In the smartphone market, the bottom end is arguably the most competitive one. Several manufacturers keep launching newer, affordable models where they try to pack in more features and specifications than their business rivals to expand their market share. As a buyer, this gives you multiple options to take your pick from when looking for budget smartphones. However, there’s a catch too. Unlike higher-end smartphones where even the worst of the lot would function reasonably well, the budget-buys often have some terrible models that aren’t worth your money. The trick is to choose models that have the right balance between features, performance, and price. Since this can be difficult for many, we bring you some of the best picks among budget smartphones that come equipped with premium features to make them worth buying.
OnePlus Nord 2 5G (UK) - 12GB RAM 256GB SIM Free Smartphone Blue Haze
This smartphone features a 6.43-inch, 90Hz fluid AMOLED display, supports dual 5G SIM cards, and has one of the fastest smartphone CPUs, thanks to its octa-core Dimensity 1200-AI chipset. It has Android 11-based OxygenOS 11.3 as its operating system, comes equipped with 12GB RAM and 256GB internal memory (on UFS 3.1 storage system), and features an in-display fingerprint sensor. This smartphone also has AI triple camera (Sony IMX 766 50MP+8MP+2MP) with 4K at 30fps. Some of its main camera features are AI photo enhancement presets, ultra-clear 50MP photography, auto HDR, AI video enhancement, and ultra-wide mode. Its 32MP front camera with 1080p video at 30/60 fps features group shot 2.0, dual view video, HDR, screen flash, and face unlock. To ease your charging woes, its 65W Warp Charge delivers a day’s power in just 15 minutes.
ONEPLUS 9 5G Snapdragon 888 8GB 128GB Smartphone 6.5’’ 120Hz Fluid AMOLED Hasselblad Camera Dual-SIM (Arctic Sky)
You can enjoy uncompromising power with this smartphone that supports the fastest ever 5G and has the next-gen RAM along with an ultra-powerful Snapdragon 888 CPU. It comes equipped with a 48 MP main camera with 50 MP ultra-wide camera monochrome lens to deliver unmatched clarity. With its 6.55″ Fluid AMOLED Display11, this device provides you with the best visual experience. Its smarter and faster charging solution Warp Charge 65T gets the device charged with a day’s power in just 15 minutes. Thus, you’ll never have to worry about charging your smartphone quickly or going out of power during heavy usage.
Asus Zenfone 8 5G Dual ZS590KS 256GB 16GB RAM Factory Unlocked (GSM Only | No CDMA - not Compatible with Verizon/Sprint) International Version – Black
The Zenfone 8 features a 120 Hz ultra-clear AMOLED display to deliver spectacular visuals, the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 5G chipset for excellent performance, and a pro-grade camera system equipped with Sony sensors to click superb-quality photos. Thanks to its professional dual-camera system, you can capture your precious moments under any conditions. To click perfect photos, no matter if it’s day and night, you can use the 64-megapixel main camera that has a high degree of light sensitivity and offers unprecedented resolution. For more freedom in your composition, you have the ultra-wide camera that lets you capture magnificent macro shots with close-up details. To let you work or play non-stop, the Zenfone 8 has a long-lasting 4000 mAh battery.
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G | Pro Grade Triple Camera, 30x Space Zoom, Night Mode | Dual SIM Smartphone | All Day Battery | UAE Version | Lavender | 128GB
You can now enjoy streaming, gaming, video calling, and scrolling down your feed with the 6.5″ FHD Infinity-O Display and 120Hz scrolling screen of Galaxy S20 FE 5G. This smartphone features triple cameras, namely a 12MP ultra-wide camera, a 32MP front camera, and an 8MP telephoto camera to capture all your desired moments. Even in low-light or dark conditions, its rear camera clicks detailed images by leveraging advanced AI to pull in more light. For objects that are at a long distance from the rear view, 30x digital zoom helps capture their details with amazing clarity. If you’re a content creator, shooting for just 15 seconds and then visiting the Gallery will let you choose from multiple options to handle your photos, videos, and more. With 4500mAh battery and superfast charging, you can put your smartphone to good use without worrying about powering it up often.
Google Pixel 5 128GB + 8GB 5G Factory Unlocked Google Edition - Just Black
Google Pixel 5 brings the ultimate 5G Google phone into your hands. Whether you prefer uninterrupted streaming, want to download a movie easily on the go, or enjoy gaming sessions to your heart’s content, you can do them all and more with Google Pixel 5. Armed with robust security inside-out, it comes equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G processor, Android 10.0 OS, AMOLED display, 4080 mAh battery capacity, and 6 GB RAM. This water-resistant smartphone lets you click pictures with clear and stunning visuals, thanks to its 12 MP + 16 MP rear camera and an 8 MP front camera.
