Shopping for a phone can be daunting. From classic slab-style smartphones to cutting-edge folding devices, there is a vast array of models from which you can choose.
Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro Max stands out as this year’s winner with its exceptional cameras and long-lasting battery. Furthermore, its AI features such as instant translation and image alterations make this an appealing device.
1. OnePlus X
The OnePlus X ($249; 16GB) is an affordable premium Android phone that doesn’t make major hardware compromises in order to remain within its budget price range. It’s designed for one-handed use and makes an excellent alternative to flagship offerings from Apple, Samsung, and Google.
OnePlus’ OxygenOS software is highly configurable and includes features such as double-tapping the home, back, and recent apps keys to access features like Shelf which displays recent apps stacked together on one page.
The design is sleek and attractive. Crafted with two slabs of glass glued together by a metal frame curved around its edges, the phone measures only 5.2 by 2.7 by 0.3 inches and weighs 4.86 ounces – easily fitting into most pockets.
Back of phone contains power button and volume rocker with subtle finned effect. Notification alert slider control and Nano SIM card slot located on left side while headphone jack located on top.
OnePlus X’s Snapdragon 801 processor boasts 3GB of RAM. While not as fast or graphics intensive as some newer chips, this reliable chip still performs admirably for daily tasks and can handle some moderate games without issue. Plus, its battery lasts an entire day!
2. Samsung Galaxy A35
Samsung has recently experienced a revival with their midrange devices, such as the Galaxy A35. At $330, this powerful feature-rich handset boasts a bright Super AMOLED display, superior cameras and long battery life; long software updates as well as quality construction make this a stand-out offering in Android world.
As with the Galaxy S24 line of phones from Samsung, this phone employs the 5nm Exynos 1380 system-on-chip with up to 8GB of RAM for optimal performance. Although not an extreme speed demon, our synthetic benchmark tests indicated it performed adequately for daily tasks such as web browsing, social media apps and non-intensive games.
Samsung’s Galaxy J7 (2016) stands out as an exceptional photography phone in this price range due to its three rear cameras and innovative software. Notable modes such as Food (which ramps saturation for very limited areas of focus) and Fun are present and correct as are night, time-lapse and portrait shots.
At its price point, this phone offers a 120Hz refresh rate which is refreshing to see. But for even less you could purchase Moto G 84 and Xiaomi Poco X6 Pro 5G which offer superior performance and longer battery life respectively – not to mention outstanding cameras equipped with Google’s AI features as well. Unfortunately they run straight Android which may put some off.
3. Moto G 2025
Motorola continues its legacy of budget phones packed with premium extras with the Moto G 2025, available in Slate Gray or Leaf Green and offering an impressive set of features at this price point. Notable highlights include MIL-STD-810H drop certification and IP68 water resistance — rare offerings at this price point — along with 120Hz display, support for Dolby Atmos audio, 30-watt wired charging capabilities and Dolby Atmos support.
Motorola is making great strides toward improving its software support with the 2025, promising two OS upgrades and three years of bimonthly security updates compared to one promised for previous G models – though still falling short of Samsung budget phone offerings.
Motorola’s Moto E5 falls short when it comes to AI capabilities, lacking Circle to Search or Magic Canvas features as standard; instead you get Google Gemini voice-command technology along with access to cross-app actions via voice command – not to mention not supporting 5G networks which would give access to faster wireless networks despite its name!
4. Xiaomi 15
The Xiaomi 15 is set to become one of our favourite cameraphones and is expected to push its hardware even further. Expected features include a 1in Sony LYT-900 sensor for its main shooter and dual 50Mp telephoto lenses with powerful connectivity features – while Geekbench benchmark tests confirmed its octa-core Snapdragon 8 Elite processor and Android 15 software (likely based on HyperOS 2.0).
Other details remain unknown at this point, but the smartphone is said to feature an LTPO OLED display with 120Hz refresh rate, 3,200nits peak brightness, and DC dimming, providing impressive runtimes while using less power than standard OLED displays. Furthermore, its IP68 and IP69 ratings ensure dust and water resistance.
Xiaomi phone will continue its partnership with Leica, which has previously fine-tuned camera technology for their phones. Rumors indicate the new model may feature various Leica color presets; an internet leak from Kartikey Singh proves this point with evidence showing an off-center periscope camera unit.
