Recently, the dollar exchange rate has been quite favorable, so the most discounted smartphones of 2026 regularly catch people’s attention. We analyzed which ones are most often researched, discussed, and purchased based on our recommendations, and compiled a top ten of the most popular ones. The list turned out to be interesting: it includes budget phones, flagships, and several unexpected entries. We start from tenth place and work our way up to the absolute leader among the most popular smartphones of 2026.
10 most popular smartphones among our readers. Image: TechNick
vivo X300 — Best Compact Flagship
The vivo X300 made this list for a simple reason: it’s one of the best compact smartphones of 2026 with a serious camera. Dimensity 9500, triple camera with a 3x periscope telephoto lens, 6040 mAh battery, and 80W charging — all in a body that’s comfortable to hold with one hand. The smartphone costs around 50,000 rubles on AliExpress.
A compact flagship that I personally use
Price: from 47,695 ₽
The popularity of the vivo X300 is largely explained by the fact that it offers a flagship camera system without a flagship price. Many choose it as an alternative to bulky camera phones: the same photo quality, but in a convenient form factor. If you want a great camera without carrying a brick in your pocket, this is exactly the right option.
vivo X300 FE — Compact Camera Phone on Android
The vivo X300 FE is a simplified model of the flagship series that doesn’t feel like a compromise. Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, 120 Hz AMOLED display, 6500 mAh battery with 80W charging, and a 50 MP main camera with OIS. The price on AliExpress is around 39,000–46,000 rubles — that’s a serious argument.
A compact and quite affordable sub-flagship from vivo
Price: from 39,206 ₽
Why do people buy it? Because it’s an affordable and powerful smartphone from a brand that has learned to make cameras. The vivo X300 FE delivers the signature photo processing quality, a pleasant screen, and real battery life without having to overpay for a full-fledged flagship. An excellent choice for those who care about the camera but have a limited budget.
realme GT 7 — Affordable and Powerful Smartphone
The realme GT 7 is what happens when a manufacturer decides to cram maximum hardware into a minimum price. Dimensity 9400e, 144 Hz OLED display, 7000 mAh battery, and 120W charging. The price on AliExpress is around 29,000–32,000 rubles — at this price point, there’s almost no competition.
Incredible power for a reasonable price
Price: from 29,527 ₽
Readers buy the realme GT 7 as a smartphone under 30,000 rubles with ridiculously good specs. A large battery, fast display, and a fresh processor — this isn’t a budget compromise but a conscious choice by those who know how to manage their money. Among the best realme smartphones in 2026, the GT 7 holds an honorable place specifically for its price-to-performance ratio.
realme GT 8 Pro — Best realme Smartphone
The realme GT 8 Pro is the big brother of the GT 7, bought by those who need a true flagship without overpaying for the brand. Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, 144 Hz AMOLED display with 2K resolution, 7000 mAh battery, and 120W charging. All of this for approximately 50,000 rubles on AliExpress.
The coolest realme smartphone in 2026
Price: from 52,531 ₽
Why is the GT 8 Pro in the top? Because it’s an Android flagship at a mid-range price. Performance on par with the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, but the price is completely different. For those looking for the best smartphones for work with maximum performance and a reasonable budget, this is exactly the right option.
Xiaomi 17 — Compact Xiaomi Flagship
The Xiaomi 17 is proof that a compact flagship and a powerful flagship don’t contradict each other. Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5, 6.3-inch 120 Hz display, triple camera with Leica optics, 6330 mAh battery. The price on AliExpress is around 54,000 rubles, which is one of the best deals among top-tier chips.
