The smartphone market is an oversaturation of great phones, making it hard to choose the ideal handset within your budget. As mid-range and flagship phone prices converge more closely than ever, doing your research before purchasing is of utmost importance.
We’ve selected some stellar options around $400 that are sure to meet your needs. While a few might require making concessions, many offer real value for the price tag.
If you want to skip the reviews, we say get the Google Pixel 6a.
Best Phone For 400 Dollars Reviews
Motorola One 5G Ace 2021
- Carrier Compatibility: AT&T: 4G, VoLTE 5G sub6 support to be added later, Verizon: 4G, VoLTE 5G sub6...
- Superfast 5G speed. Download your favorite movies in seconds, feel like you’re right there in video...
- Over 2 days of battery life. Work and play to your heart’s content without worrying about recharging...
- 6 GB RAM Memory. Keep multiple apps open at once and move effortlessly between them with 6 GB of LPDDR4...
- 6.7" Full HD, Max Vision display. Watch your favorite movies and games come to life in sharp contrast and...
Motorola is well known for making value-oriented Android phones, and the One 5G Ace is no different.
At its price point, you get an enormous screen, excellent battery life, solid performance, and plenty of features such as 128GB expandable storage that supports Google Pay contactless payments and IP52 rating protection against water splashing – however, its camera doesn’t quite measure up; both main and selfie camera have limited scope while lacking wide-angle capabilities seriously limits its potential.
Like its predecessor, this year’s One 5G Ace is a large and thick smartphone featuring a 6.7-inch display and 5,000mAh battery.
While its design may lack imagination, the build quality remains excellent; featuring a bottom edge with a 3.5mm headphone jack and USB Type-C port, and right-side volume rocker/ridged power/lock button on one side, and a quick fingerprint sensor capable of withstanding masking techniques on another.
The Moto One 5G Ace boasts a Snapdragon 750G chipset that delivers outstanding performance, including apps opening quickly and animations running smoothly – as well as handling games well.
Speedometer 2.0 scored 28.8, and Geekbench 5 hit 1969 which are impressive numbers for a budget device. You can buy the phone unlocked through Motorola, Best Buy, and several carriers.
Connectivity-wise, the One 5G Ace supports multiple wireless standards – 4G LTE and 5G are supported, along with up to Gigabit LTE speeds and dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11ac for high-performance streaming services like Netflix or Hulu Plus. Furthermore, Verizon Ultra Wideband (5G NR) service enables it to access 5G networks quickly.
The One 5G Ace’s main flaw lies in its non-Android One status; that means it doesn’t come equipped with cutting-edge Android, nor will it receive guaranteed two years of software updates.
Unfortunately, this makes justifying its extra costs hard when considering that its performance doesn’t really set it apart from similar devices in this price bracket.
SAMSUNG Galaxy A54 5G + 4G LTE
- 128GB ROM, 6GB RAM, Expandable MicroSD, Exynos 1380 (5nm), Octa-core, Mali-G68 MP5 GPU, Fingerprint...
- Camera Description: Rear
Galaxy A54 5G + 4G LTE is an impressive smartphone that provides users with many features and capabilities at an attractive price point. Boasting a high-resolution display and powerful processor, it is one of the premier mid-range phones.
In addition, its large battery and 5G connectivity only further increase its impressiveness – all this can be purchased from various online retailers without incurring contracts or contracts for purchase.
Galaxy A54 5G’s immersive 6.4-inch FHD+ Infinity-O display delivers vibrant colors and excellent outdoor visibility for an enthralling viewing experience.
The premium front and back glass finishes create a sleek and durable frame, and its powerful Octa-core processor unlocks endless opportunities, from faster games to flawless video recording.
We tested its ability to record 4K30 video recording, finding that it performed very well and got warm after filming for several minutes; not hot enough to cause concern though.
Take vivid pictures even in low light with the advanced image sensor and 32MP front camera, creating amazing selfies every time! Plus, Photo Remaster helps reduce blur and noise for clearer photos.
The A54 is also an ideal device for working on projects, with its 5G performance providing instantaneous file downloads. Plus, its powerful octa-core processor can withstand heavy applications while its 5,000mAh battery keeps you going all day long – and Samsung Knox security offers additional peace of mind.
