Hi, all. Was wondering which of these 3 budget phones would be the better choice? I've done some cursory research on Google about it, but I'm an extremely light and new phone user, so I might as well as for some real human opinions.

According to my research;

Redmi 5A seems to have the best hardware among the 3? And the cheapest too! However, I'm concerned about the software/OS. Is Xiaomi known for consistent updates and bug fixes? Would the pre-installed bloatware be removable without rooting? Is MIUI just a skin and all of the stock Android functionality will still be accessible?

Moto E4 seems pretty decent. Hardware-wise not as great as Redmi 5A? But according to a few reviews I read, the phone is solid, and it runs fast and smoothly. It's also close to a stock Android, and apparently comes with very little bloatware. However, I'm worried about consistent updates, bug fixes, and missing functionality. Moto is now owned by Lenovo, and Lenovo budget phones have a history not getting good software support.

The Nokia 3 seems decent spec wise, and a little higher than Moto E4? A quick google search shows that Nokia does give out consistent and good software support to the Nokia 3s, with an Oreo update planned soon. It also seems to be running as stock Android as possible. However, based on some reviews I've read, it apparently can sometimes run sluggishly, and reviewers online seem to have a less than favourable opinion on the phone than the Moto E4.

On first glance, it seems like the Redmi 5A would be the better choice, but I really don't know how their software support is and I don't want to gamble on it. The Nokia 3 on the other hand seems to have great software support for a budget phone, but I really wonder if the less-than-stellar reviews online holds any actual weight.

What do you guys think?

snapdragon vs mediatek
this alone decides which one to buy.

xiaomi have a big crowd and have consistent updates. you can also use developer weekly updates if you want.

Hi, thanks for your suggestions.

However, may I know what you mean by "developer weekly updates"? Like I said, I'm a pretty light user that's just recently gotten into understanding the nuances of smartphones, so that's one thing I don't know about.

Thanks!

as of today, there are 3 types of rom for 5a
global stable (new)
china stable (updated once), china developer (updated 4 times)

http://en.miui.com/download-338.html#499

typically for xiaomi, there will be active updates for at least 2 years.

if you have the cash, try to avoid 2gb ram + 16gb storage. after install few app and take some photo already full. go for at least 3+32 or 4+64 if possible. one of the best phone to buy now is the xiaomi A1 that receives update almost as fast as google issues them.

Nokia 3 is totally out of the choice list.

I'd suggest Moto E4 simply because of their almost stock android like OS. Minimal bloatware~

topup a bit and get the Redmi 4x. The 5A use SD425 Quadcore & the 4X use the SD435 Octacore, 5A got 3000 mAh & 4X got a 4100 mAh and also a fingerprint scanner in which the 5A doesnt have.

Another reason not to buy 5A other than the cheap price is the spec doesnt change much between 4A & 5A except the battery become smaller from 3120 mAh to 3000 mAh.

Gsmarena review conclusion for Redmi 4A is to topup a bit and get a better phone which also applied to the 5A. https://www.gsmarena.com/xiaomi_redmi_4a-review-1619p6.php

get xiaomi 5a snapdragon..but the only lack is the plastic material, not metal..

How about between this two ?

1. Xiaomi Redmi 5A 2GB Ram 16GB Rom Snapdragon 425- RM399.00@lazada
Pro - Cheap
- Local (Malaysia) Manufacturer Warranty

Cons - smaller 3000mAh battery
- Adreno 308 GPU (lower than 4X which is 505)

2. Xiaomi Redmi 4X 3GB Ram 32GB Rom Snapdragon 435 - RM489.00@shopee
Pro - Snapdragon 435, adreno 505
- 4100mAh battery

Cons - Imported Set

for RM 100 different...which one do you guys prefer?

Redmi 4X