September 17, 2024, 7:50 am | Read time: 17 minutes

Nowadays, you don’t have to spend that much for a solid and functional smartphone. Even in the low-budget segment, numerous models are definitely worthwhile. TECHBOOK reveals what you need to look out for when buying and which smartphones are top devices for under 150 Euro.

The order presented above does not correspond to a ranking.

This is what smartphones under 150 euros should offer as a minimum

Just a few years ago, low-budget cell phones were used almost exclusively for making calls and texting. However, with the increase in providers and the resulting competition, companies have more or less reinvented themselves and are trying to offer customers a lot more for little money. This is another reason why today’s low-cost smartphones are sometimes all-rounders and have a lot to offer in terms of features.

If you decide to buy a smartphone for less than 150 euros, you should definitely pay attention to a few points. For example, the internal memory should be at least 64 GB. The RAM, on the other hand, should be at least 4 GB. In several models, the RAM can also be up to 6 GB. Logically, you also want to be able to use several apps. An octa-core processor should be installed so the phone doesn’t give up the ghost or constantly freeze. A high-resolution display is now also the standard for affordable devices. Furthermore, the battery capacity should be between 4000 and 5000 milliampere hours (mAh).

Since the following list is exclusively about Android devices, Android 12 is the minimum standard – ideally Android 13 or even Android 14, provided the respective smartphones have received the update. However, models with Android 11 onwards can also be updated to Android 14 over time if they are supported.

However, compromises must also be made. Hardly any low-budget smartphones support 5G – although it should be mentioned that 5G could be integrated into some affordable models in the future. In addition, the camera is somewhat inferior compared to more expensive smartphones but is still generally usable. However, buyers should not be blinded by dual, triple, and quad cameras, as these are often just cheap sensors that embellish the datasheet. But now let’s get down to business: The best smartphones for a maximum of 150 euros.

Oppo A77 5G

Due to a patent dispute with Nokia, Oppo smartphones could no longer be sold in Germany for a long time. However, they are now permitted for sale again. In addition to the high-end models, Oppo also offers impressive low-budget smartphones. These include the A77 model with 5G. This has 4 GB RAM and 64 GB memory. It is particularly noteworthy that it is a 5G smartphone and is still available for less than 150 euros.

The smartphone’s display size is 6.56 inches, and the refresh rate is 90 Hz – excellent for this price range. The battery capacity is around 5000 mAh, and the charging power is a reasonable 33 watts. In addition, a dual camera with 48 MP and 2 MP has been integrated on the back, as well as a selfie camera with 8 MP.

Features of the Oppo A77 5G at a glance

• Display: 6.56 inch, IPS LCD, 1612 x 720 pixels (269 PPI), 90 Hertz, 600 nits (max.)
• Dimensions and weight: 163.8 x 75.1 x 7.99 (height x width x depth in mm), 190 grams
• Processor: Mediatek Dimensity 810 (6 nm), octa-core processor
• Memory: 4 GB RAM and 64 GB memory, expandable via microSD
• Front camera: 8 MP
• Main camera: rear camera with 48 MP (wide angle) + 2 MP (depth sensor)
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi a/b/g/n/ac, USB-C, 5G, GPS
• Sensors: Accelerometer, proximity sensor, ambient light sensor
• Security: Fingerprint sensor
• Battery: 5000 mAh
• System: ColorOS 12.1, based on Android 12
• Price: 149.90 euros

Honor X8a

The X8a model from Honor is a stylish and extremely feature-rich cell phone. The memory is particularly impressive, with 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal memory – quite powerful for a low-budget phone.

The display measures a generous 6.7 inches, is of the LCD type, and has a screen resolution of 2388 x 1080 pixels. Another plus point is the main camera, which has a 100 MP resolution. The selfie camera with 16 MP is also impressive. However, the battery capacity of 4500 mAh is somewhat weaker. However, given the other specifications of the Honor smartphone, it is quite forgivable that other phones have significantly more powerful batteries.

