Top Rated Phones 2024
The Best Budget Android Phones Money Can Buy Right Now
2024’s finest budget / mid-range Android smartphones from the biggest and best brands. If you want to get savvy with your cash, these phones are where it’s at right now
As of right now, the phones listed here are the best of the best when it comes to budget / mid-range Android phones.
— Richard Goodwin, Editor
Our Top Picks For 2024
60+ Phones Tested In Last 18 Months
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Detailed, Expert-Driven Testing Criteria
Each phone is run through a battery of tests, looking at everything from its battery performance to its screen brightness and multitasking abilities. We also use the phone as if it were our own.
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We care about what you buy. We know choosing a phone can be tricky. Our guides are designed to put the best, current tech in front of our readers, so they can make a more informed decision.
The Best Budget & Mid-Range Android Phones
High-end performance without the price tag. These are the best budget and mid-range Android phones right now…
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Pixel 8a
The Google Pixel 8a offers a fantastic balance of affordability and performance, making it a standout choice in the mid-range market.
With its excellent camera, smooth software experience, and regular updates, it packs a punch for its price.
Add in timely Android updates, a reliable camera with impressive AI features, and a sleek design, it’s easy to see why the Pixel 8a is a favorite among budget-conscious users looking for a high-quality smartphone experience.
Best For
Anyone that wants massive value for money; the Pixel 8a packs in a ton of tech and AI smarts for way less than a flagship phone.
Cheaper Alternative
You can pick up last year’s Pixel 7 Pro for a considerable discount on the refurbished market. For newer models, go with Samsung Galaxy A55.
Performance Improvements
Runs Google’s Tensor G3 CPU which brings plenty of new AI capabilities and some modest performance improvements of the Pixel 7 Pro
Cost of Ownership
For less than $500/£419, you’re getting one of the best smartphone experiences on the market. This phone is incredible for its price.
Pixel 8a Score Card
Tested: May 2024
The Pixel 8a is a standout mid-range device in 2024, offering a fantastic blend of Google’s software magic and hardware excellence. It brings a sleek design, reliable performance, and an impressive camera experience to the table, all at a highly accessible price point. With a clean, bloatware-free software experience and excellent battery life, the Pixel 8a is a superb option for those seeking quality without breaking the bank.
What We Liked The Most About This Phone
The Pixel 8a delivers smooth performance with the latest mid-tier chipset, ensuring responsive multitasking and daily operations.
Its 6.1-inch OLED display offers vibrant colors and sharp visuals, making it perfect for media consumption and browsing.
The dual-camera setup excels in photography, leveraging Google’s AI to produce stunning photos, particularly in low-light conditions.
What We Didn’t Like About This Phone
The Pixel 8a lacks a telephoto lens, limiting zoom capabilities compared to other devices in its range.
It does not support wireless charging, a feature that could be missed by users who value convenience.
While the device offers ample internal storage, there is no option for expandable memory, which could be a drawback for users with extensive media libraries.
Buy This Phone If You Want…
An excellent camera experience with Google’s renowned computational photography.
A pure Android experience with timely updates and minimal bloatware.
A well-rounded, affordable smartphone that doesn’t compromise on quality or essential features.
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Samsung Galaxy A55
The Samsung Galaxy A55 is a well-rounded mid-range smartphone that offers a great combination of features, performance, and affordability.
With a focus on delivering a high-quality experience, it includes many of Samsung’s signature features in a more budget-friendly package.
The Galaxy A55 boasts a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display, providing bright and vibrant visuals.
It’s equipped with a solid mid-range processor, ensuring smooth performance for most daily tasks. The triple-camera setup, including a main sensor, ultra-wide, and macro lens, allows for versatile photography.
Best For
Users looking for a Samsung experience with a great display and versatile camera setup at an affordable price point.
Cheaper Alternative
The Galaxy A54 offers a similar experience with slightly fewer features, ideal for those wanting to save a bit more.
Performance Improvements
The Galaxy A55 brings improved processing power and enhanced camera features over its predecessor, delivering better overall performance and photography options.
Cost of Ownership
Starting at around $349, the Galaxy A55 is an attractive option for those wanting a Samsung device with excellent display and camera quality at a reasonable price.
Samsung Galaxy A55 Ultra Score Card
Tested: July 2024
The Samsung Galaxy A55 brings many of Samsung’s beloved features to the mid-range market, offering a well-rounded smartphone experience. It combines a decent display, good performance, and a versatile camera setup, making it a strong contender in its price range.
What We Liked The Most About This Phone
The Galaxy A55 sports a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display, delivering bright and vivid visuals that are perfect for media consumption.
Equipped with a reliable mid-range chipset, the device provides smooth performance for daily tasks and casual gaming.
The triple-camera system, including a versatile main sensor, ultra-wide lens, and macro lens, allows for a variety of photographic styles and good quality photos.
What We Didn’t Like About This Phone
The lack of premium build materials gives it a more basic feel compared to higher-end models.
It does not include features like wireless charging or an official water resistance rating, which might be important for some users.
The software experience, while generally smooth, includes a fair amount of pre-installed apps that may not be useful to everyone.
Buy This Phone If You Want…
A great display for streaming and browsing with vivid colors and deep contrasts.
A reliable and versatile camera setup for capturing various moments.
A mid-range device that offers a solid Samsung experience at a more accessible price point.
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OnePlus Nord 4
The OnePlus Nord 4 strikes a perfect balance between affordability and performance, delivering a smooth and reliable experience.
