Number 1. Google Pixel 6a

Best Overall Budget Android Phone

Pros

• Great camera.
• Premium design for a middle-tier phone.
• Bright display.
• Tensor-powered capabilities at a lower price than the Pixel 6.

Cons

• Cheaper materials than the Pixel 6.
• Video quality isn’t as good as still photos.
• Can be slippy to hold without a case.

Key Specs :

• Screen size: 6.1-inches
• Resolution: FHD+ (1080 x 2400 pixels) OLED
• Operating system: Android 12
• Processor: Google Tensor
• Cameras: 12.2 MP wide, 12 MP ultra-wide, 8MP selfie
• Battery: 4410 mAh
• Storage: 128 GB
• RAM: 6 GB
• Weight: 178 g
• Water resistance: IP67
• Micro SD card slot: No

If you don’t need all the advanced features of the Google Pixel 7 or Pixel 6 series devices, the budget-friendly Pixel 6a is a great option. It boasts a 6.1″ Full HD+ OLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels and a 60Hz refresh rate. The Pixel 6a stands out as a top smaller Android phone due to its high performance powered by the Google Tensor processor, the same chip found in the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro. This processor enables advanced AI and machine learning features, delivering an exceptional camera experience with a 12.2 MP wide camera, a 12 MP ultrawide camera, and an 8 MP selfie camera. The phone is IP67 certified for water and dust resistance, adding to its durability. The Pixel 6a is also equipped with a 4,410mAh battery, which is a good size for its compact form factor. This combination of features ensures that users get a solid performance without compromising on essential functionalities. Despite being an older model, the Google Pixel 6a offers an excellent balance of performance and affordability. The device features a powerful Tensor chip, a custom piece of silicon designed by Google, which provides top-drawer performance and capabilities typically found in higher-end models. Overall, the Pixel 6a is an outstanding choice for those seeking a reliable, high-performing smartphone without the premium price tag.

Number 2. Samsung Galaxy A15

Lots of screen for the money

Pros

• OLED display with good brightness and colors
• Excellent battery life.
• Long software support.

Cons

• Slow charging.
• Boring Design.
• Can get bogged down at times.

The Samsung Galaxy A15 5G exemplifies the advancements in budget smartphones, offering a blend of solid performance and impressive features under $200. Its 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate is a standout, ensuring smooth visuals. Powered by a Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ paired with up to 8GB of RAM and 128GB of Storage, the A15 capably handles everyday tasks and provides satisfactory gaming performance, though not suited for high-end games like Genshin Impact on maximum settings. The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack caters to users with wired headsets, a feature often omitted in modern smartphones. While the build is not premium, its sturdy plastic frame offers durability. Borrowing design cues from the higher-end S24 series, the A15 showcases Samsung’s cohesive design strategy. Its 50MP main camera excels in well-lit conditions, producing crisp and vibrant photos, sometimes comparable to the pricier Galaxy A54. Despite its limitations in low-light photography, the Galaxy A15 5G stands as a remarkable example of the capabilities found in today’s budget smartphones. The A15 5G has a 5,000mAh battery, which is a reasonable size and comparable to most other phones. Wireless charging is not available, although the A15 does enable 25W wired charging (up from 15W on the A14). Overall, the Galaxy A15 5G is one of the best Android phones available for less than $200, thanks to its dependable performance, long battery life, and Samsung’s generous software upgrade policy.

Number 3. 2024 Moto G Power 5G

Excellent battery life and good performance

Pros

• Affordable.
• NFC/Google Play
• Great battery life.
• Wireless charging.

Cons

• Bad cameras.
• Lacks IP rating.
• Screen is too dim in sunlight.

