Rating of the TOP 13 best budget smartphones in 2021. How to choose an inexpensive but good one?

Review and rating of popular models of the best budget smartphones. Main features, advantages, disadvantages and conclusions.

The modern market is oversaturated with various smartphones.

Both multifunctional flagships and budget models are presented. The latter seem not so attractive, but they are not.

Inexpensive smartphones can be good. But how to choose the best among them?

Rating TOP-13 best budget smartphones

Place	Model	Price
Long working time
#1	Oppo A5s
#2	Huawei Y6 (2019)
#3	Xiaomi Redmi 9 4/64GB (NFC)
#4	Xiaomi Redmi 9A
#5	Xiaomi Redmi 7A 2/32GB
With a good camera
#1	Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro 6/64GB
#2	HONOR 30i
#3	Samsung Galaxy A10
#4	Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T 4/64GB
#5	HONOR 10 Lite 3/64GB
With powerful processor
#1	Oppo A1k
#2	BQ 5732L Aurora SE
#3	OPPO A5 (2020) 3/64GB

What to look for when choosing a budget smartphone?

Keep in mind! When choosing a budget smartphone, it is recommended to pay special attention to:

performance and battery capacity.
The phone should work well both on charge and offline.
The quality of sound, photos and videos.
These are important components of any modern device.
Therefore, these characteristics should be clarified.
Display.
The screen should have saturated colors, three-dimensional image and sufficient brightness.

Long working time

For many buyers, it is important that the phone works offline for as long as possible.

Note! There are several budget models that hold a charge for a record time.

TOP-5 of the best budget models that have a good working time in terms of price and quality.

Oppo A5s

A full day of intensive offline use at a low cost.

The display with a high level of brightness provides full immersion in what is happening on the other side of the screen.

The improved processor allows you to enjoy your favorite movies and games directly from the screen of your smartphone.

Specifications:

diagonal: 6.2 inches;
extension: 1520?720;
pixel-inch value: 271;
main / front camera: 13 MP / 8 MP;
Processor: MediaTek Helio P35 (MT6765);
total memory: 32 GB;
RAM: 3 GB;
battery capabilities: 4230 mAh.

Advantages

Incredibly bright display
excellent sound;
holds a charge for a long time;
complete set: silicone case and protective film;
relatively low cost.

Flaws

reduced frame clarity;
lack of NFC;
lack of a convenient notification indicator.

Huawei Y6 (2019)

High-quality sound and image at an attractive price.

The device is equipped with eye protection technology.

Additional shooting modes allow you to take high-quality photos without much effort.

A new level of music listening: high volume and enhanced bass.

The smartphone is multitasking, it is able to cope with a large number of actions.

Specifications:

diagonal: 6.09 inches;
extension: 1520?720;
pixel-inch value: 282;
main / front camera: 13 MP / 8 MP;
processor: MediaTek Helio A22 (MT6761), 2000 MHz;
built-in memory: 32 GB;
RAM: 2 GB;
battery capacity: 3020 mAh.

Advantages

quality sensor;
the presence of unlocking with a fingerprint;
loud sound of speakers;
holds a charge well;
relatively low price.

Flaws

poor quality photos;
low-quality processor;
lack of NFC.

Xiaomi Redmi 9 4/64GB (NFC)

Incredibly large battery at a low price.

There is a fingerprint unlock. The wide-angle main camera will help you take excellent pictures.

Built-in macro modes, bokeh effect and other additions make photos even better.

The presence of the NFC function.

Specifications:

diagonal: 6.53 inches;
extension: 2340?1080;
pixel-inch value: 395;
main / front camera: 13 MP / 8 MP;
processor: MediaTek Helio G80, 2000 MHz;
total memory: 64 GB;
RAM: 4 GB;
battery capacity: 5020 mAh.

Advantages

incredibly low cost;
the ability not to charge the device for a full day;
high-quality picture: saturated colors;
amazing sound;
fashionable design;
powerful performance in its price segment.

Flaws

less clear photographs;
the case heats up when several applications are running at the same time;
low display brightness.

Xiaomi Redmi 9A

A stylish phone that can hold a charge for a record long time.

There is a face unlock feature.

High quality sound is provided by modern speakers.

It is possible to insert a memory card up to 512 GB. There is an NFC function.

