The Best Affordable Smartphones of 2022
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Smartphones have never been more expensive than they are today. With price tags for flagship handsets soaring above $1,000, it’s become increasingly difficult to justify an annual upgrade. To combat this, some of today’s most popular companies are producing affordable smartphones that cost less than $500. In fact, some great phones can be had for less than $200.
If you’re looking to keep costs low without skimping on high-quality features, here are the best affordable smartphones of 2022. Despite their low price tag, many are often the target of sales and trade-in promotions, further improving your bang for your buck.
Samsung Galaxy A03S
Galaxy A03S – Regular Price: $159.99
The Galaxy S22 might be the best-known product in Samsung’s lineup, but the Galaxy A03S is quickly building a reputation for itself as one of the best budget smartphones on the market. With a 6.5-inch LCD screen, 720p resolution and slim profile, the phone looks like a more premium product than it really is. Hiding behind that sleek exterior you’ll find a Helio P35 processor, 5,000mAh battery and a rear camera suite that’s headlined by a 13MP lens. The processor is starting to show its age, but with plenty of great trade-in deals and discounts slashing the A03S price to less than $100, it’s a great choice for anyone on a tight budget.
TCL 20 SE
TCL 20 SE – Regular Price: $189.99
While you’ll certainly find cheaper phones on the market, the TCL 20 SE is one of the best products priced below $200. Offering a large 6.82-inch HD+ display, sizable 5000mAH battery and impressive quad rear camera setup, there’s a surprising amount of tech packed into the handset. The Snapdragon 460 won’t hold up during intense gaming sessions, but it’s energy-efficient and more than up for the task of streaming and checking out social media.
OnePlus Nord N200 5G
OnePlus Nord N200 5G – Sale Price: $199.99 | Regular Price: $239.99
OnePlus is known for its affordability, and nowhere is that truer than with its Nord lineup. The Nord N200 5G is a particular standout, thanks to its support for 5G networks and smooth 90Hz refresh rate. Its Snapdragon 480 5G processor, meanwhile, provides reliable performance and enough power for some light gaming. OnePlus didn’t put the strongest cameras in the N200 5G – but aside from that, you’d be hard-pressed to find a 5G-capable phone in this price range that’s a better value.
Samsung Galaxy A32 5G
Samsung Galaxy A32 5G – Regular Price: $279.99
Like the A03S, the Galaxy A32 hails from Samsung’s A Series lineup. This version packs a bit more punch than its sibling, with both 5G support and an upgraded MediaTek MT6853 Dimensity 720 5G chipset (which is surprisingly great for gaming). It’s also kitted out with a durable Gorilla Glass 5 display, although its resolution of 1600×720 might leave you wishing for more.
Moto G Stylus
Moto G Stylus – Regular Price: $299.99
The Moto G Stylus was just upgraded for 2022, with the latest version offering 50MP, 8MP and 2MP rear cameras, a MediaTek Helio G88 processor, a 5,000mAh battery and 6GB RAM. It’s also one of the few budget phones that includes a stylus with built-in storage, along with battery life that can last you up to two days. It lacks 5G, but anyone who was a fan of the old Galaxy Note will find a lot to love with this affordable smartphone.
iPhone SE
iPhone SE – Regular Price: $429
Apple recently revealed a new iPhone SE for 2022, adding the lightning-fast A15 Bionic chip (the same one found on the iPhone 13) and support for 5G networks. Its 4.7-inch Retina HD display is much smaller than most phones on this list, but its 1334×750 resolution offers a vibrant viewing experience for its price. If you can get past its decidedly retro design, the iPhone SE might be the best smartphone under $500.
Google Pixel 5a with 5G
Google Pixel 5a with 5G – Regular Price: $449
With the best battery and largest display of all Google A-series smartphones, the 5a with 5G is an impressive offer. Its sizable 6.34-inch screen consumes most of the front of the device, with slim bezels granting the Pixel 5a with 5G a premium look. You’ll also be treated to an impressive gaming experience, with the Snapdragon 765G processor able to run most of today’s hit games without much trouble.
TCL 10 Pro
TCL 10 Pro – Regular Price: $449.99
The big draw of the TCL 10 Pro is its beautiful 6.47-inch curved AMOLED display, which looks impressive even when the screen is turned off. Under the hood you’ll find a Snapdragon 675 and 6GB RAM, giving you enough power for some demanding games and multitasking. It’s also built with a 3.5mm audio jack, so you won’t need to pick up a pair of wireless buds to make calls or listen to music.
More to consider:
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