Features of the Honor X8a at a glance

• Display: 6.7 inch, IPS LCD, 2388 x 1080 (391 PPI), 90 Hertz
• Dimensions and weight: 162.9 x 74.5 x 7.48 (height x width x depth in mm), 179 grams
• Processor: Mediatek Helio G88 (12 nm), octa-core processor
• Memory: 6 GB RAM and 128 GB storage
• Front camera: 16 MP
• Main camera: rear camera with 100 MP (wide angle) + 5 MP (ultra wide angle) + 2 MP (macro)
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.1, WLAN a/b/g/n/ac, USB-C, GPS
• Sensors: Accelerometer, Proximity sensor, Ambient light sensor
• Security: Fingerprint sensor, facial recognition
• Battery: 4500 mAh
• System: Magic UI 6.1, based on Android 12
• Price: 149 euros

Xiaomi Redmi 13C

The Redmi C series is characterized by its functionality and, in particular, its affordable prices. The Redmi 13C is available in four different colors. The storage capacities are impressive: the smartphone, which is available for less than 150 euros, offers options with 4 or 6 GB RAM and 128 GB internal storage as well as 8 GB RAM and 256 GB storage. The other specifications of the budget phone are also quite acceptable.

The dual main camera has 50 MP + 2 MP, while the front camera offers an impressive 8 MP. The battery capacity of 5000 mAh corresponds to the standard of other Redmi devices. Another special feature is that the device comes with Android 13.

Features of the Xiaomi Redmi 13C at a glance

• Display: 6.74 inch, IPS LCD, 1600 x 720 (260 PPI), 90 Hertz, 600 nits (max.)
• Dimensions and weight: 168 x 78 x 8.09 (height x width x depth in mm), 192 grams
• Processor: Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm), octa-core processor
• Memory: 4 GB RAM and 128 GB memory, expandable via microSD
• Front camera: 8 MP
• Main camera: rear camera with 50 MP (wide angle) + 2 MP (macro)
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, WLAN a/b/g/n/ac, USB-C, GPS
• Sensors: Accelerometer, proximity sensor, ambient light sensor
• Security: Fingerprint sensor, facial recognition
• Battery: 5000 mAh
• System: MIUI 14, based on Android 13
• Price: 149 euros

Xiaomi Poco C65

The Poco C65, which is practically identical to the Redmi 13C, was launched at the end of 2023. The only difference is that it runs a special version of Xiaomi’s MIUI operating system for Poco. The storage capacity with 6 GB and 128 GB memory or 8 GB RAM and 256 GB memory also stands out here. The internal memory can be expanded by up to 1 TB via microSD.

The other entry-level smartphone features are also decent: 5000 mAh battery capacity, a main camera with 50 MP + 2 MP, and a front camera with 8 MP.

Features of the Xiaomi Poco C65 at a glance

• Display: 6.74 inch, IPS LCD, 1600 x 720 (260 PPI), 90 Hertz, 600 nits (max.)
• Dimensions and weight: 168 x 78 x 8.09 (height x width x depth in mm), 192 grams
• Processor: Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm), octa-core processor
• Memory: 4 GB RAM and 128 GB memory, expandable via microSD
• Front camera: 8 MP
• Main camera: rear camera with 50 MP (wide angle) + 2 MP (macro)
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, WLAN a/b/g/n/ac, USB-C, GPS
• Sensors: Accelerometer, proximity sensor, ambient light sensor
• Security: Fingerprint sensor, facial recognition
• Battery: 5000 mAh
• System: MIUI 14 for Poco, based on Android 13
• Price: 149 euros

Motorola Moto G53

One of the few smartphones under 150 euros with 5G support is the Motorola Moto G53. The device is available in three different colors. The phone has 4 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal memory, which can also be expanded by 1 TB via microSD. Unlike many low-budget phones, this one does not have a MediaTek chip installed but a well-known Snapdragon 480+.

The Moto G53 is one of the few smartphones in this price range to offer a 120 Hz display. Provided the Snapdragon 480+ keeps up, the device, therefore, enables extremely smooth operation. Most of the other specifications are also state-of-the-art. The operating system is the reasonably up-to-date Android 13. Only the camera leaves something to be desired with a 50-megapixel main sensor and a 2-megapixel macro lens. The built-in battery has a capacity of 5000 mAh and can be charged with a maximum of 10 watts.