Specifications:

diagonal: 6.53 inches;
extension: 1600x720;
pixel-inch value: 269;
main / front camera: 13 MP / 5 MP;
processor: MediaTek Helio G25;
total memory: 32 GB;
RAM: 2 GB;
battery capacity: 5000 mAh.

Advantages

holds a charge well during battery life;
decent performance;
the presence of NFC;
high-quality display: rich colors and tolerable brightness;
relatively low cost;
extended screen size.

Flaws

low frame definition;
when running several applications, the system slows down;
small amount of RAM.

Xiaomi Redmi 7A 2/32GB

A simple model that can work incredibly long without recharging.

Built-in moisture protection will help your smartphone stay in service longer.

A state-of-the-art camera with built-in bokeh modes and macro capabilities will help you create unrivaled photos.

A modern processor helps to work in several applications at the same time without lags and braking.

Specifications:

diagonal: 5.45 inches;
extension: 1440?720;
pixel-inch value: 295;
main / front camera: 13 MP / 5 MP;
processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 439;
total memory: 32 GB;
RAM: 2 GB;
battery capacity: 4000 mAh.

Advantages

relatively low cost;
impressive battery capacity;
loud sound of speakers;
stylish design;
decent screen brightness: the picture is visible even under the sun's rays;
decent performance.

Flaws

lack of unlocking by fingerprint or face recognition;
pictures of poor quality in clarity and color;
a large number of advertisements.

With a good camera

Among the many models of budget smartphones, those that create great photos at the lowest possible cost.

Rating of the best inexpensive, but good models who take high quality photos.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro 6/64GB

A modern model capable of producing first-class photographs at a low cost.

With the help of the camera, you can take amazing pictures even in the dark.

Additional features will only improve them: bokeh effect, macro photography, increased color saturation, incredible clarity.

Autofocus never fails.

Specifications:

diagonal: 6.53 inches;
extension: 2340?1080;
pixel-inch value: 395;
main / front camera: 64 MP / 20 MP;
Processor: MediaTek Helio G90T;
total memory: 64 GB;
RAM: 6 GB;
battery capacity: 4500 mAh.

Advantages

high quality photos;
high-quality display with sufficient brightness;
long work without recharging;
the body is made of quality materials;
low price;
performance that allows you to comfortably use your smartphone.

Flaws

photos at night are of low quality;
poor sound quality;
not all applications can start without freezing.

HONOR 30i

High quality photos at low cost.

There is an unlock with a fingerprint.

A triple camera with a wide-angle module and artificial intelligence creates incredible pictures.

The quality is visible even when approaching. The ability to take pictures even in night mode.

One charge is enough for a full day of use due to the large battery capacity.

Specifications:

diagonal: 6.3 inches;
extension: 2340?1080;
pixel-inch value: 418;
main / front camera: 48 MP / 16 MP;
processor: HiSilicon Kirin 710F, 2200 MHz;
total memory: 128 GB;
RAM: 4 GB;
battery capacity: 4000 mAh.

Advantages

relatively low price;
bright and saturated in color reproduction picture;
high-definition photographs;
the battery can withstand a full day of battery life;
high quality case.

Flaws

outdated processor;
lack of Google in the form of an application;
limited number of applications that can be installed.

Samsung Galaxy A10

Good image quality at an attractive price.

High-quality images can be obtained even in the dark.

The powerful battery keeps your phone running all day long.

It has face unlock.

User-friendly software helps you focus on the things that really matter.

Specifications:

diagonal: 6.2 inches;
extension: 1520?720;
pixel-inch value: 271;
main / front camera: 13 MP / 5 MP;
processor: Samsung Exynos 7884, 1600 MHz;
total memory: 32 GB;
RAM: 2 GB;
battery capacity: 3400 mAh.

Advantages

holds a charge for a long time;
quickly responds to all commands;
powerful performance;
high-definition photographs;
attractive price;
The body is made of quality materials.

Flaws

no NFC module;
lack of fingerprint or face recognition;
insufficient amount of RAM.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 8T 4/64GB

High quality photos at a low price.

A special protective glass will protect your smartphone from minor damage.

The highest quality pictures are provided with a set of high-quality features: bokeh effect, autofocus, night vision and others.

The battery lasts for a whole day of intensive use.

