Best Budget Smartphones Under $150 have become more capable than ever in 2026. Buyers no longer have to settle for outdated hardware, as even affordable phones now offer smooth 120Hz displays, large batteries, modern software, and surprisingly solid cameras. In this guide, we compare seven of the newest budget smartphones to help you find the best option for your needs and budget.
The entry-level smartphone market in 2026 has never been more competitive. At under $150, you can now find phones with 120Hz displays, massive batteries, clean Android software, and even meaningful durability ratings — features that would have cost considerably more just a few years ago.
This comparison puts seven of the latest budget smartphones head to head:
- Samsung Galaxy A07 5G
- Samsung Galaxy M17e
- Vivo Y05
- Tecno Spark 50 4G
- Xiaomi Redmi A7 4G
- HMD Vibe2
- Infinix Smart 20
Rather than running through a dry list of specs, we’ve broken down every category that actually matters — display, performance, cameras, battery, software, and value — so you can find the right phone for your specific needs.
Quick Specifications Comparison
| Phone | Chipset | Display | Battery | Rear Camera | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy A07 5G | MediaTek Dimensity 6300 | 6.78″ IPS LCD 120Hz | 7000mAh | 50MP | ~$157 |
| Samsung Galaxy M17e | Dimensity 6300 | 6.7″ PLS LCD 120Hz | 6000mAh | 50MP | From $141 |
| Vivo Y05 | Unisoc T7225 | 6.74″ IPS LCD 120Hz | 6500mAh | 8MP | ~$102 |
| Tecno Spark 50 4G | Helio G81 | 6.78″ IPS LCD 120Hz | 5200mAh | 13MP | From $140 |
| Redmi A7 4G | Unisoc T7250 | 6.88″ IPS LCD 120Hz | 5200mAh | 13MP | ~$112 |
| HMD Vibe2 | Unisoc T8200 | 6.75″ IPS LCD 120Hz | 6000mAh | 50MP | From $114 |
| Infinix Smart 20 | Helio G81 Ultimate | 6.78″ IPS LCD 120Hz | 5200mAh | 8MP | From $77 |
Design & Build Quality
Plastic frames and plastic backs are the norm across this entire category, and that’s perfectly fine at this price point. What separates these phones is how well they hold up against the bumps and splashes of daily life.
Samsung Galaxy A07 5G
- IP52 splash resistance
- 193g
- Slim body
Samsung Galaxy M17e
- IP54 protection
- 199g
- Better resistance than most competitors
Vivo Y05
- IP65 rating
- MIL-STD-810H certified
- Excellent durability
Tecno Spark 50 4G
- IP64
- Drop resistance up to 1.5m
Redmi A7 4G
- IP52
- Lightweight construction
HMD Vibe2
- Standard plastic design
- No official IP rating shown
Infinix Smart 20
- IP64
- Drop resistance up to 1.5m
Winner: Vivo Y05 🏆
The Vivo Y05 wins this category by a clear margin. Its IP65 water resistance combined with MIL-STD-810H military-grade certification puts it ahead of everything else on this list when it comes to real-world toughness.
Display Comparison
One of the most pleasant surprises across this entire group is that all seven phones ship with a 120Hz refresh rate — something that felt decidedly premium just a couple of years ago.
Redmi A7 4G
- 6.88-inch IPS LCD
- Largest display in the group
Galaxy A07 5G
- 6.88-inch IPS LCD
- 120Hz
Galaxy M17e
- 6.7-inch PLS LCD
- Up to 800 nits brightness
Vivo Y05
- 6.74-inch IPS LCD
- 120Hz
- 1000 nits peak brightness
Tecno Spark 50 4G
- 6.78-inch IPS LCD
- 720×1600 resolution
HMD Vibe2
- 6.75-inch IPS LCD
Infinix Smart 20
- 6.78-inch IPS LCD
- Up to 700 nits
Winner: Vivo Y05 🏆
Screen size alone doesn’t win this category. While the Redmi A7 4G technically has the biggest panel, the Vivo Y05’s 1000-nit peak brightness gives it a decisive advantage in outdoor visibility — and it still hits 120Hz — making it the strongest display choice overall.
Performance Comparison
This is where the seven phones begin to pull apart most noticeably. All are capable of handling everyday tasks, but some are significantly better equipped for multitasking, gaming, and long-term use.
