Smartphones have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. Whether it’s for staying connected with loved ones, browsing the internet, or indulging in mobile gaming, having a reliable smartphone is no longer a luxury but a necessity. However, with the prices of flagship devices soaring, finding a high-quality smartphone on a budget can be a daunting challenge.
The good news is that there are budget-friendly options that offer excellent value for your hard-earned money. In this article, we’ll explore the top five affordable smartphones that provide impressive features and capabilities without breaking the bank. By delving into the specifications and performance of each device, we aim to help you make an informed decision when it comes to upgrading your smartphone.
1. Motorola Moto E13: Affordable and Surprisingly Capable
Price: $80 on Amazon
The first smartphone we are going to look at is made by Motorola and is the cheapest on the list. At the time of making this article, you can find the Moto E13 for just $80. The Moto E13 features a plastic build and a 6.5-inch IPS display with HD resolution. While it may not boast the sharpest screen, it’s remarkably good considering its price point.
Under the hood, the Moto E13 is equipped with a Unisoc T606 processor and Mali G57 graphics. It offers options for 2GB, 4GB, or 8GB of RAM and 64GB or 128GB of expandable storage with a microSD card. With these components, the phone performs quite well for daily use and even allows for simple gaming, although opening apps might be a bit slower compared to higher-end smartphones.
The camera setup on the Moto E13 includes a 13MP rear camera and a 5MP selfie camera, both capable of recording Full HD video. These cameras do not offer the best image quality but are decent enough for taking some photos.
One of the standout features of the Moto E13 is its 5000mAh battery, which translates to impressive battery life, easily lasting up to two days of normal use. Additionally, the phone includes extras such as an FM radio, headphone jack, and IP52 water resistance certification. So, if you are seeking a budget-friendly smartphone that offers the ability to run apps and games without sluggishness, the Moto E13 is undeniably one of the best options available for under $100.
2. Xiaomi Redmi 12C: Xiaomi’s Affordable Gem
Price: $100 on AliExpress
Xiaomi Redmi 12C. The next smartphone we are going to look at is made by Xiaomi, a brand that most of us are familiar with. At the time of making this article, the Redmi 12C can be found for around $100.This device features a plastic build and a substantial 6.72-inch IPS display with HD Plus resolution and a brightness rating of 500 nits. While it may not offer the sharpest viewing angles, it performs admirably even in outdoor settings.
Inside, the Redmi 12C is powered by a MediaTek Helio G85 processor paired with a Mali G52 GPU, and it offers options for 3GB, 4GB, or 6GB of RAM, and 32GB, 64GB, or 128GB of storage, which can be expanded with a microSD card. In terms of performance, it responds well to navigating menus and can handle non-demanding games quite comfortably, given its price point.
The camera setup on the Redmi 12C consists of a 50MP primary rear camera with autofocus and a 0.08MP depth sensor. On the front, it boasts a 5MP selfie camera. Both the rear and front cameras can record video at 1080p at 30fps. In good lighting conditions, these cameras produce acceptable results, although they may not excel in more challenging situations.
The Redmi 12C offers a 5000mAh battery, delivering impressive battery life that easily lasts up to two days with regular use. Additional features include a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, a headphone jack, and an FM radio. The Xiaomi Redmi 12C stands as one of the premier choices in the $100 price range, offering excellent battery life, commendable performance, and a more than satisfactory display.
3. Samsung Galaxy M13: Samsung’s Budget Contender
Price: $140 on AliExpress
Samsung, a trusted brand in the smartphone market, presents the Galaxy M13 as a compelling option for budget-conscious consumers. which can be found on Amazon for around $140. The Galaxy M13 is made of plastic, has a weight of 192g, and features a 6.6-inch display with Full HD Plus resolution. While this display isn’t the best, it offers a higher resolution compared to the previous smartphones and looks quite good.
Inside the phone, you’ll find an Exynos 850 processor, a Mali G52 graphics card, 4GB of RAM, and options for 64GB or 128GB of storage, expandable via a Micro SD card. The performance of the Galaxy M13 is sufficient for everyday tasks and can handle some light gaming. It doesn’t excel in this aspect but doesn’t pose any major issues either, making it suitable for users who prioritize reliability and brand reputation.
