The Best Cheap Phones for 2023 – Top Budget-Friendly

What We Like?

The Google Pixel 7a provides a solid offering with its exceptional camera capabilities, reliable battery life, and clean Android experience. The device’s design is sleek and contemporary, appealing to a broad user base.

What We Don’t Like?

However, the lack of expandable storage and absence of a best headphone jack may dissuade some potential users.

What We Like?

The Moto G 5G (2023) packs plenty of features into its affordable price tag, including a large display, a multi-camera system, and 5G connectivity. The device’s clean and intuitive software experience is another plus.

What We Don’t Like?

The device’s plastic build may not appeal to everyone, and its camera performance under low-light conditions could be improved.

What We Like?

The Apple iPhone SE (2022) shines in its approach to provide flagship-like features at a mid-range price. It features the powerful A15 Bionic chip, a robust single-lens camera system, and supports 5G connectivity. Its compact design is a breath of fresh air in an era of increasingly large devices.

What We Don’t Like?

While offering several premium features, the device falls short in terms of battery life when compared to its competitors. Additionally, it lacks a high refresh rate display, a feature now common in this price range.

What We Like?

The Samsung Galaxy A14 5G is a testament to the brand’s commitment to delivering solid performance at a reasonable price. It boasts a durable build, a vibrant Super AMOLED display, and a versatile camera system capable of capturing high-quality photos. The device also supports 5G connectivity, offering high speed internet accessibility.

What We Don’t Like?

Despite its many strengths, the Galaxy A14 5G does disappoint in some aspects. Its plastic body feels a bit cheap, and its software experience, with a significant amount of pre-installed apps (bloatware), may not appeal to everyone. The device also lacks water and dust resistance, a feature that’s becoming increasingly common in this segment.

What We Like?

The Samsung Galaxy A54 marks a significant leap forward for Samsung’s A-series line. This smartphone offers exceptional performance thanks to its enhanced processor and expanded RAM. It features an impressive Super AMOLED display, offering stunning visuals, and supports 5G connectivity, enabling a seamless browsing experience. Furthermore, the A54 takes mobile photography to a new level with its highly capable camera system.

What We Don’t Like?

While the Samsung Galaxy A54 has much to offer, it does have its drawbacks. The plastic body, similar to the A14 5G, doesn’t resonate well with the device’s premium features. Additionally, the phone comes loaded with pre-installed apps that may not be useful for all users, potentially taking up valuable storage space. The absence of water and dust resistance also marks a miss in this device’s otherwise solid specifications.

What We Like?

The OnePlus Nord N20 5G is a promising addition to the smartphone market, marking an exciting chapter for the OnePlus Nord series. The smartphone’s performance is exceptional, driven by an advanced processor and ample RAM. Its dynamic AMOLED display delivers stunning visuals, and the device fully supports 5G, ensuring fluid and efficient web browsing. Furthermore, the N20 5G elevates smartphone photography, boasting an advanced camera system.

What We Don’t Like?

Despite its impressive features, the OnePlus Nord N20 5G is not without its drawbacks. Its plastic body, mirroring the previous editions, may not appeal to users who prefer a more premium feel. The device is also preloaded with apps that may not be beneficial for all users, potentially occupying precious storage space. Furthermore, the N20 5G lacks water and dust resistance, an omission in its otherwise comprehensive spec sheet.

What We Like?

The Motorola Moto G Power 5G (2023) makes a substantial entry into the mid-range smartphone market, setting a challenging precedent for competitors. The smartphone’s performance is driven by a solid processor and ample RAM, ensuring smooth operation. The device’s IPS LCD display provides clear, vibrant visuals, and it’s 5G-ready, guaranteeing fast web browsing and data transfers. Additionally, the Moto G Power’s camera system is capable of capturing high-quality images and videos.

What We Don’t Like?

Despite its commendable features, the Motorola Moto G Power 5G (2023) isn’t flawless. The phone’s heavier weight and bulkier size may discourage users looking for a more compact device. It also comes with pre-loaded software, which may prove unnecessary for some users, thereby consuming valuable storage space. Moreover, its lack of an AMOLED screen, which is available in many competing models, is a notable shortcoming.

What We Like?

The Nokia 2780 Flip marks a significant re-entry into the flip phone market, with a well-calibrated blend of nostalgia and modern technology. This device stands out for its compact design, providing an easy-to-use interface and tangible buttons for those who prefer a more tactile experience. The phone features 4G LTE capability, ensuring reasonably fast web browsing and data transfers. With its dual screens, users can conveniently access notifications without flipping open the phone. The phone’s camera, while not top-tier, is sufficient for basic photography needs.

What We Don’t Like?

Despite its unique appeal, the Nokia 2780 Flip does bring some drawbacks to the table. Its comparatively limited features may not meet the needs of users accustomed to the more sophisticated capabilities of modern smartphones. Additionally, the device’s internet browsing experience, while functional, doesn’t match the speed and fluidity offered by contemporary smartphones. The phone’s camera quality also leaves room for improvement.

What We Like?

The OnePlus Nord N30 5G is a tech-savvy enthusiast’s dream. Powered by a Snapdragon 480 5G chipset, the device promises seamless performance and speed. The phone’s 6.49-inch 90Hz fluid display guarantees an immersive viewing experience, while its 5000mAh battery ensures long-lasting power.

What sets this phone apart is its 5G connectivity, offering ultra-fast data speeds and reduced lag for smoother performance. Its 64MP main camera, coupled with an 8MP ultra-wide lens, captures high-definition photos and videos, making it suitable for all your photography needs.

What We Don’t Like?

Despite its attractive features, the OnePlus Nord N30 5G falls short in a few areas. Its plastic build may not appeal to those who prefer more premium materials. The device’s software updates are also sporadic, potentially leaving users waiting for the latest Android version. Additionally, while its camera setup is satisfactory, it doesn’t match the superior photo and video capture capabilities of some of its competitors.

What We Like?

The Motorola Moto G Play (2023) is an affordable entry-level smartphone that offers a robust feature set. Its 6.5″ HD+ display provides a decent viewing experience, while its large 5000mAh battery delivers impressive longevity. The phone’s 13MP dual camera system enables satisfactory photo-taking capabilities for everyday use. Furthermore, it runs on a responsive Snapdragon 460 processor, providing smooth performance for basic tasks and applications.

What We Don’t Like?

Despite its compelling features, the Moto G Play (2023) has its shortcomings. Its body, made primarily of plastic, may not cater to those seeking a premium feel. The device runs on Android 10 out of the box, and Motorola’s history with sporadic updates may leave users waiting for the latest Android version. Additionally, its camera performance, while adequate for everyday use, is not on par with higher-end models in its class.