2024 is shaping up to be a remarkable year for budget-conscious smartphone shoppers. With each passing year, manufacturers continue to pack more features into affordable devices, closing the gap between premium flagships and budget options. In the current market, you no longer need to sacrifice performance, camera quality, or battery life to get a great phone at a lower price.
If you’re looking for the best budget smartphones in 2024, this guide will help you navigate through the top options available, breaking them down by performance, design, cameras, battery life, and unique features. Whether you’re a student, a professional looking to save, or simply someone who doesn’t want to break the bank on a smartphone, there’s something here for you.
1. Xiaomi Redmi Note 13
The Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 is a solid contender for the best budget smartphone of 2024, offering an impressive mix of features that rival even mid-range phones. Known for its affordability, Xiaomi once again delivers on the promise of a reliable smartphone with premium features at a fraction of the cost.
Key Features:
- Display: 6.67-inch Full HD+ AMOLED display, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 1080
- RAM: 6GB/8GB
- Storage: 128GB/256GB (expandable)
- Cameras: 50MP main sensor, 8MP ultra-wide, 2MP macro, 16MP front camera
- Battery: 5,000mAh with 67W fast charging
- Operating System: MIUI 15 based on Android 14
The 120Hz AMOLED display provides a smooth viewing experience, while the MediaTek Dimensity 1080 chipset ensures that the device performs well even during multitasking or gaming. The 50MP camera offers excellent photo quality, especially for a budget device, while the 67W fast charging ensures the battery is topped up quickly.
Pros:
- High refresh rate AMOLED display
- Impressive camera for the price
- Long battery life with fast charging
Cons:
- MIUI software may not appeal to all users
- No IP rating for water or dust resistance
Estimated Price: $250 – $300
2. Samsung Galaxy A34
The Samsung Galaxy A34 continues Samsung’s tradition of offering reliable budget smartphones with a good balance of performance and quality. As a part of the Galaxy A series, it is priced well below Samsung’s flagship devices but still delivers excellent features for its price.
Key Features:
- Display: 6.5-inch Super AMOLED, 90Hz refresh rate
- Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 920
- RAM: 6GB
- Storage: 128GB/256GB (expandable via microSD)
- Cameras: 48MP main, 8MP ultra-wide, 5MP macro, 13MP selfie camera
- Battery: 5,000mAh with 25W fast charging
- Operating System: One UI 5 based on Android 14
The Super AMOLED display offers deep blacks and vibrant colors, making the phone an excellent choice for media consumption. The Dimensity 920 chipset provides adequate power for most daily tasks, and the 48MP camera is a strong performer in good lighting conditions.
Pros:
- Bright and colorful AMOLED display
- Decent performance for everyday tasks
- Good camera system for its price
Cons:
- Only 90Hz refresh rate
- Slower 25W charging compared to some competitors
Estimated Price: $300 – $350
3. Moto G Power (2024 Edition)
Motorola’s Moto G Power line has consistently been known for its budget pricing and long battery life, and the 2024 edition is no exception. If you’re someone who values battery life above all else, this phone is worth considering.
Key Features:
- Display: 6.5-inch IPS LCD, 90Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 680
- RAM: 4GB/6GB
- Storage: 64GB/128GB (expandable via microSD)
- Cameras: 50MP main, 2MP depth sensor, 8MP front camera
- Battery: 6,000mAh with 20W fast charging
- Operating System: Android 13
The Moto G Power 2024 stands out with its massive 6,000mAh battery, which can last up to three days on moderate use. The Snapdragon 680 chipset provides enough power for basic tasks like browsing and streaming, but it’s not a performance powerhouse for gaming or intensive multitasking.
Pros:
- Incredible battery life
- Clean Android experience with minimal bloatware
- Affordable pricing
Cons:
- Display is only 720p resolution
- Average performance compared to rivals
Estimated Price: $200 – $250
4. Realme Narzo 60
Realme has been making waves in the budget smartphone market for a few years now, and the Realme Narzo 60 is one of its best offerings in 2024. It’s a budget-friendly phone that doesn’t compromise much on features, making it an attractive option for buyers on a tight budget.
