Snuffling Fantastic Budget Smartphones: Top Picks Under 200 Quid in 2023

Snuffling Fantastic Budget Smartphones: Top Picks Under 200 Quid in 2023

In 2023, you don't have to break the bank to get your hands on a fantastic budget smartphone. With prices under 200 pounds, manufacturers like Motorola, Nokia, Oppo, Xiaomi, and Poco offer a variety of options that deliver impressive features without burning a hole in your pocket. These smartphones come packed with great specs, including HD screens, 5G support, powerful performance, long-lasting battery life, and even some features you won't find on expensive flagship devices. As someone who has personally tested and reviewed numerous budget smartphones, I've handpicked the best ones for you to consider in the UK. So, if you're on a tight budget, don't worry! Read on to discover the top budget smartphones that offer incredible value for your money.

Table of Contents

Motorola Moto G53: Affordable Stock Android Experience

Motorola Moto G23: A Solid Alternative

Nokia G22: Longevity and Reliable Updates

Nokia G11: Never-Ending Battery Life

Nokia G50: Future-Proof 5G Connectivity

Poco M5: Impressive Camera and Display

Xiaomi Redmi Note 11: Quality Hardware on a Budget

Realme 8 5G: Great Performance and Connectivity

Conclusion

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Motorola Moto G53: Affordable Stock Android Experience

Motorola is known for its prolific lineup of budget smartphones, and the Moto G53 is one of their latest offerings in the sub-200-pound price range. This device provides a simple stock version of Android, specifically the fresh and tasty Android 13, with some excellent Motorola extras added in, such as the Banas choppy torch feature. Although Motorola may not be the fastest in delivering updates, the Moto G53's Snapdragon 480 Plus chipset handles everyday tasks smoothly, and even demanding games like Call of Duty Mobile run with fluid frame rates. The standout feature of this smartphone is its impressive battery life, thanks to the 5,000mAh capacity cell and energy-efficient chipset. Additionally, the Moto G53 offers full 5G support, a simple 50-megapixel camera for basic photography needs, stereo speakers, a headphone jack, and expandable memory card support.

Motorola Moto G23: A Solid Alternative

Alongside the Moto G53, Motorola launched the Moto G23, another viable option if you find it at a discounted price. The Moto G23 shares a similar design and specs with its sibling but lacks some of the extras found in the G53, such as the gaming mode. It features a 6.5-inch IPS screen with a 720p resolution, which is decent for everyday usage. Powered by the MediaTek Helio G95 chipset, the Moto G23 delivers smooth performance for most tasks and casual gaming. It comes with a triple camera setup, including a 50-megapixel main sensor, a 2-megapixel depth sensor, and a 2-megapixel macro lens, allowing you to capture decent photos in various scenarios. The device also supports 5G connectivity, has a large 5,000mAh battery for extended usage, and runs on near-stock Android 13 for a clean and intuitive user experience.

Nokia G22: Longevity and Reliable Updates

Nokia has gained a reputation for delivering smartphones with longevity and reliable software updates. The Nokia G22 is no exception. With its sleek design and affordable price tag, the G22 offers a reliable Android experience with the promise of future updates. It features a 6.5-inch HD+ display that provides vibrant colors and sharp visuals. Powered by the MediaTek Helio G35 processor, it offers smooth performance for everyday tasks and light gaming. The G22 comes with a quad-camera setup, including a 13-megapixel main camera, a 2-megapixel depth sensor, and a 2-megapixel macro lens, as well as a 5-megapixel front camera for selfies. The device also boasts a large 5,000mAh battery for all-day usage and supports 4G connectivity.

Nokia G11: Never-Ending Battery Life

If battery life is your top priority, the Nokia G11 is an excellent choice. With its massive 5,050mAh battery, this smartphone can easily last you through a full day of usage without needing a recharge. The G11 features a 6.5-inch HD+ display with good color reproduction and sharpness. Powered by the MediaTek Helio G35 chipset, it provides smooth performance for day-to-day tasks and light gaming. The device sports a dual-camera setup with a 13-megapixel main sensor and a 2-megapixel depth sensor for capturing decent photos. It runs on near-stock Android 11, ensuring a clean and clutter-free user experience. The Nokia G11 is a reliable option for those who prioritize long-lasting battery life on a budget.

