Top 15 best inexpensive smartphones: rating 2021-2022 by price/quality and which one to choose with a good battery

To purchase a smartphone delivered positive emotions, you need to decide on a set of characteristics.

Whether a high-capacity battery is important, or you give preference to a productive processor. There are many models on the market.

How to choose the most suitable and not to spend a lot of money?

We have carefully studied the issue and compiled a ranking of inexpensive smartphones at the time of 2021-2022 in terms of price/quality ratio.

When selecting, we took into account the opinion of experts and users, as well as data from technical tests.

Rating TOP 15 best low-cost smartphones in 2021-2022.

Location	Name	Price
Top 3 best cheap smartphones by price/quality for 2021-2022
1	Samsung Galaxy A12	Check price
2	Xiaomi Redmi 9C 3/64GB	Ask the price
3	ZTE Blade A5	Learn the price
Top 3 best cheap smartphones with good camera
1	ZTE Blade 20 Smart	Learn the price
2	HUAWEI P40 lite E NFC	Learn the price
3	TECNO Camon 15	Learn the price
Top 3 best inexpensive smartphones with high capacity battery
1	Xiaomi Redmi 9A	Check out the price
2	Realme C21 64GB	Learn the price
3	TECNO Pouvoir 4	Learn the price
Top 3 best inexpensive smartphones for 2 sim cards
1	Xiaomi Redmi 9C	Learn the price
2	OPPO A15	Ask the price
3	ZTE Blade A3	Learn the price
Top 3 best low-cost smartphones with NFC
1	HONOR 9C	Check price
2	Xiaomi Redmi 9	Check out the price
3	BQ 6430L Aurora	Find out the price

Choosing an inexpensive smartphone: what should you look for?

Before you go to the store, you need to decide on the functionality of the phone. Many parameters and the final price will depend on it.

What you need to pay attention to first of all:

• Battery capacity. The lower this indicator, the more often you will charge the device. We recommend buying models with a battery capacity of 3000 mA*h.
• RAM. Designed for temporary storage of information, and directly affects the performance. If you are looking for a smartphone for games, then this indicator must be at least 2 GB.
• Built-in memory and the possibility of expansion with a flash card. Focus on your needs when evaluating this parameter.
• Processor. Here you can also add the number of cores and clock frequency. These characteristics directly affect the performance of the device. In the budget segment, it is better to give preference to a chipset from MediaTek with a frequency of at least 1.5 GHz and the number of cores at least 4.
• Additional features. This includes all the features you want to see in your phone. You have to choose them yourself.

Top 3 best inexpensive smartphones by price/quality for 2021-2022

Samsung Galaxy A12.

The first in the ranking of 2021-2022 is a smartphone from the famous South Korean brand. The phone is designed for long conversations, Internet surfing and creating high-quality pictures.

The battery has enough charge for 18-20 hours of active use, or up to 2 days in economy mode. The model has a visually comfortable, large screen with HD + resolution.

The picture quality is good, the color rendering is natural, the image does not disintegrate into pixels..

Separate attention deserves 48 MP camera: the pictures are of high quality and clear. There are a few customizable modes, including portrait and macro. The front camera has a small resolution of 5 MP, but it is enough for selfies and video calls.

For the convenience of the user is the function of contactless payment through the service Google Pay.

MediaTek Helio P35 processor is standard for this price category, has a decent performance and copes well with most applications.

Memory capacity of 32 GB is enough for the installation of basic programs and storage of photos, if you want it can be increased with a memory card.

Technical specifications:

1. Number of SIM cards - 2 (nano);
2. Battery capacity - 5000 mAh;
3. The processor - MediaTek Helio P35 (MT6765);
4. Number of cameras - 4 (48, 5, 2, 2 MP);
5. The amount of RAM - 3 GB;
6. Built-in memory - 32 GB;
7. Support for memory card - yes;
8. Screen - 6.5? (1600?720) frequency of 60 Hz;
9. OS - Android 10;
10. Internet - 4G, LTE;
11. Interfaces - Wi-Fi, NFC, Bluetooth 5.0;

Xiaomi Redmi 9C 3/64GB

Stylish phone, conveniently lying in your hand. Has anti-slip coating and matte surface.

