High-end phones can cost $1,000 USD or more, and let’s face it, most of us can’t afford that price tag. But did you know that many cheaper models often have most of the same features? Choosing a budget phone essentially comes down to deciding which features are most important to have and which aren’t necessary. For example, you can get last year’s model for a reasonable price with many features that you need. Here are five wallet-friendly smartphones:
1. Nokia 10
Buying a midrange smartphone is arguably easier than it has ever been; no matter your budget, stiff competition has led to several great options for anyone seeking a new, low-cost phone. Of course, that means there’s more pressure on manufacturers to deliver standout devices. Nokia’s lower-end offerings have always been great for shoppers with small budgets, and the Nokia 10 is one such option for those who don’t need many features; although its cameras are decent, it doesn’t boast much else.
2. iQOO Z3 5G
Vivo’s iQOO brand has attempted to gain a foothold in India, the world’s fastest-growing smartphone market, with its Z3 5G budget phone. It uses Vivo’s FunTouch OS, which is based on Android 11 and runs Android security updates. All in all, it’s another great choice for those who don’t necessarily need top-of-the-line features in their pockets; the 6.5-inch screen has a 120Hz refresh rate, making it good for games, but the color saturation can affect watching videos. Likewise, the triple-camera setup is decent but can lead to over-saturated photos. Still, it’s a good price for what it offers.
3. Google Pixel 6
Smartphones that aren’t made by Samsung or Apple sometimes struggle to catch the spotlight, but there’s no denying the power of the Pixel 6. This Google phone delivers the best Android experience for its price range, which includes impressive cameras, new Google Assistant powers in Android 12, and smart photo editing functions. The 6.4-inch OLED display has a 90HZ adaptive refresh rate, which makes watching videos on the device smooth. Unfortunately, the battery life could be better; it has inconsistent, below-average times. Still, the Pixel 6 is more than worthy of consideration.
4. iPhone 13 Pro
Apple’s iPhone 13 Pro is still one of the most powerful phones on the market. Although some were turned off by the lack of Touch ID and the camera hump, the iPhone 13 is a beastly device with excellent cameras and a bright 120Hz display. Plus, it’s cheaper than the equally awe-inspiring Pro Max version. There’s essentially no difference between the two models; both have sensor-shift image stabilization and telephoto zoom capabilities. Finally, if you enjoy slender phones, this device is as good as it gets for its larger screen size.
5. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3
Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold boasts a wealth of features that might just win over foldable phone skeptics. The Galaxy Z Fold has a more durable design, albeit a slightly bulkier one, and S Pen support. You’ll still need a case to store the stylus, and Samsung didn’t upgrade the cameras, but the phone is still an excellent budget choice for most users. Another important benefit to note is the device’s IPX8 water resistance, which means it can survive being in up to 5 feet of water for 30 minutes; in other words, it’ll be safe from anything from accidental splashes to getting caught in the rain.
