Top 10 Android smartphones you can buy for under $400

Credit: Oppo

You don't have to go all out these days on a premium smartphone with all the bells and whistles. In fact, if you’re willing to look past more elaborate features like super quick processors and the fastest refresh rates, it’s not all that hard to find a budget smartphone that’s capable of doing all the things you want and need a modern smartphone to do. 

Here’s our latest list of the top 10 best Android smartphones you can find for under $400.

1. Vivo Y52 5G

Credit: Vivo

Vivo are a relatively new arrival to the Australian smartphone scene but the Y52 5G suggests they've definitely got something to offer local smartphone shoppers in the entry-level smartphone category.

The Vivo Y52 5G runs on a Dimensity 700 processor, 4GBs of RAM, 128GB of storage and a 5000mAh battery. It's also got a 6.58-inch FHD + LCD (IPS) screen, 5G connectivity, a 48-megapixel camera and a MicroSD slot.

Pros

  • 48-megapixel camera
  • 5000mAh battery
  • MicroSD card slot

Cons

  • Low resolution front-facing camera
  • Only 4GB RAM

Where to buy?

In Australia, you can buy the Vivo Y52 5G outright at the following retailers:

The Vivo Y52 5G isn’t available on any postpaid mobile plans via Telstra, Optus or Vodafone but you can always pair the device up with a SIM-only plan (see below).

2. Motorola Moto e32

Motorola Moto e32Credit: Motorola
Motorola Moto e32

Although the entry level option in Motorola's 2022 range, the Moto e32 has a lot going for it. Features like a large 5000mAh battery and generous 6.5-inch display make this a decent option for budget shoppers wanting for a phone for everyday use. 

The Moto e32's display also has a 90Hz adaptive refresh rate for a fluid viewing experience, meaning it should play videos well. If you're more into gaming though, you probably should consider the step-up Moto g82 5G that has 5G connectivity and costs AU$200 more. 

Pros

  • Large 5000mAh battery capacity

  • Side-mounted fingerprint reader

Cons

  • Very affordable (Launch price was only AU$229)

  • No 5G. It has 4G/LTE connectivity 

Where to buy?

In Australia, you can find the Motorola Moto e32 through the following:

The Motorola Moto e32 isn’t available on any postpaid mobile plans via Telstra, Optus or Vodafone but you can always pair the device up with a SIM-only plan (see below).

3. Samsung Galaxy S10 + (Refurbished)

Samsung Galaxy S10 PlusCredit: Samsung
Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus

The Samsung Galaxy S10 + hit stores in 2019, but its feature set was considered pretty ground-breaking at the time and remains decent even by 2022 standards. It features a 6.4-inch QHD Super AMOLED display powered by a sporty Snapdragon 855 processor. 

On the back, the Galaxy S10 + has a triple camera array consisting of a 12MP wide angle lens, 12MP telephoto lens and a 16MP ultra-wide angle lens, while on the front you'll find a 10MP selfie camera with an 8MP depth sensor. 

With Wi-Fi 6 functionality and a large display, the Samsung Galaxy S10 + makes a fine phablet (phone tablet) for use at home or on the run; it's a great option for those that want to simplify their digital lives to just one device.   

Pros

  • Excellent 6.4-inch QHD Super AMOLED display

  • Decent quality rear-facing triple camera

Cons

  • Bixby button can be annoying 

  • Thin bezels can result in false touches

Where to buy?

In Australia, you can buy the Samsung Galaxy S10 + through the following:

The Samsung Galaxy S10 + isn’t available on any postpaid mobile plans via Telstra, Optus or Vodafone but you can always pair the device up with a SIM-only plan (see below).

4. Nokia G20

Credit: HMD Global

HMD Global says the G20's 5000mAh battery lasts for up to three days between charges. It also comes with Spatial Audio Capture that adds directional sound to videos. 

The G20's processor is average, but adequate, for a low priced smartphone. The device runs on a MediaTek Helio G35 processor and 4GBs of RAM. It has a 48MP quad rear-facing camera.  

The Nokia G20's IPS LCD display only displays images and videos in 720x1600 pixels, which is lower than what you can get for the same price. Still, if you're after longevity in battery life, the Nokia G20 is an affordable option.

Pros

  • Promises long battery life

  • Spatial Audio Capture

Cons

  • Low resolution display

  • Average processor 

Where to buy?

In Australia, you can buy the Nokia G20 through:

The Nokia G20 isn’t available on any postpaid mobile plans via Telstra, Optus or Vodafone, but you can always pair the device up with a SIM-only plan (see below).

5. TCL 20 R 5G

Credit: TCL

TCL's new handset teeters on the bridge between mid-range functionality and entry-level simplicity sporting a MediaTek Dimensity 700 processor, 4500mAh battery capacity and 90Hz screen refresh rate on one hand, while having a 13-megapixel rear-facing camera on the other hand. 

With its 5G functionality and the above features, there's a lot to like about his phone and enough to ensure its continued popularity. 

Pros

  • 90Hz screen refresh rate

  • Large 4500mAh battery capacity 

  • 5G capable 

Cons

  • Only has a 13MP rear-facing camera

Where to buy?

In Australia, you can buy the TCL 20 R 5G through:

The TCL 20 R 5G isn’t available on any postpaid mobile plans via Telstra, Optus or Vodafone, but you can always pair the device up with a SIM-only plan (see below).


