Gone are the days when budget smartphones were hardly good: Techboke reveals what devices under 200 euros can do today and what options the market for affordable entry-level smartphones offers.
If you don’t want to spend hundreds of euros on a smartphone, you had to settle for a few years ago with lame plastic centrifuges with tiny displays. In the meantime, there are also really good devices in the price segment under 200 euros, which are inferior to the high-end flagships in just a few points.
What must an entry-level smartphone be able to do?
When we speak of smartphones up to 200 euros, they are mostly devices of the entry-level or lower middle class.
They are often equipped with features such as a full HD display, 4 GB RAM, an average of 64 GB memory and batteries that offer 3,000 to 5,000 mAh.
It is not uncommon to find modern full view displays, fingerprint sensors and triple cameras.
To narrow our selection a bit, we only list models in the list of smartphones up to 200 euros that run at least with Android 9 Pie.
However, some of the affordable smartphones are also part of Google’s Android One program, which was launched to standardize the operating system.
Participating devices come with pure Android without unnecessary pre-installed apps (bloatware) and without the manufacturer’s own interface.
This means they get updates and security patches much faster than other smartphones. Another advantage of Android One: there is a two-year update guarantee.
Motorola Moto G8 Power Lite
The Moto G8 Power Lite is brand new on the market and – as is usual with the Power series – focuses on battery performance.
Thanks to its 5000 mAh battery, the device lasts an average of around two and a half days.
As long as the battery lasts, charging is quick: in around 15 minutes there is enough power for half a day of use.
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| Photo: Motorola |
The 6.5-inch full-view display only resolves in HD +, which is a little bit. But the camera, which comprises a total of three sensors, is appealing.
In addition to the 16-megapixel main sensor, there are two other sensors, each with a 2-megapixel resolution.
The G8 Power Lite cannot compete with the high-performance models from other manufacturers, but thanks to the Helio P35, 4 GB RAM and 64 GB expandable memory, the performance does not have to hide.
Motorola wants to appeal to the new model especially for long-term users who want a long runtime.
It will be delivered with Android 9.0 Pie, but an update to Android 10 should follow soon.
Motorola Moto G8 Power Lite with a strong battery
Features of the Motorola Moto G8 Power Lite at a glance:
Display: 6.5 inch full view with notch, LCD, 1,600 x 720 pixels
Processor: Helio P35, Octa-Core with 2.3 GHz
Memory: 64 GB expandable, 4 GB RAM
Front camera: 8 MP
Main camera: Triple camera with 16 MP + 2 MP + 2 MP
Connections: NFC, Bluetooth 4.2, WLAN b / g / n /, LTE, USB C
Battery: 5,000 mAh, quick charge
System: Android 9 Pie
Other: dual SIM, jack, fingerprint sensor, splash protection
Price: from 170 euros
Huawei P40 Lite E.
The Huawei P40 Lite E is also very fresh on the market. It plays a special role in the overview of smartphones up to 200 euros.
Because it comes with Android 9.0 Pie, but without Google apps. Instead, the manufacturer relies on its own app store, which we already looked at in the test of the Huawei P40 Pro.
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Photo: Huawei
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Despite this special feature in the software, the Huawei P40 Lite E has a lot to offer technically – above all a triple camera with 48, 8 and 2 megapixels.
The front camera takes pictures with up to 8 megapixels and sits in a small punch-hole notch that interrupts the 6.39-inch full-view display.
Also, there is the reliably working Kirin 710F octa-core chip, which is supported by 4 GB RAM and 64 GB memory. The battery is also solid at 4,000 mAh.
Huawei P40 Lite E with a good camera, but without Google apps
Photo: Huawei
Features of the Huawei P40 Lite E at a glance:
Display: 6.39 inch full view with Notch, IPS, 1,560 x 720 pixels
Processor: Kirin 710F, Octa-Core with 2.2 GHz
Memory: 64 GB expandable, 4 GB RAM
Front camera: 8 MP, f / 2.0
Main camera: Triple camera 48 MP (f / 1.8 aperture) + 8 MP (ultra-wide-angle, f / 2.4 aperture) + 2 MP (f / 2.4 aperture)
Connections: NFC, Bluetooth 4.2, WLAN a / b / g / n / ac, LTE, USB C
Battery: 3,000 mAh, quick charge
System: Android 9.0, no Google apps
Other: Dual SIM (hybrid), jack socket, fingerprint sensor
Price: from 199 euros
Honor 20 Lite
The Honor 20 Lite has been on the market since April 2019 and surprises with its good price-performance ratio.
