When comparing phones under $400, look beyond the camera megapixel count. Check how long the maker promises software updates, whether the phone works with your carrier, and whether its screen and battery fit your daily use. An OLED screen usually gives you richer contrast than an LCD, while a 120Hz refresh rate can make scrolling feel smoother. Also check charging speed and water resistance; features vary widely at this price.
The Google Pixel 8a is our #1 pick for its strong camera, compact OLED screen and long update promise. For the lowest-cost pick, the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G offers a large OLED display and long software support at a much lower price.
The Pixel 8a takes detailed photos with its 64MP main camera and combines a compact 6.1-inch OLED screen with Google's Tensor G3 chip. It's a strong fit for shoppers who want a straightforward Android phone and long software support, though its charging is slower than some rivals.
What we like
✓Strong main and ultrawide cameras
✓6.1-inch 120Hz OLED display
✓Seven years of OS and security updates
Keep in mind
–Charging is relatively slow
–Smaller screen than most rivals
6.1-inch OLED, 120HzGoogle Tensor G364MP main camera4,492mAh batteryWireless charging
The Galaxy A36 5G pairs a spacious 6.7-inch 120Hz AMOLED display with a 5,000mAh battery and 45W wired charging. It suits people who watch lots of video or want a large screen, but it is less compact than the Pixel 8a.
What we like
✓Large 120Hz AMOLED display
✓45W wired charging
✓Six years of OS and security updates
Keep in mind
–Large size can be awkward one-handed
–No wireless charging
6.7-inch Super AMOLED, 120HzSnapdragon 6 Gen 350MP main camera with OIS5,000mAh battery45W wired charging
The Galaxy A16 5G gives budget-conscious shoppers a large 6.7-inch AMOLED screen, 5G and a 5,000mAh battery. Its long update commitment is unusual at this price, but its 90Hz screen and basic camera system are less polished than those on pricier picks.
What we like
✓Low price for an AMOLED display
✓5G connectivity
✓Six years of OS and security updates
Keep in mind
–90Hz refresh rate, not 120Hz
–Camera performance is basic
6.7-inch Super AMOLED, 90HzExynos 1330 processor50MP main camera5,000mAh battery25W wired charging
The Phone (3a) stands out with a 6.77-inch 120Hz AMOLED display and a dedicated 50MP 2x telephoto camera. It is a good match for shoppers who want flexible cameras and a distinctive design, but its software update commitment is shorter than Google's or Samsung's longest promises.
What we like
✓Dedicated 2x telephoto camera
✓Bright 120Hz AMOLED display
✓50W wired charging
Keep in mind
–Large phone body
–Update support is not as long as top rivals
6.77-inch AMOLED, 120HzSnapdragon 7s Gen 350MP main and 50MP telephoto cameras5,000mAh battery50W wired charging
The Galaxy A26 5G offers a 6.7-inch 120Hz AMOLED screen and IP67 water and dust resistance, a useful combination for everyday use. It suits shoppers who want a big-screen Samsung with a clear update policy, though charging tops out at 25W.
What we like
✓IP67 water and dust resistance
✓120Hz AMOLED display
✓Six years of OS and security updates
Keep in mind
–25W charging is modest
–Large screen makes it less pocket-friendly
6.7-inch Super AMOLED, 120HzExynos 1380 processor50MP main camera with OIS5,000mAh battery25W wired charging
The Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) includes a built-in stylus for notes, sketches and precise taps, plus a 6.7-inch pOLED screen. It works well for shoppers who use a pen often, but its software support is not as extensive as Samsung's or Google's.
What we like
✓Built-in stylus
✓6.7-inch 120Hz pOLED screen
✓50MP main camera with optical stabilization
Keep in mind
–Shorter software support than leading rivals
–No formal IP water-resistance rating
6.7-inch pOLED, 120HzSnapdragon 6 Gen 150MP main camera with OIS5,000mAh battery30W wired charging
The Moto G Power 5G (2025) combines a large 6.8-inch 120Hz screen with IP68/IP69 water and dust resistance and a durable-design rating. It is suited to people who want extra protection without spending flagship money, but its LCD panel is less vivid than an OLED screen.
