Affordable smartphones are typically the last to incorporate the latest innovations and technologies, often inheriting features from their pricier counterparts. Despite their entry-level status, these devices offer reliable performance thanks to well-established hardware.
Although the overall smartphone market experienced a decline in 2023 compared to the previous year, there has been a consistent release of entry-level options. Notably, features such as curved displays, 5G connectivity, and premium glass back designs became available at considerably lower prices.
While renowned brands traditionally dominate this price segment with impressive phones, this year presented a shift. Lesser-known brands like Infinix, Lava, and even Motorola emerged as strong competitors alongside established names.
Here are some standout budget smartphones of the year and the reasons behind their recognition:
Lava Agni 2
The Lava Agni 2 (review) stands out as one of the top smartphones in 2023, priced at approximately Rs 20,000. Remarkably, it competes favorably with high-end smartphones that often come with double or triple its price tag. An additional noteworthy feature is the free home delivery service for the Agni 2.
Boasting a curved display, curved glass back panel, 67W fast charging, an in-display fingerprint sensor, and running on the stock Android 13 OS with a promised update to Android 14, this phone left a positive impression in our review. Particularly commendable was the primary camera’s performance. In summary, the Lava Agni 2 earns its place among the best budget smartphones of 2023.
Infinix GT 10 Pro
Positioned as a gaming smartphone, the Infinix GT 10 Pro (review) effortlessly manages most games, thanks to its high-performance Mediatek chip. Its attention-grabbing features include a 1080p flat OLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and distinctive backlighting, making it a standout device.
The GT 10 Pro is uncompromising in its offerings, retaining sought-after features such as a micro SD card slot and a 3.5mm headphone jack—attributes that are becoming scarce in many mid-range phones. Despite running on a custom chip, this marks Infinix’s first smartphone without bloatware.
Samsung Galaxy M34
The Galaxy M34 (review) is a standout choice for individuals who prioritize stability and brand reputation. Although its specifications may not match those of the Agni 2 or GT 10 Pro, the Galaxy M34 excels in battery life, enduring over one and a half days even for heavy users. It features a fast high-refresh-rate display, a reliable operating system with a commitment to three years of OS updates, and an impressive 6,000mAh battery.
Moto G84
Delivering exceptional value for its price, the Moto G84 stands out as one of the rare smartphones in this category to provide an IP54 rating for water and dust resistance. With an appealing Pantone Viva Magenta color option, it is equipped with the Snapdragon 695, offering a compromise compared to some other smartphones in this range but ensuring smooth performance for everyday use.
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite
No compilation of the top budget smartphones in 2023 is comprehensive without the inclusion of the Nord CE 3 Lite (review), OnePlus’s most budget-friendly offering. While it may not boast powerhouse specifications, it excels in providing a fast and seamless user experience for everyday use. With 5G connectivity, a contemporary design, a 120Hz display, the fluidity of OxygenOS, and inclusive support for fast charging, it emerges as a compelling and well-rounded option.
