The Best Phones Under $400 That Are Worth Your Money
Have $400 to spend on a new smartphone and not sure which one to choose? We've got you covered. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the best smartphones under $400, offering features like powerful gaming-ready SoCs with 5G, smooth 120 Hz displays, and stellar cameras.
The Best Smartphones Under $400
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Editor's note: The prices highlighted in this article may vary depending on discounts offered by the manufacturers.
Editor's Choice: Google Pixel 6a
The Google Pixel 6a has been available for purchase since July 21, 2022, but surprisingly the device can be found on Amazon for $399 with 128 GB. Packed with Google's custom Tensor processor for better performance of Machine Learning-based features, the Pixel 6a seems to be the best option for those who want a more compact Google phone in 2024.
In my review of the device, it was already pretty clear that this phone was unbeatable among the smartphones under $400, even though it only offers one internal storage option and a 60 Hz refresh rate. More than that, the 6a is the most cost-effective smartphone out of the entire Pixel 6 series.
When it comes to the camera suite, the Pixel 6a offers a fairly basic module, but it doesn't really lag behind the competition, given that Google's big asset here is in the camera software. So you can be sure that the photos taken with the 6a will bear the Pixel series' stamp of quality.
Good
- Premium smartphone performance
- Balanced image post-processing
- Optimum size
- Clean software
- Up to five years of updates
- IP67 certification
Bad
- Screen refresh rate of only 60 Hz
- Only one internal storage option
- No wireless charging support
A friendly tip: Consider checking the Google Pixel 7a (review) prices before making a purchase. The device might be available at a similar price on your preferred e-commerce platform.
Good
- Compact design
- Top-notch performance
- Versatile and trustworthy camera
- All-day long battery
- Wireless charging
Bad
- Slow charging time
- No power adapter in the box
Best iPhone Under $400: Apple iPhone SE (2022)
As an Apple alternative, we recommend the iPhone SE (2022) without any second thought. Coming two years after the iPhone SE (2020), the new budget iPhone sports a powerful A15-bionic but sees little improvement over the previous device. You get a 12MP camera inside a virtually similar casing to the iPhone SE 2020 (and iPhone 8/7/6s) and IP67 resistance.
- Relevant: iPhone SE 2020 vs. iPhone SE 2022
The real upgrade aside from the SoC (and the extra GB of RAM at 4 GB) is the 5G connectivity, which makes the device finally capable of enjoying the latest connectivity technology like the rest of the sub-$400 devices you see in this list. We already tested the iPhone SE (2022) and, of course, it is a great solution for anyone looking for an affordable iPhone.
Good
- Insane performance level
- High-quality workmanship
- Surprisingly good photo and video performance
- Solid battery life that lasts up till late at night
Bad
- Display is simply outdated
- Too few camera functions
- Low storage space in the base model without expandable memory
- More expensive than predecessor at market launch
Long-Software-Support Alternative: Samsung Galaxy A35
For 2024, Samsung curiously opted not to offer its best-selling Galaxy A55 model in the US. In its place, the South Korean brand placed the cheaper A35 model as an alternative for the mid-range market.
Truth be told, both phones are very similar in terms of performance and specifications, with a well-rounded package in terms of cameras, software support, and battery life. The A35 inherits the Exynos 1380 chip used in our previous recommendation, the Galaxy A54, promising smooth performance for daily tasks and even some games.
On the software front, the Galaxy A35 is the phone on this list that will keep receiving security updates for longer, with Samsung promising patches until sometime in 2029. More recent phones are starting to promise even longer support, but none at this price range (yet).
Good
- Stylish and above all high-quality new look
- Solid performance in everyday use and in mobile games
- Useful cameras
- Up to five years of security updates
- Water and dust-proof
Bad
- Slow quick charging
- No wireless charging
- Cameras not well coordinated
Long Battery Life: Nothing Phone (2a)
The Phone (2a) is Nothing's latest affordable smartphone. It offers a well-balanced technical specification but stands out above all for its design, judged by my colleague Antoine Engels to be the best-looking mid-range smartphone of 2024.
The Phone (2a) offers a pleasant experience with its Nothing OS 2.5 interface and promises to be durable with its 3 Android updates promise and a 4-year policy on security updates. Performance is decent and stable, although the smartphone is not equipped with the latest Snapdragon SoC.
With its 5000 mAh battery supporting 45 W fast charging, the Phone (2a) is the autonomy champion in its price range. In our battery benchmark, the smartphone lasted an impressive 17 h 02. You can easily go two days without recharging your Phone (2a). It also offers the added advantage of recharging not too slowly.
The only real concession you'll have to make, in my opinion, concerns the photo quality, which isn't very convincing, especially at night. Apart from that, the Nothing Phone (2a) is a well-balanced mid-range smartphone with a beautiful screen, decent performance and, above all, remarkable battery life.
Good
- Beautiful OLED LTPO 120 Hz screen
- Almost unchanged but still very cool design
- Glyph interface a little less gimmicky
- Three Android updates + four years of security updates
- Excellent autonomy
- Wireless and reverse wireless charging
Bad
- Average photo quality
- IP54 certified only
- Aggressive thermal clamping
- No charger included
Best Phone with Stylus: Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024)
Motorola offers many options in this price range—some might argue too many—but a standout is the Moto G Stylus line. It brings some productivity features of the Galaxy Note family to a broader market.
