If you are shopping for a budget smartphone in 2026, you can find several affordable models with high-refresh-rate displays, capable cameras, large batteries, water resistance, and long software support. You can also get features that were previously limited to expensive flagship devices.
Here are five of the best budget smartphones you can consider this year.
1. Motorola Edge (2025)
The Motorola Edge (2025) is the most premium phone on this list. It starts at $399.99 in the US and features a 6.7-inch curved pOLED display. The screen has a 2712 x 1220 resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10+ support, and brightness of up to 4500 nits.
The phone uses the MediaTek Dimensity 7400 processor with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. Storage can also be expanded with a microSD card.
Motorola has equipped the Edge with a 50MP main camera that uses Sony’s LYT-700C sensor and OIS. The camera system also includes a 50MP ultrawide camera with macro support and a 10MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom. The phone has a 50MP front camera that can record 4K video.
The Edge includes a 5200mAh battery with 68W wired charging and 15W wireless charging. It also has IP68 and IP69 ratings, MIL-STD-810H certification, and Gorilla Glass 7i protection.
You can use the dedicated AI Key to access tools such as notification summaries, meeting transcription, image creation, and screen-based recommendations. You should choose the Motorola Edge if you want a premium feature set at a lower price.
2. Moto G (2026)
You can choose the Moto G (2026) if you want a reliable 5G phone for less than $200. It costs $199.99 and features a 6.7-inch HD+ LCD with a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 1000 nits of brightness.
You get the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor, 4GB of RAM, and up to 256GB of storage. You can increase the storage capacity by up to 1TB with a microSD card.
The rear camera system includes a 50MP main camera and a 2MP macro camera. You also get a 32MP front camera, stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, a 3.5mm headphone jack, NFC, and eSIM support.
The 5200mAh battery supports 30W fast charging. You also get a vegan leather finish, although the IP52 rating provides less protection than the Motorola Edge or Moto G Power.
3. Moto G Power (2026)
The Moto G Power (2026) costs $299.99 and provides a larger FHD+ display, more memory, and stronger durability than the standard Moto G. Its 6.8-inch LCD supports a 120Hz refresh rate and up to 1000 nits of brightness.
The phone uses the Dimensity 6300 processor with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Its cameras include a 50MP main sensor with OIS, an 8MP ultrawide camera, and a 32MP front camera.
The Moto G Power has a 5200mAh battery, 30W charging, stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos, and a headphone jack. Its IP68 and IP69 ratings and MIL-STD-810H certification make it a strong option if you need a durable phone.
4. Samsung Galaxy A37 5G
You should consider the Galaxy A37 5G if you want long-term software support. It features a 6.7-inch 120Hz Super AMOLED display, an in-display fingerprint sensor, stereo speakers, and an IP68 rating.
The phone uses an Exynos 1480 processor and offers up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. Its camera system includes a 50MP OIS main camera, an 8MP ultrawide camera, and a 5MP macro camera.
You can use AI tools such as Object Eraser, Circle to Search, AI Select, Gemini, and upgraded Bixby features. The phone has a 5000mAh battery with 45W charging.
Samsung promises up to six Android and One UI upgrades and six years of security updates. The Galaxy A37 5G starts at around $380 in the US.
5. Samsung Galaxy A27 5G
The Galaxy A27 5G offers many Samsung features at a lower price. It starts at $349.99 and has a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate.
The phone uses the Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 processor with up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of expandable storage. The camera setup includes a 50MP main camera with OIS, a 5MP ultrawide camera, and a 2MP macro camera.
The Galaxy A27 supports Circle to Search, Object Eraser, voice transcription, Gemini, Perplexity, and conversational Bixby controls. Its 5000mAh battery supports 25W charging.
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