All articles tagged with #budget smartphones
Verge’s budget-phone guide highlights the iPhone 17E as the best cheap iPhone and points to the Google Pixel 10A (with Nothing Phone 4A Pro as a strong Android alternative) as standout options, delivering solid performance, long software support, MagSafe on the iPhone, and good value for under $600.
Motorola raised prices across its 2026 Moto G lineup by up to 50%, with the new Moto G Stylus at $500; the increases affect the G Play, G, and G Power as AI-influenced memory and storage costs rise, signaling tougher choices for budget smartphones as manufacturers try to maintain profits.
Three midrange smartphones—iPhone 17e, Pixel 10a, and Galaxy A56—are compared for value, display, performance, and ecosystem. Pixel 10a offers the best bang for the buck and a sharp display, iPhone 17e delivers top performance and MagSafe compatibility, and Galaxy A56 provides a strong camera and highly customizable software. The writer’s pick is the iPhone 17e, though all are solid choices; prices span roughly $499–$799.
Samsung's new Galaxy A17 5G and Tab A11 Plus showcase significant advancements in Samsung's budget lineup, with the A17 5G offering a 6.7-inch display, a 50MP camera with OIS, and six years of Android updates, while the Tab A11 Plus features a 90Hz display, quad speakers, and up to 8GB RAM, emphasizing value and software enhancements.
Samsung is launching two affordable devices in January: the Galaxy A17 5G smartphone starting at $199 with a 6.7-inch display and a 50MP camera, and the Galaxy Tab A11+ tablet at $250 with an 11-inch screen, both featuring microSD support and fast-charging, catering to budget-conscious consumers.
Motorola has expanded its moto g lineup in North America with the new moto g 2026 and moto g play 2026, featuring immersive displays, AI cameras, long-lasting batteries, and 5G connectivity, all at affordable prices, with availability starting in November and December across various retailers and carriers.
Motorola's 2026 Moto G series offers minor upgrades over the 2025 models, with the main changes being a larger battery and a new selfie camera, but overall it remains a very similar and modest update for budget phones, starting at under $200.
The Nothing Phone (3) faces challenges entering the US market due to high competition, carrier store dominance, and a focus on premium pricing, which may hinder its success despite solid specs. The company's strategy of launching an $800 flagship without strong support for its budget models risks limiting its growth potential in the US, where affordable, well-supported phones like Google's Pixel A-series have proven more successful. To succeed, Nothing might need to shift focus toward more accessible, fully supported budget devices to build brand recognition and a loyal customer base.
The upcoming iPhone SE 4, expected in 2025, could be a pivotal product for Apple by making its Apple Intelligence AI more accessible to a broader audience. Priced lower than flagship models, the SE 4 is rumored to include features like an OLED screen, Face ID, and a 48-megapixel camera, aligning it more closely with premium devices. This move could enhance Apple's competitive edge against budget-friendly Android phones and expand the reach of its AI capabilities, potentially reshaping the smartphone market.
The Google Pixel 8A is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers a strong combination of features, including a 120Hz OLED display, solid battery life, and on-device AI capabilities, all for $499. It lacks some high-end features like a telephoto lens and top-tier water resistance but compensates with seven years of software updates and a robust build. The Pixel 8A stands out for its value, making it a sensible choice for those looking for a reliable and affordable smartphone.
Motorola, once known for its well-made and thoughtfully designed cheap Android phones, has seen a decline in quality and user experience with its recent Moto G models. The company's strategy of releasing numerous confusingly named Moto G variants has led to poor hardware, software issues, and excessive bloatware, resulting in disappointing reviews. The lack of attention to detail and software support has raised concerns about the future of Motorola's budget smartphone lineup.
Motorola's budget smartphones, the Moto G Power 5G and Moto G 5G, offer different features and price points. The Moto G Power 5G, priced at $300, boasts a higher-resolution display, faster charging, and a more versatile camera, making it the better choice for those willing to spend extra. However, the Moto G 5G, priced at $200, may be a suitable option for those on a tighter budget, although it may be worth considering other budget smartphones like the OnePlus Nord N30 5G. Both phones run on Android 14 and offer similar software features, with the main differences lying in design, performance, and pricing.
Motorola has unveiled its latest Moto G lineup for 2024, featuring the Moto G 5G and Moto G Power 5G. The Moto G 5G, priced at $199, boasts a 6.6-inch 120Hz display, 50MP primary rear camera, and Snapdragon 4 Gen 1, while the Moto G Power 5G, priced at $299, is the first Moto G to offer wireless charging, along with a 30W wired charging option. Both devices run on Android 14 and will be available through various carriers and retailers in the coming weeks.
Samsung has launched the Galaxy A15 and Galaxy A25 in the United States, priced at $199 and $299, respectively. The Galaxy A15 features a MediaTek processor, 128GB storage, 8GB RAM, a 5,000 mAh battery, and a 6.5-inch FHD+ 90Hz AMOLED display, while the Galaxy A25 has an Exynos chip, 128GB storage, 8GB RAM, a 5,000 mAh battery, and a 6.5-inch FHD+ 120Hz display. Both phones sport a triple camera setup and are available unlocked, with trade-in options and immediate shipping.
The upcoming OnePlus 12R budget phone could pose a significant challenge to Samsung and Google's budget smartphones. It is rumored to feature a flagship-grade display with LTPO technology, a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, and fast charging capabilities. The OnePlus 12R may also offer improved camera capabilities compared to its predecessors. While the price is still unknown, it is expected to be cheaper than the OnePlus 12, potentially coming in at less than $500.