Technology bloggers on the Executioner portal have assembled a critical list of eight smartphones under 20 thousand rubles for 2023 that buyers should probably skip. The rankings begin with the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core, which is described as lacking notable strengths. This budget device struggles with a dim display, limited processing power, basic cameras, and slow charging. Other issues include an older MicroUSB port and no NFC module. The one real plus cited is its reasonable battery life, offering solid endurance throughout the day for typical usage in North America and Canada as well as Europe and beyond.
The second entry, the Vivo Y02, shares many specs with the first model but includes a few notable differences that influenced its placement on the anti-rating list. The compromise on performance remains, yet certain refinements and a slightly improved user experience in everyday tasks help explain its middle position on the list rather than a lower spot.
Rounding out the top three is the Wiko T3, which relies on an older MediaTek Helio P35 processor, an HD display, and a modest 10-watt charging system. Like the others, it cannot support contactless payments due to the missing NFC chip. Still, it offers 4/128 GB of memory and a 48-megapixel main camera, which may appeal to some buyers. However, the combination of the slow charge, limited display quality, and aging internals overshadows these positives according to the assessment from the Executioner portal.
The anti-rating list also includes the ZTE Blade A72, OnePlus Nord N20 SE, Oppo A55, Honor X8 5G, and Samsung Galaxy M23. Each model carries its own set of compromises, from outdated hardware to basic feature gaps, making them less attractive choices for users who want a modern experience without overspending. Readers in Canada and the United States can expect similar trade-offs when shopping in the budget segment, with much of the same logic applying across markets as price corresponds to feature sets and long-term software support.
It is important to note that consumer research outlets have highlighted flagship devices from other brands placing at the top of performance charts in other contexts. For example, a report attributed Oppo Find X6 Pro with leading AnTuTu scores to demonstrate how premium lines can dominate performance benchmarks, even though this particular model sits outside the under-20k category. This contrast underscores the broader point: a budget phone often emphasizes value and efficiency rather than cutting-edge raw power, a pattern relevant to buyers trying to maximize bang for buck in North American markets.