Like the Huawei P40 Lite E, the smartphone offers a good triple camera with 24, 8 and 2 megapixels, but is equipped with all important Google apps.
The Honor 20 Lite is a decent size at 6.21 inches, but the screen edges are kept quite small. Only a drop of water notch interrupts the display, in which Honor has inserted a front camera with at least 32 megapixels.
The display has Full HD resolution (2340 x 1080 pixels). It is powered by the solid Kirin 710 octa-core processor from HiSilicon, a subsidiary of Huawei.
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| Photo: Honor |
The Honor 20 Lite has 4 GB RAM and at least 128 GB internal storage and currently costs around 174 euros.
The internal memory can be expanded by up to 512 GB using a microSD card. However, since it is a hybrid dual SIM card slot, the second SIM card is blocked by the MicroSD.
An easily accessible fingerprint sensor can be found below the rear camera. The Honor 20 Lite has a 3,400 mAh battery that is charged via a micro USB socket.
– The Honor 20 Lite also has Google Apps
Features of the Huawei Honor 20 Lite at a glance:
Display: 6.21 inch full view with drop notch, IPS, 2,340 x 1,080 pixels
Processor: Kirin 710, Octa-Core with 2.2 GHz
Memory: 128 GB expandable, 4 GB RAM
Front camera: 32 MP
Main camera: Triple camera 24 MP + 8 MP + 2 MP, f / 1.8 + f / 2.4
Connections: NFC, Bluetooth 4.2, WLAN b / g / n, LTE, MicroUSB
Battery: 3,400 mAh
System: Android 9.0 Pie
Other: Dual SIM (hybrid), jack socket, fingerprint sensor
Price: from 174 euros
Honor 20 Lite
Large screen, good front camera, triple camera
No WLAN ac, only MicroUSB
Honor 9X
The Honor 9X with its 6.59-inch display. As with the other models, this extends almost across the entire front and resolves in Full HD.
The Honor 9X is available online for around 188 euros. For this, buyers get a smartphone with Kirin 710, 4 GB RAM and 128 GB storage. The base is therefore identical to the Huawei Mate 20 Lite.
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| Photo: Honor |
However, the camera equipment of the Honor 9X is completely different. First, it has a triple camera with 48, 8 and 2 megapixels.
On the other hand, it is one of the very few smartphones up to 200 euros that has a pop-up camera. The 16-megapixel front camera can thus be completely sunk into the housing, which means that the manufacturer can also do without a notch.
The battery of the Honor 9X has a capacity of 4,000 mAh and can be charged very quickly thanks to the Quick Charge.
Android 9 Pie is installed ex-works, there should be an update to Android 10. In contrast to the Mate 20 Lite, the Honor 9X offers space for a memory card in addition to the dual SIM slot.
– Honor 9X with pop-up camera
– The Honor 9X comes with a pop-up camera
Features of the Honor 9X at a glance:
Display: 6.59 inch full view with notch, LCD, 2,340 x 1,080 pixels
Processor: Kirin 710, Octa-Core with 2.2 GHz
Memory: 128 GB expandable, 4 GB RAM
Front camera: 16 MP pop-up
Main camera: Triple camera 48 + 8 MP + 2 MP, f / 1.8 + f / 2.4
Connections: NFC, Bluetooth 4.2, WLAN a / b / g / n / ac, LTE, USB C
Battery: 4,000 mAh, quick charge
System: Android 9 Pie
Other: dual SIM, jack, fingerprint sensor
Price: from 188 euros
Honor 9X
Fullview display, real dual SIM, pop-up camera
No OLED
Sony Xperia 10
Sony also has a smartphone for under 200 euros, which is well worth a look. The Sony Xperia 10 was launched in spring 2019 for an RRP of 349 euros but is now available for 195 euros.
What is special about the device is the elongated, narrow shape of its LC display. Because the 6-inch screen comes in 21: 9 format. The resolution is 2,520 x 1,080 pixels, i.e. Full HD +.
The cinema format is particularly noticeable when watching videos since the films are shown without black bars on the sides. Some games also make full use of the 21: 9 width.
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| Photo: Sony |
The Xperia 10 is powered by the Snapdragon 630 together with 3 GB RAM and 64 GB internal memory, which can be expanded using a micro SD card.