Specifications:

diagonal: 6.3 inches;
extension: 2340?1080;
pixel-inch value: 409;
main / front camera: 48 MP / 13 MP;
processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 665;
total memory: 64 GB;
RAM: 4 GB;
battery capacity: 4000 mAh.

Advantages

excellent quality of photos;
there is an NFC module;
improved image quality: color saturation and high brightness;
the body is made of quality materials;
powerful processor.

Flaws

lack of a notification light;
a large number of advertisements;
small battery capacity.

HONOR 10 Lite 3/64GB

An ideal model for lovers of beautiful shots at a relatively low price.

The AI camera intelligently blurs the background, focusing on the main subject.

Selfies are studio-quality thanks to a variety of built-in effects.

There is a night mode.

Innovative call reception technology greatly improves the sound quality during a call.

Specifications:

diagonal: 6.21 inches;
extension: 2340?1080;
pixel-inch value: 415;
main / front camera: 13 MP / 24 MP;
processor: HiSilicon Kirin 710, 2200 MHz;
total memory: 64 GB;
RAM: 3 GB;
battery capacity: 3400 mAh.

Advantages

attractive selfies;
fashionable design;
powerful processor;
it is possible to work in several applications without freezes and lags;
saturation and brightness of the display colors.

Flaws

the charge is quickly spent;
On the main camera, the pictures are of poor quality;
combined slot for SIM-card and memory card.

With powerful processor

Note! Among the many models of budget smartphones, there are decent options with good performance.

Such devices are needed for those who like to play or use large-scale applications.

The best budget models with a powerful processor according to customer reviews and ratings.

Oppo A1k

A modern gadget with a powerful processor at an incredibly low price.

The front camera is made up of 5 modules, each of which provides ultra high quality images.

When shooting a video, all the details are clearer and the colors are richer.

There is a smart panel that makes the operation of the device as comfortable as possible for everyone. Up to 10 hours of operation without additional recharging.

Specifications:

diagonal: 6.1 inches;
extension: 1560?720;
pixel-inch value: 282;
main / front camera: 8 MP / 5 MP;
processor: Mediatek Helio P22 (MT6762V), 2000 MHz;
total memory: 32 GB;
RAM: 2 GB;
battery capacity: 3400 mAh.

Advantages

the battery is able to withstand up to a full day of battery life;
relatively low price;
decent response speed;
good performance in its price segment;
the presence of the function of unlocking by face recognition.

Flaws

low quality photos;
low screen brightness.

BQ 5732L Aurora SE

High performance at an attractive price.

The flagship processor, equipped with artificial intelligence, ensures fast operation of the device without lags and freezes.

The ability to create high-quality images even in the absence of full lighting.

There is an unlock with a fingerprint scanner. A powerful battery allows you to hold a charge longer.

Specifications:

diagonal: 5.86 inches;
extension: 1520?720;
pixel-inch value: 287;
main / front camera: 13 MP / 8 MP;
processor: MediaTek Helio P60;
total memory: 32 GB;
RAM: 3 GB;
battery capacity: 3000 mAh.

Advantages

the body is made of quality materials;
photos are of high quality;
powerful processor;
ease of use;
trendy design.

Flaws

poor sound quality;
no NFC module;
low maximum screen brightness.

OPPO A5 (2020) 3/64GB

Flagship processor at an incredibly low price.

Dual stereo speakers with innovative technology allow you to fully immerse yourself in sound.

With the help of the new processor, you can run a variety of applications without lags and freezes.

A charged battery is enough for a full day of battery life.

Specifications:

diagonal: 6.5 inches;
extension: 1600x720;
pixel-inch value: 270;
main / front camera: 12 MP / 8 MP;
processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 665;
total memory: 64 GB;
RAM: 3 GB;
battery capacity: 5000 mAh.

Advantages

large battery capacity;
powerful processor;
stylish design;
high-quality display: rich colors and high brightness;
fingerprint unlock.

Flaws

poor quality pictures;
poor build quality.

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conclusions

Analyzing the presented features, technical characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, one can find the presented consequences:

When choosing a smartphone, you need to pay attention to its functionality., because some of them do not cope with important tasks.
If a for the buyer the quality of the photographs is important, special attention should be paid to the characteristics of the display.
Good photos and audio require a powerful processor, providing work without lags and freezes.

Useful video

This video provides an overview of the 6 best budget smartphones of 2020:

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