In the fast-paced world of mobile technology, finding the perfect smartphone that fits your needs and budget can be a daunting task. With an array of options flooding the market, choosing the right budget-friendly device that offers optimal performance and features can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Fear not, for we have you covered!
Welcome to our expertly curated list of the top 5 budget smartphones to buy in 2023. We understand that affordability should never mean compromising on quality, and that’s precisely why we’ve handpicked these gems that offer an exceptional balance of price and performance.
Number 1. Google Pixel 6A
The Google Pixel 6a is a compelling mid-range smartphone that boasts a well-rounded set of specifications and features. Released in July 2022, it comes equipped with the latest technology to deliver a smooth and enjoyable user experience.
The phone features a compact and sleek design with dimensions of 152.2 x 71.8 x 8.9 mm and a weight of 178g, making it comfortable to hold and use. The combination of a glass front with Gorilla Glass 3 protection, an aluminum frame, and a plastic back ensures both durability and aesthetics. Moreover, the device is rated IP67 dust and water-resistant, providing additional peace of mind for everyday use.
The Google Pixel 6a boasts a 6.1-inch OLED display with HDR support, resulting in vibrant colors and deep contrasts for an immersive viewing experience. The 1080 x 2400 pixels resolution at 429 ppi density ensures sharp visuals, and the Always-on display feature adds convenience by providing useful information at a glance.
Running on Android 12, upgradable to Android 13, and powered by the Google Tensor chipset (5 nm), the phone delivers excellent performance. The octa-core processor, consisting of 2×2.80 GHz Cortex-X1, 2×2.25 GHz Cortex-A76, and 4×1.80 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, ensures smooth multitasking and responsive performance. The Mali-G78 MP20 GPU provides decent graphics rendering for gaming and multimedia tasks.
For memory and storage, the Google Pixel 6a comes with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage utilizing the fast UFS 3.1 technology. While there’s no external card slot, the ample internal storage should be sufficient for most users’ needs.
In terms of photography, the phone features a dual-camera setup on the back, consisting of a 12.2 MP wide sensor with f/1.7 aperture and a 12 MP ultrawide sensor with f/2.2 aperture. The dual-LED flash, Pixel Shift, and advanced software features like Auto-HDR and panorama contribute to producing impressive photos and videos. Speaking of videos, the device supports 4K recording at 30/60fps with electronic image stabilization and optical image stabilization, ensuring smooth and stable footage.
The front-facing 8 MP camera with f/2.0 aperture captures clear selfies and supports 1080p video recording. While it may not boast the highest resolution, it remains more than adequate for most users’ selfie needs.
The Google Pixel 6a comes with stereo speakers, delivering decent sound quality for multimedia consumption. However, the absence of a 3.5mm headphone jack might disappoint some users who prefer wired audio options.
Connectivity options are comprehensive, with Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6e, Bluetooth 5.2, A2DP, LE, GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, QZSS, NFC, and USB Type-C 3.1 for fast data transfers.
The phone also includes various sensors such as an under-display optical fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, and barometer, enhancing user convenience and enabling various features and functionalities.
The Google Pixel 6a is powered by a robust 4410 mAh non-removable Li-Po battery, ensuring reliable all-day usage. The 18W wired charging with PD3.0 support keeps the device charged up swiftly.
In conclusion, the Google Pixel 6a offers a well-balanced package for users seeking a reliable mid-range smartphone. Its optimized Android experience, powerful Google Tensor chipset, and impressive camera capabilities make it a solid choice for daily tasks, multimedia consumption, and casual photography needs. Additionally, the sleek design, durable build, and water-resistant rating further justify its worth, making it a worthy purchase for those seeking a capable smartphone without breaking the bank.
Number 2. Samsung Galaxy A54 5G
The Samsung Galaxy A54 5G is a feature-packed mid-range smartphone that offers an impressive set of specifications and a delightful user experience. Launched in March 2023, it promises to deliver reliable performance and a sleek design, making it an attractive choice for smartphone users.
With dimensions of 158.2 x 76.7 x 8.2 mm and weighing 202g, the Galaxy A54 5G strikes a balance between comfortable handling and a modern, slim profile. Its build comprises a Gorilla Glass 5 front and back, complemented by a plastic frame, providing both durability and a premium look. Additionally, the device boasts an IP67 dust and water resistance rating, granting protection against the elements.
