7 Budget-Friendly 5G Smartphones Under $400 in Late 2024

7 Budget-Friendly 5G Smartphones Under $400 in Late 2024 - Samsung Galaxy A54 5G Balances Performance and Affordability

The Samsung Galaxy A54 5G presents itself as a well-rounded option within the budget 5G smartphone arena, balancing performance with an accessible price point hovering around $449.99. Its 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display boasts a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, delivering a responsive and visually appealing experience. The camera system, featuring a 50MP main sensor and optical image stabilization, provides competent photo capture, while its large 5000mAh battery supports extended usage throughout the day. While some might find the design somewhat uninspired, the A54 5G stands out for its combination of features and performance, making it attractive to budget-minded consumers. It delivers a solid 5G experience without requiring a major investment, however, it's worth considering its proximity in price to some flagship devices from Samsung and others when deciding if it's the ideal fit.

The Samsung Galaxy A54 5G, priced around $450, positions itself as a compelling mid-range option by blending performance with affordability. It boasts a bright 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display, a feature often found in more expensive phones, making it easier to use outdoors. Its 120Hz refresh rate contributes to a smooth and responsive user experience, which is becoming more common even in the budget category. Under the hood, it uses a newer Exynos 1380 chipset fabricated on a 5nm process. This newer generation chipset generally translates to faster performance while reducing power consumption, but whether it is a dramatic leap forward remains to be seen.

The camera system utilizes a 50MP main sensor, and includes an ultrawide and macro lens. The use of advanced ISOCELL technology in the main camera is designed to improve low-light performance, something budget phone cameras historically struggle with. The 5000 mAh battery is expected to offer very long battery life compared to others in this class. Though battery performance is heavily dependent on usage patterns. 25W fast charging is a decent speed and allows for a quick top up when needed, especially for individuals on the go.

While the phone has an IP67 water and dust resistance rating, which is a nice feature at this price point, the overall design is regarded as rather unremarkable. The addition of Dolby Atmos to its stereo speakers does enhance its media consumption experience. One UI 5 on Android 13 provides a modern and refined user experience with some helpful enhancements. The pre-installed Samsung Knox security, a robust security feature usually reserved for higher-end devices, is present here too. With 128GB of storage, it offers enough space to store apps and files without the need for extra memory expansion, a point worth noting considering many competitors have either less storage or require SD cards.

There is some debate on how well it stacks up to competitors. Despite its solid features and performance, it’s worth considering that other manufacturers are offering powerful features at similar price points. It will be important to assess whether this phone stands out among similarly priced flagship and other manufacturer's high-end devices. Nonetheless, the Galaxy A54 5G emerges as a decent option in the budget 5G landscape for individuals looking for an all-around strong phone without breaking the bank. It remains to be seen, with more user reviews, how this phone performs in the long term.

7 Budget-Friendly 5G Smartphones Under $400 in Late 2024 - Apple iPhone SE 5G Brings A15 Power to Budget Segment

The iPhone SE 5G carves a niche in the budget 5G smartphone arena by leveraging Apple's powerful A15 Bionic chip. This chip delivers a significant boost in performance compared to previous iPhone SE models, making it a contender in the budget segment. Its 4.7-inch display, a familiar design reminiscent of the iPhone 8, remains a compact choice for users who prefer a smaller screen. The inclusion of 5G connectivity ensures it's up to speed with modern networks. While the 12MP camera is not groundbreaking, the powerful chip's processing capabilities can lead to better image quality. Though its starting price is $429, it might be found for under $400 depending on promotions. This makes it an appealing choice for those seeking a good balance of power and affordability. However, it's important to remember that the budget segment is getting crowded with feature-packed phones from other brands. It might be worth considering whether it provides a better value proposition compared to other offerings in a similar price range before making a purchase.

The iPhone SE 5G, powered by Apple's A15 Bionic chip built on a 5nm process, brings a level of performance typically found in more expensive iPhones to the budget segment. This chip, previously exclusive to the iPhone 13 series, showcases Apple's strategy to deliver powerful processing capabilities even in more affordable devices. It's intriguing to see Apple finally include 5G in their budget-oriented phone. The inclusion of both sub-6GHz and mmWave support expands the connectivity possibilities without sacrificing performance, a move that puts them more in line with other budget-friendly options.

