Introduction
On the hunt for a new phone in 2023 but haven’t got thousands to spend on it? You’re certainly not the only one. Flagship phones have made leaps forward in recent years, but the prices have risen alongside them.
10 years ago, a top-end smartphone may have only cost around £500/$500, but the world has changed significantly since then, and now you may well be charged double that if you go for a top-spec model.
But while the flagship market has gotten more expensive, the budget end of the market has vastly improved compared to a few years ago. Features that were considered exclusively high-end just a year or two ago have now made their grand arrival in the sub-$400/£400 section of the market, meaning that affordable phones are more tempting than ever.
Nowadays, if you know where to look, you can get greatly improved photography, robust construction quality, wireless charging and highly reliable performance on phones of this price. Of course, there are still plenty of devices that may unfortunately let you down with sub-par battery life and bloated software, so you have to be sure to avoid them.
The aim of this guide is to help you steer clear of the array of underwhelming phones that promise too much and deliver too little and show you the real gems that offer fantastic value for money. All of the below devices have been physically tested by one of our reviewers to reliably gauge their performance in key areas including camera performance, build quality and battery life, so you know that you can count on our buying advice.
Our definition of “affordable” means any handset retailing for less than £400/$400; however if we do happen to go over this amount then we’ll make our reasoning clear as to why we’ve made an exception.
We also have other best lists for those after something a little more specific. Our best camera phone round-up focuses on a device’s photographic and videography skills, while our best mid-range phone list focuses on slightly pricier devices.
Best cheap phones at a glance
How we test
Learn more about how we test mobile phones Every phone we review goes through a series of uniform checks designed to gauge key things including build quality, screen accuracy, battery life, performance and camera prowess.These include formal synthetic benchmarks and scripted tests, plus a series of real-world checks, such as how much battery it loses per hour streaming video.We also make sure to use every phone we review as our primary handset for at least 4 days to ensure our review is as accurate as possible. You can see a more detailed breakdown of our testing methodology in our how we test phones guide.
Google Pixel 6a
Best budget camera
Pros
Lovely small form-factorReliable camera for the priceGoogle’s excellent software
Cons
60Hz display feels slow compared to the rivalsSlow to fully charge
This diminutive device is somewhat in the same mould as the iPhone SE 2022; it gives you the best of the brand’s software and features (in this case, Google Android) yet in an affordable and petite handset that’s easy to handle.
Pixel phones have long been renowned for their excellent cameras, and once again you’ll find two very good snappers here, which are bolstered by handy tricks such as Magic Eraser and Night Sight in order to remove unwanted objects or improve your lowlight shooting, respectively. That said, this time around the cameras aren’t such a quantum leap above the competition as previous editions have been.
One area where the Pixel 6a really does excel over its affordable rivals is in the processor, which is the very same Tensor chip that you’ll find in the Pixel 6 Pro. It might not be an absolute beast in performance terms, but it helps to deliver the great software, post-processing, 5G connectivity, and enhanced security that makes this phone a great all-round package.
Though the screen is colourful and punchy, it suffers a bit from not having a refresh rate enhanced beyond the standard 60Hz, so may not seem as smooth as its competitors. Nonetheless, this device is well worth the price when all is taken into consideration.
Reviewer: Max Parker
Full review: Google Pixel 6a
Nothing Phone (1)
Best-looking phone
Pros
A design that stands outReally nice 120Hz OLED displayPlenty of phone for the money
Cons
Glyph Interface is more of a gimmick than a useful featureOdd performance issues, especally with the camera
Probably the most eye-catching handset on this list, the Nothing Phone (1)‘s look stands out from the crowd due to its transparent back covering and flashing LED arrangement, which indicates incoming notifications or the charging level in a unique way. If this out-of-the-ordinary design appeals to you, then it’s a good phone to buy (frankly though, we did sometimes find it a tad irritating). Fortunately there’s far more to it than just this quirk.
We particularly liked the lush 120Hz display, which is one of the best around at this price point. With HDR support and high levels of brightness, this screen is a joy to use for gaming and more. There are two rear cameras on board, wide and ultrawide, and they both do a pretty good job. Although some snaps can end up looking over-exposed, most of the photos that we took in complimentary lighting conditions turned out very well, while its night shooting was a particular highlight.
The 4500mAh battery was plenty big enough to get us through the day, and it’s great to see the wireless charging feature at this price point as well. However, one of the few negatives about this handset was performance issues, likely down to sub-par software optimisation, which caused some stuttering from time to time.
