The constant price increments year after year in the premium Android phone segment has given birth to a new crop of smartphones that bring along nearly all the bells and whistles you’d expect on flagship phones of $800 and beyond, yet priced reasonably.
So, if your budget is about $400, then you just need to check out the phones listed on this page for your next buy. Note that this page will be updated regularly to reflect the latest models available.
Best Android phones under $400 [May 2019]
| Android Phones | Price |
| Google Pixel 3a | $400 (Google Store, Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint, Best Buy, B&H) |
| Asus ZenFone 5Z | $400 |
| Xiaomi Mi MIX 2S | $390 |
| Nokia 7.1 | $350 (Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart) |
| Sony Xperia 10 | $350 (Amazon, Best Buy, B&H) |
| Motorola Moto Z3 Play | $350 |
| Huawei P30 Lite | $320 (B&H, Amazon) |
| Motorola Moto G7 | $300 (Motorola.com, Amazon.com, B&H Photo, Best Buy, Walmart, Republic Wireless, Google Fi, and Ting) |
| BlackBerry KEYone | $360 (Verizon) $235 (T-Mo, AT&T) |
The above table presents you the best Android phone you can get if your plan is to spend about $400.
They are listed in the order of preference, but we can help you further by categorizing them as per users’ needs.
| Android Phone | Why this phone | Suitability |
| Google Pixel 3a | Some of the most brilliant features of this phone like Active Edge and Night Sight are only available in its flagship cousins Pixel 3 and 3 XL making this phone extremely unique. Google has also promised OS updates for this phone for the next 3 years. Also, it has an OLED display, something unheard of in phones from this price range. | Shutterbugs. If you want a flagship level camera performance this phone is for you. |
| Xiaomi Mi MIX 2S | This isn’t your regular midrange phone, but a discounted flagship phone. Put it simply, it has all the bells and whistles of a 2018 flagship phone, including an all-glass design, SDM845 processor, Qi wireless charging, and more.
Spoiler: It won’t work on Verizon, Sprint, or U.S. Cellular |
Heavy users. Big on specs, it’s about those who want to spend less on powerful specs and performance. |
| Asus ZenFone 5Z | Great value for money. One of the best cameras, the latest Android OS with a guaranteed update to Android Q. A premium build and a great design. Being a flagship phone, you also get the best hardware from 2018 | Anyone, literally. It should be a great device for heavy users, especially young people who want a stylish phone with no fortune to spend. |
| Huawei P30 Lite | Best designed phone in the category. The stylish and elegant design catches the eye easily and with the gradient colors, you’ll stand out. Choose the Peacock Blue color if you want a very shiny device. Gives even the $800 and up devices a run for their money when it comes to looks. Specs are pretty good while the camera and everything else is superb too for the price. | Young boys and girls, and moms. Dads can pick up a decent (Midnight Black?) color, too. |
| Nokia 7.1 | Another superb device that looks great and performs very well. It may not look the most stylish, but it gets you a great device, great build quality, solid performance, impressive camera, and great battery life. Did we tell you it has great software support too thanks to being an Android One device? | Dad. And office goers who want a reliable and solid phone. |
| Motorola Moto G7 | This phone keeps alive what is known of the Moto G series by rocking a great build and specs. The camera is also great at its price and the fact that it runs near-stock Android Pie out of the box and a promise to get Android Q makes it one of the best in this segment. Of course, Motorola could have done better, especially on the battery capacity and probably processor, but still, you get decent battery life and great performance | Motorola has a somewhat loyal fan base, but anyone looking for a great phone without breaking the bank can grab this one too. |
| Sony Xperia 10 | Sony likes standing out from the crowd and the Xperia 10 is just that. It has an unusually tall screen, a great midrange processor, the latest software and a guaranteed upgrade to Android Q, and cameras that promise good photos | For Sony fans, that’s it. And yes, of course, your dad. |
| Motorola Moto Z3 Play | For fans of modularity running on a budget, this is your best bet. Besides, the phone also packs solid midrange specs, has a dual-lens camera, and the battery life is great as well. Although you get Oreo preinstalled, updates to Pie and Q are guaranteed. | For Moto fans who are into modularity. |
| BlackBerry KEYone | Gets you a physical keyboard, and everything else is good, too. | Anyone who must have a physical keyboard. |
Google Pixel 3a
When Google decides to put an $800 flagship phone camera into a $400 Pixel, we knew we had an interesting phone in our hands. The Pixel 3a is the result of Google’s more human approach towards things. It comes with Active Edge which allows us to activate Assistant with a simple side squeeze. The 12MP camera is also equipped with Night Sight to ensure that you can capture a moment regardless of the lighting or lack thereof. Sure, there are compromises that were done to cover the $400 difference between this phone and its Flagship counterparts, but it’s still a good phone and definitely worth considering.
