
Carphone Warehouse’s Best Budget Smartphones of 2024
Smartphones have come a long way in the past decade, with powerful performance and features that used to be reserved for high-end flagship devices now available on budget models. For those looking to get the most bang for their buck in 2024, Carphone Warehouse has an impressive lineup of affordable smartphones packed with specs and capabilities you’d expect to cost twice as much. In this roundup of the retailer’s best budget phones of the year, you’ll discover handsets with long battery life, brilliant displays, excellent cameras and tons of storage – all without breaking the bank. Whether you need a basic smartphone or one tricked out with premium-level features, Carphone Warehouse proves you don’t have to sacrifice quality or performance just because you’re on a budget.
Carphone Warehouse’s Top Budget Smartphones Under $200
Motorola Moto G4 Play
The Moto G4 Play is a solid budget option with a long-lasting battery and decent performance. It features a 5″ HD display, quad-core processor, 2GB of RAM and 16GB of storage. The main attraction is the huge 2800mAh battery that provides up to 30 hours of use. At just $170, the Moto G4 Play offers great value for those wanting an affordable smartphone with marathon battery life.
Nokia 3.1
For under $200, the Nokia 3.1 is a great choice. It has an aluminum unibody design, 5.2″ HD display and runs Android One which provides a clean software experience with guaranteed updates. Powering the Nokia 3.1 is a quad-core chipset, 2GB of RAM and 16GB of storage. The phone also packs dual rear cameras, an LED flash, and all-day 3000mAh battery. With a premium design and durable build quality, the Nokia 3.1 presents an attractive package at an affordable price point.
Samsung Galaxy A10
Samsung’s Galaxy A10 packs a punch with its large 6.2″ HD+ Infinity-V display, all for just $180. It has a minimal yet premium design, dual rear cameras including a 13MP main shooter, and 32GB of expandable storage. Performance comes from a octa-core Exynos 7884 chipset and 2GB of RAM which provides smooth and responsive performance for basic tasks. The 4000mAh battery keeps the Galaxy A10 powered for up to two days of use. Overall, the Galaxy A10 offers good value with its modern design, large display and long battery life.
Mid-Range Gems: Excellent Phones Under $400 at Carphone Warehouse
Motorola G7 Play
For around $200, the Moto G7 Play offers superb value. It has a simple yet stylish design, with a 5.7-inch HD+ display and water-repellent coating. Performance is smooth for everyday use thanks to an efficient Snapdragon 632 chipset and 3GB of RAM. The 13MP camera captures vibrant photos and video, while the massive 4,000mAh battery provides up to 36 hours of use per charge.
Nokia 5.3
Nokia’s affordable 5.3 smartphone features a large 6.55-inch HD+ screen and quad rear cameras for versatile photography. Powered by a Snapdragon 665 processor and 4GB of RAM, the Nokia 5.3 handles multitasking and gaming with ease. It ships with Android 10 and offers a stock version of the software with a guarantee of two years of OS upgrades. Priced around $260, the Nokia 5.3 is a compelling, no-frills device with excellent build quality and battery life.
Realme 6
The Realme 6 is a stylish phone that belies its $280 price tag. It packs a 6.5-inch full HD+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate for silky smooth scrolling and graphics. A MediaTek Helio G90T chipset and 8GB of RAM provide high performance for gaming and multitasking. The Realme 6 has four rear cameras, including a 64MP main lens, plus a 16MP selfie camera. Fast charging gives you 100% battery in just 55 minutes. For the money, the Realme 6 is a stunning phone that will surprise and delight.
With a variety of handsets at affordable price points, Carphone Warehouse makes it easy to find a budget-friendly phone to suit your needs. Whether you prize performance, photography skills, battery endurance or simply an all-round solid device, Carphone Warehouse’s range of sub-$400 smartphones has you covered.
Frequently Asked Questions About Carphone Warehouse Smartphones
Carphone Warehouse offers some of the best affordable smartphones on the market. However, many customers have questions about what they can expect from these budget-friendly devices.
What kind of specs can I get for under £200?
For under £200, you can find smartphones with features like:
- A 5 to 6 inch HD display for enjoying photos, videos, and games.
- A quad-core processor and 2 to 4GB of RAM for smooth performance.
- 32 to 64GB of storage for apps, photos, and music. Many also have a microSD card slot for expansion.
- A 13MP rear camera and 5MP front-facing camera for capturing life’s moments.
- A long-lasting 3,000 to 4,000 mAh battery to get you through the day.
How long will a cheap smartphone last?
An affordable smartphone from Carphone Warehouse should last 2 to 3 years with normal use before needing replacement. To maximize lifespan:
- Use a protective case and screen protector. Drops and falls are the most common way budget phones become damaged.
- Avoid extreme heat or cold. Temperature extremes can degrade the battery and other components faster.
- Perform regular maintenance like closing apps you’re not using, deleting cached data, and doing software updates.
- Consider a warranty or insurance plan for coverage in case of issues.
Do cheap phones have good security?
Budget smartphones may lack some advanced security features of more expensive devices but still offer basic safeguards like:
- Screen locks – Set a password, PIN, or fingerprint to lock your screen.
- Encryption – Most budget phones will encrypt your data to protect it from unauthorized access.
- Software updates – Regular updates patch security vulnerabilities and ensure your data is protected. Always install updates when available.
- Be cautious of what info you share – Only download apps from trusted sources and be wary of unsolicited messages or calls asking for personal information.
With some common sense security practices, an affordable smartphone can be perfectly safe for most casual users. Always report suspected fraud or identity theft immediately.
And there you have it – Carphone Warehouse’s top picks for the best budget smartphones of 2024. While these affordable devices may lack some of the bells and whistles of the latest flagships, they still pack impressive specs and features into their wallet-friendly price points. With great cameras, sizable screens, robust processors and all-day battery life, any of these value-focused phones will serve you well without breaking the bank. So if you’re looking to upgrade your device on a budget this year, be sure to check out these excellent and economical options available now at Carphone Warehouse. Your bank account will thank you!