If you’re in search of an inexpensive phone with stunning displays, powerful processors, and top-of-the-line cameras, look no further than Google’s Pixel 6a. Running its uncomplicated Android software and offering five years’ of security updates – the Pixel 6a makes an impressively capable choice at an extremely reasonable price point.
Samsung Galaxy A54 5G may not be the cheapest phone on this list, but it is an outstanding value option with its large display, excellent cameras, and fast 5G connectivity – all for an economical price tag.
1. Google Pixel 7a
The Pixel 7a is an excellent option for anyone who prioritizes camera quality on their smartphone. It’s a smaller version of the Pixel 7, featuring a 64-megapixel main camera and 13-megapixel ultrawide camera designed to capture landscape photos with ease. Both lenses capture detail beautifully while offering good color reproduction capabilities.
This phone offers fast processing speeds and the latest version of Android. Additionally, its display is attractive, while storage space for apps is plentiful. Though the battery may seem small at first, it should last at least several days of usage before needing charging again; moreover, its water resistance makes it suitable for swimming pools or ocean environments.
Google Pixel phones are known for their superior cameras, and the Pixel 7a does not disappoint. Boasting a larger sensor than its flagship siblings and features like Night Sight to improve images in low light situations, the Pixel 7a also captures more detail than other smartphones with higher megapixel counts while producing photos that look natural most of the time.
The Pixel 7a is an ideal smartphone choice for anyone seeking sleek software and exceptional cameras, compact durability and an excellent range of ports and connectors, including its convenient USB-C charging port. Available in several colors with easy charging support for multiple USB devices simultaneously – not to mention multiple colors to choose from! – the phone provides all these qualities at an attractive price point.
2. Samsung Galaxy A53
Samsung’s Galaxy A53 is an excellent budget phone that combines size, performance and features at an excellent value – available for $449 with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage. Powered by its Exynos 1280 processor for daily tasks as well as competitive benchmark results in benchmark tests and games; One UI running over Android 11, as well as four years of OS updates are provided – more than you get with Pixel phones!
The Galaxy A53 boasts an expansive 6.5-inch FHD Super AMOLED display, stereo speakers and an ample 5,000mAh battery that lasts two days of mixed use – ideal for those wanting to stream YouTube videos, TikTok clips and play games while on their commute or while at home. The 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling through social media and watching videos even more pleasurable!
Geekbench tests demonstrated that the Galaxy A53 had an impressive multi-core score of 1888 for a budget phone within its price range, which is remarkable considering the smartphone is not as fast as Pixel 5a but still capable of handling most day-to-day apps smoothly.
The Galaxy A53 also comes equipped with a fingerprint scanner, Wi-Fi 6 support and headphone jack – plus dual band 5G support, though finding compatible networks may prove challenging. Now available in white or black hues from Swappa for around $450; keep an eye out as more Galaxy A53s hit shelves – prices should drop over time so make sure to visit Swappa listings to find great offers!
3. Samsung Galaxy A54 5G
Samsung may be best known for its Galaxy S series and folding phones, but there are also budget models to cater to consumers on tighter budgets. One such budget phone is the Galaxy A54 5G which builds upon last year’s model with new design aesthetic and upgrades under the hood.
First and foremost, it eschews the old camera bump for a sleek back panel similar to those found on S23 models. Furthermore, it comes in new colors like Awesome Violet (unfortunately unavailable in the US).
Samsung has also upgraded the A54 5G’s internals: its Exynos 1380 chip is much faster than the older 1280 processor, as measured in CPU tasks and 26% faster in gaming performance. Though it doesn’t compare directly to Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipsets in terms of raw processing power, it should still hold up against games, video streaming services and other power-hungry apps.
It still features a large 6.4-inch display and packs an equally impressive battery. With its massive 5,000mAh capacity – even larger than that found in Pixel 6A! – the A54 should offer at least two days worth of use before needing charging; charging with compatible cables allows up to 25W charging speeds.
As with the A53, the A54 runs Android 13 with Samsung’s One UI 5.1 user interface. That means you should get several OS updates throughout its lifespan as well as five years of security patches from Samsung — an advantage over Google which typically only provides updates five years post release; making your phone last even longer! Preorders open this month at $450 with buyers having the option to upgrade with Galaxy Buds Live at an extra $50 cost, trade-in and 36 month Flex Agreement plans saving them an additional up to $500 off their purchase!
4. Motorola Moto G 5G
The Motorola Moto G 5G is Motorola’s latest budget friendly Android phone and follows their proven formula. Boasting a large battery, headphone jack and lightweight Android skin – yet featuring slow charging times and middling cameras – the Moto G 5G can be purchased unlocked from Motorola’s website or through retailers such as Best Buy or Walmart for $250; also compatible with T-Mobile Metro PCS Boost Mobile networks providing access to 4G LTE networks as well as 18 months of free data plans.
This new Moto phone is much smaller than its predecessors, while retaining the headphone jack and thick body that set this series of Moto phones apart. On its back lies a camera bump housing three vertically aligned lenses and a 50MP main shooter; under good lighting this camera does its job admirably; however low light conditions render them useless and produce unusable photos.
On the software front, Moto G 5G runs an Android version one year behind Google’s current Pixel flagship but still offers plenty of value – namely a minimal system setup and one year of security updates.
The Moto G 5G’s main downfall is its LCD screen, with only 720p resolution and 60Hz refresh rate. While that might suffice for budget phones, competing models now often utilize higher-resolution OLED displays with faster refresh rates for faster, smoother user experiences. In our display benchmark tests, the Moto G 5G was significantly behind both Galaxy A53 and OnePlus Nord N20; even Pixel 5a boasts brighter colors and better colors!
5. Apple iPhone SE
Apple’s original iPhone SE marked their initial attempt at producing an affordable phone, and still ranks among one of the top phones you can get for under $500. Released during a coronavirus pandemic, its design was intended to be cost-effective while also offering top functionality – something it certainly achieved thanks to its durable plastic build and clean Android experience. For someone seeking all-purpose functionality without breaking the bank, this model makes an ideal option.
2023 finds the iPhone SE outdated but remains an affordable solution for anyone needing an easy-to-use phone that can keep up with daily tasks. Featuring an attractive 6.1in IPS LCD display, top-performing A13 processor, and reliable 12MP dual camera system. Furthermore, one unique aspect of its design is an in-display fingerprint sensor and three years’ worth of iOS updates will support it post launch.
The only real flaw with this phone is its small display. While not terrible, it feels very outdated compared to most modern smartphones with giant displays. Furthermore, there’s no 120Hz refresh rate that would make scrolling smoother; nor a night mode feature like many budget phones in 2022 offer.
The iPhone SE comes in multiple colors, such as Midnight (black), Starlight (a variation on white) and Product Red. Its Apple A15 Bionic chip is more advanced than that found in Galaxy A53 5G; however, its performance remains significantly less powerful than Exynos processor found in Galaxy S23 – making this handset an ideal option if you prefer premium feel with high performance for everyday tasks.