Are you tired of breaking the bank for a smartphone that meets your needs? Look no further! We’ve got you covered with the best budget smartphones under £200, carefully curated to provide top-notch performance, impressive displays, and exceptional value for money. For under £200, you can enjoy a premium mobile experience without the hefty price tag. Whether you’re a student, a busy professional, or simply looking for a reliable device, our top picks will exceed your expectations. Discover the perfect blend of quality and affordability in our roundup of the best budget smartphones in the UK.
Sure, switching from Apple to Samsung or trying out a new brand like Xiaomi or Oppo might feel like a leap of faith, but trust us, it’s worth it. Budget phones have come a long way in recent years, and they’re now offering many of the same features and designs as their pricier counterparts.
So, which ones made the cut? We’ve rounded up our top picks for the best budget smartphones of the year so far, and they’re all brand new, with the latest operating systems, fingerprint sensors, advanced photography features, and cameras that will make your Instagram followers green with envy – all at a price that won’t break the bank.
Top-Rated Phones Under £200: A Budget-Friendly Roundup
Here are some of the top-rated budget smartphones in United Kingdom.
Best 5G smartphone under £200
- Motorola Moto G: Best cheap 5G phone overall
- AGM H6: Best rugged cheap 5G phone
- Samsung Galaxy A35: Best cheap 5G Samsung phone
- OnePlus 12R: Best cheap 5G phone with dual SIM
Best-rated budget smartphones for battery life
- HONOR X7b: Best battery life
- Samsung Galaxy A55: Long-lasting 5,000mAh battery and 25W wired charging
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12: Lengthy battery life
- iPhone 13: Highlight for its battery life, previously iPhones haven’t been synonymous with strong battery life
Best budget smartphones for photography
- Google Pixel 7a: Amazing camera software, a 64MP primary shooter, and a low price – what more could you ask for?
- Samsung Galaxy A54 5G: I love how versatile the camera system with a 50MP primary camera, 12MP ultrawide shooter, and a 5MP macro – perfect for capturing life’s precious moments.
- Samsung Galaxy A34 5G: It has a solid camera setup with a 48MP primary camera, 8MP ultrawide shooter, and a 5MP macro camera – great for snapping stunning photos without breaking the bank!
- Apple iPhone SE (2022): A premium camera experience with a single rear camera sensor – simplicity at its best.
- Samsung Galaxy A25 5G: A powerful camera with a 50MP sensor, OIS, the camera on this phone is insane – it captures so much detail and the colors are incredibly vivid.
- OnePlus Nord 3: A top-notch primary camera with the same sensor as the OnePlus 11 – stunning photos made easy.
Best budget smartphones for Gaming
- Samsung Galaxy A50: This one’s a total steal! You get smooth gaming performance without the hefty price tag.
- Samsung Galaxy A55: It a perfect Samsung phone with a sleek metal build, lightning-fast refresh rate, and a battery that lasts all day for gaming.
- iPhone 13: Yes, you can get an iPhone without emptying your wallet! The A15 Bionic chip delivers serious gaming power.
- Google Pixel 8a: Another affordable option that brings you Google’s genius AI features.
- Honor 90: A budget-friendly beast with a stunning display, rapid charging, comes with the best chipset for gaming and cameras that will make your friends jealous.
Best smartphones under £200 in 2024
1. Samsung Galaxy A14 5G – £163
An incredibly popular choice amongst smartphone enthusiasts and value buyers alike, the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G is a promising phone under £200 with boundless storage, a tasteful design, and trusty performance that’ll see users through hours of scrolling apps, messaging, and more.
Robustly designed with IP53 waterproofing and a tough plastic shell, the Galaxy A14 5G feels reliable, not only in its performance but its build quality too. Under the hood of the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G, you’ll find an octa-core processor with 2.0GHz of performance, which is serviceable, but not extraordinary, along with a fairly standard 4GB of RAM for largely stable browsing.
What truly shines about the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G is its 64GB of internal storage, expandable up to 1TB via microSD, leaving a huge amount of space for apps, games, music, and photos. Speaking of photography, the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G doesn’t reinvent the wheel with its triple-lens camera system that looks vastly better than its predecessor, the Galaxy A13. Pictures look solid but offer nothing more than you would expect from a budget smartphone, albeit from a stronger selfie mode than most cheap smartphones on the market.
