Finding a great smartphone without blowing your budget can be challenging, especially with all the premium devices that dominate the market.
But don’t worry—you don’t need to settle for a low-performance phone just because you’re watching your spending.
The market is filled with budget-friendly smartphones that pack a punch in terms of performance, display quality, and battery life. Here are five standout phones from 2024 that offer impressive features at a price you’ll love.
1. Samsung Galaxy A16: The Hidden Star of the A-Series
The Samsung Galaxy A16 is one of those phones that may fly under the radar but offers fantastic value for the price. It delivers the essentials and a little more, without the hefty price tag associated with high-end models.
While it might not be a powerhouse in terms of raw performance, it’s perfect for those who want a reliable and long-lasting device.
Key Features:
- Price: $269 / £169 (roughly AU$420)
- Display: Large 6.7-inch screen
- Camera: 50MP main camera, 5MP ultra-wide, and 2MP macro
- Battery: 5,000mAh with long-lasting power
- 5G Connectivity: Future-proof with 5G support
- Software: Guaranteed 6 years of software updates
For the price, you’re getting a great screen, solid battery life, and a reliable camera setup. While it won’t be setting any records in performance benchmarks, it’s an excellent option for users looking for an affordable phone with a long lifespan.
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2. Moto G85: Premium Feel at a Budget Price
Motorola continues to offer fantastic value for those who need solid, everyday performance without spending too much. The Moto G85 is one of their best budget offerings and provides a premium feel thanks to its large screen, fast charging, and strong processor.
Key Features:
- Price: $240 / £299
- Display: 6.67-inch FHD+ 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Snapdragon 6-series chipset
- Battery: 5,000mAh with 30W charging
- Camera: A standard camera setup for casual photography
With a smooth 120Hz display and quick charging, the Moto G85 offers premium features that make it stand out from other phones in the budget range. If you’re looking for smooth performance and quick recharge times without the hefty price, this phone should be on your radar.
3. Honor 200: The Affordable Flagship Killer
If you can stretch your budget a bit, the Honor 200 is a fantastic value for what you get. At its original price of £499 ($630), it would be considered a mid-range phone, but with its current discounted price of £299 ($380), it becomes a must-have.
This device packs many features you’d expect in a flagship phone but at a fraction of the price.
Key Features:
- Price: £299 ($380, AU$600)
- Display: 6.7-inch FHD+ 120Hz display
- Camera: Dual 50MP main and telephoto, plus 12MP ultrawide
- Battery: 5,200mAh with 100W fast charging
- Processor: Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset
With a high-quality display, fast charging capabilities, and excellent cameras, the Honor 200 competes with more expensive models. For anyone seeking a budget phone that can handle photography and high-performance tasks, the Honor 200 is a standout.
4. OnePlus Nord 4: Performance with Style
For those looking for a phone that can handle gaming and multitasking, the OnePlus Nord 4 is a strong contender.
The Nord 4 combines powerful performance and a smooth display, making it a great option for users who need more than just basic functionality but don’t want to pay a premium.
Key Features:
- Price: £429 (roughly $550)
- Display: 6.74-inch FHD+ 120Hz display
- Processor: Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3
- Camera: 50MP main, 8MP ultrawide
- Battery: 5,500mAh with 100W charging
With a fast Snapdragon processor, a smooth 120Hz screen, and fast charging, the OnePlus Nord 4 offers a lot for the price. Though the software experience may need some polishing, it remains a great value for anyone looking for a high-performance device on a budget.
5. Oppo Reno 12 Pro: Mid-Range with Premium Features
The Oppo Reno 12 Pro stands out as one of the most premium-looking budget phones on the market. While it’s priced slightly higher than some of the other phones on this list, it offers features that put it ahead of the pack in terms of display and camera capabilities.
Key Features:
- Price: £499 ($640)
- Display: Vibrant, sharp screen
- Camera: Strong camera system with impressive photography features
- Battery: Fast charging and large capacity
- Design: Sleek, premium build
Although it might seem a bit expensive compared to others in this list, the Oppo Reno 12 Pro is a value-packed device, especially with its vibrant screen, strong performance, and fast charging capabilities. This is an excellent phone if you want something that feels premium but doesn’t come with the flagship price tag.
Conclusion
When you’re working with a budget, it’s easy to think you have to compromise on quality. However, the phones listed above offer fantastic value for money and are excellent choices for those who want a reliable device without paying top dollar.
Whether you’re looking for a large display, impressive battery life, or decent camera quality, these hidden gems provide just that, all while staying within a reasonable price range.
So, if you’re on the hunt for a budget-friendly phone in 2024, these options are worth considering.
People May Ask
1. Are budget smartphones worth it?
Yes, budget smartphones in 2024 offer impressive features, including good cameras, solid performance, and long battery life, making them worth the investment if you’re on a budget.
2. Which phone has the best camera under $400?
The Honor 200 stands out with its dual 50MP cameras and 12MP ultrawide lens, offering one of the best camera setups in this price range.
3. Can a budget phone be good for gaming?
Phones like the OnePlus Nord 4 and Moto G85 are great for gaming with their high-refresh-rate displays and powerful chipsets, ensuring a smooth experience.
4. How long do budget phones last?
With proper care, budget phones can last for 2 to 3 years. Some models like the Samsung Galaxy A16 offer long-term support with 6 years of software updates.
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