Budget smartphones

TIPS & TRICKS

You’ll need to manually activate the 90Hz refresh rate… just watch that battery life afterwards.

The Galaxy A32 should handle most games well but you’ll notice the device becoming rather warm. That’s normal.

This budget phone comes with passable Night Mode photography thanks to Samsung’s software smarts.

HOT BUY

Samsung Galaxy A32 from R5 000 / samsung.com/za

Given how much you’re paying, the Samsung Galaxy A32 is a snazzy little handheld. While it obviously cuts back on some of the more luxurious features belonging to its beefier siblings, we can’t help but appreciate its 90Hz display, long-lived 5 000mAh battery and solid performance even when under duress. The camera even takes decent pictures above and beyond what is expected at this price point, making the A32 our top budget smartphone. Stuff says ★★★★★

Excellent value for money, Samsung leads the budget smartphone race, for now

● NOW ADD THIS

SoundMagic ES18 Wired Earphones

The Galaxy A32 features an audio jack. Make good use of it with these excellent budget ‘buds.

R150 / sound-magic.co.za

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Samsung Galaxy A52

R7 000 / samsung.com/za

Samsung crafted a very impressive mid-range mobile in the Galaxy A52. It works well and best of all, it doesn’t cost R20K. You get a similar software experience to pricey flagships, plus impressive media creds. It would sit higher if it were a touch cheaper. Stuff says ★★★★★

If you’re looking to emulate that flagship experience, look no further Xiaomi Redmi Note 9

R3 600 / connecteddevices.co.za

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 is well priced for what it offers. It runs decently, features a competent camera and has excellent battery life. The massive display is also an impressive inclusion at such a low price point. Bloatware holds it back from placing higher on this list. Stuff says ★★★★★

The value proposition of the Redmi Note 9 outweighs the bloatware

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Oppo A15

★★★★★ R3 000 / takealot.com The Oppo A15 packs in everything you need from a smartphone at an excellent price.

Apple iPhone SE (2020)

★★★★★ from R9 500 / istore.co.za One of the most expensive phones here. Well, it’s still an iPhone.

Vivo Y30

★★★★✩ R4 600 / hi-online.co.za An all-round decent phone let down by the clunky Funtouch operating system.

Xiaomi Redmi 9T

★★★★✩ R3 600 / mia.africa.com The Redmi 9T gets you to your destination despite cutting corners along the way.

Samsung Galaxy A72

★★★★✩ R10 000 / samsung.com/za A powerful phone that’s less value-orientated than it should be at this price.

Nokia 5.4

★★★★✩ R3 000 / hi-online.co.za Despite the less than stellar display and downgrades from the 5.3, it’s not bad.

Hisense H40 Lite

★★★★✩ R4 500 / incredible.co.za Local is often lekker, even when it comes to budget smartphones that pack a punch.