The roughly VND5 million ($190) segment is currently one of the most active parts of Vietnam’s smartphone market.

Rather than offering only devices with basic specifications, manufacturers are bringing features once reserved for more expensive phones into this price range.

In August 2026, buyers can choose among the Redmi 15C, Galaxy A17, OPPO A6t, Nubia Air 5G and TECNO Spark 40 Pro+.

Actual prices range from around VND4.9-5.5 million ($186-$209), depending on the retailer and available promotions.

Redmi 15C: Big battery, ample storage and an accessible price

The Xiaomi Redmi 15C with 8GB of RAM, 256GB of storage and NFC is currently priced at around VND4.9-5.2 million ($186-$198) at several retailers.

It is one of the most compelling options for users who prioritize battery life and storage capacity.

Its biggest strength is the 6,000mAh battery. For everyday activities such as calls, messaging, social media, watching videos or reading news, that capacity can significantly reduce how often users need to recharge. The phone also supports 33W fast charging.

Its 6.9-inch display has a 120Hz refresh rate, providing smoother scrolling and transitions. The combination of 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage also offers strong value at around the $200 mark.

The phone supports microSD cards as well, making it suitable for users who regularly store photos, videos or documents.

However, the Redmi 15C comes with some clear limitations. Its LCD panel does not offer the same resolution as some 1.5K AMOLED displays available in the same price segment.

The Helio G81-Ultra chip is also geared toward everyday tasks rather than users who regularly play demanding games.

Even so, for buyers seeking long battery life, generous storage and an affordable price, the Redmi 15C remains one of the most practical options.

Galaxy A17: A safe choice with AMOLED and long-term updates

The Samsung Galaxy A17 with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage is available for around VND5.2 million ($198) under some promotional offers, although its listed price at certain retailers can reach VND6 million ($228).

Compared with the Redmi 15C, the Galaxy A17 does not focus on maximizing battery capacity or storage. Instead, Samsung offers a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display, a 50MP main camera with optical image stabilization (OIS), and 5G connectivity.

These are notable advantages for users looking for a more balanced smartphone.

The AMOLED display offers better colors, contrast and overall viewing quality than a conventional LCD panel.

OIS also helps reduce camera shake when taking photos, particularly in low-light conditions.

Another advantage of the Galaxy A17 is its software policy. Samsung promises long-term security updates, giving the device an edge for users planning to keep their phone for several years.

Its drawbacks include 128GB of internal storage and the Exynos 1330 processor, which delivers only moderate performance. The 25W charging speed is also unremarkable compared with some rivals.

If available for around VND5.2-5.5 million ($198-$209), the Galaxy A17 is worth considering for buyers who prioritize brand reputation, display quality, cameras and long-term usability.

OPPO A6t: 6,100mAh battery, but storage is a weakness

The OPPO A6t with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage is currently selling for around VND4.9-5 million ($186-$190). Of the five phones, it arguably has the most debatable hardware configuration.

Its biggest attraction is the 6,100mAh battery, which is even slightly larger than the Redmi 15C’s. The 6.75-inch display supports a 120Hz refresh rate, while the phone also offers NFC, IP64 dust and water resistance, and a Snapdragon 685 processor.

However, having just 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage is a significant limitation. With apps becoming increasingly demanding, 64GB can fill up quickly for users who regularly record videos, take photos or install numerous applications.

Its 15W charging is also relatively slow compared with many competitors. The A6t’s camera is primarily suited to basic photography needs.

As a result, the OPPO A6t is better suited to mainstream users who prioritize battery life, communications and basic entertainment rather than those seeking stronger performance and greater long-term usability.

Nubia Air 5G: Slim, lightweight and an impressive display

At around VND5.5 million ($209), the Nubia Air 5G with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage has the most distinctive design on this list.

The device is only about 5.9mm thick and weighs around 172g. That is a considerable advantage when many large-battery smartphones in this price range tend to be thicker and heavier.

Its 6.78-inch AMOLED display offers 1.5K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, making it another major selling point. The phone also comes with 8GB of RAM, 256GB of storage and 5G support.

Notably, the Nubia Air 5G is also promoted as offering a high level of water and dust resistance, a feature rarely seen in this price range.

One drawback is that the Nubia brand is not as widely established in Vietnam as Samsung, Xiaomi or OPPO.

The Unisoc T8300 chip is also not its strongest selling point for users who regularly play demanding games.

Still, for anyone looking for a slim, lightweight smartphone with a high-quality display, generous storage and 5G connectivity, the Nubia Air 5G is a noteworthy option.

TECNO Spark 40 Pro+: Standout hardware for around $200

Judged purely on the balance between hardware and price, the TECNO Spark 40 Pro+ may be the most impressive device in the group.

Some retailers currently list the phone at around VND5.2 million ($198), down from its previous price. For that amount, buyers get 8GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, a Helio G200 processor and a 6.78-inch 1.5K AMOLED display.

Its 144Hz refresh rate is particularly unusual in this segment. The phone also packs a 5,200mAh battery, supports 45W fast charging and offers 30W wireless charging.

The inclusion of wireless charging on a phone costing around VND5 million ($190) helps the Spark 40 Pro+ stand apart from many rivals.

It is a feature more commonly associated with higher-end smartphones.

The trade-off is that the phone supports only 4G. TECNO’s ecosystem in Vietnam also cannot yet match Samsung or Xiaomi in terms of market presence, after-sales support and resale value.

But for buyers who prioritize display quality, performance, storage and hardware features, the Spark 40 Pro+ is one of the most appealing choices.

These five smartphones around VND5 million ($190) show how competition in Vietnam’s affordable handset segment is entering a new phase.

Consumers no longer have to choose between an inexpensive device with severely limited specifications and a costly premium smartphone.

The Redmi 15C stands out for battery life and storage. The Galaxy A17 suits buyers who value brand reputation, an AMOLED display, an OIS-equipped camera and long-term software updates.

The OPPO A6t offers excellent battery capacity but is held back by its RAM and internal storage. The Nubia Air 5G appeals with its slim, lightweight design, 1.5K display and 5G connectivity.

Meanwhile, the TECNO Spark 40 Pro+ makes perhaps the strongest impression in terms of specifications and features for the price.

For buyers focused on hardware value, the Spark 40 Pro+ is a standout candidate. Those who want 5G and a slim, lightweight design should consider the Nubia Air 5G. For users looking for stability and long-term use, the Galaxy A17 is the safer choice.

The Redmi 15C, meanwhile, is well suited to users who want long battery life and plenty of storage, while the OPPO A6t makes the most sense for buyers who place battery life and the OPPO ecosystem above hardware specifications.

Hai Phong