China is one of the well-known countries that manufactures and distributes electronic devices worldwide, like smartphones. It is particularly recognizable globally as its product excels in various features, especially camera systems, which are beneficial to cope with current trends and ways to monetize, such as astounding photos and videos for social media postings. Not just that, their prices are mostly eye-tempting to consumers, for they are affordable in markets but of high quality.
Many might have said that Chinese phones are imitations of other smartphone brands and are not the best. Yet, their innovative features prove they are unprecedented and have come from humble beginnings to gradual popularity. These Chinese smartphones take the lead in embracing the latest and fastest chips within the Android ecosystem. This page will delve into the world of the best Chinese smartphones circulating globally this year.
Top 5 Best Chinese Smartphones
1. OnePlus11
OnePlus 11 is a smartphone powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset with unparalleled performance and multitasking capabilities. It can capture life’s moments precisely using the triple camera system co-engineered with Hasselblad and indulge in cinematic entertainment with the stunning 6.7″ 120Hz fluid AMOLED display, now Dolby Vision compatible. Stay charged and ready with the 80W SUPERVOOC charger, while the sleek design in Green or Black adds a touch of elegance. With dual-SIM support and uncompromising sensor size, the OnePlus 11 redefines possibilities in the palm of your hand. The future of mobile technology is in the OnePlus 11 system, where innovation meets excellence.
Here are the specific selling points of the OnePlus 11:
The Positives:
- Competitive Pricing
- Features a powerful chipset
- Among the fastest and most seamless phones available
- Remarkably rapid charging capability
- Excellent haptic feedback
The Negatives:
- Camera quality falls slightly short compared to competitors, particularly in video
- Display brightness is not as high as that of rivals
- OxygenOS introduces unconventional adjustments to standard Android gestures
- Lacks wireless charging functionality
- Prone to quicker throttling compared to other phones equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset
The features and benefits of the OnePlus 11 position it as the finest flagship Android smartphone released by OnePlus Technology in recent years, asserting its place among the top high-tier smartphones of 2023. Its competitive pricing and incorporation of the latest chipset offer compelling incentives for choosing this device over other flagships and even mid-range alternatives. Despite its evident drawbacks, the OnePlus 11 is a stellar all-around smartphone. Given its affordability, any shortcomings it possesses may be deemed inconsequential in comparison.
2. Xiaomi 13 Ultra
The Xiaomi 13 Ultra stands out as the undeniable game-changer, and it goes beyond just its advanced camera hardware or specifications. Xiaomi’s processing prowess truly sets it apart in the realm of Chinese smartphones. While photos from an iPhone 14 Pro or a Galaxy S23 Ultra represent a significant leap forward in smartphone photography, they often bear the tell-tale signs of over-processing: unrealistic colors, excessive sharpening, and other issues that become glaringly apparent on larger screens.
Xiaomi has meticulously fine-tuned its camera system to deliver images with a distinct, true-to-life quality—a departure from the typical smartphone aesthetic. This unique trait sets it apart and makes it a standout choice poised to revolutionize the landscape. But the Xiaomi 13 Ultra isn’t just about its camera. It’s a powerhouse flagship phone boasting the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, cooled with a proprietary Xiaomi solution. With the world’s brightest display upon launch, extended battery life, and significantly faster charging compared to Samsung and Apple counterparts, it’s a comprehensive package that redefines expectations.
The Xiaomi 13 Ultra epitomizes a harmonious blend of form and function, particularly as a camera-centric smartphone. A slimmed-down traditional camera in phone size resembles its design, which features a slightly raised camera bed, a rounded camera system, and a textured leather-like finish—a nod to classic camera aesthetics. Xiaomi dubs the texture on the back as “second-generation nano-skin,” boasting stain resistance that held up impressively during our month-long usage. Available in white, green, and black versions (with white exclusive to the China market), each variant exudes stunning appeal.
However, it’s worth noting that the Xiaomi 13 Ultra is slightly bulkier compared to many other flagship phones. On the right-hand side, the buttons offer a satisfyingly tactile click, while the bottom houses a USB-C port supporting rapid USB 3.2 transfer speeds. Additionally, Xiaomi offers a professional camera kit featuring a case, a camera handgrip with a physical shutter key, and a 67mm filter thread—an offering sure to delight photographers, though availability may vary across markets. Separately sold at around $150, this accessory adds a touch of versatility to the Xiaomi 13 Ultra experience.
The Positives:
- Noteworthy camera capabilities
- Swift performance
- Ideal for gaming, minimal throttling is experienced
- Extended battery lifespan
- Rapid charging feature
The Negatives:
- Considerably high price tag
- Xiaomi has a bulky design, which may appeal to only some users.
