Top 3 Budget-Friendly 4G LTE Smartphones

If you wanted to buy a 4G phone, you had no choice but to dish out hundreds of dollars. While there are still some of those phones that break the bank, certain smartphone manufacturers are offering more affordable options for those who might be confined to a tight budget. These options include midrange and entry-level phones which a host of features including 4G connectivity, powerful chips, and decent displays. The top 3 budget-friendly 4G LTE smartphones also run the latest version of popular mobile operating systems like Android 4.4.3 Kitkat.

 

 

HTC Desire 510

 

Desire 510 is one of the most recently launched smartphones on the HTC lineup. It hits the sweet spot between midrange and entry-level and is designed to meet the needs of budget-conscious consumers while providing major benefits including super-fast 4G connectivity.

 

At 158 grams, this device offers a sleek design with its matted finish and acts as an affordable entertainment hub thanks to features such as a 4.7-inch display and powerful 1.2GHz Snapdragon 410 processor. The chip guarantees faster data processing due to 64-bit computing which boasts power efficiency and overall performance as users multitask, play games and stream video. Its Adreno 306 graphics also contribute to a smooth smartphone experience.

 

The phone features 8GB on-board storage as well as expandable memory via a microSD card slot. HTC Desire 510 also offers 1GB of RAM, a 2,100mAh removable Li-polymer battery and runs Android 4.4.2 Kitkat with HTC Sense.

 

Though the phone features a relatively mediocre 5MP rear-facing camera that lacks features like the standard LED flash, its robust processor and core design makes it a worthwhile buy.

 

US price is yet to be announced.

 

 

 

Motorola Moto G ($219.99)

 

Motorola has improved the Moto G – its hallmark mid-range stunner – by adding 4G LTE connectivity and storage expansion capabilities via a microSD card slot. Though this results in a device slightly pricier than the original Moto G (3G), the latest Moto G offers much to be happy about.

 

For instance, this top 3 budget-friendly smartphone boasts a stunning screen which rival displays offered by other midrange smartphones. Take for instance Desire 510’s 4.7-inch screen which looks mediocre when compared to Moto G’s 4.5inch display with 1,280×720 resolution.

 

The Moto G also wins big thanks to what lies underneath its hood: 1.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 chip, 1GB of RAM and a 2,070mAh battery. These features result in a phone that runs efficiently as users stream movies, browse the Internet and play games as demanding as Asphalt 8. The phone also sports a decent 5MP camera with features such as HDR which result in sharp pictures in most lighting conditions.

 

In terms of software, the phone runs Android 4.4.3 with features that are easy to navigate due to the fact that Motorola limits its customisation of Android. Thus, those who purchase the device will be able to easily adjust to the software and enjoy bloat-free features.

 

 

 

Nokia Lumia 635 ($129.88)

 

Midrange Android smartphones are some of the most cost-effective devices on the market. But Microsoft is offering budget-friendly alternatives thanks to its Lumia smartphones. The latest Nokia Lumia 635 comes at a superb price and offers competitive specs.

 

This Windows 8.1 smartphone is similar to its predecessor, the Lumia 630 (3G) but comes with a refined design as well 4G connectivity. The 635 sports a glossy polycarbonate shell in multiple colours such as Bright Yellow, Bright Orange and Bright Green which can be replaced to match your mood or outfit.

 

The device also features a 4.5-inch screen made from Gorilla Glass 3. This screen offers 854×480 pixel resolution that results in vibrant colours and great viewing angles. It also features Nokia ClearBlack technology which results in a clear screen even while outdoors. Though the screen with is 218ppi offers less details than Moto G’s 4.5-inch display, it provides enough vibrancy to meet the needs of most budget watchers.

 

In terms of performance, the device fares well thanks to a 1.2 Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor, 512GB of RAM and 8GB of on-board storage. Though it features less RAM than the Moto G, the Lumia 635 runs surprisingly well while performing processor-heavy tasks like gaming or video streaming. There’s also a 1,830mAh battery that provides up to 7 hours of video playback.

 

 

Smartphones like the HTC Desire 510, Motorola Moto G and Nokia Lumia 635 offer a great smartphone experience at an affordable price. This is due to their 4G LTE connectivity, powerful Snapdragon processors and sleek design. Though many of these devices feature obvious compromises, especially in terms of camera performance, they offer an experience that’s truly worth the price.

 

 

Top 3 Budget-Friendly 4G LTE Smartphones