The 10 best smartphones under 200 euros

The times when budget smartphones were hardly worth anything are over: TECHNOLOGY BUTTON reveals what devices under 200 euros can do today and what options the market for inexpensive entry-level smartphones offers.

The order mentioned does not correspond to any ranking order.

What do smartphones have to be able to do for less than 200 euros?

When we talk about smartphones up to 200 euros, they are mostly entry-level or lower middle-class devices. They are often equipped with features such as a full HD display, 4 GB RAM, an average of 64 GB storage and batteries that offer 3,000 to 5,000 mAh. It is also not uncommon to find modern full-view displays, fingerprint sensors and triple cameras.

To narrow down our selection, we only name models in the list of smartphones up to 200 euros that run at least Android 9 Pie. Some of the cheap 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 that they receive updates and security patches much faster than other smartphones. Another advantage of Android One: There is a two-year update guarantee.

Nokia 5.4

The Nokia smartphones come with Android One, a very clean system that guarantees fast updates. Another advantage is the two-year update guarantee. The Nokia 5.4 already runs with Android 10 ex-factory and its price makes it well into the list of smartphones under 200 euros.

But the Nokia 5.4 from the manufacturer HMD Global with its 6.39-inch full-view display and the quad camera with 48-megapixel main sensor on the back doesn’t need to hide. The hole-shaped notch on the upper edge of the display houses, among other things, the 16-megapixel front camera. However, the HD resolution may not quite suit such a large smartphone.

The Nokia 5.4 is a smartphone with a Qualcomm processor. To be more precise, the Snapdragon 662 works in it. There is also 4 GB of RAM and even 128 GB of internal memory that can be expanded using a micro SD card. The capacity of the battery is sufficiently high at 4000 mAh.

Features of the Nokia 5.4 at a glance:

• Display: 6.39 inch full view with hole notch, IPS, 1560 x 720 pixels
• Processor: Snapdragon 662, Octa-Core with 2 GHz
• Memory: 128 GB expandable, 4 GB RAM
• Front camera:  16 MP
• Main camera: Quad camera 48 MP wide angle + 5 MP ultra wide angle + 2 MP depth sensor + 2 MP macro
• Connections: NFC, Bluetooth 4.2, WLAN a / b / g / n / ac, LTE, USB C
• Battery: 4000 mAh
• System: Android 10
• Other: Dual SIM (hybrid), jack socket, fingerprint sensor
• Price:  from 189 euros

 

Motorola Moto G30

The 6.5-inch fullview display unfortunately only has HD + and shows a teardrop-shaped notch for the 13-megapixel front camera. The rear camera has a total of four sensors. In addition to the 64-megapixel main sensor, there is also an ultra-wide angle with 8 megapixels as well as a macro lens and a depth sensor with 2 megapixels each. The performance doesn’t have to hide thanks to the Snapdragon 662, 4 GB of RAM and at least 128 GB of expandable storage. With the new model, Motorola wants to appeal primarily to long-term users who want a long runtime. It is already delivered with Android 11.

Features of the Motorola Moto G30 at a glance:

• Display: 6.5 inch full view with notch, LCD, 1600 x 720 pixels
• Processor: Snapdragon 662, Octa-Core with 2 GHz
• Memory: 128 GB expandable, 4 GB RAM
• Front camera:  13 MP
• Main camera:  Quad camera with 64 MP wide angle + 8 MP ultra wide angle + 2 MP macro + 2 MP depth sensor
• Connections: NFC, Bluetooth 5.0, WLAN a / b / g / n / ac, LTE, USB C
• Battery:  5000 mAh, Quick Charge 20 watts
• System:  Android 11
• Other: Dual SIM, jack socket, fingerprint sensor, IP52
• Price:  from 179 euros

 