For video viewing, there is a large screen with good viewing angles. The sound speakers are clear and loud. The model has good autonomy indicators: one charge lasts for several days in standard mode of operation.

The smartphone supports two SIM cards, and has a slot for Micro-SD, with which you can increase the amount of memory for another 512 GB.

Photography and video is represented by the presence of a dual camera with a resolution of the main module 13 MP and 2 MP depth sensor. The quality of pictures is good for the stated characteristics.

The device has a fast response and good processing speed. It does not heat up much during active work.

Wireless interfaces are represented by dual-channel Bluetooth with high data transfer rate, Wi-Fi and NFC.

As for the latter, users note that contactless payment does not work at all terminals. In general, it is an excellent option in the budget segment for standard tasks.

Technical specifications:

1. Number of SIM cards - 2 (nano);
2. The battery capacity - 5000 mAh;
3. The processor - MediaTek Helio G35;
4. The number of cameras - 2 (13, 2 MP), the front 5 MP;
5. The amount of RAM - 3 GB;
6. Built-in memory - 64 GB;
7. Support for memory cards - yes;
8. Screen - 53? (1600?720);
9. OS - Android 10;
10. Internet - 4G, LTE;
11. Interfaces - NFC, Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi;

ZTE Blade A5.

Inexpensive phone model for calling, searching the Internet and using simple applications.

Supports two SIM cards and has a slot for a memory card. The interface of the device is quite simple and convenient, there are almost no pre-installed applications in the menu. The smartphone shows a good battery life, a full charge lasts for a whole day.

The screen diagonal is 6.09?, the color rendering is decent, the clarity and contrast are moderate, not deliver visual discomfort.

Blade A5 has good cellular service, and the presence of Wi-Fi allows you to use the device as an access point.

Separately, I want to note the quality of the assembly, every detail is carefully aligned and fitted to each other, the phone is pleasant to hold in your hand.

Photos and videos are usual, the camera has only the standard functionality.

The pictures are clear, with accurate exposure and natural color reproduction. The quality of the frontal shooting an average. There is a radio and a jack for wired headphones. Overall, this is not a bad option in terms of price/quality ratio.

Specifications:

1. Number of SIM cards - 2 (nano);
2. Battery capacity - 3200 mA*h;
3. Processor - Unisoc SC9863A;
4. Number of cameras - 2 (13, 2 MP);
5. The amount of RAM - 2 GB;
6. Built-in memory - 32 GB;
7. Support for memory cards - is;
8. Screen - 6.09? (1560?720) clock frequency of 60 Hz;
9. OS - Android 9.0;
10. Interfaces - Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2;

Top 3 best inexpensive smartphones with a good camera

ZTE Blade 20 Smart.

Another Chinese smartphone that does not lose relevance in 2021-2022. Has a stylish Streamlined design with unusual colors..

For the convenience of the user on the front panel there is an event indicator, you will not miss an important call or message. In this model, much attention is paid to the display: it is high-quality, limited to a thin frame, does not flicker and has good anti-glare properties.

Oleophobic coating repels dirt from the screen surface. The 8-core processor and 4 GB of RAM allow you to run any games and applications.

The triple camera also pleased: it practically does not produce noise, takes excellent pictures at night and has accurate autofocus.

The battery capacity of the Blade 20 Smart is 5000 mA*h, which is enough for 20 hours of active video viewing and gaming.

The model has a large amount of internal memory, which can be increased by SD-card. The disadvantage of the model is a combined SIM card slot, you can install either an additional number or a memory card.

