The Best Budget Smartphones we reviewed this year!
As we wrap up 2024, the budget smartphone segment has proven that affordability doesn’t mean compromising on performance. Our comprehensive benchmark testing reveals impressive capabilities across various devices, each bringing unique strengths to the table. From processing power to gaming performance, these smartphones demonstrate how far budget devices have come in delivering value for money.
Benchmark Results
Show more +Performance Champions
HONOR X7C leads our benchmark charts with impressive scores across the board. Powered by the Snapdragon 685, it achieved an Antutu score of 356,361 and Geekbench scores of 472/1,424 (SC/MC). The device comes with 8GB RAM and features a durable build with an IP64 rating, making it splash and dust resistant.
OPPO A60, on the other hand, equipped with the Snapdragon 680, secured the second spot with an Antutu score of 303,053. It sports a 6.67-inch HD+ display with 90Hz refresh rate and impressive 950-nits peak brightness. The device’s military-grade shock resistance certification adds extra durability to its feature set.
Secondary Wave Contenders
realme C65 positions itself well with its MediaTek Helio G85 chipset, scoring 287,244 on Antutu. It brings 45W fast charging to the budget segment and offers a smooth 90Hz display. The device’s 5000mAh battery provides excellent endurance, lasting up to 1.5 days of regular use.
realme C63 follows with its Unisoc T612 processor, achieving an Antutu score of 265,137. It features a large 6.74-inch HD+ display and comes with 256GB storage expandable up to 2TB. The device’s 200% UltraBoom speaker and IP54 rating add value to its budget-friendly package.
Value Proposition
The OPPO A3 rounds out our list with its Snapdragon 6e 4G processor, scoring 261,215 on Antutu. Despite being a budget device, it maintains competitive performance metrics with 342/1,204 on Geekbench SC/MC scores.
Beyond the Numbers
While benchmark scores provide a good reference point, the real value of these smartphones lies in their practical usage. All these devices offer:
Storage & Memory
- 8GB RAM standard across all models
- Expandable storage options
- Dynamic RAM expansion features
Display Technology
- 90Hz-120Hz refresh rates
- HD+ resolution panels
- Decent brightness levels for outdoor visibility
Battery Performance
Most devices feature 5000mAh+ batteries with various fast-charging solutions, ensuring day-long usage without anxiety.
Real-World Performance
These smartphones handle everyday tasks efficiently, from social media browsing to casual gaming. While they may not run demanding games at maximum settings, they provide smooth experiences with adjusted graphics settings.
Price-Performance Balance
Each device brings unique strengths to the table. The HONOR X7C excels in raw performance and durability, the OPPO A60 offers military-grade protection, while the realme devices balance features with affordability.
What makes these smartphones particularly appealing is their ability to deliver essential features without compromising on reliability. Whether it’s the certified durability of the HONOR X7C, the long-term performance guarantee of the realme C65, or the practical functionality of the OPPO A60, each device proves that budget smartphones have evolved significantly.
HONOR X7C’s strides and highs made it easy for us to name it as our Best Budget Smartphone of 2024.
Lea is a Communication Arts graduate and proud alumna of Miriam College with a diverse background in marketing, revenue analysis, data management, and professional photography. She has held various leadership roles, including serving as a Revenue Operations Manager – Photo Division at Norwegian Cruise Line for over four years and as our Senior Marketing Analyst at Blip Media, and currently as a Senior Business Intelligence Analyst at Gadget Pilipinas, a brand of Blip Media.