The fingerprint sensor on the Xperia 10 is attached to the side of the case. On the back, there is only the dual camera with its 13 and 5-megapixel sensor.
The front camera, however, takes pictures with up to 8 megapixels. The horse’s foot of the Sony Xperia 10 is the battery because it only has a capacity of 2,870 mAh. After all, Sony has integrated some power-saving modes that help the device throughout the day.
The Xperia 10 also supports Quick Charge 3 for fast charging, although no suitable power supply is included.
– The Sony Xperia 10 with its display in 21: 9 format
Features of the Sony Xperia 10 at a glance:
Display: 6 inches, 21: 9 display, LCD, 2,520 x 1,080 pixels
Processor: Snapdragon 630, Octa-Core with 2.2 GHz
Memory: 64 GB expandable, 3 GB RAM
Front camera: 8 MP, f / 2.0
Main camera: 13 MP + 5 MP, f / 2.0
Connections: NFC, Bluetooth 5.0, WLAN a / b / g / n / ac, LTE, USB C
Battery: 2,870 mAh, Quick Charge 3.0
System: Android 9.0 Pie
Other: jack socket, fingerprint sensor
Price: from 195 euros
Check Also: The 7 smartphones with the best camera 2020
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8
The current Redmi Note 8 manufacturer Xiaomi expressly settles in the middle class. The price of the smartphone is currently around 155 euros.
The devices of the Chinese manufacturer are now officially available in Nigeria and support the frequencies common in this country.
With a display diagonal of 6.3 inches, the Redmi Note 8 is well above the 6-inch limit, but the device does not look so bulky thanks to the thin display edges.
Users do not have to do without the Full HD resolution either. Instead of using an OLED, the manufacturer only relies on an IPS screen with not quite as good contrasts.
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| Photo: Xiaomi |
The rest of the equipment can convince. Among other things, it consists of a Snapdragon 665 processor and 4 GB RAM.
This is what a typical mid-range chip does in the Redmi Note 8. There is also 64 GB of memory – if you invest a little more with 172 euros, you can get the version with 4 GB RAM and 128 GB memory.
The camera equipment is identical in both cases and can be seen: In addition to a 48-megapixel camera on the back, there is another sensor with 8 megapixels and two sensors with 2 megapixels each. So the Redmi Note 8 comes with a quad-camera.
With the front camera, however, pictures with up to 13 megapixels can be taken. The battery is also worth mentioning because it is comparatively large at 4,000 mAh.
The smartphone is already delivered with the current Android version 9.0 Pie. As always, Xiaomi has placed its MIUI surface, which takes some getting used to.
– Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 in white
– The Redmi Note 8 from Xiaomi comes with a quad-camera
Features of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 at a glance:
Display: 6.3 inch full view with drop notch, IPS, 2,340 x 1,080 pixels, Gorilla Glass 5
Processor: Snapdragon 665, Octa-Core with 2 GHz
Memory: 64 / 128GB GB expandable (hybrid slot), 4 GB RAM
Front camera: 13 MP
Main camera: Quad camera 48 + 8 MP + 2 MP + 2 MP
Connections: Bluetooth 5.0, WLAN a / b / g / n / ac, LTE, USB C
Battery: 4,000 mAh, Quick Charge 4.0
System: Android 9.0 Pie
Other: Dual SIM (hybrid), jack socket, fingerprint sensor
Price: 64 GB / 4GB from 155 euros; 128 GB / 4 GB from 172 euros
Xiaomi Redmi Note 8
Large screen, large battery with quick charge, quad camera
Hybrid SIM, no OLED, no NFC
– Xiaomi presents Redmi Note 8T for less than 200 euros
Huawei P Smart + (2019)
The Huawei P Smart + (2019) is another device from the Chinese manufacturer in the list of smartphones up to 200 euros. The smartphone currently costs 133 euros.
For this, it offers equipment that is quite similar to that of the Mate 20 Lite. The processor Kirin 710 works in both smartphones.
While the internal memory is identical, the working memory of the P Smart + (2019) is slightly smaller at 3 GB.
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| Photo: Huawei |
The display has a size of 6.2 inches and resolves in Full HD. It also comes in modern full-view format.
Only a small notch for the 8-megapixel front camera breaks through the display. In the back, on the other hand, there is a triple camera with 24, 16 and 2 megapixels and a fingerprint sensor with which the Android 9 system can be unlocked.
The battery has a size of 3,400 mAh, so it should be sufficient for a day’s operation.
