Never mind that people are paying $1,000 or more for stripped-down phones. The best phones money can buy now cost as little as $400, and they’re as good as many $800 and $1,000 phones. There’s a new generation of smartphones hitting shelves now, and they offer great bang for your buck — especially if you opt for a model from our top picks. We’ve spent time with some of the most popular budget handsets to figure out which one’s best for your needs.
Google Pixel 4a
Google’s budget phone features the best-in-class camera. Its attractive design is a stand-out given the low price point. However, the battery life is subpar, and compared to the iPhone SE, it doesn’t deliver as much on performance. That said, due to its Snapdragon 730G chipset, it’s got sufficient processing power to manage most tasks.
iPhone SE
Sure, this affordable iPhone comes with big bezels and without a camera night mode. But it features blazing-fast A13 Bionic processor performance and supports wireless charging. In addition, the front and rear cameras include Portrait Mode, Smart HDR, and an extended dynamic range during video shooting. The design is also water-resistant, and you can unlock it via Touch ID.
Moto G Power
If you want an inexpensive phone that stays powered through the day without you having to reach for a charger, the Moto G Power is your best bet. The battery lasts all day long, and the handset’s design is attractive, too. The flipside is the display which is lackluster, and the fact that you get only one Android update.
Galaxy A32 5G
Samsung’s budget option has a mediocre display but, at the same time, also has many features that make up for it. The affordable phone comes with four years of security patches. The 12-hour battery life is incredible for the price, and so is the 90Hz refresh rate. If a good display is what you desire, then you may skip this as its HD+ display is subpar.
TCL 10 5G UW
Are you searching for an affordable handset that is also 5G-capable? The TCL 10 5G UW is a good choice. The battery life spans 11 hours which is excellent, and it comes with a great 6.53-inch display. The bummer is the fact that the handset is exclusive to Verizon. Plus, the screen may be too dim for your liking.