Best phone under 400

To get a decent smartphone, it's not necessary to spend a lot of money – there are many good phones under 400 dollars now. The mid-range segment offers a wide variety of excellent gadgets that will suit different needs.

Which characteristics to pay attention to

To choose the best phone under 400, it is important to study the specifications. For example, not every processor will be able to meet your performance requirements, there may not be enough RAM for multitasking, and the battery may not provide the desired autonomy. How to understand all of this?

Screen parameters

We primarily interact with the smartphone through the screen, as control is carried out using the touchscreen. Screen quality is also crucial for comfortable information perception. Full HD resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels) is considered a golden standard for gadgets with a diagonal of 5-7 inches. With a limited budget, you can consider an option with an HD display (1280 x 720 pixels), but we recommend choosing models with a screen diagonal of up to 5 inches. This will achieve a higher pixel density per inch, which, in turn, ensures a better overall image quality.

Before choosing a good budget smartphone, it is also important to pay attention to the type of display matrix. In the budget price range, smartphones equipped with IPS technology are the best choice. Such devices provide excellent color reproduction and good viewing angles, while the production cost of IPS matrices remains relatively low. The only drawback of IPS is its average contrast compared to more advanced AMOLED displays. However, it is worth noting that OLED and AMOLED technologies are more commonly used in flagship devices. For those who enjoy gaming, it is important to look at the screen refresh rate. The standard is considered to be 60 Hz, and for gamers, we recommend choosing models with a refresh rate of 90 Hz and above.

Processor

Choose a model with a powerful processor, as this component is responsible for all the calculations that occur in the smartphone. If you need to pick the best phone under 400 dollars for standard use without mobile games, you can consider options with a MediaTek chip. If you enjoy gaming, then opt for smartphones based on Qualcomm Snapdragon. This option will cost slightly more than the previous one, but the performance will be higher. Some manufacturers also use proprietary developments. HiSilicon Kirin chips are found in Huawei devices, and Samsung uses Exynos. These processors are similar in parameters to Qualcomm Snapdragon. However, it is recommended to avoid budget smartphones running on Unisoc, Micromax, and Hisense chips, as they have minimal performance. Such chips will be sufficient for basic processes (receiving messages and calls). For Apple smartphones, it is better to choose processors older than A9.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

Don't forget to check the RAM capacity. For gaming, it's better to choose affordable smartphones with a RAM capacity of 6 GB, and for everyday tasks, 4 GB of RAM is sufficient. Anything below this is considered an outdated standard. It's important to remember that RAM is responsible for current processes in the smartphone. The amount of RAM determines how many applications can be opened simultaneously on the smartphone.

Amount of Built-in Storage

The smartphone's main memory allows you to store photos, videos, files, documents, and various applications. For storing a significant amount of information, you can purchase a smartphone with storage starting from 128 GB. For gaming, it's better to choose a variant with a larger storage capacity. If there is a memory card slot, you can buy a smartphone with minimal storage since you can expand it at any time by adding a memory card.

Camera Features

To choose the best sub 400 phone, read reviews and try taking photos in the store. Technical specifications such as megapixels and other camera parameters alone do not reflect the real quality of shooting results. A lot also depends on image processing. If high-performance photo and video shooting are important to you, the best way is to test the selected device before buying.

Operating System

Choose a smartphone and look at the hardware platform. The most common operating systems are:

1. iOS – a platform installed only on Apple devices. This OS is stable, fast, and excels at self-cleaning from software clutter. iOS is also considered one of the most secure mobile platforms.
2. Android – a popular OS with many customization options for the interface. Android is installed on most smartphones from various brands, except Apple. Choose Android with versions not older than two years. It's better not to consider earlier released software as they are not updated, and the phone may not function correctly.

Autonomy

The choice of a good smartphone under 400 also depends on its energy efficiency. With low power consumption and even a small battery capacity, the smartphone's autonomy can reach a day of active use. For budget options, a battery capacity of 2000 mAh is sufficient. Such capacity will be enough for users who do not use the device very often, do not play games, and do not use social networks. An optimal option for performing most tasks would be a smartphone with a battery capacity of 4000 mAh. With such a battery, you can actively use the device throughout the day.