– Huawei P Smart + 2019 from the front and back
– The Huawei P Smart + it triple camera
Features of the Huawei P Smart + (2019) at a glance:
Display: 6.21 inch full view with drop notch, IPS, 2,340 x 1,080 pixels
Processor: Kirin 710, Octa-Core with 2.2 GHz
Memory: 64 GB expandable, 3 GB RAM
Front camera: 8 MP
Main camera: Triple camera 24 MP + 16 MP + 2 MP, f / 1.8
Connections: NFC, Bluetooth 4.2, WLAN a / b / g / n / ac, LTE, USB C
Battery: 3,400 mAh, quick charge
System: Android 9.0 Pie
Other: Dual SIM (hybrid), jack socket, fingerprint sensor
Price: from 133 euros
Huawei P Smart + (2019)
Fullview display, triple camera
The hybrid slot only, no OLED
ZTE Blade V10
ZTE is an established Chinese company that, like Huawei, has been offering smartphones in Europe and Nigeria for a long time. With the ZTE Blade V10, the manufacturer wants to appeal to price-conscious users who like to take selfies.
Because the smartphone, which costs around 139 euros, has a front camera with a whopping 32 megapixels. Even the main camera doesn’t have to hide with its dual setup of 16 and 5 megapixels.
The cameras are supported by an integrated AI (artificial intelligence), which automatically makes the optimal settings for each motif. Also on the back is the round fingerprint sensor, with which the installed Android 9 Pie system can be secured.
By the way back: This is made of plastic and is therefore quite robust and flexible than glass surfaces. Thanks to a special manufacturing process and the use of several layers, the surface feels similar to ceramic.
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| Photo: ZTE |
At the front, the ZTE Blade V10 shows a modern look with a full-view display and drop notch. The IPS display has a diagonal of quite a large 6.3 inches and has a resolution of 2,280 x 1,080 pixels.
The Helio P70 from Mediatek works under the hood, its eight cores clock at up to 2.1 GHz and thus promise good performance.
The performance is always sufficient for games like Pokémon Go. The chip uses 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of internal memory that can be expanded.
The battery has a capacity of 3,200 mAh and provides power for around one and a half days of average operation.
– ZTE Blade V10 in black, green and blue
– The ZTE Blade V10 with 32-megapixel front camera is aimed particularly at selfie fans
ZTE Blade V10 features at a glance:
Display: 6.3 inch full view with drop notch, IPS, 2,280 x 1,080 pixels
Processor: Mediatek Helio P70, Octa-Core with 2.1 GHz
Memory: 64 GB expandable, 4 GB RAM
Front camera: 32 MP, f / 2.0
Main camera: Dual camera 16+ 5 MP, f / 1.8
Connections: NFC, Bluetooth 4.2, WLAN a / b / g / n / ac, LTE, USB C
Battery: 3,200 mAh
System: Android 9.0 Pie
Other: Dual SIM (hybrid), jack socket, fingerprint sensor
Price: from 139 euros
ZTE Blade V10
Large screen, good front camera, WLAN ac
Bluetooth 4.2 only, no OLED
Xiaomi Mi A3
The Xiaomi Mi A3 is the successor to the Mi A2 and was launched in July 2019. It has been optimized in some points but is still affordable with prices around 165 euros.
At the front, the smartphone greets the user with a 6.09-inch AMOLED screen with a drop notch. For comparison: In the predecessor, Xiaomi still used wider edges and LCD technology.
However, the display only has an HD resolution of 1,560 x 720 pixels. Inside is a powerful Octa-Core processor from Qualcomm, which is one of the fastest in this price range.
The chip is supplemented by 4 GB of RAM, which ensures that there are no delays when switching between apps. There is either 64 GB or 128 GB of internal storage,
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| photo: Xiaomi |
The Mi A3 also has a lot to offer when it comes to the camera. It has a triple setup with a 48 megapixel, an 8 megapixel and a 2-megapixel sensor.
The image quality should be improved by the AI properties (Artificial Intelligence). The front camera has a resolution of 32 megapixels and has its own LED flash.
The neatly large 4,000 mAh battery can be quickly refilled using an 18-watt charger.
The Mi A3 comes with Android 9 Pie. The smartphone runs with the Android One operating system and therefore does not have its own user interface and is first supplied with new updates after Google’s own Pixel smartphones.
Even the new fingerprint technology brings the Xiaomi, in which the sensor is integrated under the display.
