The 12 best smartphones under 200 euros

The days 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 affordable entry-level smartphones offers.

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 memory and batteries that offer 3,000 to 5,000 mAh. It is not uncommon for the modern full-view displays, fingerprint sensors and triple cameras to be found.

Samsung Galaxy A41

Samsung presented the Galaxy A41 in spring 2020 and has been available since April. It is the part of the growing A-series from Samsung in which the manufacturer likes to try out new functions. The recommended retail price of the model is 299 euros, but the Galaxy A40 is now available for less than 200 euros.

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, in keeping with the overall round 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, 2,400 x 1,080 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: 3,500 mAh, Quick Charge
• System: Android 10
• Other: Dual SIM, jack socket, fingerprint sensor under the display
• Price:  from 199 euros

Honor 9X Pro

Features of the Honor 9X Pro at a glance:

• Display: 6.59 inch full view with notch, LCD, 2,340 x 1,080 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: 4,000 mAh, Quick Charge
• System:  Android 9 Pie
• Other: Dual SIM, jack socket, fingerprint sensor
• Price:  from 199 euros

Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC

The Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC has been around since September 2020. It is an alternative to the Xiaomi Mi Note 9 Pro, which is available for a similar price. With the Poco X3 NFC, the manufacturer offers a smartphone for up to 200 euros that offers some special features that buyers normally find in significantly more expensive models. This includes, for example, a 6.67-inch full HD display with a refresh rate of a full 120 Hz. This makes movements much smoother.

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 at 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, 2,400 x 1,080 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 198 euros

Samsung Galaxy M21

With the Samsung Galaxy M21, the South Korean manufacturer presented another model in the M series introduced in Germany 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. 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 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 up to 200 euros.

Features of the Samsung Galaxy M21 at a glance:

• Display: 6.4 inch full view with notch, AMOLED, 2,340 x 1,080 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 are now officially available in Germany 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 uses an IPS screen with not that 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 also get the Redmi Note 9 Pro with 128 GB of storage.

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

• Display: 6.67 inch full view with hole notch, IPS, 2,400 x 1,080 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
• Other: Dual SIM (hybrid), splash protection, jack socket, fingerprint sensor
• Price:  from 198 euros

Huawei P40 Lite

The Huawei P40 Lite is still relatively fresh on the market. It plays a special role in the overview of smartphones up to 200 euros. Because it comes with Android 10, but without Google apps.

Despite this special feature 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 4,200 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 199 euros

Motorola Moto G8 Power

The Moto G8 Power has been on the market since February 2020 and – as usual with the Power series – focuses on battery performance. Thanks to its 5000 mAh battery, the device lasts around two and a half days on average. As long as the battery lasts, it can be charged quickly: enough power is available for half a day of use in around 15 minutes.

The 6.4-inch full-view display has a full HD + and shows a hole notch for the 25-megapixel front camera. The camera on the back has a total of four sensors. In addition to the 16-megapixel main sensor, there are two other sensors with 8 megapixel resolution each and a sensor with 2 megapixels. The performance doesn’t have to hide thanks to the Snapdragon 665, 4 GB RAM and 64 GB expandable storage. With the new model, Motorola wants to appeal primarily to long-term users who want a long runtime. It is delivered with Android 10.

Features of the Motorola Moto G8 Power at a glance:

• Display: 6.4 inch full view with notch, LCD, 2300 x 1080 pixels
• Processor: Snapdragon 665, Octa-Core with 2 GHz
• Memory: 64 GB expandable, 4 GB RAM
• Front camera:  25 MP
• Main camera:  Quad camera with 16 MP + 8 MP + 8 MP + 2 MP
• Connections: NFC, Bluetooth 5.0, WLAN b / g / n /, LTE, USB C
• Battery:  5,000 mAh, Quick Charge
• System:  Android 10
• Other: Dual SIM, jack socket, fingerprint sensor, splash protection
• Price:  from 158 euros

Oppo A52

The manufacturer Oppo is now also officially represented in Germany and sells its smartphones mostly at a good price-performance ratio with the usual providers. One of these models that 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 color selection, it also has a lot to offer technically.