Specifications:

1. Number of SIM cards - 2 (nano);
2. The battery capacity - 5000 mAh;
3. The processor - MediaTek Helio P60;
4. Number of cameras - 3 (16, 8, 2 PM);
5. The amount of RAM - 4 GB;
6. Built-in memory - 128 GB;
7. Support for memory card - yes;
8. Screen - 6.49? (1560?720);
9. OS - Android 9.0;
10. Interfaces - Bluetooth 4.2, NFC, Wi-Fi;

HUAWEI P40 lite E NFC

Good smartphone with 2 sim cards support.. Has a good mid-range processor , Which can easily handle most tasks.

Allows you to correctly use many heavy applications and play. Built-in memory is quite a lot, plus you can expand the configuration with an SD-card.

In addition to the standard security settings, the model is equipped with an accurate fingerprint sensor located in the back of the device. There is a working NFC module for contactless payments.

Another advantage of the phone - a triple camera with 48 MP resolution of the main unit and shooting video in Full-HD.

The footage is of high quality, with accurate color reproduction, exposure and white balance..

Battery life can be up to several days. This is one of the best smartphones in this price segment. The disadvantages include the absence of Google services. But manufacturers offer an alternative replacement.

Technical specifications:

1. The number of SIM cards - 2;
2. The battery capacity - 4000 mAh;
3. Processor - HiSilicon Kirin 710F;
4. Number of cameras - 3 (48, 8, 2 MP);
5. The amount of RAM - 4 GB;
6. Built-in memory - 64 GB;
7. Support for memory cards - is;
8. Screen - 6.39? (1560?720), the frequency of 60 Hz;
9. OS - Android 9.0;
10. Interfaces - Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi, NFC;

TECNO Camon 15.

Unlike most models in this price segment, Camon 15 has a good package ..

In addition to the standard charger and USB-wire includes: headphones, silicone carrying case and protective glass. The smartphone has a bright, almost frameless screen, on which it is comfortable to watch videos and play games.

The storage capacity of the phone is large enough, with the help of an SD-card it can be increased by another 256 GB.

The performance of the processor provides a fast response and allows you to work efficiently with heavy applications.

The model has a high-capacity battery, as well as a function of power management, with which you can not charge the device for several days. Another advantage of the smartphone is high-quality shooting.

The main module consists of 3 cameras and dual flash, this engineering solution allows you to get pictures of high resolution. The front camera is also good, it has 16 MP.

Security of the phone is implemented by using face recognition technology Face Unlock 2.0, fingerprint scanner and the usual functions of the password and the graphic key.

For visual comfort, there is a dark theme. The disadvantage is the plastic housing, which has no protection against scratches.

Specifications:

1. Number of SIM-cards - 2 (nano);
2. Battery capacity - 5000 mAh;
3. The processor - Mediatek Helio P22 (MT6762V);
4. Number of cameras - 4 (48, 16, 2, 2 MP);
5. The amount of RAM - 4 GB;
6. Built-in memory - 64 GB;
7. Support for memory cards - is;
8. Screen - 6.6? (1600?720);
9. OS - Android 10;
10. Interfaces - Bluetooth0, Wi-Fi;

Top 3 best inexpensive smartphones with a high-capacity battery

Xiaomi Redmi 9A.

A quality model with a set of basic functions. Perfect as a working Smartphone for conversations, watching videos and surfing the Internet.

Has a powerful battery capacity of 5000 mA * h, this charge is enough for 13 hours of continuous video streaming or 38 hours of talking time.

8-core processor supports most games with heavy textures, does not heat up for a long time in high performance mode. The phone supports fast charging.

The manufacturer also provided the possibility to install a 512 GB memory card, so you can store a lot of information on the device.

The interface is intuitive, the shortcuts in the bar are easy to set up. Network reception is good.

The quality of pictures corresponds to the claimed resolution of 13 MP. Detail is average, in cloudy weather there is a "noise".