6. Motorola Moto G30 

Credit: Motorola

The Moto G30 is a relative newcomer in Motorola's line-up, having been released in the first half of 2021. It sports a 64MP Quad camera system and a 6.5-inch IPS LCD display (720x1600 pixels) with a 90Hz screen refresh rate. The Moto G30 runs on the Android 11 OS and is powered by a Snapdragon 662 processor. 

It comes with 128GB internal storage options and 6GBs RAM. It also comes with a large 5000mAh battery capacity that Motorola says can last for two days. 

Pros

  • Fast charging

  • Large battery

Cons

  • Low resolution display

  • No 4K video recording 

Where to buy?

In Australia, you can buy the Moto G30 through the following:

The Moto G30 isn’t available on any postpaid mobile plans via Telstra, Optus or Vodafone, but you can always pair the device up with a SIM-only plan (see below).

7. Oppo A74 5G

Oppo A74 5GCredit: Oppo
Oppo A74 5G

The Oppo A74 is a popular phone in Oppo's entry-level A Series. It's equipped with a Snapdragon M480 processor, 6GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, a large 5000mAh battery, 6.5-inch FHD+ display (1080x2400p), plus a 48MP rear Quad camera.

In our review of the Oppo A74 5G, we said that “Power users may prefer the likes of the Oppo Find X3, but the Oppo A74 5G has more than enough get up and go for enjoying FHD+ video. It also takes great photos for your social media accounts.”

You can read our full review here

Pros

  • Large beautiful 6.5-inch display 

  • Large 5000mAh battery 

Cons

  • Design lacks flair

  • Heavier than some phones

Where to buy?

In Australia, you can buy the Oppo A74 5G through

The Oppo A74 5G isn’t available on any postpaid mobile plans via Telstra, Optus or Vodafone, but you can always pair the device up with a SIM-only plan (see below).

8. Oppo A54 5G

Credit: Oppo

The Oppo A54 5G is another affordable 5G handset. It features a 6.5-inch FHD+ display (1080x2400) and is powered by a Snapdragon 480 processor with 4GB of RAM. It also has 64GBs of on-board storage and a quad-lens camera. 

The Oppo A54 5G's main camera shoots 48MP images. It also has a 16MP front-facing camera discreetly positioned in the phone's top left corner. Like other phones in Oppo's line-up it runs on Oppo's proprietary ColorOS 11.1 Android skin. 

Pros

  • 5G support

  • 90Hz screen refresh rate

Cons

  • Internal storage is a bit small

  • OS is ColorOS 11.1

Where to buy?

In Australia, you can buy the Oppo A54 5G through:

The Oppo A54 5G is available on a postpaid mobile plan through Optus and Woolworths. Click on the widget below to see what's available.

9. TCL 30+ 

TCL 30+Credit: TCL
TCL 30+

The TCL 30+ is the perfect phone for movie buffs who like the benefit of a large screen on the go. It has a 6.7 -inch FHD+ AMOLED display enhanced by TCL's NXTVISION technology that improves colour and contrast while simultaneously reducing strain on the eyes. To that effect, TCL says the 30+'s display provides a hardware-level blue light reduction of 30 percent. 

The device is powered by a MediaTek Helio G37 processor and 4GB RAM. With 128GB internal storage, the TCL 30+ has ample space to store your favourite videos and photos. For budding photographers, it also sports a large assortment of AI shooting modes that allow you to capture some interesting images on its 50MP rear- and 13MP front-facing cameras.

Pros

  • Large display size                                                                                                                          
  • Excellent assortment of AI camera modes

Cons

  • No 5G connectivity                                                                                                                                            
  • Low-light photography could be better

Where to buy?

In Australia, you can buy the TCL 30+ at the following retailers:

  • Officeworks - AU$397                                                                                                                            
  • Target - AU$399                                                                                                                                   
  • Amazon - AU$377

The TCL 30+ isn't available on any postpaid plans via the major carriers, but you can pair it with a SIM-only plan (see the widget below). 

10. Oppo A96

Oppo A96Credit: Oppo
Oppo A96

The Oppo A96 is proof enough that some entry-level smartphones can punch above their weight when it comes to features and functionality. Among the smartphone's standout features are a large 5000mAh battery, 33W fast charging and an impressive 50MP rear-facing camera. 

It's also well set up for taking selfies thanks to a 16MP front-facing camera with "Natural Retouching" that allows you to remove facial blemishes from images, and "Fill Light" that makes portrait shots lighter and brighter in dim environments. 

The device's 6.59-inch 90Hz FHD+ display has two main things going for it: Firstly, it's been upgraded to cover a 96 percent NTSC wide colour gamut, which is equivalent to 100 percent DCI-P3, so the display looks very vibrant. It also benefits from All-Day AI Eye Comfort technology that helps protect your eyesight in different lighting conditions. 

Pros

  • Large battery capacity                                                                                                                            
  • 33W fast charging

Cons

  • No 5G support                                                                                                                                   
  • At 191 grams it's a little heavy

Where to buy?

In Australia, you can by the Oppo A96 through:

  • JB Hi-Fi - AU$399                                                                                                                           
  • Officeworks - AU$397                                                                                                                     
  • Amazon - AU$388

The Oppo A96 isn't available on any postpaid plans via the major carriers, but you can pair it with a SIM-only plan (see the widget below).



 




            


 

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Dominic Bayley

Dominic Bayley

PC World
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