So far in 2023, the landscape of budget smartphones has been pretty interesting. These devices often pegged below $150, are no longer a compromise like the previous years but offer a good choice for those who seek value without sacrificing functionality. They have now become fierce competitors, outdoing not only their predecessors but also providing some high-end features, previously only seen in pricier counterparts.
One of the hallmarks of 2023’s budget smartphones is their advanced processors. Manufacturers have embraced powerful chipsets like MediaTek’s Helio series, Exynos, and even Dimensity for 5G capabilities, ensuring smooth performance across daily activities and casual gaming. This development has essentially blurred the lines between high-end and budget categories in terms of speed and efficiency.
Display technology has also seen a huge leap forward in this price range. Budget smartphones now come with large FHD+ screens, high refresh rates, and slimmer bezels, making multimedia experiences a delight. Furthermore, improved cameras with high-resolution sensors are becoming the norm, providing users the ability to capture quality photos and videos without a hefty price tag.
The introduction of the latest Android versions and brand-specific UIs in these devices also ensures an up-to-date and enhanced user experience. Their impressive battery capacities, often coupled with fast charging capabilities, ensure these phones can go on for a day or more on a single charge.
In addition, these smartphones feature thoughtful design elements, including slim profiles, trendy color options, and intuitive biometrics. This combination of price, design, and features has led to a shift in consumer perception, where a budget smartphone is no longer just an economical choice but a well-rounded gadget, packed with all the essentials and more.
In essence, so far in the first half of 2023, we have seen plenty of decent options in this price category. The devices on offer today provide a balance of performance, features, and value that was unheard of in the past, making it a compelling space for both tech enthusiasts and everyday users.
Realme C55
The Realme C55 is a powerhouse of features bundled within a budget-friendly price tag, making it a highly sought-after phone in 2023. Its 6.72-inch FHD+ screen with a 90Hz refresh rate offers an immersive viewing experience, enriched by slim screen bezels for maximized display space. The device is powered by the MediaTek Helio G88 processor, which combined with up to 8GB of RAM, ensures seamless performance even for intensive tasks. It boasts 128GB of expandable storage, providing ample space for apps, media, and data.
Running on Android 13 with Realme UI 4.0 software, the C55 offers the latest features and improvements in smartphone technology. At just 7.89mm, the phone’s ultra-slim design is not just aesthetic but also comfortable to hold. The camera setup features a dual rear camera with a 64MP main sensor, alongside an 8MP selfie camera, ensuring stunning photography in diverse lighting conditions.
A large 5000mAh battery powers the C55, supporting 33W fast charging for minimized downtime. With a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, the phone offers swift, secure access. The design of the C55 is impressive, with vibrant color options that make it stand out. Despite its rich offerings, the Realme C55 retails for less than $150, presenting an extraordinary value proposition for budget-conscious consumers.
Key Features
- 6.72-inch FHD+ screen display with a 90Hz refresh rate
- MediaTek Helio G88 processor
- Up to 8GB RAM, 128GB expandable storage
- Android 13 and Realme UI 4.0 software
- Ultra-slim at 7.89mm
- Dual rear camera (64MP main), 8MP selfie camera
- 5000mAh battery with 33W fast charging
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor
- Impressive design and color options
- Excellent value at under $150.
Motorola Moto G13
Motorola has always been a trustworthy name in the realm of budget smartphones, and the Moto G13 continues that legacy with a strong offering for 2023. The device features a 6.5-inch HD+ IPS LCD screen that provides a decent viewing experience, made even better with a 90Hz refresh rate and slim screen bezels. The MediaTek Helio G85 processor powers the Moto G13, making it adept at handling everyday tasks with ease, and even some light gaming.
The Moto G13 comes with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of expandable storage, providing a good balance between performance and space for your apps and files. The device runs on Android 13 software, giving users access to the latest Android features and updates. The ultra-slim design of the phone is not only visually appealing but also makes it comfortable to hold and use.
The Moto G13 sports a triple rear camera setup with a 50MP main sensor that captures high-quality images. The HD selfie camera, housed in a center punch-hole, ensures you get good selfies and video calls. Powering all this is a 5000mAh battery with 10W fast charging support to keep your device going through the day.
The design of the Moto G13 is impressive and comes in a variety of color options, making it a stylish addition to your tech collection. With a retail price of less than $150, the Moto G13 offers value that’s hard to beat in this price range.
Key Features
- 6.5-inch HD+ IPS LCD screen with a 90Hz refresh rate
- MediaTek Helio G85 processor
- 4GB RAM, 128GB expandable storage
- Android 13 software
- Ultra-slim design
- Triple rear camera (50MP main), HD selfie camera
- 5000mAh battery with 10W fast charging
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor
- Impressive design and color options
- Excellent value at under $150.
Infinix Note 12
The Infinix Note 12 is a formidable contender in the under $150 category with impressive specs and a sleek design. The first thing you notice about the Note 12 is its 6.7-inch AMOLED screen that offers a vibrant and sharp display, optimized with a fast refresh rate for smooth scrolling and gaming. The slim screen bezels further enhance the viewing experience by providing a larger viewing area.
Under the hood, the MediaTek Helio G99 processor teamed with up to 8GB of RAM ensures seamless multitasking and fluid performance. Storage is generous, with an expandable capacity of 256GB offering ample space for all your apps, games, photos, and videos. The device runs on Android 12 and XOS 10.6 software, ensuring users have the latest features and security updates.
The Note 12 is no slouch when it comes to photography, with a triple rear camera setup housing a 50MP main sensor that captures detailed and clear photos. The 16MP selfie camera with a center water drop notch is more than capable of producing bright and sharp selfies. A long-lasting 5000mAh battery supports 33W fast charging to minimize downtime and keep you connected all day.