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T 5G

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T has been available since the beginning of 2021, an inexpensive 5G smartphone that is always available for less than 200 euros. It comes from the factory with Android 10 and has a 6.53-inch display that is quite large and has a full HD + resolution. With its 48-megapixel triple camera, it also offers good camera equipment. In terms of performance, the Mediatek Dimensity 800U was able to convince in the TECHNOLOGY BUTTON test. The octa-core processor in the device ensures good performance. There is also 4 GB of RAM and a choice of 64 GB or 128 GB of expandable internal storage. The special thing about the Redmi Note 9T is the 5G support. It is one of the cheapest smartphones that support the new cellular standard. Further pluses are the very fast reacting fingerprint sensor on the side and the 5000 mAh battery, which ensures a long running time. Only the loading was a bit slow in the test.

Read more about the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T 5G in the detailed TECHNOLOGY BUTTON test .

Features of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T at a glance:

• Display: 6.53 inch full view with hole notch, LCD, 2340 x 1080 pixels
• Processor: Mediatek Dimensity 800U, Octa-Core with 2.4 GHz
• Memory: 64 GB / 128 GB expandable, 4 GB RAM
• Front camera: 13 MP, f / 2.2
• Main camera: Triple camera 48 MP wide angle + 2 MP macro + 2 MP depth sensor, f / 1.79, f / 2.4
• Connections: NFC, Bluetooth 5.1, WLAN a / b / g / n / ac, LTE + 5G, USB C
• Battery: 5000 mAh, Fast Charge with 18 watts
• System: Android 10
• Other: Dual SIM, jack socket, fingerprint sensor in the power button
• Price:  from 180 euros

 

Samsung Galaxy A41

In return, users get a smartphone with a very modern design, which is dominated by the 6.1-inch full-view display with full HD + resolution. The small, teardrop-shaped notch houses a 25-megapixel front camera. On the back there is also a triple camera with 48 megapixel wide angle, 8 megapixel ultra wide angle and a depth sensor with 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 A41 also offers space for two nano SIM cards.

Thanks to the Helio P65 processor and 4 GB of RAM, the Galaxy A41 offers solid performance in this price segment, matching the overall well-rounded configuration. Users don’t even have to do without a jack socket and a fingerprint sensor under the display. However, the smartphone lacks protection against water, which is bearable in terms of the rest of the equipment.

Features of the Samsung Galaxy A41 at a glance:

• Display: 6.1 inch full view with drop notch, AMOLED, 2400 x 1080 pixels
• Processor: Helio P65, Octa-Core with 2.0 GHz
• Memory: 64 GB expandable, 4 GB RAM
• Front camera: 25 MP, f / 2.2
• Main camera: triple camera 48 + 8 + 5 MP
• Connections: NFC, Bluetooth 5.0, WLAN a / b / g / n / ac, LTE, USB C
• Battery: 3500 mAh, Quick Charge
• System: Android 10
• Other: Dual SIM, jack socket, fingerprint sensor under the display
• Price:  from 189 euros

 

Honor 9AX Pro

The Honor 9X Pro is the successor to the Honor 9X and comes with slightly improved features. It offers an almost borderless display with a large 6.59 inch diagonal that has a full HD resolution. Inside, the solid mid-range Kirin 810 processor provides the drive. There is also 6 GB of RAM and a whopping 256 GB of internal storage. The smartphone is protected against splash water and, as a special feature, also offers a retractable front camera with 16 megapixels. On the back, however, there is a triple camera with a 48-megapixel wide-angle, 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle and 2-megapixel depth sensor. The battery has a capacity of 4000 mAh and can be charged very quickly. However, Android 9 Pie is still used as the operating system, and the Google services are missing.

