It’s that time of the year again where we round up the latest smartphone releases here in the Philippines.
Today, we’re checking out midrange smartphones priced at under PHP 15,000 that were launched during the first quarter of 2026.
Take note, these are the latest releases that we are covering and not necessarily a recommended list. Now that’s out of the way, let’s get right into it!
DISCLAIMER: The smartphones featured in this list were officially released in the Philippines during Q1 2026 (January to March). Listed prices here reflect their suggested retail prices (SRP) at launch. This is NOT a recommended list.
REDMI Note 15 (4G)
Kicking things off is the REDMI Note 15 Series and two of them fall under PHP 15,000. The most affordable out of the bunch is base model REDMI Note 15, priced at just PHP 10,999.
For the price, it gets entry-level specs along with some good ones, too.
It features a MediaTek Helio G100 Ultra chipset, a 6.77-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display, and a 108-megapixel main camera. There’s 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage that’s expandable via microSD slot.
Battery is rated at 6000mAh capacity paired with 33W of wired and 18W reverse wired charging. It also gets some added protection with an IP64 rating for dust and splash resistance.
Interestingly, it doesn’t ship with the latest HyperOS 3 but instead has HyperOS 2 with Android 15.
REDMI Note 15 (4G)
REDMI Note 15 5G
Next up, we have the 5G version rocking an identical look with slightly different internals.
It’s equipped with the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset, the same 6.77-inch AMOLED display, and a 108-megapixel main camera paired with 8-megapixel ultrawide.
For config, it comes with up to 8GB RAM and 256GB of expandable storage,
Its battery is slightly smaller, packing a 5520mAh unit but it has a relatively faster charging rate at 44W.
This guy does have a stronger water resistance with an IP66 rating. And just like its 4G counterpart, the 5G version also ships with HyperOS 2 based on Android 15.
REDMI Note 15 5G
POCO M8 5G
Another release from Xiaomi comes from its sub-brand, the POCO M8 5G. This one’s seems to be a cheaper version of the REDMI Note 15 5G, with prices starting at PHP 12,999.
It features the same Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chip, and the same 6.77-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display.
The cameras though are simmered down to a 50-megapixel main shooter and a 2-megapixel auxiliary lens.
Probably the best thing about this phone is there’s a 512GB version that’s big enough for all your files and apps.
Battery-wise, it packs the same 5520mAh unit paired with 45W of charging. For extra peace of mind, it also comes with an IP66 rating.
As expected, this model ships with HyperOS 2 on top of Android 15 as well.
POCO M8 5G written review | video review
nubia Neo 5 5G
Now, gaming phones on a budget continue to exist thanks mostly to nubia. Their latest budget release being is the Neo 5 5G.
There are the usual console-level shoulder triggers, a gaming-centric design, and a decently performing chip. Under the hood, it features a UNISOC T9300 chipset combined with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of expandable storage.
For cameras, it gets a 50-megapixel main shooter paired with a 2-megapixel depth sensor.
Battery is rated at 6050mAh complemented with 45W of charging. It also sports an IP64 rating for dust and splash resistance. And onto the software side, it ships with the latest Android 16 using its MyOS 16 skin.
nubia Neo 5 5G written review | video review
OPPO A6t Pro
The next entry is somewhat a weird brew from OPPO but in a good way, and it’s the A6t Pro. It compromises on a couple of major features but champions itself when it comes to delivering a solid battery life and solid protection.
For starters, it boasts a 7000mAh battery, big enough to last up to 11 hours of MOBA gaming— or so at least according to OPPO. And it comes with an IP69 rating for that high level of dust and water resistance. These are something you rarely see at this price point.
Now for the compromises, the display and performance.
It only sports a 6.75-inch HD+ IPS LCD. Yes, you heard that right, it’s not using an AMOLED screen. Plus, the chipset on board is the Snapdragon 685 which only delivers an entry-level performance.
Other notable features are 50-megapixel main camera, a microSD slot, and 45W of charging.
OPPO A6t Pro
Infinix NOTE Edge 5G
Last but definitely not the least, we have the Infinix NOTE Edge, which is the most expensive out of the bunch, coming in at PHP 14,999.
Specs-wise, it features a MediaTek Dimensity 7100 chipset and a relatively better-looking 6.78-inch AMOLED display. The screen has a 1.5K resolution and uses a curved-edge design, hence the name.
For config, it packs 8GB of RAM and a 256GB internal storage. Sadly, no microSD card slot here.
At the rear, it sports a 50-megapixel main shooter alongside an auxiliary lens. Keeping things running is a 6500mAh battery paired with 45W of charging.
Of course, this one also gets some nice ingress protection with IP65 rating. Software-wise, it ships with the latest XOS 16 on top of Android 16.
Infinix NOTE Edge 5G written review | video review
And that wraps up this list! Are you plannig to pick one up soon? Which one do you think offers the best value in this price range? Let us know in the comments below!
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