– Xiaomi Mi A3 in blue, white and black
– The Xiaomi Mi A3 scores with its triple camera and the current Android One.
Features of the Xiaomi Mi A3 at a glance:
Display: 6.09-inch full view, SuperAMOLED, 1,560 x 720 pixels, Gorilla Glass 5
Processor: Snapdragon 665, Octa-Core with 2 GHz
Memory: 64 GB or 128 GB expandable, 4 GB RAM
Front camera: 32 MP, f / 2.0
Main camera: Triple camera 48 + 8 MP + 2 MP, f / 1.79
Connections: NFC, Bluetooth 5.0, WLAN a / b / g / n / ac, LTE, USB C
Battery: 4,000 mAh, Quick Charge 3.0
System: Android 9.0 Pie, Android One – preparing for an update to Android 10
Other: dual SIM, jack, in-display fingerprint sensor
Price: from 165 euros
Xiaomi Mi A3
Rapid performance, triple camera, Android One, powerful battery
HD resolution only
Huawei Mate 20 Lite
The Huawei Mate 20 Lite is the stripped-down version of the Mate 20. With a price of around 188 euros, it is significantly cheaper than the namesake.
Nevertheless, users do not have to do without modern design and good equipment.
The Huawei Mate 20 Lite has a 6.3-inch full-view display and, thanks to the update, the latest Android 9.
Even the update to Android 10 has already started.
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| Photo: Huawei |
The notch hides a dual front camera with 24 and 2 megapixels and there are also two cameras with artificial intelligence on the back.
One takes pictures with up to 20 megapixels, the other with up to 2 megapixels. This enables real bokeh shots and photos with greater depth of field.
The Mate 20 Lite comes with 64 GB of internal and expandable memory and 4 GB of RAM. The centrepiece is the Kirin 710 – a classic mid-range octa-core processor.
It ensures good performance, which also allows mobile gaming. So that the smartphone does not run out of steam, a battery with 3,750 mAh is permanently installed.
– Huawei Mate 20 Lite in black
– The Huawei Mate 20 Lite offers two dual cameras and a large display
Features of the Huawei Mate 20 Lite at a glance:
Display: 6.3 inch full view with Notch, IPS, 2,340 x 1,080 pixels
Processor: Kirin 710, Octa-Core with 2.2 GHz
Memory: 64 GB expandable, 4 GB RAM
Front camera: dual camera 24 + 2 MP
Main camera: Dual camera 20 + 2 MP, f / 1.8 + f / 2.4
Connections: NFC, Bluetooth 4.2, WLAN a / b / g / n / ac, LTE, USB C
Battery: 3,750 mAh, quick charge
System: Android 8.1, update to Android 10 available
Other: Dual SIM (hybrid), jack socket, fingerprint sensor
Price: from 188 euros
Samsung Galaxy A40
It is part of the growing A-series from Samsung, in which the manufacturer likes to try out new functions.
The suggested retail price of the model is 249 euros, but the Galaxy A40 is now available for 193 euros.
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Photo: Samsung
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The small, teardrop-shaped Notch houses a 25-megapixel front camera. On the back, there is also a dual camera with 16 and 5 megapixels. Photos and other data can be stored on the 64 GB memory, which can be expanded with a microSD card if required.
The Samsung Galaxy A40 also offers space for two nano-SIM cards.
Users don’t even have to do without a jack and a fingerprint sensor on the back. However, the smartphone lacks protection from water, which is bearable about the rest of the equipment.
Features of the Samsung Galaxy A40 at a glance:
Nokia 7.1
Since the Nokia 7.1 already runs with Android 9 Pie ex-works, at least one update to Android 10 is guaranteed. Nokia started this in March.
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Photo: Nokia
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Compared to many other models, the Notch is a bit big. Among other things, it houses the 8-megapixel front camera.
There are also 3 GB of working memory and 32 GB of internal memory – compared to the other models, the configuration here is rather clear. However, Nokia also offers a version with 4 GB and 64 GB.
The capacity of the battery is not particularly high at 3,060 mAh, but it is still within the limits.
Features of the Nokia 7.1 at a glance:
Conclusion
There are differences in the range of functions compared to significantly more expensive models, but none of the devices from our list allow themselves to be really gross carvers.
Regardless of whether users want a large battery or like the current full view design – the list contains a wide variety of devices.
Thanks to solid performance, dual and triple cameras and an average of 4 GB RAM and 64 GB or even 128 GB storage, they are more in the middle class.