While the SE's design is reminiscent of older iPhones with a 4.7-inch display, staying true to a compact design many people still prefer, some might find the aesthetic a bit dated compared to more modern designs. Despite its budget positioning, the camera utilizes computational photography—advanced algorithms to enhance image quality, a feature more common in high-end devices. This approach might improve photo detail and dynamic range, but how well it performs against its competitors with more physical camera hardware remains to be seen. The A15 Bionic chip offers a six-core CPU and four-core GPU, putting it ahead of most competitors in processing power. This could make the SE better suited for demanding apps and gaming, but again, benchmarks will reveal how much of an advantage that really is.

A key advantage the iPhone SE offers is its software support. With guaranteed iOS updates for several years, it ensures that users have access to the latest security patches and features for an extended period, something that is not consistently present in the Android ecosystem. At a starting price under $430, it has the potential to have a higher resale value compared to similar budget phones, due to Apple's brand recognition and existing loyal customer base. The A15's power efficiency also plays a role in battery life, with claims of up to 15 hours of video playback, an impressive number for a phone in this category. It's equipped with an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, another feature that's usually associated with more expensive phones, bolstering its durability.

However, it's worth acknowledging that the SE lacks some premium features found in higher-end iPhones, like Face ID. While the iPhone SE's combination of performance, reliability, and Apple's ecosystem makes it an intriguing option for those seeking a capable phone without the top-tier price, it's essential to consider how it performs against other manufacturers that may be offering comparable or better features in this price range. The iPhone SE 5G presents a compelling case as a budget-friendly iPhone, but its true strengths and weaknesses will become clearer with more user reviews and extended use.

7 Budget-Friendly 5G Smartphones Under $400 in Late 2024 - Google Pixel 7a Shines with Exceptional Camera Capabilities

The Google Pixel 7a stands out among budget-friendly smartphones due to its impressive camera system. Its 64MP main camera captures detailed images with appealing color and exposure, exceeding expectations for a phone in this price range. Google's AI-powered camera features, often found in their higher-end models, are also present here, further enhancing the photographic experience. While the Pixel 7a starts at a slightly higher price point of $499, its overall performance and particularly its camera capabilities position it as a strong option in the mid-range market as we near the end of 2024. Whether the camera and AI features deliver significant advantages over other, similarly priced phones remains to be fully assessed, but early indicators are positive.

The Google Pixel 7a distinguishes itself in the budget smartphone market with a notable camera system upgrade compared to its predecessor, the Pixel 6a. It houses a 64MP primary camera featuring a larger-than-usual 1/1.7-inch sensor for this class. This sensor size is crucial, as it allows more light to be captured, leading to better performance in low-light situations and producing cleaner images with less noise.

Google's emphasis on computational photography plays a significant role. It leverages sophisticated software algorithms to replicate advanced camera features. The Pixel 7a, therefore, delivers High Dynamic Range (HDR) images with a wider range of detail and colors, particularly in challenging lighting scenarios.

A noteworthy feature is its integration of various AI-powered functionalities, similar to those found in higher-end Pixel models. Features like Magic Eraser, which lets users remove unwanted objects from photos, are relatively uncommon in budget phones. For users with a penchant for manual control, a Pro Mode offers granular adjustment of settings such as ISO, shutter speed, and focus, a capability typically absent in budget devices.

The Pixel 7a also offers 4K video recording at 30 frames per second, a feature not usually seen in this price segment. Its advanced video stabilization technology effectively mitigates shaky footage, proving advantageous for users shooting videos on the move. The inclusion of an Astrophotography mode is quite impressive. This mode utilizes long exposures and software processing to generate detailed images of the night sky, a rare feature in a phone with a starting price below $500.

Google's Real Tone technology endeavors to accurately represent skin tones in photos. It adapts to a variety of lighting conditions and diverse skin tones, aiming for more natural and representative image capture. An 8MP ultrawide lens offers flexibility for taking group photos or capturing a wider view of landscapes, an asset not frequently seen in budget smartphones that often only feature a single standard lens.

