Affordable smartphones have come a long way in recent years, offering impressive features and performance at a fraction of the cost of flagship devices. In 2023, the budget phone market is more competitive than ever, with a wide range of options to suit various needs and preferences. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take a look at the top 10 best budget phones available in 2023. We’ll cover everything from design and performance to camera quality and battery life. So, whether you’re a students in need of a dependable device or simply want to save some cash, we’ve got you covered.
1. Motorola Moto G62 – Best Overall Budget Phone
Pros:
- Well-built design
- Clean Android 12 experience
- Impressive battery life
Cons:
- Slow charging
- Occasional laggy performance
- Average camera quality
The Motorola Moto G62 offers an excellent balance of affordability and functionality, making it our top choice for the best overall budget phone in 2023. With a durable plastic build, a clean and responsive Android 12 interface, and a long-lasting 5000mAh battery, the Moto G62 delivers top-notch performance for its price range.
Its always-on LCD display provides quick access to notifications, while the 50MP main camera captures satisfactory daytime shots. Although the device may have some drawbacks such as slow charging and occasional performance hiccups, these are relatively minor considering its budget-friendly price point.
2. Nokia G60 5G – A Close Second
Pros:
- Large display
- Decent main camera
- Solid battery life
- Three years of OS support
Cons:
- Mediocre secondary cameras
- 20W charging
Nokia makes a strong comeback in the budget phone market with the Nokia G60 5G, offering an impressive set of features at an affordable price. Boasting a large screen, capable main camera, and excellent battery life, the G60 5G provides great value for money.
With three years of software support, users can expect timely Android updates and security patches, ensuring a safe and up-to-date experience. Although the device charges relatively slowly and has subpar secondary cameras, these shortcomings are easily overshadowed by its overall performance and value.
3. Realme C35 – Best Design
Pros:
- Crisp, colorful display
- Bold design
- Competent camera
Cons:
- Basic performance
- Screen limited to 60Hz
- Battery life falls short of rivals
The Realme C35 stands out in the budget phone market with its eye-catching design and vibrant 1080p display. Resembling more expensive devices like the iPhone and OnePlus Nord, the C35 offers a premium look at a fraction of the cost.
With a 50MP main camera that performs well for its price range, the C35 is a solid option for those who prioritize aesthetics and display quality. However, its performance and battery life may not be as impressive as some of its competitors, so take this into consideration before purchasing.
4. Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro – Best Camera
Pros:
- Stunning display
- Incredible value
- Big battery
Cons:
- No OIS
- MIUI not for everyone
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 Pro is a fantastic option for photography enthusiasts on a budget. The phone packs a powerful 108MP main camera and a pair of impressive secondary snappers. Its 6.67-inch 120Hz AMOLED display offers excellent contrast and vibrant colors, making it ideal for media consumption.
Additional features like 33W fast charging, a headphone jack, and an IR blaster further elevate the Redmi Note 10 Pro’s appeal. However, the MIUI interface may not be everyone’s cup of tea, so take that into consideration before purchasing.
5. Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro – Incredible Value
Pros:
- First M series with AMOLED display
- Two-day battery life
- Excellent camera
Cons:
- Thick and heavy
- Clunky MIUI
- Unreliable fingerprint scanner
Xiaomi’s Poco M4 Pro is an outstanding budget phone, offering exceptional value for money. The device is the first in the M series to feature an AMOLED display, which also supports a 90Hz refresh rate and Full HD+ resolution.
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The M4 Pro’s 64MP main camera is a notable improvement for the series, and its battery life is impressive, lasting up to two days on a single charge. While the design may be divisive and MIUI may not appeal to everyone, the Poco M4 offers exceptional value.
6. Xiaomi Poco M4 Pro 5G – Great for Budget 5G
Pros:
- 90Hz display
- Great battery life
- Affordable 5G connectivity
Cons:
- Average cameras
- MIUI isn’t great
- Only 4GB RAM in the base model
The Poco M4 Pro 5G brings 5G connectivity to the budget phone market. The Poco M4 Pro 5G offers a smooth 90Hz display and impressive battery life. Its Dimensity 810 5G chipset provides adequate performance, while the eye-catching design adds an extra touch of flair.
Though the cameras and MIUI interface may not be the best, the Poco M4 Pro 5G is a solid option for those seeking an affordable 5G-enabled device.
7. Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 – Great All-Rounder
Pros:
- Great display
- Brilliant battery life
- Value for money
Cons:
- MIUI still iffy
- Lackluster cameras
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 is an excellent all-around budget phone. The phones offers a 90Hz Full HD+ AMOLED display, respectable performance from its Snapdragon 680 chipset, and superb battery life with 33W fast charging.
While the camera performance may be a weak point, the Redmi Note 11 still offers a lot for your money. This makes it a strong contender in the budget phone market.
8. Xiaomi Redmi 10 – Very Affordable
Pros:
- 90Hz display
- Superb battery life
- Attractive design
Cons:
- Middling display quality
- Average cameras
- Slow charging
The Xiaomi Redmi 10 is a solid choice for those looking for an affordable device with a 90Hz display, excellent battery life, and an attractive design.
The phones does have its drawbacks, such as a mediocre display, average cameras, and slow charging. However, the Redmi 10 offers a lot of bang for your buck, especially when considering its frequent discounts.
9. Nokia G22 – Eco-Friendly and Repairable
Pros:
- Unique repairable build
- Decent battery life
- User-friendly OS
Cons:
- Slow and laggy performance
- Unimpressive screen
- Only two years of OS updates
The Nokia G22 is an interesting option for those who prioritize eco-friendliness and repairability in their smartphone. With official repair kits available from iFixit, the G22 allows users to easily fix common issues like screen cracks and battery replacements.
While the device may not have the best performance or display quality, its user-friendly OS and repairable nature make it a compelling choice. This is particularly true for those who prioritize sustainability and longevity over raw power.
10. Samsung Galaxy A13 – Best Software Experience
Pros:
- Understated design
- Decent main camera
- Long-term software support
Cons:
- Poor performance
- No 5G
- Slow charging
The Samsung Galaxy A13 is not be the most powerful budget phone on the market. However, it offers a stellar software experience thanks to Samsung’s OneUI Android skin. Samsung also promises two years of major Android version updates and four years of security patches.
Featuring a sleek, understated design and a decent main camera, the Galaxy A13 is a solid choice for those who value software support and a clean interface. However, be aware that other phones in this list may offer better performance, display quality, and 5G connectivity.
Budget Phones: Final Thoughts
When it comes to budget smartphones in 2023, there are plenty of options to suit various needs and preferences. From the well-rounded Motorola Moto G62 to the eco-friendly Nokia G22, these affordable devices offer impressive features and performance at a fraction of the cost of flagship phones. By carefully considering your priorities and weighing the pros and cons of each device, you can find the perfect budget phone to meet your needs without breaking the bank.
What is your preferred budget phone for 2023? Do let us know in the comments section below.