Samsung Galaxy A07 5G
Equipped with the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 (6nm), the Galaxy A07 5G is among the fastest phones in this comparison. Its Cortex-A76 performance cores and integrated 5G modem handle daily multitasking with ease, and most popular games run comfortably at low-to-medium settings.
Samsung Galaxy M17e
Samsung fitted the M17e with the same Dimensity 6300 chipset, putting its performance on par with the A07 5G in virtually every situation. Paired with Android 16 and Samsung’s promised software upgrades, it shapes up as one of the most future-proof options in this price range.
HMD Vibe2
The HMD Vibe2 runs on the newer Unisoc T8200 (6nm) with Cortex-A76 cores — a meaningful generational step up from older Unisoc silicon. In everyday use, it competes surprisingly well against the Helio G81-powered phones and punches above its weight for the price.
Tecno Spark 50 4G
Built around the MediaTek Helio G81, the Tecno Spark 50 4G is engineered for reliable 4G performance. Social media, streaming, and light gaming run smoothly enough, though it can’t quite keep pace with the Dimensity-powered Samsung devices.
Infinix Smart 20
Like the Tecno, the Infinix Smart 20 uses the Helio G81 Ultimate, delivering a very similar day-to-day experience. For anyone whose needs don’t extend beyond the basics, it’s a capable enough entry-level option.
Redmi A7 4G
The Unisoc T7250 inside the Redmi A7 is adequate for messaging, browsing, and video watching, but heavier games will need to be scaled back to lower graphics settings to stay smooth.
Vivo Y05
Featuring the Unisoc T7225, the Vivo Y05 is the least powerful phone in this group. Its design clearly prioritizes battery life and affordability over raw processing speed, which defines both its strengths and its limitations.
Performance Ranking
🥇 Samsung Galaxy A07 5G / Samsung Galaxy M17e
🥈 HMD Vibe2
🥉 Tecno Spark 50 4G / Infinix Smart 20
4️⃣ Redmi A7 4G
5️⃣ Vivo Y05
Winner: Samsung Galaxy A07 5G & Galaxy M17e 🏆
The MediaTek Dimensity 6300 gives both Samsung phones a clear performance advantage — faster CPU cores, better power efficiency, and full 5G support make them the obvious picks for anyone who puts speed at the top of their list.
Memory & Storage
Storage technology makes a bigger practical difference than many buyers realize. Faster flash means snappier app launches and a more responsive day-to-day experience, even when specs on paper look similar.
| Phone | RAM | Storage | Storage Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy A07 5G | 4GB / 6GB | 64GB /128GB | UFS 2.2 |
| Galaxy M17e | 4GB / 6GB | 128GB | UFS 2.2 |
| HMD Vibe2 | 4GB / 6GB | 64GB / 128GB | (Expandable) |
| Tecno Spark 50 4G | 4GB / 6GB / 8GB | 128GB | UFS 2.2 |
| Redmi A7 4G | 3GB | 64GB | UFS 2.2 |
| Vivo Y05 | 4GB | 64GB / 128GB | eMMC 5.1 |
| Infinix Smart 20 | 4GB | 64GB / 128GB | eMMC 5.1 |
Most phones in this lineup also support microSD expansion, which helps offset the tighter base storage options on the cheaper models.
Winner: Tecno Spark 50 4G 🏆
No other phone in this group matches the Tecno Spark 50 4G’s flexibility. With configurations stretching up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of fast UFS 2.2 storage, it gives buyers more headroom to scale than any of its competitors.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality is one of the most visible dividing lines in this group. Every phone can handle casual photography, but the gap between an 8MP shooter and a 50MP sensor is difficult to ignore once you start comparing results.
Samsung Galaxy A07 5G
The A07 5G pairs a 50MP main camera with an auxiliary sensor. Shots come out detailed in daylight, video tops out at 1080p 30fps, and the 8MP front camera is more than adequate for video calls and everyday selfies.
Samsung Galaxy M17e
Samsung again goes with a 50MP primary sensor on the M17e, adding an auxiliary lens and LED flash. The standout here is 1080p 60fps video recording — a genuine step up over most rivals at this price.
