Tags: smartphones
Top phones like Apple's iPhone 12 Pro Max or the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra have the best technology you can find in a smartphone. They offer amazing performance and a wide range of features, but at the same time they are sky-high prices. But most of us probably don't need the power and performance of these high-end phones, and we can save hundreds if we look at models in the $30,000-$40,000 range.
Apple iPhone SE (2020)
With a four-year gap between the 2020 iPhone SE and the previous one, Apple has packed its latest budget phone with a bunch of upgrades. This includes wireless charging, improved camera performance, and water resistance. If you're looking for a new iPhone but want to save as much money as possible, the $399 iPhone SE is your best bet as a cheap iPhone option.
Price: 29,000 rubles
*At the time of writing
Samsung Galaxy A52 5G
In addition to its core Galaxy S21 phones, Samsung is offering a more economical line of A-series phones. This year, the company launched the Galaxy A52 5G with four cameras, including a selfie camera, an in-screen fingerprint sensor, and expandable storage. Samsung has released this phone in a number of fun colors, but those shopping in the US will likely only find it in black.
Price: 37,000 rubles
*At the time of writing
Google Pixel 4A
If you're looking for a solid phone on a budget, the Pixel 4A is the way to go. Aside from a stellar dual camera system and decent battery life for its low price, Google is promising software updates and new features through 2023 on this model. It's a solid all-around good phone, and in true Google style, you wonder why every phone doesn't do so much work to make your life easier.
Price: 26,000 rubles
*At the time of writing
One Plus 8
The OnePlus 8 impressed us with a solid set of specs, a good screen, and an attractive design. What's more, it also offers 5G data speeds, and its affordable starting price is now even lower and can be bought online for around $450, making it superior in every way.
Price: 34,000 rubles
*At the time of writing
Motorola Moto G Power
The Moto G Power packs a solid 5000mAh battery that lasted an impressive four days without a charge in our testing. The phone has three rear cameras (one of which is a macro lens), a 6.4-inch display and expandable storage. Not bad for its $190 asking price.
Price: 14,000 rubles
*At the time of writing
OnePlus Nord N10 5G
James Martin/CNETOnePlus is expanding its more affordable Nord phone family with the launch of the $300 Nord N10 5G. While it doesn't have wireless charging or an in-screen fingerprint reader like the more expensive OnePlus phones, it does have a 90Hz display, headphone jack, and 5G. Read our OnePlus N10 5G review.
Price: 23,000 rubles
*At the time of writing
Apple iPhone XR
The iPhone XR may be nearly three years old, but it's still officially sold by Apple and is still getting the latest firmware, making it a legitimate contender for hard-earned money. It currently costs $499 without a 64GB contract, it comes with a 6.1-inch LCD, a 12MP rear camera, and an A12 Bionic processor. It's similar in specs to the 2020 iPhone SE, but the XR's big screen might cost an extra $100.
Price: 37,000 rubles
*At the time of writing
Stylus Motorola Moto G (stylus model)
If you're looking for a cheaper alternative to the Note 20, the Moto G Stylus features a stylus that can be stored inside the phone, as well as a built-in Notes app to boost your productivity. The phone is currently retailing for $280 from Motorola, and it also comes with triple rear cameras, 128GB of storage, and a solid 4,000mAh battery. It doesn't support 5G data rates, but its successor, the Moto G Stylus 5G (shown later in this list), offers 5G as well as more internal storage and, unsurprisingly, a slightly higher $400 price tag.
Price: 22,000 rubles
*At the time of writing
The good news is that people shopping on a more modest budget have more options than ever to choose from, including brand new affordable phones and discounted previous generation models. And despite their low price, budget phones can be extremely advanced, with the same features as premium phones like great multi-lens cameras, fast processors, plenty of internal storage, and even 5G connectivity. Plus, if you're willing to buy an unlocked phone, your choices are even wider.
Check out our list of the best phones under $500 below, which we update regularly, and read the CNET reviews. Please note that we have linked the unlocked version of each phone and they should work on most of the four major US wireless carriers unless otherwise noted.