And yet the Samsung Galaxy A14 5G is nothing if not reliable: its rugged build quality and stable performance on a full HD screen paired with its lengthy battery life provide an all-around solid smartphone experience, so it’s truly difficult to fault. The Samsung Galaxy A14 5G is a brilliant pick for budget buyers.
- Cameras: 50 MP (main), Depth camera, Macro camera
- Display: 6.6 inches (measured diagonally), FHD+ display technology
- Processor: Octa-core processor
- RAM: 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB
- Storage: 64GB or 128GB
- Battery life: Up to 2 days
- Dimensions: 167.7 x 78 x 9.1 mm
- Colors: Black, Light Green, Dark Red, Silver
- Wireless charging: 15W wired
- Weight: 202 g
2. Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 – £113
A fantastic smartphone offering reliable multi-day performance, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 has a spectacular design comparable to that of a far costlier device, with impressive hardware that vastly exceeds its predecessor, the Redmi Note 11.
Adopting a far more modern design, the Redmi Note 12 boasts a sleek and contemporary aesthetic. Combining a stunning 6.67-inch display and 120Hz refresh rate, the Redmi Note 12’s screen looks and feels incredibly smooth, separating itself from the majority of budget phones.
We particularly enjoy the Redmi Note 12’s punch-hole camera aesthetic, which maximizes its screen space without intrusive screen islands or rigid home buttons. With its modern design, the Redmi Note 12 offers an impressive visual experience.
Photography on the Redmi Note 12 proves to be exceptional, thanks to its 48MP triple camera system that excels in both daylight and low-light conditions. The phone’s 13MP front camera also delivers impressive selfies.
With 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, the Redmi Note 12 delivers seamless browsing, multitasking, and navigation. Its powerful hardware ensures reliable functionality, making it an excellent primary device.
Its most impressive feature, however, is the Redmi Note 12’s battery life, which lasts nearly three days without needing a charge. This high capacity is rare even among flagship phones, making the Redmi Note 12 a standout in its class.
When it comes to value, few phones can match the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12. With its impressive screen technology, exceptional performance, build quality, and battery life, it’s one of the best phones of the year in its price range.
- Cameras: 48MP (main), 8MP (ultra-wide), 2MP (macro)
- Display: 6.67 inches (measured diagonally), FHD+ AMOLED DotDisplay technology
- Processor: Octa-core processor (Snapdragon® 685)
- RAM: 4GB, 6GB, or 8GB
- Storage: 128GB, 256GB
- Battery life: Up to 2 days (5000mAh)
- Dimensions: 165.9 x 76.2 x 8 mm
- Colors: Frosted Green, Matte Black, Mystique Blue
- Wireless charging: 33W fast charging (wired)
- Weight: 183.5g
3. Motorola Moto G53 (5G) – £137
Meet the Motorola Moto G53 – 5G, a smartphone that’s all about balance. It’s got a big, beautiful 6.5-inch Full HD display, a sturdy body that can take a few knocks, and a battery that just keeps going – up to 48 hours on a single charge! Plus, with Android 11 on board, browsing is a breeze.
The camera is no slouch either, with a dual lens setup that takes some amazing natural-looking photos. And let’s not forget the price – this is a budget phone that packs a premium punch.
Of course, no phone is perfect. The speaker could be better, and the charging speed is a bit slow. But overall, the Motorola Moto G53 – 5G is a great choice for anyone who wants a reliable phone that won’t break the bank. Whether you’re a busy bee or a party animal, this phone has got you covered.
- Cameras: 50 MP (main), 2 MP (ultra-wide)
- Display: 6.5 inches (measured diagonally), IPS FHD+ display technology
- Processor: Qualcomm SM4350-AC Snapdragon 480+ 5G (Octa-core processor)
- RAM: 4GB, 6GB, 8GB
- Storage: 64GB, 128GB
- Battery life: Up to 2 days (5000mAh)
- Dimensions: 6.41 x 2.94 x 0.32 inches (162.7 x 74.66 x 8.19 mm)
- Colors: Ink Blue, Arctic Silver, Pale Pink
- Wireless charging: 18W wired
- Weight: 183 g (6.46 oz)
4. Nokia X10 – £142
Wow, the Nokia X10 is a total game-changer! This budget smartphone is packed with amazing features that will make you wonder how they managed to keep the price tag under £200. It’s the perfect choice for anyone who wants a reliable phone that won’t break the bank. With its impressive camera, stunning display, and smooth performance, the Nokia X10 is giving premium phones a run for their money. It’s the ultimate proof that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a great smartphone.