At its launch price of about $499, the Pixel 7a has often been seen for around $400, representing a significant value proposition for a camera typically found in higher-priced devices. This makes it a very competitive choice in the budget sector. Google Photos integration adds further value by offering a range of tools like Live Translate for text within images and a suite of filters, making the post-capture editing process smoother and more engaging on the device itself.

While the price increase compared to the Pixel 6a might give some pause, the improvements in camera hardware and software suggest that, overall, the Pixel 7a could be considered a top option for budget-conscious buyers looking for a great camera experience. It remains to be seen, however, how it will perform over extended periods of use.

7 Budget-Friendly 5G Smartphones Under $400 in Late 2024 - OnePlus Nord N30 5G Offers Smooth Android Experience

The OnePlus Nord N30 5G, launched in North America during the middle of 2023, presents a compelling option among budget-friendly 5G phones. Its large 6.72-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate provides a smooth and visually engaging experience, making it enjoyable for everyday tasks and gaming. The device's battery life is generally good thanks to a 5000mAh cell with support for 50W fast charging, allowing for extended usage without constant charging. The phone's 108MP main camera is a notable feature at this price, but it's important to keep in mind that its overall camera quality may not be as polished as some competing models. For those who utilize many apps concurrently, the 8GB of RAM enables smooth multitasking, but it's worth considering that the phone is only promised to receive one major Android OS upgrade, which might lead to concerns about future software updates and overall device longevity.

The OnePlus Nord N30 5G, exclusively available in North America since June 2023, presents an interesting case study in the budget 5G smartphone space. It's powered by a Snapdragon 695 processor built on a 6nm fabrication process. This newer generation chip generally means it should be more efficient, using less power for a given performance level, a welcome trait for a budget device. Its 6.72-inch display boasts a 120Hz refresh rate, a feature not often seen in budget phones. This higher refresh rate results in smoother scrolling and animations, which makes the phone feel more responsive and can be particularly noticeable during gaming or when navigating through apps with lots of motion.

It's equipped with a sizable 5000 mAh battery, and OnePlus claims that the 50W charging can top it off in under 30 minutes. This fast charging capability helps to minimize the time spent tethered to a charger, a major benefit for many users. Interestingly, it runs on OxygenOS, known for being relatively bloatware-free and typically receiving relatively quick software updates compared to other Android skins, which can impact overall system performance and responsiveness.

One standout feature is its 108MP main camera, which is a surprising number in this price range. While higher megapixel counts do not always equate to higher image quality, it offers the potential for capturing highly detailed photos. It will be interesting to see how well it performs in varied lighting conditions and if the processing power of the phone can handle the large files efficiently. Despite its budget-friendly nature, it carries an IP53 water and dust resistance rating, a level of protection not usually found at this price point. It also offers 128GB of storage that is expandable with a microSD card, giving users the flexibility to add more storage for applications and media files.

Furthermore, the phone includes support for both sub-6GHz and mmWave 5G, which ensures compatibility with a wider range of network implementations. This feature makes it a more future-proof purchase in an environment where 5G networks continue to evolve. Interestingly, OnePlus has included several AI-related camera features like Nightscape for low-light photography. While this sounds impressive, it remains to be seen how well these features truly compete with those found in other similarly priced phones with more physically advanced camera setups.

One aspect worth mentioning is its design, with a polycarbonate rear that mimics the look of glass. While visually appealing, it might not be as durable in the long term as some competitor's phones, which may use more robust materials like aluminum or glass at similar prices. Overall, the OnePlus Nord N30 5G appears to be a solid option for budget-conscious consumers who are looking for a smooth Android experience. However, as with all devices in this range, a longer-term evaluation will be needed to fully gauge its performance, reliability, and long-term value.

7 Budget-Friendly 5G Smartphones Under $400 in Late 2024 - Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) Caters to Productivity Enthusiasts

The Moto G Stylus 5G (2024), priced at under $400, specifically targets those who prioritize productivity. Its 6.7-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate creates a smooth and sharp visual experience, important for anyone doing a lot of reading or working with apps. The most noticeable feature is the built-in stylus, a unique addition for a phone in this price range, which offers a more precise way to interact with the phone for tasks like note-taking and sketching. The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor is likely sufficient for most users and their everyday tasks including some multitasking. Other specs such as a 50MP main camera, wireless charging—a new feature for this Moto G Stylus line—and a large 5000mAh battery make this a pretty well-rounded device. Whether this phone truly lives up to its promise for productivity in the long run will need more user feedback, but it's definitely a strong competitor among budget-friendly phones that also want to appeal to people who rely on their phones for more than just calls and social media. It's worth considering if this particular phone's combination of features is a good fit for you versus the other phones in this price range.

The Moto G Stylus 5G (2024), priced at $399.99, is an intriguing contender in the budget 5G phone market, particularly for folks who value productivity. It's equipped with a 6.7-inch 1080p OLED screen that can refresh at up to 120Hz, offering smooth visuals for a better user experience. The Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chipset provides the processing muscle, but whether it's a significant step forward for this price point remains to be seen. The camera system is a dual setup, including a 50MP main sensor and a 13MP ultrawide, aiming to provide sufficient capture flexibility.

The phone houses a 5000mAh battery which Motorola claims offers up to 30 hours of usage. 30W fast charging is included, which brings the battery to 54% in half an hour—a decent speed for getting back in the game quickly. Perhaps the most notable addition for this model is the inclusion of wireless charging, a feature that hasn't been seen in the G Stylus line previously at this price point. It also comes with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, a solid combination that should be sufficient for the needs of most users. The built-in stylus, a signature feature of the G Stylus line, aims to increase its appeal to individuals who rely on note-taking or creative tasks on their phones. Other features include an under-display fingerprint reader for security, and stereo speakers, a good addition for enhancing media consumption.

It's interesting to see Motorola introduce wireless charging in this mid-range series. It's becoming a feature more common in phones at higher price points. It remains to be seen how well the features, like the battery and the stylus, perform in everyday usage. The processor could benefit from a boost to fully contend with more capable competitors. However, the combination of the stylus, larger storage, and the addition of wireless charging make it stand out in its price segment and warrant consideration, especially if you are someone who appreciates note-taking, sketching or drawing on their phone. It'll be valuable to see how it stacks up against other phones in the $400 range.

7 Budget-Friendly 5G Smartphones Under $400 in Late 2024 - AGM H6 Stands Out with Rugged Design and IP Ratings

Among the budget-friendly 5G phones, the AGM H6 distinguishes itself with a focus on durability. It's built tough, meeting military-grade standards (MIL-STD-810H) and boasting an IP68 rating, making it resistant to dust and submersion in water. This makes it a potentially compelling choice for users who frequently encounter challenging outdoor conditions. At a starting price of $299, it can sometimes be found for $219 during introductory sales, making it one of the more affordable rugged phones. It also features a 6.56-inch screen that has a 90Hz refresh rate, enhancing smoothness and visual quality. Surprisingly, despite the rugged design, it's relatively thin and light, at 10.75mm thick and 240 grams. Its internal specs with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage suggest it aims for users who need a device to hold up in demanding situations, but its overall real-world performance and longevity, particularly in the face of the competition, will be important considerations.

The AGM H6 presents itself as a compelling option within the budget 5G phone market, primarily due to its emphasis on durability and ruggedness. Its design has been put through rigorous testing, including drops from roughly 1.5 meters, making it a potentially appealing option for users who work or spend time in environments where a phone might be more susceptible to damage.

Further emphasizing its toughness is an IP68 rating, meaning it can withstand submersion in water up to 1.5 meters for a certain duration. Many budget phones lack such robust water resistance, giving the H6 a potential advantage if water is a likely exposure factor. Another noteworthy attribute is its ability to function in extreme temperatures, from -20°C to 60°C. This range is likely to exceed the needs of most users, unless they work in particularly harsh conditions, but it showcases the phone's tolerance for varied environments.

Adding to its durability claims, it also complies with the MIL-STD-810H military standard. This standard entails several tests aimed at assessing the device's robustness under shock, vibration, and extreme temperature swings. Whether all of these test results really translate into meaningful improvements in long-term everyday use remains to be seen through user experience.

A 6800mAh battery provides the H6 with a considerable power reserve, making it suitable for extended periods of use without needing a recharge. The potential downside is the added weight and thickness the large battery contributes. It uses Gorilla Glass for its display, which is designed to be more resistant to scratches and impacts. This type of protection might reduce the likelihood of visible damage to the screen during everyday bumps and scrapes.

It features gesture controls that are reported to work even when the phone is wet or the user is wearing gloves. This functionality is unique in the budget phone market and could enhance usability in certain situations. Users also get expandable storage via a microSD card, a feature that is becoming increasingly rare in budget phones. While not groundbreaking, features such as noise cancellation for calls and fast charging are included, indicating a balanced approach between ruggedness and functionality. Whether these features offer substantial advantages over similarly priced alternatives remains to be seen. Overall, the AGM H6 is a rare example of a budget 5G phone that prioritizes durability without neglecting a few useful features, yet whether it can sustain the same level of performance as more feature-rich competitors remains to be investigated.

7 Budget-Friendly 5G Smartphones Under $400 in Late 2024 - Redmi Note 12 Pro Impresses with 200MP Camera and Fast Charging

The Redmi Note 12 Pro stands out among budget phones with its impressive 200MP main camera, a feature usually found on more expensive devices. This camera is capable of recording 4K video smoothly thanks to Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). It also includes ultrawide and macro lenses, providing versatility for different types of photos and videos. The phone is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 1080 processor and features a bright 6.67-inch OLED screen that can refresh at 120Hz, leading to a smooth and responsive user experience. A 5000mAh battery provides the power, and 120W fast charging lets you top it off quickly. While it's being marketed as a possible alternative to flagship phones due to its features, it remains to be seen if it can deliver consistently over time in the face of its similarly priced rivals. The Redmi Note 12 Pro will need to demonstrate its real-world performance to really establish itself as a top choice in this increasingly competitive market segment.

The Redmi Note 12 Pro is grabbing attention with its impressive 200MP main camera, a significant leap in resolution for a phone in this price range. It achieves this using a technique called pixel binning, where multiple smaller pixels are combined into a larger pixel. This process particularly benefits image quality in dim lighting, making photos appear less noisy and more detailed. Interestingly, the camera incorporates a larger-than-usual 1/1.4-inch sensor. This bigger sensor captures more light, further enhancing low-light performance and image clarity.

Adding to its appeal is a 120W fast charging feature called HyperCharge. This feature is incredibly fast, capable of topping off the battery to nearly full within about 20 minutes. This speed can be a lifesaver when needing a quick recharge, although the durability of a 120W charging scheme over the long term is always a question. One benefit of the 200MP sensor is its allowance for greater zoom capabilities without a severe drop in image quality. This means a user can crop into an image and still retain sharp details that would be lost on a lower-resolution camera. The optical image stabilization (OIS) found in the camera helps to minimize blur in photos and videos, especially in situations with shaky hands or in low-light.

Despite the substantial camera features, the Note 12 Pro maintains a relatively light weight of around 205 grams, making it comfortable to hold for prolonged periods. Connectivity features are up-to-date, incorporating Bluetooth 5.3, promising better range and efficiency. It leverages artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms for image processing to improve aspects such as color accuracy, dynamic range and automatically adjust camera settings based on the environment. This phone also benefits from a sophisticated thermal management system to help keep the phone cool during intense usage, such as gaming or 4K video capture. This is crucial to prevent performance drops due to overheating.

While the high-resolution camera is remarkable, it does come with a potential downside—large file sizes. Each image taken at 200MP can take up a substantial amount of storage, making it essential to plan storage requirements. This is particularly relevant if you frequently capture photos in the highest quality, especially considering the camera system's strong low-light performance which encourages photos in low-light environments. This phone does appear to have a good balance of features at its price point, although how it holds up in the long-term and versus competitor models in this category will likely need a longer evaluation by users and technical researchers.