A budget phone is an opportunity to buy a quality gadget at an affordable price.
Not everyone can afford expensive devices from world-famous brands. However, the modern smartphone market offers many advantages:
- Regularly updated range. Technologies do not stand still, and even budget devices become more powerful, more functional and more reliable.
- Wide choice. Today you can find smartphones for every taste and budget, from simple models to devices with advanced features.
- Quality at an affordable price. The best budget smartphones prove that good quality doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
Modern budget smartphones offer decent performance, quality cameras, long battery life, and stylish designs. This makes them a great choice for those who value the balance between price and quality.
Criteria for choosing a budget smartphone
How to choose a budget smartphone and not make a mistake? The buyer must be well informed, and this is his legal right. The times when manufacturers sold a “pig in a poke” are long gone. Today, competition in the market is so high that brands provide comprehensive and reliable information about their products.
A good budget smartphone is chosen taking into account the following parameters:
- Display quality
- Battery capacity
- Memory capacity
- Camera quality
- Additional functions
Only by evaluating these characteristics can you be sure that the phone you choose is reliable and meets your needs.
Display
Modern budget smartphones are often equipped with high-quality screens. Before buying, it is important to check the display brightness not only indoors but also outdoors. Inexpensive models can offer both high and medium screen resolution. It is also worth paying attention to the diagonal: the phone should fit comfortably in your hand and not slip out. It is recommended to test several models to find the best option.
Battery
Budget Android smartphones are often capable of working for up to one or two days without recharging. The myth that inexpensive devices are equipped with low-quality components has long been dispelled. Many models support fast charging, which is especially convenient when traveling or when actively using the phone.
Memory
Memory capacity is one of the key parameters that users pay attention to. Budget smartphones offer various options: from 32 GB to 128 GB and more. When choosing, it is worth considering:
- How many photos, videos and audio files do you plan to store;
- Will you be installing a lot of apps and games;
- Do you need space for updates and cache?
For most users, 64GB or 128GB will be the best option, especially if the device supports memory cards.
Camera
Modern budget smartphones are equipped with cameras that can take high-quality photos even in low light conditions. Many models support night shooting modes, portrait mode, and HD video recording. Now there is no need to buy a professional camera – a budget smartphone can handle most tasks.
Additional functions
Fierce competition in the market forces manufacturers to add features to budget models that were previously only available in flagships. Among them:
- Wireless charging;
- 3.5mm headphone jack;
- Support for 4G and 5G networks;
- Fingerprint scanner or face recognition;
- Water protection according to IP67 or IP68 standard (in some models).
These features make budget smartphones even more attractive to buyers.
Top of the best
For those who are not sure which budget smartphone is better, the rating below will be very useful.
Of the high-quality models in the budget niche, the following eight can be distinguished:
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 – Features a stylish design and good specs, including a Snapdragon 685 chip and an AMOLED screen.
- Poco M4 Pro 5G – Particularly popular among gamers thanks to its MediaTek Dimensity 810 processor and fast UFS 2.2 memory.
- Honor Magic 6 Lite – Attracts with its premium design, long battery life and high-quality 108 MP main camera.
- Realme Note 50 – One of the most affordable options with a good set of features including the MediaTek Helio G85 chipset and a 5000mAh battery.
- Infinix Smart 8 – Stylish budget phone with a large IPS screen and 90Hz support, which makes it a good choice for mobile gamers.
- Tecno Pova 5 – Known for its outstanding battery life thanks to its 5300 mAh battery and fast charging support.
- Motorola Moto G Stylus – A unique model with a built-in stylus, offers a 6.5-inch display and a 5000 mAh battery, which provides high autonomy.
The above-presented top budget phones give an idea that such models really exist. Technical characteristics can assure any user of this.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 13
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 is a mid-range smartphone released in 2024. It offers a balance between performance, display quality, and price, making it an attractive choice for users looking for a reliable device at an affordable price.
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| CPU | MediaTek Dimension 6080 |
| RAM | 6/8/12 GB |
| Built-in memory | 128/256 GB |
| Display | 6.67″ AMOLED, 1080×2400, 120Hz, Gorilla Glass 5 protection |
| Main camera | 108 MP (f/1.75) + 2 MP (depth) |
| Front camera | 16 MP |
| Battery | 5000 mAh, fast charging 33W |
| OS | Android 13 with MIUI 14 |
| Protection | IP54 |
| Additionally | Dual SIM, NFC, IR port, 3.5 mm audio jack |
Pros:
- High-quality AMOLED display with a high refresh rate of 120Hz.
- Impressive 108 MP main camera for detailed shots.
- Large battery with fast charging support.
- Supports NFC and IR port for easy use.
- Protection against dust and moisture according to IP54 standard.
Cons:
- The processor may not be able to handle very demanding games.
- Lack of 5G in some versions of the model.
- Availability of pre-installed software (bloatware).
- The camera doesn’t perform well in low light conditions.
- The sound from a single speaker may not be very impressive.