From the solid 48MP triple camera to the stunning 6.5-inch screen with narrow bezels, the Nokia X10 has the look and feel of a premium phone. The camera setup, which includes a 48MP primary sensor, an 8MP ultra-wide lens, and a 5MP macro lens, captures excellent photos in various lighting conditions. The display is bright and vibrant, making it perfect for watching videos or browsing the web.
Unsurprisingly, Nokia has delivered in terms of performance – the X10 runs smoothly and efficiently. With 4GB/6GB of RAM and 64GB/128GB of storage, multitasking and app switching are seamless. The battery life is also impressive, with a 4470mAh battery that can easily last a full day.
While the Nokia X10 may not have all the bells and whistles of a flagship phone, it’s an excellent choice for those on a budget. It’s a great all-rounder that offers impressive performance, camera capabilities, and battery life, making it one of the best budget smartphones under £200.
- Cameras: 48 MP (main), 8 MP (ultra-wide), 2 MP (depth) and 2 MP (macro)
- Display: 6.67 inches (measured diagonally), FHD+ (1080×2400)
- Processor:Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm), (Octa-core processor)
- RAM: 4GB or 6GB
- Storage: 64GB or 128GB
- Battery life: Up to 2 days
- Dimensions: 168.9 x 79.7 x 9.1 mm
- Colors: Forest, Snow
- Wireless charging: Not available
- Weight: 210 g (7.41 oz)
5. Google Pixel 6a – £169
The Google Pixel 6a is a masterpiece of mid-range smartphone craftsmanship, offering an unparalleled blend of style, substance, and photography prowess. With its sleek design, dependable hardware, and exceptional camera capabilities, this phone is a game-changer for those seeking a high-quality device without the hefty price tag with an offer of SIM-Free Deals: £149.99
Powered by Google’s cutting-edge Tensor processor, the Pixel 6a delivers seamless performance, efficient battery life, and lightning-fast charging. With 6GB of RAM, it handles demanding tasks with ease, making it perfect for heavy users and multitaskers.
But the real showstopper is the camera – a true masterpiece of mobile photography. With 12.2MP of pure photography power and advanced AI post-processing, the Pixel 6a produces stunning shots that rival those taken with high-end smartphones. And with its exceptional low-light performance, you can capture life’s precious moments with clarity and precision.
At under £200, the Google Pixel 6a offers unparalleled value for its price. It’s a rare gem in the mid-range market, offering a level of quality and performance that’s hard to find elsewhere. If you’re looking for a smartphone that will exceed your expectations without breaking the bank, look no further than the Google Pixel 6a.
- Cameras: 12.2 MP (main), 12 MP (ultra-wide)
- Display: 6.1 inches (measured diagonally), OLED (1080 x 2244)
- Processor: Google Tensor (5 nm), (Octa-core processor)
- RAM: 6GB
- Storage: 128GB
- Battery life: Up to 24 hours
- Dimensions: 152.2 x 71.8 x 8.9 mm
- Colors: Charcoal, Chalk, Sage
- Wireless charging: 18W wired
- Weight: 178 g (6.28 oz)
What to look for when choosing the best phones under £200
When shopping for a new phone on a budget of £200 or less, there are several key factors to consider to ensure you get the best value for your money. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what to look for in a budget smartphone, and how our featured phones stack up.
Display
A good display is essential for a great smartphone experience. When shopping for a budget phone, look for a display with a high resolution (at least 1080p) and a refresh rate of at least 60Hz. The Samsung Galaxy A14 5G leads the pack in this regard, with a 6.6-inch FHD+ display and a refresh rate of 1080×2400. The Motorola Moto G53 also impresses, with a 6.5-inch FHD+ display and a refresh rate of 1080×2400.
