Samsung announced the Galaxy A17, a budget Android phone priced at $199 with a 6-year update commitment, launching in the US on January 7. It features a 6.7-inch display, triple cameras, and a 5,000 mAh battery, continuing Samsung's trend of affordable phones with long-term support.
The upcoming iPhone 17e is expected to include MagSafe support, addressing a major user complaint about the previous model, and adding features like a Center Stage camera, Dynamic Island, and thinner bezels, making it a compelling option for budget-conscious consumers.
British tech company Nothing is set to unveil the Nothing 3A Lite, its first entry-level smartphone featuring its signature transparent design, expanding its lineup from premium to budget options, with the full reveal scheduled for Wednesday.
Support pages for the Google Pixel 8a briefly appeared on US Cellular's website, hinting at its imminent launch, possibly during Google I/O 2024. Leaked images show a design with rounded corners, visible bezels, and a flat display. The phone is expected to come in four colors and feature the Tensor G3 chip, Android 14, and a camera setup similar to or slightly better than the Pixel 7a.
The OnePlus Nord N30 5G, a top budget smartphone under $300, is currently on sale for $249.99, $50 off its regular price, offering snappy performance, a 6.7-inch 120Hz display, Snapdragon 695 chipset, 128GB storage with microSD card slot, and 50W fast charging. Despite nearing the end of its software support cycle and having a camera that falls short compared to pricier competition, it still delivers well enough to be recommended for those on a tight budget.
The Nothing Phone 2a, priced at $349, is a budget smartphone with a unique design and solid performance, available in the US through a developer program. It features a 6.7-inch AMOLED display, custom Dimensity 7200 Pro processor, 12GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, and a 5,000mAh battery with 45W fast charging. While it lacks retail presence in the US, it offers a distinctive interface, light-up back cover, and promising specs, making it a compelling option in the budget smartphone market. However, its camera quality and limited availability in the US are notable drawbacks.
The Nothing Phone (2a) has been officially launched with pre-orders open at a starting price of £319, featuring a MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro chip, 6.7-inch AMOLED display, 50MP primary and ultrawide cameras, and a 5,000 mAh battery with 45W wired charging. It runs on Android 14 and "Nothing OS 2.5," promising three years of major Android updates and four years of security updates. Pre-orders are available in the US, UK, and India, with shipping set for March 12, while the US release will be part of a "Developer Program" at $349.
The Nothing Phone (2a), a budget smartphone created by Carl Pei, aims to challenge Google and Samsung's offerings with its unique design and features. Priced at $350, it boasts a 6.7-inch flexible AMOLED display, a Mediatek Dimensity 7200 Pro processor, and a 5,000 mAh battery promising up to two days of usage. Running on Android 14 with Nothing OS 2.5, it offers heavily-designed widgets and a customizable launcher. The phone's distinctive feature is the light-up Glyphs on the back, but its camera system and overall performance will determine its success in the market.
Nothing's teaser video for the upcoming Phone (2a) confirms its design and showcases a virtual unboxing, hinting at a unique design with a dual-lens camera array in the middle of the phone's top section. The budget-focused device is set for a March launch and is expected to carry similar features to the Phone (2) with a MediaTek processor.
The upcoming Nothing Phone 2a's pricing details have been leaked, with rumored prices of €349 and €399 for 8/128GB and 12/256GB variants, respectively. The device is set to launch on March 5 and is targeted at the budget market, with a focus on young and creative consumers. The Phone 2a may feature a MediaTek Dimensity 7200 SoC and is expected to be revealed at MWC 2024, with a potential teaser during the event.
Nothing has announced the launch date for its upcoming budget smartphone, the Phone 2a, set for March 5. The company aims to disrupt the budget segment, criticizing current offerings for prioritizing paper specs over actual user experience. The Phone 2a is expected to feature a translucent design, a Glyph interface, and a focus on design and attention to detail. Industrial Designer Chris Weightman shared insights into the phone's design, including a circular camera visor and inspiration from the New York Subway map.
Motorola has announced the 2024 Moto G Play, featuring a 50-megapixel camera, 6nm Snapdragon 680 processor, and 64GB of storage, all for $150. The phone also includes a 6.5-inch LCD with a 90Hz refresh rate, Android 13, and a 5,000mAh battery with 15W rapid charging. It will be available in the US on February 8 and in Canada on January 26, with unlocked and locked versions offered through various retailers and carriers.
Xiaomi has launched the Redmi Note 13 series in China, featuring flagship-like features such as a curved AMOLED display and a 200MP camera. The Pro Plus variant offers additional features like IP68 water and dust resistance. While an international launch has not been confirmed, it is expected that the phones will be released globally.