Buying a non-PTA-approved phone isn’t a “flex.” It’s a pragmatic choice driven by the significant disparity between the price and performance of devices available in the local Pakistani market versus those from international channels.
The primary reason people opt for non-PTA phones is simple: they want better value for their money. While officially launched Pakistani phones in a certain price bracket might offer chipsets like the Helio G90, G100, or G200, the non-PTA market provides access to phones with top-tier processors like the Snapdragon 855+ or even Apple’s Bionic A13+ for the same price. This performance gap is immense, providing users with a far superior experience in gaming, multitasking, and overall daily use.
When faced with a choice between a locally available device with mid-range specifications and a non-PTA phone with flagship-level performance at a comparable cost, the user’s demand for a powerful device is met by the non-PTA market. The solution, therefore, for many consumers who prioritize performance and features, is to accept the trade-off of using a non-PTA smartphone. While these phones usually cost less than official PTA-approved units, they come with risks like tampered International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers or no warranty support. Buy only from trusted sellers.
Here’s a CoreElix breakdown of the best imported kit phones you can consider in Pakistan:
1. Moto Edge 2021 (~PKR 32k pta approved)
- Chipset: Snapdragon 778G (the main processor, determines overall speed)
- RAM/Storage: 6-8GB RAM / 128GB storage
- Display: FHD+ OLED
- Cameras: Rear 64MP + Front 16MP
- Battery/Charging: 4500mAh, 33W fast charge
- Offers excellent performance and gaming capabilities at a low price. Ideal for buyers seeking flagship-level features without breaking the bank.
- Note: Older hardware, so it may feel slightly outdated in 2025.
2. Sony Xperia 5 (~PKR 24K nonpta & 30k pta approved)
- Chipset: Snapdragon 855
- RAM/Storage: 6-8GB / 128GB
- Display: FHD+ / 4K OLED, HDR support
- Cameras: Triple rear camera, front 8MP-13MP
- Battery/Charging: 3140–4000mAh, fast charging supported
- Why Buy: Compact flagship experience, excellent camera quality, and display. Great for photography enthusiasts or media consumption.
- Note: Limited availability in Pakistan; buy from verified sellers.
3. LG V60 (~PKR 40K, PTA Approved)
- Chipset: Snapdragon 865RAM/Storage: 8GB / 128-256GB
- Display: P-OLED, 120HzCameras: Rear 64MP + 13MP ultra-wide, Front 10MP
- Battery/Charging: 5000mAh, fast charge 25W. Why Buy: Premium build quality and solid gaming performance. A reliable option for those wanting flagship features at a competitive price.
Content Creators: iPhones (Non-PTAs)
iPhone 11 (~PKR 42-50)
- Display: 6.1-inch Liquid Retia
- Chipset: A13 Bionic
- RAM/Storage: 4GB / 64-128B
- Cameras: Dual 12MP rear, 12MP frot
- Battery/Charging: 3110mAh, 18W fast chare
- Why Buy: Smooth performance, great for content creation and casual gaming.
iPhone 12 (~PKR 53-65)
- Display: 6.1-inch OLED Super Retina XR
- Chipset: A14 Bionic
- RAM/Storage: 4GB / 64-128B
- Cameras: Dual 12MP rear, 12MP frot
- Battery/Charging: 2815mAh, 20W fast chare
- Why Buy: All-rounder with OLED display, smooth performance, and strong value.
iPhone 13 (~PKR 70-80)
- Display: 6.1-inch OLED Super Retina XR
- Chipset: A15 Bionic
- RAM/Storage: 4GB / 128-256B
- Cameras: Dual 12MP rear, 12MP frot
- Battery/Charging: 3240mAh, 20W fast chare
- Why Buy: Future-proof, excellent camera system, and smooth performance
Reminder: iPhone price depends upon condition, repair status, and battery health
Photo Lovers and Stock Android Fans: Google Pixel Phones (Non-PTA & PTA Approved)
Pixel 6A (~PKR 42-45K Non-PTA)
- Display: 6.1-inch OLE
- Chipset: Google Tensor
- RAM/Storage: 6GB / 128 GB
- Cameras: Rear 12.2MP + 12MP ultra-wide, Front 8M
- Battery/Charging: 4410mAh, 18W fast charg
- Why Buy: Compact, great cameras, and a smooth stock Android experience.
Pixel 6 (~PKR 58K PTA)
- Display: 6.4-inch OLED, 90–120H
- Chipset: Google Tensor
- RAM/Storage: 8-12GB / 128-256 GB
- Cameras: 50MP + 12MP ultra-wide, 11.1MP fron
- Battery/Charging: 4614–5000mAh, 30W fast charge
- Why Buy: Premium experience with stock Android, excellent camera, and smooth performance.
Pixel 7A (~PKR 63 PTA)
- Display: 6.1-inch OLED, 90–120H
- Chipset: Google Tensor G
- RAM/Storage: 8-12GB / 128-256 GB
- Cameras: 50MP + 12MP ultra-wide, 11.1–12MP fron
- Battery/Charging: 4385–5000mAh, 30W fast charge
- Why Buy: Smooth performance, better cameras, and an OLED display, ideal for photography enthusiasts
Reminder Pro models have higher prices thats why not included but if you have budget you can buy them
Important Buying Tips for Imported Kit Phones
Ask yourself these questions before buying: Is the seller trusted and verified? Is the IMEI showing ‘0’ in settings? Is there any sign that it is a refurbished unit? Budget options like the Sharp Aquos R2 or Sony XZ3 are affordable, but be cautious, as older hardware may affect long-term performance. Skip models like LG Velvet, Fujitsu Arrows, OnePlus 9 series, and Sony Xperia Mark 2 & 3 in this price range due to screen issues. Consider increasing your budget for future-proof performance and better resale value.