- MIUI software exhibits some idiosyncrasies
3. Vivo’s X100
Vivo’s X100 series is a testament to the brand’s dedication to crafting exceptional camera phones. The Vivo X100 and X100 Pro showcase a triple camera system, diverging from the four-camera setup of their predecessor, the X90 Pro Plus. The X100 Pro opts for a single 4.3X zoom lens with a faster aperture, promising enhanced low-light performance compared to its predecessor’s dual zoom cameras.
Across the series, users can expect expansive 6.78-inch screens with a 120Hz smooth refresh rate and up to 3,000 units of brightness, powered by the MediaTek 9300 chip for seamless performance. While the vanilla model houses a robust 5,000mAh battery, the Pro version boasts an even larger 5,400mAh capacity. With the Pro model sporting a larger primary camera sensor and extended zoom capabilities, the X100 series redefines smartphone photography, offering a compelling blend of innovation and performance.
Pros:
- Includes 5G and NFC support.
- Features an infrared port.
- Offers water and dust resistance.
- It boasts an FHD+ LTPO AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate.
- Achieves a brightness rating of 3000 nits.
- Runs on the latest Android 14 OS with Funtouch 14 UI.
- Delivers impressive performance for gaming and multitasking.
- Equipped with optical zoom and ultrawide cameras.
- Supports 4K video recording with gyro-EIS.
- Provides substantial battery backup with 120W fast charging support.
- Offers ample RAM and storage options.
Cons:
- Lacks a micro SD card slot.
- Uses an outdated USB Type-C 2.0 charging port.
- Does not support wireless charging.
- Missing Gorilla Glass protection.
4. Realme GT5 Pro
With an expansive screen capable of reaching up to 3,000 nits of brightness and select models boasting an impressive 24GB of RAM, the Realme GT5 Pro offers a compelling package for users seeking top-tier performance.
Realme touts its “dual-engine” technology as a marquee feature, potentially involving a separate co-processor to enhance the vivid display. Interestingly, this technology resembles a feature in the iQOO 12 series, highlighting a trend toward innovative display enhancements across smartphone models.
Pros:
- Realme’s inaugural device has an IP64 rating.
- It showcases a brilliantly bright and overall outstanding display.
- Provides excellent battery life and rapid charging, including support for wireless charging.
- Incorporates palm recognition and air gestures, potentially beneficial in specific scenarios.
- Features an outstanding telephoto camera for capturing subjects at varying distances, complemented by an excellent primary camera.
Cons:
- The IP64 rating doesn’t assure survival in the event of submersion.
- The ultrawide camera needs to catch up in nearly every aspect.
- Video quality tends to be softer than desired, with less-than-ideal stabilization.
5. Redmi Note 12 Pro+
This model embodies the benchmark flagship that Redmi aspired to create. Despite its budget-friendly price, its specifications reflect those of a midrange phone. However, upon activation, it becomes evident that it possesses many flagship-like capabilities. The cameras offer enjoyable experiences, and the Redmi Note 12 Pro exhibits versatility in handling various tasks. While it may not support games at the highest graphical settings, and its speakers may lack excellence, the Note 12 Pro is a genuinely proficient midrange device.
The Positives:
- Comfortable design and size
- Exceptional 120Hz display with seamless performance
- An impressive array of software features
- Notable manual camera mode for photography enthusiasts
- Capable of handling diverse tasks with ease
- Consistent software support lifecycle
- Remarkably rapid 120W charging capability
The Negatives:
- Presence of advertisements within various system apps and settings
- Persistent notifications encouraging the use of said apps, unable to be disabled
- Some pre-installed applications, though not excessive
- Occasional occurrence of obscure bugs
- Aggressive RAM management without an apparent cause
- Camera features exhibit inconsistencies, attempting to rival Google Pixel phones
Key Considerations for Choosing Chinese Smartphones
Some parts of the globe may have yet to receive the official releases of Chinese smartphones in their markets. However, it is evident that it has evaded numerous countries and is widely used by many. The latest flagship smartphones emerging from China exhibit unparalleled power, especially in their cutting-edge camera systems and models.
Like any smartphone brand from different countries, Chinese smartphones have particular advantages and disadvantages. Thus, upon purchasing those mentioned above or commended smartphones, it is necessary to draw some limitations and considerations while also acknowledging that these smartphones often surpass the quality of renowned high-end models from mainstream phone manufacturers. The key to sound judgment and successful purchase is carefully figuring things out and diving deeper into their smartphone devices.
