Smartphones have stopped being a luxury and have become a necessity. Not only do we use them to communicate with friends and loved ones, but we also use them to make payments, manage our work, and even prove our identity.
So for people that are living on a budget, the rising price of these pocket-sized computers over the last few years has really made purchasing one more difficult. Thankfully, manufacturers have begun to make budget models that are good enough to handle more than just the most basic of tasks.
Today, a decent budget smartphone can cost as little as half that of a flagship model, but still do many of the same things. Let’s take a look at which ones work best in each scenario.
Gaming
Smartphones have become one of the most popular ways to play games in recent years. The rise of the format has helped to encourage more women into playing, though many of them have shown different preferences to men. Mobile versions of popular online casino games, particularly video slots and live games are popular among women, as are hypercasual games like puzzles and brain teasers.
If you enjoy playing games from your smartphone but are concerned that a budget smartphone might not be up to the task, take comfort in the knowledge that most of the cheaper handsets from big brands will run just fine.
Most smartphone games are designed to run on all types of hardware, so there aren’t the same compatibility issues you find with computers.
Photography
If you want your smartphone for taking great-looking photographs and capturing all the precious moments that go on in your life, then you need to find a budget one that still has a great looking camera. They’ve also made big improvements compared to the Alcatel 3V from a few years ago.
You won’t get the same x10 telephoto lenses and quad-sensor setups you find on the near £1,000 handsets, but you can still get a lot of bang for your buck.
The Samsung Galaxy S10e is a great option as it packs in a 12-megapixel wide lens and a 16-megapixel ultrawide sensor. However, at £399, it’s pricier than other budget models. If optical zoom is important, try the Motorola Moto G8, which has an 8-megapixel x2 telephoto sensor. Other decent options include the OnePlus Nord N10 5G, Google Pixel 4a and the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9.
For Apple Fans
Apple is well known for charging a premium for its products. For many people, that price is justified by the company’s build quality and focus on user experience. But for those on a budget, it makes most of the iPhones out of reach.
Thankfully, now some budget options, including the company’s dedicated budget iPhone SE or older handsets like the iPhone 7 and 8.
The iPhone SE contains the same internal components as the iPhone 11, making it one of the fastest budget devices on the market. It doesn’t have Face ID or the more modern styling seen on newer models, but at £329, it’s hard to argue with.
For 5G
5G isn’t available everywhere yet, but networks are working as quickly as they can to roll it out. Most major cities in the UK now have at least some 5G coverage, with most expected to have it within a couple of years.
It offers faster speeds than 4G, along with more capacity in busy areas and lower latency which can offer benefits in certain circumstances.
5G hardware costs a little more, so not all budget handsets currently offer it. But if you do want to take advantage of the new standard, then the OnePlus Nord N10 5G is a great option. At £379, it’s as close to a flagship handset you can get without paying for one, as in addition to its 5G capabilities, it contains dual selfie cameras, a powerful processor, and great rear lenses.
The Google Pixel 4a 5G and Samsung Galaxy A52 5G are also solid options, though they cost about the same as the OnePlus.