Additional Features

If you're thinking about how to choose a good yet affordable smartphone, it's important to pay attention to the presence of wireless communications. A good option will have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, preferably not the earliest versions. The later the versions of these modules, the faster they operate, transmit, and receive information. For example, Wi-Fi 5 provides internet speeds up to 1 Gbps, while Wi-Fi 6 can reach up to 9.6 Gbps. The presence of 3G or 4G modules allows for high-speed mobile internet usage. NFC enables the capability to make purchases using your smartphone. Also, check the number of SIM cards. Most models come with a dual slot allowing the installation of two SIM cards.

Interfaces and connections. USB Type-C and MicroUSB are connectors for charging. Budget Apple smartphones are equipped with Lightning connectors. For listening to music, connecting speakers, or using a wired headset, devices may feature a 3.5mm audio jack.

It's also worth paying attention to the design and body features. Even among budget models, you can find shockproof and waterproof gadgets. The IP54 standard guarantees partial protection against splashes and dust from any angle. The best waterproofing is provided by the IP68 standard.

We've researched numerous models and selected the top good Android phones under 400 dollars.

Google Pixel 7a

This can be classified as a niche product between the mid-range and flagship classes. It's the most affordable and compact smartphone in the Google Pixel 7 lineup. The device excels in photography, boasts a powerful processor, and features a vibrant, smooth display. Additionally, like other Google smartphones, it runs on the beloved "stock" Android 13 interface and will regularly receive useful updates.

The screen size measures 6.1 inches. Among its advantages, the device features an energy-efficient OLED display with excellent color reproduction, high brightness, and image clarity. It also supports the Always-on display mode. A significant advantage of the model is the increased refresh rate of 90 Hz, providing enhanced animation smoothness. Users can choose how the display manages the refresh rate: keeping it always at the maximum or automatically lowering it when the image is static to save battery.

Developers equipped the device with a new, more efficient Tensor G2 chip, also used in the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. They also expanded the RAM from 6 GB to 8 GB. As a result, the smartphone, although not entirely free from overheating issues, operates much faster.

The only drawback is the absence of a memory card slot. The smartphone is only available in one version – 128 GB of internal storage. This capacity may be insufficient for users who are heavy camera users.

Apple iPhone SE (2022)

In the era of phablets, the screen diagonal of the iPhone SE 2022 is an exclusive feature. Only 4.7 inches, even smaller than the "minis." Nevertheless, it maintains impressive clarity and contrast. Retina HD doesn't lag behind in quality compared to advanced matrices from top manufacturers.

The hardware of the SE 2022 blends perfectly and ensures stunning productivity in any processes. The manufacturer has succeeded in optimizing the gadget's performance due to a thoughtful approach to choosing hardware.

The "heart" is the A15 Bionic with 6 cores. Besides its high clock frequency, it possesses its own flagship-level graphics component. This chip is just a step behind the record-breaking A16 used in the iPhone 14 Pro versions. Thanks to high energy efficiency with a seemingly small battery, good autonomy is achieved.

4 GB of RAM handles its tasks excellently; the phone doesn't lag even under full load. The capacity of the main storage can be chosen based on specific needs: 64 GB for calls and internet surfing, 128 GB for storing photos, music, videos, 256 GB for a large library of apps, games, multimedia.

The 12-megapixel rear camera is single, catering to lovers of minimalist design. Unlike multi-component blocks, the lens practically takes up no space on the rear panel. Features include 4K video shooting at 24 fps, variable lighting for portraits, optical stabilization for both photos and videos, and photographic styles for enhancing frames.

The battery capacity of the iPhone SE 2022 is 2018 mAh, almost half of what is typical for an Android mid-ranger. The paradox lies in its comparable or even longer operation time without connecting to a socket. The smartphone maintains a long-lasting charge thanks to an optimized system. In 30 minutes, the iPhone can be charged halfway using a 20W power adapter. Wireless Qi charging stations are also suitable for charging.

