Budget smartphones more do not imply a waiver of essential functions or performance. Here are 6 things you should pay attention to before buying a budget.
Many affordable phones now offer impressive displays, decent cameras, and smooth performance, making them an attractive alternative to flagship options for budget-conscious consumers and those looking for a backup device, according to Android Police.
Key specs to look out for include display quality, camera capabilities, processing power, storage options, battery life, and the phone's OS version.
Display Quality
The importance of display quality cannot be underestimated. After all, most of our interactions with a device are through the phone's display. A good display elevates every interaction with the phone to a new level, whether it's streaming, playing a mobile game, or browsing social media. Sharp details, vibrant colors and a smooth visual experience make a difference in how a device is perceived. Viewing angle is also a factor for budget phones.
It is worth reading the reviews to find out about the viewing angles of the device, as there is no standardized specification for them. Pay attention to the refresh rate, which determines how many times the screen refreshes per second. A higher refresh rate, such as 90Hz or 120Hz, makes web scrolling, animations and games smoother and more fluid than devices limited to 60Hz.
What's more, higher resolutions (1080p or higher), such as Full HD+ provides more detailed and sharper images, text and video. This is especially important for devices with large screens, such as the OnePlus Nord N30 5G (6.7-inch display).
Finally, consider the device's panel technology. While you'll find cheaper LCD panels on some budget phones, AMOLED displays typically deliver deeper blacks, brighter colors, and better power efficiency.
Camera Settings
Although the large number of megapixels may seem impressive, the size of the sensor and the quality of the lens play an important role in the quality of the image. The larger sensor captures more light, resulting in better dynamic range and improved low-light performance. Similarly, high-quality lenses provide sharper images with less distortion.
For example, the Google Pixel 7, which sometimes falls into the budget zone, has an exceptional camera and excellent image processing that rivals flagship devices. On the other hand, the Moto G 5G 2024 is a decent budget option with a basic camera system that consistently produces lackluster images.
Video recording capabilities are also important, as 4K resolution is the current specification for higher video resolution, even in budget phones. A phone with good video stabilization is essential for shooting smooth and stable videos. Considering these factors in addition to megapixels, it's easy to pick a budget phone that beats its price in terms of camera.
Processor quality
Smartphone processor — it's his brain. Along with the device's RAM, the phone's processor ensures smooth operation and smooth multitasking.
200% Deposit Bonus up to €3,000 180% First Deposit Bonus up to $20,000The leading names are Qualcomm Snapdragon and MediaTek. Snapdragon chips are generally considered to be more powerful, while MediaTek processors emphasize competitive performance at more affordable prices.
Meanwhile, Google Pixel devices use proprietary Tensor processors, known for their flagship-level performance. There are basic Exynos processors in several budget phones. Each chip manufacturer offers several processors that correspond to different performance levels and price points.
When evaluating processors, consider factors such as the number of cores and clock speed. Eight cores are now standard, even in budget phones, while anything clocked above 2.4GHz is considered fast.
While most modern phone processors are generally capable, choosing the right one for different needs (such as gaming or basic productivity tasks) is important in choosing the right device.
Device memory and storage
RAM — is your phone's short-term memory. The more RAM you have, the more apps and processes your phone can handle. With enough RAM, you can easily switch between apps, browse the web with multiple tabs open, and play graphically intensive games without lag.
This is an area where there are many differences between budget devices. While many, such as the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G, offer 4GB of RAM, others now offer 6GB. A few budget models, such as the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G, boast 8GB. As a Moto G 5G 2024 user, I sometimes notice a slight lag associated with its limited 4GB of RAM.
In addition to RAM, consider the phone's internal memory options. This is where apps, photos, videos, and other files are permanently stored. One of the great features of many budget Android phones is that they offer expandable storage via microSD.
However, dual-SIM phones sometimes have a multi-purpose slot that can accommodate either a second SIM or microSD card for storage, but not both options. Budget phones usually come with 128 GB of internal memory. If the device will store a lot of media files or applications, 256 GB will be more suitable.
Capacity battery
Battery life is critical for any smartphone, especially on the go. Battery capacity, measured in milliamp-hours (mAh), is a key indicator of how long a phone will last on a single charge. Generally, a higher mAh rating means a larger battery that can last longer between charges.
However, actual battery life depends on various factors, such as screen and power saving settings, app activity, and network connectivity. A phone like the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G is at the lower end of the spectrum with a 4,500mAh battery, while many budget devices like the Moto G 5G offer 5,000mAh or more batteries that can last for more than a day.
Fast charging technology is now common on budget phones. It's a handy feature that reduces the time it takes for your phone to charge. On top of that,
A matching operating system
Running the latest version of Android gives you access to the latest features, fixes, performance improvements, and security updates. While Android 15 is only coming to Google Pixel devices, it will be coming to a lot of phones next year.
Some older phones that are still available, like the Redmi Note 10, are running Android 11 or earlier and may not have an upgrade path.
Also, be careful with the number of updates a manufacturer has committed to releasing, as this can affect the lifespan of your phone. For example, Motorola has been criticized for its limited updates, while Samsung has gone in the opposite direction.