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MagyarThe Best Smartphones for Less Than 160 Euros
The flagship smartphones from the established manufacturers always get the most attention. However, not everyone is willing to pay 500 Euros or more. Many people are actually looking for suitable smartphones in the inexpensive entry-level segment, and the price is obviously one major factor. There is no doubt that on paper the specifications reveal significant differences compared to the super smartphones, especially in terms of performance, display and picture quality of the integrated cameras. However, this does not mean that you cannot be happy with an inexpensive smartphone if you have moderate expectations. We list the best smartphones with a current street price of less than 160 USD/Euros that have been reviewed by Notebookcheck over the last 14 months (if the device is still available). The following rankings might be interesting as well:
The Best Cheap Smartphones
Pos. | Datum | Bew. | Bild | Modell | Dicke | Gewicht | SBR | Größe | Auflösung | OS | Preis ab |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 09/2020 | 78 % |  | Xiaomi Redmi 9 Mediatek Helio G80 ARM Mali-G52 MP2 3 GB Memory, 32 GB eMMC | 9.1 mm | 198 g | 83.2 % | 6.53" | 2340x1080 | Android 10 | |
| 2 | 08/2020 | 77 % |  | Honor 9X Lite HiSilicon Kirin 710 ARM Mali-G51 MP4 4 GB Memory, 128 GB eMMC | 7.8 mm | 188 g | 84 % | 6.50" | 2340x1080 | Android 9.0 Pie | |
| 3 | 06/2020 | 77 % |  | realme C3 Mediatek Helio G70 ARM Mali-G52 MP2 3 GB Memory, 32 GB eMMC | 8.95 mm | 195 g | 83 % | 6.50" | 1600x720 | Android 10 | |
| 4 | 05/2020 | 77 % |  | Motorola Moto G8 Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 Qualcomm Adreno 610 4 GB Memory, 64 GB eMMC | 9 mm | 188 g | 82 % | 6.40" | 1560x720 | Android 10 | |
| 5 | 08/2020 | 76 % |  | Samsung Galaxy A21s Samsung Exynos 850 ARM Mali-G52 MP1 3 GB Memory, 32 GB eMMC | 8.9 mm | 192 g | 82.8 % | 6.50" | 1600x720 | Android 10 | |
| 6 | 09/2020 | 76 % |  | LG K51S Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765 PowerVR GE8320 3 GB Memory, 64 GB eMMC | 8.2 mm | 195 g | 79 % | 6.55" | 1600x720 | Android 9.0 Pie | |
| 7 | 07/2019 | 76 % |  | Samsung Galaxy A20e Samsung Exynos 7884B ARM Mali-G71 MP2 3 GB Memory, 32 GB eMMC | 8.4 mm | 141 g | 80 % | 5.80" | 1560x720 | Android 9.0 Pie | |
| 8 | 01/2020 | 75 % |  | Huawei Y6s Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765 PowerVR GE8300 3 GB Memory, 32 GB eMMC | 8 mm | 150 g | 82 % | 6.09" | 1560x720 | Android 9.0 Pie | |
| 9 | 10/2020 | 75 % |  | Sony Xperia L4 Mediatek Helio P22 MT6762 PowerVR GE8320 3 GB Memory, 64 GB eMMC | 8.7 mm | 178 g | 80 % | 6.20" | 1680x720 | Android 9.0 Pie | |
| 10 | 10/2020 | 75 % |  | Motorola Moto G8 Power Lite Mediatek Helio P35 MT6765 PowerVR GE8320 4 GB Memory, 64 GB eMMC | 9.2 mm | 200 g | 83 % | 6.50" | 1600x720 | Android 9.0 Pie |
The table above contains an overview over the best smartphones for less than 160 Euros reviewed by Notebookcheck over the course of the past 12 months as well as still relevant and available older products. In cases of identical score the more recent device is listed first. All prices in above table and price comparisons are updated daily and can thus differ.
Editors' Comments
This month, we see the LG K51S make the list.
1st – Xiaomi Redmi 9
The Redmi 9 features a 6.53-inch IPS display and is powered by a MediaTek midrange SoC. The two available SKUs differ in RAM and storage size with the lower-tier model offering 3 GB of RAM and 32 GB of internal storage and the upper-tier 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage. The quad-camera includes an additional ultra-wide-angle lens as well as a macro lens for improved versatility.
It offers a long battery life thanks to its large battery, and even includes an audio jack and NFC despite its low price. The FHD+ panel is adequately bright, and the only downside worth mentioning is the somewhat poor mono speaker.
