The Best Budget Samsung Smartphones to Buy Under £1,000
Looking for a smartphone that won’t break the bank but still delivers top-notch performance? Your search ends here! We’re about to unveil the best budget Samsung smartphones under £1,000, and trust us, they’re more than just a steal. From the sleek and powerful Samsung Galaxy S23 to the innovative foldable design of the Galaxy Z Flip 4 5G, these devices redefine affordability without sacrificing quality.
Samsung’s smartphone range has expanded and improved significantly over the years, with fresh versions hitting the market annually. Their selection of smartphones spans from the cost-effective Galaxy A Series to the renowned Galaxy S lineage, extending to the cutting-edge Galaxy Z Series.
Buckle up as we dive into the world of pocket-friendly Samsung tech that punches well above its weight.
How Do We Assess Samsung Phones?
Over the years, we’ve conducted extensive evaluations of smartphones, including Samsung’s Galaxy series. With each new product release, we thoroughly examine aspects like design, hardware, performance, and battery life, comparing them to earlier models while keeping a keen eye on the overall value they offer.
This Samsung Galaxy guide features recommendations that incorporate the latest specifications and features within their respective price brackets, whether they fall into budget-friendly or high-end categories. Our testing procedure for Samsung devices typically begins with the Geekbench and GFXBench applications from the Google Play Store. These apps assess the CPU and GPU, generating scores that allow us to gauge the phone’s performance in comparison to other Samsung models and similarly priced competitors.
In terms of display quality, we employ a colorimeter and DisplayCal software to measure colour accuracy, contrast ratios, and maximum brightness. To ensure consistency in our battery testing, we set the display brightness to 170cd/m² using the same DisplayCal software across all devices. Subsequently, we activate flight mode and initiate our standard looping video, noting the timestamp when the phone’s battery is depleted.
Our evaluation extends to the camera system, where we capture a diverse range of images with all available lenses, encompassing interior and landscape shots, low-light conditions, and portraits. Additionally, we record rapid panning videos to assess the effectiveness of the phone’s stabilisation features.
In every phone review, we subject the device to rigorous testing in real-world scenarios, focusing on key elements such as its features, design, performance, camera capabilities, battery endurance, and overall value.
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Factors to Consider Befire Buying a Samsung Smartphone
Durability
Apart from their higher price point, the foldable Galaxy Z smartphones lack the robustness of their mainstream counterparts, which come with IP ratings certifying water and dust resistance. To illustrate, the latest Galaxy Z Flip5 and Galaxy Z Fold5 only hold an IPX rating, indicating limited water exposure tolerance. When it comes to accidental drops, traditional Galaxy phones are also more likely to withstand them, whether or not you use a protective case. So, if you frequently find yourself dropping your phone, this is a crucial consideration.
Camera
Modern smartphones prioritise photography, with a focus on capturing images and videos in diverse environments and lighting. They introduce innovative camera modes, like the Action mode in the iPhone 14 series and the Unblur photo tool in the Google Pixel 7 series. However, while Samsung’s foldable phones excel in multitasking and entertainment, they can’t compete with the top-tier Galaxy S models in terms of camera and battery performance. If camera quality and battery life matter to you, consider choosing a Galaxy model labelled as “Ultra” for a wiser choice.
Memory
The amount of RAM in a Samsung Galaxy phone significantly impacts multitasking capabilities. If you frequently switch between numerous open apps, considering a phone with 8GB or more of RAM is advisable. In terms of onboard storage, if you intend to extensively use your Galaxy’s exceptional camera for capturing photos and videos, opting for a version with more storage than the base model is wise. Most Samsung phones lack memory card slots for easy expansion, making the upfront storage upgrade worth the additional investment of $50 to $100.
Battery Life
Battery performance is evaluated through various scenarios. We assess how long a phone lasts during a typical day of usage, including specific sessions of video calls, media streaming, and gaming. Additionally, we conduct a video playback test, sometimes added as an update after the initial review.
Performance
Benchmarking apps are employed to gauge performance, complemented by our personal experiences during the phone’s review. Particular attention is paid to the smoothness of graphics and animations. Are they fluid, or do they exhibit lag or stutter? We also evaluate the speed of transitions between horizontal and vertical orientations and how swiftly the camera app opens to take a photo.
Processor-intensive tasks such as photo editing, video exporting, and gaming are performed to ascertain whether a newer version of a phone offers enough features to justify an upgrade from older models.
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1. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 5G - £999
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 5G with a price of £999 offers exceptional value as a foldable smartphone. Packed with top-tier features like IPX8-rated waterproofing, a robust design, and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate screen, the Flip 4 5G stands out as a more affordable alternative to the Fold. Notable enhancements include a larger battery, improved performance, and various user interface upgrades. In terms of quality and features, the Flip 4 5G is on par with higher-priced models but comes at a significantly lower cost.
Key specifications:
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 processor
- 6.7-inch screen with a resolution of 2,640 x 1,080 (as well as a smaller 1.9-inch cover display with a resolution of 512 x 260)
- 12MP and 12MP dual-camera setup
- Storage options of 128GB and 256GB
2. Samsung Galaxy S23 - £899
The Samsung Galaxy S23 is a fantastic choice for buyers wanting to purchase a phone under a budget of under £1,000. This smartphone, which debuts in a range of captivating colours, not only has an elegant and sophisticated design but also a powerful chip, a remarkable camera setup, and an AMOLED display that is nothing short of stunning.