What we like
✓IP68/IP69 water and dust resistance
✓Large 120Hz display
✓Wireless charging support
Keep in mind
–LCD lacks OLED contrast
–Less extensive software support than Samsung
6.8-inch LCD, 120HzMediaTek Dimensity 630050MP main camera with OIS5,000mAh battery30W wired and 15W wireless charging
The Moto G 5G (2025) covers everyday needs with a large 120Hz screen, 5G and a 5,000mAh battery at a modest price. It is best for calls, messaging and video, but its LCD screen and limited update promise are trade-offs.
What we like
✓Affordable 5G phone
✓Large 120Hz display
✓5,000mAh battery
Keep in mind
–LCD screen is less vivid than OLED
–Limited software support
6.7-inch LCD, 120HzMediaTek Dimensity 630050MP main camera5,000mAh battery30W wired charging
The Nord N30 5G has a 6.72-inch 120Hz LCD and 50W wired charging, making it a practical option for shoppers who often need a quick top-up. Its 108MP main camera sounds impressive on paper, but the phone is older and its update support is limited compared with newer models.
What we like
✓50W wired charging
✓120Hz large display
✓Expandable storage with microSD
Keep in mind
–Older model with limited remaining support
–LCD screen rather than OLED
6.72-inch LCD, 120HzSnapdragon 695 5G108MP main camera5,000mAh battery50W wired charging
The CMF Phone 1 pairs a 6.67-inch 120Hz AMOLED screen with a capable Dimensity 7300 processor and a customizable rear cover. It can be a good value for shoppers comfortable checking carrier compatibility before buying, but it lacks NFC for tap-to-pay and is not sold as widely through US carriers.
What we like
✓120Hz AMOLED screen
✓Customizable rear-cover design
✓Strong performance for the price
Keep in mind
–No NFC for contactless payments
–Check carrier band and service compatibility before buying
6.67-inch AMOLED, 120HzMediaTek Dimensity 730050MP main camera5,000mAh battery33W wired charging
A phone you keep for several years benefits from regular security updates. Samsung promises six years of OS and security updates on models such as the A16 5G, while Google promises seven years for the Pixel 8a.
Choose your screen
OLED screens generally show deeper blacks and richer contrast than LCD screens. A 120Hz refresh rate can make scrolling feel smoother, but it may use more battery than a lower refresh rate.
Match battery and charging
A 5,000mAh battery is common in this price range, but battery life also depends on the screen and processor. Check charging wattage, too: 45W or 50W models can recharge faster than phones limited to 25W, though the charger may not be included.
Verify carrier compatibility
Before buying an unlocked phone, confirm its exact model works with your carrier's 4G and 5G bands and supports features such as Wi-Fi calling. This matters especially for phones sold mainly online or outside major US carrier stores.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a good smartphone for under $400?+
Yes. Phones under $400 can offer 5G, OLED screens, capable cameras and batteries around 5,000mAh. You may give up features such as top-tier zoom cameras, the fastest processors or wireless charging.
Which phone under $400 has the best camera?+
The Google Pixel 8a is a strong camera pick in this price range, especially for everyday photos. Its software processing helps produce detailed pictures, though it does not have a dedicated telephoto camera.
Are budget smartphones safe to use for several years?+
They can be, if the maker continues to provide security updates. Check the update policy before buying, and consider models such as the Pixel 8a or Samsung Galaxy A36 5G with multi-year support.
Should I buy an unlocked phone under $400?+
An unlocked phone gives you more freedom to choose a carrier, but compatibility is not guaranteed. Confirm the exact model supports your carrier's network bands and calling features before placing an order.
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How we picked: We compare specifications, expert coverage and owner feedback to shortlist products, with help from AI research tools. We don't run hands-on lab tests, and brands can't pay for placement. See our method