20 best budget smartphones

Despite the abundance of top-end smartphones, many users fundamentally prefer more practical, simple, and most importantly - inexpensive devices. Those, as a rule, are considered models worth up to 10,000 rubles. Of course, smartphones sold at such a pleasant price cannot boast the performance of modern flagships or the functionality and chic of the iPhone, but among them there are many successful solutions that meet the requirements of most not very demanding users.

Today, the best representatives of the budget class are often not inferior in power to the devices of the middle segment, they have at least two cameras, clear speakers and quite decent appearance. However, the other characteristics vary considerably depending on the manufacturer. Some brands rely on a large luxury screen, saving on battery capacity. Other smartphones can boast an excellent battery, some - a good camera. In addition, within the budget of up to 10,000 rubles, you can even find models with water protection, a frameless screen and other fashionable features. Thus, each inexpensive device can be called really the best only by one or two criteria. The remaining characteristics, as a rule, are quite average. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of cheap smartphones of the most popular categories.

Best budget smartphones with a good camera

Most budget smartphones do not have outstanding photo capabilities, but there are happy exceptions. The best cheap devices with a good camera, of course, will not replace a professional camera, but for their price they show an impressive result, as close as possible to the quality of well-known flagships.

As a rule, the most successful camera phones are removed with a resolution of 12 or more megapixels and have a relatively small f-number. However, it is important to remember that good specifications do not always guarantee great photos. The best indicator of the quality of the camera - reviews with photos and video testing.

3 Nokia 5.1 16GB

Although the Nokia brand has never positioned itself as a manufacturer of camera phones, this inexpensive development of a well-known Finnish company has confidently become one of the favorites of those who like to take photos on the phone. Most users think that Nokia 5.1 has a good camera, especially considering the modest budget. The resolution of 16 megapixels provides very decent image detail. The main advantage of the camera was an incredibly fast focusing, which became the main advantage of Nokia over other smartphones with a good camera.

No less important advantages of steel and features inherent in most of the brand's developments are a durable and at the same time not too heavy aluminum case and a juicy scratch-resistant screen. The resolution of 2160 by 1080 pixels and the density of 439 dots per inch guarantee excellent image quality and make this budget smartphone one of the best not only in terms of photo, but also in terms of price and quality.

2 Meizu M6s 32GB

This Meizu model is one of the champions of the budget segment both in terms of the resolution of photography, and in the amount of light reaching the photomatrix. A good 16 megapixel camera and f-number 2 provide excellent picture detail for a cheap phone, even in low light conditions. However, video shoppers made on Meizu are often considered mediocre.

In addition to good photos, an inexpensive Chinese smartphone boasts a durable metal and quite thin body, decent screen, 32 GB of internal memory, a normal battery and very good functionality for a budget phone. The device is equipped not only with a flashlight, gyro, compass, barometer, fingerprint scanner, but even a quick charge function. This innovative addition allows you to significantly speed up the process of charging the battery, so that the smartphone can be charged in a matter of hours.

1 Xiaomi Redmi S2 3 / 32GB

The inexpensive development of Xiaomi has become a real boon for those who appreciate above all in the phone clear photos and high-quality selfies. Dual main camera with a module from Sony and a resolution of 12 megapixels perfectly captures both people and panoramas and is characterized by good detail and natural colors. The front camera of 16 megapixels allows you to take incredibly beautiful selfies in almost any light. However, like all smartphones up to 10,000 rubles, at night the Redmi S2 model noticeably loses photo quality.

According to reviews, the advantages of Xiaomi include not only good cameras, but also high performance. The smart eight-core processor, successfully combined with 3 GB of RAM, provides a very fast response to user actions and stable operation even when loading fairly heavy applications. At the same time, the smartphone is equipped with a separate slot for the second SIM card, which allows you to install two SIM cards and a memory card at once.

Best budget smartphones with a good battery

Capacious battery is one of the best features of smartphones worth about 10,000 rubles. Some cheap devices are so autonomous that they leave far behind even expensive competitors. That is why many consider budget phones to be a more practical and reasonable solution than premium multi-function devices.

