Photo credits: Apple, Google, Samsung

In a world of flashy flagship phones with sky-high prices, it’s easy to forget that you don’t have to empty your wallet for a great smartphone experience. In fact, 2024 is shaping up to be a banner year for budget-friendly phones, offering impressive features, performance, and cameras without the hefty price tag.

We’ve scoured the market to bring you the definitive list of the best budget smartphones in 2024. In this article, we’ll guide you, focusing on the sweet spot of $200-$400, with a few premium picks under $600 that offer exceptional value. We’ll compare key features, highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each model, and help you find the perfect phone that fits your needs and budget.

Let’s get started!

Premium Value Picks (Around $500)

These phones offer a taste of flagship features without the exorbitant price tags, making them ideal for those seeking a more powerful and refined smartphone experience.

Google Pixel 7a

Photo credit: Google

The Google Pixel 7a is the reigning champion of the mid-range smartphone market, offering a compelling combination of flagship-level camera performance, a smooth 90Hz display, and the promise of long-term software updates from Google. While it has a few minor drawbacks, it consistently earns high praise from experts and users alike for its exceptional value.

Pros

• Phenomenal camera performance: The Pixel 7a boasts the same camera hardware as the more expensive Pixel 7, delivering stunning photos and videos with exceptional detail, dynamic range, and low-light performance. Google’s computational photography features like Magic Eraser and Photo Unblur further enhance the camera experience.
• Smooth 90Hz display: The 6.1-inch OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate provides a fluid and responsive user experience, making scrolling, gaming, and watching videos a joy.
• Powerful performance: The Google Tensor G2 chip handles demanding tasks and games with ease, ensuring smooth multitasking and a lag-free experience.
• Pure Android experience: You’ll get the latest Android version with Google’s clean and intuitive interface, free of bloatware and unnecessary pre-installed apps.
• Long-term software support: Google promises 5 years of OS updates and security patches, ensuring your phone stays up-to-date and secure for a long time.
• Wireless charging: Adds convenience to your charging routine, allowing you to simply place your phone on a charging pad.
• IP67 water and dust resistance: Withstands submersion in up to 1 meter of fresh water for up to 30 minutes, making it resistant to accidental spills and splashes.

Cons

• No expandable storage: The 128GB of internal storage might not be enough for everyone, especially those who store a lot of photos and videos.
• Slow charging: Compared to some competitors, the wired charging speed isn’t the fastest.
• Average battery life: While the battery can last a full day with moderate use, heavy users might find themselves needing to recharge before the day is over.

Key Specs

• Display: 6.1-inch OLED, 90Hz refresh rate
• Processor: Google Tensor G2 (5 nm)
• RAM: 8GB LPDDR5
• Storage: 128GB
• Camera (rear): Dual rear cameras: 64MP main, 13MP ultrawide
• Camera (front): 13 MP ultrawide
• Battery: 4385mAh
• Software: Android 13
• Additional features: Face unlock, in-display fingerprint sensor, IP67 dust/water resistant, Titan M2 security chip

Samsung Galaxy A54 5G

Photo credit: Samsung

The Samsung Galaxy A54 5G shines as a true mid-range champion, earning praise for its stunning 6.4-inch 120Hz Super AMOLED display, a versatile triple camera system (50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 5MP macro), and a long-lasting 5000mAh battery. It’s a phone that doesn’t just look good on paper – it delivers a premium experience in day-to-day use.

Pros

• Vibrant and smooth display: The 6.4-inch 120Hz Super AMOLED display offers vivid colors, deep blacks, and smooth scrolling.
• Versatile camera system: Captures great photos in various lighting conditions, with a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultrawide lens, and a 5MP macro lens.
• Impressive battery life: Easily lasts a full day on a single charge, even with heavy usage.
• 5G connectivity: Future-proof your phone with the latest network technology.
• Expandability: Supports microSD cards for additional storage.
• Software updates: Samsung promises four years of major Android updates and five years of security patches.

Cons

• No charger included: Samsung no longer includes a charger in the box, so you’ll need to purchase one separately.
• Average low-light camera performance: While the camera performs well in good lighting, low-light photos can be a bit noisy.
• Plastic back: While durable, some may prefer a more premium glass back.