Reviewer: Max Parker
Full review: Nothing Phone 1
Honor Magic 5 Lite
Best build quality
Pros
Lightweight, familiar designPremium 6.67-inch 120Hz AMOLED displaySolid all-day battery lifeGreat performance from the main rear camera
Cons
Secondary cameras are underwhelmingChipset isn’t that powerfulStuck on Android 12
If you want something cheap that looks and feels like a premium smartphone, the Honor Magic 5 Lite is a solid option for consideration.
The budget smartphone is anything but in terms of its design, with a sleek design that wouldn’t look out of place on a flagship, complete with a thin frame and curved edges that feel great in the hand. It’s also lightweight and thin at 175g and 7.9mm respectively despite featuring a large 6.67-inch display.
It’s not just a big display either; it sports a 120Hz refresh rate, an FHD+ resolution and an in-display fingerprint reader that’s both accurate and snappy in use. The AMOLED tech also delivers crisp, vibrant colours and inky blacks, though it’s not the brightest around at 800 nits.
Performise-wise, the Snapdragon 695 and 6GB of RAM is enough for everyday usage from scrolling through Instagram to web browsing, though graphics-heavy games might chug a big. 128GB of storage should be plenty for most users too. The main 64MP camera is a fairly capable one at the price, but the accompanying lenses aren’t worth writing home about.
Throw in a large 5100mAh battery that had no issue lasting all day (and then some) and 40W charging that delivers 50% charge in 30 minutes and you’ve got a good-looking, capable option.
Reviewer: Connor Jewiss
Full review: Honor Magic 5 Lite
Motorola Edge 30 Neo
Best for fast charging
Pros
Stunning lightweight designGorgeous Pantone colour finishesFlat to full in just over 30 minutes
Cons
Hit-and-miss camera performanceSnapdragon 695 could do more
The Motorola Edge 30 Neo is not only a decent all-rounder at a tempting price, but it’s also one of the more compact budget options around in 2023 with a fairly compact 6.5-inch display and measuring in at just 155g and 7.8mm thick. Okay, it’s not quite in true small phone territory like the Zenfone 9, but it’s as close as you’ll get here.
The 6.5-inch screen isn’t to be sniffed at either, with an OLED panel delivering vibrant colours and deep blacks with great contrast. It can also reach 120Hz like others mentioned here, allowing for a buttery-smooth experience, and crucially, our reviewer found it easy to use one-handed.
That’s backed up by a decent camera system comprised of an OIS-enabled 64MP main snapper and a 13MP ultrawide on the rear and a 32MP selfie camera with pixel-binning tech. While not quite at the same level as the likes of the Pixel 6a, the camera quality is decent in most conditions apart from low light where images can look muddy and washed out.
Despite its more compact dimensions than rivals, it still packs in a fairly decent 4,020mAh battery that doesn’t struggle to last a full day without needing a top-up, though it can’t quite make it through a second day. The good news is that 68W fast charge tech can provide a full charge in just over half an hour, among the fastest you’ll find at the budget end of the market.
Day-to-day performance is fine but more demanding tasks will start to show the limits of the included Snapdragon 695 5G, and with a Pantene partnership, it’s available in some truly stunning finishes too.
Reviewer: Sean Cameron
Full review: Motorola Edge 30 Neo
iPhone SE 2022
Best for Apple fans on a budget
Pros
The fastest phone at this price (by some distance)Takes great daylight picturesIP rating and wireless chargingiOS and all the benefits that come with it
Cons
Small screen is cramped and restrictiveTired designNo night mode in the camera
We are bending our rules slightly to include a phone that breaks our price limit, but if you’re deadset on getting yourself a new iPhone, then this is your cheapest option – and it’s still a belter.
You may have to forgive the depressingly dated design and its associated small screen which measures just 4.7 inches, but if you can get over that then the iPhone SE 2022 does in fact still offer a lot of positives for the price.
First and foremost, it runs on the brilliant A15 Bionic chip, which is one of the very best in the business; it’s actually the very same one that you’ll find on the iPhone 13 Pro, so you won’t be wanting for power. Even better, this phone will be in line for Apple’s unparalleled long-term software support, so we wouldn’t even be surprised to see it getting the latest updates seven years from now.