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2nd – Honor 9X Lite
The Honor 9X Lite is a well-made update to last year’s model. Unfortunately, it has to make do without various improvements due to the ongoing trade war between the United States and China in order to continue offering Google’s services. Among others, these include the aging SoC as well as the fairly old version of Android, version 9, that Honor is shipping the device with. To make matters worse Honor has not yet officially announced whether or not the Lite 9X is going to receive a major update.
These issues aside the 9X Lite offers a color-accurate display, plenty of storage space, and a decent dual-camera.
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3rd - realme c3
The realme C3 comes with a 6.5-inch large IPS display running at HD resolution. It is powered by a brand-new MediaTek mid-range SoC and 3 GB of RAM, and features a total of 32 GB of internal storage. The large 5,000 mAh battery made up for its shortcomings in the triple-camera department.
Visually, we liked the device a lot despite its all-plastic case, and it also comes with a fingerprint reader. Considering its low price, the realme C3 offers a lot for its money.
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4th – Motorola Moto G8
The Motorola Moto G8 offers a great overall package. It combines a 6.4-inch HD IPS display with a Snapdragon 665, 4 GB of RAM, 64 GB of storage, and a large and long-lasting 4,000 mAh battery. The cameras worked well and produced decent images, and the camera offers an ultra-wide angle and a macro lens.
Considering its low price, the G8 is a decent overall package without major weaknesses.
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5th – Samsung Galaxy A21s
The Samsung Galaxy A21s offers a 6.5-inch PLS display running at a fairly low HD+ resolution. With 3 GB of RAM and 32 GB of storage it is equipped adequately. It is furthermore powered by a Samsung octa-core SoC and features a decent quad-camera with ultra-wide-angle lens, macro lens, and depth-of-field sensor. It also comes with an audio jack as well as FM radio.
Its highlight is without a doubt the 5,000 mAh battery that makes for excellent battery life. It also offers fast Wi-Fi and a somewhat decent speaker. In return, its GPS capabilities are lacking.
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6th – LG K51S
The LG K51S is a colorful entry-level smartphone with a large display and battery. Its 6.55-inch IPS display only supports HD resolution resulting in a fairly low pixel density. Its Helio P35 SoC may not be the latest SoC available but it is still fast enough as long as you keep your expectations in check.
Its RAM and storage capacities of 3 and 64 GB, respectively, are decent. The latter is user-expandable, and the device also supports NFC and comes with a headphone jack.
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7th - Samsung Galaxy A20e
The Samsung Galaxy A20e is one of the more compact smartphones on the market and also comparatively light at 141 grams. It has a 5.8-inch HD+ display, 3 GB RAM, and 32 GB internal storage, which can be expanded via microSD. The dual-camera features an additional ultra wide-angle and takes comparatively good pictures in daylight conditions.
The Samsung smartphone can convince with its pretty long list of features, so it does not require many compromises. The battery also provides long runtimes, only fans of demanding games and selfies will not be happy with the A20e.
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8th – Huawei Y6s
The Huawei Y6s features a 6.09-inch large IPS display running at a native resolution of 1560 x 720. It is powered by a mid-range SoC made by MediaTek, 3 GB of RAM, and 32 GB of internal storage space that can be further expanded via microSD card.
In our review we praised its good camera and battery life. It also features a fingerprint reader.
Pricecompare
9th – Sony Xperia L4
The Sony Xperia L4 offers a 6.2-inch IPS display running at a fairly low HD+ resolution. It is powered by an older MediaTek SoC that is quite common among affordable smartphones, 3 GB of RAM, and 64 GB of microSD-expandable storage.
Its triple-camera performed decent under good lighting conditions and includes an ultra-wide-angle lens as well as a depth-of-field sensor. Its battery may not be the largest, but it still manages to offer decent battery life.
Pricecompare
10th – Motorola Moto G8 Power Lite
With its 6,5-inch display, 4 GB of RAM, and 64 GB of microSD-expandable storage the Motorola Moto G8 Power Lite shares a lot of its characteristics with the Moto G8. The lower price required a few cut corners though, among others a weaker SoC. In return, battery capacity was increased to 5,000 mAh.
The cameras turned out to be mediocre at best and failed to entice us during our test. The speaker performed comparatively well, unfortunately the microSD reader lacks support for exFAT-formatted memory cards.