Features of the Motorola Moto G53 at a glance

• Display: 6.5 inch, IPS LCD, 1600 x 720 (270 PPI)
• Dimensions and weight: 162.7 x 74.7 x 8.2 (height x width x depth in mm), 183 grams
• Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 480+ (8 nm), octa-core processor
• Memory: 4 GB RAM and 64 GB memory, expandable via microSD
• Front camera: 8 MP
• Main camera: Dual camera 50 MP (wide angle) + 2 MP (macro)
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.1, Wi-Fi b/g/n/ac, USB-C, GPS
• Sensors: Acceleration sensor, proximity sensor, ambient light sensor
• Security: Fingerprint sensor
• Battery: 5000 mAh
• System: Android 13
• Price: From 130 euros

Nokia C32

In spring 2023, HMD Global launched the mid-range smartphone Nokia C32 on the market. It is available in three different colors: black, pink and green. The screen diagonal is around 6.5 inches, and the resolution is 1600 x 720 pixels. Both a dual rear camera (50 MP + 2 MP) and a front camera (8 MP) are installed.

However, you have to make concessions when it comes to memory. The device has 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of internal storage, which can be expanded by up to 256 GB. The battery, on the other hand, is quite powerful, with a capacity of 5000 mAh. Also pleasing is that the operating system is Android 13.

Features of the Nokia C32 at a glance

• Display: 6.5 inch, IPS LCD, 1600 x 720 (270 PPI)
• Dimensions and weight: 164.6 x 75.9 x 8.55 (height x width x depth in mm), 199.4 grams
• Processor: Unisoc SC9863A1 (22 nm), octa-core processor
• Memory: 4 GB RAM and 64 GB memory, expandable via microSD
• Front camera: 8 MP
• Main camera: Dual camera 50 MP + 2 MP
• Connectivity: USB 2.0, Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi b/g/n/ac, USB-C, GPS
• Sensors: Acceleration sensor, Proximity sensor, Ambient light sensor
• Security: Fingerprint sensor
• Battery: 5000 mAh
• System: Android 13
• Price: From 130 euros

Samsung Galaxy A14

Samsung launched the Galaxy A14 at the beginning of 2023. Our list includes the model with LTE, which is available for less than 150 euros. A 5G version is also available, but this costs significantly more. The display is around 6.6 inches in size and has a resolution of 1080 x 2408 (FHD+).

It has 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of internal storage. However, the memory can be expanded by up to 1 TB using a microSD card. There is a triple camera (50 MP + 5 MP + 2 MP) on the back of the Samsung Galaxy A14, and a 13 MP selfie camera is integrated into the front. The smartphone can be unlocked with a side-mounted fingerprint sensor. An octa-core processor is also installed.

Features of the Samsung Galaxy A14 at a glance

• Display: 6.6 inch, PLS LCD, 1080 x 2408 (400 PPI)
• Dimensions and weight: 167.7 x 78.0 x 9.1 (height x width x depth in mm), 201 grams
• Processor: Mediatek Helio G80 (12 nm), octa-core processor
• Memory: 4 GB RAM and 64 GB memory, supports memory expansion up to 1 TB
• Front camera: 13 MP
• Main camera: Triple camera 50 MP (wide angle) + 5 MP (ultra wide angle) + 2 MP (macro)
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, WLAN a/b/g/n/ac, USB-C, GPS
• Sensors: Accelerometer, brightness sensor, proximity sensor, magnetometer
• Safety: Finger pressure sensor
• Battery: 5000 mAh
• System: Android 13 with One UI Core 5
• Price: From 149 euros

Motorola Moto G14

This Motorola smartphone shines above all with its memory, which is 128 GB and can be expanded by up to 1 TB using a microSD card. The RAM, on the other hand, is 4 GB. The device also scores with a battery capacity of 5000 mAh.

The display has a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels and a size of 6.5 inches. It also weighs less than 180 grams, making it lighter than many other models in this class. A dual camera (50 MP + 2 MP) is also integrated on the back, and it has an 8 MP front camera. The smartphone comes with Android 13.