Features of the Honor 9X Pro at a glance:

• Display: 6.59 inch full view with notch, LCD, 2340 x 1080 pixels
• Processor: Kirin 810, Octa-Core with 2.27 GHz
• Memory: 256 GB expandable, 6 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: 4000 mAh, Quick Charge
• System:  Android 9 Pie
• Other: dual SIM, jack socket, fingerprint sensor
• Price:  from 173 euros

 

Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC

Another highlight is the quad camera with a 64-megapixel main sensor. There is also an ultra-wide angle with 13 megapixels, a macro lens with 2 megapixels and a depth sensor with also 2 megapixels. Android 10 is used ex works. The Poco X3 also supports NFC, for example for paying by mobile phone. The battery is generously sized with 5160 mAh, as is the RAM with 6 GB.

Features of the Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC at a glance:

• Display: 6.67 inch full view with hole notch, IPS, 2400 x 1080 pixels, Gorilla Glass 5, 120 Hz
• Processor: Snapdragon 732G, Octa-Core with 2.3 GHz
• Memory:  64 GB GB expandable (hybrid slot), 6 GB RAM
• Front camera: 20 MP
• Main camera: Quad camera 64 + 13 MP ultra wide angle + 2 MP macro + 2 MP depth sensor
• Connections:  Bluetooth 5.1, NFC, WLAN a / b / g / n / ac, LTE, USB C
• Battery: 5160 mAh, Quick Charge 33 watts
• System: Android 10
• Other: Dual SIM (hybrid), splash protection, jack socket, fingerprint sensor
• Price:  from 174 euros

 

Samsung Galaxy M21

With the Samsung Galaxy M21, the South Korean manufacturer presented a model of the M series introduced in 2019 in May 2020. Compared to its predecessor, the M20, Samsung has improved a few points. The Galaxy M21 now brings the AMOLED screen known from Samsung with it. This measures 6.4 inches diagonally, has a resolution of Full HD + and has a drop notch in which the 20 megapixel selfie camera is located. The highlight of the smartphone, however, is the battery, because it has a capacity of a full 6000 mAh – another 1000 mAh more than the battery of its predecessor. This makes the Galaxy M21 a real endurance runner in the smartphone segment for up to 200 euros.

Technically, users will find the classic mid-range fare: an octa-core processor called Exynos 9611, 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of expandable internal storage promise good performance. For photos, the Galaxy M20 also has a triple camera with 48 wide-angle, 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle and a 5-megapixel depth sensor. In addition, the manufacturer already delivers the smartphone with Android 10.

Features of the Samsung Galaxy M21 at a glance:

• Display: 6.4 inch full view with notch, AMOLED, 2340 x 1080 pixels
• Processor: Exynos 9611, Octa-Core with 2.3 GHz
• Memory: 64 GB expandable, 4 GB RAM
• Front camera:  20 MP, f / 2.0
• Main camera:  Triple camera 48 MP wide angle + 8 MP ultra wide angle + 5 MP depth sensor, f / 2.0
• Connections: NFC, Bluetooth 5.0, WLAN a / b / g / n / ac, LTE, USB C
• Battery: 6000 mAh, 15 watt TurboPower
• System: Android 10
• Other: Dual SIM, jack socket, fingerprint sensor, face recognition
• Price:  from 200 euros

 

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro

The Redmi Note 9 Pro presented in 2020 places the manufacturer Xiaomi in the middle class. The price for the smartphone is currently just under 200 euros. The devices from the Chinese manufacturer have been officially available for some time and support the frequencies commonly used in this country. With a display diagonal of 6.67 inches, the Redmi Note 9 Pro is well above the 6-inch limit, but thanks to the thin display bezels, the device doesn’t look that bulky. Users do not have to do without the Full HD resolution either. Instead of an OLED, however, the manufacturer only relies on an IPS screen with not quite as good contrasts.

The rest of the equipment is convincing. It consists of a Snapdragon 720G processor and 6 GB of RAM. A typical mid-range chip works in the Redmi Note 9 Pro. There is also 64 GB of memory. If you take a little more money into your hand, you will even get the Redmi Note 9 Pro with 128 GB of storage.