Key Specs

• Display: 6.4-inch Super AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
• Processor: Exynos 1380
• RAM: 6GB/8GB
• Storage: 128GB/256GB (expandable up to 1TB)
• Camera (rear): 50MP main, 12MP ultrawide, 5MP macro
• Camera (front): 32MP
• Battery: 5000mAh
• Software: Android 13, upgradable to Android 14, One UI 6.1

iPhone SE (2022)

The iPhone SE (2022) is a unique proposition in the premium budget category, offering Apple’s powerful A15 Bionic chip (the same as the iPhone 13) in a compact and familiar design. While it might not have all the bells and whistles of the latest iPhones, it excels in performance, camera quality, and software support, making it a compelling choice for iOS enthusiasts on a budget.

Pros

• Powerful performance: The A15 Bionic chip delivers flagship-level performance, ensuring smooth multitasking, fast app launches, and seamless gaming.
• Excellent camera: The 12MP rear camera captures impressive photos with great detail and dynamic range, especially in good lighting conditions. It also supports Smart HDR 4 and Photographic Styles for enhanced photo customization.
• Compact and familiar design: The classic iPhone design with a Home button and Touch ID might appeal to users who prefer a smaller, more familiar form factor.
• Long-term software support: Apple typically supports its iPhones with software updates for several years, ensuring your device stays up-to-date and secure.
• Affordable price: Starting at $429, it’s one of the most affordable iPhones available.
• IP67 water and dust resistance

Cons

• Smaller display: The 4.7-inch Retina HD display might feel cramped for some users, especially those who are used to larger screens.
• Older design: The design with thick bezels and a Home button feels dated compared to newer iPhones with edge-to-edge displays.
• Limited battery life: The battery life is average, and you might need to charge it more often than other phones in this category.
• Single rear camera: Lacks the versatility of multiple camera systems.
• No Face ID or modern design elements like edge-to-edge display

Key Specs

• Display: 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD
• Processor: Apple A15 Bionic
• RAM: 4GB
• Storage: 64GB / 128GB / 256GB
• Camera (rear): 12MP wide with Smart HDR 4, Deep Fusion, and 4K video recording
• Camera (front): 7MP
• Battery: 2018 mAh
• Software: iOS 15.4, upgradable to iOS 17

A Noteworthy Mention: Google Pixel 8a

Photo credit: Google

While slightly exceeding our $500 budget, the Google Pixel 8a is worth considering if you’re willing to spend a bit more for a premium experience. Starting at $559, it offers a powerful Tensor G3 chip, a vibrant 120Hz OLED display, and exceptional camera capabilities that rival many flagship phones. If you want a more in-depth look at this phone, be sure to check out our comprehensive Pixel 8a review: Pixel 8a: Google’s Best Value Smartphone for 2024?

Mid-Range Marvels (Around $400): Striking the Perfect Balance

When it comes to finding a smartphone that delivers a premium experience without a premium price tag, the mid-range category is where the magic happens. These phones often pack in features typically reserved for more expensive models, making them a sweet spot for savvy shoppers. In 2024, two models stand out as true mid-range marvels: the Google Pixel 6a and the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G. Let’s take a closer look at what makes these phones shine.

Google Pixel 6a

Photo credit: Amazon

The Google Pixel 6a, despite being a slightly older model, continues to hold its own as a mid-range powerhouse, especially for photography enthusiasts. It boasts the same exceptional camera system as the flagship Pixel 6, delivering stunning photos with impressive detail and dynamic range. Thanks to Google’s consistent software updates, it continues to benefit from the latest features and security patches.

Pros

• Stellar camera performance: The phone’s 12.2MP main sensor and 12MP ultrawide lens, coupled with Google’s advanced image processing algorithms, capture some of the best photos you can get from a smartphone, even in low-light conditions.
• Pure Android experience: Enjoy a clean, intuitive, and bloatware-free interface with the latest software updates directly from Google, ensuring a smooth and up-to-date experience.
• Compact and comfortable design: Easy to hold and use with one hand due to its 6.1-inch OLED display.
• Affordable price: Often available at a discounted price due to newer models being released, making it an even more compelling option for budget-minded buyers.
• Long-term software support: Google typically provides several years of major Android updates and security patches for Pixel phones, ensuring your device stays secure and up-to-date.

