Best Budget Phones in Taiwan: Reviews and Recommendations

In Taiwan, the market for budget smartphones has never been more competitive. With prices ranging from NT$3,000 to NT$8,000, consumers can now access capable devices that handle daily tasks, photography, and even light gaming. This guide reviews the best budget phones available in Taiwan as of early 2025, focusing on models you can buy from major retailers like PChome 24h, Shopee, and physical stores such as TSTAR or FarEasTone.

Whether you are a student looking for an affordable upgrade, a senior needing a simple device, or someone wanting a secondary phone, these recommendations cover the best value for every budget. We have evaluated each model based on performance, camera quality, battery life, and local warranty support. For a broader look at mobile plans to pair with your new phone, see our complete guide to choosing the best mobile plan in Taiwan.

1. Samsung Galaxy A15 5G – Best Overall Budget Phone

The Samsung Galaxy A15 5G has become the go-to budget phone in Taiwan for its balanced feature set and reliable performance. Priced at around NT$5,990 at retailers like PChome and 蝦皮商城 (Shopee Mall), it offers a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with 90Hz refresh rate—rare at this price point. The MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chip handles everyday apps smoothly, and the 50MP main camera captures decent photos in good light.

Key specifications:

• Display: 6.5-inch Super AMOLED, 90Hz
• Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 6100+
• RAM/Storage: 4GB/128GB (expandable via microSD)
• Battery: 5,000mAh with 25W charging
• Camera: 50MP main + 5MP ultrawide + 2MP macro
• Price: NT$5,990

One downside is the lack of a 5G mmWave band, but it supports Taiwan's common 5G bands (n1, n3, n28, n78) used by Chunghwa Telecom, FarEasTone, and TSTAR. For a detailed comparison of 5G carriers, read our best 5G plans in Taiwan 2025 article.

2. Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 – Best Value for Money

Xiaomi’s Redmi Note series has long dominated the budget segment, and the Redmi Note 13 continues that tradition. Available for NT$5,499 on Xiaomi’s official store and Shopee, it features a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate, a 108MP main camera, and a 5,000mAh battery with 33W fast charging.

Key specifications:

• Display: 6.67-inch AMOLED, 120Hz
• Processor: MediaTek Helio G99 (4G version) or Dimensity 6080 (5G version)
• RAM/Storage: 6GB/128GB (5G version) or 4GB/64GB (4G version)
• Battery: 5,000mAh with 33W charging
• Camera: 108MP main + 8MP ultrawide + 2MP macro
• Price: NT$5,499 (4G) / NT$6,499 (5G)

The 5G version supports Taiwan’s main bands and is recommended for those who want future-proof connectivity. However, Xiaomi’s MIUI interface includes ads in some system apps, which can be disabled. If you prefer a cleaner experience, consider the Samsung A15.

3. realme 12 5G – Best for Gaming Under NT$8,000

realme has carved a niche for itself by offering gaming-oriented features at low prices. The realme 12 5G, priced at NT$7,490 at 遠傳電信 (FarEasTone) and other retailers, packs a MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chip with 8GB of RAM and 128GB storage. Its 120Hz 6.72-inch IPS LCD display is smooth, and the 5,000mAh battery with 67W SuperVOOC charging is the fastest in this segment—full charge in about 45 minutes.

Key specifications:

• Display: 6.72-inch IPS LCD, 120Hz
• Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 6100+
• RAM/Storage: 8GB/128GB
• Battery: 5,000mAh with 67W charging
• Camera: 50MP main + 2MP depth + 2MP macro
• Price: NT$7,490

The 50MP camera is adequate but not class-leading. The realme 12 5G is ideal for users who prioritize charging speed and multitasking. For a comparison of mobile plans that complement this phone’s 5G capability, see our 5G speed test Taiwan article.

4. Motorola Moto G34 5G – Best for Near-Stock Android

Motorola’s Moto G34 5G is a hidden gem for those who want a clean, bloatware-free Android experience. Priced at NT$4,990 on PChome and 地標網通 (Landmark Telecom), it offers a 6.5-inch IPS LCD with 120Hz refresh rate, a Snapdragon 695 chip, and a 50MP main camera. The 5,000mAh battery supports 20W charging—slow by today’s standards but acceptable.

Key specifications:

• Display: 6.5-inch IPS LCD, 120Hz
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 695
• RAM/Storage: 4GB/64GB (expandable)
• Battery: 5,000mAh with 20W charging
• Camera: 50MP main + 2MP macro
• Price: NT$4,990

The Snapdragon 695 is a proven chip that handles day-to-day tasks well and offers decent 5G connectivity. The main drawback is the limited 64GB storage, but microSD expansion helps. For prepaid SIM options to use with this phone, check our prepaid SIM card Taiwan buying guide.

