Top 10 Affordable Smartphones in 2023: Budget-Friendly Gems

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As the smartphone industry advances rapidly, affordable smartphones 2023 offer impressive performance, decent camera capabilities, and long-lasting batteries without breaking the bank. Consumers are no longer required to splurge on high-end devices to experience impressive features. In 2023, the market continues to deliver budget-friendly smartphones that strike the perfect balance between functionality and affordability. Whether you’re a student on a tight budget, a cost-conscious professional, or someone who simply prefers a practical and reasonably priced device, these top 10 cheap phones are worth exploring. Below, we present a list of smartphones that offer outstanding value for money along with their key specifications and the pros and cons of each device.

1.Samsung Galaxy A54 – The Best Cheap Phone Overall

Pros

Cons

1.Samsung Galaxy A54 – The Best Cheap Phone Overall

SPECIFICATIONS:

Display: 6.4 inches (2340 x 1080)
CPU: Exynos 1380
RAM: 6GB, 8GB
Storage / Expandable: 128GB, 256GB / Yes
Rear camera: 50MP main (f/1.8), 12MP ultrawide (f/2.2), 5MP macro (f/2.4)
Front camera: 32MP (f/2.2)
Weight: 7.1 ounces

The Samsung Galaxy A54 is a top pick in our affordable smartphones category. It boasts a 6.4-inch bright display, an improved 50MP main camera, and solid battery life. The phone’s fun colors and impressive camera performance make it stand out. However, its processor may not offer significant performance gains over its predecessor, and noticeable bezels could be a drawback. Despite these minor cons, the Galaxy A54 delivers excellent value for its $449 price tag.

2.Google Pixel 7a – Premium Features for Less

Pros

Cons

SPECIFICATIONS:

Display: 6.1 inches (2400 x 1080)
CPU: Tensor G2
RAM: 8GB
Storage / Expandable: 128GB / No
Rear camera: 64MP main (f/1.89), 13MP ultrawide (f/2.2)
Front camera: 13MP (f/2.2)
Weight: 6.8 ounces

Priced slightly higher at $499, the Google Pixel 7a justifies its cost with premium features. The phone sports a 6.1-inch bright display with a smooth 90Hz refresh rate and supports wireless charging. Its 64MP main camera captures stunning low-light shots. While it costs more than the Galaxy A54, the Pixel 7a’s powerful Tensor G2 chip and impressive camera capabilities make it worth the extra bucks. It truly belongs in our affordable smartphones 2023 category.

Read our full Google Pixel 7a review

3.Google Pixel 6a – An Even Lower Price on a Still-Great Phone

Pros

Cons

SPECIFICATIONS:

Display: 6.1 inches (2400 x 1080)
CPU: Tensor G1
RAM: 6GB
Storage / Expandable: 128GB / No
Rear camera: 12.2MP main (f/1.7), 12MP ultrawide (f/2.2)
Front camera: 8MP (f/2.0)
Weight: 6.3 ounces

At $349, the Google Pixel 6a is a more affordable option, featuring a 6.1-inch display and the Tensor G1 chip. It may lack some of the 7a’s new features but still delivers excellent photo quality. Android OS support will last for two years, making it a viable choice among the best affordable smartphones in 2023.

Read our full Google Pixel 6a review

4.iPhone SE (2022) – The Best Cheap iPhone

Pros

Cons

SPECIFICATIONS:

Display: 4.7-inch LCD (1334×750)
CPU: A15 Bionic
RAM: Unknown
Storage / Expandable: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB / No
Rear camera: 12MP (ƒ/1.8)
Front camera: 7MP (ƒ/2.2)
Weight: 5.09 ounces

Apple’s iPhone SE (2022) stands out as the best cheap iPhone, equipped with the powerful A15 Bionic chip for impressive performance. It offers very good camera quality, though it lacks a night mode for low-light photography. Despite its small 4.7-inch display and noticeable bezels, the iPhone SE 2022 remains a popular choice for those who prefer smaller phones at a lower price.

5.OnePlus Nord N30 – The Best Phone Under $300

Pros

Cons

SPECIFICATIONS:

Display: 6.72 inches (2400 x 1080)
CPU: Snapdragon 695 5G
RAM: 8GB
Storage / Expandable: 128GB / Yes
Rear camera: 108MP (f/1.7) main; 2MP (f/2.4) depth; 2MP (f/2.4) macro
Front camera: 16MP (f/2.4)
Weight: 6.9 ounces

The OnePlus Nord N30 5G isn’t as capable as the phones ranked above it, but it comes at a budget-friendly price of $299, making it a top affordable smartphones for those on a tight budget. With a big 6.72-inch display boasting a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and a powerful Snapdragon 695 5G chip, the Nord N30 handles most tasks efficiently. Its impressive battery life ensures you won’t run out of power during the day. However, its camera performance may be inconsistent, and the absence of an ultrawide lens is a drawback. Despite this, the OnePlus Nord N30 offers great value for the price.