Nokia G50: Future-Proof 5G Connectivity

For users who want to future-proof their smartphone with 5G connectivity, the Nokia G50 is a compelling option under 200 pounds. This device supports 5G networks, allowing you to enjoy faster download and streaming speeds wherever 5G coverage is available. The G50 features a 6.82-inch HD+ display that offers an immersive viewing experience. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G chipset, it delivers smooth performance for multitasking and gaming. The device boasts a triple-camera setup with a 48-megapixel main sensor, a 5-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 2-megapixel depth sensor, enabling you to capture detailed photos and wide-angle shots. With a 5,000mAh battery, the Nokia G50 provides ample battery life to keep you going throughout the day.

Poco M5: Impressive Camera and Display

Poco, a sub-brand of Xiaomi, has been making waves with its feature-packed yet budget-friendly smartphones. The Poco M5 is no exception, offering an impressive camera system and a large display for an affordable price. It features a 6.53-inch FHD+ LCD display that delivers vibrant colors and sharp visuals. Powered by the MediaTek Helio G88 processor, the M5 offers smooth performance for everyday tasks and gaming. The standout feature of this device is its camera setup, which includes a 50-megapixel main sensor, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens, a 2-megapixel macro lens, and a 2-megapixel depth sensor. This configuration allows you to capture high-quality photos in various scenarios. Additionally, the Poco M5 houses a 6,000mAh battery for extended usage and supports 18W fast charging for quick top-ups.

These are just a few options to consider when looking for budget smartphones under 200 pounds. With advancements in technology, it's possible to find feature-rich devices at affordable prices that cater to your specific needs. Take into account your priorities, such as display quality, camera performance, battery life, and software updates, to make an informed decision. Happy smartphone shopping!

Realme 8 5G: Affordable 5G Experience

If you're eager to experience the speed of 5G connectivity without breaking the bank, the Realme 8 5G is a solid choice. Priced under 200 pounds, this smartphone brings 5G capabilities to a wider audience. It features a 6.5-inch FHD+ display with a smooth 90Hz refresh rate, offering a seamless and immersive viewing experience. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 700 chipset, the Realme 8 5G delivers fast and responsive performance for both everyday usage and gaming. The device boasts a triple-camera setup, including a 48-megapixel main sensor, a 2-megapixel depth sensor, and a 2-megapixel macro lens, allowing you to capture detailed photos and close-up shots. With a large 5,000mAh battery and 18W fast charging support, you can expect all-day usage without worrying about running out of power.

Samsung Galaxy A21s: Reliable Brand and Long Battery Life

Samsung has a strong reputation for producing reliable smartphones, and the Galaxy A21s is no exception. While it may be slightly older than some of the other options mentioned, it still offers solid performance and features within the budget range. The Galaxy A21s sports a 6.5-inch HD+ display that provides vibrant colors and good viewing angles. Powered by the Exynos 850 chipset, it delivers smooth performance for everyday tasks and light gaming. The device features a quad-camera setup, including a 48-megapixel main sensor, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens, a 2-megapixel macro lens, and a 2-megapixel depth sensor, allowing you to capture a variety of photos. One of its standout features is the massive 5,000mAh battery, which provides long-lasting usage and supports 15W fast charging.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 10: Excellent Display and Performance

Xiaomi's Redmi Note series has gained popularity for offering impressive specifications at affordable prices, and the Redmi Note 10 continues this trend. Priced under 200 pounds, it brings a vibrant display and powerful performance to the table. The Redmi Note 10 features a 6.43-inch Super AMOLED display with FHD+ resolution, offering vivid colors and deep blacks. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 678 chipset, providing smooth performance for multitasking and gaming. The device comes with a quad-camera setup, including a 48-megapixel main sensor, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens, a 2-megapixel macro lens, and a 2-megapixel depth sensor, enabling you to capture detailed photos in various scenarios. With a 5,000mAh battery and 33W fast charging support, the Redmi Note 10 keeps you powered up throughout the day.

