5 attractive alternatives to the Nokia 6 you should consider

The Nokia 6 is shaping up to be a solid return to form for the Nokia brand. Offering a decent if unspectacular Snapdragon 430 chip, 3GB of RAM, 32GB of expandable storage and a largely stock Android experience, you can’t argue that it isn’t a good deal for R3700.

But what if you’re in the market for something else in the same category? Maybe you just want to make sure that all the options are on the table before biting the bullet. Either way, we’ve got a few alternative smartphones for you.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4

The latest Xiaomi device in South Africa comes in for roughly R3700 as well, and it’s pretty competitive in the spec department too.

The Redmi Note 4 has 3GB of RAM, 32GB of expandable storage a fingerprint scanner and a 5.5-inch full HD screen as well. But it differs from the Nokia 6 by packing a larger battery (4000mAh), a slightly more powerful Snapdragon 625 chip and an IR blaster for controlling appliances.

Xiaomi’s latest device in South Africa also packs a 5MP selfie camera and a 13MP f/2.0 main shooter. We’re putting the phone through its paces and should have a review in the coming weeks.

Hisense C30 Rock

It didn’t receive a glowing response from Burn Media’s Julia Breakey, but those on the hunt for an affordable rugged smartphone should keep the C30 Rock in their sights.

The Hisense smartphone packs IP68 water and dust resistance, also doing away with the rubber plugs seen on the Hisense KO — thank goodness. Otherwise, you’re getting a full HD screen, Snapdragon 430 chip, 3GB of RAM and 32GB of expandable storage.

Other specs include a 3000mAh battery, 16MP main camera and 8MP selfie shooter. The only downsides are that it’s a little more expensive than the Nokia 6 (it retails for R4499) and the Android theme could do with more polish.

Hisense Infinity Elegance

Another Hisense phone makes the list in the form of last year’s R3800 Infinity Elegance. And it’s got a pretty solid spec sheet.

There’s a capable but budget Snapdragon 430, 3GB of RAM, 32GB of expandable storage and a 5.5-inch full HD screen. So it’s pretty much the Nokia 6 in new clothing then.

The phone also packs a fingerprint scanner, 13MP/5MP camera combo and a 3000mAh battery.

Huawei P8 Lite 2017

The dominant Chinese brand in South Africa is also one of the most dominant brands in general, in no small part due to its super-popular Lite smartphones.

The Huawei P8 Lite 2017 is essentially the P8 Lite with a fingerprint scanner and a few other upgrades. Expect 3GB of RAM, 16GB of storage, a mid-range Kirin 655 chip, a 5.2-inch full HD screen and a 3000mAh battery.

Other notable features include a 12MP main camera, 8MP front-facing snapper and hybrid SIM connectivity. Not bad for R3799.

Samsung J5 Prime

Prefer a more familiar brand? Then Samsung‘s J series might be up your alley, with the R3999 J5 Prime in the same price bracket as the Nokia 6.

The downside is that what you gain in a familiar brand, you lose in the spec department. You’ve got a low-end quad-core Exynos 7570 chip, 2GB of RAM, 16GB of RAM and a 5-inch 720p screen. This isn’t Xiaomi, then.

Other features include a small 2400mAh battery, 13MP f/1.9 main camera, 5MP front-facing shooter and a fingerprint scanner.