5. OPPO A79 5G – Best for Selfie Lovers

OPPO’s A79 5G focuses on camera quality, especially for selfies. Priced at NT$6,990 at 台灣大哥大 (Taiwan Mobile) and 傑昇通信 (Jiesheng Communication), it features a 6.72-inch IPS LCD with 90Hz refresh rate, a MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chip, and 4GB of RAM with 128GB storage. The standout is the 50MP front-facing camera with AI beautification, a favorite among young users.

Key specifications:

• Display: 6.72-inch IPS LCD, 90Hz
• Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 6100+
• RAM/Storage: 4GB/128GB (expandable)
• Battery: 5,000mAh with 33W charging
• Camera: 50MP main + 2MP depth; 50MP front
• Price: NT$6,990

The rear camera setup is basic, but the front camera is excellent for social media. OPPO’s ColorOS is feature-rich but can feel heavy. If you are a student, you might want to compare student-specific plans in our student mobile plans Taiwan article.

6. vivo Y28 5G – Best Battery Life

vivo’s Y28 5G is designed for users who need all-day battery life. It packs a massive 6,000mAh battery with 44W fast charging, priced at NT$5,990 at 遠傳電信 and 神腦國際 (Senao International). The phone features a 6.56-inch IPS LCD with 90Hz refresh rate, a MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chip, and 4GB of RAM with 128GB storage.

Key specifications:

• Display: 6.56-inch IPS LCD, 90Hz
• Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 6100+
• RAM/Storage: 4GB/128GB (expandable)
• Battery: 6,000mAh with 44W charging
• Camera: 50MP main + 2MP depth
• Price: NT$5,990

The 6,000mAh battery easily lasts two days with moderate use. The camera is average, but battery life is the priority here. For the best prepaid data plans to pair with this phone, see our best prepaid data plans Taiwan article.

7. Nokia G42 5G – Best for Durability and Software Updates

Nokia’s G42 5G stands out for its promise of two years of OS upgrades and three years of security updates, rare in the budget segment. Priced at NT$5,490 at 聯強國際 (Synnex) and PChome, it features a 6.56-inch IPS LCD with 90Hz refresh rate, a Snapdragon 480+ chip, and 4GB of RAM with 128GB storage. The 50MP main camera is serviceable.

Key specifications:

• Display: 6.56-inch IPS LCD, 90Hz
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 480+
• RAM/Storage: 4GB/128GB (expandable)
• Battery: 5,000mAh with 20W charging
• Camera: 50MP main + 2MP macro + 2MP depth
• Price: NT$5,490

The G42 5G is also IP52 splash-resistant, adding durability. The Snapdragon 480+ is less powerful than the Dimensity 6100+ but still adequate for everyday use. For a comparison of carrier options, read our FarEasTone vs TSTAR comparison.

How to Choose the Right Budget Phone in Taiwan

When selecting a budget phone in Taiwan, consider these factors:

• Network compatibility: Ensure the phone supports Taiwan’s 5G bands (n1, n3, n28, n78) if you plan to use 5G. Most budget phones now include these, but double-check.
• Warranty and after-sales service: Buy from authorized retailers or carrier stores to get local warranty. Brands like Samsung, OPPO, and vivo have service centers in major cities like Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung.
• Software experience: Some brands like Xiaomi and realme have ads in the UI, while Motorola and Nokia offer near-stock Android. Consider your tolerance for bloatware.
• Battery and charging: If you are a heavy user, look for 5,000mAh or larger batteries with fast charging (33W or higher). vivo’s 6,000mAh is the best in class.
• Storage and RAM: 4GB RAM and 64GB storage is the minimum; 6GB/128GB is recommended for smoother multitasking. Expandable storage is a plus.

For students, many carriers offer discounted plans. Check our university student plan comparison for the best deals.

Where to Buy Budget Phones in Taiwan

You can purchase these phones from the following channels:

• Online retailers: PChome 24h (PChome 24h購物), Shopee (蝦皮購物), and momo購物網 offer competitive prices and fast delivery.
• Carrier stores: Chunghwa Telecom (中華電信), FarEasTone (遠傳電信), Taiwan Mobile (台灣大哥大), and TSTAR (台灣之星) sell phones with contract discounts. Note that TSTAR merged with Taiwan Mobile, but TSTAR-branded stores still exist.
• Physical electronics retailers: 燦坤 (Tsann Kuen), 全國電子 (E-life Mall), and 地標網通 (Landmark Telecom) have wide selections and knowledgeable staff.
• Brand stores: Xiaomi Mi Store, Samsung Experience Store, and OPPO flagship stores offer full warranty and sometimes exclusive colors.

Conclusion

The budget phone market in Taiwan is rich with options that deliver excellent value. The Samsung Galaxy A15 5G is the best all-rounder, while the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 offers the best camera and display for the price. For gamers, the realme 12 5G provides superior charging speed and RAM. Motorola and Nokia appeal to those who prefer clean software and long-term updates. vivo’s Y28 is unbeatable for battery life, and OPPO’s A79 excels at selfies. Before buying, compare mobile plans to maximize savings—our best smartphones 2025 Taiwan guide can help you see how these budget models stack against higher-end options.