For cameras, the Galaxy M13 sports a 50MP primary rear camera with autofocus, a 5MP ultrawide camera, and a 5MP depth sensor. On the front, it has an 8MP selfie camera. Both the rear and front cameras can record video at 1080p at 30fps. In good lighting conditions, these cameras deliver decent results in both photos and videos.
The phone features a 5000mAh battery, providing up to two days of normal usage, making it an excellent choice for users who need a dependable device that can keep up with their busy lives. Additional features include a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support, a headphone jack, and an FM radio.
In summary, the Samsung Galaxy M13 is a good option if you’re looking for an affordable smartphone and trust the Samsung brand. It performs well in most areas and benefits from some of Samsung’s software advantages, making it a solid choice for a budget-friendly device.
4. Xiaomi Poco M5: Exceptional Value at $120
Price: $110 on Amazon and AliExpress
Xiaomi Poco M5. Moving up in price, the second spot on the list goes to the Xiaomi Poco M5, which, for those who may not know, is a sub-brand of Xiaomi. At the time of making this article, the Poco M5 is available for around $100. It is a plastic smartphone with a large 6.58-inch IPS display featuring Full HD Plus resolution, a 90Hz refresh rate, and a peak brightness of 500 nits. This display is similar in quality to the others we’ve seen but benefits from the higher refresh rate, making it slightly smoother.
Under the hood, the Poco M5 packs a MediaTek Helio G99 processor, a Mali G57 GPU, 4GB or 6GB of RAM, and 64GB or 128GB of storage, expandable via a microSD card. The phone offers good performance for daily tasks and handles light gaming better than some other smartphones in its price range.
In the camera department, it has a 50MP primary rear camera with autofocus, a 2MP macro sensor, and a 2MP depth sensor. The front-facing camera is 5MP. Both the rear and front cameras can record video at 1080p at 30fps. In good lighting conditions, these cameras produce decent results for both photos and videos, although stabilization for videos is lacking.
The Poco M5 includes a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, FM radio, speakers, and a headphone jack. Its 5000mAh battery, combined with the efficiency of its processor, provides more than a day of usage, even with heavy use. So, the Poco M5 is an excellent smartphone for around $120, offering strong performance for its price, a decent display, and capable cameras.
5. Motorola Moto G53 5G: Budget Phone with 5G Connectivity
Price: $170 on Amazon and AliExpress
Securing the top spot on our list is the Motorola Moto G53 5G, another Motorola smartphone that offers both affordability and the coveted 5G connectivity, which can be found for around $170. The Moto G53 is made of plastic, weighs 183 grams, and features a large 6.5-inch IPS display with HD resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. While the resolution isn’t the highest, the 120Hz refresh rate makes it quite smooth.
Inside the phone, you’ll find a Snapdragon 480 Plus processor, an Adreno 618 GPU, options for 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB of RAM, and 64GB or 128GB of storage, expandable via a microSD card. The phone offers good performance for daily use and can handle light gaming, making it a well-rounded device.
For cameras, it boasts a 50MP primary wide-angle rear camera with autofocus and a 2MP macro sensor. On the front, it has an 8MP selfie camera. Both the rear and front cameras can record video at 1080p at 30fps. In good lighting conditions, these cameras deliver good results for both photos and videos, thanks in part to electronic stabilization.
The Moto G53 includes a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support, a headphone jack, and 5G connectivity, which is not common to find in smartphones at this price point. Its 5000mAh battery provides up to 2 days of usage with ease.
In conclusion, the Motorola Moto G53 5G stands as an exceptional choice for users seeking a budget-friendly smartphone with 5G capabilities. It performs well across the board and boasts an excellent battery life, a smooth 120Hz display, and stereo speakers. Whether you’re looking for an affordable 5G option or simply an impressive budget phone, the Moto G53 delivers on all fronts.
Conclusion
In a society where smartphones have become essential for communication, productivity, and entertainment, finding a device that strikes the right balance between affordability and functionality is crucial. The smartphones listed above prove that you don’t need to break the bank to enjoy a reliable and feature-rich mobile experience. Whether you prioritize camera performance, gaming capabilities, or long-lasting battery life, there’s an affordable smartphone on this list that suits your needs. Don’t let a tight budget hold you back from enjoying the convenience and functionality of modern smartphones. With options like these, you can confidently make your next smartphone purchase without compromising on quality or breaking the bank.
