Great phones that don’t break the bank
Buying a $1,500+ flagship phone is not a feasible reality for every consumer, with research confirming continued demand for affordable, budget handsets.
Today’s ultra-competitive market has made hightech smartphones cheaper than before, with several premium features filtering down into lower cost categories.
Whether you’re a cash strapped student, searching for an interim replacement phone, or just choosing to be budget conscious, there’s likely a quality handset for you.
Motorola Moto G7 Power ($349)
Motorola has sought to further cement its place in the budget smartphone category, with its new Moto G7 Power – boasting a whopping 5,000mAh battery (~60 hours).
With a 6.2-inch screen, the device incorporates a fingerprint reader and responsive octa-core processor.
• 60 hour battery life
• Max vision display, 6.2-inch HD+
• 4GB memory
• Fast focusing camera
• Fingerprint sensor
LG K9 ($149 from Telstra)
LG Electronics is considered one of the mobile industry’s hidden underdogs, with its sub$200 K9 a decent deal for the cash-strapped consumer.
Featuring a 5-inch HD screen, the device offers a microSD slot for expandable memory, alongside an 8MP rear and 5MP front camera.
The device offers a non-slip rear cover for a firm grip, complementing a high-tech camera with noise reduction in low-light scenes.
• 16GB in-built storage, 2GB RAM
• 2,500mAh battery
• Android 7.1.2 (Nougat)
Samsung Galaxy A30 ($299)
The Samsung Galaxy A30 boasts a 6.4-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED Infinity-U Display, alongside a long-lasting 4,000mAh battery.
The device merges a 16MP low light and 5MP ultra wide dual camera for clear, high resolution images.
The handset merges a 5MP ultra wide camera with a 16MP ‘main camera’ for a powerful dual rear lens set-up.
Security is maximised via a fingerprint sensor and facial recognition, making for one of Samsung’s most value-added affordable smartphones to date.
• 19 AI optimised photography modes
• One UI
• Premium 3D-like glass back finish
• 32GB
• ‘Flaw Detection’ camera
• 3GB RAM, 32GB ROM
Nokia 7.1 ($499)
Boasting Android One smarts, the Nokia 7.1 offers elevated software requirements as set by Google.
The device is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 636, pledging suitability for augment reality (AR) gaming and intensive video streaming.
With ZEISS optics, the smartphone harnesses AI technology for striking imagery.
The device’s display dynamically adapts to a user’s environment for a spectacular viewing experience whether indoors or outside.
• Qualcomm Snapdragon 636
• 400GB microSD card support
• 3GB, 4GB RAM
• Dual rear camera ZEISS optics
Huawei Nova 3e ($399)
Chinese smartphone giant, Huawei, has continued to pledge high-tech phones in low-cost bundles, with its Nova 3e marketed as ‘premium smartphone without the premium price.’
Overseas, the device is marketed as the ‘P20 Lite’) – one of Huawei’s most successful smartphone franchises.
The device boasts a dual camera with facial unlock, super slim bezels and fast charging capabilities.
With dual Bluetooth users can harness enhanced multi-tasking, complementing a Full HD screen.
The device’s alloy edge offers a premium feel, with a dual-lens rear camera packing in considerable smarts.
• 5.85” FHD+ screen
• 19:6
• HiSilicon Kirin 659
• 4G RAM
Alcatel 3 ($279)
TCL-owned Alcatel has continued to make headwinds in the Aussie smartphone market, releasing its new ‘3 (2019)’ with a powerful Snapdragon chipset.
The product pledges a premium feel, with a 5.9-inch HD+ Super Full View Display and 2.5D glass metallic frame.
With face unlock and AR support, the device harnesses a 3,500mAh battery for long-lasting performance.
• 19.5:9
• 5.9” HD+ display screen
• 32GB ROM, 3GB RAM
• Dual rear camera.
• Octa-Core Processor