While the Galaxy A54 may be an excellent option for anyone searching for their next smartphone, some key considerations must be made prior to purchasing one. First and foremost, ensure compatibility of the device with the network.
Make sure it supports all frequency bands utilized by network providers as well as software bugs or issues that might prevent using the device as intended.
Notably, it should be mentioned that the Galaxy A54 does not support wireless charging which may be an important consideration for buyers. Also, the plastic-built design may present difficulties to some users.
Google Pixel 6a
- Google Pixel 6a adapts to you; it’s super fast and secure and powered by Google Tensor, the first chip...
- Unlocked Android 5G phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan[1];...
- Pixel’s fast-charging all-day battery adapts to you and saves power for the apps you use most[2]
- Take amazing photos with Pixel’s 12 megapixel camera and tools like Magic Eraser[3], Motion Mode, and...
- With Google Tensor, your phone launches apps fast, pages and images load quickly, and everything runs...
The Pixel 6a may be one of the older phones on our list, but it still packs plenty of punch. Boasting an attractive design, exceptional cameras, and fast processor, Google’s phone features an ideal version of Android that fits their vision – as well as receiving updates more promptly than other phones within its price range.
Although not perfect, the Pixel 6a remains an excellent budget Android phone option. With a larger display than Apple’s third-generation iPhone SE and superior camera performance. Furthermore, its prices are much more reasonable and it is available across more markets than its counterpart.
Pixel 6a’s main drawbacks are its lack of 5G connectivity, 60Hz screen refresh rate, and aging cameras; however, these should not be deal-breakers for most people. In fact, many find the Pixel 6a an exceptional smartphone worth considering if your budget falls between $500-600.
You can purchase it through popular retailers such as Amazon or even the Google Store!
Pixel 6a devices are often discounted, making them even cheaper if you know where to look. Plus, by taking it to Google Fi Wireless you could save $150 off its purchase.
Discount will be applied when signing up for 24 months of service at 0% APR using your eligible existing phone and activating it through Google Pixel’s website.
Use a discount coupon code to activate it. For maximum protection of your Pixel 6a, take a look at our selection of screen protectors. They’re made of tough materials to withstand everyday wear and tear while helping prevent scratches and bumps from damaging the device.
OnePlus Nord N20 5G
- 5G Enabled - The OnePlus Nord N20 is the perfect entry-level 5G phone, featuring premium specs and an...
- 6.43” Display - Immerse yourself into your favorite content with a large FHDplus AMOLED Display,...
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 - With 6GB of powerful RAM and a 5G Snapdragon processor, the N20 5G can handle...
- Large 4500mAh Battery - Spend less time plugged in with an extra large battery.
- 33W Fast Charging - Get a day’s power in half an hour with 33W Fast Charging.
If your budget doesn’t stretch to over $300 for a phone purchase, consider the OnePlus Nord N20 5G as an economical solution. It features enough power to handle everyday tasks while featuring an AMOLED display with vivid colors and sharp images.
Plus it supports 5G speeds which have become increasingly common in the US – plus comes equipped with an efficient 33W charger as well as a headphone jack.
Contrasting with its flagship-killing predecessor from 2014, this latest OnePlus phone doesn’t aim to compete with top phones; rather, it’s designed for T-Mobile customers in the US on a budget.
Priced at just $282 with some changes including switching from dual cameras to one sensor on the back that delivers just adequate camera performance.
It may be better than its predecessor, the N10, but still lacks that extra punch that would have made it stand out at this price range.
Furthermore, its mono speaker sounds thin and distorts at high volumes; and unfortunately, OnePlus decided against including an alert slider in this device as well.
The OnePlus Nord N20 5G features an attractive design and feels solid in your hand, though lightweight and slim at just 7.5mm thick. Unfortunately, its plastic rear panel collects fingerprints easily; however, its textured surface helps reduce glare.
OnePlus designed its N20 to include a reliable face unlock feature, offering users an alternative to passcode locking and password requests for accessing apps that do not support biometric authentication.
