By Rita Deutschbein | February 22, 2022 at 6:05 p.m
The times when budget smartphones were hardly worth anything are over: TECHBOOK reveals what devices under 200 euros can do today and what options the market for affordable entry-level smartphones offers.
A few years ago, anyone who doesn't want to spend hundreds of euros on a smartphone had to be satisfied with lame plastic slingshots with tiny displays. In the meantime, however, there are also really good devices among the smartphones under 200 euros, which are only inferior to the high-end flagships in a few points. TECHBOOK has looked around the market and presents recommended models.
The order mentioned does not correspond to a rating order.
What do smartphones under 200 euros have to be able to do?
When we talk about smartphones up to 200 euros, these are mostly entry-level or lower mid-range devices. They are often equipped with features such as a full HD display, 4 to 6 GB of RAM, an average of 64 or even 128 GB of storage and batteries that offer 4000 to 5000 mAh. Modern full view displays, fingerprint sensors and triple and quad cameras are also not uncommon.
In order to narrow down our selection, we only name models that run at least Android 11 in the list of smartphones up to 200 euros. Some of the cheap smartphones are also part of Google's Android One program, which was launched to standardize the operating system. Participating devices come with pure Android without unnecessary pre-installed apps (bloatware) and without the manufacturer's own interface. As a result, they get updates and security patches much faster than other smartphones. Another advantage of Android One: There is a two-year update guarantee.
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Xiaomi Redmi Note 11
Xiaomi offers smartphones with a good price-performance ratio in this country. For comparatively little money, buyers get a lot of equipment. For example, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11, which has been available in Germany since early 2022. The smartphone with 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage is currently available for less than 200 euros. There are also versions with 128 GB of storage and up to 6 GB of RAM to choose from. However, these are a few euros more expensive.
With a display diagonal of 6.43 inches, the Redmi Note 11 is a fairly large cell phone, but it is comparatively compact thanks to the narrow display edges. The screen has a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels. Three things make the Xiaomi Redmi 10 special: the large 5000 mAh battery with 33 watts, Android 11 and the quad camera. It consists of a 50-megapixel wide-angle lens, an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle lens, a 2-megapixel macro lens and a 2-megapixel depth sensor. The smartphone is powered by the Snapdragon 680, an eight-core chip with up to 2.4 GHz. Smartphone users only have to do without 5G and Wifi 6.
Features of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11 at a glance:
Display: 6.43 inch full view with hole notch, AMOLED, 2400 x 1080 pixels, Gorilla Glass 3, 90 HzProcessor: Snapdragon 680, octa core with 2.4 GHzMemory: 64 GB (expandable), 4 GB RAM Front camera: 13 MPMain camera: Quad camera 50 MP wide angle + 8 MP ultra wide angle + 2 MP macro + 2 MP depth sensorConnections: Bluetooth 5, WLAN a/b/g/n/ac, LTE, USB C, NFCBattery: 5000 mAh, 33 wattsSystem: Android 11Other: Dual SIM (hybrid), jack, side fingerprint sensor, IP53Price: from 179 euros
Xiaomi Redmi Note 11
+ 50 MP quad camera, Android 11, large AMOLED display, good battery performance – no 5G
Nokia G21
The Nokia smartphones come with a very clean system that guarantees fast updates. Another advantage is the update guarantee of two years and security updates over a period of three years. The Nokia G21 runs with Android 11 ex works and its price places it well in the list of smartphones under 200 euros.
But the Nokia G21 from the manufacturer HMD Global doesn't need to hide in other respects either, with its 6.5-inch full-view display and the quad camera with a 50-megapixel main sensor on the back. The teardrop-shaped notch on the upper edge of the display houses the 8-megapixel front camera, among other things. However, the HD resolution may not quite suit such a large smartphone.
The Nokia G21 is a smartphone with Unisoc processor. This is not quite as well known in this country, but has already established itself in Asia. To be more precise, the Unisoc T606 works in the device. There is also 4 GB of RAM and even 128 GB of internal storage that can be expanded using a micro SD card. The capacity of the battery is generous at 5050 mAh.
Features of the Nokia G21 at a glance:
Display: 6.5 inch full view with notch, LCD, 1600 x 720 pixels, 90 HzProcessor: Unisoc T606, octa-core with 2 GHzMemory: 128 GB expandable, 4 GB RAMFront camera: 8 MPMain camera: quad camera 50 MP wide angle + 5 MP Ultra wide angle + 2 MP depth sensor + 2 MP macro Connections: NFC, Bluetooth 5, WLAN a/b/g/n/ac, LTE, USB CBattery: 5050 mAh, 18 wattsSystem: Android 11Other: Dual SIM (hybrid), jack , side fingerprint sensorPrice: from 199 euros
Nokia G21
+ Quad camera, Android 11 with update guarantee, large display, good battery performance – Only HD resolution, no OLED
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S
The Redmi Note 10S presented in May 2021 places the manufacturer Xiaomi in the middle class. The price of the smartphone is currently just under 200 euros. The devices from the Chinese manufacturer have been officially available in Germany for some time and support the frequencies common in this country. With a display diagonal of 6.43 inches, the Redmi Note 10S is well above the 6-inch limit, but the device doesn't look that bulky thanks to the thin display edges. Users do not have to do without the Full HD resolution and an AMOLED display either.
