When you’re brief on time and simply need our prime suggestion for a $400 smartphone, look on the desk under. For a extra detailed perception into our prime picks, proceed studying the descriptions under or try the out there opinions earlier than making your resolution.
Editor’s observe: the costs highlighted on this article could differ relying on reductions provided by the producers.
One of the best smartphones underneath $400 in 2024
Shopping for information: What you’ll be able to anticipate from smartphones as much as $400
On this part, we define what smartphones underneath $400 supply in 2024. Whereas mid-range telephones present a good stability of value and efficiency, within the US, this value sits between price range fashions and high-end mid-rangers.
At this value, you may discover older gadgets or ones with lesser specs. Although most have 5G, they could lag in digicam, efficiency, and design compared to the $600 range with newer tech.
- Energy and efficiency: Investing in a sub-$400 gadget will at the least assure that the SoC can deal with the latest video games. Right here, it is best to anticipate SoC’s which are at the least one to 2 years outdated and supply good efficiency for every day duties.
- Cameras:Â Within the mid-range, fashions just like the Samsung Galaxy A54Â have 50-megapixel major cameras, however do not match the Galaxy S23Â Ultra’s photo quality. The first concern on this vary is with the cameras, particularly “Quad cameras” that use low-quality macro and depth sensors. Sadly, the telephoto digicam typically will get compromised.
- Battery & charging:Â Batteries on this value vary are usually between 4,500 and 5,000 mAh, however charging speeds are subpar. Gadgets from OnePlus and Xiaomi supply over 60W fast-charging, however they are not out there within the US. Right here, 10W to 15W is first rate. Wi-fi charging is uncommon at this value level.
- Show:Â When it comes to show, we will anticipate FullHD+ screens with excessive refresh charges (except for Apple), and OLED shows are getting more and more standard, with good shade copy and spectacular distinction ranges.
- Age and help: At this value, be cautious of gadgets older than two years as a result of restricted software program updates. Most will obtain just one or two updates past their preliminary OS. Therefore, Android 10 gadgets will change into outdated after the launch of Android 14 in 2023, for instance.
- Service compatibility:Â On this value vary, not all gadgets are suitable with each provider. Many are designed for GSM networks, frequent outdoors the US. When you’re on a CDMA community like Verizon, guarantee compatibility. Nevertheless, with 4G LTE and 5G, this concern is diminishing.
Editor’s alternative underneath $400: Google Pixel 6a
Read nextpit’s Google Pixel 6a review
The Google Pixel 6a is on the market for buy since July 21, 2022, however surprisingly the gadget might be discovered on Amazon for $399 with 128 GB. Full of Google’s customized Tensor processor for higher efficiency of Machine Studying-based options, the Pixel 6a appears to be the most suitable choice for many who need a extra compact Google cellphone in 2024.
In my evaluate of the gadget, it was already fairly clear that this cellphone was unbeatable amongst the smartphones underneath $400, despite the fact that it solely affords one inside storage choice and a 60 Hz refresh fee. Greater than that, the 6a is essentially the most cost-effective smartphone out of your complete Pixel 6 collection.
With regards to the digicam suite, the Pixel 6a affords a reasonably fundamental module, nevertheless it would not actually lag behind the competitors, provided that Google’s massive asset right here is within the digicam software program. So you’ll be able to ensure that the images taken with the 6a will bear the Pixel collection’ stamp of high quality.
Good
- Premium smartphone efficiency
- Balanced picture post-processing
- Optimum dimension
- Clear software program
- As much as 5 years of updates
- IP67 certification
Dangerous
- Display screen refresh fee of solely 60 Hz
- Just one inside storage choice
- No wi-fi charging help
A pleasant tip: Contemplate checking the Google Pixel 7a (review) costs earlier than making a purchase order. The gadget may be out there at an analogous value in your most well-liked e-commerce platform.