You can use this sensor to bypass password requests and log into applications that do not offer biometric authentication.
The OnePlus Nord N20 5G’s primary weakness lies in its limited software updates beyond Android 12.
If you can afford more, a Pixel 3a or Samsung A32 5G are superior options with three more years of security updates, superior cameras, and additional features such as ultrawide lenses and 4K video recording – or you could purchase an older Nexus 6P that doesn’t support 5G.
Sony Xperia 10 IV Dual SIM
- NOTE: Global Version. No Warranty. This device is globally unlocked and ready to be used with your...
- Supported Network Bands: 5G/4G/3G/2G. Please note that 5G requires the support of local telecom operator...
Sony’s recent smartphone lineup provides excellent value, featuring 4K displays and TRILUMINOS display technology to deliver cinematic experiences in phones that fit easily in pockets.
The Xperia 10 IV continues this trend but may cut some features or corners to keep costs under control and remain affordable for entry-level devices like itself.
Even without HDR support, the screen still delivers an immersive and satisfying viewing experience, featuring deep black detail and expressive contrast that make watching movies on mobile phones quite an enjoyable experience.
Spider-Man: No Way Home trailer showed this perfectly; while Doctor Strange spells also shone brightly across its display.
The Snapdragon 695 processor doesn’t provide much juice to the Xperia 10 IV, leaving demanding games such as Grid: Autosport to run slower.
Still, casual gaming and web browsing should go smoothly enough with this phone; plus it boasts both fingerprint sensing technology and microSD card expansion – great features at such an attractive price point.
Sony has also taken steps to extend the battery’s longevity by including a USB-C charging connector on the bottom of their phone and leaving only a headphone jack at the top.
Unfortunately, however, their lack of including a wall adapter or cable seems like cost-cutting measures rather than something they truly care about.
The Xperia 10 IV is an excellent choice for anyone who’s in search of an Android phone that provides long-lasting performance, such as double duty as a portable movie-watching companion.
While not the top pick in its price range, other phones may boast better cameras or dedicated telephoto lenses; those looking for the ideal device for $400 should instead consider either the OnePlus Nord 2T or Pixel 6a as alternatives.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G
- Will NOT work on Verizon AT&T/BOOST/CRICKET/METRO PCS or any CDMA Carrier. 5G + 4G VoLTE Worldwide...
- Dual Nano Sim 5G:5G: n1/3/5/7/8/20/28/38/40/41/66/77/78 4G: LTE...
- 6.67" FHD+ AMOLED DotDisplay Refresh rate: Up to 120Hz Contrast ratio: 4,500,000:1 Resolution: 2400 x...
- Snapdragon 695 CPU: Octa-core CPU, up to 2.2GHz GPU: Qualcomm Adreno 619 Bluetooth 5.1 Wi-Fi Protocol:...
- GPS L1 | Glonass G1 | BDS B1 | Galileo E1 Dual speakers 3.5mm headphone jack Hi-Res Audio Proximity...
Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G is an outstanding mid-range smartphone, boasting an outstanding display and long battery life.
Perfect for music, video, and photo enthusiasts as its impressively powerful camera produces high-quality day and night images; unfortunately there’s no support for 5G but nonetheless an ideal option if you don’t need the latest tech.
Xiaomi has done an outstanding job capturing other hardware elements, such as its fast and accurate side fingerprint scanner, stereo speakers that produce equally impressive sound from both sides, an IR blaster, and microSD support – making the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G an exceptional power user device and popular among those seeking value mid-range smartphones.
Its main attraction lies in its stunning 120Hz AMOLED display, one of the best we’ve seen at this price range, and easily rivaling more expensive phones like the Poco X4 Pro. The large size allows plenty of room for apps and content without becoming unwieldy to hold in one hand.
Another key selling point of the Redmi Note 10 Pro is its 108MP main camera, which takes beautiful photographs day and night. Unfortunately, unlike last year’s Redmi Note 10 Pro, it no longer features a dual camera setup; although still capable, due to no dedicated wide-angle lens this makes for less versatile shooting capabilities.
This device is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G chipset, providing enough performance and basic gaming. For advanced titles or emulators that demand higher power consumption, another option may be more suitable.