Specs
- 5.6-inch 18.5:9 FHD+ (2220×1080) OLED display
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 670
- 4GB RAM
- 64GB non-expandable storage
- 12.2MP main camera
- 8MP front camera
- 3000mAh battery
- Android 9 Pie
- Extras:Â Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C, 3.5mm audio jack, rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, Active Edge, 18W fast charging, AR Core, etc.
The Pixel 3a launched on May 7 and Google introduced us to this phone to the world in the I/O event. This phone is thoughtful and intuitive, making it a perfect companion for your everyday use.
Xiaomi Mi MIX 2S
Like its immediate predecessor, Xiaomi Mi MIX 2S comes with a current-gen design featuring an all-screen display that stretches from one edge to the other and has a ceramic back that makes it really pretty cool.
Specs
- 5.99-inch 18:9 FHD+ LCD display
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor
- 6GB RAM
- 64GB non-expandable storage
- Dual 12MP + 12MP main camera
- 5MP front camera
- 3400mAh non-removable battery
- Android 8.0 Oreo, upgradable to Android Pie
The base model of 6GB RAM and 64GB storage costs just $390Â on Amazon USA, making it one of the most affordable Snapdragon 845-powered smartphones available right now.
Based on what the Xiaomi Mi MIX 2S brings to the table, you’ll agree that this is one of the best smartphone deals out there. However, you’ll have to learn to work with MIUI, which is not as bad as some have always portrayed it. Even better is that an update to Android 9 Pie is already available and the device is also guaranteed an update to Android Q, although the wait could go all the way to 2020.
Like other Xiaomi phones, Amazon is your best shot of getting hold of this one in the U.S. The device will only work with carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile, so skip this one if you are a Verizon or Sprint customer.
Related:Â Xiaomi Mi MIX 2S software update news
Asus ZenFone 5Z
Specs
- 6.2-inch 19:9 FHD+ LCD display
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor
- 4GB RAM
- 64GB storage (expandable up to 400GB)
- Dual 12MP + 8MP main camera
- 8MP front camera
- 3300mAh battery
- Android 8.0 Oreo
- Extras: Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C, 3.5mm audio jack, fast battery charging, rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, etc.
Related: Asus ZenFone 5Z software update news
Motorola Moto Z3 Play
Specs
- 6.01-inch 18:9 FHD+ AMOLED display
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 processor
- 4GB RAM
- 32GB or 64GB storage, expandable up to 256GB
- Dual 12MP + 5MP main camera
- 8MP front camera
- 3000mAh battery
- Android 8.1 Oreo, upgradable to Pie and Q
- Extras: Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C, side-mounted fingerprint scanner, 15W fast charging, splash and dust resistant, facial recognition, etc.
The first Play variant with a dual-lens camera on the back, the Z3 Play promises great photography for its price. The fingerprint scanner is mounted on the side of the phone, much like what Sony used to do before 2018. If fingerprint authentication isn’t enough for you, the phone also supports facial recognition, but it’s not as safe as the former.
Like many other 2018 smartphones, the Moto Z3 Play has an 18:9 display aspect ratio alongside a USB-C port, but misses out on the 3.5mm audio jack. If you can live with the few compromises, the Moto Z3 Play can be yours for $350, which is a great deal for a device that also comes with modularity.
Related: Moto Z3 Play Pie update news
Nokia 7.1
Specs
- 5.84-inch 19:9 FHD+ LCD display
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 processor
- 3GB or 4GB RAM
- 32GB or 64GB expandable storage, up to 400GB
- Dual 12MP + 5MP main camera
- 8MP front camera
- 3060mAh battery
- Android 8.1 Oreo, Pie update available
- Extras: Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C, 3.5mm audio jack, NFC, rear-mounted FPS, etc.
At about $350 in the U.S. or INR 20,000 in India, the Nokia 7.1 offers an experience that is usually associated with devices valued at twice this amount. Whether it’s the build quality, snappy performance thanks to the capable Snapdragon 636 processor and clean Android OS, or even the trending display design that features a notch, the Nokia 7.1 has them.
Be it that you want a device that will get you timely software updates without spending the kind of money Google wants you to splash on the Pixel phones, a device that will last at least a day on a single charge or one that takes good enough photos for sharing on Instagram and other platforms, the Nokia 7.1 has plenty of answers for you.
Related:
Motorola Moto G7
Motorola’s Moto G7 Plus is undoubtedly one of the best you can find in the midrange segment, but unfortunately, the U.S. market doesn’t get this one officially. Of course, you can grab the international version that works with AT&T and T-Mobile on Amazon for $305, but if you are a Verizon or Sprint user, you’ll have to settle for the standard Motorola Moto G7.
The Moto G7 is officially available in the country and in fact, this is the model you should get for full compatibility with all U.S. carriers. For its price of just $300, the G7 is a great buy. It has a great build accompanied by specs that should get every basic function done while the camera is also good. Motorola’s software isn’t intrusive and even though you won’t get monthly security updates, you can rest assured that Android Q is on the way.