On top of that, the newest iPhone SE has one of the best cameras that you’ll find for the price, and it particularly delivers on richly detailed images, so that difficult textures like dog fur or woolly jumpers look especially good. That said, it does miss out on a dedicated Night Mode, which is a real shame, so if you’re planning to take a lot of pictures when the sun is down then this might not be the best phone for you. The selfie camera also could do with some work, with it not being to the same standard as the main snapper.
If you’re looking for an iPhone that gives a good camera and strong performance for a cheaper entry price then this is a good bet, but do bear in mind that the screen is small and underwhelming.
Reviewer: Max Parker
Full review: iPhone SE 2022
Poco X5 Pro
Best for a value big screen
Pros
Fully-capable 6.7-inch OLED displaySurprisingly well-equipped cameraDecent performance
Cons
Cheap rear designMIUI software is very clutteredUnfriendly amount of bloatware
The Poco X5 Pro 5G, while not hugely different from its predecessor, is a great-value handset with great features across the board, so it’s well worth your consideration if you’re hunting for a handset that’s below $400/£400.
The OLED screen measures a generous 6.67 inches with a 1080p resolution, along with more premium features including a 120Hz refresh rate and support for HDR10+, which is brilliant for the price. It’s not auto-adaptive like premium alternatives, but if you’re prepared to adjust it yourself, you’ll find that supported content is smoother than ever.
Its main 108-megapixel camera is also worth shouting about, as it delivers excellent pictures that are bound to impress for the price. Night Mode does a good job of cleaning up any noise that you might get, however the accompanying ultrawide and macro lens aren’t up to this same standard.
Performance is fine but not exceptional with a Snapdragon 778G at its heart, but it does offer 5G connectivity for the latest mobile data speeds. The battery life is brilliant with a 5000mAh cell, and we reckon that you could even squeeze two days’ life out of it if you use your phone with some restraint.
There aren’t many downsides here, but one would have to be the cheap rear design and feel, and the other would be its bloatware-stuffed software interface. MIUI is far from ideal for day-to-day use.
Reviewer: Connor Jewiss
Full review: Poco X5 Pro 5G
TCL 40R 5G
Best entry-level phone
Pros
An eye-catching designAll-day battery lifeJust about powerful enough to game on
Cons
720p resolution2MP macro lens isn’t greatPlenty of pre-installed bloatware
What if you want a decent entry-level phone for less than £200 that simply does the job? The TCL 40R 5G fits the bill.
The budget-focused device offers all the main staples of a solid budget smartphone experience with 5G connectivity, a good-looking design, long battery life from a 5,000mAh cell and decent (though not quite snappy) everyday performance.
There’s a large 6.6-inch LCD display with a 90Hz refresh rate great for scrolling and binging, though its sub-1080p resolution can make elements look a little soft. The main 50MP rear camera is capable of delivering surprisingly sharp images for the price, at least.
It might not be able to compete with more premium options on the market, but for the £199 price tag, you won’t find much better in 2023.
Reviewer: Lloyd Coombes
Full review: TCL 40R 5G
FAQs
Which cheap phone has the best camera? Our favourite cheap phone for the camera is the Pixel 6a. Can I get 5G on these phones? Yes, all of the phones in the above list offer 5G connectivity so you’ll be able to get these data speeds as long as you have network coverage and a compatible SIM card.