Performance and Hardware
A fast processor and sufficient RAM are crucial for smooth performance. The Motorola Moto G53 stands out here, with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 processor and 8GB of RAM. The Google Pixel 6a also impresses, with a Google Tensor processor and 6GB of RAM. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 offers great value with a MediaTek Helio G88 processor and 4GB of RAM.
Camera
If you take a lot of photos, look for a phone with a high-quality camera system. The Google Pixel 6a is renowned for its exceptional camera performance, with a 12.2 MP main camera and 12 MP ultra-wide camera. The Samsung Galaxy A14 5G also offers a great camera experience, with a 50 MP main camera, 8 MP ultra-wide camera, and 2 MP macro camera.
Battery Life
A long-lasting battery is essential for heavy users. The Motorola Moto G53 and Samsung Galaxy A14 5G both boast 5000 mAh batteries, making them great options for those who need a phone that can keep up with their busy lifestyle. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 also offers a large 5000 mAh battery.
Design and Materials
A phone’s design and build quality can greatly impact the user experience. The Motorola Moto G53 scores high in this regard, with a sleek and durable design that belies its budget price tag. The Nokia X10 also offers a durable design, with a rugged plastic body and IP68 water resistance.
Software
Make sure the phone runs on a recent version of Android (at least 11) and has a promised update schedule. The Google Pixel 6a and Nokia X10 both run on Android 11 and have guaranteed update schedules. The Motorola Moto G53 and Samsung Galaxy A14 5G run on Android 11, but their update schedules are less clear. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 runs on Android 11, but its update schedule is also uncertain.
When shopping for a budget smartphone, it’s important to prioritize your needs and wants. If camera performance is essential, the Google Pixel 6a may be the best choice. If battery life is a top concern, the Motorola Moto G53 or Samsung Galaxy A14 5G may be the way to go. By considering your options carefully and doing your research, you can find a great phone that fits your budget and meets your needs.
In addition to the factors mentioned above, there are several other things to consider when shopping for a budget smartphone. One important consideration is the phone’s durability and build quality. A phone with a durable design and high-quality materials will be more likely to withstand the wear and tear of daily use. The Nokia X10 and Motorola Moto G53 both score high in this regard, with rugged designs and high-quality materials.
Another important consideration is the phone’s software updates. A phone that receives regular software updates will be more secure and offer more features than one that does not. The Google Pixel 6a and Nokia X10 both offer guaranteed software updates, making them great choices for those who want a phone that will stay up-to-date.
Additionally, consider the phone’s storage capacity and expansion options. If you plan to store a lot of photos, videos, or apps on your phone, look for a phone with a large storage capacity or a microSD card slot. The Samsung Galaxy A14 5G and Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 both offer microSD card slots, making them great choices for those who need extra storage.
Finally, consider the phone’s price and value. While all of the phones on this list are under £200, some offer more value than others. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 is one of the most affordable options, but still offers a large display, high-quality camera, and long-lasting battery. The Google Pixel 6a is one of the most expensive options, but offers a premium camera experience and guaranteed software updates.
In conclusion, when shopping for a budget smartphone, there are many factors to consider. By prioritizing your needs and wants, and doing your research, you can find a great phone that fits your budget and meets your needs. The Google Pixel 6a, Nokia X10, Motorola Moto G53 – 5G, Xiaomi Redmi Note 12, and Samsung Galaxy A14 5G are all great options, each offering unique strengths and weaknesses. By considering the factors mentioned above, you can make an informed decision and find the perfect phone for you.
Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:
- Display: Look for a high-resolution display (at least 1080p) and a refresh rate of at least 60Hz.
- Performance and Hardware: Consider a phone with a fast processor (at least quad-core) and sufficient RAM (at least 4GB).
- Camera: If camera performance is essential, look for a phone with a high-quality camera system (at least 12MP).
- Battery Life: Consider a phone with a long-lasting battery (at least 5000 mAh).
- Design and Materials: Look for a phone with a durable design and high-quality materials.
- Software: Consider a phone that runs on a recent version of Android (at least 11) and has a promised update schedule.
- Additional Features: Consider any additional features that may be important to you, such as a headphone jack or microSD card slot.
- Price and Value: Consider the phone’s price and value, and look for a phone that offers the best balance of features and affordability.
By considering these factors and doing your research, you can find a great budget smartphone that meets your needs and fits your budget.