Known for its clean software and quality hardware, this device offers excellent value for those looking for a capable smartphone without breaking the bank.
The Nord 4 features a 6.4-inch Fluid AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, providing a visually pleasing experience with vibrant colors and fluid animations.
Its mid-range processor ensures smooth multitasking, while the dual-camera system delivers good quality photos, particularly in well-lit conditions.
Best For
Users seeking a reliable, mid-range smartphone with a clean Android experience and good performance for everyday tasks.
Cheaper Alternative
The OnePlus Nord 3 offers similar features at a slightly lower price, making it a great choice for those on a tighter budget.
Performance Improvements
Upgraded from its predecessor, the Nord 4 offers a faster processor and enhanced camera capabilities, providing a smoother and more efficient user experience.
Cost of Ownership
Starting at around $399, the OnePlus Nord 4 offers excellent value with its combination of quality display, performance, and camera features.
OnePlus Nord 4 Score Card
Tested: August 2024
The OnePlus Nord 4 offers an exceptional balance of features and affordability, making it a great choice for those looking for a quality smartphone without the flagship price tag. It delivers solid performance, a vibrant display, and a capable camera system, all wrapped in a sleek and stylish design.
What We Liked The Most About This Phone
The OnePlus Nord 4 is powered by a capable mid-range processor, providing smooth performance for everyday tasks and light gaming.
Its 6.4-inch Fluid AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate offers vibrant colors and smooth scrolling, enhancing the overall user experience.
The dual-camera setup, featuring a high-resolution main sensor and an ultra-wide lens, delivers impressive photos with good detail and color accuracy.
What We Didn’t Like About This Phone
The device lacks wireless charging, a convenience feature that some users may miss.
There is no official IP rating for water and dust resistance, which could be a concern for those needing extra durability.
While the battery life is generally good, it could fall short under heavy usage, particularly for gaming or video streaming.
Buy This Phone If You Want…
An affordable smartphone with a good display and reliable performance and an all-metal chassis.
A clean and fast software experience with minimal bloatware, thanks to OxygenOS.
A capable camera system for everyday photography without needing flagship-level specs.
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CMF Phone 1
The CMF Phone 1 is an entry-level smartphone that focuses on providing essential features at a very affordable price.
Designed for users who need a straightforward and reliable device, it offers a clean interface and dependable performance for basic tasks.
Featuring a 6.1-inch LCD display, the CMF Phone 1 delivers clear visuals suitable for everyday use.
It runs on a modest processor that handles basic operations smoothly, making it ideal for communication, browsing, and media consumption. The primary camera, while basic, is adequate for capturing simple shots.
Best For
First-time smartphone users or those seeking an affordable device for basic use without unnecessary complexities.
Cheaper Alternative
With its low price, the CMF Phone 1 already positions itself as a budget-friendly option, offering essential features without extras.
Performance Improvements
The CMF Phone 1 provides a reliable experience for essential smartphone functions, focusing on simplicity and ease of use, with no notable performance boosts over basic models.
Cost of Ownership
Starting at around $199, the CMF Phone 1 is highly affordable, making it an excellent choice for those needing a functional smartphone at the lowest possible cost.
CMF Phone 1 Score Card
Tested: July 2024
The CMF Phone 1 stands out as an entry-level smartphone that offers great value for money. It focuses on providing a reliable user experience with essential features, all packaged in a minimalist design. This phone is perfect for those who need a dependable device without unnecessary frills.
What We Liked The Most About This Phone
The CMF Phone 1 comes with a 6.1-inch LCD display that, while basic, provides clear and bright visuals for everyday use.
It features a simple and easy-to-navigate software interface, making it ideal for users who prefer a straightforward, no-nonsense experience.
The camera is decent and its modular design lets you add peripherals to the device, adding in more utility
What We Didn’t Like About This Phone
The performance, while adequate for basic tasks, can struggle with more demanding applications and multitasking.
The camera system is limited, lacking features like an ultra-wide or telephoto lens, which reduces its versatility.
The build quality feels less premium, with a more plastic construction that may not appeal to all users.
Buy This Phone If You Want…
An affordable and simple smartphone with a novel, modular design concept baked into it.
A user-friendly interface with minimal complexity and easy navigation.
A reliable device for everyday use without the need for advanced features or high-end specifications.
Why These Phones?
Choosing the best phone is all about personal preference. While some stick with Apple’s iPhone and others with Samsung, the perfect phone varies for each person.
We’ve curated a list of top-notch mid-range smartphones that deliver standout performance, innovative features, and fantastic camera capabilities, all without the flagship price tag.
The Google Pixel 8a takes the lead with its exceptional camera, smooth software, and rapid updates. It offers a complete package that excels in every way, perfect for those who want top quality without paying a premium.
The OnePlus Nord 4 follows closely, offering a great mix of affordability and power. With a stunning display, solid performance, and a clean interface, it’s ideal for users seeking high quality at a great price.
The Samsung Galaxy A55 impresses with its vibrant display and versatile cameras, making it a reliable choice for those who love the Samsung experience.
Meanwhile, the CMF Phone 1 delivers essential smartphone features at an unbeatable price, perfect for first-time users or those wanting a straightforward device.
Our picks focus on real-world performance, with strong battery life, reliability, camera quality, and display excellence.
The Pixel 8a and Galaxy A55 stand out for their robust update support, with Google leading the charge in speed.
These phones promise a high-quality experience for everyone, whether you’re after great cameras, timely updates, or overall value.
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