Samsung Galaxy A54

This model is also on the list of phones under 400 worth paying attention to in 2024. Samsung Galaxy A54 5G has a modern, bright, yet ascetic design strongly reminiscent of the flagship models Galaxy S23. The device features flat edges, rounded corners, and a glossy plastic body covered with Gorilla Glass 5 protection at the back. The screen includes an embedded optical fingerprint scanner that works quickly and without issues.

The phone is equipped with a Super AMOLED display measuring 6.4 inches, with a refresh rate of 120 Hz and a Full HD+ resolution (2340 by 1080 pixels). The pixel density is 403ppi, and the maximum brightness is 1000 nits. The device offers an automatic switch between 120 Hz and 60 Hz depending on usage scenarios, applications, and energy saving.

The gadget boasts three main cameras: a 50 MP main sensor (f/1.8) with optical stabilization and support for fast phase autofocus, an 8-megapixel wide-angle camera (f/2.2), and a 5 MP macro module (f/2.2).

The device runs on the proprietary productive 8-core Exynos 1380 processor and is available with 6 or 8 GB of RAM. It comes with 128 or 256 GB of internal storage, expandable up to 1 TB with a memory card, which occupies one of the two SIM slots. The device also features NFC and Bluetooth 5.3 modules, GPS navigation, GLONASS, BDS, Galileo. Wi-Fi 6 is also supported.

The phone is powered by a 5000 mAh battery with 25W fast charging support. Samsung Galaxy A54 5G maintains a strong battery life, easily lasting one and a half days under normal usage and two days under light usage.

Motorola Edge 40

Motorola Edge 40 looks extremely modern. The smartphone features a strongly curved waterfall display and a back plastic cover with textured imitation of leather. In this case, it does not look banal but, on the contrary, adds style to the model.

The 6.55-inch OLED display has a 3D glass with oleophobic coating. The resolution is 2400×1080 pixels, pixel density is 402ppi, and the refresh rate is 144 Hz. The maximum brightness is 1200 nits. It is claimed to support HDR10+ and DCI-P3 color space coverage.

The device is equipped with a dual main camera. The main module is 50 MP (OIS, f/1.4, 1/1.5"). The second one is a 120-degree wide-angle with a resolution of 13 MP (f/2.2). Videos can be recorded in 4K UHD at 30 fps or Full HD at 60 fps, with excellent image stabilization. Slow-motion video shooting is also available at 120 fps in Full HD and 240 fps in HD.

The heart of the phone is the 8-core MediaTek Dimensity 8020 processor. The smartphone has 8 GB of LPDDR5 RAM and 128/256 GB of UFS 3.1 internal storage. Among the modules, there is Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, as well as GPS, A-GPS, Galileo, and GLONASS. The phone does not support a memory card, and the SIM card slot accommodates only one card. However, it has eSIM support.

The device is equipped with a 4400 mAh battery. The smartphone supports 68W fast charging and 15W wireless charging. The latter is a significant advantage in this segment because not many competitors can boast of this feature. Of course, it is much slower than fast wired charging, but it is convenient, especially when there are several such devices at home.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro

This is a relatively cheap and good phone with an attractive design. The back of the Note 11 Pro looks modest – it's dark matte glass. If you turn the back towards the lamp, the glass reflects a halo from the light source without iridescence or gradients. It's an ideal option if you prefer a restrained design.

The phone features a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with Full HD+ resolution. The refresh rate is 120 Hz, which is not yet present in all models in this price range.

The smartphone uses the octa-core Mediatek Helio G96 with the Mali-G57 MC2 graphics core – a mid-range gaming solution. It is assisted by up to 8 GB of RAM.

It handles basic tasks and testing excellently. Browser pages open quickly, and YouTube and messengers run smoothly. PDF files with more than 100 pages and illustrations scroll smoothly without jerks and loading delays.

The smartphone is equipped with a 5000 mAh battery. With the included 67W charger, it charges 16% in 5 minutes, 78% in half an hour, and fully in approximately 45 minutes. If you forget to charge it overnight, you can do it in the morning – by the time you brush your teeth and have breakfast, it will be 100%.

The best 400 dollar phones: comparison table