Tried and tested: the best budget-friendly smartphones

Both Apple and Samsung are launching budget smartphones to bring in buyers. We’ve tried them out and these are the best money-saving handsets right now.

Apple launched its cheapest iPhone, the iPhone SE, at its first event of 2022.

There’s a battle raging between budget-friendly smartphones right now. These are some of the best on the market that won’t cost top dollar.

APPLE IPHONE SE 2022

The cheapest iPhone in Apple’s family just got faster

$719-$969, apple.com/au

PROS

– Steals the iPhone 13 chip

– Lightweight, pocket-friendly

– First SE model with 5G

CONS

– 4.7-inch screen is limiting

– Old design with big borders

– Just one rear camera

The latest iPhone design might trigger deja vu among Apple fans. The third generation SE is still the only model left with a Touch ID fingerprint sensor up front (big but handy when wearing a mask), as well as larger screen borders and a screen measuring 4.7 inches. This new model — the cheapest in Apple’s range — adds important modern touches to the retro package, though, including a 5G connection, the A15 Bionic chip used in the iPhone 13, and water-resistance. It also promises an extra two hours of battery life on its predecessor and new Portrait mode styles.

VERDICT: ★★★½

SAMSUNG GALAXY S21 FE 5G

It’s the budget-friendly smartphone that makes modest cuts

$999-$1099, samsung.com/au

Samsung launches its Galaxy S21 FE smartphone in Australia in 2022.

PROS

– Cheaper entry to Samsung’s top range

– Fast and sharp 6.4-inch screen

– Three rear cameras

CONS

– Plastic cover feels flimsy

– Downgraded zoom options

– Average battery life

Smartphone buyers who want to save money but are reluctant to make compromises may appreciate Samsung’s latest Fan Edition phone. For just under $1000, it delivers plenty of fresh features, including a 6.4-inch screen with 120Hz refresh rate, three rear cameras (ultra wide, wide and 3x telephoto), a 5G connection, an in-display fingerprint scanner and, surprisingly, a better selfie camera than the S22 that will capture 32-megapixel portraits. Its compromises include a plastic shell, fewer megapixels on its main camera, and an older chip. There’s also only a $250 gap between this phone and the entry-level Galaxy S22.

VERDICT: ★★★★

GOOGLE PIXEL 6

Google shows what Android can really do

$999, store.google.com

Google’s Pixel 6 smartphone shows Android off at its best.

PROS

– Smart, 50-megapixel main camera

– High quality, 6.4-inch screen

– Regular software updates

CONS

– No telephoto camera

– Average battery life

– Needs a case

It might be the cheaper Pixel but this smartphone is still a high performer. It comes with a responsive, 6.4-inch touchscreen, an in-display fingerprint scanner, water-resistant body, and more camera technology that you might expect from a sub-$1000 handset. Its biggest camera can capture 50-megapixel photos, and it’s paired with a 12-megapixel ultra-wide option. It doesn’t offer a zoom but the Pixel 6 does tap into Google’s imaging software to deliver print-worthy shots. Buyers might need a case to stop it slipping off the couch and protect its camera hump, but this is a powerful, budget-friendly option.

VERDICT: ★★★★

TCL 20 R 5G

There’s a lot to this device considering its price

$298, harveynorman.com.au

PROS

– One of the cheapest 5G options

– Rear fingerprint scanner

– Keeps its headphone jack

CONS

– Cameras are mediocre

– Slow to recharge

– Low quality speaker

This device is proof you don’t have to empty your pockets to slip a 5G smartphone in them. The TCL 20 R features a surprisingly bright 6.5-inch touchscreen for its sub-$300 price, a 5G connection, decent battery life, and a fingerprint scanner on its back panel for security. The company doesn’t put too much of its own software in the device, allowing easy use of Google Android 11, and there are three main cameras, with the biggest capturing 13-megapixel images. Picture quality can be mediocre, the phone isn’t waterproof, and it only offers 64GB storage but this handset offers solid value overall.

VERDICT: ★★★

APPLE IPHONE 13 MINI

Most powerful device for those who prefer small screens

$1199-$1719, apple.com/au

Apple will re-release its iPhone 13 Mini in a shade of green.

PROS

– Features of a larger phone

– High-end dual cameras

– New green finish

CONS

– Pricier than other small phones

– Smaller battery life

– Slower to charge than some

This iPhone isn’t just for people who want to save money but who want to save on space. Apple’s smallest and lightest iPhone packs in a 5.4-inch screen thanks to its modern design and Face ID security and weighs just 140 grams — almost 100g less than the biggest iPhone. Despite its size, the 13 Mini offers a 5G connection, an A15 Bionic chip, MagSafe charging, and two high-performing rear cameras with wide and ultra-wide lenses. These cameras can also tap into Apple’s Cinematic Mode addition, delivering more professional video results, and choose a photographic style for your images.

VERDICT: ★★★★