We’ve compiled the flagship-like or premium mid-ranger phones priced above 20K and near 30K.
It’s time for the best of the best on our under 30K smartphone tier list. The devices mentioned here are still considered mid-rangers globally, but they are quite close to flagships.
They have unique features and perks that are typically found among top-tier models worth 40K and beyond. But in the second quarter of 2024, we only have three models rated “super sulit.”
POCO F6 (Super Sulit)
After the X6 series, POCO came back with the F6 lineup. The POCO F6 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 and 5,000 mAh battery. The processor defines this handset, delivering flagship-like performance and capturing photos and videos better than its X6 cousin.
| Best Gain | Major Trade-off |
| Performance: 1,489,956 AnTuTu points | Limited ingress protection (IP64) |
| 1.5K display | No wireless charging |
| 90 W charging | No 3.5 mm headphone jack |
| POCO AI Air Gestures | |
| AIGC Features | |
| Storage variants (8/12 + 256/512 GB) |
POCO F6 Pro (Super Sulit)
The POCO F6 Pro is a totally different league compared to the X6 Pro. The former is powered by the previous flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, which has better graphics than the 8s Gen 3. It’s powerful across the board, from performance and battery to display and optics. If you really want a genuine flagship performance, this is an excellent choice.
| Best Gain | Major Trade-off |
| Performance: 1,540,510 AnTuTu points | No ingress protection |
| 2K display | No wireless charging |
| 120 W charging | No 3.5 mm headphone jack |
| POCO AI Air Gestures | No screen protection |
| AIGC Features | |
| Triple rear camera system | |
| Wi-Fi 7 | |
| Storage variants (12/16 + 256/512 GB, 1TB) |
HONOR 200 Pro (Super Sulit)
The performance-to-value ratio is usually the most impactful but here, we have a strong contender for the performance-to-optics ratio. The DSLR killer HONOR 200 Pro takes the lead because it lets you capture moments and scenes with confidence and in style. It’s also powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, which means it can multitask and play games. If you’re into fashion, vlogging, and traveling, this should be on your list.
| Best Gain | Major Trade-off |
| Performance: 1,489,956 AnTuTu points | Limited ingress protection (IP65) |
| Curved AMOLED panel | No 3.5 mm headphone jack |
| 1.5K display | Only 1 storage variant (12+512 GB) |
| New silicon-carbon battery tech | |
| 100 W wired charging | |
| 66 W wireless charging | |
| Triple rear camera system | |
| Dual selfie camera system |
HONOR 200 (Maganda Na)
If you can’t get the Pro version, you can settle for the HONOR 200, powered by the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3. It runs the same software and features similar perks as the Pro model, except a bit toned down to meet the price point. You still have three main cameras and a high-resolution curved display for viewing pleasure.
| Best Gain | Major Trade-off |
| Performance: 832,426 AnTuTu points | No ingress protection |
| Curved AMOLED panel | No wireless charging |
| 1.5K display | No 3.5 mm headphone jack |
| New silicon-carbon battery tech | Only 1 storage variant (12+512 GB) |
| 100 W wired charging | |
| Triple rear camera system |
realme GT 6 (Maganda Na)
realme’s high-end offering of the quarter is the realme GT 6. Also powered by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3, this smartphone has everything you want – performance, camera, AI, and software – in a single package. The main reason why it wasn’t the best buy is its price point. But if you want realme style in a flagship body, get this handset.
| Best Gain | Major Trade-off |
| Performance: 1,489,956 AnTuTu points | Limited ingress protection (IP65) |
| Curved AMOLED panel | No wireless charging |
| 1.5K display | No 3.5mm headphone jack |
| LTPO screen tech | Only 1 storage variant (12+256 GB) |
| Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | |
| 120 W wired charging | |
| realme AI Air Gestures | |
| AIGC Features | |
| Triple rear camera system |
TECNO CAMON 30 Premier 5G (Maganda Na)
Another well-rounder on this list is the TECNO CAMON 30 Premier 5G. This handset features a unique design resembling a camera. Powered by MediaTek Dimensity 8200 Ultimate, it can dish out gaming performance and accomplish tasks, despite being focused on photography. It even sports features typically found on flagship devices like AI Erase for pics.
| Best Gain | Major Trade-off |
| Performance: 911,751 AnTuTu points | Limited ingress protection (IP54) |
| 1.5K display | No wireless charging |
| LTPO screen tech | No 3.5mm headphone jack |
| 70 W charging | Only 1 storage variant (12+512 GB) |
| Triple rear camera system | |
| Eye-tracking autofocus for front camera | |
| AIGC Portrait |
vivo V30 5G (Maganda Na)
We’d like to include the Pro model but the price is too high for this list. The vivo V30 5G is a slim and stylish handset powered by Snapdragon 7 Gen 3. Beyond performance, optics are the competitive element of this smartphone. If darkness has been photobombing you, get this phone and illuminate with Aura Light.
| Best Gain | Major Trade-off |
| Performance: 832,426 AnTuTu points | Limited ingress protection (IP54) |
| Curved AMOLED panel | No wireless charging |
| 1.5K display | No 3.5mm headphone jack |
| 80 W charging | |
| Aura Light LED flash tech | |
| 4 years of battery health | |
| Storage variants (12+256/512 GB) |
Sakto Lang
| Model | SRP | Specs |
| OPPO Reno12 5G | ₱24,999 | Dimensity 7300 Energy 6.7″ 1080p AMOLED 120Hz 12 + 256GB 50MP triple camera 5000mAh + 80W |
| realme 12 Pro+ 5G | ₱25,999 | Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 6.7” 1080p AMOLED 120Hz 12 + 512GB 50MP triple camera 5000mAh 67W |
| Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G | ₱20,999 | Dimensity 7200 Ultra 6.67” 1220p AMOLED 120Hz 8/12 + 256/512GB 200MP triple camera 5000mAh 120W |
| OPPO Reno11 5G | ₱24,999 | Dimensity 7050 6.7” 1080p OLED 120Hz 12+256GB 50MP triple camera 5000mAh 67W |
| Honor 90 5G | ₱24,990 | Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 Accelerated Edition 6.7” 1200p AMOLED 120Hz 12+512GB 200MP triple camera 5000mAh 66W |
Needs Improvement
| Model | SRP | Specs |
| Samsung Galaxy A55 5G | ₱24,990 | Exynos 1480 6.6” 1080p Super AMOLED 120Hz 8+256GB 50MP triple camera 5000mAh 25W |
| Samsung Galaxy A35 5G | ₱20,990 | Exynos 1380 6.6” 1080p Super AMOLED 120Hz 8+256GB 50MP triple camera 5000mAh 25W |
Disclaimer: This list only features devices that have been officially launched in the Philippines. The SRP mentioned here are only as of writing.
So, which device in this tier list did you buy or want to buy?