Equipped with Android 10, it runs on the current operating system from Google. In addition, it comes with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 665 as well as 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of internal storage. The Oppo A52 has four cameras on the back. The quad camera consists of a 12-megapixel wide-angle, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle, a macro lens with 2 megapixels and a depth sensor with also 2 megapixels. There is also a phase detection autofocus (PDAF) and electronic image stabilization. Thanks to the 5000 mAh battery, the Oppo A52 can easily last two days in operation.

Features of the Oppo A52 at a glance:

• Display: 6.5 inch full view with hole notch, TFT, 2,400 x 1,080 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: 5,000 mAh, Quick Charge
• System: Android 10
• Other: Dual SIM (hybrid), jack socket, fingerprint sensor on the side
• Price:  from 139 euros

Huawei P Smart (2020)

The display has a size of 6.2 inches and has a full HD resolution. It comes in the modern full view format. Only a small notch for the 8-megapixel front camera breaks through the display. At the back, however, there is a dual camera with 13 and 2 megapixels and a fingerprint sensor that can be used to unlock the Android 9 system. The battery has a size of 3,400 mAh, so it should be sufficient for a day of operation.

Features of the Huawei P Smart (2020) 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:  8 MP
• Main camera: dual camera 13 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 175 euros

Nokia 5.3

Nokia smartphones come with Android One, a very clean system that guarantees fast updates. Another advantage is the update guarantee of two years. The Nokia 5.3 already runs with Android 10 ex-factory and its price makes it well into the list of smartphones under 200 euros.

But the Nokia 5.3 from the manufacturer HMD Global with its full view display and quad camera on the back doesn’t need to hide. The teardrop-shaped notch on the upper edge of the display houses the 8-megapixel front camera, among other things. Only the HD resolution may not quite suit such a large smartphone.

Features of the Nokia 5.3 at a glance:

• Display: 6.55 inch full view with drop notch, IPS, 1,600 x 720 pixels
• Processor: Snapdragon 665, Octa-Core with 2 GHz
• Memory: 64 GB expandable, 4 GB RAM
• Front camera:  8 MP
• Main camera: Quad camera 13 MP + 5 MP + 2 MP + 2 MP
• Connections: NFC, Bluetooth 4.2, WLAN a / b / g / n / ac, LTE, USB C
• Battery: 4,000 mAh
• System: Android 10
• Other: Dual SIM (hybrid), jack socket, fingerprint sensor
• Price:  from 165 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 the important Google apps. The Honor 20 Lite is a decent size at 6.21 inches, although the bezels are kept quite small. Only a drop of water notch interrupts the display, in which Honor has a front camera with at least 32 megapixels. The display has full HD resolution (2340 x 1080 pixels). The drive is provided by the solid octa-core Kirin 710 processor from HiSilicon, a subsidiary of Huawei.

The Honor 20 Lite has 4 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal storage on board. The internal memory can be expanded by up to 512 GB using a microSD card. But 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 microUSB socket.

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 170 euros

ZTE Blade V10

ZTE is an established Chinese company that, like Huawei, has been offering smartphones in Europe and Germany for a long time. With the ZTE Blade V10, the manufacturer primarily wants to address price-conscious users who like to take selfies. Because the smartphone has a front camera with a full 32 megapixels. The main camera doesn’t have to hide with its dual setup of 16 and 5 megapixels. It is supported by an integrated AI (artificial intelligence), which automatically makes the optimal settings for each motif. The round fingerprint sensor can also be found on the back, which can be used to secure the installed Android 9 Pie system. Incidentally, the back: This is made of plastic and is therefore quite resistant and more flexible than glass surfaces.

Features of the ZTE Blade V10 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 124 euros

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 much 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.