In 2024, finding a budget smartphone that offers exceptional value doesn’t have to mean sacrificing performance, design, or features. Today, several budget phones deliver flagship-like experiences at a fraction of the price, and choosing the best one can be tricky.
So, if you’re wondering, “What are the best budget smartphones in 2024?”, this guide will provide a comprehensive breakdown of the top options available this year.
What Defines a Budget Smartphone in 2024?
Before diving into specific models, let’s define what we mean by budget smartphones in 2024.
Budget Smartphone Price Range
Budget smartphones typically cost between $150 and $400, depending on their specifications and features. While they may not have the absolute cutting-edge specs of flagship models, these devices excel in delivering value through:
- 5G Connectivity: More budget phones in 2024 come with 5G support, ensuring future-proofing.
- High Refresh Rate Displays: 90Hz or even 120Hz refresh rates are increasingly available in budget options, providing smoother visuals during gaming and scrolling.
- Impressive Camera Systems: Many budget phones come with 50MP or even 108MP main cameras, featuring AI and computational photography for better image processing.
- Long Battery Life: You can find phones with 4500mAh to 5000mAh batteries that can last all day.
- Software Updates: Longer software support is now a standard feature, with several models offering 3–5 years of security updates.
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What are the Best Budget Smartphones in 2024?
In this section, we’ll highlight the best budget smartphones of 2024, focusing on their strengths, key features, and pricing. These phones balance performance, build quality, camera capability, and battery life.
1. Google Pixel 7a
- Price: $379
- Processor: Google Tensor G2
- Display: 6.1″ OLED, 90Hz
- Camera: 64MP main + 13MP ultra-wide
- Battery: 4385mAh
- Operating System: Android 13 (upgradable to Android 14)
Why it’s great:
The Google Pixel 7a is the standout in the budget segment, thanks to its powerful Tensor G2 chip, which is the same one found in Google’s flagship Pixel 7. This provides a smooth performance while supporting advanced machine learning features like the Google Assistant, Live Translate, and Voice Typing.
Its 64MP main camera delivers superb image quality, especially for a phone in this price range. The Pixel’s computational photography enhances your photos, ensuring great shots in low light, vibrant colors, and excellent dynamic range.
Additionally, you get the benefits of pure Android, which is clean, fast, and without bloatware. Plus, with 5 years of security updates, the Pixel 7a is a great choice for long-term use.
2. Samsung Galaxy A54 5G
- Price: $349
- Processor: Exynos 1380
- Display: 6.4″ Super AMOLED, 120Hz
- Camera: 50MP main + 12MP ultra-wide + 5MP macro
- Battery: 5000mAh, 25W fast charging
- Operating System: One UI 6 (based on Android 14)
Why it’s great:
The Samsung Galaxy A54 5G is a solid all-around performer. One of its key highlights is the Super AMOLED display, which offers rich, vibrant colors and deep blacks. The 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth scrolling and gaming experiences.
Samsung has also focused heavily on photography in this phone. The 50MP main camera captures sharp, detailed images, and the ultra-wide and macro lenses allow for versatility in your shots. It is one of the best budget-friendly camera setups in the market right now.
With a 5000mAh battery, the A54 offers exceptional battery life, lasting well into the day even with heavy use. Plus, Samsung’s One UI provides a sleek, easy-to-use interface that’s constantly updated.
3. OnePlus Nord N30 5G
- Price: $299
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 695
- Display: 6.7″ LCD, 120Hz
- Camera: 108MP main + 2MP depth sensor
- Battery: 5000mAh, 50W SuperVOOC charging
- Operating System: OxygenOS 13 (based on Android 13)
Why it’s great:
The OnePlus Nord N30 is a performance powerhouse in the budget category, boasting a Snapdragon 695 chipset and a 120Hz display for smooth gaming and scrolling. Its standout feature is the 108MP main camera, a rare sight in budget phones, offering detailed photos with great color reproduction.
The 50W SuperVOOC charging is another highlight, allowing the phone to be charged from 0% to 100% in just 30 minutes. The 5000mAh battery ensures all-day usage, making it a fantastic option for those who need both power and fast charging in a budget device.
4. Motorola Moto G Power 5G (2024)
- Price: $249
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 930
- Display: 6.5″ FHD+ LCD, 120Hz
- Camera: 50MP main + 2MP depth sensor
- Battery: 5000mAh
- Operating System: My UX (based on Android 13)
Why it’s great:
The Moto G Power 5G lives up to its name with superb battery life. With a 5000mAh battery, this phone can last up to two full days of use, making it one of the best phones for battery endurance in 2024.
The 120Hz LCD display delivers a decent visual experience, and the 50MP camera performs admirably in good lighting conditions. The Dimensity 930 chip ensures smooth performance in everyday tasks, media consumption, and even casual gaming.
The phone runs on My UX, a clean version of Android with useful customizations, and it comes with a 5G connection, ensuring fast speeds.
5. Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 5G
- Price: $229
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 6100+
- Display: 6.6″ FHD+ LCD, 120Hz
- Camera: 50MP main + 2MP depth sensor
- Battery: 5000mAh, 33W fast charging
- Operating System: MIUI 14 (based on Android 13)
Why it’s great:
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 5G is a budget gaming beast, offering a 120Hz display and 50MP main camera at an extremely affordable price. The Dimensity 6100+ chipset is capable of handling most everyday tasks and even light gaming.
What sets the Redmi Note 13 apart is its fast charging. With 33W fast charging, you can top up your phone in under an hour, which is a nice convenience for a budget device. It also comes with a 5000mAh battery, providing excellent battery life.
6. Realme Narzo 60x 5G
- Price: $199
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 6100+
- Display: 6.72″ FHD+ LCD, 120Hz
- Camera: 64MP main
- Battery: 5000mAh, 33W fast charging
- Operating System: Realme UI 4.0 (based on Android 13)
Why it’s great:
The Realme Narzo 60x 5G is an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers who want the most value for their money. For under $200, it packs in a 64MP main camera, 120Hz display, and 5000mAh battery, making it a well-rounded option.
This phone is perfect for social media lovers, casual gamers, and media streamers who need reliable performance at a low price point. The 33W fast charging ensures that you’re not waiting long to get back to using your phone.
7. Nokia G42 5G
- Price: $229
- Processor: Snapdragon 480+
- Display: 6.56″ HD+, 90Hz
- Camera: 50MP main
- Battery: 5000mAh, 20W charging
- Operating System: Android 13
Why it’s great:
Nokia’s G42 5G is built for those who need a reliable and durable phone with solid specs. Nokia’s focus on repairability means the device can easily be fixed with parts from local repair shops. It’s a sustainable choice that also offers great features.
The 50MP main camera performs well in most lighting conditions, while the 90Hz display provides a smooth visual experience. With 5G connectivity, it ensures that users are future-proofed in terms of network technology.
Comparison Table: What Are the Best Budget Smartphones in 2024?
| Model | Price | Display | Camera | Battery | Special Feature |
| Google Pixel 7a | $379 | OLED, 90Hz | 64MP | 4385mAh | Flagship-grade camera |
| Samsung Galaxy A54 | $349 | AMOLED, 120Hz | 50MP Triple | 5000mAh | Best display |
| OnePlus Nord N30 | $299 | LCD, 120Hz | 108MP | 5000mAh | Super-fast charging |
| Moto G Power 5G (2024) | $249 | LCD, 120Hz | 50MP | 5000mAh | Long battery life |
| Redmi Note 13 5G | $229 | LCD, 120Hz | 50MP | 5000mAh | Gaming on a budget |
| Realme Narzo 60x 5G | $199 | LCD, 120Hz | 64MP | 5000mAh | Best under $200 |
| Nokia G42 5G | $229 | LCD, 90Hz | 50MP | 5000mAh | Durable & repairable design |
Final Thoughts
If you’re wondering what are the best budget smartphones in 2024?, it ultimately depends on your needs. The Google Pixel 7a leads in photography and software experience, while the Samsung Galaxy A54 excels in display and multimedia. For those on tighter budgets, the Realme Narzo 60x and Redmi Note 13 offer powerful specs for a very low price.
With so many great options in 2024, you no longer have to spend a fortune to get a reliable, stylish, and future-ready smartphone.
FAQs
Q1. What is considered a budget smartphone in 2024?
A budget smartphone in 2024 generally refers to phones priced between $150 to $400. These smartphones provide a good balance of essential features, such as solid performance, decent cameras, long battery life, and modern designs, without the premium price tag associated with flagship models.
Q2. Which budget smartphone has the best camera in 2024?
The Google Pixel 7a stands out as the best budget phone for photography in 2024. It comes with a 64MP main camera and Google’s computational photography features, allowing it to capture excellent photos even in low-light conditions, making it a top choice for photo enthusiasts on a budget.
Q3. What are the best budget smartphones for gaming in 2024?
For gaming, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 5G and the OnePlus Nord N30 are excellent choices in 2024. Both phones feature a 120Hz refresh rate display and solid processors like the Dimensity 6100+ and Snapdragon 695, providing smooth gaming performance on a budget.
Q4. Do budget smartphones have 5G in 2024?
Yes, many budget smartphones in 2024, including models like the Samsung Galaxy A54 5G, OnePlus Nord N30, and Realme Narzo 60x, come with 5G connectivity. This ensures faster download and upload speeds, future-proofing your device for upcoming network advancements.
Q5. How long will budget smartphones last in 2024?
Most budget smartphones in 2024 are built to last for several years with regular use. Phones like the Google Pixel 7a and Samsung Galaxy A54 5G even promise long-term software updates, including security patches for up to 5 years, ensuring your device stays secure and functional for a longer period.