Features of the Motorola Moto G14 at a glance

• Display: 6.5-inch, IPS LCD, 2400 x 1080 (405 PPI)
• Dimensions and weight: 161.46 x 73.82 x 7.99 (height x width x depth in mm), 177 grams
• Processor: Unisoc Tiger 616 (12 nm), octa-core processor
• Memory: 4 GB RAM and 128 GB memory, supports memory expansion up to 1 TB
• Front camera: 8 MP
• Main camera: Dual camera 50 MP (wide angle) + 2 MP (macro)
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, WLAN a/b/g/n/ac, USB-C, GPS
• Sensors: Accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, ambient light sensor
• Security: Fingerprint sensor, face recognition
• Battery: 5000 mAh
• System: Android 13
• Price: From 139 euros

ZTE Blade A73

One of the latest smartphones from ZTE is the Blade A73 model. The screen diagonal of the smartphone is 6.6 inches with a resolution of 1612 x 720 pixels. The device also has a dual camera on the back (50 MP + 2 MP) and a 5 MP front camera.

The ZTE Blade A73 comes with Android 13 and is also impressive in terms of memory. The RAM is 4 GB, and the internal memory is 128 GB, which can be expanded by 1 TB. As usual, an octa-core processor is installed with a clock speed of 1.6 GHz. The battery capacity of 5000 mAh is also impressive.

Features of the ZTE Blade A73 at a glance

• Display: 6.6 inch, IPS LCD, 1612 x 720 (267 PPI), 90 Hertz
• Dimensions and weight: 164.96 x 76.1 x 8.4 (height x width x depth in mm), 190 grams
• Processor: Unisoc T606 (12 nm), octa-core processor
• Memory: 4 GB RAM and 128 GB memory, expandable via microSD
• Front camera: 5 MP
• Main camera: Dual camera 50 MP (wide angle) + 2 MP (depth sensor)
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, Wi-Fi a/b/g/n/ac, USB-C, GPS
• Sensors: Accelerometer, Proximity sensor, Light sensor
• Security: fingerprint, facial recognition
• Battery: 5000 mAh
• System: Android 13
• Price: From 130 euros

Xiaomi Redmi 12C

The Redmi series from Xiaomi is considered the mid-range and entry-level class of the Chinese smartphone company. The 12C series is available in different versions, especially in terms of storage capacity. The Redmi 12C is available with 4 GB RAM and 128 GB internal memory (which can be expanded by 1 TB) and costs around 150 euros.

The resolution of the 6.71-inch display is 1650 x 720 pixels. The battery with a capacity of 5000 mAh also scores points. Reasonably fast charging with ten watts is possible. A 50 MP main camera on the back and a 5 MP selfie camera are also integrated. You can use the fingerprint sensor or facial recognition to unlock the smartphone. The integrated operating system is MIUI 13, based on the outdated Android 12. The micro-USB port is also outdated compared to the other models in our list. Inside, the Mediatek Helio G85 is an octa-core processor.

Features of the Redmi 12C at a glance

• Display: 6.71 inch, IPS LCD, 1650 x 720 (268 PPI), 500 nits (typ.)
• Dimensions and weight: 168.76 x 76.41 x 8.77 (height x width x depth in mm), 192 grams
• Processor: Mediatek Helio G85 (12 nm), octa-core processor
• Memory: 4 GB RAM and 128 GB memory, expandable via microSD
• Front camera: 5 MP
• Main camera: Rear camera with 50 MP (wide angle) + 0.08 MP (support)
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.1, NFC, WLAN b/g/n/ac, micro USB, GPS
• Sensors: Accelerometer, Proximity sensor, Ambient light sensor
• Security: Fingerprint sensor, facial recognition
• Battery: 5000 mAh
• System: MIUI 13, based on Android 12
• Price: 149.90 euros

Honor X7a

For years, Honor was a brand of the manufacturer Huawei. After the USA banned Huawei from using Google services, Honor spun off as an independent company. The X7a model from early 2023 is a solid mid-range smartphone that costs around 150 euros. It should be mentioned that the price fluctuates very often and can, therefore, be offered at a lower or slightly higher price.

Anyway, we now come to the most important specs: The display has a diagonal of 6.745 inches and a resolution of 1600 x 720 pixels. However, it is a TFT panel that cannot keep up with the IPS displays of the other models on our list. Furthermore, an octa-core processor from MediaTek is installed. The RAM is 4 GB, and the internal memory is 128 GB. An expansion of 1 TB is possible via microSD. A quad rear camera (50 MP + 5 MP + 2 MP + 2 MP) and an 8 MP selfie camera are also integrated. The battery capacity is also strong and is 5330 mAh.