HMD Vibe2
The Vibe2 rounds out the trio of 50MP shooters in this comparison. For a phone at just over $114, the image quality advantage over the 8MP and 13MP alternatives should be clearly visible in good lighting conditions.
Tecno Spark 50 4G
A 13MP main camera with LED flash and 1080p video support makes the Tecno Spark 50 4G a respectable performer for everyday photography, even if it can’t match the 50MP options above.
Redmi A7 4G
The Redmi A7’s 13MP camera includes HDR support and records at 1080p. Results are perfectly serviceable for social media and everyday moments, without anything remarkable to highlight.
Vivo Y05
The single 8MP shooter on the Vivo Y05 prioritizes convenience over image quality. It handles occasional snapshots well enough, but anyone who takes their photography seriously will want to look elsewhere.
Infinix Smart 20
Also equipped with an 8MP autofocus camera, the Infinix Smart 20 has one notable trick: 1440p video recording capability, which is genuinely unusual at this price point — even if the underlying sensor quality is modest.
Camera Ranking
🥇 Samsung Galaxy M17e
🥈 Samsung Galaxy A07 5G
🥉 HMD Vibe2
4️⃣ Tecno Spark 50 4G
5️⃣ Redmi A7 4G
6️⃣ Infinix Smart 20
7️⃣ Vivo Y05
Winner: Samsung Galaxy M17e 🏆
Between its 50MP sensor and 1080p 60fps video recording, the Galaxy M17e puts together the most complete camera package in this entire lineup.
Battery & Charging
Battery capacity is a real strength across this category, with options ranging from 5200mAh to a genuinely impressive 7000mAh.
| Phone | Battery | Charging |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy A07 5G | 7000mAh | 18W |
| Vivo Y05 | 6500mAh | 15W |
| Galaxy M17e | 6000mAh | 25W |
| HMD Vibe2 | 6000mAh | 18W |
| Redmi A7 4G | 5200mAh | 15W |
| Tecno Spark 50 4G | 5200mAh | 18W |
| Infinix Smart 20 | 5200mAh | 15W |
Galaxy A07 5G
The 7000mAh battery is in a class of its own here. Heavy users can realistically expect two full days of use between charges — a claim very few phones at any price point can make.
Vivo Y05
The 6500mAh battery also delivers exceptional longevity, though the slower 15W charging means you’ll spend more time tethered to a wall when it finally runs dry.
Galaxy M17e
Samsung offset the M17e’s slightly smaller 6000mAh battery with the fastest charging in the group at 25W, making it the quickest phone here to go from empty to full.
HMD Vibe2
A 6000mAh battery paired with 18W charging strikes a sensible balance — solid endurance without unusually slow refill times.
Tecno Spark 50 4G, Redmi A7 4G & Infinix Smart 20
All three rely on 5200mAh batteries, which comfortably covers a full day of regular use for most people. They simply can’t match the longevity of the larger packs in the Samsung and Vivo models.
Battery Ranking
🥇 Samsung Galaxy A07 5G
🥈 Vivo Y05
🥉 Samsung Galaxy M17e
4️⃣ HMD Vibe2
5️⃣ Tecno Spark 50 4G
6️⃣ Redmi A7 4G
7️⃣ Infinix Smart 20
Winner: Samsung Galaxy A07 5G 🏆
With 7000mAh on board, the Galaxy A07 5G outclasses everything else in this comparison on endurance — and it isn’t particularly close.
Software & Features
Long-term software support has become an increasingly important consideration, even at the budget end of the market. A phone running a current version of Android with regular security patches will stay useful and secure far longer than one that ships behind and falls further behind each year.
Samsung Galaxy A07 5G
- Android 16
- One UI 8
- Samsung Knox security
- 5G connectivity
Samsung Galaxy M17e
- Android 16
- One UI 8
- Samsung Knox
- 5G support
- Multiple Android upgrades and security patches promised
Vivo Y05
- Android 16
- Funtouch OS 16
- AI software features
- Smart photo editing tools
Tecno Spark 50 4G
- Android 16
- HiOS 16
- Dynamic Port
- AI assistant features
Redmi A7 4G
- Android 15
- HyperOS 3
- Xiaomi software optimization
- Up to two major Android upgrades
HMD Vibe2
- Android 16
- Clean, near-stock Android experience
- Minimal pre-installed apps
Infinix Smart 20
- Android 16
- XOS 16
- AI-powered software enhancements
Software Winner 🏆 — Samsung Galaxy M17e
One UI’s polish, Samsung Knox’s security layer, and Samsung’s established track record on software updates all combine to give the M17e the strongest software story in this price bracket.