However, only a few low-cost smartphones are able to maintain autonomy for a really long time. In some cases, the operating time from a single charge can even reach 4-5 days. Such models usually have a battery capacity of at least 4000 mAh and not too low weight.

4 DOOGEE X70

Compact and fairly light, this frameless smartphone with a bright appearance, vaguely reminiscent of the design of the latest iPhones, has received many advantages, including very good autonomy. Thanks to a good 4000 mAh battery, this cheap phone can easily hold a charge for up to several days even with relatively active use. At the same time, despite the very affordable price, the manufacturer was not too lazy to equip the smartphone with two main and one front-facing cameras, a fingerprint scanner, an illumination sensor, an proximity sensor and the current Android 8.1 operating system.

Also, buyers note a convenient body, the accuracy of determining the location and survivability of the device. However, it is worth noting that the smartphone is not devoid of original features. It is equipped with a removable battery, originally wrapped in a protective film, which must be removed before first turning on. Also, many note the distinctive location of the connectors.

3 ASUS Zenfone Max (M2) ZB633KL 3 / 32GB

Ultra-thin body - a rarity for a smartphone with a capacious battery, especially in the budget segment, which makes Zenfone Max a unique representative of this class, the only one of its kind. The developers of Asus magically managed to fit a 4000 mAh battery into a device just 7.7 millimeters thick and weighing 160 grams. Therefore, the smartphone is pleasantly surprised not only with the ability to do without a charger for 2-3 days, but also with a spectacular appearance, as well as comparative compactness. At the same time, it fits perfectly in the hand and pleases with a large 6-inch screen.

No less significant and attractive feature of this model is the Asus has a very decent dual rear camera that can not only produce clear pictures with a resolution of 13 megapixels, but even shoot video in 4K-quality. In addition, the smartphone received a very productive eight-core processor, fast charging function and a good set of useful sensors.

2 Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus 4 / 64GB

Usually, neither the large diagonal nor the outstanding screen resolution is characteristic of the most energy efficient phones, but the Redmi 5 Plus model successfully broke this stereotype. The smartphone boasts not only a capacious 4000 mAh battery, which is easily enough for 3-3.5 days, but also a smart screen with a diagonal of 5.9 inches, a 1080 resolution of 2160 pixels and a density of 403 pixels. This extremely successful combination of seemingly incompatible characteristics allows you to enjoy excellent image detail, without fear of defusing your phone too quickly.

At the same time, the Xiaomi smartphone is good in other respects. It is equipped with a good 12 megapixel camera, scratch-resistant, supports most interfaces, has a fast response and high performance, and most importantly - received a large size of both operational and internal memory. This is the only cheap smartphone with built-in 64 GB memory and 4 GB RAM.

1 ZTE Blade A6

Surprisingly, the most autonomous smartphone of today belongs to the budget category. The incredibly practical development of ZTE Blade A6 has received not only an energy-efficient screen that does not require huge charges, but also the best battery, whose capacity reaches a record of 5000 mAh.The battery is impressive not only technical data, but also a really long energy conservation. As the reviews show, even with a fairly active use of the smartphone holds a charge of up to 4-5 days, exceeding even more expensive counterparts in operating time without recharging.

In general, this inexpensive model pleases with a very good value for money. The smartphone has a decent level of assembly, memory capacity of 32 GB, speed and optimal functionality, including a fingerprint scanner and fast charging. At the same time, the phone received quite good cameras, each of which is equipped with a flash.

The best budget smartphones: price - quality

Although in most cases, manufacturers of low-end smartphones in each model focus only on one or two of the best features, while remaining other characteristics are very mediocre, some developments become a good price-quality ratio. These best options are not really the best in any parameter, but at the same time they are at an altitude in every significant aspect.

They have a fairly productive processor and a stable system, so they work without interruption. Their functionality is not redundant, but includes all the most necessary, and the camera takes decent photos in normal lighting.

