Best Budget Smartphones Under $200 Reviewed
1. Samsung Galaxy A03s
The Samsung Galaxy A03s stands out with its sleek design and robust performance. Priced around $159, this smartphone offers a 6.5-inch HD+ display, providing vibrant visuals for streaming and gaming. Powering the device is a MediaTek Helio P35 processor, which ensures smooth multitasking and app performance. With a 5,000 mAh battery, users can expect impressive longevity, often lasting over a day with regular use.
Camera-wise, the A03s comes with a triple rear camera setup: a 13 MP primary lens, a 2 MP macro, and a 2 MP depth sensor, while the 5 MP front camera is adequate for selfies. Additionally, it runs on Android 11 with Samsung’s One UI, enhancing user experience through a familiar interface. For budget-conscious consumers, the Galaxy A03s is an excellent choice.
2. Moto G Play (2021)
Motorola’s Moto G Play (2021) retails for about $169 and is a true testament to budget performance. Featuring a 6.5-inch Max Vision display, this phone offers a digital canvas that’s perfect for viewing content. The MediaTek Helio G25 chipset is designed for efficient performance, and the phone is complemented by a massive 5,000 mAh battery, ensuring that users can enjoy up to three days of usage without frequent recharging.
Photography capabilities include a 13 MP main camera and a 2 MP depth sensor, providing decent images in good lighting. The front camera is a 5 MP, ideal for video calls and casual selfies. Though it doesn’t include 5G support, its 4G LTE and Operating System, clean Android 11, is optimized for intuitive navigation.
3. TCL 30 SE
The TCL 30 SE is an attractive option at approximately $149. With a 6.52-inch HD+ display, it presents sharp images and comfortable viewing angles. The MediaTek Helio G25 processor delivers reliable performance, and the extensive 5,000 mAh battery guarantees long hours of use.
For photography lovers, this phone offers a triple-camera configuration: 13 MP main lens, 2 MP macro, and a 2 MP depth sensor, along with a 5 MP front camera. The TCL 30 SE runs on Android 12, providing the latest features such as customizable home screens and improved privacy controls. This device is particularly appealing for users seeking an efficient daily driver.
4. Nokia G20
Nokia has long been synonymous with durability, and the Nokia G20, priced around $199, reflects that legacy. This device features a 6.5-inch HD+ display and is powered by a MediaTek Helio G35 processor, providing robust performance for everyday tasks. The G20 also includes a 5,050 mAh battery, easily supporting two days of regular usage.
On the photography front, the G20 packs a quad-camera setup: a 48 MP main camera, a 5 MP ultra-wide, a 2 MP macro, and a 2 MP depth sensor, enabling versatile photography options. Additionally, the 8 MP front-facing camera is perfect for selfies. Running on Android 11 with a promise of three years of security updates, the Nokia G20 is an attractive option for those seeking longevity in software support.
5. OnePlus Nord N200 5G
The OnePlus Nord N200 5G is unique in this budget category, priced at about $199. It features a 6.49-inch FHD+ display, offering an immersive viewing experience. Powered by a Snapdragon 480 chipset, this phone supports 5G connectivity, making it future-proof in terms of networking.
With a 5,000 mAh battery, users can expect full-day performance, even with heavy usage. The smartphone features a triple rear camera system: a 13 MP primary sensor, a 2 MP macro shooter, and a 2 MP monochrome sensor. The 16 MP front camera completes the package for selfie enthusiasts. The OxygenOS based on Android 11 provides a sleek, user-friendly experience.
6. Xiaomi Redmi 10A
Xiaomi’s Redmi 10A comes in at about $129, making it one of the more affordable options on this list. Featuring a spacious 6.53-inch HD+ display, users will appreciate the large screen for media consumption. It is powered by the MediaTek Helio G25 processor, sufficient for standard day-to-day tasks.
Battery life is impressive, with a 5,000 mAh capacity that can last over a day with normal use. The dual-camera system on the back includes a 13 MP primary camera and a 2 MP depth sensor, alongside a 5 MP front camera for selfies. The device runs on MIUI 12 based on Android 11, ensuring a modern interface and features.
7. Realme C11
The Realme C11 is another competitively priced option, typically available for about $149. With a 6.5-inch large display, it provides a good viewing experience for its price point. It operates on a MediaTek Helio G35 chipset, which performs adequately for general use.
The 5,000 mAh battery found in the Realme C11 offers substantial endurance, often lasting more than a day, while the dual-camera system consists of a 13 MP main camera and a 2 MP depth sensor, complemented by a 5 MP front-facing camera for selfies. The Realme UI, based on Android 10, is intuitive and user-friendly.
8. LG K22
The LG K22 is priced at approximately $139 and features a 6.2-inch HD+ display. This smartphone sports a Qualcomm Snapdragon 215 processor, facilitating decent daily performance. The 3,000 mAh battery may not be the largest, but it typically meets the daily use demands without issue.
Camera-wise, the K22 has a dual-camera setup with a 13 MP main and a 2 MP depth sensor for versatile photography options. The 5 MP front camera is perfect for selfies. Running on Android 10, the LG K22 provides a straightforward user experience, ideal for first-time smartphone users or those seeking simplicity.
9. Nokia C20
Priced around $119, the Nokia C20 is one of the simplest devices on this list. It features a 6.52-inch HD+ display and is powered by a Unisoc SC9863A chipset. This low-end processor is suitable for basic tasks, but performance may lag under heavier loads.
The 3,000 mAh battery offers reasonable performance for light users. The camera system includes an 8 MP rear camera and a 5 MP front camera, suitable for casual photography. Running on Android 11 (Go Edition), the C20 provides essential features with notable efficiency, making it ideal for budget users.
10. ZTE Blade A7 (2020)
The ZTE Blade A7, priced around $129, is a sleek smartphone with a 6.09-inch HD+ display. It operates on a MediaTek MT6762 chipset, which delivers adequate performance for everyday use. The device is equipped with a 4,000 mAh battery, providing dependable battery life.
The camera setup includes a 16 MP main sensor with an 8 MP front camera for selfies. The Blade A7 runs on Android 9 Pie but offers a clean user interface that is easy to navigate. With solid performance and aesthetics, this phone is a worthy contender in the budget category.
Each smartphone listed delivers impressive value while ensuring a blend of essential features, performance, and design. These devices cater to various preferences and needs, allowing consumers to select the best option based on their budget and requirements.