The camera equipment is impressive: In addition to a 64-megapixel camera on the back, there is an ultra-wide-angle lens with 8 megapixels, a macro sensor with 5 megapixels and a 2-megapixel depth sensor. Thus, the Redmi Note 9 Pro comes with a quad camera. With the front camera, however, you can take pictures with up to 16 megapixels. The battery is also worth mentioning, because it is comparatively large with 5020 mAh. The smartphone is delivered with Android version 10, but an update to Android 11 is available to users. As always, Xiaomi has placed its MIUI surface on top, which takes a bit of getting used to.

Features of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro at a glance:

• Display: 6.67 inch full view with hole notch, IPS, 2400 x 1080 pixels, Gorilla Glass 5
• Processor: Snapdragon 720G, Octa-Core with 2.3 GHz
• Memory:  64 GB GB expandable (hybrid slot), 6 GB RAM
• Front camera: 16 MP
• Main camera: Quad camera 64 + 8 MP ultra wide angle + 5 MP macro + 2 MP depth sensor
• Connections:  Bluetooth 5.0, WLAN a / b / g / n / ac, LTE, USB C
• Battery: 5020 mAh, Quick Charge 18 watts
• System: Android 10, update to Android 11 available
• Other: Dual SIM (hybrid), splash protection, jack socket, fingerprint sensor
• Price:  from 180 euros

 

Huawei P40 Lite

Despite this specialty in the software, the Huawei P40 Lite has a lot to offer technically – above all a quad camera with 48, 8 and 2x 2 megapixels. The front camera takes photos with up to 16 megapixels and sits in a small punch-hole notch that interrupts the 6.39-inch full-view display. In addition, there is the reliable octa-core Kirin 810 chip, which is supported by 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage. The battery is also solid with 4200 mAh.

Features of the Huawei P40 Lite at a glance:

• Display: 6.39 inch full view with notch, IPS, 2310 x 1080 pixels
• Processor: Kirin 810, Octa-Core with 2.27 GHz
• Memory: 128 GB expandable, 6 GB RAM
• Front camera:  16 MP
• Main camera: Quad camera 48 MP + 8 MP ultra wide angle + 2 MP telephoto + 2 MP
• Connections: NFC, Bluetooth 5.1, WLAN a / b / g / n / ac, LTE, USB C
• Battery: 4200 mAh, SuperCharge
• System:  Android 10, no Google apps
• Other: Dual SIM (hybrid), jack socket, fingerprint sensor
• Price:  from 179 euros

 

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Oppo A52

The manufacturer Oppo has also been officially represented for some time and sells its smartphones mostly at a good price-performance ratio from the usual providers. One of these models, which fits into the list of the best smartphones up to 200 euros due to its good features, is the Oppo A52. It not only scores with a modern design and a pretty choice of colors, it also has a lot to offer technically.

Features of the Oppo A52 at a glance:

• Display: 6.5 inch full view with hole notch, TFT, 2400 x 1080 pixels
• Processor: Snapdragon 665, Octa-Core with 2 GHz
• Storage:  64 GB GB expandable, 4 GB RAM
• Front camera: 16 MP
• Main camera: Quad camera 12 MP + 8 MP ultra wide angle + 2 MP macro + 2 MP depth sensor
• Connections:  Bluetooth 5.0, WLAN a / b / g / n / ac, LTE, USB C
• Battery: 5000 mAh, Quick Charge
• System: Android 10
• Other: Dual SIM (hybrid), jack socket, fingerprint sensor on the side
• Price:  from 164 euros

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Conclusion: Smartphones under 200 euros have a lot to offer

If you buy a smartphone for less than 200 euros today, you get a lot of features for little money. Compared to significantly more expensive models, there are differences in the range of functions, but none of the devices from our list allow themselves to really blunder. Regardless of whether users want a large battery or like the current full view design – the list includes a wide variety of devices.

Almost no model in the list of smartphones up to 200 euros can be described as an entry-level smartphone. Because thanks to solid performance, dual and triple cameras and an average of 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB or even 128 GB of storage, they tend to be in the middle class.

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