3 Samsung Galaxy J1 (2016) SM-J120F / DS

During the general race to increase the diagonal of the display, Samsung made a bright and bold decision by launching a 4.5-inch phone. Accordingly, the phone could not become a high-performance device. The main trump card updated Galaxy J1 steel capacious battery, good camera and relatively low weight.

Characteristics of the model:

• Brand Samsung Exynos 3475 processor with a clock speed of 1.3 GHz.
• Support for memory cards up to 128 GB.
• A 2050 mAh battery (considering the small display diagonal, and an economical processor, you can end up with up to 3 days of active work without recharging).
• 8 megapixel camera with the ability to shoot video in 1080p.

2 HUAWEI Y6 (2019)

This Huawei model is definitely in the top of the most fashionable and popular cheap smartphones in 2019. Despite the very pleasant price, the budget phone pleases the eye with the main chip of the current season - a spectacular 6-inch frameless screen with a tiny slit under the front camera and convenient proportions of 19.5 to 9. At the same time, it is surprisingly light, considering the display diagonal. A weight of 150 grams is a huge rarity for phablets and a good indicator for an average smartphone. However, the advantages of Huawei are not limited to the appearance and a good balance of weight and proportions. The filling model is not inferior to its design.

The operating system Android 9, referring to the new generation, is perfectly adapted to all known applications and will constantly receive fresh updates. Thanks to a rather nimble for an inexpensive version of the processor, the smartphone produces a very good speed even under heavy loads, which is confirmed by many reviews.

1 Sony Xperia L2

This development of the world-famous Japanese brand is highly appreciated not only by experts, but also ordinary users, who often mark Sony as the best price-quality ratio. Model Xperia L2, and truth, is among the most balanced and truly functional budget devices. The smartphone is equipped with a decent processor, suitable for running even fairly labor-intensive games, a good battery, which, if used reasonably, lasts for 2-3 days, 32 GB of internal memory and good cameras. Also, buyers separately note the excellent assembly, scratch-resistant glass and the best functionality.

Unlike other representatives of the category, Sony can boast not only a successful combination of price and quality, but also an abundance of options not available in all cheap developments, for example, a fingerprint scanner and NFC. In this case, the smartphone is often praised for the error-free operation of these functions.

Best budget smartphones with a large screen (from 6 inches)

Today, a large display is not only a fad, but also a really useful feature that allows you to significantly expand the capabilities of your smartphone. A diagonal of 6 inches or more makes the phone not just a means of communication with the ability to make a funny video and look at social networks, but a serious device suitable for watching movies, launching games and even working with documents.

At the same time, unlike the cheapest ones, budget smartphones for 10,000 rubles surprisingly combine a huge screen with adequate dimensions and relatively low weight. After all, they are created on the most modern technologies, as well as expensive developments.

4 Samsung Galaxy A10

The bright novelty, which appeared in stores in the middle of spring 2019, from the very first days became one of the most discussed low-cost models of the season. The main feature of the budget development of Samsung has become a huge colorful screen with a diagonal of 6.2 inches. From many other cheap developments of the South Korean brand it is distinguished, first of all, by the frameless design, which allows the device to be equipped with the largest display possible, without making it too cumbersome and heavy. With this concept, the Galaxy A10 weighs only 168 grams and fits comfortably in your hand.

Also, the best advantages of the smartphone include high quality of the case material, excellent viewing angles, good visibility even in sunny weather, decent cameras, a powerful speaker and a 3400 mAh battery, which, with an average intensity of use, lasts up to 2 days. However, most Samsung estimates the performance as very average, as there are delays when switching between applications.

3 Alcatel 3C 5026D

The development of a popular manufacturer of low-cost equipment became the best phablet of 2018 in the segment up to 10,000 rubles. In addition to the pleasant price, Alcatel pleased connoisseurs of a large diagonal and a bright six-inch display with a rare for a category of 18 to 9 aspect ratio. Until now, similar proportions have been the prerogative of flagship phablets. The elongated screen allows you to combine a huge screen with a convenient shape and dimensions that fit in your palm. Therefore, the width of this six-inch giant does not exceed 76 millimeters.

