When you’re quick on time and simply need our high suggestion for a $400 smartphone, look on the desk under. For a extra detailed perception into our high picks, proceed studying the descriptions under or try the accessible evaluations earlier than making your choice.
Editor’s word: the costs highlighted on this article could fluctuate relying on reductions supplied by the producers.
The most effective smartphones below $400 in 2024
Editor’s selection below $400: Google Pixel 6a
The Google Pixel 6a has been accessible for buy since July 21, 2022, however surprisingly the machine might be discovered on Amazon for $399 with 128 GB. Filled with Google’s customized Tensor processor for higher efficiency of Machine Studying-based options, the Pixel 6a appears to be the best choice for individuals who desire a extra compact Google cellphone in 2024.
In my overview of the machine, it was already fairly clear that this cellphone was unbeatable amongst the smartphones below $400, regardless that it solely provides one inside storage choice and a 60 Hz refresh charge. Greater than that, the 6a is probably the most cost-effective smartphone out of your complete Pixel 6 collection.
In the case of the digicam suite, the Pixel 6a provides a reasonably primary module, however it does not actually lag behind the competitors, on condition that Google’s massive asset right here is within the digicam software program. So you may ensure that the photographs taken with the 6a will bear the Pixel collection’ stamp of high quality.
Good
- Premium smartphone efficiency
- Balanced picture post-processing
- Optimum dimension
- Clear software program
- As much as 5 years of updates
- IP67 certification
Unhealthy
- Display screen refresh charge of solely 60 Hz
- Just one inside storage choice
- No wi-fi charging help
A pleasant tip: Take into account checking the Google Pixel 7a (overview) costs earlier than making a purchase order. The machine may be accessible at the same value in your most well-liked e-commerce platform.
Finest iPhone below $400: Apple iPhone SE (2022)
As an Apple different, we advocate the iPhone SE (2022) with none second thought. Coming two years after the iPhone SE (2020), the brand new finances iPhone sports activities a robust A15-bionic however sees little enchancment over the earlier machine. You get a 12MP digicam inside a nearly related casing to the iPhone SE 2020 (and iPhone 8/7/6s) and IP67 resistance.
The true improve other than the SoC (and the additional GB of RAM at 4GB) is the 5G connectivity, which makes the machine lastly able to having fun with the newest connectivity expertise like the remainder of the sub-$400 gadgets you see on this listing. We already examined the iPhone SE (2022) and, after all, it’s a nice resolution for anybody in search of an reasonably priced iPhone.
Good
- Insane efficiency stage
- Excessive-quality workmanship
- Surprisingly good picture and video efficiency
- Stable battery life that lasts up until late at night time
Unhealthy
- Show is just outdated
- Too few digicam capabilities
- Low cupboard space within the base mannequin with out expandable reminiscence
- Dearer than predecessor at market launch
The most effective different below $400: Samsung Galaxy A35
For 2024, Samsung curiously opted to not provide its best-selling Galaxy A55 mannequin within the US. Instead, the South Korean model positioned the cheaper A35 mannequin instead for the mid-range market.
Reality be instructed, each telephones are very related by way of efficiency and specs, with a well-rounded package deal by way of cameras, software program help, and battery life. The A35 inherits the Exynos 1380 chip utilized in our earlier suggestion, the Galaxy A54, promising easy efficiency for each day duties and even some video games.
On the software program entrance, the Galaxy A35 is the cellphone on this listing that can maintain receiving safety updates for longer, with Samsung promising patches till someday in 2029. Newer telephones are beginning to promise even longer help, however none at this value vary (but).
Good
- Trendy and above all high-quality new look
- Stable efficiency in on a regular basis use and in cellular video games
- Helpful cameras
- As much as 5 years of safety updates
- Water and dust-proof
Unhealthy
- Gradual fast charging
- No wi-fi charging
- Cameras not nicely coordinated
The most effective battery life for lower than $400: Nothing Cellphone (2a)
The Cellphone (2a) is Nothing’s newest reasonably priced smartphone. It provides a well-balanced technical specification however stands out above all for its design, judged by my colleague Antoine Engels to be the best-looking mid-range smartphone of 2024.
The Cellphone (2a) provides a pleasing expertise with its Nothing OS 2.5 interface and guarantees to be sturdy with its 3 Android updates promise and a 4-year coverage on safety updates. Efficiency is first rate and steady, though the smartphone is just not outfitted with the newest Snapdragon SoC.
With its 5000 mAh battery supporting 45 W quick charging, the Cellphone (2a) is the autonomy champion in its value vary. In our battery benchmark, the smartphone lasted a powerful 17 h 02. You may simply go two days with out recharging your Cellphone (2a). It additionally provides the added benefit of recharging not too slowly.
