In today’s world, smartphones have become an indispensable part of our lives. And finding a budget-friendly device that doesn’t compromise on quality or performance can be a huge task. The rapid advancements in technology have made it possible for budget phones to offer an ever widening array of features. Whether you’re a student on a tight budget, a frugal spender, or someone who appreciates a good deal, this article will take you on a journey through the top budget phones of 2023. From impressive cameras and vibrant displays, to long-lasting batteries, these budget gems prove that you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy a fantastic smartphone. So, let’s dive in and uncover the best budget phones of 2023 so far.
Samsung Galaxy A14
Here comes the Galaxy A14 5G, which has earned its place on top of this list of budget phones. Offering excellent value for money, the Galaxy A14 5G boasts impressive features. It’s one of the very few phones under $200 to offer an FHD, 90 Hz high refresh display. On the back side, the A14 packs a remarkable 50 MP main camera sensor. All of these are backed up by a massive 5000 mAh battery.
What truly sets this phone apart is its price. The Samsung Galaxy A14 5G starts at just $200, which is $50 lower than its predecessor. So for the price of $200, you get exceptional battery life, decent cameras, and a screen with a high refresh rate.
Google Pixel 6a
The Google Pixel 6a was released last year as Google’s entry into the midrange market, and it was an instant hit. Upon it’s release, it had an MSRP of $450 and was crowned the value king of smartphones. 13 months later, the Google Pixel 6a now sells for around $300. So, with this$300 Google Pixel, you get one of last year’s best smartphone camera systems (yes, it even matched phones like the iPhone 14 and S22), an elite-level chipset, the Tensor G1, an FHD+ OLED display, top-line software, an under-display fingerprint sensor, stereo speakers, etc. At this point, the Pixel 6a is the definition of bang for your buck. The only caveat here is that some Pixel 6a units still sell for above $300.
Samsung Galaxy A24
The Galaxy A24 is the next phone to grab a spot on our list. The A24 was released just last month as the successor to one of last year’s best budget devices, the A23. The A24 packs a well-rounded 50 MP main camera. Images from the main camera are pretty good considering its price. And on the front, there is an even more impressive 13 MP. Another thing that makes sure the A24 stands out from its fellow budget-friendly phones is its display. The Samsung Galaxy A24 offers a big, beautiful 6.5-inch FHD (1080×2340) Super AMOLED, 90Hz display. All of this supported by a large 5000 mAh battery pack.
Starting at just around $200–$250 (depending on where you live), the Samsung Galaxy A24 rightfully earns its place on this list.
OnePlus Nord N20 5G
Last on our list of the best phones to get if you’re on a budget is the Nord N20 from OnePlus. The phone was released in April last year with a sub-$300 price tag and was crowned the budget king by many outlets. Now, 14 months later, the OnePlus Nord N20 5G sells for less than $200. When you buy one, here’s what you’ll get:
The OnePlus Nord N20 5G features a 64 MP main camera sensor that takes good-quality images. On the front are a big and impressive 6.43-inch FHD (1080x2400p) AMOLED display, an impressive 16 MP selfie camera, and an in-display fingerprint sensor. The phone also sports 33W fast charging, so it can go from 0% to 80% in just 45 minutes. All this is powered by the more than capable Snapdragon 695 6G.
Overall, the OnePlus Nord N20 5G is a great option for anyone looking for a fast, capable, stylish, and very affordable budget smartphone. It’s great value for money. and offers a number of features that aren’t found on other phones at it’s price. The only con of the OnePlus Nord N20 5G is that it was released with Android 11, but it can be upgraded to Android 12. It also promises an Android 13 update sometime this month.
