These Are the Best Affordable Smartphones of 2023
Finding a fully functional and affordable smartphone is no longer as impossible as it used to be. In fact, many of the more budget-friendly mid-range devices on the market today are significantly better than the flagship models released just a few years ago. But with all these improvements comes a ton of different options—so how do you know which affordable smartphone is best for you?
Here are some of the best “budget” smartphones you can buy in 2023, from cheaper devices under $200 to more expensive but still affordable mid-range options.
Recommended Products:
My three most recommended budget smartphones are:
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Google Pixel 6a – $350.
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iPhone SE – $429.00.
Samsung Galaxy A14 5G, $200
Half a decade ago, I would have advised you to stay away from budget offerings from Samsung and other big names. Although these devices were inexpensive, they were not designed to provide high performance at an affordable price. However, in recent years everything has changed. Of course, the budget Samsung Galaxy A14 5G is a stunning smartphone considering it retails for under $200.
The Galaxy A14 5G is more than powerful enough to handle mobile gaming, basic smartphone tasks, and even 5G connectivity. It features a vibrant 6.6-inch Infinity-V display that can stand up to the displays of some higher-end smartphones. It also has a triple-lens camera, which is exactly three times more than most “cheap” phones.
Budget phones have previously sacrificed battery life to keep the price down, but the Galaxy A14 5G has a 5,000mAh battery that lasts a day with moderate use. And the best part: although the Galaxy A14 5G costs $199.99, it can often be found on sale for as little as $99.99, making it an exceptional value.
Google Pixel 6a, $350.00.
The A-series has always been Google’s attempt to provide more affordable devices without much compromise. Even though the Google Pixel 6a is now over a year old, it continues to be one of the best mid-range devices on the market. It’s powered by Google’s Tensor chip and showcases the capabilities of a phone entirely built by Google for use on its version of Android. This device typically costs $349.99, although it can often be found on sale for much less. (The new Pixel 7a, which offers an improved Tensor 2 chip, wireless charging, and upgraded cameras, is also an exceptional value; however, it typically retails for $499, which is outside the “affordable” price range.)
Featuring a 6.1-inch OLED display, the mid-range Google Pixel 6a uses machine learning to deliver fantastic performance and enhanced image capture. It includes 128GB of internal storage along with 6GB of RAM so it can meet your daily needs including light mobile gaming. The included 4,306mAh battery means you can expect to last all day on a single charge with average use.
iPhone SE, $429.
If you prefer Apple’s iOS ecosystem to Android’s, you can also find more affordable options from the iPhone maker. (No, really.) Perhaps the best choice is the iPhone SE , which launched a new model in 2022 and typically retails for $429 in the lowest-storage variant. It doesn’t have as large a display as many more affordable Android devices; its 4.7-inch Retina screen looks more like older iPhones (as does the bezel and physical button).
It’s made from aluminum and glass, giving it a premium Apple feel, and the included A15 Bionic chip is the same one found in the iPhone 13. It’s a reliable device that lets you take advantage of the Apple ecosystem without breaking the bank. (Alternatively, if you want a refurbished device, you can get a slightly older (but still great) iPhone 12 for around $300.)