It seems like in 2026, there’s no escaping the national messenger. After all, even mobile carriers will now send SMS through MAX. Add to that the fact that Russian authorities have required manufacturers to install this hastily created app on their devices, threatening various sanctions otherwise. Given all this, it’s logical to assume that smartphones without MAX don’t exist. But they do, and I’ve dug up 5 of them on AliExpress.
Smartphones with the MAX messenger completely removed
From a technical standpoint, the MEIZU mBlu 22 smartphone is as simple as the MAX app’s security system. The device is suitable for basic tasks like exchanging messages in your preferred messenger and not much more.
REDMI Note 14 — A Smartphone Under 10,000 Rubles
You can find the exact same smartphone in almost every electronics store in Russia, but the REDMI Note 14 on AliExpress costs significantly less and doesn’t force the MAX messenger on you, since it runs a global firmware without unnecessary apps.
A great MAX-free option under 10 thousand
Price: from 9,868 ₽
The smartphone features a vivid and bright screen, a fast Helio G99 processor that ensures smooth, lag-free performance, and a decent 108 MP camera.
Beautiful Smartphone NOTHING Phone (3a) Lite
Looking at the NOTHING Phone (3a) Lite, you don’t even want to ruin such beauty with the MAX messenger. Fortunately, the manufacturer didn’t do that, and you can avoid that fate too. Inside — only basic Google apps and a couple of the manufacturer’s own services.
Affordable beauty you don’t want to ruin with a state messenger
Price: from 14,357 ₽
Among phones under 15,000 rubles, the NOTHING Phone (3a) Lite stands out with a great camera featuring optical zoom and powerful hardware, with enough performance headroom for several years of smooth, lag-free operation.
POCO M8 Pro — Best Smartphone Under 20,000 Rubles
The optimal balance for 20 thousand rubles is offered by the POCO M8 Pro smartphone. And yes, you can buy it in Russia too. But only on AliExpress will you find the global version, which is also sold at a discount. You won’t find prices like these in our country.
Optimal balance under 20 thousand
Price: from 17,372 ₽
The smartphone excels in several areas. It has a stunning screen that practically bursts beyond the body, a nearly gaming-grade processor, an excellent camera for night photography, and a massive 6,500 mAh battery.
Powerful Smartphone OnePlus Nord CE 5
If you need a smartphone without the MAX messenger that offers not only the absence of forced services but also powerful hardware for gaming and years of uninterrupted use, then hurry up and order the OnePlus Nord CE 5 before the marketplace runs out of stock.
Incredible power in a smartphone under 20 thousand
Price: from 18,658 ₽
Its powerful Dimensity 8350 processor genuinely handles all games on high graphics settings, while the 7,000 mAh battery keeps the OnePlus from dying at the worst possible moment. A true workhorse at a reasonable price.
