Time was, buying the best cheap smartphone meant serious compromise. From potato-quality cameras to sluggish processors that can barely handle scrolling, the budget end of the smartphone world was a sad, maddeningly slow place. But no more.
Today, you don’t need to spend flagship money to get a great smartphone. In fact, the cheaper end of the market is more competitive than ever, with brands packing high refresh-rate displays, capable cameras and long battery life into phones that cost a fraction of premium models. You can also get away with the sensible approach of buying phones that have been out for a year or so, getting more bang for your buck.