Value for Money
| Phone | Starting Price |
|---|---|
| Infinix Smart 20 | $77 |
| Vivo Y05 | $102 |
| Redmi A7 4G | $112 |
| HMD Vibe2 | $114 |
| Tecno Spark 50 4G | $140 |
| Galaxy M17e | $141 |
| Galaxy A07 5G | $157 |
At the top of the list, the Galaxy A07 5G’s higher asking price is justifiable given what it delivers. At the other end, the Infinix Smart 20 at just $77 is genuinely difficult to argue against for buyers on a very tight budget.
Best Value 🏆 — HMD Vibe2
For around $114, the HMD Vibe2 brings together:
- 120Hz display
- 50MP camera
- 6000mAh battery
- Android 16
- Modern 6nm processor
That combination would have comfortably cost $200 or more just a few years ago, making it arguably the smartest spend in this entire comparison.
Category Winners
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Design & Durability | Vivo Y05 |
| Display | Vivo Y05 |
| Performance | Galaxy A07 5G / Galaxy M17e |
| Storage | Tecno Spark 50 4G |
| Camera | Galaxy M17e |
| Battery | Galaxy A07 5G |
| Software | Galaxy M17e |
| Value | HMD Vibe2 |
Which Phone Should You Buy?
Buy the Samsung Galaxy A07 5G if…
- Battery life is your top priority
- You need 5G connectivity
- Performance matters most to you
Buy the Samsung Galaxy M17e if…
- You want the best all-around Samsung experience
- Camera quality is important to you
- Long-term software support is a deciding factor
Buy the Vivo Y05 if…
- Durability is non-negotiable
- You spend a lot of time outdoors
- A bright, high-visibility display is essential
Buy the Tecno Spark 50 4G if…
- You want the most RAM and storage flexibility
- Stereo speakers are on your wish list
- You prefer HiOS features
Buy the Redmi A7 4G if…
- You want a dependable Xiaomi phone without spending much
- Basic everyday tasks are all you need
Buy the HMD Vibe2 if…
- You want the best balance of price and specifications
- A clean Android experience appeals to you
- You want a 50MP camera without a high price tag
Buy the Infinix Smart 20 if…
- Your budget is firmly under $100
- Social media, YouTube, and messaging cover most of your use
Final Verdict
After going through every category, one thing is clear: there’s no single winner here that suits everyone. Each phone is built around different priorities, and the right choice comes down entirely to what you value most.
For pure performance, the Samsung Galaxy A07 5G and Galaxy M17e sit at the top of the pack, both powered by the Dimensity 6300 chipset and backed by Samsung’s software ecosystem. If battery endurance is the deciding factor, the Galaxy A07 5G’s 7000mAh cell is in a league of its own at this price.
Those chasing maximum value should take a serious look at the HMD Vibe2, which assembles an impressive spec sheet for just over $114. Buyers working with tighter constraints will find the Infinix Smart 20 hard to beat at $77, while the Vivo Y05 remains the standout pick for anyone who prioritizes durability and outdoor visibility above all else.
The best phone under $150 ultimately depends on your personal priorities — whether that’s speed, stamina, camera quality, or simply squeezing the most hardware you can out of your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone has the best performance under $150?
Both the Samsung Galaxy A07 5G and Samsung Galaxy M17e lead this comparison in performance, thanks to the MediaTek Dimensity 6300 chipset.
Which phone has the best battery life?
The Samsung Galaxy A07 5G and its enormous 7000mAh battery take this category convincingly.
Which phone offers the best value?
The HMD Vibe2 at around $114 delivers the most balanced combination of hardware, software, battery, and camera quality.
Which is the cheapest phone?
The Infinix Smart 20 starts at approximately $77, making it the most affordable option in this group.
Which phone is best for software updates?
The Samsung Galaxy M17e, backed by One UI and Samsung’s update commitments, is the strongest choice for long-term software support.
Related Smartphone Reviews
Then check out our in-depth reviews of these budget smartphones:
Official Product Pages
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Official Product Pages
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