Home » The top options under $450 for the top 6 affordable 5G phones

Modified Date: September 17, 2022

The top options under $450 for the top 6 affordable 5G phones

Which inexpensive 5G phone is the best? The Samsung Galaxy A53 5G is FLOWPAKISTAN’s top pick. The display, CPU, cameras, and pricing of each phone were examined and tested in order to choose our top selection and five more honorable mentions.

Given discounts, fierce competition among carriers, and Android device manufacturers, purchasing a 5G smartphone on a budget has never been more enjoyable, but there are trade-offs.

The sweet spot for 5G smartphones has traditionally been in the $400–$700 range, although there are several circumstances in which you may obtain a good handset for $250 or less. Do compromises exist? Even though the mid-range smartphones’ cameras tend to be the largest upgrade from more costly options, most of them still produce passable images. Recent product introductions from Google and OnePlus show how the price-camera gap is narrowing.

To purchase a 5G smartphone on a budget, you must first consider what matters to you (and what doesn’t). If the camera matters more than anything else, flagship gadgets probably deserve more thought. However, more flagship features are being brought downmarket by smartphone manufacturers like Google, Samsung, OnePlus, and even Apple.

Then there are the available discounts and long-term offers. While Samsung’s A series is more than ever targeted at the bargain market and Apple has finally integrated 5G capability into its ever-popular, cost-effective iPhone SE line, Google’s most recent inexpensive device delivers 5G for less than $500.

Here is a look at the current market for almost affordable 5G devices and the necessary trade-offs.

The majority of Android smartphones in the low-cost 5G market have passed our tests, but there are a few Apple products to consider as well. Additionally, we advise starting with this list when creating a brand.

We only included one OnePlus device, however, there are several in the category to take into account. In a similar vein, Google’s Pixel models have supported 5G for a number of generations, with earlier iterations providing good performance for those prepared to make the appropriate trade-offs.

Samsung Galaxy A53 5G

Best cheap 5G phone

Price: $449 | Display: 6.5 inches (2,400 x 1,080-pixel resolution) 120Hz AMOLED | CPU: Samsung Exynos 1280 | RAM: 6GB | Internal Storage: 128GB | Rear cameras: 12MP ultra-wide f/2.2, 64MP f/1.8 wide angle (123-degree-field-of-view), 5MP f/2.4 depth sensor, and 5MP f/2.4 macro camera | Front camera: 32MP f/2.2 camera | Weight: 189g | Dust/water resistance: IP67

The Samsung Galaxy A line of phones includes a large number of models, all of which are focused on mid-range and budget prices. The Galaxy A53 5G, a 5G device with IP67 certification against dust and water ingress, is the cream of the current crop. The 120Hz refresh rate of the 6.5-inch screen and the twin speakers further contribute to the immersive entertainment experience. There is no better display performance available for the money.

When the A53 5G was originally released, Matthew Miller of FLOWPAKISTAN awarded it good reviews, complimenting it for its unusual style, robustness, and inclusion of smartphone amenities such as a MicroSD card slot and 3.5mm headphone socket. At $449.99, the total cost of all of this is hard to beat.

Pros

Reliable 64MP main camera with OIS
Immersive 120Hz display
IP67 rating for dust and water resistance
Has most, if not all, essential smartphone features

Cons

The macro camera and depth sensor are unnecessary
Samsung Exynos 1280 processor is no Qualcomm Snapdragon

Apple iPhone SE (2022)

Best cheap 5G phone from Apple

At least in comparison to some of its Android competitors, Apple may have been a little slow to the 5G party. Although it has been a few years since the business added the newest networking protocol to its flagship line, the third generation of the iPhone SE is the first to feature the technology. With a starting price of $420, the smartphone is by far the least expensive 5G choice for aficionados of the iPhone. The third-generation iPhone SE, however, does not support mmWave 5G services or the 3.45GHz spectrum that AT&T intends to employ for its next 5G expansion, as we have previously discussed.

As a result, consumers who live in places where only 3.45GHz mmWave 5G is accessible will have much lower top-end speeds available to them. Nevertheless, the iPhone SE does support additional C-Band 5G services on Verizon and T-Mobile, so it still has the potential to enjoy significant speed improvements over its LTE-only predecessor. The new iPhone SE’s lower price does come with the potential FOMO that owners of the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 may escape. However, having more money in your pocket can be an advantage that outweighs the probable lack of relevance of 5G band support.

Pros

A 5G iPhone for under $500
Same chip as Apple’s latest flagships for a fraction of the price
Home button access to TouchID remains preferable to FaceID for some
Seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem

Cons

Doesn’t support some of the fastest 5G bands
No telephoto camera

Google Pixel 5a with 5G

Best cheap 5G phone from Google

The Pixel 6a with 5G was just revealed by Google during its developer conference, but it won’t be available until July. The best inexpensive 5G Android to purchase from Google in the meantime is the Pixel 5a with 5G.