Conclusion

Finding a feature-rich smartphone within a budget of 200 pounds is definitely possible. The options mentioned above offer a range of features, including 5G connectivity, impressive displays, powerful cameras, and long-lasting battery life. Consider your specific needs and preferences, such as display quality, camera capabilities, and performance, to make the right choice for you. Whether you're a casual user, a photography enthusiast, or someone who values battery life, there's a budget smartphone out there that can meet your requirements. Happy smartphone hunting!

Nokia 5.4: Pure Android Experience and Reliable Performance

For those who prefer a clean and stock Android experience, the Nokia 5.4 is an excellent option. Priced under 200 pounds, this smartphone offers a reliable performance and a clutter-free user interface. The Nokia 5.4 features a 6.39-inch HD+ display with a punch-hole cutout for the front camera, providing a modern and immersive viewing experience. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 chipset, it delivers smooth performance for everyday tasks and light gaming. The device comes with a quad-camera setup, including a 48-megapixel main sensor, a 5-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens, a 2-megapixel macro lens, and a 2-megapixel depth sensor, enabling you to capture detailed and vibrant photos. With a 4,000mAh battery and support for 10W charging, the Nokia 5.4 offers decent battery life to get you through a day of usage.

Motorola Moto G Power (2021): Long Battery Life and Water-Repellent Design

If battery life is your top priority, the Motorola Moto G Power (2021) is worth considering. Priced under 200 pounds, this smartphone is equipped with a massive 5,000mAh battery that can last up to three days on a single charge. It features a 6.6-inch HD+ display with a hole-punch cutout for the front camera, providing a large and immersive screen. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 chipset, it offers reliable performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. The device comes with a triple-camera setup, including a 48-megapixel main sensor, a 2-megapixel macro lens, and a 2-megapixel depth sensor, allowing you to capture decent photos in different situations. Additionally, the Moto G Power (2021) features a water-repellent design, providing added protection against accidental spills or light rain.

Honor 9X: Pop-Up Selfie Camera and Expandable Storage

The Honor 9X brings some unique features to the table, making it an attractive option for those seeking something different. Priced under 200 pounds, this smartphone offers a pop-up selfie camera and expandable storage, providing a full-screen viewing experience and ample space for your files and media. The Honor 9X sports a 6.59-inch FHD+ display without any notches or punch-holes, offering an immersive display for multimedia consumption. Powered by the Kirin 710F chipset, it delivers smooth performance for everyday tasks and light gaming. The device features a dual-camera setup, including a 48-megapixel main sensor and a 2-megapixel depth sensor, allowing you to capture decent photos with bokeh effects. With a 4,000mAh battery and support for 10W charging, the Honor 9X provides reliable battery life for a day of usage.

Conclusion

With a budget of 200 pounds, you have a range of options to choose from when it comes to feature-packed smartphones. Whether you prioritize a specific feature like 5G connectivity, long battery life, clean Android experience, or unique design elements, there's a smartphone available to meet your needs. Consider your preferences and usage patterns to determine which features are most important to you. Ultimately, finding the right smartphone within your budget involves striking a balance between features, performance, and price. So go ahead and explore the options mentioned above to find the perfect smartphone that fits your budget and requirements. Happy shopping!

Samsung Galaxy A21s: Big Display and Impressive Battery Life

If you're looking for a smartphone with a big display and impressive battery life, the Samsung Galaxy A21s is a great choice within a budget of 200 pounds. It features a 6.5-inch HD+ display with minimal bezels, providing a large and immersive viewing experience for multimedia content and gaming. The Galaxy A21s is equipped with a massive 5,000mAh battery that can easily last throughout the day, even with heavy usage. Powered by the Exynos 850 processor, it offers smooth performance for everyday tasks and casual gaming. The device comes with a quad-camera setup, including a 48-megapixel main sensor, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens, a 2-megapixel macro lens, and a 2-megapixel depth sensor, allowing you to capture detailed photos in various scenarios. It also features a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor for convenient and secure unlocking.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 10: High-Resolution Display and Versatile Camera