The one actual concession you may must make, for my part, considerations the picture high quality, which is not very convincing, particularly at night time. Aside from that, the Nothing Cellphone (2a) is a well-balanced mid-range smartphone with an attractive display screen, first rate efficiency and, above all, exceptional battery life.
Good
- Stunning OLED LTPO 120 Hz display screen
- Nearly unchanged however nonetheless very cool design
- Glyph interface rather less gimmicky
- Three Android updates + 4 years of safety updates
- Wonderful autonomy
- Wi-fi and reverse wi-fi charging
Unhealthy
- Common picture high quality
- IP54 licensed solely
- Aggressive thermal clamping
- No charger included
Finest cellphone with Stylus below $400: Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024)
Motorola provides many choices on this value vary—some may argue too many—however a standout is the Moto G Stylus line. It brings some productiveness options of the Galaxy Word household to a broader market.
Regardless of not launching a 4G mannequin in 2024, Motorola stored the “5G” moniker on the complete mannequin title. The specs are broadly much like the earlier technology, although, with a Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chip working the present and a surprisingly massive 8 GB of RAM.
The 2024 mannequin fixes one of many points we had with the earlier mannequin, which solely supplied 8 megapixels on the ultra-wide digicam. Now, your panorama and extensive vistas can have 13 megapixels of decision for higher picture seize and possibly even some printing motion.
In conclusion, whereas the Moto G Stylus 5G may not excel in each class, it provides a balanced set of options and a uniqueness not generally seen in immediately’s smartphones.
Shopping for information: What you may anticipate from smartphones as much as $400
On this part, we define what smartphones below $400 provide in 2024. Whereas mid-range telephones present a good steadiness of value and efficiency, within the US, this value sits between finances fashions and high-end mid-rangers.
At this value, you may discover older gadgets or ones with lesser specs. Although most have 5G, they could lag in digicam, efficiency, and design in comparison with the $600 vary with newer tech.
- Energy and efficiency: Investing in a sub-$400 machine will no less than assure that the SoC can deal with the latest video games. Right here, it’s best to anticipate SoC’s which are no less than one to 2 years outdated and provide good efficiency for each day duties.
- Cameras: Within the mid-range, fashions just like the Samsung Galaxy A35 have 50-megapixel primary cameras, however do not match the Galaxy Extremely’s picture high quality. The first challenge on this vary is with the cameras, particularly “Quad cameras” that use low-quality macro and depth sensors. Sadly, the telephoto digicam typically will get compromised.
- Battery & charging: Batteries on this value vary are usually between 4,500 and 5,000 mAh, however charging speeds are subpar. Units from Honor and Xiaomi provide over 60W fast-charging, however they don’t seem to be accessible within the US. Right here, 10W to 15W is first rate. Wi-fi charging is uncommon at this value level.
- Show: When it comes to show, we are able to anticipate FullHD+ screens with excessive refresh charges (apart from Apple), and OLED shows are getting more and more widespread, with good shade replica and spectacular distinction ranges.
- Age and help: At this value, be cautious of gadgets older than two years attributable to restricted software program updates. Most will obtain just one or two updates past their preliminary OS. Therefore, Android 10 gadgets will change into outdated after the launch of Android 14 in 2023, for instance.
- Service compatibility: On this value vary, not all gadgets are suitable with each provider. Many are designed for GSM networks, frequent outdoors the US. When you’re on a CDMA community like Verizon, guarantee compatibility. Nevertheless, with 4G LTE and 5G, this challenge is diminishing.
Alternate options to buying a costlier smartphone
Getting a tool with a plan, discounted or free
Financing a tool is an reasonably priced strategy to receive a brand new one, as carriers provide incentives to draw and retain clients. Sometimes, funds are damaged into 24 or 36 installments with an eligible plan. Moreover, reductions and even free gadgets can be found when beginning a brand new plan.
Refurbished and used smartphones
If eradicating the protecting movie for the primary time in your new machine doesn’t trigger you to leap for pleasure, you may decide up costlier smartphones from the second-hand or refurbished market. It’s notably advisable to make use of gadgets that carry a refurbished assure.
Refurbished smartphones are inspected and restored by trusted corporations to make sure high quality. They’re particularly interesting when accompanied by an prolonged guarantee, providing safety in opposition to potential points shortly after buy.
What do you consider this choice? Which fashions do you assume we’ve got forgotten and which need to be included? Do you discover the recommendation sections and our testing course of helpful? What do you consider this new format? We look ahead to your suggestions!
