Best Android Phones Under $400 in 2024: Top Budget Phones
Do you know which is the best smartphone under $400? I will share with you a list of the 5 best smartphones. These phones feature the best cameras, best gaming performance, 120Hz high refresh rate displays for smooth animations, wireless charging, and support for software updates year after year. They also offer more features and functionality than you’d expect. For example, the OnePlus Nord 4, Realme 13 Pro Plus, Realme GT 6T, and two other top smartphones, which you can pick up for just under $400 or a little more.
But don’t think that every phone in this category will be perfect. When buying a budget phone, you have one main choice: do you want a phone with the best gaming performance, the best camera, or one that lasts a long time? Unfortunately, you can’t have all three.
Luckily for you, I have compiled a list of many great smartphones that cost $400 or less. I tested and reviewed every phone on this list for days.
But after looking at the overall ranking, one thing is important. Let me tell you what matters most in a smartphone, and you can decide accordingly.
Table of Contents
The best smartphones under $400 in 2024
1: OnePlus Nord 4 ( 2024 )
The OnePlus Nord 4 is the most versatile option in this roundup, with a 120Hz high refresh rate screen, Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 3 (4 nm), and an AnTuTu score of 1.4-1.5M. It is great for gaming. You should look at the Nord 4 if you want to game. Combine that with a 50 MP (wide) and 8 MP (ultrawide) camera that takes decent photos in bright environments and is capable of handling everyday tasks.
It has a 5,500mAh battery and 100W charging. The OnePlus Nord 4 also comes with 4 major software updates and 6 years of security updates. If you buy the phone in 2024, you can use it with new updates for 4-5 years. Overall, in my opinion, for gaming and performance, if you’re okay with a flat display, you should buy the OnePlus Nord 4.
And that makes the OnePlus Nord 4 our top recommendation for a phone that costs $400 or less
Best Camera phone under $400 in 2024
2: Realme 13 Pro Plus 5G 2024
The Realme 13 Pro Plus 5G’s best feature is that it is the only phone with a 3X periscope camera. So if you take portraits and zoom in, you should go for it. No other phone in this price range comes close to this level of support.
The Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4 nm) is a bit old as a chipset. It has an AnTuTu score of 686,161, 8/12GB LPDDR4X RAM, 256/512GB UFS 3.1 storage, 80W wired charging, and 2 years of major updates. And you can get this phone for under $400.
If you look at everything, I would say the Realme 13 Pro+ is good. But if the camera is important, it’s the best camera phone under $400- Realme 13 Pro Plus.
Best AMOLED display phone
3: Realme GT 6T 5G ( 2024 )
If you want a curved display, you should consider the Realme GT 6T. It features an AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 1.5K resolution. It comes with a Snapdragon 7 Plus Gen 3 chipset, 8GB of RAM, and a 128GB variant.
The phone has a 5,500mAh battery with 120W fast charging. For comparison, you get 100W on the Nord 4 and 120W on the Realme GT 6T. It also offers 3 years of major updates and 4 years of security updates, stereo speakers, and a 50MP OIS main camera with an additional 8MP ultrawide camera.
There’s also a 32MP front camera, and the Realme GT 6T is priced under $400.
Best cheap performance phone 2024
4: Xiaomi Poco F6 5G ( 2024 )
If you’re a heavy gamer or user, I would recommend the Xiaomi POCO F6. POCO phones are known for being built for performance, and this one is no exception. It comes with the Snapdragon 8S Gen 3 processor, which is amazing! In terms of performance, this is the best smartphone. I’m not talking about everything—just performance.
The phone features a 1.5K AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and Gorilla Glass Victus protection. It has a 5,500mAh battery with 90W charging, and you’ll get 3 years of major updates.
It also has a 50MP primary OIS camera and an 8MP ultrawide camera, but don’t buy it for the camera. If you’re focused on performance, then definitely buy it.
The phone comes with 8GB RAM and two storage options: 128GB and 256 GB. The 8/256GB variant is available for $400-$450. I know it’s a bit much, but if you can afford an extra $20 to $50, it’s worth it.
That’s why it ranks 4th on our list. For its performance, the Xiaomi POCO F6 offers great value for money.
Best design phone under $400
5: OnePlus Nord CE 4 5G 2024
The OnePlus Nord CE 4 is a phone that excels in four key areas: design, performance, camera, and battery. I think it’s hard to beat in this balance.
- Display: Fluid AMOLED, 120Hz, HDR10+
- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 (4 nm)
- Camera:
- 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide)
- 8 MP, f/2.2, 16mm, 112˚ (ultrawide)
- Battery: 5500 mAh, 100W wired, 1-100% in 29 minutes (advertised)
You can watch movies in HDR on Netflix and enjoy smooth gaming, even if you’re a heavy user. This phone is priced under $400, with the 8GB + 256GB variant available for $365.
Final Recommendation:
- Best Performance: Xiaomi Poco F6
- Best Camera: Realme 13 Pro+ or Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro+
- Best Design/Display: Realme GT 6T
- Best All-Rounder: OnePlus Nord CE 4
Each phone is excellent in its category, so your choice depends on whether you prioritize mobile phone features, camera quality, design, or an all-round balanced experience.
Ask yourself: Do I want a better camera? Do I want better performance? Or do I want a better battery? Here are five phones, each excelling in its area. One is great for gaming, another is the best for the camera, and another excels in performance. For an all-round option, there’s the OnePlus Nord CE 4. You choose which one suits you best.
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Alvi Hosain
I am a tech enthusiast with over 1.5 years of experience in phone reviews and gadgets. Passionate about making technology easier for everyone, I focus on creating smartphone reviews and detailed tech guides. Whether exploring the latest devices or providing tips on how to get the most out of your gadgets, I love helping others navigate the world of technology. Known among my friends for solving phone-related problems, I enjoy discussing technology and staying up-to-date with the latest industry trends.