Instead of its predecessor, Samsung Galaxy S23 embraces a minimalist layout and sturdier, eco-conscious construction, featuring the formidable Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2. This newcomer also ups the ante with a slightly roomier battery and an upgraded selfie camera, flaunting a sensor with higher resolution for those picture-perfect moments.
Key Specifications:
- The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 CPU is guaranteed to provide a seamless performance.
- Maximum refresh rate for the stunning 6.1-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X display is 120 Hz.
- The camera ensemble plays a starring role, starring a 50MP main lens, a 10MP telephoto lens, and a 12MP ultra-wide lens. Selfie aficionados will delight in the 10MP front-facing camera, promising Instagram-worthy shots.
- Memory-wise, revel in 8GB of RAM and the choice of either 128GB or 256GB of storage, granting ample room for your digital treasure trove.
- A 3,900 mAh battery powers this technological marvel, yet worry not—it is IP68 waterproof, shielding it from unintentional water spills.
Also Read: Top 5 Smartphones to Buy Under £1,000
3. Samsung Galaxy S21 FE - £699
Samsung’s Galaxy S21 FE with an impressive price of £699 comes with high-end specifications and a comprehensive range of flagship-level features at a more affordable cost.
While it’s less expensive than the S21, it do+esn’t compromise on performance, boasting fast speed, a captivating display, and a quality set of rear cameras.
Key specifications:
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor
- 6.4-inch display with a resolution of 2,400 x 1,080
- Camera setup featuring 12MP, 8MP (zoom), and 12MP (wide) lenses
- Storage options of 128GB or 256GB
4. Samsung Galaxy A54 5g - £499
This gadget, which costs about £499 and has a 300mAh battery, offers a number of noteworthy benefits. It flaunts a quick processor, a beautiful and durable design, and a long-lasting battery.
However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The absence of a telephoto camera is worth noting.
It showcases a sophisticated design reminiscent of the higher-priced Galaxy S23, a rugged waterproof construction, a capable chipset built on a 5-nanometer architecture, a generously sized and vibrant display, a versatile camera arrangement, and extended battery performance.
The phone’s triple camera system is among the best in its price category, and the selfie camera, featuring a high-resolution sensor, is equally impressive.
Key Specifications:
- Chipset: Exynos 1380
- Display: 6.4-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED display with a maximum refresh rate of 120 Hz
- Camera: 50MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 5MP macro, 32MP selfie camera
- Memory: 6/8GB RAM, 128/256GB expandable storage
- Additional Features: 5,000 mAh battery, IP67 waterproof rating
5. Samsung Galaxy A21s - £150
With an affordable price of £150 , the Samsung Galaxy A21s has a total of five cameras in this device with a high-quality 48MP camera along with lenses for macro, wide-angle, and depth-sensing capabilities.
The Galaxy A21s is another example of Samsung’s ability to make smartphones that are competitively priced. This phone surpasses our expectations with its Android 10 operating system, chic design, and attractive display.
Key specifications:
- Samsung Exynos 850 processor
- 6.5-inch screen with a resolution of 1,600 x 720
- 48MP main camera, an 8MP wide-angle lens, 2MP macro and depth lenses
- 64GB of storage
6. Samsung Galaxy A14 5G - £100
The Samsung Galaxy A14 5G stands out as an excellent option for budget-conscious consumers, priced at just £101.89 on average. Boasting a modern and up-to-date design, this phone offers impressive battery life and 5G connectivity. It features a spacious and clear display with a high refresh rate, accompanied by a versatile multi-sensor camera system. The sizable 5,000 mAh battery, comparable to the premium Galaxy Ultra models, ensures extended usage without frequent charging.
It must be taken into account that the A14 5G employs an LCD panel, which lacks the vividness and sharpness of the AMOLED screens found in higher-priced Galaxy models. Additionally, the phone lacks water resistance and stereo speakers.
Key Specifications:
- Powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 700 chipset
- 6.6-inch FHD+ TFT display boasting a maximum 90 Hz refresh rate.
- 50MP primary lens, 2MP macro lens, 2MP depth field sensor, and a 5MP front-facing camera for selfies.
- 4GB of RAM and 64GB of expandable storage
As we wrap up this exhilarating journey through the best budget Samsung smartphones under £1,000, one thing becomes abundantly clear: cutting-edge technology doesn’t have to come with an eye-watering price tag. From the sleek and robust Galaxy S23 to the innovative foldable Galaxy Z Flip 4 5G, Samsung has left no stone unturned in offering a plethora of options that cater to every tech-savvy soul out there.
Picture-perfect moments, lightning-fast performance, and immersive displays await, all without breaking the bank. These smartphones prove that you don’t need to sacrifice quality for affordability.
So, whether you’re a photography enthusiast, a multitasking pro, or simply someone who appreciates a good deal, the Samsung galaxy of budget-friendly options has something special in store for you. Get ready to redefine your smartphone experience without emptying your wallet.
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