3 Best Affordable
With mobile technology advancing so rapidly, you no longer need to break the bank to get a smartphone with all the features you want. There are now excellent budget and mid-range options that provide great performance and specs that rival premium flagship phones from just a few years ago.
In this review roundup, I analyze some of the best affordable smartphones you can buy in 2023 based on factors like price, features, performance, battery life and more. I’ve categorized them into cheaper sub-$200 options all the way up to solid mid-range phones under $500. My top recommendations are the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G, Google Pixel 6a and Apple iPhone SE (2022).
Samsung Galaxy A14 5G: Best Under $200
Without a doubt, the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G is the best smartphone you can get right now for under $200. It exceeds expectations of what an “entry-level” phone can offer.
Some key highlights:
- Vibrant 6.6” HD+ Infinity-V display
- Triple lens camera system – a rarity for this price
- Snappy performance handling everyday tasks and mobile gaming
- Large 5,000 mAh battery for all-day battery life
- 5G connectivity
And frequently on sale for only $99! Between the gorgeous display, versatile camera setup and long battery life alone, the Galaxy A14 5G delivers tremendous value even at full price. Factor in occasional deals dipping it under $100, and it’s a no-brainer for shoppers on a tight budget. GO TO STORE
Google Pixel 6a: Best Mid-Range Under $500
Stepping up a tier in price, Google’s Pixel 6a smartphone (normally $349) remains one of the best mid-range mobiles thanks to its flagship-level performance.
Standout features:
- Google Tensor chip for machine learning tasks
- 128GB storage and 6GB RAM – enough power for mobile gaming
- All-day battery with 4,306 mAh capacity
- Clean Android experience with fast software updates
- Great dual camera system
As a mid-cycle update to the Pixel 6, you get many of the same premium specs and software capabilities found in Google’s pricier flagships. From the polished Android interface to camera smarts leveraging machine learning, the Pixel 6a delivers a top-notch experience without breaking $400. GO TO STORE
iPhone SE (2022): Best Budget iOS Phone
For those invested in Apple’s iOS ecosystem, the latest iteration of the iPhone SE released in 2022 gives you modern flagship power in an affordable package at $429.
Why it’s a good value:
- Apple’s fast A15 Bionic chip
- Premium build quality mixing glass and aluminum
- All-day battery life
- Solid rear camera for photos and 4K video
- Access to millions of iOS apps
Yes, the design itself is dated with thick bezels and a smallish 4.7-inch screen. However, as the only brand new iPhone you can buy for under $500, the SE packs impressive performance and imaging capabilities that outclass the specs of many costlier Android devices. For Apple devotees on a budget, it delivers good bang for buck. GO TO STORE
The Bottom Line
You no longer need $1,000+ to get an excellent smartphone. As highlighted by the Samsung Galaxy 14 5G, Google Pixel 6a and 2022 iPhone SE in this review roundup, there are fantastic options across both Android and iOS that balance useful features and power with an affordable price in 2023.