Key Features:
- Display: 6.6-inch IPS LCD, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: MediaTek Helio G99
- RAM: 6GB/8GB
- Storage: 128GB/256GB (expandable via microSD)
- Cameras: 50MP main, 8MP ultra-wide, 2MP macro, 16MP front camera
- Battery: 5,000mAh with 33W fast charging
- Operating System: Realme UI 5.0 based on Android 14
The Realme Narzo 60 offers an excellent 120Hz display, a decent MediaTek Helio G99 processor, and a 50MP main camera that performs well in daylight. The 33W fast charging is also a nice addition, especially considering its price range.
Pros:
- High refresh rate for a smooth experience
- Fast charging and good battery life
- Competitive pricing
Cons:
- Average low-light camera performance
- Display quality could be better (LCD vs AMOLED)
Estimated Price: $250 – $300
5. Nokia G22
For those looking for a reliable and straightforward smartphone, the Nokia G22 offers a near-stock Android experience and good durability. While Nokia is no longer a giant in the smartphone industry, its budget offerings continue to impress those seeking simplicity and affordability.
Key Features:
- Display: 6.5-inch IPS LCD, 90Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Unisoc T606
- RAM: 4GB/6GB
- Storage: 64GB/128GB (expandable via microSD)
- Cameras: 50MP main, 2MP macro, 2MP depth sensor, 8MP front camera
- Battery: 5,050mAh with 18W fast charging
- Operating System: Android 13 (with Android 14 update promised)
The Nokia G22 is all about durability and simplicity. Its Unisoc T606 chipset might not win any speed awards, but it’s adequate for daily tasks. The phone’s real strength lies in its clean Android experience, long battery life, and promise of software updates.
Pros:
- Clean and simple Android interface
- Good build quality
- Long-lasting battery
Cons:
- Processor is underpowered for gaming
- Cameras are average at best
Estimated Price: $180 – $230
6. OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite
OnePlus continues its expansion into the budget smartphone market with the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite. Known for bringing flagship features to lower price points, the Nord CE 3 Lite is a compelling option for those who want premium features without the premium price.
Key Features:
- Display: 6.72-inch IPS LCD, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 695
- RAM: 6GB/8GB
- Storage: 128GB/256GB (expandable via microSD)
- Cameras: 64MP main, 2MP depth sensor, 16MP front camera
- Battery: 5,000mAh with 67W fast charging
- Operating System: OxygenOS 14 based on Android 14
The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite offers a premium design, a 64MP main camera, and a 120Hz display, making it one of the best budget phones for media consumption and photography. The Snapdragon 695 ensures smooth performance, and 67W fast charging gets the battery from 0 to 100% in no time.
Pros:
- High refresh rate and vibrant display
- Excellent battery life with fast charging
- Strong camera performance for the price
Cons:
- No AMOLED display
- Slightly bulky design
Estimated Price: $280 – $330
7. Poco X5
The Poco X5 is another stellar entry from Xiaomi’s sub-brand, known for offering high-performance smartphones at affordable prices. It’s packed with features that are rare at this price point, making it one of the best budget smartphones of 2024.
Key Features:
- Display: 6.67-inch AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 695
- RAM: 6GB/8GB
- Storage: 128GB/256GB (expandable via microSD)
- Cameras: 48MP main, 8MP ultra-wide, 2MP macro, 13MP front camera
- Battery: 5,000mAh with 33W fast charging
- Operating System: MIUI 14 based on Android 13
The AMOLED display on the Poco X5 is a standout feature, delivering rich colors and deep contrast. Paired with a 120Hz refresh rate and the Snapdragon 695 chipset, this phone handles most tasks with ease, from gaming to social media browsing.
Pros:
- AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate
- Decent performance for gaming and multitasking
- Strong battery life and fast charging
Cons:
- Camera performance in low light is average
- MIUI software may not suit everyone’s preferences
Estimated Price: $270 – $320
Finding the Best Budget Smartphone in 2024
In 2024, budget smartphones are more capable than ever, offering features that were once exclusive to flagship devices. From high refresh rate displays to long-lasting batteries and impressive cameras, there’s a budget phone for everyone. Whether you prioritize battery life, camera quality, or a smooth display, the options on this list cater to a wide range of preferences and needs.
For those looking for the best overall experience, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 and Samsung Galaxy A34 stand out as top contenders, while the Moto G Power (2024 Edition) remains the go-to choice for users focused on battery longevity. No matter your choice, the best budget smartphones of 2024 are sure to offer excellent value without breaking the bank.
