The Best Budget Smartphones: An Option for Everyone

Gone are the days of old when investing in a decent smartphone would mean breaking the bank. In recent years, advances in technology have meant there is a myriad of options to choose from, with a range of features available to suit everyone’s preferences. 

Whether you’re an avid gamer or a budding photographer, there’s a budget smartphone out there for you. With different phones come different capabilities, and finding the right one for you can be a confusing and time-consuming affair. To help you make an informed buying decision, we’ve put together a selection of our top three picks, each covering different key capabilities, helping you to find the right smartphone for your specific requirements.

The best camera phone - realme 9 Pro+ ($400)

In the past, finding a budget smartphone that could shoot impressive low-light photography was near impossible. Until the realme 9 pro+, that is. With a 50MP main camera, using Sony’s IMX766 sensor, this phone holds its own when capturing pictures in low-light conditions. Expect vivid, bold photos, even at night time.

The 16MP front camera also makes it a great option for taking the perfect selfie, although the lens doesn’t capture a super-wide photo, which might make it difficult to fit multiple people in the frame.

With a 90Hz refresh rate, it’s not the best on the market for speed, but still good enough for the usual mobile phone activities, such as scrolling social media, or browsing the web.

Best screen size for film lovers - Blu G90 Pro (170$)

If you enjoy watching your favourite TV show or latest movie on the way to work, the Blu G90 Pro is the best budget smartphone money can buy. With a 6.5-inch Full HD+ Infinity Display that never fails to deliver great image quality, you’ll be able to enjoy the latest blockbuster in style.

This option has a 5000mAh battery, which will keep your phone going for longer. For avoiding unwanted interruptions to your streaming, the phone supports fast charging via a USB-C cable. Unlike the newer iPhone models, the Blu G90 Pro has a 3.5mm jack, allowing you to connect a set of headphones or earphones, making up for the underwhelming sound levels made available by the single speaker on the bottom of the phone.

The most powerful phone for gamers - Xiaomi Black Shark 3 ($500)

Boasting excellent levels of functionality and power, the Xiaomi Black Shark 3 is the perfect handset for those looking for the ultimate mobile gaming experience. While this option won’t be found at the lower end of the price scale, it still makes our selection due to its excellent value-for-money offering. Its processor is capable of running some 'lighter' games for people who like to play bingo online, with popular titles like Buzz Bingo Blast and Deal Or No Deal Bingo. For more serious gamers, this device will also run graphically demanding games like Call of Duty Mobile - this smartphone is the master of all trades. The handset boasts a Snapdragon 865 processor, with an advanced cooling system. With a 4720 mAh battery, you’ll also get plenty of gaming time in between charges.

These phones go to show that you don't need to break the bank when looking for a new device.