The Pixel 5a with 5G, which has a starting price of $450–$480 depending on price changes and incentives, joins the competition of low-cost devices with a few distinctive benefits. The phone, according to FLOWPAKISTAN’s Jason Cipriani, is “the best of Pixel for less” because of its long battery life, pure Android interface, and regular software upgrades. Although the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro are Google’s most recent and finest offerings, the Pixel 5a with 5G is still a fantastic deal for anyone eager to get their hands on one.

Hardware-wise, the Pixel 5a with 5G features a 6.34-inch OLED display that is both huge and pleasant, along with the brand-typical Pixel body. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G CPU, a sizable 4,680mAh battery, and stock Android combine to create a basic and clean smartphone experience that should easily last you a day and some more.

Pros

Bloat-free stock Android
Excellent software support
Day-long battery life
Reliable cameras

Cons

Recycled design
No 5G mmWave support

OnePlus Nord N20 5G

Best cheap 5G phone for T-Mobile users

The mid-range Nord family of smartphones is where the OnePlus Nord N20 5G belongs. The company’s most recent products have risen significantly into the “luxury smartphone” pricing category, despite the fact that OnePlus’ first few generations strictly adhered to the idea of producing smartphones that could compete with well-known flagships at mid-range costs. With the N20 5G, OnePlus has gone back to its manufacturing origins of producing excellent phones for a small portion of the price of flagships.

Surprisingly, the $899 OnePlus 10 Pro and $282 N20 5G are rather comparable. The screen size and resolution (although at a slower 60Hz refresh rate), the Qualcomm Snapdragon Series CPU, and a very comparable front-facing camera are some examples of hardware similarities.

Given its thinness and matte finish, the N20 5G is visually superior to all other sub-$300 phones. The 6.34-inch AMOLED panel outperforms its LCD-dominant rivals by displaying images that are clearer and more accurate in terms of color. Additionally, the Nord N20 5G comes with a 33W charging brick that can recharge your device in only 45 minutes when you need a boost. Although OnePlus has said that the N20 5G would soon be available unlocked, it is presently exclusively offered via T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile. Because of this, if you use T-Mobile, it’s the greatest sub-$300 5G phone you can get.

Pros

Hardware specs over-deliver for a $282 phone
Same screen resolution as much pricier flagships
The in-display fingerprint sensor is a rarity in this price range
4,500mAh battery with 33W fast charging is a cut above its competition

Cons

Only available for T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile customers
No IP rating for water and dust resistance
No mmWave 5G support

Samsung Galaxy A13

Best cheap 5G phone under $250

Not very long ago, 5G was a feature that was exclusive to the most advanced flagship models from the top smartphone makers. The current generation of connection is now available on devices that are virtually as affordable as phones were in the bygone age of carrier-subsidized $200 flagships. These aren’t products from unknown manufacturers or from Chinese smartphone companies that could or might not soon lose access to Google Play due to escalating political tensions.

The Galaxy A13 is Samsung’s finest attempt to date at maintaining 5G capabilities while dipping into the lowest price range. It belongs to the same family as the similarly great but far more expensive A51 on this list. The A13’s subpar CPU, low display resolution, and outdated front-facing camera are perhaps the worst of the sacrifices listed in its separate spec lists, which naturally reflect the price disparity between them. However, if entering the 5G market is your major objective and money is limited, the A13 offers a startlingly cheap entry point from one of the most well-known smartphone manufacturers in the world.

Pros

90Hz refresh rate display offers smoother motion than many more expensive models
Compatible with both AT&T and T-Mobile 5G networks in the US
Gorilla Glass 3 display promises a sturdy display

Cons

No water or dust resistance rating
Memory is limited to just 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage

Motorola One 5G Ace

Best cheap 5G phone with a big screen

The Motorola One 5G Ace is an upgrade of the Motorola One 5G, which had a starting MSRP of around $400. Right now, you may even find ones selling for less than $300. Even though Lenovo’s Motorola division offers a wide variety of affordable gadgets, this mid-range smartphone is appealing.

Simply said, the 6.7-inch display feels comfortable in one hand, and it offers superb value for the money. In my tests, the camera system—three cameras on the back and a selfie camera—performed well. The plastic covering and absence of verified water and dust resistance certification are two places where Motorola cut shortcuts, but generally, the phone feels like a flagship at a fraction of the price.

It’s important to note that the Motorola One 5G features 6GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, and compatibility for microSD cards up to 1TB. Budget phones frequently skimp on memory and storage. You may add a little more weight if necessary thanks to the Motorola One 5G Ace’s capability for microSD cards.

The way Motorola approaches Android is similar to Google’s standard implementation of the platform. The Motorola One 5G Ace features a 48MP camera and a good display, and for the price, it’s a good everyday smartphone.

Pros