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 offers great value for money with its bright AMOLED display, powerful camera, and long battery life. It’s a phone for those who value good performance and image quality but don’t want to spend a lot of money. However, mobile gamers and those who need 5G may want more powerful and modern solutions.
Poco M4 Pro 5G
Poco M4 Pro 5G is a budget smartphone launched in 2024 that targets users looking for a 5G device at a reasonable price. It stands out for its performance and features suitable for everyday use and gaming.
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| CPU | MediaTek Dimension 810 |
| RAM | 6/8 GB |
| Built-in memory | 128/256 GB |
| Display | 6.6″ IPS LCD, 1080×2400, 90Hz, Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Main camera | 50 MP (f/1.8) + 8 MP (ultrawide, f/2.2) + 2 MP (macro, f/2.4) |
| Front camera | 16 MP |
| Battery | 5000 mAh, fast charging 33W |
| OS | Android 12 with MIUI for Poco |
| Protection | No |
| Additionally | Dual SIM, NFC, side-mounted fingerprint scanner, stereo speakers |
Pros:
- 5G support for fast internet connection.
- High 90Hz display refresh rate for smooth viewing.
- Impressive 5000 mAh battery with fast charging.
- Triple camera with a 50 MP main sensor for high-quality photos.
- Stereo speakers for an enhanced audio experience.
Cons:
- An IPS LCD screen instead of an AMOLED may be less bright and contrasty.
- Lack of official protection against dust and moisture.
- The camera may suffer from noise in low light.
- MIUI for Poco may come with a lot of pre-installed software.
- Performance may not be up to par for the most demanding games.
The Poco M4 Pro 5G is a great option for those looking to access 5G networks without spending a lot of money. Its 90Hz display provides a smooth experience, and its large battery allows you to use the device all day without recharging. While the screen isn’t AMOLED and there’s no water resistance, it’s a good choice for everyday use and basic gaming. However, if you’re looking for perfect picture quality or protection from the elements, you might want to consider other options.
Honor Magic 6 Lite
Introduced in 2024, the Honor Magic 6 Lite is a budget smartphone that combines stylish design, long battery life, and a quality camera. It is ideal for users who value aesthetics and functionality without breaking the bank.
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| CPU | Snapdragon 695 5G |
| RAM | 6/8 GB |
| Built-in memory | 128/256 GB |
| Display | 6.5″ OLED, 1080×2400, 90Hz, scratch resistant |
| Main camera | 108 MP (f/1.9) + 5 MP (ultra-wide, f/2.2) + 2 MP (depth, f/2.4) |
| Front camera | 16 MP |
| Battery | 5000 mAh, fast charging 66W |
| OS | Android 12 with Magic UI 6.1 |
| Protection | No |
| Additionally | Dual SIM, NFC, side-mounted fingerprint scanner, light sensor |
Pros:
- High quality 108 MP camera for detailed photos.
- Long battery life thanks to 5000 mAh battery.
- 66W fast charging for quick recharge.
- OLED display with high refresh rate of 90Hz for smooth display.
- Stylish and slim design, suitable for daily use.
Cons:
- Lack of official protection against dust and moisture.
- The Snapdragon 695 processor may not be powerful enough for demanding games.
- Photo quality in low light can be average.
- Availability of pre-installed software.
- The ultra-wide and depth cameras aren’t as impressive as the main ones.
The Honor Magic 6 Lite offers a great combination of style and functionality for the budget segment. Its 108 MP camera makes it a great choice for photography enthusiasts, while fast charging and a large battery ensure all-day usability. While it doesn’t offer water and dust resistance, and its performance may be limited for some games, it’s still a solid and attractive smartphone for everyday tasks and entertainment.
Realme Note 50
The Realme Note 50 is a budget smartphone that was released in early 2024. It is aimed at users looking for basic features, long battery life, and an affordable price while still offering some modern features.
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| CPU | Unisoc Tiger T612 |
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Built-in memory | 64 GB, expandable via microSD up to 2 TB |
| Display | 6.74″ IPS LCD, 720×1600, 90Hz, peak brightness up to 560 nits |
| Main camera | 13 MP (f/2.2) + 0.08 MP (depth sensor) |
| Front camera | 5 MP |
| Battery | 5000 mAh, fast charging 10W |
| OS | Android 13 with Realme UI T Edition |
| Protection | IP54 |
| Additionally | Side-mounted fingerprint scanner, 3.5mm audio jack |
Pros:
- Very affordable price.
- Large 5000mAh battery provides long working time.
- Support 90Hz display for smoother display.
- Stylish design with two-tone finish.
- Support microSD for memory expansion.
Cons:
- Slow charging 10W.
- Limited camera capabilities, especially the front one.
- Limited amount of RAM and built-in memory.
- The processor is not suitable for demanding games.
The Realme Note 50 is a choice for those looking for a simple but functional smartphone at a low price. Its main advantage is its long battery life and a decent screen with a 90Hz refresh rate, which is rare in this category. However, compromises are visible in the charging speed, performance and cameras, which do not stand out from the competition. It is a good option for basic tasks such as calls, messages and web surfing, but not for those who demand high performance or excellent photo quality.