The smartphone flaunts a captivating 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, and an impressive peak brightness of 1000 nits (HBM). These features guarantee vivid colors, smooth visuals, and excellent contrast for an immersive viewing experience. With a resolution of 1080 x 2340 pixels at 403 ppi density and Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection, the display remains sharp and safeguarded against scratches.
Running on Android 13 with Samsung’s One UI 5.1, the Galaxy A54 5G provides a clean and user-friendly interface, ensuring a smooth and intuitive user experience. The phone is powered by the Exynos 1380 chipset (5 nm), featuring an octa-core processor with four Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.4 GHz and four Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz. Accompanied by the Mali-G68 MP5 GPU, the device offers sufficient processing power for everyday tasks, gaming, and multimedia usage.
The smartphone comes with various memory and storage configurations, including 128GB of internal storage paired with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage with either 6GB or 8GB of RAM. The microSDXC slot allows further expansion of storage, granting users the flexibility to store more media and data.
The Samsung Galaxy A54 5G excels in photography with its triple-camera setup on the back. It comprises a 50 MP wide sensor with f/1.8 aperture, 12 MP ultra-wide sensor with f/2.2 aperture, and a 5 MP macro sensor. The camera setup delivers detailed and vibrant photos, and various features like LED flash, panorama, and HDR enhance the photography experience. The device supports 4K recording at 30fps, as well as 1080p at 30/60fps and 720p at 480fps, ensuring versatility in capturing videos.
For selfies, the 32 MP front-facing camera with f/2.2 aperture captures clear and detailed self-portraits. Like the main camera, it also supports 4K recording at 30fps and 1080p at 30/60fps.
Audio enthusiasts will appreciate the stereo speakers, which provide an immersive sound experience. However, it’s worth noting that the phone lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, which might require users to utilize USB Type-C or wireless audio options.
In terms of connectivity, the Galaxy A54 5G supports Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, Bluetooth 5.3, A2DP, LE, and multiple positioning systems such as GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, and BDS. The device features NFC, although its availability might depend on the market or region.
The smartphone comes with various sensors, including an under-display optical fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyro, compass, and barometer (USA only). It also boasts virtual proximity sensing, further enhancing the phone’s functionalities and user experience.
The Galaxy A54 5G is fueled by a substantial 5000 mAh non-removable Li-Po battery, ensuring extended usage without frequent charging. The 25W wired charging capability enables users to quickly top up their device when needed.
Available in appealing colors like Lime, Graphite, Violet, and White, the Galaxy A54 5G offers an eye-catching design for users to choose from.
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy A54 5G stands out as a compelling mid-range smartphone option with its robust specifications, smooth display, capable cameras, and well-optimized software experience. Its combination of performance, design, and a competitive price point makes it a noteworthy choice for users seeking a feature-rich and reliable smartphone without breaking the bank.
Number 3. Motorola Moto G Stylus
The Motorola Moto G Stylus is a versatile and stylish smartphone designed to cater to the needs of creative individuals and productivity enthusiasts. Released in June 2023, it comes with an integrated stylus and a host of impressive features that make it a well-rounded choice in the mid-range segment.
With dimensions of 162.8 x 73.8 x 9.2 mm and a weight of 202g, the Moto G Stylus strikes a balance between portability and a larger display. The phone sports a glass front, plastic frame, and plastic back, which not only contributes to a modern look but also features a water-repellent design, adding a layer of protection against splashes and light rain.
The smartphone boasts a 6.6-inch IPS LCD display with a high 120Hz refresh rate. This ensures smooth animations and responsive touch interactions, making it ideal for gaming and productivity tasks. The screen resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels at 20:9 aspect ratio and 399 ppi density guarantees sharp visuals and vibrant colors, creating an enjoyable media consumption experience.
Running on Android 13, the Moto G Stylus offers a near-stock Android experience, providing a clean and familiar user interface. Powered by the Qualcomm SM6450 Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4 nm) chipset, the phone houses an octa-core processor with four Cortex-A78 cores clocked at 2.2 GHz and four Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.8 GHz. The Adreno 600 GPU ensures smooth graphics rendering for casual gaming and multimedia usage.
