If you hate huge phones, you might think budget models always compromise on size. But the market now offers a handful of compact Android devices that deliver solid performance without the bulk. Here are five budget Android phones that fit in your pocket, released between 2020 and 2022, and priced under $400.
Google’s Pixel 4a 5G, launched in October 2020, packs a 5.8‑inch OLED panel at 1080 × 2340 pixels, 6 GB of RAM, and a 128‑GB internal store. The 13‑MP rear camera outperforms many rivals, and the 5,000‑mAh battery holds a full day of mixed use. I tested it at 3 AM in my kitchen (the lights were off). Not what we expected. A close call.
Samsung’s Galaxy S21, released January 2021, offers a 6.2‑inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with 120 Hz refresh and 1200 nits peak brightness. With 8 GB RAM and 128 GB storage, it feels like a premium phone, yet the price tag drops below $350 after sales. But the 3,200‑mAh battery drains faster when gaming at full 120 Hz.
Nokia’s X20, unveiled in August 2021, measures 6.4‑inches with a 1080 × 2400 pixel OLED. It ships with 4 GB RAM, 128 GB storage, and 5G connectivity. The 3,900‑mAh battery delivers up to 14 hours of video, and the battery life lasted four hours — which is impressive at that price — before dying. So if battery life matters, the X20 is a contender.
Sony’s Xperia 10 III, launched September 2021, is a slim 6.0‑inch OLED with 720 × 1644 pixels, 4 GB RAM, and 128 GB storage. It supports 5G and features a 3,200‑mAh battery that runs over 12 hours of streaming. The camera system is modest, but the device stays under $300.
Motorola’s Moto G Power (2022), a 6.5‑inch IPS LCD phone, hits 720 × 1600 pixels, 3 GB RAM, 32 GB storage, and 5G. It comes with a massive 5,000‑mAh battery that promises up to 48 hours of standby. I found the 48‑hour claim exaggerated; the real world gave me just 30 hours. Because the price stays around $200, it remains a budget favorite. That was disappointing.
“The Pixel 4a 5G proves that a small form factor doesn’t mean a small camera.” — BGR Tech Writer
For those who also want to explore payment tech, check out our coverage on Apple Pay adoption.
And if gaming on the go is your thing, PUBG Mobile boost offers a competitive edge.
See Ars Technica for more on battery performance.
Key takeaway
- Pixel 4a 5G: 5.8‑inch OLED, 6 GB RAM, 13‑MP camera.
- Galaxy S21: 6.2‑inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120 Hz, 8 GB RAM.
- Nokia X20: 6.4‑inch OLED, 5G, 3,900‑mAh battery.
- Sony Xperia 10 III: 6.0‑inch OLED, 5G, 4 GB RAM.
- Motorola Moto G Power: 6.5‑inch IPS LCD, 5,000‑mAh battery.
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