Great smartphones under $1000

Buy an affordable smartphone with highend features this Christmas.

In a world where billboards and advertisements only highlight the top end of the smartphone market, you could easily forget that anything below $1000 even exists. Out of sight and out of mind, you would also assume that anything less than $1000 isn’t capable of meeting your needs too. Well, that simply isn’t the case, we’ve gone hands on to prove that affordable phones can still deliver the wow-factor.

Google Pixel 3a – $649

Google Pixel 3a

There are two companies that make the hardware to pair with the software; Apple and Google. The developers of the Android operating system test and release new updates to their own phones before Samsung or others begin to understand it. Naturally, the Pixel 3a carries the latest version of the Android operating system and it fits with the hardware like Cinderella’s slipper. The Pixel 3a carries an impressive set of camera features. There’s the popular Night Sight technology and portrait modes that can make anyone look like they’re a pro photographer. With all the photos you’ll be taking, the 64GB storage on the phone extends to unlimited storage online with Google Drive at no extra cost. While lacking some minor features like wireless charging and NFC, the Pixel 3a does include a 3.5mm headphone jack which more expensive models leave out.

Samsung Galaxy A50 – $449

Samsung Galaxy A50

At more than half the price of the Samsung Galaxy S10, you’ll be looking at this phone and wondering what you’ll do with that left over cash. The large 6.4-inch display covers the entire front of the device. The fingerprint sensor is hidden inside the screen itself. Press your thumb on the screen and your phone will unlock to display Samsung’s version of the Android operating system. Samsung has focused on the cameras which nowadays is the most used feature on a phone. The A50 has three lenses on the back for depth, wide and ultra-wide angle photos. The front offers a 25MP camera. Samsung adds a variety of camera modes to ensure settings are just right for capturing a waterfall, a night shot or even pictures of your dog. The phone offers 64GB of internal storage which can be expanded with a microSD card.

LG V40 ThinQ – $699

LG V40 ThinQ

LG is known largely for its impressive televisions and appliances in our homes. It has struggled to grab the attention of smartphone buyers. The LG V40 ThinQ is the device that makes you question why this is the case. It’s a smartphone that seems to have said “yes” to anything thrown in the suggestion box. A 6.4-inch OLED display houses two cameras. The three rear camera lenses includes telephoto. LG hasn’t just added the hardware, it also has updated the camera application with features such as triple-shot. It lets you take a photo will all three cameras automatically, allowing you to choose the best shot later. No need to worry about the modes, just adjust it later if you need to. The phone offers 128 GB of internal storage plus a microSD card slot for more. It has slots for two SIM cards. There’s a fingerprint sensor on the rear of the phone and wireless charging.

Oppo Reno2 Z – $599

Oppo Reno2 Z

Oppo is fighting to outdo its competitors on features. The Chinese company is a growing brand in Australia and understands how to provide value to their customers. The Reno2 Z has a 6.5-inch screen that covers the entire front of the phone. There’s four camera lenses on the back, but still space for you to rest your fingers. The “selfie” camera on the front pops up from the top of the device. It’s a mechanism we hope doesn’t become unreliable over time but in our testing was extremely fast. You won’t miss the moment. Similar to the Samsung, the fingerprint sensor is embedded in the screen and like the LG, it supports two SIMS and offers 128GB of internal storage out of the box. We especially love the Reno2 Z’s fast charging which delivers 51pc charge in 30 minutes.

Geoff Quattromani is a tech commentator across radio, print, online and television. Check out his podcast “Technology Uncorked” for new information each week.