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When it comes to Best Budget Android Phones, you’ll find that high-end models often sport a substantial price tag of $1,000 or beyond. This is largely due to the reputation of Android phones for their extensive feature sets. Conversely, more affordable devices can still provide nearly all the features you desire in a smartphone.
After conducting exhaustive tests on a variety of phones over the course of numerous days, we came to the conclusion that the OnePlus Nord N20 5G is the best option for consumers looking for an affordable Android phone. It possesses amazing speed, a vivid OLED display, a dependable battery, and even the extremely uncommon feature of 5G connectivity. Only $300 is required to purchase this product despite having so many useful features built in.
Best Budget Android Phones Comparison Table
| Product | OnePlus Nord N20 5G | Samsung Galaxy A14 5G | Google Pixel 6a | Google Pixel 7a | Samsung Galaxy A54 | iPhone SE (2022) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Android | Android | Android | Android | Android | iOS |
| Network | 5G | 5G | 5G | 5G | 4G | 5G |
| Display Size | 6.5 inches | 6.5 inches | 6.2 inches | 6.2 inches | 6.5 inches | 4.7 inches |
| Resolution | Full HD+ | HD+ | Full HD+ | Full HD+ | Full HD+ | Retina HD |
| Processor | Snapdragon 750G | MediaTek Dimensity 700 | Snapdragon 665 | Snapdragon 775 | Exynos 9611 | A14 Bionic |
| RAM | 6GB, 8GB | 4GB | 6GB | 6GB | 4GB, 6GB, 8GB | 4GB |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB | 64GB, 128GB | 128GB | 128GB | 128GB, 256GB | 64GB, 128GB |
| Rear Camera(s) | 64MP, 8MP, 2MP | 48MP, 8MP, 2MP | 12.2MP | 12.2MP | 48MP, 12MP, 5MP | 12MP |
| Front Camera | 32MP | 8MP | 8MP | 8MP | 32MP | 7MP |
| Battery Capacity | 4500mAh | 5000mAh | 4000mAh | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | 1821mAh |
| Charging | 30W Fast Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 20W Fast Charging |
| Biometric Authentication | In-Display Fingerprint | Rear-mounted Fingerprint | Rear-mounted Fingerprint | Rear-mounted Fingerprint | In-Display Fingerprint | Touch ID (Home Button) |
OnePlus Nord N20 5G
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.43-inch Fluid AMOLED, FHD+ |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 690 5G |
| RAM | 6GB or 8GB |
| Storage | 128GB or 256GB |
| Rear Camera | 64MP + 8MP + 2MP + 2MP |
| Front Camera | 16MP |
| Battery | 4,500mAh |
| Operating System | OxygenOS based on Android 12 |
Its 1080p OLED screen is sharper than those of other phones in this price level, which often feature lower-resolution LCDs with less contrast. The OnePlus Nord N20 5G Best Budget Android Phones is more powerful than Samsung’s budget phones, and its screen resolution is superior to that of other phones in this price range.
Even more impressive for a phone in this price range is the inclusion of a fingerprint sensor embedded directly into the display of the N20 5G. It has a readily available update to Android 12, as well as three years’ worth of security patches (which will be available until spring 2025). However, it is not compatible with Verizon’s network in any way.
The Good
- 5G connectivity for fast internet speeds.
- Impressive display quality with AMOLED technology.
- Powerful processor for smooth performance.
- Ample RAM and storage options.
- Versatile quad-camera system for capturing detailed photos.
- Long-lasting battery for extended usage.
- User-friendly OxygenOS interface.
The Bad
- Limited availability in some regions.
- Higher storage option limited to certain variants.
Samsung Galaxy A14 5G
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.6-inch TFT, HD+ |
| Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 700 5G |
| RAM | 4GB or 6GB |
| Storage | 64GB or 128GB |
| Rear Camera | 48MP + 5MP + 2MP + 2MP |
| Front Camera | 8MP |
| Battery | 5,000mAh |
| Operating System | Android 11 with One UI 3.1 |
Although it sports a dull and unremarkable style, the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G is Best Budget Android Phones surprisingly snappy, especially considering its low price of under $200. The screen is more likely to pick up fingerprints than the displays on more costly phones, but it’s large, bright, and the A14 5G runs Android 13.
In the future, Samsung also promises several more updates, and the company will continue to provide support for updates for an astounding four years (until early 2027). The majority of low-cost smartphones are lucky to see half of that.
The Good
- Affordable 5G smartphone option.
- Large and vibrant display for an immersive viewing experience.
- Decent camera setup for capturing everyday moments.
- Ample storage options for storing files and media.
- Long-lasting battery life.
The Bad
- Limited RAM options may impact multitasking capabilities.
- Camera performance may not match that of flagship smartphones.
Google Pixel 6a
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.2-inch OLED, FHD+ |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 series |
| RAM | 6GB |
| Storage | 128GB |
| Rear Camera | 12.2MP |
| Front Camera | 8MP |
| Battery | 3,600mAh |
| Operating System | Android 12 |
The Pixel 6a Best Budget Android Phones, Google’s former A-series phone, checks several boxes at $350. It’s the quickest phone on this list with six GB of RAM and the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro’s Tensor chipset. The Pixel 6a shoots great images despite using the Pixel 5 and 5a’s sensor instead of the Pixel 6’s 50-megapixel one. Google’s camera hardware experience shows. It contains Google’s proprietary Android and five years of security upgrades.