For those who prioritize a high-resolution display and a versatile camera system, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 is an excellent option within a 200-pound budget. It boasts a 6.43-inch Super AMOLED display with Full HD+ resolution, delivering vibrant colors and sharp visuals. The Redmi Note 10 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 678 chipset, ensuring smooth performance for multitasking and gaming. It features a quad-camera setup, including a 48-megapixel main sensor, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens, a 2-megapixel macro lens, and a 2-megapixel depth sensor. This setup enables you to capture stunning photos with great detail and depth. The device also supports Night Mode and other AI-enhanced photography features, allowing you to take impressive low-light shots. Additionally, the Redmi Note 10 houses a 5,000mAh battery with support for 33W fast charging, ensuring you can quickly recharge and get back to using your phone.

Realme 8 Pro: Super AMOLED Display and 108MP Camera

If you're willing to stretch your budget slightly, the Realme 8 Pro offers some compelling features for just over 200 pounds. It features a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display with Full HD+ resolution, providing vibrant colors and deep blacks for an immersive visual experience. The Realme 8 Pro stands out with its impressive 108-megapixel main camera, which captures highly detailed photos with excellent dynamic range. The device also houses an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens, a 2-megapixel macro lens, and a 2-megapixel depth sensor, offering versatility in your photography. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 720G chipset, it delivers smooth performance for both daily usage and gaming. The Realme 8 Pro packs a 4,500mAh battery with support for 50W SuperDart charging, ensuring you can quickly charge your phone and spend less time tethered to a charger.

Conclusion

With a budget of 200 pounds, you have several excellent options to choose from, each offering unique features and capabilities. Whether you prioritize a big display, impressive battery life, high-resolution photography, or fast charging, there's a smartphone available to suit your needs. Consider your preferences and requirements to determine which features are most important to you. Don't forget to read reviews and compare specifications to make an informed decision. Ultimately, finding the perfect smartphone within your budget requires striking a balance between features, performance, and price. So go ahead and explore the options mentioned above to find the ideal smartphone that fits your budget and fulfills your expectations. Happy shopping!

Honor 10 Lite: Stylish Design and AI Camera

If you're looking for a budget-friendly smartphone with a stylish design and advanced camera features, the Honor 10 Lite is worth considering. Priced under 200 pounds, this phone boasts an elegant and modern design with a glossy back panel that reflects light in a captivating way. The Honor 10 Lite features a 6.21-inch Full HD+ display with a small notch at the top, providing an immersive visual experience. It is equipped with a capable AI-powered camera system, consisting of a 13-megapixel primary camera and a 2-megapixel depth sensor, which work together to capture impressive photos with enhanced depth and clarity. The front camera is equally impressive, with a 24-megapixel sensor that supports AI beautification features for stunning selfies. The device is powered by the Kirin 710 chipset and offers smooth performance for everyday tasks and light gaming. It also includes a reliable 3,400mAh battery that can easily last a full day on moderate usage.

Motorola Moto G8 Power: Massive Battery and Stock Android Experience

For users seeking a smartphone with exceptional battery life and a near-stock Android experience, the Motorola Moto G8 Power is a top contender within a budget of 200 pounds. It comes with an impressive 5,000mAh battery that can easily last for two days on a single charge, making it a reliable companion for heavy users. The Moto G8 Power features a 6.4-inch Full HD+ display with a punch-hole cutout for the front camera, offering an immersive viewing experience. It runs on a near-stock version of Android, ensuring a clean and bloatware-free user interface. The device is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 processor, providing smooth performance for everyday usage and casual gaming. In terms of photography, it sports a quad-camera setup, including a 16-megapixel main sensor, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens, a 2-megapixel macro lens, and an 8-megapixel telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom. This versatile camera system allows you to capture a wide range of subjects with ease.