Comparison Specifications
UK RRP
USA RRP
EU RRP
CA RRP
AUD RRP
Manufacturer
Screen Size
Storage Capacity
Rear Camera
Front Camera
Video Recording
IP rating
Battery
Wireless charging
Fast Charging
Size (Dimensions)
Weight
ASIN
Operating System
Release Date
First Reviewed Date
Resolution
HDR
Refresh Rate
Ports
Chipset
RAM
Colours
Stated Power
Google Pixel 6a
£399
$449
€459
–
–
6.1 inches
128GB
12MP + 12MP
8MP
Yes
IP67
4410 mAh
–
Yes
71.8 x 8.9 x 152.2 MM
178 G
–
Android 12
2022
21/07/2022
1080 x 2400
Yes
60 Hz
USB-C
Tensor
6GB
Sage, White, Black
18 W
Nothing Phone (1)
£399
Unavailable
€469
Unavailable
Unavailable
Nothing
6.55 inches
128GB
50MP + 50MP
16MP
Yes
IP53
4500 mAh
Yes
Yes
75.8 x 8.3 x 159.2 MM
193.5 G
–
Android
2021
19/07/2022
2400 x 1080
Yes
120 Hz
USB-C
Snapdragon 778G+
8GB
Black, White
–
Honor Magic 5 Lite
£329
–
€376
–
–
Honor
6.67 inches
128GB
64MP + 5MP + 2MP
16MP
Yes
Not Disclosed
5100 mAh
–
Yes
73.9 x 7.9 x 161.6 MM
175 G
–
Android 12 (MagicOS 6.1)
2023
09/06/2023
1080 x 2400
–
120 Hz
USB-C
Snapdragon 695
6GB
Titanium Silver, Emerald Green, Midnight Black
–
Motorola Edge 30 Neo
£349.99
Unavailable
€369.99
Unavailable
Unavailable
Motorola
6.55 inches
128GB, 256GB
50MP + 13MP ultrawide
32MP
Yes
Not Disclosed
4400 mAh
–
Yes
158.5 x 72 x 7.5 MM
168 G
–
Android 12
2022
24/02/2023
1080 x 2400
Yes
144 Hz
–
Motorola Edge 30 Neo
8GB
Neptune Blue, Cosmic Grey, Solar Gold, Aurora White
–
iPhone SE 2022
£419
$429
€529
CA$579
AU$719
Apple
4.7 inches
256GB, 512GB
12MP
7MP
Yes
IP67
–
Yes
Yes
67.3 x 7.3 x 138.4 INCHES
144 G
–
iOS 15
2021
17/03/2022
1334 x 750
–
60 Hz
Lightning
Apple A15 Bionic
4GB
Red, Midnight, Starlight
–
Poco X5 Pro
£369
Unavailable
€349
Unavailable
Unavailable
Pocophone
6.7 mm
128GB, 256GB
108MP + 8MP + 2MP
16MP
Yes
IP53
5000 mAh
–
Yes
76 x 7.9 x 162.9 MM
181 G
–
Android 12 (MIUI 14)
2023
20/02/2023
1080 x 2400
Yes
120 Hz
USB-C
Snapdragon 778G
6GB, 8GB
Black, Blue, Yellow
–
TCL 40R 5G
£199
$220
–
–
–
TCL
6.6 inches
128GB, 64GB
50MP + 2MP + 2MP
8MP
Yes
No
5000 mAh
–
Yes
75.4 x 9 x 164.5 MM
192 G
B0BTZ6MKC6
Android 12
2023
27/06/2023
720 x 1612
–
90 Hz
USB-C, 3.5mm headphone jack
MediaTek Dimensity 700
4GB
Purple, Black
–
Trusted Reviews test data
Geekbench 5 single core
Geekbench 5 multi core
Geekbench 6 single core
Geekbench 6 multi core
sRGB
Adobe RGB
DCI-P3
Max brightness
1 hour video playback (Netflix, HDR)
30 minute gaming (intensive)
30 minute gaming (light)
1 hour music streaming (online)
1 hour music streaming (offline)
Time from 0-100% charge
Time from 0-50% charge
30-min recharge (included charger)
15-min recharge (included charger)
3D Mark – Wild Life
GFXBench – Aztec Ruins
GFXBench – Car Chase
Google Pixel 6a
1043
2900
–
–
–
–
–
–
7 %
10 %
9 %
1 %
1 %
105 min
40 Min
–
–
–
–
–
Nothing Phone (1)
818
2877
–
–
98.9 %
78.1 %
86 %
482.78 nits
12 %
10 %
9 %
1 %
1 %
62 min
34 Min
–
–
–
–
–
Honor Magic 5 Lite
–
–
828
2070
–
–
–
800 nits
4 %
–
4 %
–
–
107 min
26 Min
56 %
28 %
363
11 fps
16 fps
Motorola Edge 30 Neo
1164
3544
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
35 min
13 Min
–
–
–
–
–
iPhone SE 2022
1733
4633
–
–
95.4 %
67.5 %
70 %
529 nits
5 %
8 %
7 %
1 %
1 %
63 min
–
–
–
–
–
–
Poco X5 Pro
786
2988
–
–
–
–
–
–
7 %
7 %
3 %
–
–
68 min
32 Min
–
–
–
–
–
TCL 40R 5G
–
–
706
1840
–
–
–
400 nits
20 %
–
15 %
–
–
180 min
75 Min
19 %
9 %
1203
2 fps
3 fps