Focus is manual, there is a macro mode. The front camera has a resolution of 5 MP. The body of the Redmi 9A is made of plastic, has a stylish design and several color options.

Specifications:

1. The number of SIM cards - 2 (nano);
2. The battery capacity - 5000 mAh;
3. The processor - MediaTek Helio G25;
4. Number of cameras - 2 (13, 5 MP);
5. The amount of RAM - 2 GB;
6. Built-in memory - 32 GB;
7. Support for memory cards - yes;
8. Screen - 6.53? (1600?720);
9. OS - Android 10;
10. Interfaces - Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi;

Realme C21 64GB

This smartphone is designed specifically for practical people. It has a stylish, non-sticky body and rich functionality.

Screen unlocking is done through a fingerprint sensor or Face-ID. It has two slots for SIM cards and one for a memory card up to 256GB. You can use one phone as both work and personal. The quality of network reception is good, the talking speaker is loud.

The screen is large, bright and contrasty, with color temperature control and a dark theme.

There is no oleophobic coating on the display glass, this is probably one of the few disadvantages of the model.

Realme C21 has a contactless payment function, which is rare in this price range.

The processor ensures stable operation and efficiently performs everyday tasks. Powerful battery provides good autonomy. Triple camera meets the stated characteristics and allows you to take beautiful, clear pictures.

Specifications:

1. Number of SIM cards - 2 (nano);
2. Battery capacity - 5000 mAh;
3. The processor - MediaTek Helio G35;
4. The number of cameras - 3 (13, 2, 2 MP), the front 5 MP;
5. The amount of RAM - 4 GB;
6. Built-in memory - 64 GB;
7. Support for memory cards - is;
8. Screen - 6.5? (1600?720);
9. OS - Android 10;
10. Interfaces - Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi, NFC;

TECNO Pouvoir 4

Model with a large screen and a high-capacity battery 6000 mA*h designed specifically for video viewing, searching for information and working in simple applications.

For fans of good sound, the smartphone provides a loud stereo speakers. There are useful little things on the body, such as an event indicator and a call button for the voice assistant.

The display with oleophobic coating has a thin frame, does not flicker and is comfortable at all viewing angles. In the settings there is a dark theme, vision protection and adaptive brightness function.

Pouvoir 4 has 4 camera modules, controlled by artificial intelligence. You no longer need to expose the settings yourself - the program will do it for you.

The pictures are detailed, with excellent color reproduction and sharpness.

The front camera has a resolution of 8 MP has its own dual flash. Wireless interfaces are represented by dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, NFC is absent.

Technical specifications:

1. Number of SIM-cards - 2;
2. Battery capacity - 6000 mAh;
3. Processor - MediaTek Helio A22 (MT6761);
4. Number of cameras - 4 (13 MP), front 8 MP;
5. The amount of RAM - 3 GB;
6. Built-in memory - 32 GB;
7. Support for memory cards - is;
8. Screen - 7? (1640?720);
9. OS - Android 10;
10. Interfaces - Bluetooth, Wi-Fi;

Top 3 best inexpensive smartphones for 2 sim cards

Xiaomi Redmi 9C.

This phone is designed for active use. Thanks to the ribbed surface it is comfortable lies in the hand and not scratched, matte coating hides dirt.

Has a high capacity battery for active work on the Internet, calling and watching videos. Two SIM cards allow you to get along with one phone and always be in touch.

Signal reception quality is high, Redmi 9C also supports Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi and NFC.

Dual camera shoots well, the application has a small set of tools for photo processing.

The model is not designed for demanding games, but the performance is quite enough to perform daily tasks.

The main advantage of the smartphone is a high-capacity 5000 mA*h battery, the charge lasts for several days. The device charges quite quickly - on average, this process takes 2.5 hours.

