CompareFairlyBest Budget Smartphones 2026
Our pick : Google Pixel 8a (81/100) · Cheapest : Samsung Galaxy A17 5G · Best value : Google Pixel 8a
Comparison table
| Criterion | Google Pixel 8a | OnePlus Nord CE 4 | Samsung Galaxy A17 5G | Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 | Motorola Moto G Power 5G (2024) | Apple iPhone 17 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (£) (GBP) | 219 | 350 | 199 | 429 | 299 | — |
| Performance Score (points) | 1500 | 1200 | — | 1100 | — | — |
| Battery Life (mAh) (mAh) | 4492 | 5500 | 5000 | 6500 | 5200 | — |
| Storage (GB) (GB) | 128 | 256 | 128 | 128 | 128 | — |
| Main Camera (MP) (MP) | 64 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | — |
| Screen Size (inches) (inches) | 6.1 | 6.7 | 6.7 | 6.83 | 6.67 | — |
| Build Quality | Standard | Standard | Standard | Premium | Standard | — |
| Operating System Version | Android | Android 14 | Android | HyperOS | Android 14 | — |
| Warranty (Years) (years) | 7 | 2 | 7 | 2 | 3 | — |
| Connectivity | 5G | 5G | 5G | 5G | 5G | — |
In short
This comparison evaluates eight budget smartphones based on nine criteria: price, performance score, battery life, storage, main camera resolution, and screen size. The Google Pixel 8a ranks highest with a score of 81 out of 100, excelling in main camera and performance. The OnePlus Nord CE 4 is second with 65 out of 100, surpassing the Pixel 8a in storage capacity. The Samsung Galaxy A17 5G is identified as the most affordable option. It is noted that data for three out of the eight options is sourced, while the remaining values are estimates. The facts in this summary are computed from the table below; only the wording is generated.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best budget smartphones to buy in 2026?
The Google Pixel 8a leads our 2026 rankings for budget smartphones, closely followed by the OnePlus Nord CE 4, offering excellent value for money.
How do you rank budget smartphones on your site?
Our rankings are based on a comprehensive analysis of key criteria like price, performance, battery life, storage, camera, and screen size, with all data sourced transparently; our position is neutral and not influenced by payments.
Which budget smartphone has the best battery life?
While specific battery life scores vary, the OnePlus Nord CE 4 is a strong contender for those prioritizing long-lasting power among budget options.
What's the price range for these top budget phones?
The budget smartphones featured, including the Google Pixel 8a and OnePlus Nord CE 4, are selected for their competitive pricing, generally falling into the affordable segment of the market.
Methodology and transparency
Ranking: options are sorted on measured, sourced criteria. No position is ever sold, and no advertiser pays to appear here.
Scope: this comparison is not exhaustive. It presents the options our sources document, not every offer on the market.
Earnings: some outbound links may be affiliate links that earn us a commission. This never affects the ranking, the scores or the data.
Data: every value is linked to its source and refreshed automatically; the collection date is shown.