Best phones under 2000 AED in the UAE for 2023: Flagship killer smartphones

Abbas Jaffar Ali
6 Min Read
Poco X5 Pro - Best phones under 2000 dirhams UAE
Updates
  • Mar 2023: Added Poco X5 Pro
  • Feb 2023: Updated the list for 2023 and re-arranged order based on pricing

It’s 2023, and phones that were once sold at flagship prices that would cost you a month’s salary are now available at an affordable price. Not just older mobile phones but even new mid-range smartphones that can compete with flagships of the past from the same manufacturer can easily be purchased below AED 2000 (US$ 550.) The fact that overall smartphone shipments are slipping works towards the consumer (you and me) as manufacturers need your attention. This means that it’s a good time to look into mid-range smartphones.

In this list, I have put together the best smartphones under 2000 Dirhams in the UAE. If you want a phone that is absolutely the best and don’t really care about how much it costs, then head over to my best phones list. On the other hand, if you feel that even AED 2,000 is too much to spend on a phone, head over to the best smartphone under 1000 AED in 2022. We’re also working on a guide for best phones under 500 AED if you want to spend even less.

Honestly, the list of phones below is quite impressive, and though you won’t necessarily find the latest Pro Max phone here, there is an iPhone on this list that’s not too old. But Android is where you see most of the competition when it comes to mid-range mobiles. If you know you want an Android and can spend a bit more; then you should also check out the Best Android Phones list.

I’ve reworked this list a bit based on the pricing of the phone by dividing it into two: phones that are between AED 1500-2000 and phones below AED 1500 down to AED 1000. The reason I’ve done this is so you can further define your budget and, based on that, compare and pick a phone easily. Also, there is no shortage in the number of phones available in each budget range and over time, this list might get separated into two.

All the phones on this list

Smartphones between AED 1,500 to AED 2,000

While I do my best to keep this list updated, the fluctuating pricing could mean that, at some point, one or more of these phones goes past the AED 2,000 mark. That’s likely a temporary hike, and chances are the phone will come back to its market price.


1. Samsung Galaxy S22

When it comes to choosing the best phones under AED 2,000, the Samsung Galaxy S22 is our pick. You’re getting a mobile that was part of Samsung’s flagship series from last year and it holds up very well with software updates. It has a fast processor, a gorgeous screen and an excellent camera system. Battery life and charging speeds could be a bit better but this is a small phone that fits really well in your hands so some sacrifices had to be made.

AED1,860.00

Specs & Features

Weight: 167g | Thickness: 7.6mm | OS: Android 12 OneUI 5 | Screen: 6.1” 1080 x 2340 pixels, AMOLED, 120Hz | Processor: Octa-core Snapdragon 8 Gen 1RAM: 8GB | Storage: up to 256GB | Cellular: 5G, Dual SIM | Rear camera: 50MP Triple Camera | Front camera: 10MP | Battery: 3700mAh, 25W Wired charging

Pros:
  • Excellent performance
  • Beautiful screen
  • Small-ish form factor
Cons:
  • Slow wired charging
  • Smaller battery
03/28/2023 09:57 pm GMT

2. Google Pixel 7

Specs & Features

Weight: 197g | Thickness: 8.7mm | OS: Android 13 | Screen: 6.3” 1080 x 2400 pixels, AMOLED, 90Hz | Processor: Octa-core Google Tensor G2RAM: 8GB | Storage: up to 256GB | Cellular: 5G | Rear camera: 50MP Dual Camera | Front camera: 10.8MP | Battery: 4355mAh, 20W Wired charging

Pros:
  • Brilliant camera
  • Fast performance
  • Quick Android updates
Cons:
  • Slow wired charging
  • Refresh rate is lower than other phones
  • Not officially available in the UAE

3. Honor 70

Honor 70 5G
AED1,570.00

Specs & Features

Weight: 178g | Thickness: 7.9mm | OS: Android 12 (MagicUI 6.1) | Screen: 6.67” FHD+, OLED, 120Hz | Processor: Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G+ 5G | RAM: up to 12GB | Storage: up to 512GB | Cellular: 5G, Dual SIM | Rear camera: 54MP Triple Camera | Front camera: 32MP | Battery: 4800mAh, 66W Wired charging

Pros:
  • Gorgeous design
  • Beautiful screen
  • Fast charging
Cons:
  • Software needs improvement
  • No wireless charging
03/29/2023 05:07 am GMT

4. Apple iPhone 11

Specs & Features

Weight: 194g | Thickness: 8.3mm | OS: iOS 13 | Screen: 6.1” 828 x 1792 pixels, AMOLED, 60Hz | Processor: Hexa-core Apple A13 Bionic | RAM: 4GB | Storage: up to 256GB | Cellular: 5G, Dual SIM, eSIM | Rear camera: 12MP Dual Camera | Front camera: 12MP | Battery: 3110mAh, 50% charge in 30 minutes

Pros:
  • The best iPhone under 2000
  • Great performance even after 3 years
  • iOS updates keep your device fresh
Cons:
  • Ageing hardware
  • Not the sharpest screen

