Argomenti trattati
Introduction to budget smartphones
The mobile phone market continues to evolve, with budget smartphones now boasting impressive features that rival higher-end models. With a plethora of options available, selecting the right device can be overwhelming. Beyond just the price, factors such as brand reputation, specific features, and availability significantly influence your decision. In this guide, we’ll highlight some of the best mobile phones priced under $200, ensuring you get great value for your money.
The Samsung Galaxy A16 5G
At an affordable price of around $170, the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G stands out as a remarkable budget smartphone. This device combines affordability with a robust feature set, making it a strong contender in its category. The phone features a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display offering Full HD+ resolution and a smooth 90Hz refresh rate, achieving a brightness level of up to 800 nits.
Under the hood, you can find either the Exynos 1330 or the Dimensity 6300 chipset, depending on your region. This ensures that performance remains snappy, especially when paired with up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. The camera setup is impressive for the price, featuring a triple rear camera system with a 50MP main sensor, a 5MP ultrawide lens, and a 2MP macro lens, while a 13MP front camera supports 1080p video recording.
Running on Android 14 with One UI 6.1, this phone is set to receive six major Android updates, ensuring longevity for users. A robust 5000mAh battery powers the device, supporting 25W charging and providing over 12 hours of active use, making it an excellent choice for daily activities.
The CMF Phone 1 by Nothing
Launched in July 2024, the CMF Phone 1 by Nothing has quickly gained attention for its premium feel and versatility at a budget price. Priced around $199, this smartphone features a striking 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a maximum brightness of 2000 nits, allowing for great outdoor visibility.
Its unique design includes a detachable back cover available in eco-leather, weighing approximately 200g. The device is powered by a 4nm Dimensity 7300 chip and offers up to 8GB of RAM, along with 256GB of expandable storage via microSD. Running on Android 14 with Nothing OS 3.0, it promises two major Android updates in the future.
The camera capabilities include a 50MP main camera paired with a 2MP depth sensor, and it supports electronic image stabilization (EIS) for 4K video recording at 30fps. The front camera is a 16MP sensor that can also record 1080p videos. The 5000mAh battery supports both 5W reverse charging and 33W fast charging, ensuring up to 16 hours of use, making it reliable for long days.
The TCL 50 XL 5G
Next on our list is the TCL 50 XL 5G, priced at just $159.99. Designed specifically for the U.S. market and unveiled at CES 2024, this smartphone features a 6.8-inch FHD+ LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing a smooth user experience. It is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ processor and comes with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of expandable storage via microSD.
On the rear, it features a dual-camera system comprising a 50MP main sensor and a 2MP depth lens. The device is equipped with a 5010mAh battery, supporting 18W wired charging. TCL has marketed the 50 XL 5G through various U.S. carriers, often offering attractive discounts and trade-in deals to make it even more affordable.
Xiaomi Redmi 14C
One of the standout devices on this list is the Xiaomi Redmi 14C, which launched in August 2024 at a budget-friendly price of only $110. This smartphone features a large 6.88-inch IPS LCD with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering a smooth visual experience, although the HD+ resolution of 720 x 1640 pixels is modest. It is protected by Gorilla Glass 3 and comes in various finishes, including eco-leather options.
The device is driven by the 12nm Helio G81 Ultra chipset, with configurations available for 4GB to 8GB of RAM and up to 256GB of eMMC 5.1 storage. Users can also expand storage via a dedicated microSD slot. While it lacks 5G support, it offers a decent 50MP main sensor with either a QVGA lens or basic secondary module for photography. The front-facing 13MP camera supports 1080p video recording at 30fps, making it reliable for selfies.
The Redmi 14C also features a solid 5160mAh battery with 18W charging via USB-C and retains the 3.5mm headphone jack, catering to users who prefer traditional audio connections.
The Moto G04
Lastly, we have the Moto G04, a budget Android smartphone launched in early 2024, starting at an attractive price of around $110. It features a 6.6-inch HD+ LCD display with a refresh rate of 90Hz, powered by the Unisoc T606 chipset. The phone supports options for either 4GB or 8GB of RAM and offers 64GB or 128GB of expandable storage.
With a 5000mAh battery supporting 15W wired charging, the G04 ensures longevity and reliable performance. It comes equipped with a 16MP rear camera and a 5MP selfie camera, catering to essential photography needs. The device runs on Android 14 with Motorola’s near-stock UI, providing a clean, user-friendly experience without unnecessary bloatware.
Constructed with a minimalistic design, the G04 features a single rear camera in a large module, flat edges, and a matte finish. Noteworthy features include RAM Boost for enhanced performance and ThinkShield for improved mobile security, making it a solid option in the budget category.