This Infinix model sports an ultra-slim design and comes in a variety of impressive colors. For those seeking a comprehensive smartphone experience without breaking the bank, the Infinix Note 12 offers impressive value at under $150.
Key Features
- 6.7-inch AMOLED screen with fast refresh rate
- MediaTek Helio G99 processor
- Up to 8GB RAM, 256GB expandable storage
- Android 12 and XOS 10.6 software
- Ultra-slim design
- Triple rear camera (50MP main), 16MP selfie camera
- 5000mAh battery with 33W fast charging
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor
- Impressive design and color options
- Excellent value at under $150.
Infinix Hot 20 5G
The Infinix Hot 20 5G stands out in the $150 smartphone segment for its reliable performance and impressive 5G connectivity. The device comes with a 6.58-inch IPS LCD screen display, supporting a high 120Hz refresh rate for smooth scrolling and visuals. The slim screen bezels on the sides only enhance the viewing experience by offering an immersive feel.
The phone is powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 810 processor and is coupled with 4GB RAM. This powerful combination ensures lag-free multitasking and smooth operation. It also offers ample storage space with 128GB worth of expandable storage to accommodate all your files, videos, and photos.
For camera enthusiasts, the Hot 20 5G packs a dual rear camera setup, housing a 50MP main camera sensor that delivers high-quality pictures. The 8MP selfie camera, tucked neatly in a center water drop notch, delivers great selfies.
The device runs on Android 12 and XOS 10.6 software, ensuring up-to-date features and maximum security. The ultra-slim design of the phone is eye-catching, and it comes in a variety of color options to suit your style.
To keep you going all day, the phone comes with a 5000mAh battery capacity and supports 18W fast charging. Lastly, the side-mounted fingerprint sensor ensures easy unlocking and added security.
Key Features
- 6.58-inch IPS LCD screen with a 120Hz refresh rate
- Mediatek Dimensity 810 processor
- 4GB RAM and 128GB expandable storage
- Android 12 and XOS 10.6 software
- Ultra-slim design
- Dual rear camera with 50MP main sensor, 8MP selfie camera
- 5000mAh battery with 18W fast charging
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor
- Multiple color options
- Excellent value at under $150.
Samsung Galaxy F13
Samsung Galaxy F13 provides a superior blend of high-performance functionality and affordability, coming under the $150 bracket. The device boasts a 6.6-inch FHD+ PLS LCD screen display, designed for vibrant, sharp images. Coupled with its fast refresh rate and slim screen bezels, users can indulge in a seamless, immersive viewing experience.
Beneath its sleek exterior, the Galaxy F13 is powered by an Exynos 850 processor. It pairs with 4GB RAM, providing the hardware needed for smooth multitasking and responsive app operation. Additionally, the device offers 64GB of expandable storage, sufficient for most users to store their media, documents, and apps.
The photography needs are well taken care of by a triple rear camera setup. It houses a 50MP main camera sensor capable of capturing high-resolution photos with clear details. The 8MP selfie camera nestled in the center water drop notch allows for quality self-portraits and video calls.
Running on Android 13 and OneUI core 5 software, the Galaxy F13 provides a user-friendly interface packed with the latest software features. This smartphone’s ultra-slim design is aesthetically pleasing, and it’s available in a variety of color options.
Powering the device is a hefty 6000mAh battery capacity, capable of supporting long hours of usage. Plus, with 15W fast charging support, recharging the device is quick and convenient. For security, the phone has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for easy unlocking.
Key Features
- 6.6-inch FHD+ PLS LCD screen
- Exynos 850 processor
- 4GB RAM and 64GB expandable storage
- Android 13 and OneUI core 5 software
- Ultra-slim design
- Triple rear camera with a 50MP main sensor, 8MP selfie camera
- 6000mAh battery with 15W fast charging
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor
- Multiple color options
- Priced under $150 for excellent value.
Tecno Spark 10
In the league of ultra-budget smartphones, the Tecno Spark 10 competes with its feature-rich offerings. The phone showcases a generous 6.6-inch HD+ screen display, supporting a 90Hz refresh rate for fluid visuals and a better user experience. Slim bezels on both sides enhance the viewing area, making it great for multimedia consumption.
At the heart of the device is a MediaTek Helio G37 processor, coupled with up to 8GB RAM. This combination delivers the required power for decent performance, be it gaming or everyday multitasking. For storage, the phone offers a 128GB capacity which can be expanded to accommodate more data.
Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the dual rear camera setup featuring a 50MP main camera sensor. Whether you’re capturing daytime landscapes or night portraits, you can expect reasonably good shots. The 8MP selfie camera, housed in the center water drop notch, ensures decent quality for your self-portraits and video chats.
The Spark 10 runs on Android 13 and HiOS 12 software, allowing for a seamless user experience with the latest software enhancements. The phone comes in an ultra-slim design, appealing to users who prefer a sleek look. Several color options are available to match different user preferences.
A 5000mAh battery capacity powers the device, providing ample power for a day’s usage. The device also supports 18W fast charging, ensuring quick recharge times. A side-mounted fingerprint sensor provides a convenient and secure way to unlock the phone.
Key Features
- 6.6-inch HD+ screen with 90Hz refresh rate
- MediaTek Helio G37 processor
- Up to 8GB RAM and 128GB expandable storage
- Android 13 and HiOS 12 software
- Ultra-slim design
- Dual rear camera with a 50MP main sensor, 8MP selfie camera
- 5000mAh battery with 18W fast charging
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor
- Multiple color options
- Competitive pricing under $150.
Each of the smartphones described above provides excellent value, packing robust features into a budget-friendly price tag. Despite their affordable costs, they do not skimp on performance, design, or features, making them a perfect choice for budget-conscious smartphone users in 2023.
