10 best smartphones under 4000 rubles in 2021

Need a new smartphone urgently? If there is a lot of time left until the next salary, then you will have to look towards the most inexpensive models. In particular, now you can buy a good device for only 4000 rubles. Let's get acquainted with the best devices that have such a low price tag.
 
  Name
  Rating
  Nomination
1 INOI 5 Lite 2021 4.38
Large amount of RAM
2 Hisense F16 4.30
3 Itel A16 Plus 4.28
The cheapest
4 ZTE Blade A3 (2019) 4.20
5 ZTE Blade L8 4.17
The most popular
6 BQ 4030G Nice Mini 4.05
The easiest
7 MAXVI MS502 Orion 4.00
The most reliable
8 VERTEX Impress Zeon 4G 3.75
Better connection
9 INOI 2 Lite 2021 3.61
Best Design
10 Irbis SP517 3.30
Best Screen

The devices included in this material can be safely recommended for the role of spare smartphones. Ideally, each of us should have such a device stored somewhere in a closet. He will wait in the wings when the main device for some reason fails or is completely lost. However, someone can use such a smartphone on an ongoing basis. But you need to be prepared for a minimum amount of memory, due to which it will not be possible to install any large number of applications.

How to choose the cheapest smartphone?

So that the purchase does not cause only negative emotions, you need to pay special attention to reading the technical specifications. Even if you are going to spend very little money, think about how convenient the device will be. Ideally it screen must have HD resolution (1280x720 pixels or a little more).If IPS technology was used for its production, then the display will also please with maximum viewing angles.

Pay attention also to memory size. And it's not so much about operational, but about permanent. Not all applications can be copied to a microSD card, so this option is very important. Like built-in CPU - you need to familiarize yourself with the number of cores and the clock speed at which they can operate.

Other important characteristics of a cheap smartphone are number of SIM slots, Battery capacity and rear camera resolution. In any case, the front camera will not please you - usually it is equipped with a 5-megapixel or even more modest matrix. Concerning weight, then most often the most inexpensive devices are also among the lightest. Also, almost all of them are considered Chinese. Sometimes not entirely deserved, because some Russian companies also produce similar devices. More precisely, they order them in the same China - in our country only their design is carried out.

Top 10. Irbis SP517

Rating (2022): 3.30
Accounted for 14 reviews from resources: Yandex Market
Best Screen

Unlike competitors, the display of the device boasts not only maximum viewing angles, but also high resolution.

  • Average price: 3 990 rubles.
  • Processor: MediaTek MT6737, 4 cores, 1.3 GHz
  • Memory: 8 GB permanent and 1 GB RAM
  • Display: 5 inches, IPS, 1280x720 pixels
  • Wireless interfaces: LTE, Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi 802.11n
  • Weight: 155g

Despite the fact that the cost of this model does not exceed 4000 rubles, the device received an excellent display. For its manufacture, IPS technology was used, which indicates ideal viewing angles. And 720p resolution allows you to comfortably watch videos.Another feature of the smartphone is an LTE modem, thanks to which a high speed of receiving and transmitting data is achieved. The manufacturer saved money on all other components. For example, he did not endow his creation with a significant amount of memory. The battery is also modest here - its capacity is 2000 mAh. The FM radio does not cause complaints. This is a nice bonus that individual buyers will definitely take advantage of.

Pros and cons
  • There is support for 4G networks
  • Optimal dimensions and weight
  • Excellent LCD display
  • Not enough memory
  • Not the most stable Android experience
  • Modest battery capacity

Top 9. INOI 2 Lite 2021

Rating (2022): 3.61
Accounted for 84 feedback from resources: Yandex.Market, Otzovik, DNS
Best Design

A rare case when the back panel of a very cheap smartphone shimmers beautifully in two colors in the sunlight.

