The best cheap smartphones in October 2022.
1. Xiaomi Redmi Note 11
Xiaomi's new entry-level cuvée is a benchmark with its 90 Hz OLED screen, very good battery life and solid performance. Too bad the Redmi Note 11 is not 5G compatible and there is such a big difference in quality between its main sensor and the others. walltanda.me
2. Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G
If it does not reinvent the wheel, the smartphone stamped Redmi can count on its 5G compatibility and its balanced technical sheet to seduce. Some concessions have been made to get into the nails, but the essential is there.
3. Realme 8i
The Realme 8i could have suffered from the outrageous segmentation of its manufacturer's range, but it stands out with its well-made 120 Hz display, its beautiful finishes and its endurance.
The key points to buy well
No more cheap smartphones with an unworthy technical sheet or a disappointing user experience! If the challenge was impossible not long ago, it is now possible to find a high-performance smartphone for less than 200€. The "cheap" smartphone segment has matured and there are now balanced machines that can cover most uses correctly in this price bracket. Competition between manufacturers has stimulated this particularly disputed market, with logically many references available, more or less successful.
Also, faced with the avalanche of smartphones marketed on this price list, the choice is not easy. Definition and quality of the display, suitability for photography, autonomy and performance or even finish and perceived quality, single or dual SIM, there are many points to take into account to make the right choice. Here are the tips to follow to get your hands on the smartphone for less than 200 euros that will meet all your expectations.
Which operating system for your smartphone under 200 euros?
Difficult, if not impossible, to get your hands on an iPhone for less than 200 euros. If you absolutely want to buy an iOS smartphone, you will have to settle for a model that is several years old, often used or refurbished. Under Android, the choice is much more varied and you can easily afford a new smartphone this year. Know that it is easy to switch from one OS to another (follow this guide to switch from Android to iOS and this one to do the opposite ).
Which brand to choose for a cheap phone?
Chinese manufacturers like Xiaomi dominate the entry-level market with smartphones with excellent quality/price ratios, but mobile phone giants like Samsung are invading the sector with coherent proposals. If you have been with the same brand for several years, we advise you to test what is being done next door, because the market has evolved considerably.
Which format and which design should you choose for your entry-level smartphone?
In the entry-level segment, there are many more choices than before. Gone are the monolithic blocks with thick edges, the vast majority of builders have gone to the notch. Some go even further and opt for glass rather than plastic. On the format side, we are around 5.5 or even 6 inches. Whether you need a compact smartphone like the iPhone SE or a phablet like the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 Pro is up to you .
What technical configuration for less than 200 euros?
If an entry-level smartphone cannot match a high-end phone in terms of performance, many cheap mobiles have a solid technical configuration allowing you to have a fluid experience even in multitasking. Choose models with at least 4 GB of RAM.
What is the best cheap smartphone for taking photos?
Manufacturers compete in ingenuity to offer a more than correct photo experience in the entry-level segment. Please note that the number of megapixels alone does not define the quality of a photo sensor. Also remember to look at the aperture of the lens and the type of stabilization. Some phones offer a greater variety of shots by integrating an ultra wide-angle and/or a telephoto lens. The best photophones on the market are present in this selection .
What autonomy for your phone for less than 200 euros?
Recharge your smartphone every 5 minutes doesn't plug you in? Take a closer look at the battery capacity of the models you are interested in. This is expressed in mAh and to be free for at least a day, we advise you to opt for a battery with a minimum capacity of 3500 mAh. And if you're worried about running out of battery, check out our selection of the best power banks .
What plan to accompany your new smartphone?
To make the most of savings, it is important to choose the plan that will allow you to get the most out of your new phone. We recommend that you consult our comparison of the best mobile plans which is updated regularly with the most interesting offers and promotions on the market.