The phone offers a generous 6GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, expandable via the dedicated microSDXC slot. This ample storage capacity allows users to store a vast amount of files, media, and documents without worrying about running out of space.
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the dual-camera setup on the back of the Moto G Stylus. It features a 50 MP wide sensor with an f/1.9 aperture and PDAF, and an 8 MP ultrawide sensor with an f/2.2 aperture. This setup captures detailed and immersive photos, and additional features like LED flash, HDR, and panorama enhance the photography experience. The phone supports 4K video recording at 30fps and 1080p at 30/60fps, ensuring high-quality videos.
The front-facing 16 MP camera with an f/2.5 aperture captures clear and vibrant selfies. With support for 1080p video recording at 30fps, users can record quality video content for their social media platforms or video calls.
Audio is well-taken care of with stereo speakers, ensuring a satisfying audio experience for media consumption and gaming. Additionally, the inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack provides the option for wired audio connectivity.
Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Bluetooth 5.1 with A2DP and LE, GPS with L1+L5 and GALILEO support, and NFC. However, the phone does not feature a radio.
The Moto G Stylus includes various sensors such as a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, and barometer, adding convenience and enabling various features and functionalities.
The device is powered by a robust 5000 mAh non-removable Li-Po battery, offering extended battery life. The 20W wired charging capability ensures quick charging whenever needed.
In conclusion, the Motorola Moto G Stylus is an excellent mid-range smartphone that caters to those seeking a device with a built-in stylus for productivity and creativity purposes. Its smooth 120Hz display, ample storage capacity, capable cameras, and near-stock Android experience make it a compelling choice. Additionally, the water-repellent design adds durability, and the inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack offers more versatility. For users seeking a well-rounded smartphone with stylus functionality at a reasonable price, the Moto G Stylus is definitely worth considering.
Number 4. OnePlus Nord N20 5G
The OnePlus Nord N20 5G is a compelling mid-range smartphone that combines an elegant design, solid performance, and key features, making it a well-rounded choice for users seeking an affordable and capable device. Launched on April 28, 2022, it offers a compelling experience for both daily use and entertainment.
With dimensions of 159.9 x 73.2 x 7.5 mm and a weight of 173g, the OnePlus Nord N20 5G boasts a sleek and lightweight build, ensuring a comfortable grip and easy portability. Its glass front with Schott Xensation Up protection, plastic frame, and plastic back provide a balance of style and durability.
The smartphone features a vibrant 6.43-inch AMOLED display, boasting a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels and a 20:9 aspect ratio, delivering sharp visuals with a pixel density of 409 ppi. The display provides rich colors, deep contrasts, and an always-on display feature, enhancing the overall user experience.
Running on Android 11 with OxygenOS 11, the OnePlus Nord N20 5G ensures a smooth and optimized user interface. Powered by the Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G chipset built on a 6nm process, the phone houses an octa-core processor with two Kryo 660 Gold cores clocked at 2.2 GHz and six Kryo 660 Silver cores clocked at 1.7 GHz. The Adreno 619 GPU handles graphics processing, enabling smooth multitasking, efficient performance, and a decent gaming experience.
The smartphone offers 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage, which provides sufficient space for apps, media, and documents. Additionally, a dedicated microSDXC slot is available for further storage expansion.
The OnePlus Nord N20 5G features a triple-camera setup on the back, comprising a 64 MP primary wide sensor with f/1.8 aperture and PDAF, a 2 MP macro sensor with f/2.4 aperture, and a 2 MP depth sensor with f/2.4 aperture. The camera setup captures detailed and clear images, and features like LED flash, HDR, and panorama add versatility to the photography experience. The phone supports video recording at 1080p@30fps.
On the front, the 16 MP wide selfie camera with f/2.4 aperture captures clear and detailed self-portraits, and it supports video recording at 1080p@30fps.
Audio enthusiasts will appreciate the presence of a loudspeaker and the inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack, offering flexibility in audio connectivity options.
Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 5.1 with A2DP and LE, GPS with L1+L5, GLONASS, GALILEO, and BDS support, as well as NFC for seamless mobile payments.
The OnePlus Nord N20 5G comes with various sensors, including an under-display optical fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, and barometer, enhancing the user experience and enabling various features and functionalities.
The device is powered by a reliable 4500 mAh non-removable Li-Po battery, providing sufficient power for all-day usage. With the support of 33W wired charging, the phone charges quickly and efficiently, reducing downtime.
In conclusion, the OnePlus Nord N20 5G is a feature-packed mid-range smartphone that offers a well-rounded package with its stylish design, vibrant display, capable cameras, and efficient performance. For users seeking a budget-friendly device without compromising on essential features and performance, the OnePlus Nord N20 5G is undoubtedly a worthy option to consider.
Number 5. Xiaomi Redmi Note 11
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 is a feature-rich smartphone that offers a compelling combination of performance, display quality, and camera capabilities, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious users. Launched on January 26, 2022, and released on February 09, 2022, it has quickly become a popular option in the mid-range segment.
The phone features a sleek and compact design with dimensions of 159.9 x 73.9 x 8.1 mm and weighs 179g. The dual SIM support provides added flexibility for users with Nano-SIM cards. Furthermore, it comes with an IP53 rating for dust and splash resistance, providing some protection against minor accidental spills and dust ingress.
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 boasts a stunning 6.43-inch AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, delivering smooth animations and responsive touch interactions. The display also reaches impressive brightness levels, offering 700 nits of standard brightness and up to 1000 nits peak brightness, ensuring clear visibility even under bright sunlight. With a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels at 20:9 aspect ratio and a pixel density of 409 ppi, the display produces vibrant colors and sharp visuals, making it ideal for media consumption and gaming. The Corning Gorilla Glass 3 provides protection against scratches and minor impacts.
Running on Android 11, with the option to upgrade to Android 13 and featuring Xiaomi’s MIUI 14 skin, the Redmi Note 11 delivers a smooth and user-friendly experience. Powered by the Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G chipset, built on a 6nm process, the phone houses an octa-core processor with four Kryo 265 Gold cores clocked at 2.4 GHz and four Kryo 265 Silver cores clocked at 1.9 GHz. The Adreno 610 GPU ensures efficient graphics rendering for gaming and multimedia tasks.
The phone comes in various memory and storage configurations, including 64GB with either 4GB or 6GB of RAM and 128GB with either 4GB or 6GB of RAM, providing users with flexibility to choose based on their needs. The UFS 2.2 storage technology ensures faster data access and app loading times.
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11’s camera setup consists of a quad-camera array on the back. It features a 50 MP primary wide sensor with f/1.8 aperture and PDAF, an 8 MP ultrawide sensor with f/2.2 aperture and a 118? field of view, a 2 MP macro sensor, and a 2 MP depth sensor. The camera system captures detailed and clear images with good dynamic range, and features like LED flash, HDR, and panorama add versatility to photography. The phone supports video recording at 1080p@30fps.
On the front, the 13 MP wide selfie camera with f/2.4 aperture captures clear and vibrant self-portraits and supports 1080p video recording at 30fps.
Audio is well-taken care of with stereo speakers and the inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack, which provides flexibility in audio connectivity options. Additionally, the phone supports 24-bit/192kHz audio, enhancing the audio experience for audiophiles.
Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 5.0 with A2DP and LE, and positioning systems such as GPS, GLONASS, BDS, and GALILEO. Moreover, the phone includes NFC in some markets or regions and an infrared port.
The Redmi Note 11 comes with various sensors, including a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyro, compass, and virtual proximity sensing, enhancing user convenience and enabling various features and functionalities.
The smartphone is powered by a substantial 5000 mAh non-removable Li-Po battery, providing excellent battery life. The 33W wired charging capability, supporting PD3.0 and QC3, ensures fast charging and allows the phone to reach 100% in 60 minutes, as advertised.
In conclusion, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 is an impressive mid-range smartphone that offers a well-rounded package with its AMOLED display, capable camera system, and efficient performance. For users seeking a budget-friendly smartphone with reliable features and performance, the Redmi Note 11 is undoubtedly an attractive option to consider.
