Here is a look at the five best Android phones available in May that won’t break the bank, all priced at or under $150 (roughly 11,500 rubles). These devices prove that you can get solid performance, decent screens, and practical features without spending a fortune.
Leading the list is the Poco M5, a budget-friendly model that makes a strong case for everyday use. It sports a 6.58-inch IPS display with Full HD+ clarity, delivering sharp colors and ample screen real estate for streaming, gaming, and multitasking. Powering the device is the MediaTek Helio G95 chip, which balances efficiency with reliable performance for most modern tasks. Photography is handled by a triple-camera setup headlined by a 50 MP main sensor, complemented by a 2 MP macro lens for close-up shots and a 2 MP depth sensor to help with subject separation in portraits. A substantial 5000 mAh battery keeps the experience smooth through long days, and 18W fast charging helps you get back up and running quickly after screen-heavy usage. All these features fit neatly into a chassis that remains comfortable to hold and easy to use on daily commutes or within the living room couch sessions.
The next entry comes from a smaller brand, the Ulefone Note 16 Pro. It offers a practical 6.52-inch HD display that prioritizes legibility and battery efficiency for extended usage away from a charger. At the heart of the phone sits the Unisoc Tiger T606 processor, a platform designed for dependable performance and efficiency across common apps and light multitasking. The camera array includes a 50 MP main sensor paired with a 2 MP macro module to capture everyday moments with reasonable detail. The phone ships with a 4400 mAh battery and supports charging at up to 10 W, striking a balance between cost, longevity, and convenience for users who value endurance in a budget package. Overall, the Note 16 Pro presents a compelling option for those who want a straightforward smartphone without extra frills and still enjoy clear visuals and reliable performance.
The Redmi 12C is positioned as an accessible option with a focus on a bigger display, thanks to its 6.71-inch HD panel. It relies on the MediaTek Helio G85 chip to handle daily tasks with a touch of reserve for casual gaming and multimedia. The camera setup includes a 50 MP main shooter paired with a 2 MP macro lens, offering flexible options for photography in varied lighting conditions. A 5000 mAh battery ensures extended usage between charges, and charging up to 10 watts keeps the device ready without demanding a fast-charging wall adapter. The Redmi 12C blends value and practicality, appealing to users who want a larger screen experience without stepping into premium price brackets. The combination of a generous display and solid battery life makes it a strong candidate for students, commuters, and budget-conscious families seeking dependable performance on a tight budget.
Rounding out the top five are two other contenders in the sub-$150 space: the Doogee N50 and the OnePlus Nord N20 SE. Each brings its own strengths to the table, whether it’s practical battery life, social features, or a brand-focused balance of performance and price. Together, these models demonstrate that there are capable Android smartphones in the budget segment that satisfy everyday needs—from staying connected to enjoying media and light gaming—without a premium price tag or a heavy, empty feature set. The landscape of mid-budget devices in this price range continues to evolve, offering more processing power, better display technology, and longer battery life than ever before for a diverse audience that wants reliability, convenience, and value in one compact package.
For readers looking to compare these options, it’s useful to consider a few practical criteria: screen size and resolution for media and web browsing, processor capability for app performance, camera quality for everyday photography, battery capacity and charging speed for all-day use, storage options, and software experience including updates and security features. While each model here has its own strengths, the best choice depends on how the phone will be used daily, whether that means content consumption, light gaming, or simply staying connected with friends and work. This list highlights devices that deliver solid performance, dependable endurance, and thoughtful design within a friendly price point, helping buyers in Canada and the United States choose confidently when shopping in the budget category.