Finest iPhone underneath $400:Â Apple iPhone SE (2022)
Read nextpit’s Apple iPhone SE 2022 review
As an Apple various, we advocate the iPhone SE (2022) with none second thought. Coming two years after the iPhone SE (2020), the brand new price range iPhone sports activities a strong A15-bionic however sees little enchancment over the earlier gadget. You get a 12MP digicam inside a nearly comparable casing to the iPhone SE 2020 (and iPhone 8/7/6s) and IP67 resistance.
The actual improve except for the SoC (and the additional GB of RAM at 4GB) is the 5G connectivity, which makes the gadget lastly able to having fun with the most recent connectivity know-how like the remainder of the sub-$400 gadgets you see on this record. We already examined the iPhone SE (2022) and, in fact, it’s a nice resolution for anybody searching for an inexpensive iPhone.
Good
- Insane efficiency degree
- Excessive-quality workmanship
- Surprisingly good picture and video efficiency
- Stable battery life that lasts up until late at evening
Dangerous
- Show is just outdated
- Too few digicam capabilities
- Low space for storing within the base mannequin with out expandable reminiscence
- Costlier than predecessor at market launch
One of the best various underneath $400: Samsung Galaxy A54
Read the Samsung Galaxy A54 review
With yearly incremental upgrades, the Galaxy A54 is the 2023 model of one among Samsung’s bestsellers, and for good cause. It affords a good stability between value and efficiency, and prior to now couple of years received a pleasant enhance within the software program replace coverage division, with a promise of 4 Android upgrades and 5 years of safety updates, which until recently, was better than even Google’s.
Its efficiency is noticeably decrease than the Poco F5 and even the Pixel 6a in each video games and heavy-processing duties, however for normal utilization, most individuals will not discover a distinction. The Galaxy A54 typically affords much less reminiscence than most competing telephones, however it’s the solely mannequin in at the moment’s record with microSD storage enlargement.
The cameras on the Galaxy A54 are first rate, higher than the Xiaomi and Motorola telephones on this record however nonetheless behind the Pixel, with good daylight and evening photographs, and extra usable ultra-wide and macro cameras than the Xiaomi duo.
General, the Galaxy A54 would not win within the efficiency, battery, or digicam departments, nevertheless it additionally would not compromise an excessive amount of on these classes. And the superior software program help means that it’s going to nonetheless obtain safety updates 4 years from now.
Good
- Nice AMOLED display (as regular)
- Glorious battery life
- Good efficiency in apps and video games
- One of the best replace coverage on its value vary
- Fewer bloatware than its Chinese language rivals
Dangerous
- No headphone jack
- Sluggish wired charging
- Lags behind the Pixels in digicam efficiency
One of the best battery life for lower than $400: Nothing Cellphone (2a)
Nothing Phone (2a) full review
The Cellphone (2a) is Nothing’s newest inexpensive smartphone. It affords a well-balanced technical specification however stands out above all for its design, judged by my colleague Antoine Engels to be the best-looking mid-range smartphone of 2024.
The Cellphone (2a) affords a nice expertise with its Nothing OS 2.5 interface and guarantees to be sturdy with its 3 Android updates promise and a 4 12 months coverage on safety updates. Efficiency is first rate and secure, though the smartphone isn’t outfitted with the most recent Snapdragon SoC.
With its 5000 mAh battery supporting 45 W quick charging, the Cellphone (2a) is the autonomy champion in its value vary. In our battery benchmark, the smartphone lasted a powerful 17 h 02. You possibly can simply go two days with out recharging your Cellphone (2a). It additionally affords the added benefit of recharging not too slowly.
The one actual concession you may must make, in my view, considerations the picture high quality, which is not very convincing, particularly at evening. Aside from that, the Nothing Cellphone (2a) is a well-balanced mid-range smartphone with a gorgeous display, first rate efficiency and, above all, exceptional battery life.