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Best Budget Smartphones in Comparison
Test Results
| Xiaomi Redmi 9 Mali-G52 MP2, Helio G80, 32 GB eMMC Flash | Honor 9X Lite Mali-G51 MP4, Kirin 710, 128 GB eMMC Flash | realme C3 Mali-G52 MP2, Helio G70, 32 GB eMMC Flash | Motorola Moto G8 Adreno 610, SD 665, 64 GB eMMC Flash | Samsung Galaxy A21s Mali-G52 MP2, Exynos 850, 32 GB eMMC Flash | LG K51S PowerVR GE8320, Helio P35 MT6765, 64 GB eMMC Flash | Samsung Galaxy A20e Mali-G71 MP2, Exynos 7884B, 32 GB eMMC Flash | Huawei Y6s PowerVR GE8300, Helio P35 MT6765, 32 GB eMMC Flash | Sony Xperia L4 PowerVR GE8320, Helio P22 MT6762, 64 GB eMMC Flash | Motorola Moto G8 Power Lite PowerVR GE8320, Helio P35 MT6765, 64 GB eMMC Flash | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Response Times | ||||||||||
| Response Time Grey 50% / Grey 80% * | 46 (25, 21) | 36 (17, 19) | 52.8 (23.6, 29.2) | 46 (23, 23) | 44 (19, 25) | 42 (23, 19) | 44.4 (20, 24.4) | 54 (25, 29) | 58 (33, 25) | 70.4 (29.2, 41.2) |
| Response Time Black / White * | 24 (13, 11) | 18 (7, 11) | 21.6 (6.8, 14.8) | 28 (11, 17) | 24 (13, 11) | 28 (15, 13) | 20.8 (7.6, 13.2) | 32 (15, 17) | 34 (19, 15) | 32.4 (13.2, 19.2) |
| PWM Frequency | 500 (15) | 625 | 500 (10) | 349.7 (50) | 100 (10) | 100 (15) | ||||
| Screen | ||||||||||
| Brightness middle | 476 | 435 | 531 | 504 | 540 | 407 | 475 | 424 | 429 | 493 |
| Brightness | 436 | 422 | 492 | 452 | 509 | 393 | 473 | 397 | 404 | 462 |
| Brightness Distribution | 86 | 93 | 88 | 83 | 91 | 95 | 93 | 85 | 92 | 91 |
| Black Level * | 0.67 | 0.77 | 0.26 | 0.28 | 0.36 | 0.53 | 0.35 | 0.35 | 0.26 | 0.47 |
| Contrast | 710 | 565 | 2042 | 1800 | 1500 | 768 | 1357 | 1211 | 1650 | 1049 |
| Colorchecker DeltaE2000 * | 3.51 | 3.31 | 6.1 | 3.84 | 6.58 | 4.17 | 6.8 | 6.45 | 6.14 | 5.7 |
| Colorchecker DeltaE2000 max. * | 9.38 | 6.8 | 11.6 | 6.1 | 11.55 | 8.28 | 13.4 | 12.76 | 10.51 | 12.8 |
| Greyscale DeltaE2000 * | 1.5 | 3.2 | 7.4 | 2.7 | 6.4 | 3.8 | 8.7 | 8.5 | 6.6 | 6.8 |
| Gamma | 2.166 102% | 2.3 96% | 2.14 103% | 2.235 98% | 2.206 100% | 2.235 98% | 2.33 94% | 2.231 99% | 2.23 99% | 2.31 95% |
| CCT | 6485 100% | 6894 94% | 8028 81% | 7125 91% | 8482 77% | 7227 90% | 9385 69% | 9108 71% | 8346 78% | 7596 86% |
| Heat | ||||||||||
| Maximum Upper Side * | 43.9 | 44.6 | 37.6 | 41.2 | 39.1 | 38.3 | 35.1 | 39.9 | 41.1 | 37.4 |
| Maximum Bottom * | 44.8 | 43.2 | 37.3 | 41.6 | 41.3 | 38.1 | 34.3 | 40.1 | 40 | 35.3 |
| Idle Upper Side * | 31.8 | 33.6 | 30.5 | 30.7 | 33.3 | 28.4 | 29.7 | 34 | 32 | 34.6 |
| Idle Bottom * | 32.1 | 34.2 | 29.8 | 30.6 | 34.4 | 27.9 | 28.7 | 30.3 | 32.6 | 33 |
| Battery Runtime | ||||||||||
| Reader / Idle | 2337 | 1953 | 2009 | 1432 | ||||||
| WiFi v1.3 | 804 | 793 | 1371 | 988 | 943 | 803 | 715 | 743 | 783 | 833 |
| Load | 289 | 276 | 287 | 250 | ||||||
| Power Consumption | ||||||||||
| Idle Minimum * | 1.4 | 0.44 | 1.3 | 1.5 | 0.66 | 0.98 | ||||
| Idle Average * | 1.7 | 1.65 | 2 | 2.1 | 1.63 | 2.35 | ||||
