The Best Budget Smartphones of 2024
We’ve put together a list of the best budget smartphones of 2024. With so many devices claiming to offer top specs at an affordable price, it can be hard to know where to start. The good news is, you don’t have to sift through endless spec sheets and marketing jargon.
We’ve rounded up some of the most compelling budget smartphones of the year — ones that strike the right balance between price, performance, and design.
Keep in mind, when we say “budget,” we’re not talking about the absolute entry-level models. We have a separate list for those. These devices are a step above that.
Now let’s dive in.
1. Nothing Phone 2a
The Nothing Phone 2a continues the brand’s minimalist design language, complete with the signature Glyph interface — those glowing LED light strips on the back that can act as notification indicators or even camera fill lights. It’s not just about aesthetics, though; the Phone 2a offers impressive hardware for its price.
The phone packs a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support. It gets bright enough to handle direct sunlight (up to 1300 nits peak brightness), and the Gorilla Glass 5 protection ensures durability. Under the hood, there’s a MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro chip, which handles most daily tasks and gaming without noticeable stutters.
You’ll find a dual-camera setup with two 50MP sensors — one for wide shots and the other for ultrawide. The 32MP front-facing camera is more than adequate for selfies and video calls. With 4K video support and gyro-based stabilization, the Phone 2a delivers good video performance too.
The 5000mAh battery offers reliable day-long performance, and the 45W wired charging can get you to 50% in just 23 minutes. However, there’s no wireless charging here, and you’ll have to live without a headphone jack. That said, at its price, the Nothing Phone 2a is still one of the most polished budget smartphones out there.
2. Redmi Note 14 Pro
Xiaomi’s Redmi Note series has been a staple in the budget segment for years, and the Redmi Note 14 Pro reinforces why. It offers premium features at a fraction of flagship prices, including an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.
The 6.67-inch AMOLED display is one of the best in the budget range, boasting a stunning 1220 x 2712 resolution with HDR10+ and Dolby Vision. It even hits an impressive 3000 nits peak brightness — more than enough for outdoor use. Protection is top-notch, too, thanks to Gorilla Glass Victus 2.
Inside, you’ll find the MediaTek Dimensity 7300 Ultra, paired with up to 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage.
On the camera front, the Redmi Note 14 Pro offers a 50MP main sensor with a large f/1.5 aperture, ensuring good low-light shots. There’s also an 8MP ultrawide lens and a 2MP macro sensor. Selfies are handled by a 20MP front-facing camera, and video recording goes up to 4K at 30fps.
Battery life is impressive, thanks to the 5500mAh capacity, and the phone supports 45W wired charging. The lack of a headphone jack might disappoint some, but the stereo speakers with Hi-Res audio support make up for it.
3. Meizu Lucky 08
The Meizu Lucky 08 might not have the brand recognition of its competitors, but it delivers a lot of value for the price. It’s especially appealing if battery life is your top priority, with a massive 6000mAh battery that should keep the phone running for two days on moderate use.
Its 6.78-inch LTPO AMOLED display is on par with competition which offers a 144Hz refresh rate and 5000 nits peak brightness — the brightest on this list. Combined with HDR support and a crisp 1264 x 2780 resolution, the content looks vibrant and sharp.
The phone is powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chip, paired with up to 512GB storage and 12GB RAM.
Meizu has gone with a simple camera setup on the Lucky 08. It has a 108MP main sensor and a 2MP macro lens. Selfies are handled by an 8MP front camera, but it’s not the strongest point of the phone. Video recording is limited compared to competitors, with no 4K option.
Charging the massive battery isn’t a pain either, thanks to 45W wired charging. If you can overlook the average cameras, the Meizu Lucky 08 stands out as a battery champ with a brilliant display.
4. OnePlus Nord CE 4
The OnePlus Nord CE 4 is another strong contender in the budget space. It’s the most charging-friendly phone on this list, with 100W wired charging that gets you to full in just 29 minutes. Combine that with the 5500mAh battery, and you’re looking at a phone that’s built for heavy users.
The 6.7-inch AMOLED display offers a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support. Brightness peaks at 1100 nits, and the bezels are impressively slim which gives the phone a sleek look.
Under the hood, the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 chipset handles tasks effortlessly. Paired with UFS 3.1 storage and up to 8GB RAM, the phone should respond swiftly to tasks like browsing or running demanding apps.
The Nord CE 4 has a 50MP main camera with OIS and an 8MP ultrawide lens. The 16MP front camera performs selfie and video call duties, and its recording support goes up to 4K at 30fps. OnePlus also delivers a relatively clean software experience with its ColorOS skin.
5. Final Thoughts
The best budget smartphone ultimately comes down to your priorities. If you want a unique design with a clean software experience, the Nothing Phone 2a is an excellent choice. If display quality and durability matter most, the Redmi Note 14 Pro won’t disappoint. For those focused on battery life, the Meizu Lucky 08 is a no-brainer, while the OnePlus Nord CE 4 is perfect for users who value fast charging and smooth performance. No matter your pick, these devices prove that you don’t need to spend flagship money to get a great smartphone in 2024.