  • Average price: 3,511 rubles.
  • Processor: Spreadtrum SC7731E, 4 cores, 1.3 GHz
  • Memory: 8 GB permanent and 1 GB RAM
  • Display: 5" TN, 854x480 pixels
  • Wireless interfaces: LTE, Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi 802.11n
  • Weight: 143 g

One of the most beautiful smartphones among those whose cost is about 4000 rubles. However, if you do not want to stand out, then you can take the option with a black body color - such a device can no longer be called unique. As for the technical characteristics, some of them may well please. For example, a 2500 mAh battery is hidden under the body of the device. Reviews show that connecting the network adapter is usually required only closer to the night. Another feature of the device is support for LTE, thanks to which Internet pages are loaded as quickly as possible.There are no problems with the tenth version of Android Go - the processor does an excellent job of rendering the interface. You can also note a separate slot for a microSD card. Among the shortcomings, modest cameras, minimal memory and not the best viewing angles of the LCD display stand out.

Pros and cons
  • Cute design
  • Stable Android Go
  • Implemented support for 4G networks
  • Cameras leave a lot to be desired
  • Modest viewing angles
  • Would like more memory

Top 8. VERTEX Impress Zeon 4G

Rating (2022): 3.75
Accounted for 68 reviews from resources: Yandex.Market, Ozon
Better connection

A rare case when an extremely inexpensive device supports VoLTE technology.

  • Average price: 4,100 rubles.
  • Processor: MediaTek MT6739, 4 cores, 1.3 GHz
  • Memory: 8 GB permanent and 1 GB RAM
  • Display: 5.45 inches, IPS, 960x480 pixels
  • Wireless interfaces: LTE, Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi 802.11n
  • Weight: 190 g

If the operator in your area supports VoLTE technology, then this smartphone will provide the best voice quality. He will squeeze every last drop out of a microphone or a connected headset. And the device also allows you to receive and transmit Internet data over 4G networks. It is a pity that the rest of its components cause not so joyful emotions. For example, a modest amount of memory is built in here. Do not forget that not every application will be copied to the microSD card. However, usually only a messenger and a couple of other similar programs are installed on a smartphone worth only 4,000 rubles, so problems may not arise. As for the display, it causes only positive emotions, since IPS technology was used for its manufacture.

Pros and cons
  • Maximum viewing angles
  • Good rear camera
  • Has FM radio
  • The smartphone turned out to be heavy
  • Not enough memory
  • Not the most stable software

Top 7. MAXVI MS502 Orion

Rating (2022): 4.00
Accounted for 7 reviews from resources: Yandex Market
The most reliable

Reviews show that only a fall on paving slabs can harm a smartphone.

  • Average price: 3,770 rubles.
  • Processor: Spreadtrum, 4 cores, 1.4 GHz
  • Memory: 8 GB permanent and 1 GB RAM
  • Display: 5" TN, 960x480 pixels
  • Wireless interfaces: LTE, Bluetooth 4.2, Wi-Fi 802.11n
  • Weight: 131g

An excellent device, ready to serve faithfully for several years. Especially if you use it exclusively for voice calls and correspondence in instant messengers. The fact is that there is an acute shortage of memory for more. Like many other Chinese smartphones with such a price tag, it requires a microSD card, but it does not save in all situations. It’s also not a device that should be regularly used for photography, because the resolution of its main camera is only 5 megapixels. But on the other hand, the device can be operated as a radio receiver. Do not forget only that to activate this function, you must connect headphones or a headset to the 3.5 mm jack. And the device is ready to boast support for 4G networks!

Pros and cons
  • FM radio present
  • Not very large size and weight
  • Works in LTE networks
  • Minimum Memory
  • humble cameras
  • Not the best viewing angles

Top 6. BQ 4030G Nice Mini

Rating (2022): 4.05
Accounted for 98 reviews from resources: Yandex.Market, DNS
The easiest

The scales under this baby will show only 109 g.