Technical specifications:

1. Number of SIM cards - 2 (nano);
2. Battery capacity - 5000 mAh;
3. The processor - MediaTek Helio G35;
4. Number of cameras - 2 (13, 2 MP), the front 5 MP;
5. The amount of RAM - 2 GB;
6. Built-in memory - 32 GB;
7. Support for memory cards - is;
8. Screen - 6.53? (1600?720) frequency of 60 Hz;
9. OS - Android 10;
10. Interfaces - Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi, NFC;

OPPO A15

Budget model with good autonomy. It has an ergonomic design with It has an ergonomic design with a large frameless screen.

Visual comfort when watching videos is provided by large viewing angles, brightness and accurate color rendering. In bright sunlight, the display remains readable.

Sensor responds quickly to your touch. The speaker is loud, does not distort the voice. This smartphone has many useful features, one of them is the automatic recording of the conversation, when calling from an unknown number.

You can also set up a smart panel of the most commonly used applications.

The camera consists of 3 modules, and produces a fairly high quality pictures with low noise effect.

The device does not support contactless payment function, this is definitely worth considering when choosing. OPPO A15 is not suitable as a gaming device, but has a good performance in everyday mode.

Specifications:

1. Number of SIM cards - 2 (nano);
2. Battery capacity - 4230 mAh;
3. Processor - MediaTek Helio P35 (MT6765);
4. Number of cameras - 3 (13, 2, 2 MP), front 5 MP;
5. The amount of RAM - 2 GB;
6. Built-in memory - 32 GB;
7. Support for memory cards - is;
8. Screen - 6.52? (1600?720) 60 Hz;
9. OS - Android 10;
10. Interfaces - Bluetooth0, Wi-Fi;

ZTE Blade A3

Inexpensive smartphone from a Chinese brand. The distinguishing features of the model are compact Size and low battery consumption.

Suitable for calls, information search and running simple applications. Despite its modest functionality, it has a built-in NFC module, which allows you to make one-touch payments.

The phone has excellent network coverage and also supports LTE, with its help you will be able to distribute the Internet to any device.

The device gives accurate geolocation and is suitable for use as a navigator. The speaker is loud, the sound is clear enough, without noise and interference. The display is visually comfortable, there is no effect of grain, distortion, viewing angles are large.

Blade A3 has a removable battery. If you buy components, you can significantly extend the life of the device, or take batteries with you as a spare.

Users note the average quality of shooting, but for this price segment it is justified.

Technical specifications:

1. Number of SIM cards - 2 (nano);
2. Battery capacity - 2600 mAh;
3. The processor - Unisoc SC9832E;
4. The number of cameras - 1 (8 MP), the front 5 MP;
5. The amount of RAM - 1 GB;
6. Built-in memory - 32 GB;
7. Support for memory cards - is;
8. Screen - 5.45? (1440?720);
9. OS - Android 9;
10. Interfaces - Bluetooth 4.2, NFC, Wi-Fi;

Top 3 best inexpensive smartphones with NFC

HONOR 9C.

Has a large amount of RAM and a high-performance processor. The model Enjoys fast response, a large frameless display and technology to protect your eyes from UV exposure.

The screen matrix is qualitative: it provides a juicy picture and eliminates the effect of flickering. Viewing angles are as large as possible.

HONOR 9C is ideal for games and work in heavy applications. Battery capacity of 4000 mAh allows you to actively use the device without frequent recharging.

64GB of internal memory can be expanded with an SD card up to 512GB.

The triple camera with complementary modules shoots well, in addition, in the settings of the application there are modes for different weather conditions. Its one plus is the built-in NFC, working through a program in AppGallery.

Technical specifications:

1. Number of SIM-cards - 2 (nano);
2. Battery capacity - 4000 mA*h;
3. Processor - HiSilicon Kirin 710;
4. Number of cameras - 3 (48, 8, 2 MP), the front 8 MP;
5. The amount of RAM - 4 GB;
6. Built-in memory - 64 GB;
7. Support for memory cards - is;
8. Screen - 6.39? (1560?720) 60 Hz;
9. OS - Android 10;
10. Interfaces - Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, Wi-Fi;

Xiaomi Redmi 9.

