The Best Budget Smartphones

In today’s digital age, smartphones have become integral to our lives. From staying connected with loved ones to managing our daily tasks, they have made our lives easier and more convenient. However, with so many options available, choosing the right smartphone can be daunting, especially if you are on a budget.

That’s where we can help! Today, we’re exploring the best budget smartphones that offer excellent features and performance without breaking the bank. Whether you’re an Apple fan, a Samsung enthusiast, or prefer another big brand, there’s an ideal phone for everyone, regardless of your budget. So, sit back, relax, and let us help you find the perfect budget smartphone that meets all your needs.

Key features to consider when choosing a budget smartphone

Just because a device is described as “budget” doesn’t mean it can’t be all-singing-all-dancing when it comes to its features. While it may not have the biggest storage options or the fanciest camera, plenty of other features will make it stand out from the crowd. Let’s take a look at some of the key elements to consider when choosing a budget smartphone and why you can skip others:

• Display. A smartphone’s display is one of the essential features to consider. Look for a phone with a high-resolution display large enough for comfortable viewing, preferably with an aspect ratio of 18:9 or higher. Of course, the higher the display, the higher the price, so as long as you’re not purchasing the device solely for movie-watching, a lower display is fine.
• Camera. The camera is another important feature to consider, so look for a smartphone with a good camera that has a high megapixel count. Of course, the more camera features, the more expensive the smartphone, so unless you’re a budding phone photographer, don’t worry about portrait mode or duel-lenses.

• Processor. The processor is the smartphone’s brain, so choosing a phone with a powerful processor is ideal for handling multitasking and heavy usage. However, don’t splash out on a huge processor if you don’t spend too much time on your phone or prefer only using it for the basics, such as texting and occasionally browsing the web.
• Battery life. If you can’t live without your phone but are still looking for a cheaper option, don’t scrimp out on battery life. Choose a phone with a battery capacity of at least 3000mAh or higher and fast charging capabilities.
• Storage. Don’t worry too much about choosing a phone with the biggest storage capacity. Many smartphones, such as iPhones, come with optional cloud storage, so you can purchase extra space if you need it later on.

Considering these key features, you will find a budget smartphone that meets your needs and provides excellent value.

Getting the most out of a budget smartphone

As mentioned, budget smartphones may not have the flashiest features, so making the most of what you do have is the best way to ensure you fully utilise your device. For example, if you choose to cut back on the processor or battery life, adjusting your phone’s settings is a great way to ensure you still get the best and longest performance. Reduce brightness, turn off location services when they’re not needed, disable background app refresh, and reduce the screen timeout time.

Ensure you also have a screen protector and the best case to protect your phone. This will reduce the risk of becoming cracked or damaged if dropped, expanding its lifespan and ensuring you won’t need to splash out on repairs.

The best budget phones under £200

While your options are slightly limited, there are still many smartphones under £200 available on the market that offer great features and specifications for their price. For example, one of the best devices for under £200 is the Motorola G62. This model has a decent 6.5-inch display, three rear cameras, and 128GB of storage as part of the G-series, making for a rather impressive budget smartphone and an excellent option for those wanting to cut costs without compromising on much.

The best budget phones under £300

Regarding the best phones under £300, you have plenty of choices. As you up your budget, you open up the market, so even a small £100 jump gives you many more options. For example, for as little as £279.99, you could own an iPhone 11 (left), which has an array of features, including Face ID and an outstanding 6.1 Liquid Retina display.

Alternatively, if you’re team Android, consider the Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus for just £289.99. This impressive device provides the outstanding quality you may anticipate from the tech giant but without a hefty price tag.

The best budget phones under £400

If you’re looking for the best budget phones under £400, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for. For example, the Google Pixel 4XL (right) offers great tech despite being over three years old and is available for just £279.99. One of the most desirable advantages of this device is that it provides users with early access to Google updates, resulting in a faster resolution of bugs and issues.

The best budget phones under £500

If you can afford to, upping your budget to £500 is excellent for widening the scope of smartphones available. Fantastic options for under £500 include the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE (left). This phone offers outstanding features, such as a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display with 2400 x 1080 pixels resolution. It’s powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor, with an option of either 128GB or 256GB of internal storage.

If you want to upgrade your smartphone but don’t fancy breaking the bank, then as well as looking for budget options, you can consider our easy trade-in services to help save the cash you need. You can sell your mobile and get cash back that you can put towards an upgraded model! It’s so easy you’ll be amazed at how it works. Get the best price with Mazuma and get a quote for your old phone today. We can even take your broken phones off your hands and give you the best price online for your old tech.