Infinix Smart 8
The Infinix Smart 8 is a budget smartphone that offers interesting features and a stylish design at an affordable price. It features a 6.6-inch IPS LCD display with HD+ resolution and a 90Hz refresh rate, which ensures smooth scrolling and responsiveness. The smartphone is powered by the Unisoc Tiger T606 processor with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, making it suitable for everyday tasks and light gaming.
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.6 inches, IPS LCD, HD+ (720 x 1612), 90 Hz |
| CPU | Unisoc Tiger T606 |
| RAM | 8 GB |
| Built-in memory | 128 GB |
| Camera | Main: 13 MP + 0.03 MP (depth), Front: 8 MP |
| Battery | 5000 mAh, 10W charging |
| operating system | Android 13 |
| Additionally | Side-mounted fingerprint scanner, Dual SIM support, microSDXC |
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Large and smooth display with 90Hz refresh rate
- Enough RAM and built-in memory for its segment
- Long lasting battery
- Stylish design and high-quality execution
Cons:
- Mediocre camera quality
- No NFC and digital compass
- Limited performance for heavy gaming
- No video stabilization
The Infinix Smart 8 is designed for those looking for a reliable and affordable smartphone with a modern design and enough features for everyday use. It is great for basic tasks such as social media, watching videos, and light gaming, thanks to its 90Hz display and ample storage. However, if you are looking for a device for intensive gaming or need a high-quality camera, you should consider more expensive models. This smartphone is a good choice for those who value balance between price and functionality.
Tecno Pova 5
Tecno Pova 5 is a budget gaming smartphone released in 2023. It features a stylish design, a large battery, and fast charging support, making it a great choice for those looking for an affordable yet functional phone for gaming and everyday use. With its 120Hz display and powerful MediaTek Helio G99 processor, Pova 5 offers a smooth gaming experience and good performance for its price segment.
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.78 inches, IPS LCD, 1080 x 2460 pixels, 120 Hz |
| CPU | MediaTek Helio G99 (MT6789) |
| RAM | 8 GB |
| Built-in memory | 128GB/256GB |
| Camera | Main: 50 MP, Front: 8 MP |
| Battery | 6000mAh, 45W fast charging |
| operating system | Android 13 with HIOS 13 |
| Additionally | USB Type-C, DTS dual speakers, side-mounted fingerprint scanner, Dual SIM support, microSD |
Pros:
- Large and smooth 120Hz display
- Powerful battery with fast charging
- Good gaming performance thanks to MediaTek Helio G99
- Stylish design reminiscent of premium models
- DTS dual speakers for enhanced sound
- Affordable price
Cons:
- The camera is not the best in its class, especially in low light
- Lack of 5G support
- Plastic body that can be slippery and prone to scratches
- Some users report occasional freezes during intense gaming
The Tecno Pova 5 stands out from the crowd of budget smartphones thanks to its focus on gaming. With its large display with a high refresh rate and a powerful processor, it allows users to enjoy games without significant lag. Additional benefits include a huge battery with fast charging support, allowing for long periods of use without recharging. However, despite its positives, the Pova 5’s camera leaves much to be desired, especially in low-light conditions, and the lack of 5G may be a negative for those looking to the future of networking. Overall, it’s a great choice for those looking for an affordable yet functional smartphone for gaming and everyday tasks.
Motorola Moto G Stylus
The Motorola Moto G Stylus is a budget smartphone that stands out for its built-in stylus, making it attractive to users who need drawing or note-taking features. It offers a good balance between performance and price, but is limited in terms of software updates and lacks some modern features.
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.4 inches, HD+ (1600×720), 19:9, LCD |
| CPU | Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 |
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Built-in memory | 128 GB |
| microSD support | Yes |
| Camera | Main: 48 MP (f/1.7), 2 MP macro, 2 MP depth Front: 16 MP |
| Battery | 4000 mAh |
| Charger | 10W |
| OS | Android 10 (update to Android 11) |
| Stylus | Passive (no pressure and Bluetooth) |
| Additionally | Memory card slot, stereo speakers, no NFC, no waterproof |
Pros
- Stylus : Built-in stylus for drawing and taking notes.
- Battery : Good battery life.
- Display : Bright and clear screen for viewing content.
- Price : Affordable price for the budget segment.
- Pure Android : Minimum pre-installed software.
Cons
- Updates : Only one year of OS updates, which limits longevity.
- Cameras : Not the best quality in low light conditions.
- No NFC : No support for contactless payments.
- Materials : Plastic case, not waterproof.
- Stylus : Lacks palm rejection technology which can make it difficult to use.
The Motorola Moto G Stylus stands out from other budget smartphones thanks to its built-in stylus, which allows users to take notes or draw directly on the screen. With a 6.4-inch HD+ display and a Snapdragon 665 processor, this smartphone offers enough performance for everyday tasks. It has a 4,000 mAh battery that provides good battery life and a 48 MP camera for basic photography. However, its limited software updates and lack of NFC may be a drawback for some users. This device is suitable for those who are looking for an affordable smartphone with a unique stylus feature and do not require the latest tech.