Specs
- 6.2-inch 19:9 FHD+ (2,270 x 1,080) display with a water-drop notch
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 632 octa-core processor
- 4GB RAM
- 64GB storage, expandable up to 512GB
- Dual 12MP + 5MP rear camera
- 8MP front-facing camera
- 3000mAh battery
- Android 9 Pie
- Extras: Bluetooth 4.2, 3.5mm audio jack, USB Type-C, Rear-mounted FPS, Face unlock, 15W TurboPower fast charging, etc.
Sony Xperia 10
Sony might be having a turbulent time in the smartphone industry, but the Japanese tech giant isn’t done yet. The year 2018 marked the company’s first major redesign for its smartphone lineup and this makeover brought us to the Sony Xperia 10. A phone with an extraordinarily tall screen, the Xperia 10 is the spiritual successor to the XA family and as expected, its a midrange phone.
Specs
- 6.0-inch FHD+ LCD display
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 630 chipset
- 3GB RAM and 64GB expandable storage, up to 256GB
- Dual-lens 13MP + 5MP main camera
- 8MP selfie camera
- 2870mAh battery
- Android 9 Pie, eligible for Android Q
- Extras: Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C, 3.5mm audio jack, side-mounted fingerprint scanner, Quick Charge 3.0, Corning Gorilla Glass 5, NFC,
In the Xperia 10, you have an excellent 6-inch display screen with a 1080p resolution, but the trademark bezels on Sony phones are no more. The non-existent bottom bezel means that it can also accommodate a huge screen on a pretty compact body, Sony’s take on Android doesn’t leave the interface cluttered but minimal and fast.
The Xperia 10 brings back the side-mounted fingerprint scanner after being dropped on the Xperia XA2. The phone also shifts to a dual-lens camera and a single-lens shooter, making it one the best in this category. What makes this device even better is that it now works on all major U.S. carriers, including Verizon Wireless.
Right now, you can grab the Xperia 10 from Amazon, B&H or Best Buy at a cost of $350.
Huawei P30 Lite
Picking up from where the P20 Lite left, the Huawei P30 Lite is the entry-level variant in the impressive Huawei P30 series, but there’s nothing entry-level about this device. All the way from the design, specs, and features, the P30 Lite is a device that is worth its price.
The impressive finishes make the device a perfect choice for those who love style. Unlike before, the P30 Lite closely resembles the more premium P30 in terms of design, even going as far as including a tri-lens camera on the back, but of course, to account for the cheaper price tag, you get a weaker specs sheet. Also, photography here is nothing close to what the P30 Pro can output, but still good enough.
Specs
- 6.15-inch FHD+ (2312×1080) LCD display
- Kirin 710 processor
- 6GB RAM and 128GB expandable storage, up to 256GB
- Tri-lens main camera: 24MP (f/1.8, PDAF) +Â 8MP (ultrawide) +Â 2MP (f/2.4, depth sensor)
- 32MP front camera
- 3340mAh non-removable battery
- Android 9 Pie
- Extras: Bluetooth 4.2, 3.5mm audio jack, USB-C, 18W fast charging, NFC, rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, etc.
Related: Huawei P30 Lite software update news
BlackBerry KEYone
What if you want something out of the norm? Well, the BlackBerry KEYone is what to go for. This, by all means, is a niche device that not so many will want to have as their daily driver, but if you miss having a physical keyboard on a phone, there’s no other that is as good as the KEYone at below $400. This is also a device that productivity junkies will have little to regret about because it also comes with a decent hardware package under the hood coupled with a big battery to last you a full day or more on a single charge.
Specs
- 4.5-inch FHD LCD display
- Snapdragon 625 processor
- 3GB or 4GB RAM
- 32GB or 64GB storage
- 12MP main camera
- 8MP front camera
- 3500mAh battery
- Android 7.1 Nougat, upgradable to Oreo
Even though the BlackBerry KEYone doesn’t come preinstalled with Android Oreo, it has an update to Android Oreo ready for you. However, the phone’s Android P update status remains unclear, but security updates should keep flowing in at least for another year or so.
Wrapping up
Despite the ever-increasing smartphone prices, you don’t have to spend an arm and leg just to get a phone that does all you want in the most satisfying way possible. While this category is quite overcrowded, it also means that confusion is bound to happen, especially for those who don’t really know what they are looking for in a phone.
But with this list of the best Android phones priced below $400, we believe we’ve solved your problems. If anything, these are the devices that are here to define what a premium budget phone really is.
What if I can spend about 10% more?
We also have a few flagship phones from yesteryear that have now been massively discounted and can make good daily drivers despite their age. They aren’t exactly under $400, but they are near that figure and thus deserve your attention. And yes, if you so decide to raise your budget by merely 10%, to $440 or thereabout, there are some great choices available here for about $500. Alternatively, you can also check out our coverage of the best Android devices for $300.
