Budget phones always come and go, and some just aren’t worth your time or money. This year proved that there are great options available. Here is our list of the best budget Android smartphones of 2023.
What constitutes a budget phone?
The term “budget” can mean different things to different buyers. Some have strict limits in mind, while others may be looking for overall value for money. The phones on our list follow the latter model, more or less.
The criteria for this generally falls within the number of features and the quality of said features that you get for the money you spend. For example, a foldable phone like the Galaxy Z Fold 5 will never be a budget device because the phone is priced at over $2,000, even though it offers a foldable screen, good cameras, and good battery life. However, the Motorola Razr 2023 would fall into my budget list simply because it offers a foldable display and a good overall experience for under $700.
There are other options, of course, and those that don’t fold are much less expensive.
The best budget Android phones of 2023
The following list will be a bit of a mixed bag of prices, with most falling below $500. Better yet, this time of year offers huge savings, so we’ll include some options worthy of your attention with a sale price of around $500.
Best Overall: Google Pixel 7a
The Pixel 7a is the best budget phone on this list so far. This doesn’t mean knocking out other devices on the list; It’s just to underscore how much Google has been able to save on a $499 budget phone.
Google’s Pixel lineup has set a standard. Users expect a good camera with great processing software behind it, a good software experience, and features you won’t often find on other devices. Although the Pixel 7a is a budget option, it sits in the lineup as if it were a much more expensive device.
Stock Android provides an easy experience from the start. It provides the user with a simple yet highly intelligent operating system that delivers performance day in and day out. In fact, almost all of the features that come on the more expensive Pixel models come to the Pixel 7a, and it handles them very well, thanks to the Tensor G2 chip inside.
On the back there is a dual camera setup. The main sensor is a 64MP unit, while the smaller 13MP sensor is there for ultra-wide shots, and comes in handy more often than not. Given Google’s reputation for image post-processing, the Pixel 7a takes stunning photos that you’d never guess came from a budget device.
The Pixel 7a also has a premium design. Gone is the plastic mid-range phone that has a very underwhelming in-hand feel. The phone is made of similar materials to the Pixel 7 – an aluminum frame and a glossy back panel. The aluminum across the camera strap adds to this look and is a welcome addition.
You can read our full Pixel 7a review if you’re interested in a well-researched article by Kyle Bradshaw.
There’s a reason why it’s at the top of the list at $499. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a mid-range device that holds better value than the Pixel 7a — at least until the Pixel 8a comes out.
Buy pixel 7a
Samsung Galaxy A54 and Galaxy A14
Samsung has found itself developing some budget Android smartphones priced under $500 over the past couple of years. The Samsung A series has generally been the company’s mid-range lineup, and the Galaxy A54 is the best of the bunch.
The Galaxy A54 has a vibrant 6.4-inch OLED display with 1080p resolution. The screen is capable of reaching 120Hz, which has become standard across the board. The design of the phone itself is no different from previous Samsung devices, but this is not necessarily a negative sign for it. The design works and is simple.
Review: Samsung’s Galaxy A54 is a great advertisement for the Pixel 7a
The back of the device holds three cameras. The Galaxy A54’s camera works well in bright light but seems to struggle a bit at sunset. Samsung has also fallen out of favor recently with how it handles image processing after the photo is taken. Thus, the Pixel 7a overshadowed the Galaxy A54 in terms of photography capabilities.
Overall, we like the Galaxy A54. In our original review, we noted that the Galaxy A54 would be a much better deal if discounted somewhat. During the end of the year, sales tend to be higher, and the price of the Galaxy A54 dropped to $349 across multiple storefronts. At this price, this is great and great value as a budget Android device.
Buy Galaxy A54
If you’re looking for something a little cheaper, the Galaxy A14 follows the same blueprint as the A54, although it cuts some corners at this price point.
The Galaxy A14 carries a 6.6-inch LCD display, which won’t be as crisp as the A54’s OLED display, but it will get the job done. It has a mid-range processor that does its job with Android 13 or 14. It has a 50-megapixel rear camera and two 5-megapixel sensors for ultra-wide and macro shots. The best part about the A14 is the battery capacity. With a 5,000mAh capacity, you’ll likely get through the day and beyond.
At $199, the Galaxy A14 is on the lower end of the budget. It offers a usable experience, but it won’t make you fall in love with One UI.
Buy Galaxy A14
The best Android device you can sell
The Pixel 7a and Galaxy A54 are really good Android options that start at around $500, but there are others we found on sale for around that price during the holiday season. These options tend to retail for a little more, but they can be really good buys if you pick them up on sale.
Motorola Thinkphone
The Motorola ThinkPhone is designed to be a professional choice for Android users who need a companion to their laptops on the go. However, I have a lot of fun using the ThinkPhone as a general user.
The ThinkPhone has a great design, with a carbon fiber back and aluminum frame that showcases its premium design. One of the best features is the red key, which is customizable to perform a variety of actions with a single press.
One of the things I really appreciate about the ThinkPhone is the lightweight look of Android. It’s enough to set it apart from Google while letting Android shine. This makes the user experience really good but not painful at all.
Internally, the ThinkPhone runs the Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, which isn’t the best out there but it certainly gets the job done. At the price point, I think this phone is worth the value it takes. However, the deal is better when you sell.
While the Motorola ThinkPhone is usually priced at $700, it is currently on sale for $399 from Motorola. At $399, the ThinkPhone is very much worth it.
Buy Motorola ThinkPhone
Best Budget Foldable: Motorola Razr (2023)
First off, I mentioned that most foldable devices can’t be considered a steal because the technology is still so new. Well, the Motorola Razr refutes that argument – just a little.
The Motorola Razr takes most of its hardware from the more expensive Razr+, which offers a larger external display and better specs. However, the Razr has been a good companion of mine in the past, and doesn’t break the bank – especially when it’s on sale.
Review: Motorola Razr 2023 proves that a foldable phone can be “essential” in a good way
Designed as a lifestyle foldable phone, the Motorola Razr has opted for a faux leather exterior material instead of glass and AMOLED. It has a small external display measuring just over an inch in size, which can be used to check notifications and other gadgets, although using it can be a bit of a pain.
Once you open it, you’re greeted by a tall 6.9-inch AMOLED display. It’s a very nice screen, and Motorola does a great job of hiding the crease that plagues all other foldable devices.
Software-wise, it takes the same light look as the ThinkPhone and provides an almost stock experience that’s easy to jump into.
For a foldable device, $700 is a pretty good price. What’s even better is that the Razr is on sale now for $499, which is a pretty good deal for a foldable phone and makes a case for budget foldable Android devices.
Buy Motorola Razr
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In a rapidly evolving market, finding a high-quality budget Android phone can be a challenging task. However, with the advancements in technology, the year 2023 has brought us some of the best budget Android phones that cater to all our essential needs without breaking the bank. These phones are not only affordable but also packed with impressive features and performance that rival many flagship models. From powerful processors to stunning displays and long-lasting batteries, these budget-friendly options are revolutionizing the smartphone industry and providing great value for money. In this article, we will explore some of the top budget Android phones of 2023 that offer exceptional performance and functionality for a fraction of the cost.