Cons

• No expandable storage: You’re limited to the built-in 128GB storage capacity, which might not be enough for heavy users.
• No headphone jack: You’ll need to use wireless headphones or a dongle.
• 60Hz refresh rate: The display’s refresh rate is not as smooth as some newer phones with 90Hz or 120Hz displays.
• Average battery life: While the 4410mAh battery provides decent battery life, it might not last as long as some other mid-range options with larger batteries.

Key Specs

• Display: 6.1-inch OLED, 60Hz refresh rate
• Processor: Google Tensor
• RAM: 6GB
• Storage: 128GB
• Camera (rear): 12.2MP wide, dual pixel; 12MP ultrawide
• Camera (front): 8MP wide
• Battery: 4410mAh
• Software: Android 13, up to Android 16, 5 years of security updates

Samsung Galaxy A53 5G

Photo credit: Samsung

The Samsung Galaxy A53 5G, while not the latest model in Samsung’s A-series, remains a compelling mid-range option due to its attractive price and well-rounded feature set. It boasts a vibrant Super AMOLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, a versatile quad-camera system, and a long-lasting battery that easily keeps up with your daily demands.

Pros

• Vivid and smooth display: The 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate delivers stunning visuals with vibrant colors, deep blacks, and fluid scrolling, making it ideal for media consumption and gaming.
• Versatile quad-camera system: The 64MP main camera, along with ultrawide, macro, and depth lenses, offers a wide range of photography options for capturing stunning landscapes, detailed close-ups, and beautiful portraits.
• Long-lasting battery: The 5000mAh battery ensures you can go through a full day of use without worrying about running out of power.
• 5G connectivity: Future-proof your smartphone experience with fast download speeds and smooth streaming.
• Software updates: Samsung promises four years of major Android updates and five years of security patches, keeping your phone up-to-date and secure for a long time.

Cons

• No charger included: Samsung, like many other manufacturers, no longer includes a charger in the box, so you’ll need to purchase one separately or use an existing one.
• Plastic back: While durable, the plastic back might not feel as premium as glass.
• Average low-light camera performance: While the camera performs well in good lighting conditions, it struggles a bit in low light, producing slightly noisy images.
• Processor Performance: The Exynos 1280 chip, while capable, might not be as fast as some competitors in this price range.

Key Specs

• Display: 6.5-inch Super AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
• Processor: Exynos 1280
• RAM: 6GB/8GB
• Storage: 128GB/256GB (expandable up to 1TB)
• Camera (rear): Quad rear cameras: 64MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 5MP depth, 5MP macro
• Camera (front): 32 MP wide
• Battery: 5000mAh
• Software: Android 12, up to Android 16, One UI 5

Budget-Friendly Champions (Under $300)

These smartphones prove that you don’t have to compromise on features and functionality when shopping on a tight budget.

OnePlus Nord N30 5G

Photo credit: OnePlus

The OnePlus Nord N30 5G is a testament to how far budget smartphones have come. It boasts a 108MP primary camera, a smooth 120Hz display, and super-fast 50W wired charging, all for under $300. This phone punches well above its weight class in terms of specs and features.

Pros

• 108MP camera: Captures highly detailed photos with impressive clarity, even when zoomed in.
• 120Hz display: Enjoy smooth scrolling, responsive gaming, and an overall fluid user experience.
• 50W SuperVOOC Endurance Edition charging: Juice up your phone incredibly fast, going from 0% to 80% in just 30 minutes.
• Large battery: The 5000mAh battery easily lasts a full day, even with heavy usage.
• Decent performance: The Snapdragon 695 5G chip handles most tasks smoothly, including light gaming and multitasking.

Cons

• Plastic build: While sturdy, the plastic back might not feel as premium as glass.
• Inconsistent camera performance: Image quality can vary depending on lighting conditions.
• Software updates: OnePlus typically offers fewer software updates than Google or Samsung.

Key Specs

• Display: 6.72-inch IPS LCD, 120Hz refresh rate
• Processor: Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G
• RAM: 8GB
• Storage: 128GB (expandable up to 1TB)
• Camera (rear): Triple rear cameras: 108MP main, 2MP depth, 2MP macro
• Camera (front): 16 MP wide
• Battery: 5000 mAh
• Software: Android 13, OxygenOS 13.1

Motorola Moto G Power (2023)

Photo credit: Motorola

If battery life is your top priority, the Motorola Moto G Power (2023) is the undisputed champion in this price range. With its massive 5000mAh battery, this phone can easily power through two or even three days of typical use on a single charge. Not only that, but it also offers 5G connectivity for faster download speeds and smoother streaming.