| Idle Maximum * | 2.1 | 1.69 | 2.8 | 2.9 | 1.67 | 2.4 | ||||
| Load Average * | 5.7 | 3.81 | 3.9 | 4.6 | 2.77 | 3.07 | ||||
| Load Maximum * | 8.5 | 6.22 | 7.2 | 6.6 | 3.66 | 5.35 |
* ... smaller is better
Benchmarks
| PCMark for Android - Work 2.0 performance score (sort by value) | |
| Xiaomi Redmi 9 | |
| Honor 9X Lite | |
| realme C3 | |
| Motorola Moto G8 | |
| Samsung Galaxy A21s | |
| LG K51S | |
| Samsung Galaxy A20e | |
| Huawei Y6s | |
| Sony Xperia L4 | |
| Motorola Moto G8 Power Lite | |
| 3DMark | |
| 2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Physics (sort by value) | |
| Honor 9X Lite | |
| realme C3 | |
| Motorola Moto G8 | |
| Samsung Galaxy A21s | |
| LG K51S | |
| Samsung Galaxy A20e | |
| Huawei Y6s | |
| Sony Xperia L4 | |
| Motorola Moto G8 Power Lite | |
| 2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 Graphics (sort by value) | |
| Honor 9X Lite | |
| realme C3 | |
| Motorola Moto G8 | |
| Samsung Galaxy A21s | |
| LG K51S | |
| Samsung Galaxy A20e | |
| Huawei Y6s | |
| Sony Xperia L4 | |
| Motorola Moto G8 Power Lite | |
| 2560x1440 Sling Shot OpenGL ES 3.0 (sort by value) | |
| Honor 9X Lite | |
| realme C3 | |
| Motorola Moto G8 | |
| Samsung Galaxy A21s | |
| LG K51S | |
| Samsung Galaxy A20e | |
| Huawei Y6s | |
| Sony Xperia L4 | |
| Motorola Moto G8 Power Lite | |
| GFXBench (DX / GLBenchmark) 2.7 | |
| 1920x1080 T-Rex HD Offscreen C24Z16 (sort by value) | |
| realme C3 | |
| Motorola Moto G8 | |
| Samsung Galaxy A21s | |
| Samsung Galaxy A20e | |
| T-Rex HD Onscreen C24Z16 (sort by value) | |
| realme C3 | |
| Motorola Moto G8 | |
| Samsung Galaxy A21s | |
| Samsung Galaxy A20e | |
| GFXBench 3.0 | |
| off screen Manhattan Offscreen OGL (sort by value) | |
| realme C3 | |
| realme C3 | |
| Motorola Moto G8 | |
| Samsung Galaxy A21s | |
| Samsung Galaxy A20e | |
| on screen Manhattan Onscreen OGL (sort by value) | |
| realme C3 | |
| Motorola Moto G8 | |
| Samsung Galaxy A21s | |
| Samsung Galaxy A20e | |
| AnTuTu v8 - Total Score (sort by value) | |
| realme C3 | |
| Motorola Moto G8 | |
| Samsung Galaxy A21s | |
| WebXPRT 3 - --- (sort by value) | |
| Xiaomi Redmi 9 | |
| realme C3 | |
| Motorola Moto G8 | |
| Samsung Galaxy A21s | |
| Samsung Galaxy A20e | |
| Networking | |
| iperf3 Client (receive) TCP 1 m 4M x10 (sort by value) | |
| Xiaomi Redmi 9 | |
| Honor 9X Lite | |
| realme C3 | |
| Motorola Moto G8 | |
| Samsung Galaxy A21s | |
| LG K51S | |
| Samsung Galaxy A20e | |
| Huawei Y6s | |
| Sony Xperia L4 | |
| Motorola Moto G8 Power Lite | |
| iperf3 Client (transmit) TCP 1 m 4M x10 (sort by value) | |
| Xiaomi Redmi 9 | |
| Honor 9X Lite | |
| realme C3 | |
| Motorola Moto G8 | |
| Samsung Galaxy A21s | |
| LG K51S | |
| Samsung Galaxy A20e | |
| Huawei Y6s | |
| Sony Xperia L4 | |
| Motorola Moto G8 Power Lite | |
| PUBG Mobile - HD (sort by value) | |
| Xiaomi Redmi 9 | |
| realme C3 | |
| Samsung Galaxy A21s | |
