Gizchina’s round-up highlights the best budget smartphones to buy in 2023, a segment that continues to deliver remarkable value for buyers in North America. The focus is on devices that balance price, performance, and practical everyday features, helping shoppers maximize battery life, camera quality, and software support without breaking the bank. The list below distills that guidance into a clear, user-friendly snapshot built for informed decision-making across Canada and the United States.
Motorola Moto G62 takes the top spot thanks to a thoughtful design and dependable battery endurance. The handset runs a clean Android experience that stays accessible well after purchase, with Android 12 serving as a solid foundation. On the downside, fast charging remains a letdown and the camera system is only average, which means fans of mobile photography may not be as impressed. Still, the balance of screen time, reliability, and longevity makes the G62 a compelling choice for budget buyers who want a straightforward, stress-free smartphone with decent software updates. [Gizchina]
The Nokia G60 5G earns second place, praised for a large, vivid display and a capable main camera. It also shines with excellent autonomy and a long software support horizon from the manufacturer, which translates to a lower total cost of ownership over time. The trade-offs include slower 20W charging and less impressive secondary cameras, which are worth considering for those who primarily use the device for calls, messaging, and media consumption. [Gizchina]
Realme C35 lands in third place, recognized for its standout design, bright, colorful display, and a solid camera setup for the category. The phone doesn’t push the envelope on performance, and its autonomy isn’t class-leading. The 60 Hz panel can feel less responsive in fast-paced use, which may matter to gamers or power users. Still, for everyday tasks, the Realme C35 remains a strong value option with an attractive price-to-feature ratio. [Gizchina]
Redmi Note 10 Pro is highlighted for a high-quality screen, a wallet-friendly price, a substantial battery, and a reliable main camera. Critics point to the absence of optical image stabilization and the MIUI software shell as drawbacks, but the overall package remains very appealing to buyers who want a large display and versatile camera chops without paying a premium. [Gizchina]
Poco M4 Pro delivers excellent battery life and a capable camera system, making it a strong mid-range pick. On the flip side, its physical dimensions and the MIUI experience, along with a fingerprint scanner that may feel a bit unreliable, could disappoint some shoppers seeking a more compact or effortless hardware experience. Still, for most everyday tasks and media consumption, it offers robust value. [Gizchina]
Alongside these picks, the Poco M4 Pro 5G, Redmi Note 11, Redmi 10, Nokia G22, and Samsung Galaxy A13 round out the top budget contenders. Each model brings a slightly different emphasis—whether it’s 5G readiness, display quality, or camera versatility—allowing buyers to align their choice with priorities like speed, battery life, or software updates without overspending. [Gizchina]
Overall, the landscape in North America in 2023 shows that budget smartphones can combine long battery life, reliable software support, and decent cameras. The ranking reflects a practical approach: pick the device that best fits individual needs, whether that means staying in a lower price bracket, enjoying a bigger screen for media, or prioritizing software longevity for future-proofing. For buyers seeking a mid-price balance, the list offers several dependable options with real-world usability, backed by ongoing firmware support and broad carrier compatibility. [Gizchina]
Note: this overview draws from Gizchina’s evaluations and reflects common market expectations for mid-budget devices across North America. It is intended to guide shoppers toward informed comparisons rather than to prescribe a single best choice for every user. [Gizchina]