Good
- Lovely OLED LTPO 120 Hz display
- Nearly unchanged however nonetheless very cool design
- Glyph interface rather less gimmicky
- Three Android updates + 4 years of safety updates
- Glorious autonomy
- Wi-fi and reverse wi-fi charging
Dangerous
- Common picture high quality
- IP54 licensed solely
- Aggressive thermal clamping
- No charger included
Premium look underneath $400: Motorola Edge 40
Read the Motorola Edge 40 review
The Edge 40 appears misplaced on this record, with an MSRP of $600, however the cellphone is very discounted more often than not, with avenue costs normally under $400. The cellphone is obtainable in varied splashy colours (however for some cause Motorola opted to lend us the boring black choice for the evaluate…) and comes with a pleasant delicate materials on the again that feels premium to the contact and helps with the grip.
For many who desire curved shows, the Edge 40 is among the few choices left on this value vary, with a pleasant and quick display that refreshes at 144 Hz. One other characteristic that’s unique to the Edge on this record is wi-fi charging, and whereas the above Redmi cellphone beats the Motorola in wired charging speeds, the Edge 40 features a first rate 68 W charger that took it to full cost in 46 minutes throughout nextpit’s evaluate.
Within the software program division, Motorola bumped its software program replace coverage to match Xiaomi’s 4 years of safety updates, which though inferior to Samsung and Google, is affordable for most individuals. And the Dimensity 8200 ought to supply ok efficiency till then, with a processor that sits roughly mid-way between the very quick Snapdragon on the Poco F5 and the mid-range Dimensity 1080 on the Redmi Be aware 12 Professional+.
Good
- Superb haptics (grip & weight)
- Good show
- Sufficiently quick processor
- IP68 certification
- Bloatware is stored inside limits
- Moto My UX and Prepared For
- 68 W energy adapter included
Dangerous
- Replace coverage lower than the class leaders
- Just one reminiscence configuration (in Europe, at the least)
- No analog headphone jack
- No microSD help
Finest cellphone with Stylus underneath $400: Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2023)
Motorola affords many choices on this value vary—some may argue too many—however a standout is the Moto G Stylus line. It brings some productiveness options of the Galaxy Be aware household to a broader market.
The G Stylus vary is differentiated by 2023Â fashions, out there with or with out 5G connectivity. The most recent mannequin, aptly named Moto G Stylus 5G (2023), isn’t solely spectacular on paper but in addition competitively priced. It contains 6Â GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage, with an choice for microSD card enlargement.
Nevertheless, the digicam division may appear underwhelming with its 8 MP ultra-wide digicam and a major 50 MP lens. Conversely, the massive 6.6-inch LCD display boasts a swift 120Hz refresh fee, supreme for duties like note-taking, picture modifying, or scrolling on social media.
In conclusion, whereas the Moto G Stylus 5G won’t excel in each class, it affords a balanced set of options and a uniqueness not generally seen in at the moment’s smartphones.
Options to buying a dearer smartphone
Getting a tool with a plan, discounted or free
Financing a tool is an inexpensive option to receive a brand new one, as carriers supply incentives to draw and retain clients. Sometimes, funds are damaged into 24 or 36 installments with an eligible plan. Moreover, reductions and even free gadgets can be found when beginning a brand new plan.
Refurbished and used smartphones
If eradicating the protecting movie for the primary time in your new gadget doesn’t trigger you to leap for pleasure, you’ll be able to choose up dearer smartphones from the second-hand or refurbished market. It’s significantly advisable to make use of gadgets that carry a refurbished assure.
Refurbished smartphones are inspected and restored by trusted corporations to make sure high quality. They’re particularly interesting when accompanied by an prolonged guarantee, providing safety in opposition to potential points shortly after buy.
What do you consider this choice? Which fashions do you suppose we’ve forgotten and which should be included? Do you discover the recommendation sections and our testing course of helpful? What do you consider this new format? We stay up for your suggestions!Â