6.Motorola Edge 2022 – Motorola’s Pixel 6a Challenger

Pros

Cons

SPECIFICATIONS:

Display: 6.6 inches (2400 x 1080)
CPU: MediaTek Dimensity 1050
RAM: 8GB
Storage / Expandable: 128GB, 256GB / No
Rear camera: 50MP wide (ƒ/1.8); 13MP ultrawide (ƒ/2.2); depth sensor
Front camera: 32MP (ƒ/2.45)
Weight: 5.99 ounces

The Motorola Edge 2022 offers premium features at a reasonable price of $498, although some retailers may list the 256GB version for $599. It boasts a beautiful 6.6-inch display and receives three years of software updates, ensuring it stays relevant for longer. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 1050 chipset, it delivers solid overall performance, especially for graphics-intensive tasks. However, its camera performance may be lackluster, and its price is higher compared to other options. Despite this, the Motorola Edge 2022 appeals to those seeking affordable smartphones with premium features.

7.Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G – Good Budget Phone for Note-Takers

Pros

Cons

SPECIFICATIONS:

Display: 6.6 inches (2400 x 1080)
CPU: Snapdragon 6 Gen 1
RAM: 6GB
Storage / Expandable: 256GB / Yes
Rear camera: 50MP (f/1.9) main, 8MP (f/2.2) ultrawide
Front camera: 16MP (f/2.5)
Weight: 7.1 ounces

The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G offers a built-in stylus for note-taking and precise photo editing. Its surprisingly good battery life ensures you can use it throughout the day without worry. The phone’s narrow frame makes typing easier compared to larger devices. However, the camera’s focus can be inconsistent, and it may receive only one Android OS update. Nevertheless, if you’re a note-taker on a budget, the Moto G Stylus 5G is a solid option for buying affordable smartphones 2023

Pros

Cons

SPECIFICATIONS:

Display: 6.67 inches (2400 x 1080)
CPU: Snapdragon 480 5G
RAM: 4GB
Storage / Expandable: 128GB / Yes
Rear camera: 50MP (f/1.9) wide, 5MP (f/2.2) ultrawide, 2MP macro
Front camera: 16MP
Weight: 7.1 ounces

Verizon customers who want a long-lasting 5G phone that’s capable of taking advantage of the carrier’s fastest speeds should consider the TCL 30 V 5G. It’s another example of a 5G phone that won’t break the bank, as you can find this particular handset for less than $300. As is typical of TCL phones, you get a big, expansive display with accurate colors. The Snapdragon 480 5G silicon powering the phone doesn’t exactly offer blazing performance, but that’s a trade-off you make for a cheaper device. You will be pleased with the phone’s battery life, which hit 11 hours and 46 minutes in our testing. The TCL 30 V 5G isn’t an option if you prefer other wireless carriers, but if you’re committed to Verizon and don’t mind buying the TCL 30 V 5G straight from the carrier, this is a solid budget buy.

9.Nokia XR20 – A Durable Budget Phone with Solid Performance

Pros

Cons

SPECIFICATIONS:

Display: 6.67 inches (2400 x 1080)
CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G
RAM: 6GB, 8GB
Storage / Expandable: 128GB, 256GB / Yes
Rear camera: 48MP (f/1.79), 13MP ultrawide (f/2.4)
Front camera: 8MP (f/2.0)
Weight: 7.47 ounces

The Nokia XR20 stands out with its rugged design, meeting military-grade durability standards. It features 5G connectivity and offers all-day battery life. However, its camera performance may not be on par with other phones in its price range, and some users may find its hefty design less appealing. Nevertheless, if you prioritize durability and 5G capabilities, the Nokia XR20 is a worthy option if you are looking for affordable smartphones in 2023

10.Xiaomi Poco X5 – A Budget Phone with Powerful Battery Life

Pros

Cons

SPECIFICATIONS:

Display: 6.67 inches (2400 x 1080)
CPU: MediaTek Dimensity 810 5G
RAM: 4GB, 6GB, 8GB
Storage / Expandable: 64GB, 128GB / Yes
Rear camera: 50MP (f/1.8) wide, 8MP (f/2.2) ultrawide, 2MP macro
Front camera: 13MP (f/2.0)
Weight: 7.48 ounces

The Xiaomi Poco X5 offers exceptional battery life, ensuring you can go through a full day of heavy use without worrying about running out of power. Its MediaTek Dimensity 810 5G chip provides reliable performance, and the phone supports 5G connectivity. However, the device comes with some pre-installed bloatware, and its camera performance may not be as impressive as other options. Nevertheless, the Xiaomi Poco X5’s affordable price and long-lasting battery make it a solid choice for budget-conscious consumers.

Conclusion:

Affordable smartphones in 2023 offer impressive performance, decent camera capabilities, and long-lasting batteries without breaking the bank. From the Samsung Galaxy A54’s overall excellence to the budget-friendly Google Pixel 6a and iPhone SE (2022), there are plenty of options to cater to various needs and preferences. As technology continues to advance, budget-friendly smartphones are increasingly becoming more feature-rich, making it easier for users to find the perfect device without compromising on quality. Whether you’re looking for a powerful budget phone or a durable option, this list has something for everyone.