The other equipment of the Xiaomi Redmi 10S is also convincing. Among other things, it consists of a Mediatek Helio G90 and 6 GB of RAM. A typical mid-range chip is at work in the Redmi Note 10S. The storage capacity is either 64 GB or 128 GB. For the latter, however, buyers have to pay a few euros more.
Features of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S at a glance:
Display: 6.43 inch full view with hole notch, IPS, 2400 x 1080 pixels, Gorilla Glass 3Processor: Mediatek Helio G90, octa core with 2.05 GHzMemory: 64 GB GB, expandable (hybrid slot), 6 GB RAMFront camera: 13 MP main camera: Quad camera 64 MP wide angle + 8 MP ultra wide angle + 2 MP macro + 2 MP depth sensor Connections: Bluetooth 5.1, WLAN a/b/g/n/ac, LTE, USB CBattery: 5000 mAh, Quick Charge 33 Watt system : Android 11Other: dual SIM (hybrid), splash water protection IP53, jack socket, fingerprint sensorPrice: from 195 euros
Xiaomi Redmi Note 10S
+ Large screen, large battery with Quick Charge, quad camera – Hybrid SIM
Motorola Moto G60s
The Moto G60s has been on the market since August 2021 and focuses on battery performance. Thanks to its 5000 mAh battery, the device lasts around two and a half days on average. As long as the battery lasts, charging is as fast: in around 15 minutes, thanks to the 50-watt charging technology, there is enough power for half a day of use.
With its 6.8-inch full view display, the Moto G60s is one of the larger models in the list of smartphones up to 200 euros. It has a resolution of 2460 x 1080 pixels and even has a refresh rate of 120 Hz, ideal for gamers. The hole-shaped notch leaves room for the 16-megapixel front camera. The camera on the back includes a total of four sensors. In addition to the 64-megapixel main sensor, there is also an 8-megapixel ultra wide-angle lens, a 5-megapixel macro lens and a 2-megapixel depth sensor. Thanks to the Mediatek Helio G95, 4 GB of RAM and at least 128 GB of expandable memory, the performance doesn't have to hide either. With the new model, Motorola would like to appeal primarily to long-term users who want a long battery life. It is already delivered with Android 11.
Features of the Motorola Moto G60s at a glance:
Display: 6.8 inch full view with notch, IPS, 2460 x 1080 pixels, 120 HzProcessor: Mediatek Helio G95, octa-core with 2.05 GHzMemory: 128 GB expandable, 4 GB RAMFront camera: 16 MPMain camera: quad camera with 64 MP Wide angle + 8 MP ultra wide angle + 5 MP macro + 2 MP depth sensorConnections: NFC, Bluetooth 5.0, WLAN a/b/g/n/ac, LTE, USB CBattery: 5000 mAh, Quick Charge 50 WattSystem: Android 11Other: Dual SIM, jack socket, fingerprint sensor on the back, IP52Price: from 199 euros
Motorola Moto G60s
+ Very long-lasting battery, fast charging, large 120 Hz display, quad camera, lots of memory – no 5G or Wifi 6
Oppo A74
The manufacturer Oppo has also been officially represented in Germany for some time and usually sells its smartphones at a good price-performance ratio from the usual providers. One of these models, which fits into the list of the best smartphones up to 200 euros due to its good features, is the Oppo A74. It not only scores with a modern design, it also has a lot to offer technically.
Equipped with Android 11, it runs on a current operating system from Google. In addition, it is equipped with Qualcomm's Snapdragon 662, as well as 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal and expandable storage. It transmits via WLAN ac and LTE, but unfortunately does not support 5G. The Oppo A74 also has three cameras on the back. The triple camera consists of a 48-megapixel wide-angle lens, a 2-megapixel depth sensor and a 2-megapixel macro lens. There is also electronic image stabilization. Thanks to the 5000 mAh battery, the Oppo A74 can easily last two working days.