Apple iPhone SE (64GB) – Black
Along with a slim, lightweight design, Apple iPhone SE packs a 4.7-inch Retina HD display and new privacy features. It has the A13 Bionic chip with a third-generation Neural Engine to let you play games, launch apps, and do much more with lightning-fast speed. It’s dust- and water-resistant (1 meter for up to 30 minutes) and comes equipped with a Touch ID for secure authentication. Its 12MP wide camera supports next-generation Smart HDR, portrait mode, depth control, and 4K video, while its 7MP front camera supports portrait lighting and portrait mode together with depth control. Since this smartphone is capable of fast charging, you can connect it to a fast-charge adapter (that you’ll have to buy separately) to power it up from zero to up to 50% within 30 minutes.
ONEPLUS 8 5G Smartphone 8GB+128GB Snapdragon 865 6.55’’ 90Hz Fluid Display 48 MP Triple Camera NFC (Interstellar Glow）
ONEPLUS 8 5G features a 6.55-inch Fluid Display along with a 90Hz refresh rate to let you enjoy a brighter display, vivid colors, and ease of scrolling, swiping, and navigating. It’s powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 865, features the smooth and fast OxygenOS, and has 128 GB ROM and 6 GB RAM to provide you with up to 25% faster performance than previous-generation models. Using its advanced 48 MP triple camera system with 116° ultra-wide angle, you can now shoot epic videos and photos. Since its 16 MP front camera supports the Portrait Mode, clicking selfies would be a breeze. You can charge this smartphone from 1% to 50% in 22 minutes with Warp Charge 30T. For a full day’s use, you can bank on its high-capacity 4300 mAh battery.
Nokia 8.3 5G Android Smart Phone 8/128GB + 128GB MSD, 64 MP Sensor, Front-facing Camera 24 MP, Blue
Future-proofed and fast Nokia 8.3 5G is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G and features a sharp 6.81” FHD screen with pioneering PureDisplay Technology to suit bingers, gamers, and creators alike. It’s the only 5G smartphone that supports all 5G bands. Its ZEISS quad camera lets you capture videos and stills with cinematic effects while its 2.8μm specialized low-light camera lets you click true-to-life details even in the dark. Using its Google Assistant Button, you can view your schedule, ask questions, or even manage your room’s lighting. With its long-lasting 4500mAh battery together with 128GB internal storage and 8GB RAM, this smartphone is designed to deliver top-notch performance.
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | Ultra High-Res Quad Camera, 4K Video, Game Booster | Dual SIM Smartphone | All Day Battery | UAE Version | White | 128GB
At an affordable price, this smartphone with an IP67 rating delivers several premium features that you’ll love. It comes equipped with a 6.5-inch Infinity-O Display, seamless design, Eye Comfort Shield, on-screen fingerprint sensor, and a quad camera set-up. Powered by an all-day intelligent battery that maxes out at 4500mAh and is capable of superfast charging up to 25W, this smartphone can get you through your workday and even support your late-night fun binges. For clear, bright, and crisp pictures and videos, you can depend on the OIS, the 64MP main camera, and 123° field of vision of the ultra-wide camera. 4K video capabilities and multiple content creation options that are in-built are added advantages of the Galaxy A52 5G.
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro Dual SIM NFC Enabled Phatom Black 8GB RAM 256GB 4G LTE
If you’re looking for a smartphone that supports lagless online gameplay and lets you enjoy high speeds during your intense gaming sessions, Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro is what you need. Featuring Quadcom Snapdragon 860 and a 7nm octa core CPU up to 2.84GHz, it boasts strong graphics processing capacity. With its 120Hz high refresh rate and 240Hz touch sampling rate, you can enjoy extreme speed and fluidity. It has 33W superfast charging, 5160mAh battery (that can support 18 hours of video, 11 hours of gaming, and 110 hours of music), and LiquidCool Technology 1.0 Plus to deliver the ultimate performance. Its 3D heat dissipation lets you continue playing at full speed, while its Corning Gorilla Glass 6 has up to 2x improved scratch performance and can survive drops from up to 1.6m onto rough and hard surfaces. This NFC-enabled smartphone also features dual camera that support 4K video recording.
HUAWEI Y9a Smartphone, Dual SIM, 128 GB ROM, 8 GB RAM, 4200 mAh, 6.63" Display - Space Silver
HUAWEI Y9a smartphone has a beautiful design and delivers a comfortable grip, thanks to its 3D arc design and nano-textured surface. It features a 64MP AI quad camera to capture ultra-clear details of your special moments and a 16MP pop-up front camera for an immersive viewing experience. It also has an 8MP ultra-wide camera for wider angle videos and photos, and a 2MP depth camera for bokeh effect and precise depth detection. Its 128 GB ROM and 8GB RAM offer adequate storage space. Charging it has been made easy with its 40W HUAWEI SuperCharge, which lets you restore almost 70% power in just 30 minutes. And with its AI power-saving technology and 4200 mAh battery, you can forget about frequent recharging even during heavy usage.
