP 74,990 for the 64GB, PHP 84,490 for the 256GB, and PHP 97,490 at 512GB.

Alternatives:

For alternatives, you can go with the iPhone XS start at PHP 67,990 for the 64GB, or the iPhone XR starting at PHP 50,990 for the 64GB.

ASUS ROG Phone

The ROG Phone is still one of the best devices you purchase from ASUS at this price range, especially if you’re a hardcore mobile gamer. Price is at PHP 49,995 for the 8GB + 128GB model, and and PHP 61,995 for the 8GB +512GB. But if you want to go all out and want the complete accessories, you can buy the whole package at PHP 108,465 (8GB + 128GB) and PHP 120,465 (8GB +512GB).

Huawei Mate 20 Pro

Huawei’s best is in the form of the Mate 20 Pro. It is a huge upgrade compared to its predecessor and definitely a strong contender among high-end flagship phones in 2018. It packs everything one would wish for from a flagship smartphone and some more. We could not find anything we did not like about it. Well, except for that very high price tag of PHP 49,990.

Alternatives:

For alternatives, you can go with the Mate 20 for PHP 40,990. It may not have the bells and whistles of the Mate 20 Pro but it is still as powerful. You may also want to take a look at the photography-centric P20 Pro at PHP 40,990 or the P20 for PHP 30,990.

OPPO Find X

The OPPO Find X is one of the most exciting smartphones of 2018 and also one of the best from the brand thanks to its 6.4-inch Panoramic Arc Screen, attractive design, and slide-out cameras. If you ask me, I think it’s also the most beautiful smartphone of 2018. It comes with a hefty price tag though at PHP 49,990.

Alternative:

If you don’t have the budget for the Find X but want something really good at photography, then you might want to take a look at the R17 Pro. It has three cameras, an attractive premium build, and good battery life. The R17 Pro is priced at PHP 38,990.

Samsung Galaxy Note 9

Looking for a feature-packed smartphone? Then the Galaxy Note 9 is your answer. It has a large 6.34-inch WQHD+ display, Exynos 9810 chipset, dual rear cameras, an iris scanner, heart rate scanner, large battery, IP68-certified body, and a stylus. It is priced at Php55,990 for the 6GB RAM + 128GB storage model, and Php75,990 for the 8GB RAM + 512GB storage.

Alternatives:

The Note 9 is not the only flagship device Samsung released this year as they also have the Galaxy S9+ at PHP 52,990, Galaxy S9 at PHP 45,990, and the quad camera Galaxy A9 (2018) for PHP 32,990.

OnePlus 6T McLaren Edition

Probably one of the best bang-for-the-buck smartphone you can get at this price range is the OnePlus 6T McLaren Edition. At PHP 39,990 you’ll already get a smartphone with 10GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, and Warp Charge Technology.

Alternatives:

If that is a bit too much, you can opt for the standard OnePlus 6T. It is priced at PHP 31,990 for the 6GB + 128GB, and PHP 33,990 for the 8GB + 128GB. If you have a lower budget, the OnePlus 6 is still recommendable at PHP 30,990.

Xiaomi Mi 8 Pro

Xiaomi’s best smartphone in this price range is the Mi 8 Pro. It’s got the looks and performance, packing a 6.21-inch screen, Snapdragon 845, 8GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, dual rear cameras, and IR face unlock. It is priced at PHP 32,990, making it the brand’s most expensive offering to date.

And that sums up our list. If you have any recommendations, let your fellow readers know in the comments below.