Pros

• Massive battery life: The 5000mAh battery is one of the largest you’ll find in any smartphone, making this the ideal choice for users who hate constantly searching for a charger.
• 5G connectivity: Enjoy faster download speeds and smoother streaming with 5G network capabilities.
• 120Hz Refresh Rate: The 6.5-inch LCD display features a 120Hz refresh rate, offering smooth scrolling and an enjoyable viewing experience.
• Clean Android experience: Motorola’s near-stock Android interface is smooth, responsive, and bloatware-free.
• Decent camera: The 50MP main camera captures respectable photos in good lighting conditions, and there’s a 2MP macro lens for close-up shots, as well as a 2MP depth sensor.

Cons

• Average low-light camera performance: While the camera performs well in good lighting, low-light photos can be a bit noisy.
• No ultra-wide camera: Lacks an ultra-wide lens, limiting its versatility in certain photography scenarios.

Key Specs

• Display: 6.5-inch LCD, 120Hz refresh rate
• Processor: Mediatek Dimensity 930
• RAM: 4GB/6GB
• Storage: 128GB/256GB (expandable up to 1TB)
• Camera (rear): 50MP wide, 2 MP macro; 2 MP depth
• Camera (front): 16 MP wide
• Battery: 5000mAh
• Software: Android 13, up to Android 14

Samsung Galaxy A14 5G

Photo credit: Samsung

The Samsung Galaxy A14 5G is a remarkable budget-friendly smartphone that punches above its weight, offering an impressive array of features for under $200. It stands out with its large, high-resolution display, decent camera system, and exceptional battery life. While it may not be the fastest phone on the market, it offers incredible value for its price.

Pros

• Large, high-resolution display: The 6.6-inch FHD+ PLS LCD display with a 90Hz refresh rate provides a crisp and smooth viewing experience for videos, games, and browsing.
• Decent camera system: The 50MP main camera captures surprisingly good photos for its price, and it also includes a 2MP macro lens for close-up shots and a depth camera for portrait mode effects. The 13MP front-facing camera is also capable of taking good selfies.
• Exceptional battery life: The 5000mAh battery easily lasts a full day, even with moderate to heavy usage, making it a reliable companion for those on the go.
• 5G connectivity: This is one of the most affordable 5G phones on the market, offering faster download speeds and smoother streaming.
• RAM Plus: This feature allows you to expand your RAM using internal storage, providing smoother multitasking and a better overall experience.
• Software updates: Samsung has committed to providing two years of OS updates and four years of security updates for the Galaxy A14 5G, ensuring your phone stays up-to-date and secure.

Cons

• Modest performance: While the Octa-core processor handles everyday tasks well, it might struggle with demanding games or apps.
• Plastic build: The phone has a plastic back, which might not feel as premium as glass.
• No stereo speakers: The phone has a single bottom-firing speaker.

Key Specs

• Display: 6.6-inch PLS LCD, 90Hz refresh rate
• Processor: Octa-core (2×2.2 GHz & 6×2.0 GHz)
• RAM: 4GB/6GB/8GB
• Storage: 64GB/128GB (expandable up to 1TB via microSD)
• Camera (rear): 50MP wide; 2MP macro; 2MP depth
• Camera (front): 13MP wide
• Battery: 5000mAh
• Software: Android 13 with One UI Core 6.1
• Additional features: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, 3.5mm headphone jack, NFC

Choosing one of the best budget smartphones 2024

The best budget smartphone for you ultimately boils down to your individual needs and priorities. Consider how you use your phone most often, whether it’s for photography, gaming, staying connected, or simply browsing the web. Think about the features that matter most to you, such as battery life, camera quality, display size, and performance.

Remember, the best budget smartphone isn’t necessarily the cheapest one. It’s the one that offers the best value for your money, providing the features and performance you need at a price you can afford.

We hope this guide has helped you navigate the world of budget smartphones and find your perfect match. Happy phone hunting!

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