  • Average price: 3,500 rubles.
  • Processor: Unisoc SC7731E, 4 cores, 1.3 GHz
  • Memory: 16 GB permanent and 1 GB RAM
  • Display: 3.97" TN, 800x480 pixels
  • Wireless interfaces: 3G, Bluetooth 4.2, Wi-Fi 802.11n
  • Weight: 109g

I can't believe that they still produce such miniature smartphones. When you look at the device, you begin to remember the era of Motorola, LG, Sony Ericsson and the first devices from Samsung. Here, too, a small screen is used, and three touch buttons below it are used to return to the menu and perform other actions. With such a display, it is difficult to type text. But on the other hand, it allows you to place an inexpensive smartphone in absolutely any pocket. It is a pity that the reduction in size affected the components. Reviews indicate that the device is not capable of downloading files at any high speed. People also complain about cameras, the resolution of which is only 2 and 0.3 megapixels. And only the processor does not raise any complaints - its power is enough to process a picture in such a low resolution.

Pros and cons
  • Has FM radio
  • The screen has a high pixel density
  • Stable Android 10 Go
  • Mediocre cameras
  • Minimum battery capacity
  • Modest viewing angles

Top 5. ZTE Blade L8

Rating (2022): 4.17
Accounted for 579 reviews from resources: Yandex.Market, Citylink, iRecommend, Rozetka, Ozon
The most popular

If we talk about the most inexpensive devices, then smartphones from ZTE can boast of the greatest demand among them.

  • Average price: 4280 rubles.
  • Processor: Unisoc SC7731E, 4 cores, 1.3 GHz
  • Memory: 32 GB permanent and 1 GB RAM
  • Display: 5 inch, TFT, 960x480 pixels
  • Wireless interfaces: 3G, Bluetooth 4.2, Wi-Fi 802.11n
  • Weight: 143 g

More recently, the Chinese company ZTE specialized in top-end devices, which included the best components. But after the actions of the US administration, she had to concentrate on the budget segment. One of its brightest representatives is ZTE Blade L8. It exists in several versions, differing by no means only in the color of the case. The first has 16 GB of permanent memory, while the second has twice the amount. Alas, both of them are not able to boast of an LTE module. This means that a smartphone is not worth buying for online video viewing, unless you intend to do this exclusively when connected to Wi-Fi. Otherwise, the device does not cause serious complaints, especially considering that its price tag is about 4,000 rubles.

Pros and cons
  • Stable Android Go
  • Decent amount of permanent memory
  • Not the worst rear camera
  • No support for LTE
  • Discharges quickly

Top 4. ZTE Blade A3 (2019)

Rating (2022): 4.20
Accounted for 294 feedback from resources: Yandex.Market, Svyaznoy, Citylink
  • Average price: 3 990 rubles.
  • Processor: Unisoc SC9832E, 4 cores, 1.4 GHz
  • Memory: 16 GB permanent and 1 GB RAM
  • Display: 5" TN, 960x480 pixels
  • Wireless interfaces: LTE, Bluetooth 4.2, Wi-Fi 802.11n
  • Weight: 144 g

This smartphone is updated almost every year. And every time its value increases a little. The 4,000 rubles we have designated fit the 2019 model, which can still be easily found on sale. If you find it at a discounted price, you won't be disappointed.The Chinese device received 16 GB of permanent memory, which for a while will save you from complaints from applications that they do not have enough space for installation. You will also be pleased with the support of 4G networks, thanks to which Internet pages and all kinds of files are loaded at a very high speed. FM radio is a nice bonus. And even the cameras here are by no means of disgusting quality. Complain in the reviews mainly only about the amount of RAM, because of which the application is in a hurry to close immediately after you switch to another program, and battery capacity. Someone does not like the micro-USB connector, but a more convenient socket has not yet been found in this price segment.

Pros and cons
  • Decent amount of built-in storage
  • Not the weakest processor
  • There is support for LTE
  • Modest battery capacity
  • Not the best viewing angles
  • Little RAM

Top 3. Itel A16 Plus

Rating (2022): 4.28
Accounted for 210 reviews from resources: Yandex.Market, DNS, Svyaznoy, Ozon, Otzovik
The cheapest

Existing in three color options, the device is sold for very little money.