The smartphone looks spectacular due to the unobtrusive pattern on the back side of the case. At the same time, the budget did not prevent him from getting even a finger scanner, which became a concise design detail. However, it was not without minor flaws. Not too good camera is quite predictable for such a price. Despite the presence of two flashes, with low light, small grit sizes are possible.

2 Alcatel 3V 5099D

Alcatel is a true legend of the budget segment and this model is in no way inferior to its predecessors. Inexpensive, but thoughtful and spectacular, the Alcatel 3V smartphone attracts attention at first sight, because it is one of the very few cheap phones that can boast not just a large, but a truly high-quality display with excellent detail. Its 6-inch screen received a record-high resolution for this category, reaching 1080 by 2160 pixels, and the best density of dot elements of the image - 402 pixels per inch. Thanks to these unique characteristics, a cheap smartphone not only does not tire the eyes, but also amazes the imagination with the realistic picture.

In addition, Alcatel fell in love with many and good cameras. According to the reviews, the dual 12 megapixel main camera and the 5 megapixel front camera, according to reviews, are much better than many analogs. Both are equipped with bright LED flashes.

1 Honor 8A

The ultramodern smart phone with a distinctive rear case design incorporates all the best features of budget phablets. The juicy screen with decent resolution, NFC support and a fairly powerful eight-core processor in this model are successfully combined with the most current operating system of 2019 - Android 9. Also, buyers attribute to the pluses a decent 3020 mAh battery, which is easily enough for a couple of days, and relatively passive use and longer. At the same time, in spite of a very decent iron for a device for 10,000 rubles, the development of Honor became the easiest representative of the category. The weight of the smartphone is only 150 grams. At the same time, it is noticeably narrower and more compact than most competitors.

Not less significant advantage of cheap phablet, according to many buyers, was the built-in memory of 32 GB, which can be easily supplemented with a memory card of up to 512 GB. Thanks to the separate slots, it can be used together with two SIM cards.

The best budget smartphones with water protection

In the segment of up to 10,000 rubles, truly waterproof smartphones are a rarity. But this is exactly what makes the participants of this category an incredibly valuable and practical choice, because they can be taken everywhere. The beach, the pool, the bathroom and the rainy weather are not dangerous for a waterproof phone, while an ordinary device can fall asleep forever even from a glass of water spilled at lunch.

Sealed case reliably protects all vital components of the smartphone from moisture and splashes. However, it is important to remember that these are still cheap devices, which means that water protection, as a rule, is basic and is not designed for prolonged immersion in water.

3 Blackview BV5500

Simple and practical, this budget smartphone has become an excellent solution for athletes, outdoor enthusiasts and anyone who does not want to constantly worry about the safety of the phone. This development Blackview - the most secure and tenacious cheap smartphone, which you can buy today. The availability of the device did not prevent the manufacturer from equipping his creation with full-fledged water protection according to the IP68 standard, and this means that the model will survive without loss even full immersion in water. After all, a one-piece rubberized body and reliably covered connectors will not let water in to the vital internal components. The same feature prevents damage from falling, and the screen with special glass is not afraid of scratches.

At the same time, Blackview got a good processor, quite good for this category of camera, good noise reduction and Android 9. Also, the smartphone pleases with excellent autonomy thanks to a battery capacity of as much as 4400 mAh.

2 Redmi 7 3 / 32GB

The absence of a bulky rubberized case did not prevent the fresh development of 2019 from taking a prominent place among smartphones with water protection. Of course, this phone, unlike its neighbors by rating, is not designed for full immersion in water, but it is reliably protected from splashes and moisture, so you can safely answer calls even in heavy rain. Therefore, Redmi 7 is the best compromise between the weight, capabilities and security of the device for most users. In addition, this smartphone is very functional and supports many interfaces and functions that other protected devices do not have. In particular, the model recognizes the owner by fingerprint.

The advantages also include a large screen with a diagonal of 6.26 inches, a beautiful slim body with a gradient color and a good filling.A smart eight-core processor, 32 GB of internal and 3 GB of RAM and a 4000 mAh battery make the smartphone just the best representative of the form.