Model with a fairly rare in this price segment Full HD screen. The display is bright, colors. Bright, sharp and contrast.

Watching videos is visually comfortable from any angle, there is a manual adjustment of brightness. The manufacturer has taken care of protecting the body: the kit comes with a case and a protective film.

The phone has a long battery life, the battery capacity is 5020 mAh. 4 GB of RAM is enough to work correctly with most applications, as well as games.

The security of the device is controlled by a fingerprint scanner. Redmi 9 has NFC, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0 for fast data transfer.

Separately, we would like to mention the quality of the build and thoughtful ergonomics of the smartphone. As a disadvantage, users refer to the average quality of the camera.

It is optimal for amateur photography and social networks, but for high-quality photos you need to look for something else. The model is optimal for quality communication, watching videos and working in applications.

Technical specifications:

1. Number of SIM cards - 2 (nano);
2. Battery capacity - 5020 mAh;
3. The processor - MediaTek Helio G80;
4. Number of cameras - 4 (13, 8, 5, 2 MP);
5. The amount of RAM - 4 GB;
6. Built-in memory - 64 GB;
7. Support for memory cards - is;
8. Screen - 6.53? (2340?1080);
9. OS - Android 10;
10. Interfaces - Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, Wi-Fi;

BQ 6430L Aurora

Closes our rating a new product from the company BQ. The smartphone has a large frameless screen and a high-quality matrix with protection against burnout. Screen unlocking is done in two ways: either with a fingerprint scanner, or by Face Unlock.

The performance indicators are decent, allow you to work comfortably in most applications.

The main camera consists of 4 modules, the pictures are quite good. The front camera has a resolution of 20 MP, it is especially appreciated by fans of selfies. The phone has three slots: two for SIM cards and a separate flash card.

The maximum amount of supported memory is 62+128GB. The powerful battery guarantees 24 hours of work in normal mode. With the help of NFC-module you can easily pay without taking out your bank card.

BQ 6430L Aurora stable smartphone with an optimal price-performance ratio.

Technical Specifications:

1. The number of SIM-cards - 2 (nano);
2. Battery capacity - 4000 mAh;
3. The processor - MediaTek Helio P60;
4. Number of cameras - 4 (16, 2, 0.3, 0.3 MP);
5. The amount of RAM - 4 GB;
6. Built-in memory - 64 GB;
7. Support for memory cards - is;
8. Screen - 6.4? (2310?1080);
9. OS - Android 10;
10. Interfaces - Bluetooth 4.2, NFC, Wi-Fi;

What company to choose?

Among the variety of choices, it is better to give preference to proven brands with extensive experience and customer-oriented company policy.

Here are some of them:

• Xiaomi - A Chinese corporation that occupies a leading position in the production of smartphones. Produces both budget models and high-performance flagship smartphones.
• TECNO - a partner of Manchester City, which supplies smartphones for soccer players. All models of the brand have the branded graphical user interface HiOS.
• Samsung - A popular South Korean manufacturer with a long history. Distinguished by a wide price range and high quality of assembling. Has its own payment system Samsung Pay.
• ZTE - A firm that specializes in the production of budget smartphones. The manufacturer keeps the price by using budget-friendly materials and saving on advertising, instead offering high-quality phones with rich features.
• HONOR - Chinese brand of cost-effective smartphones. They offer models in a wide price range. Particular emphasis is made on the introduction of advanced production technologies.

Conclusion

In this article, the leaders of the ratings of inexpensive smartphones 2021-2022 were considered in detail. We hope that we were able to highlight all the nuances and help determine the choice. Which model did you like best? Share your opinions in the comments.

Shopper Reviews

Helpful video

From the video you will get an overview of the best inexpensive smartphones: