Best budget smartphones: Pixel 10a and other top picks for performance, cameras, and battery life
Over the years, I went through my fair share of budget phones. I get why people complain about entry models. The processor drags. The camera misses. And the software… tests your patience. My Samsung Galaxy J8 gave me a hard time on the software side. I put up with slow speed and rough photos—my vacation shots still hurt to see. Apps wouldn’t open. The phone would freeze. It would restart on its own.
Related: Apple’s March 4 event is mysterious—but should we be excited?
Things look different now. Brands step up their game. With Google showing off the Pixel 10a and Apple set to unveil the iPhone 17e, this feels like the right moment to talk about the best budget smartphones you can get in 2026.
Motorola moto g power – 2026
Motorola moto g power – 2026
Motorola keeps the $299 price and throws in a few upgrades. You get a bigger battery (5,200 mAh) and a sharper selfie camera. For $300, the moto g power – 2026 runs smooth. It packs 8 GB of RAM, handling gaming, video streams, and multitasking with no drama.
Lenovo’s sub-brand drops wireless charging. I don’t care much about that, but some people will. A relative gave me a wireless charger after I broke a streak of cable chargers. I keep it in my workroom and use it so I don’t drag a cable across the house.
Best phone under $200: Samsung Galaxy A17 5G
Samsung Galaxy A17 5G
Samsung promises six OS and security updates for the Galaxy A17 5G. That should take it all the way to Android 21 and One UI 13 if the naming pattern sticks. Buy it now or two years from now, and you’ll still get fresh features and security patches. That gives it solid long-term value.
Performance holds it back. Samsung uses the Exynos 1330 chip and pairs it with 4 GB of RAM. That combo limits what the phone can do. Samsung loves to reuse parts to cut costs, and this phone shows it. Speed matches last year’s A16. You won’t see a jump in power.
Nothing CMF Phone 2 Pro
Nothing CMF Phone 2 Pro
At $279, the Nothing CMF Phone 2 Pro feels like it should cost twice as much. You get a 6.8-inch 120 Hz display, a 5,000 mAh battery, three cameras, strong specs, and tight software tuning. I love that it doesn’t fall apart in any area. At this price, that matters.
Stock creates a problem. The Phone 2 Pro sits out of stock on Amazon and on the official site. I don’t know when units will return. If this phone grabs your attention, sign up for Nothing’s newsletter so you catch the next restock.
Nothing Phone (4b)
Nothing Phone (4b)
If you don’t want to spend flagship money but still want a phone that feels fresh and fun to use, the Nothing Phone (4b) should be on your shortlist. Nothing kept its signature transparent design but added a cleaner unibody look and a refined Glyph Bar that still gives the phone plenty of personality. At its price, that alone helps it stand out.
The first thing you’d notice in everyday use is the 5,200 mAh battery, the biggest Nothing has put in a phone. That’s the kind of upgrade I appreciate because it means fewer battery anxiety moments during long days.
Performance also looks solid for the money. The Snapdragon 6 Gen 4 chip should handle social media, streaming, multitasking, and casual gaming without much trouble. The 6.77-inch 120 Hz AMOLED display makes scrolling feel smooth, while the bright panel helps outdoors.
Photography is another pleasant surprise. The 50 MP main camera includes optical image stabilization, which should help keep photos and videos sharper. I also like that Nothing added creative features such as Dual Capture and custom filters instead of sticking to the usual camera app.
The software might be my favorite part. Nothing OS 4.1 keeps Android clean, adds useful AI features, and avoids the clutter that often comes with budget phones. Between Circle to Search, Gemini support, and Nothing’s own AI tools, it feels more premium than I’d expect.
Google Pixel 10a
Google Pixel 10a
Some people complain about the Pixel 10a design. It keeps the same size and shape as the 9a. The frame uses aluminum, and the back uses plastic, not glass. The look plays it safe. Still, Google nails the formula for budget Android phones.
Related: Pixel 10a review—Should you buy Google’s entry-level phone or wait for the iPhone 17e?
Google’s midrange Pixels offer you strong cameras and almost everything most people need at a fair price. The Pixel 10a sticks to that path. Around the back, you get the same dual camera setup: a 48 MP main and a 13 MP ultrawide. Expect photos that look close to shots from the Pro line, just with lower resolution.
Apple iPhone 16e
Apple iPhone 17e
The old SE models were what I’d call budget smartphones. The iPhone 17e isn’t. While the third-generation iPhone SE started at $429 back in 2022, Apple now asks $599 for the base iPhone 17e—or $899 if you opt for the 512 GB variant. Storage upgrades cost a lot, but the Apple ecosystem and a few key features might pull you in.
Battery life stands out. The 17e runs close to Plus and Max battery numbers in a smaller body. It packs a 6.1-inch display and measures 5.78 inches tall, 2.82 inches wide, and 0.31 inches thick.
Related: Google Pixel 9a vs. iPhone 16e
Apple puts the A18 chip inside. It mirrors the iPhone 16 chip but drops one graphics core, giving you four instead of five. In Genshin Impact, the 17e shows a few stutters, but gameplay stays close to the standard iPhone 16. If you want a compact iPhone that runs games well and costs less than the Pro, the 16e deserves a look.
Before you go
Budget phones have come a long way since my days with the Galaxy J8. Today, you can get solid performance, reliable cameras, and software that won’t drive you crazy—all without spending a fortune. Whether you lean toward the smooth multitasking of the Motorola moto g power – 2026, the long-term updates of the Galaxy A17 5G, the well-rounded Nothing CMF Phone 2 Pro, the camera strengths of the Pixel 10a, or the compact power of the iPhone 17e, there’s something for every need and budget.
The key is knowing what matters most to you—battery life, camera, or software longevity—and choosing the phone that hits the right balance. Budget no longer means compromise; it just means smart choices.
