Buying Guides

Best Budget Smartphones 2024: Great Phones Under $400

You don't need to spend a fortune for a great smartphone. We've tested the best budget phones that deliver flagship features at affordable prices.

Lisa Thompson
9 min read
Best Budget Smartphones 2024: Great Phones Under $400

The budget smartphone market has never been more competitive, with manufacturers offering flagship-level features at increasingly affordable prices. Our comprehensive testing reveals the best smartphones under $400 that don't compromise on essential features.

Google Pixel 7a - $399

Google's Pixel 7a leads our budget category with exceptional camera performance and guaranteed Android updates. The Tensor G2 chip provides smooth performance, while the camera system rivals phones costing twice as much. Battery life is solid, lasting a full day of moderate use.

Samsung Galaxy A54 5G - $349

Samsung's Galaxy A54 5G offers premium design and a gorgeous 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display. The triple camera system performs well in good lighting, and the 5000mAh battery provides excellent longevity. One UI provides a feature-rich Android experience with regular security updates.

OnePlus Nord N30 5G - $299

The OnePlus Nord N30 5G delivers flagship-level performance at a budget price. The 108MP main camera captures detailed photos, while the 5000mAh battery with 50W fast charging is among the best in this price range. OxygenOS provides a clean, near-stock Android experience.

Motorola Moto G Power (2024) - $249

Motorola's Moto G Power focuses on battery life, delivering up to two days of use from its massive 5000mAh battery. Performance is adequate for daily tasks, and the clean Android experience with minimal bloatware is refreshing. The camera system is basic but functional.

Key Features to Consider

When shopping for budget smartphones, prioritize camera quality, battery life, and software update support. Display quality and build materials have improved significantly across all price ranges, making even budget phones feel premium.

Performance Expectations

Modern budget smartphones handle daily tasks smoothly, including social media, web browsing, and light gaming. While they may not match flagship performance in intensive applications, the difference is less noticeable for typical usage patterns.

Camera Performance

Budget phone cameras have improved dramatically, with computational photography helping overcome hardware limitations. The Pixel 7a leads in this category, while Samsung and OnePlus offer competitive alternatives with different strengths.

Our Top Recommendations

Best Overall: Google Pixel 7a
Best Display: Samsung Galaxy A54 5G
Best Performance: OnePlus Nord N30 5G
Best Battery Life: Motorola Moto G Power