Budget Phone (Sep 2015)

As smartphones have become the entry gate of internet, we spend much of our time on them.  While Samsung Galaxy S6 (S6 Edge), iPhone 6s are stealing headlines around the world, not everyone of us can afford or need those features.  You shouldn’t have to choose between a phone that performs well and one that you can afford. Today I am going to introduce you devices that meet both criteria.

  1. Nexus 6 - $349.99 on Amazon

You might be surprised why this phone is one the list.  Its original price starts at $649.  As the new nexus (es) are going to roll out, Amazon slashes its price.  This phone is really the king of the current price range.  It has a decent 6” QHD (2K) display (493 PPI).  It has an f/2.0 lens a powerful 13MP camera module with optical image stabilization that supports 4K video shooting.  It supports wireless charging and fast charge (get 6 hours of battery life in just 15 minutes of charging).  For music and movie lovers, Nexus 6 has a dual front-facing speakers which give a wonderful experience on leisure time.  This is really a smartphone you must not miss in less than at this price.  Buy it now or never.

  1. Motorola Moto G (2015)  -  $179.99

Motorola has been producing good-looking phones for a long time.  Using Moto Maker, you can customize your Moto G by choosing front, back, and accent colors (and even engrave your name or phrases on the back).  It comes with a 13 MP camera, 5” HD Display, microSD card slot and a battery that supports a full day.  It runs nearly stock Android, meaning there is few bloatware.  Additionally, Moto G is water resistant.  This is a decent smartphone with good design.

  1. Microsoft Lumia 640 - $149/$100

_“Life is a daring adventure or nothing at all.” by Helen Keller_You might want to try something other than Android or iOS, such as Windows Phone by Microsoft.  The phone uses a 5” 720P display.  Considering the price, Lumia 640 comes with a well-performing 8MP.  Built-in apps such as Lumia Camera give you full manual control including ISO, aperture, white balance, shutter speed – giving similar experience that is on an SLR (Single-Lens Reflex camera).

  1. Microsoft Lumia 640 XL - $249

Lumia 640 XL is the sibling of the previous phone I mentioned.  The main difference between them is camera and screen.  Lumia 640 XL, as its name would suggest, has a larger screen up to 5.7”.  Sadly, this screen is still 720P.  A large screen but with the low resolution results in low PPI (259 PPI).  This might be a deal breaker for some of people.  But other than that, there is no more critical flaw.  Cutting the cost from the screen, Lumia 640 XL is equipped with a powerful 13MP camera.  As always, Lumia Camera transforms Lumia 640 XL to an entry level DSLR.