Despite not launching a 4G model in 2024, Motorola kept the "5G" moniker on the full model name. The specifications are broadly similar to the previous generation, though, with a Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 chip running the show and a surprisingly large 8 GB of RAM.
The 2024 model fixes one of the issues we had with the previous model, which only offered 8 megapixels on the ultra-wide camera. Now, your landscape and wide vistas can have 13 megapixels of resolution for better image capture and maybe even some printing action.
In conclusion, while the Moto G Stylus 5G might not excel in every category, it offers a balanced set of features and a uniqueness not commonly seen in today's smartphones.
What to Expect from Smartphones Under $400
Smartphones priced under $400 strike a fine balance between affordability and functionality, offering features that cater to most everyday needs without the premium price tag. In the U.S., this price range sits between budget phones and higher-tier mid-range devices, often featuring older hardware or slightly pared-down specs. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect in this category:
- Power and performance: Devices in this range are equipped with System-on-Chips (SoCs) capable of handling everyday tasks and even resource-intensive games. Expect processors that are one to two generations old, offering solid performance for multitasking, streaming, and casual gaming. While they may not rival flagship performance, you’ll find SoCs like Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 7 series or MediaTek’s Dimensity series delivering excellent value.
- Cameras: Camera quality is where mid-range smartphones often make compromises. You might find 50-megapixel sensors like those on the Samsung Galaxy A35, but they won’t match the sharpness and dynamic range of flagship cameras like the Galaxy Ultra series. Beware of "quad-camera" setups, as they often include low-resolution macro or depth sensors that add little real-world value. Telephoto lenses are rare in this category, leaving digital zoom as the only option for distant shots.
- Battery and charging: Most devices in this segment feature batteries ranging from 4,500 to 5,000 mAh, providing ample endurance for a full day of use. However, charging speeds are often limited. While brands like Honor and Xiaomi offer 60W+ fast charging in international markets, U.S. options typically top out at 10W to 15W. Wireless charging is still a luxury rarely seen in this price range.
- Display: Displays in this category are steadily improving, with Full HD+ resolutions and refresh rates up to 120 Hz becoming common. OLED screens are gaining traction, providing vibrant colors and deep blacks. Apple remains an exception, often sticking with lower refresh rates in its mid-range offerings. Overall, expect good visual performance, but not cutting-edge display technology.
- Software and support: Devices under $400 may have limited software support, especially if they’re older models. Most will receive only one or two major Android updates beyond their launch version. For instance, a phone shipping with Android 10 in 2021 will likely become obsolete by 2024 as Android 15 rolls out. Always verify the device's update policy before purchase.
- Carrier compatibility: Not all smartphones in this price bracket support every U.S. carrier. Many are designed for GSM networks like AT&T and T-Mobile, while CDMA compatibility (e.g., Verizon) may be limited. However, the widespread adoption of 4G LTE and 5G has helped alleviate compatibility concerns. Always double-check your carrier's compatibility, especially for unlocked models.
By considering these factors, you’ll be better equipped to find a smartphone under $400 that meets your needs without sacrificing quality in the areas that matter most.
Alternatives to purchasing a more expensive smartphone
Getting a device with a plan, discounted or free
Financing a device is an affordable way to obtain a new one, as carriers offer incentives to attract and retain customers. Typically, payments are broken into 24 or 36 installments with an eligible plan. Additionally, discounts or even free devices are available when starting a new plan.
Refurbished and used smartphones
If removing the protective film for the first time on your new device does not cause you to jump for joy, you can pick up more expensive smartphones from the second-hand or refurbished market. It is particularly advisable to use devices that carry a refurbished guarantee.
- Buy a refurbished cell phone: Here's what you need to look out for when shopping
Refurbished smartphones are inspected and restored by trusted companies to ensure quality. They're especially appealing when accompanied by an extended warranty, offering protection against potential issues shortly after purchase.
What do you think of this selection? Which models do you think we have forgotten and which deserve to be included? Do you find the advice sections and our testing process useful? What do you think of this new format? We look forward to your feedback!
Updated December 2024 with current prices and a new productivity pick. Older comments may reference previous versions.
TCL has been making some interesting moves in the phone world. But Motorola still gets my vote. Their chop and twist features are supreme.
But I've got to disagree about financing a phone being a deal. You get roped in to way overpriced contracts. You'll save a lot more buying the phone and going pre-paid service. If you can't afford a smartphone, buy a feature phone and still go prepaid. I did this for years during the smartphone era. Saved a lot of money until it made financial sense to get a smartphone.
If you need a smartphone for work, they should offer some option to supply or cover the the costs.
My phone bill costs 50 bucks a month (straight talk). Boss pays half of that. I haven't "financed" a phone since before the smartphone era. The amount you pay "on contract" is nuts. It's cheaper just to buy one full price, UNLOCKED, and go where you want. Plus, if you trade it in, or sell it (unlocked) are easier to sell so you can get something back.