5. Huawei Nova 10

AED1,746.00

Specs & Features

Weight: 168g | Thickness: 6.9mm | OS: Android 11 (EMUI 12) | Screen: 6.78 1080 x 2400 pixels, OLED, 120Hz | Processor: Octa-core Snapdragon 778 4G | RAM: 8GB | Storage: up to 256GB | Cellular: 4G, Dual SIM | Rear camera: 50MP Triple Camera | Front camera: 60MP | Battery: 4000mAh, 66W Wired charging, No wireless charging

Pros:
  • Gorgeous design and very thin
  • Fast performance
  • Excellent selfie camera
Cons:
  • No wireless charging
  • The battery could be bigger
03/29/2023 05:12 am GMT

Mobile Phones between AED 1,000 to AED 1,500

Below you’ll find phones between AED 1000 to AED 1499, and chances are some of them might dip below the AED 1,000 mark during a sale period. I’d highly recommend purchasing a phone in this list selling below AED 1,000 as that is a tremendous value.


1. Poco X5 Pro

For mobile phones under AED 1,500, the Poco X5 Pro tops the list with almost everything you would want from an affordable phone. It has a speedy processor with a large and beautiful OLED screen with fast refresh rates. The 5,000 mAh battery should keep the phone going for a long time while the 67W wired charging capabilities will top up the battery quickly. It’s no surprise that the Poco X5 Pro sits as the best smartphone under AED 1,500.

AED1,160.00

Specs & Features

Weight: 181g | Thickness: 7.9mm | OS: Android 12, MIUI 14 | Screen: 6.67” 1080 x 2400 pixels, AMOLED, 120Hz | Processor: Octa-core Snapdragon 778G 5GRAM: up to 8GB | Storage: up to 256GB | Cellular: 5G, Dual SIM | Rear camera: 50MP Triple Camera | Front camera: 16MP | Battery: 5000mAh, 67W Wired charging

Pros:
  • Excellent performance
  • Fantastic display
  • Great battery life
Cons:
  • Bloated software
  • Plastic build
03/28/2023 10:20 pm GMT

2. Nothing Phone (1)

AED1,195.00

Specs & Features

Weight: 193.5g | Thickness: 8.3mm | OS: Android 12 (NothingOS 1.1) | Screen: 6.55” FHD+, OLED, 120Hz | Processor: Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G+ 5G | RAM: up to 12GB | Storage: up to 256GB | Cellular: 5G, Dual SIM | Rear camera: 50MP Dual Camera | Front camera: 16MP | Battery: 4500mAh, 33W wired charging

Pros:
  • Glyph lighting on the back adds character
  • Good display
Cons:
  • Camera could be better
  • Mediocre battery life
03/29/2023 05:52 am GMT

3. Google Pixel 6a

Specs & Features

Weight: 178g | Thickness: 8.9mm | OS: Android 12 | Screen: 6.1” FHD+, OLED, 60Hz | Processor: Octa-core Google Tensor | RAM: 6GB | Storage: 128GB | Cellular: 5G, NanoSIM | Rear camera: 12MP Dual Camera | Front camera: 8MP | Battery: 4410mAh, 18W Wired charging

Pros:
  • Fantastic camera
  • Pure Google software
  • Good performance
Cons:
  • Screen could be better
  • Slow charging speeds
  • Not officially released in the UAE

4. Xiaomi 12T

AED1,499.00

Specs & Features

Weight: 202g | Thickness: 8.6mm | OS: Android 12, MIUI 13 | Screen: 6.67” 1220 x 2712 pixels, AMOLED, 120Hz | Processor: Octa-core Mediatek Dimensity 8100-UltraRAM: 8GB | Storage: up to 256GB | Cellular: 5G, Dual SIM | Rear camera: 108MP Triple Camera | Front camera: 20MP | Battery: 5000mAh, 120W Wired charging

Pros:
  • Excellent display
  • Good battery life
Cons:
  • Slightly pricey for the specs
  • Camera system is just ok
03/28/2023 10:12 pm GMT

5. Oppo Reno 8T 5G Dual SIM

AED1,349.00

Specs & Features

Weight: 171g | Thickness: 7.7mm | OS: Android 13 (ColorOS 13) | Screen: 6.7” FHD+, AMOLED, 120Hz | Processor: Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 256GB | Cellular: 5G, Dual SIM | Rear camera: 108MP Triple Camera | Front camera: 32MP | Battery: 4800mAh, 67W Wired charging, No Wireless charging

Pros:
  • Beautiful design
  • Nice screen
Cons:
  • Mediocre specs
  • No wireless charging
03/29/2023 05:02 am GMT

Best affordable phones FAQs

Which smartphone is best under 2000?

The Samsung Galaxy S22 is currently our pick for phones under 2000

Which mobile is best in 2000 range?

There are many phones that cost around AED 2,000, including smartphones from Apple and Samsung. They’re all listed in this article.

What are the top 10 phones to buy?

If budget is no option, head over to our list of best phones which currently has the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra sitting in the first spot.

Which phone is best in low budget?

The Poco X5 Pro is an excellent phone that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg and is our pick for under 1500 AED.

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