All articles tagged with #budget phone
An editorial suggests the iPhone 18e will be a budget, minimal-upgrade model released with the 18-series in 2027, with few changes to design or core hardware from the 17e. It notes Apple may keep the 6.1-inch OLED and basic specs while introducing only modest upgrades, continuing a trend of strong budget options with the iPhone 17e, and signals that Apple will focus attention on Pro models and the Fold later in the year.
PCMag compares the iPhone 17 and the cheaper iPhone 17e, showing the 17e starts at $599 but trims features like a 60Hz display, one rear camera (no ultra-wide), a smaller front camera, weaker battery life estimates, and less robust connectivity, while both share the A19 chip and storage options; overall the iPhone 17 offers better display, cameras, battery, and network capabilities, at a $200 premium, making it the more capable choice for most buyers.
Android Central’s Pixel 10a review argues it’s largely a Pixel 9a recycled but still a strong value: it sticks with the Tensor G4, 8GB RAM, and the same camera system, adds a flush, redesigned camera bump and Satellite SOS thanks to a new modem, and offers faster charging and a brighter 6.3-inch display with Android 16 and seven years of updates; at $499–$599 it remains the best $500 Android option, though it lacks Qi2, Pixelsnap, and on‑device AI improvements due to RAM constraints.
Apple’s iPhone 17e is pitched as a budget follow-up to the iPhone 16e, maintaining the same external look (60Hz OLED with Dynamic Island) while swapping in an A19 processor (likely with a 4-core GPU) and the same C1 5G modem as the 16e; BOE is claimed to supply the displays (about 8 million units) to keep BOM down amid a DRAM shortage. The camera remains 48MP on the rear and 12MP on the front, with anticipated gains from improved computational photography and efficiency. Battery capacity is unconfirmed, but life could improve due to the efficiency tweaks. Prices are rumored around $599 for 256GB in the US, and a February 19, 2026 launch has been floated, with production focused on cost-cutting rather than major feature upgrades.
Dealabs cites a March 5 launch for Google’s Pixel 10a in Europe, with a February 18 pre-order window; expected pricing is €549 for 128GB and €649 for 256GB, mirroring the Pixel 9a, with all colors offered in 128GB/256GB options, though distributor data is inconsistent and the upgrade over the Pixel 9a remains unclear.
The Google Pixel 9a is now available at a $50 discount, priced at $449 on Amazon and the Google Store, making it an attractive budget smartphone with high-end features like a Google Tensor G4 chip, a 6.3-inch P-OLED display, a strong camera system, and a 7-year update commitment, ideal for users seeking quality at a lower price.
The Samsung Galaxy A55 5G is a solid, affordable phone with a large 6.6-inch display, decent performance, and expandable storage. However, it has disappointing battery life and a shorter software support period compared to the Pixel 8A. Priced at £364, it offers good value for basic daily tasks, casual gaming, and video streaming, but lacks availability in the US.
Samsung has launched the Galaxy A35 in the U.S. for just under $400, featuring a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display, a 50MP main camera, 6GB RAM, 128GB storage (expandable up to 1TB), and a 5,000 mAh battery with up to 25-watt wired charging. The phone also comes with an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, Android 14 out of the box, and promises four major Android updates plus five years of security updates. Samsung is offering a 30% discount on Galaxy Buds FE with the purchase of the A35 for a limited time, or a trade-in option for up to a $150 credit toward the purchase.
Samsung's new Galaxy A35 5G, priced at $400, offers a large 6.6-inch display and a 5,000-mAh battery, making it a promising option for those seeking an affordable Android phone with a big screen. However, it compromises on processing power and camera features compared to premium phones. The device's design, available in lilac and navy, features an iridescent shimmer, and it runs on Samsung's Exynos 1380 processor. Despite lacking some software features, it includes Samsung's Knox Vault for securing sensitive information and will receive four generations of Android OS upgrades.
Samsung's new Galaxy A35 5G, priced at $400, boasts a 6.6-inch screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, a 50-megapixel main camera, an 8-megapixel ultrawide camera, and a 5-megapixel macro camera. The phone comes in lilac and navy colors, with the lilac option featuring an eye-catching shimmer when hit by light. With a matte finish on the edges and a glossy back panel, the A35 5G aims to offer a premium feel at a budget-friendly price point.
The Google Pixel 7A, known for offering flagship-like features at an affordable price, is currently available for just $349 on Amazon, marking a new all-time low with a $150 discount. This limited-time offer does not require any on-screen or coupon codes, and both Best Buy and Google have matched the price reduction. The phone boasts a powerful Tensor G2 chip, a 64-megapixel camera, a 6.1-inch, 90Hz display, and other premium features, making it the best phone under $500.
The iPhone SE 4 is rumored to be a game-changer in the budget phone market, with leaks suggesting a 6.1-inch OLED screen, Face ID, A16 processor, 48MP rear-facing camera, LPDDR5 RAM, and a chunky battery, all for a $499 price tag. The new model aims to address the weaknesses of previous SE models by improving the battery and camera, making it a strong contender against Android budget phones like the Google Pixel 7a and OnePlus 12R. Despite the shift away from the small and cheapest phone niche, the SE 4 is poised to be a compelling budget smartphone option.
Rumors and reports about the release of the iPhone SE 4 have been conflicting, with predictions from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggesting the device may have been canceled, revived, or turned into an engineering prototype for an Apple in-house 5G baseband chip. Speculations indicate that the next iPhone SE could feature a larger screen, OLED display, USB-C connector, Action button, and a 48-megapixel single camera, possibly resembling the iPhone 15. It may also inherit the iPhone 14's battery and Apple's newest mobile processor, with the possibility of an Apple-made 5G modem. The release date remains uncertain, with potential launch in 2024 or 2025, making it a highly anticipated update for Apple's budget iPhone lineup.
The OnePlus Nord N30 5G, our pick for the best cheap smartphone, is currently on sale for $250, $50 off its regular price. It offers a Snapdragon 695 5G processor, 8GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, 16MP front-facing camera, 108MP main and 2MP macro lenses, 5,000mAh battery, and 6.7-inch, 120Hz IPS display. However, it lacks an IP rating for dust or water resistance and will only receive one major Android update, typical for budget phones.
The Google Pixel 7A, known for its affordability, is currently available at a discounted price of $374 on Amazon, marking the lowest price seen so far. Despite being an entry-level device, it boasts impressive features such as Google's Tensor G2 chip, a 64-megapixel camera, a 6.1-inch, 90Hz display, face unlock, and wireless charging, making it a strong contender in the budget phone category. With a mixed usage battery life of up to 24 hours, the Pixel 7A is considered the best phone under $500 and offers a compelling option for those seeking a flagship-like experience without the high price tag.