  • Average price: 3,450 rubles.
  • Processor: Spreadtrum SC7731E, 4 cores, 1.3 GHz
  • Memory: 8 GB permanent and 1 GB RAM
  • Display: 5 inches, TFT, 854x480 pixels
  • Wireless interfaces: 3G, Bluetooth 4.2, Wi-Fi 802.11n
  • Weight: 147 g

A small and light smartphone, which is controlled not only by a touch screen, but also by the corresponding buttons under it. The screen diagonal does not exceed 5 inches, and its viewing angles cannot be called large. However, this is a common problem for many cheap devices. Much more important is the lack of an LTE module here, which will require you to regularly connect to Wi-Fi networks.As for the processor, its power is enough to process the interface at such a low display resolution. You can complain about the amount of memory - with it you are unlikely to install a decent number of applications here. But if you are going to use only a browser and a messenger, then the Itel A16 Plus should suit you.

Pros and cons
  • There are two slots for SIM cards
  • Very low cost
  • Not the worst processor
  • No 4G support
  • Mediocre front camera
  • Low display resolution

Top 2. Hisense F16

Rating (2022): 4.30
Accounted for 45 reviews from resources: Yandex.Market, M.Video, DNS, Eldorado
  • Average price: 4,190 rubles.
  • Processor: MediaTek MT6739, 4 cores, 1.3 GHz
  • Memory: 8 GB permanent and 1 GB RAM
  • Display: 5.45" TN, 960x480 pixels
  • Wireless interfaces: LTE, Bluetooth 4.2, Wi-Fi 802.11n
  • Weight: 152g

A fairly large device, which traditionally suffers from not the widest viewing angles. But its price in many online stores does not exceed 4,000 rubles, so the smartphone can be forgiven for such a problem. As well as the minimum amount of RAM. It becomes sad only from 8 GB of built-in storage. Fortunately, pictures taken with the 5-megapixel camera can be saved to a memory card. Or immediately send them to some "cloud" using an LTE connection for this. If we talk about the front camera, then it seems to have an almost identical matrix. Autonomous operation of the device is provided by a battery with a capacity of 2450 mAh. To charge it, a network adapter is used, connected via a micro-USB connector. Android Go is installed as the operating system, which is best adapted to such weak components.

Pros and cons
  • Large screen size
  • There is support for 4G networks
  • Not the worst cameras
  • Very modest amount of memory
  • Low display resolution

Top 1. INOI 5 Lite 2021

Rating (2022): 4.38
Accounted for 36 reviews from resources: Yandex.Market, Ozon
Large amount of RAM

The smartphone is in no hurry to close the application as soon as you switch to another program.

  • Average price: 4,490 rubles.
  • Processor: Spreadtrum SC7731, 4 cores, 1.3 GHz
  • Memory: 16 GB permanent and 2 GB RAM
  • Display: 5.5 inches, IPS, 960x480 pixels
  • Wireless interfaces: 3G, Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi 802.11n
  • Weight: 150 g

Many super-budget Chinese smartphones get as little as 1GB of RAM. Released in 2021, INOI 5 Lite boasts twice the volume. As a result, all applications here work a little more stable than on competitors, and some of them will not even close during the period when you enter another program. The tenth version of Android 10 is used here as the operating system. The image is displayed on an IPS display. Yes, it does not have the highest resolution, but the screen has maximum viewing angles. Nothing bad can be said about the battery, whose capacity reaches a decent 2500 mAh. Someone else will appreciate the presence of FM-radio. Sad, judging by the reviews, the cameras used here and the lack of an LTE module.

Pros and cons
  • Large memory
  • Good battery capacity
  • Maximum viewing angles
  • Does not support 4G networks
  • Not the best cameras
Which manufacturer of smartphones under 4000 rubles do you consider the best?
Vote!
Total voted: 5
0 Liked the article?
Attention! The above information is not a buying guide. For any advice, you should contact the experts!

Add a comment

Electronics

Construction

Ratings