One key point to keep in mind when purchasing the Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G is its older Android operating system. While most users won’t notice, this can become a hassle when installing their own apps or customizing their home page layout.
Unfortunately, its outdated software also does not receive as many security updates compared to modern phones; which would provide for an overall better experience.
Nokia G50 5G
- This Android 5G smartphone lets you choose or change carriers and data plans; compatible with GSM...
- Latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G Mobile Platform.
- 48MP camera setup with AI and video selfie stabilization
- Android 11
- 3 years of monthly security updates and 2 years of OS upgrades
The Nokia G50 5G joins an expanding category of budget phones capable of running on high-speed 5G networks and boasting impressive Wi-Fi speeds as well. Although you might not experience blisteringly fast performance, you should still be able to download media and mobile games at reasonable rates without too much lag or dropout.
Though not the fastest phone available, the Snapdragon 480 inside does a fine job of keeping things running smoothly. Apps open and switch at a leisurely but unfrustrating pace; screen brightness allows for enjoyable Asphalt 9: Legends gameplay even without an optimal resolution screen.
Unfortunately, that same screen can be quite disappointing: at 6.82 inches in size it’s huge by modern standards but its 720p resolution doesn’t do justice to video content, while its IPS LCD panel lacks brightness and vibrancy.
Unfortunately, this is a shame given the strength of its cameras; the 48-megapixel main sensor pixel bins to 12-megapixels for regular shots while ultrawide and depth sensors produce good images as well.
Unfortunately, image processing struggles too much in low light conditions – pushing scenes too far, blowing out contrast, and washing out colors in some scenes.
Nokia G50 stands out with an exceptional battery life. Thanks to its large 5,000mAh cell and efficient processor, this phone easily lasts two days between charges, even when watching videos or listening to music.
Furthermore, 18W fast charging is supported – more than rival phones such as Redmi Note 10 5G or Realme 8 5G offer.
As with other Nokia Android phones, the G50 benefits from HMD’s commitment to Google’s Android One program, which gives it a bloat-free OS with a smooth user experience and regular software updates for at least two years compared with Chinese rivals like Xiaomi Pocophone Redmi which may lag slightly behind when it comes to upgrading to new versions of Android OS.
Whether or not this is beneficial depends on how essential regular upgrades are for you.
Samsung Galaxy A23
- Display: 6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio | Corning...
- Cameras: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF | 5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide), 1/5", 1.12µm | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro) | 2...
- Battery: Li-Po 5000 mAh, non-removable | Fast charging 25W
- Memory: 64GB ROM + 4GB RAM
- Factory Unlocked Cell Phones are compatible with most GSM carriers. This phone is not compatible with...
Never has there been an easier or better time to shop for an amazing phone on a budget!
Android phones have reached the point where many of their basic necessities can be built into a $300 device with several years of software updates included for no extra charge – you could get something with a vibrant 120Hz display, large 5,000mAh battery capacity, and 5G connectivity all for that price, not forgetting decent cameras and sturdy designs as well. But that’s just scratching the surface.
Although mid-range phones may not offer top-of-the-line gaming performance or flagship cameras, most find a decent balance between price and performance. Samsung’s Galaxy A23 stands out as an exceptional option for anyone looking to upgrade from older devices without breaking the bank.
The Galaxy A23 is an impressively well-rounded phone at an accessible price point, featuring an AMOLED screen backed with Gorilla Glass protection and powered by a quad-core Snapdragon 695 CPU and Mali-G68 GPU to power light to moderate games, and with its massive 5,000mAh battery lasting all day – not forgetting Samsung’s commitment of four years of security updates and three OS upgrades, so that this device remains up-to-date with current Android releases.
The Galaxy A23’s only downsides are its plastic construction and lack of water resistance – both common issues among affordable Android smartphones, but these should not be deal-breakers by any stretch.
Furthermore, it is quite thick and heavy relative to similar devices in its price range, and its front-facing camera struggles when recording videos outdoors in bright sunlight.
Still, Samsung offers long-term support with Android 15 updates guaranteed for this model making the Galaxy A23 an excellent upgrade choice in this price segment.
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