If you live in a region with poor wireless service, the Pixel 6a’s weaker-than-average reception may concern you. The A-series’ first headphone jack and wireless charging are absent. The 6a’s 60Hz OLED and slow fingerprint sensor are unlike other mid-range phones. There’s a lot to enjoy if you value speed, camera performance, and build quality.
The Good
- Crisp and vibrant OLED display.
- Smooth performance and efficient multitasking.
- Generous storage capacity for files and apps.
- Reliable software updates directly from Google.
- Pixel-exclusive features such as Call Screen and Pixel Recorder.
The Bad
- Limited storage option with only 128GB available.
- Single rear camera setup may not offer the same versatility as dual or triple-camera systems.
Google Pixel 7a
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.4-inch OLED, FHD+ |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 series |
| RAM | 6GB |
| Storage | 128GB |
| Rear Camera | 12.2MP |
| Front Camera | 8MP |
| Battery | 4,700mAh |
| Operating System | Android 12 |
Google’s latest A-series phone, the Pixel 7a, combines the Pixel 6a and Pixel 7’s features. This A-series phone is the most expensive at $500, but it has some major enhancements over its predecessor. With a near-identical design to the Pixel 7, some customers may find Google’s latest flagship phone unnecessary. The 7a may be an easy decision with a smaller camera bar, a robust plastic back, and some colorful new options not available in the rest of the lineup.
However, certain advancements have drawbacks. A 90Hz display improves scrolling and gameplay, although it’s deactivated by default. The A-series introduces wireless charging, although at 5W, it’s better for overnight charging than daytime battery life. Our review found 3–4 hours of screen-on time with light use.
The Good
- High-quality OLED display for vibrant visuals.
- Powerful performance for smooth usage.
- Ample storage capacity for apps and files.
- Excellent camera capabilities with Google’s computational photography features.
- Long-lasting battery life.
The Bad
- Limited storage option with no higher capacity available.
- Higher battery capacity could result in a heavier and bulkier device.
Samsung Galaxy A54
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.5-inch Super AMOLED, FHD+ |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 series |
| RAM | 4GB or 6GB |
| Storage | 128GB |
| Rear Camera | 48MP + 12MP + 5MP + 5MP |
| Front Camera | 32MP |
| Battery | 4,500mAh |
| Operating System | Android 11 with One UI 3.1 |
The Galaxy A54 outperforms last year’s Galaxy A53 in all key smartphone areas. Samsung’s Galaxy S23’s 50MP main camera helps the Galaxy A54 compete with the Pixel 6a’s outstanding cameras. The Galaxy A54 matches or beats the Pixel 6a in head-to-head shots, especially in low-light.
The 6.4-inch OLED screen is brighter and more vibrant than the Galaxy A53’s. The Galaxy A54 surpasses the average smartphone in our battery test by 30 minutes. Disabling the Galaxy A54’s adaptive refresh rate improves battery life even further. We enjoy the Galaxy A54’s colors, especially Awesome Violet.
The Good
- Ample storage space for apps, media, and files.
- Decent RAM options for smooth multitasking.
- Long-lasting battery for extended usage.
- Sleek design with a modern aesthetic.
- Enhanced user experience with One UI interface.
The Bad
- Limited RAM options compared to higher-end devices.
- Camera performance may not match flagship-level quality.
iPhone SE (2022)
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD |
| Processor | Apple A15 Bionic |
| RAM | 4GB |
| Storage | 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB |
| Rear Camera | 12MP |
| Front Camera | 7MP |
| Battery | 1,821mAh |
| Operating System | iOS 15 |
With Apple’s powerful A15 Bionic chip, the iPhone SE 2022 Best Budget Android Phones takes cheap phones to the next level of efficiency. This is the same chip that’s in the iPhone 13, and it beats all Android phones, whether you’re playing games or editing videos on the go.
This chip also gives the new iPhone SE 2022 features like Smart HDR 4, Magic Fusion for better clarity, and Photographic Styles that the old model didn’t have. In fact, as you can see in our Pixel 6a vs. iPhone SE 2022 comparison, the iPhone SE takes better photos in some situations than the Google Pixel 6a.
The Good
- Compact and portable design.
- Powerful A15 Bionic chip for fast and efficient performance.
- Wide range of storage options.
- Excellent camera quality with advanced computational photography features.
- Seamless integration with the iOS ecosystem.
The Bad
- Relatively smaller display size.
- Limited battery capacity.
FAQs
A: A budget Android phone’s durability can vary depending on its brand and build quality. Some low-cost phones may have sturdier construction, whereas others may be constructed of less durable materials. Consider utilizing a protective case or screen protector to prolong the life of the phone.
A: Budget Different brands and models of Android phones may receive software updates, but the frequency and duration of these updates can vary. Some manufacturers provide regular updates for a specified time frame, whereas others may offer less extensive update support. It is advised to choose a phone from a reputable brand that is known for timely software updates.
A: Low-priced Android phones may be unlocked or restricted to a specific carrier. Unlocked phones can be used with any compatible carrier, whereas locked phones are bound to a specific carrier and may be subject to additional restrictions. To ensure compatibility with your preferred carrier, it is essential to verify the phone’s specifications and purchase from a reputable vendor.