The $279.99 Motorola Moto G Power 5G for 2024 retains the same low pricing as its predecessor while adding numerous pleasant additions such as a speedier processor and NFC compatibility. Motorola upped the screen size this year to 6.7 inches (up from 6.5 inches), which matches the Nord N30. Both have a resolution of 2,400 x 1,080 pixels and an adjustable refresh rate of up to 120Hz. The display reaches a maximum brightness of 500 nits, whereas the Nord N30 achieves 680 nits. The bezels are typical for a phone in this category: not so large that you feel like you’ve walked into another age, but still not insignificant, particularly at the bottom. Speaking of the chipset, the phone has a MediaTek Dimensity 7020. It’s a fairly competent chip that’s ideal for handling normal use. This device comes in only one configuration with 8GB of RAM, which is a good amount for this price class. The built-in storage default is 128GB; however, this can be expanded up to 1TB with the use of a microSD card. The camera hasn’t changed much either; the main module has a 50MP sensor, which is accompanied by a dedicated macro camera. On the front, there is an 8MP selfie camera. The battery remains largely identical, with a capacity of 5,000mAh and 18W wired-only charging (previous year’s model was rated at 15W). Overall, the 2024 Motorola Moto G Power 5G is a great phone for Android users on a cheap, thanks to its strong performance, brilliant display, and long battery life.

Number 4. Redmi Note 11

A good inexpensive phone if you don’t need 5G

Pros

• Bright AMOLED display.
• Excellent battery life.
• Unexpectedly high performance.
• Stereo speakers.

Cons

• Slower performance.
• No support for 5G mobile internet.
• Ships with Android 11.
• Average camera quality.

The $279.99 Motorola Moto G Power 5G for 2024 retains the same low pricing as its predecessor while adding numerous pleasant additions such as a speedier processor and NFC compatibility. Motorola upped the screen size this year to 6.7 inches (up from 6.5 inches), which matches the Nord N30. Both have a resolution of 2,400 x 1,080 pixels and an adjustable refresh rate of up to 120Hz. The display reaches a maximum brightness of 500 nits, whereas the Nord N30 achieves 680 nits. The bezels are typical for a phone in this category: not so large that you feel like you’ve walked into another age, but still not insignificant, particularly at the bottom. Speaking of the chipset, the phone has a MediaTek Dimensity 7020. It’s a fairly competent chip that’s ideal for handling normal use. This device comes in only one configuration with 8GB of RAM, which is a good amount for this price class. The built-in storage default is 128GB; however, this can be expanded up to 1TB with the use of a microSD card. The camera hasn’t changed much either; the main module has a 50MP sensor, which is accompanied by a dedicated macro camera. On the front, there is an 8MP selfie camera. The battery remains largely identical, with a capacity of 5,000mAh and 18W wired-only charging (previous year’s model was rated at 15W). Overall, the 2024 Motorola Moto G Power 5G is a great phone for Android users on a cheap, thanks to its strong performance, brilliant display, and long battery life.

Number 5. OnePlus Nord N30 5G

A no-nonsense cheap phone

Pros

• Runs well, lasts a long time.
• Bright display.
• 5G connectivity and NFC.
• Good enough battery life.

Cons

• Only one OS update.
• Mediocre material build.
• Subpar camera performance.

The Nord N30 5G enhances its predecessor’s strengths with new features, making it a top low-cost option. Offered in a sophisticated Chromatic Gray shade, it sports a large 6.72-inch LCD with a 20:9 aspect ratio and 2,400 x 1,080 resolution, resulting in a 391ppi pixel density. Its adaptive 120Hz refresh rate and 240Hz touch response rate are impressive for a $300 phone. Powered by the Snapdragon 695, with 8GB RAM and 128GB storage, it performs well for daily use and most games, though not as fast as higher-end models. The 108MP rear camera delivers decent results in good lighting but struggles in low light. The main drawback is fewer software updates. However, the 5000mAh battery lasts a day and a half, and it includes a MicroSD card slot for expandable storage. Overall, the Nord N30 5G stands out with its bright display, solid performance, and exceptional battery life and charging capabilities, making it one of the best budget-friendly smartphones available.