Nokia 5.4: Clean Design and Reliable Performance

The Nokia 5.4 offers a clean design, reliable performance, and regular software updates, making it an attractive option for those looking for a budget smartphone. With a 6.39-inch HD+ display and a modern punch-hole design, this phone provides a comfortable viewing experience. The Nokia 5.4 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 chipset, ensuring smooth performance for everyday tasks and light gaming. It features a quad-camera setup, including a 48-megapixel main sensor, a 5-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens, a 2-megapixel macro lens, and a 2-megapixel depth sensor, allowing you to capture detailed photos in various scenarios. The device also includes a reliable 4,000mAh battery that can last throughout the day with moderate usage. One of the highlights of Nokia smartphones is their commitment to providing regular software updates and a clean, near-stock Android experience. This ensures that your device stays up to date with the latest security patches and features.

Conclusion

With a budget of 200 pounds, you have several great options to choose from when it comes to budget smartphones. Each of the devices mentioned above offers its own unique set of features, whether it's a stylish design, advanced camera capabilities, exceptional battery life, or a clean Android experience. Consider your priorities and requirements to find the smartphone that best aligns with your needs. It's also helpful to read reviews, compare specifications, and visit a local store if possible to get a hands-on experience before making a decision. Remember, the best budget smartphone is the one that meets your specific needs and provides a satisfying user experience. Happy shopping!

Realme 8: Impressive Display and Powerful Performance

If you're searching for a budget smartphone that combines an impressive display with powerful performance, the Realme 8 is worth considering. Priced under 200 pounds, this phone offers a stunning 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display with vibrant colors and sharp visuals. It's perfect for watching videos, playing games, and browsing content. The Realme 8 is equipped with the MediaTek Helio G95 processor, which delivers smooth performance for multitasking and gaming. It also features a quad-camera system with a 64-megapixel primary sensor, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens, a 2-megapixel macro lens, and a 2-megapixel depth sensor. This versatile camera setup allows you to capture detailed photos in various conditions. On the front, it has a 16-megapixel selfie camera that delivers impressive self-portraits. The device comes with a 5,000mAh battery that provides all-day battery life, and it supports 30W fast charging for quick top-ups.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 10: High-quality Display and Strong Performance

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 is another excellent option in the sub-200 pounds category, offering a high-quality display and strong overall performance. It features a 6.43-inch Super AMOLED display with Full HD+ resolution, delivering vibrant colors and excellent contrast. The Redmi Note 10 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 678 processor, providing smooth performance for everyday usage and gaming. It boasts a quad-camera system, including a 48-megapixel primary sensor, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens, a 2-megapixel macro lens, and a 2-megapixel depth sensor. With this camera setup, you can capture detailed photos with good dynamic range. For selfie enthusiasts, it offers a 13-megapixel front camera that takes clear and sharp self-portraits. The device packs a 5,000mAh battery that offers reliable battery life, and it supports 33W fast charging to quickly replenish the battery when needed.

Samsung Galaxy A21s: Long-lasting Battery and Large Display

If long-lasting battery life and a large display are your priorities, the Samsung Galaxy A21s is a solid choice within the 200 pounds budget range. It features a 6.5-inch Infinity-O display with HD+ resolution, offering an immersive viewing experience. The Galaxy A21s is equipped with a massive 5,000mAh battery that can easily last for a full day on moderate usage. It is powered by the Exynos 850 processor, providing smooth performance for everyday tasks and light gaming. In terms of photography, it sports a quad-camera setup with a 48-megapixel main sensor, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens, a 2-megapixel macro lens, and a 2-megapixel depth sensor. The device also includes a 13-megapixel front camera for capturing selfies. Additionally, the Galaxy A21s comes with Samsung's One UI interface, offering a user-friendly and feature-rich experience.

Conclusion

With a budget of 200 pounds, you have a variety of excellent options to choose from when it comes to budget smartphones. Each device mentioned above offers its own strengths, whether it's an impressive display, powerful performance, a capable camera system, or long-lasting battery life. Consider your specific needs and priorities to find the smartphone that best suits your requirements. Don't forget to read reviews, compare specifications, and visit a local store if possible to get a hands-on experience before making your final decision. Happy shopping!