What Are the Best Smartphones Under $100?

TL;DR

The best smartphones under $100 include the iPhone 8, Google Pixel 4, and Samsung Galaxy S10e. The iPhone 8 offers ongoing iOS updates and decent performance, while the Pixel 4 features a 90Hz AMOLED display and still receives software support. The Galaxy S10e provides premium specs and features, although it lacks recent software updates.

Transcript

so I wanted to kind of break down some of the best phones you can buy for under 100 now these kind of range in terms of usability you can get like the best phones of all time but some of these phones are still kind of supported with software so I wanted to go and kind of throw them in here now the first one I kind of want to throw in here is probab... Read More

Key Insights

• 🐿️ The iPhone 8 remains a viable option under $100, offering software support and solid performance due to its A11 Bionic chip.
• 😮 Google Pixel 4 continues to impress with adequate usability and good visuals but is somewhat dated in terms of its chipset.
• 💝 Samsung Galaxy S10e provides a more premium experience with features like Samsung Dex and expandable storage, although it lacks the latest software support.
• 🤑 Purchasing older models could save money but often involves sacrificing the latest technologies and software features.
• 📱 These phones collectively showcase how affordability can coincide with decent performance and longevity in the smartphone market.
• 🙈 iOS devices generally offer longer support lifespans compared to many Android models, as seen with the iPhone 8.
• 👤 Despite being classified as budget options, these smartphones are capable of meeting basic user needs effectively.

Questions & Answers

Q: What makes the iPhone 8 a good buy under $100?

The iPhone 8 stands out because it offers ongoing support with iOS updates, including security patches, making it a reliable choice for those needing a secure smartphone. Its Apple A11 Bionic chip provides decent performance, and while its design is somewhat dated, it remains functional for everyday tasks.

Q: How does the Google Pixel 4 perform for its price?

The Google Pixel 4 boasts an impressive build quality and a 90Hz AMOLED display, making it smooth and visually appealing for users. Despite being one of the lower-end supported options on Android 13, it still receives software updates and security patches, ensuring longevity at an affordable price.

Q: Why is the Samsung Galaxy S10e considered a decent buy?

The Samsung Galaxy S10e is noted for its great display quality, excellent camera capabilities, and feature-rich design, including USB-C, a headphone jack, and expandable memory via MicroSD. While it faces limitations with recent software support, its performance remains strong in everyday use.

Q: What are the trade-offs of purchasing older models like these three phones?

The trade-offs primarily include attending to hardware limitations in processing power and camera capabilities when compared to newer models. Additionally, some models may eventually stop receiving software updates, which can affect security and introduce compatibility issues over time.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The iPhone 8, priced under $100, is the lowest supported iPhone model with decent performance and ongoing iOS updates, making it a secure choice.

• Google Pixel 4, available for under $100, features a solid build, 90Hz AMOLED display and continues to receive software and security updates, ensuring its usability.

• While the Samsung Galaxy S10e can sometimes exceed $100, it offers excellent specs such as a great display and multiple features but lacks recent software support.