Features of the Honor X7a at a glance

• Display: 6.75 inch, TFT LCD, 1600 x 720 (260 PPI)
• Dimensions and weight: 167.48 x 76.85 x 8.27 (height x width x depth in mm), 196 grams
• Processor: Mediatek Helio G37 (12 nm), octa-core processor
• Memory: 4 GB RAM and 128 GB memory, supports memory expansion up to 1 TB
• Front camera: Quad camera 50 MP (wide angle) + 5 MP (ultra wide angle) + 2 MP (macro) + 2 MP (depth sensor)
• Main camera: 8 MP
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.1, NFC, WLAN a/b/g/n/ac, USB-C, GPS
• Sensors: Accelerometer, infrared, compass, proximity sensor, ambient light sensor
• Security: Fingerprint sensor
• Battery: 5330 mAh
• System: Magic UI 6.1, based on Android 12
• Price: Around 150 euros

Nokia G10

Although the Nokia is one of the older models on our list, it still offers a lot for little money. The display has a resolution of 1600 x 720 pixels and a screen diagonal of 6.5 inches. The pixel density is 269 PPI, which is typical for smartphones in this price range. The Nokia G10 has an 8 MP front camera. There is also a 13 MP main camera and a 2 MP depth and macro camera on the back. The battery capacity is an impressive 5050 mAh. An octa-core processor from MediaTek is also installed.

The G10 has 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of internal memory. The memory can be expanded by up to 512 GB using a microSD card.

Features of the Nokia G10 at a glance

• Display: 6.5 inch, IPS LCD, 1600 x 720 pixels (269 PPI)
• Dimensions and weight: 164.9 x 76 x 9.2 (height x width x depth in mm), 194 grams
• Processor: Mediatek Helio G25 (12 nm), octa-core processor
• Memory: 4 GB RAM and 64 GB memory, supports memory expansion up to 512 GB
• Front camera: 8 MP
• Main camera: Triple camera with 13 MP (wide angle) + 2 MP (macro) + 2 MP (depth sensor)
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, WLAN b/g/n, USB-C, GPS
• Sensors: Acceleration sensor, proximity sensor, ambient light sensor
• Security: Fingerprint sensor
• Battery: 5050 mAh
• System: Android 11, update to Android 13 available
• Price: Approx. 150 euros

Samsung Galaxy A04s

There is also a solid budget smartphone from Samsung. The Samsung Galaxy A04s impresses with its low price and good features. It has 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of internal memory, which can also be expanded to 1 TB via microSD.

Unfortunately, as is often the case with smartphones under 150 euros, the resolution is only 1600 x 720 pixels. The display diagonal is 6.5 inches, which results in a pixel density of 270 PPI. There is a notch in the top center, which houses the front camera with 5 MP. A dual camera with 48 MP (main camera) and 2 MP (depth camera) is integrated at the back. An octa-core processor from Samsung itself is also installed, which clocks at a maximum of 2 GHz. The battery capacity is 5000 mAh. The smartphone comes with Android 12 out of the box, and an update to Android 13 is available.

Features of the Samsung Galaxy A04s at a glance

• Display: 6.5 inch, PLS LCD, 1600 x 720 pixels (270 PPI), 90 Hertz, 400 nits (max.)
• Dimensions and weight: 164.7 x 76.7 x 9.1 (height x width x depth in mm), 195 grams
• Processor: Exynos 850 (8 nm), octa-core processor
• Memory: 4 GB RAM and 64 GB memory, expandable via microSD
• Front camera: 5 MP
• Main camera: Dual camera with 48 MP (wide angle) + 2 MP (depth sensor)
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, WLAN a/b/g/n/ac, USB-C, GPS
• Sensors: Acceleration sensor, light sensor, proximity sensor
• Security: Fingerprint sensor, facial recognition
• Battery: 5000 mAh
• System: Android 12, upgrade to Android 13 with One UI Core 5 available
• Price: Around 150 euros

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Smartphones for under 150 euro are also really good

If you take a look at smartphones for less than 150 euros, it quickly becomes clear that they are more than sufficient for everyday use. Logically, they have a smaller storage capacity, possibly inferior cameras, and slower processors than more expensive devices or even flagships. Nevertheless, it should be noted that customers do not have to spend a lot and can easily use many apps even with a smartphone costing up to 150 euros, and those interested in photography will get their money’s worth thanks to the good cameras.