1 DOOGEE S30

The best representative of this small class, according to many users, is worthy of being considered an inexpensive, but durable "Chinese" with an optimal diagonal of 5 inches. The smartphone is so well sealed that it withstands even a full immersion in the bath for a short time. Although the device is not included in the number of impact-resistant, it does not break when falling to the floor from a half-meter height, does not scratch. Beveled corners not only look stylish, but also protect the device from chipping, allow you to comfortably hold it in your hand.

Also to the outstanding features of the budget phone is a battery with a capacity of over 5000 mAh. An autonomous device will be an excellent companion for a hiking enthusiast or traveler. After all, he does not need to search for a power source for up to three days. At the same time, the smartphone supports the function of fast charging and recognizes the owner by the finger scan. A dual 8 megapixel camera takes small, but fairly clear photos.

The best compact and lightweight budget smartphones

Heavyweight smartphones with large screens have become the main trend of recent years, which most manufacturers adhere to. However, many ordinary users are still to the miniature and lightweight devices, because they fit well even in a small female or children's hand, fit into a pocket or a tiny clutch. At the same time, the best of them are often not inferior to heavier and cumbersome phones, neither in the screen resolution, nor in the functionality, nor in the relevance of the system, and quite adequately hold the charge. But the memory reserve of light cheap smartphones, as a rule, is far from great.

3 Redmi Go 1 / 8GB

The very existence of this smartphone shows how wrong those who underestimate the miniature gadgets, considering them not powerful enough and not too modern. The smart Redmi Go processor is not inferior in performance to the stuffing of many much larger phones, thanks to which the model received a lot of positive reviews for its stable and fast work. Due to the not-too-large and therefore reasonably energy-efficient 5-inch screen and a 3000 mAh battery, this budget smartphone has also become one of the most autonomous miniature devices. If you believe the happy owners, one charge on average is enough for a couple of days, which is not bad for such an inexpensive and compact device.

Since this is one of the easiest, cheapest and easiest to set up smartphones, it is often bought not only as a second phone, but also as a basic device for beginners and children. The only negative is the built-in memory of only 8 GB and 1 GB of RAM.

2 Nokia 3.1 16GB

Nokia 3.1 is the choice of most lovers of lightweight, compact and yet inexpensive smartphones. Despite the novelty, this model has already managed to get dozens of positive feedback from users with a variety of requests, because the development of a well-known company not only weighs 138 grams and easily fits in your pocket, but is also well thought out and versatile. The screen with a diagonal of 5.2 inches is reliably protected from scratches and pleases the best in the category of density of point elements - 310 pixels per inch. Buyers also have excellent viewing angles. The screen is in harmony with a durable aluminum case, thanks to which the smartphone looks spectacular and is not afraid of falls.

At the same time, Nokia boasts a loud and clear sound, good cameras, a good battery and a clean, clear Android without unnecessary frills. In addition, this phone has a very low level of radiation, so it is suitable for those who care about health.

1 ZTE Blade A7 Vita

The recent development of ZTE has become the thinnest and lightest modern smartphone. The weight of 135 grams does not burden the user at all, because it is no more than the weight of a simple push-button telephone. Due to the thin body with a thickness of only 7.9 inches and, in general, the small dimensions of the device are convenient to control even with one hand. Despite the diminutive, budget smartphone is quite functional. It is equipped not only with good cameras for ordinary photos and selfies, but also with built-in FM radio, 4G LTE, a fingerprint scanner and 16 GB of internal memory, which is very good for such a light model.

Also, the significant advantages of Blade A7 Vita all users include a decent, given the size and price, performance and a good battery. According to reviews, on average, a battery with a capacity of 3200 mA is sufficient for 1.5-2 days of use with not too large loads: calls, correspondence in the messenger, reading virtual books and so on.

Popular vote - who is the best manufacturer of budget smartphones?
We vote!

ASUS

Meizu

LG

OUKITEL

Lenovo

Philips

Xiaomi

Samsung

HOMTOM

Huawei

Alcatel

Fly

Blackview

Bq

DOOGEE

ZTE

Nokia

Honor

Other

Total votes: 1735

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