Features of the Oppo A74 at a glance:
Display: 6.4 inch full view with hole notch, AMOLED, 2400 x 1080 pixels, 90 HzProcessor: Snapdragon 662, octa-core with 2 GHzMemory: 128 GB GB expandable, 6 GB RAMFront camera: 16 MPMain camera: triple camera 48 MP wide angle + 2 MP macro + 2 MP depth sensorConnections: Bluetooth 5.0, WLAN a/b/g/n/ac, LTE, USB CBattery: 5000 mAh, Quick Charge with 33 wattsSystem: Android 11Other: Dual SIM (hybrid), jack socket, fingerprint sensorPrice : from 189 euros
Oppo A74
+ Big screen, big battery with Quick Charge, lots of memory, good processor – no NFC, 5G or Wifi 6
Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G
The Xiaomi Poco Pro 5G not only supports the new mobile communications standard, it also comes with Android 11, 6 GB RAM and 128 GB memory, which cannot be expanded. For a smartphone under 200 euros, this is already a very good basic configuration. The device also offers a number of other features that you would normally expect from more expensive models. The 6.5-inch display, for example, has a Full HD+ resolution with a variable refresh rate of 90 Hz. The battery has a capacity of a whopping 5000 mAh, suitable for a smartphone of this size, with charging using 18 watts at an average speed . Users don't have to do without a jack socket for connecting standard headphones, a (side) fingerprint sensor and dual-band WLAN, nor do they have to do without NFC and infrared.
Features of the Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G at a glance:
Display: 6.5 inch full view with hole notch, IPS, 2400 x 1080 pixels, Gorilla Glass 3Processor: Mediatek Dimensity 700, Octa-Core with 2.2 GHzMemory: 128 GB GB (not expandable), 6 GB RAMFront camera: 8 MP main camera : Triple camera 48 MP wide angle + 2 MP macro + 2 MP depth sensorConnections: Bluetooth 5.1, WLAN a/b/g/n/ac, LTE + 5G, USB CBattery: 5000 mAh, 18 wattsSystem: Android 11Other: Dual SIM ( Hybrid), jack socket, fingerprint sensor on the sidePrice: from 185 euros
Xiaomi Poco M3 Pro 5G
+ Big screen, big battery, 5G, lots of memory – no memory card slot
Samsung Galaxy A22 5G
Features of the Samsung Galaxy A22 5G at a glance:
Display: 6.6 inch full view with notch, TFT, 2400 x 1080 pixels, 90 Hz Processor: Mediatek Dimensity 700, octa-core with 2.2 GHz Memory: 64 GB, expandable, 4 GB RAM Front camera: 8 MP, f/2.0 main camera: triple -Camera 48 MP wide angle + 5 MP ultra wide angle + 2 MP depth sensorConnections: NFC, Bluetooth 5.0, WLAN a/b/g/n/ac, LTE + 5G, USB CBattery: 5000 mAh, 15 Watt TurboPowerSystem: Android 11Other: Dual -SIM, jack, lateral fingerprint sensor, face recognitionPrice: from 195 euros
Samsung Galaxy A22 5G
+ Full view display, dual SIM, strong battery, 90 Hz memory a bit tight
The Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro has been around since March 2021. With this model, the manufacturer is offering a smartphone for up to 200 euros that offers some special features that buyers normally find in much more expensive models. This includes, for example, a 6.67-inch Full HD display with a refresh rate of a full 120 Hz. This makes movements appear much smoother.
Another highlight is the quad camera with a 48-megapixel main sensor. There is also an 8-megapixel ultra wide-angle lens, a 2-megapixel macro lens and a 2-megapixel depth sensor. Android 11 is used ex works. The battery is generously sized at 5160 mAh, as is the RAM at 6 GB. The powerful Snapdragon 860 is used as the processor
Features of the Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro at a glance:
Display: 6.67 inch Fullview IPS, 2400 x 1080 pixels, Gorilla Glass 6, 120 HzProcessor: Snapdragon 860, octa core with 2.96 GHzMemory: 128 GB GB expandable (hybrid slot), 6 GB RAMFront camera: 20 MPMain camera: Quad camera 48 + 8 MP ultra wide angle + 2 MP macro + 2 MP depth sensorConnections: Bluetooth 5.1, WLAN a/b/g/n/ac, LTE, USB CBattery: 5160 mAh, Quick Charge 33 WattSystem: Android 11Other: Dual -SIM (hybrid), splash water protection IP53, jack socket, fingerprint sensor price: approx. 200 euros
Xiaomi Poco X3 Pro
+ Large 120Hz screen, large battery with Quick Charge, quad camera – hybrid SIM, no OLED, no 5G
Also interesting: Will my smartphone break if I charge it overnight?
Conclusion: smartphones under 200 euros have a lot to offer
If you buy a smartphone for less than 200 euros today, you get a lot of features for little money. Compared to significantly more expensive models, there are differences in the range of functions, but none of the devices from our list allow themselves to be really grossly blundered. It doesn't matter whether users want a large battery or like the current full view design – the list contains a wide variety of devices. Even 5G has now arrived in the affordable smartphone class.
Almost no model in the list of smartphones up to 200 euros can be described as an entry-level smartphone. Because thanks to solid performance, triple and quad cameras and an average of 4 to 6 GB of RAM and 64 GB or even 128 GB of storage, they are more in the middle class.
Other selected smartphones
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Deciding on a smartphone model is not always easy. Are you looking for a device with something extra, or do you want more power and are willing to pay a little more for it? Then take a look at our other smartphone lists with selected devices.
