Best budget phones for internet browsing

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What to look for

If you’re on the hunt for an affordable smartphone that’s suitable for internet browsing, you’ll need to look out for the following features:

4G compatible

Having 4G data on your phone is very useful for internet browsing. When you’re away from home, you won’t always have the luxury of Wi-Fi. On trains and in cafes, you might be able to connect to an open network, but it’s best to avoid these where possible due to the risk of malware and viruses. 

You can use data to access the internet and other apps that need a connection to open. 4G is currently the most widespread around the UK, so is the most desirable. 5G, the newest and fastest data speed, is becoming more common, and we’re starting to see more phones with 5G compatibility. 

Either way, you’ll want to avoid phones that only offer 3G, as it’s usually slower and harder to connect.

Speedy

The processor in your phone handles how fast information is passed around. 

It controls every command you ask of it, so if your processor is slow, your phone will also be slow. 

Having a speedy processor is important for internet browsing. If your processor isn’t fast enough, you’ll find yourself frustrated at the lagging and stuttering when you try to click on links or open webpages. 

If you want to get techy about it, Octa-core processors, Snapdragon processors, and Apple’s A13 and A14 Bionic chips are some of the best for phones right now.

Decent amount of RAM

RAM (Random Access Memory) is an extremely quick type of memory that stores information about your active and background apps. 

The more RAM you have on your phone, the more apps that can continue running without slowing down overall performance. 

It’s handy to have a large amount of RAM when browsing the internet in case you have lots of pages open, or keep having to cross-reference with your apps. Most everyday users will want between 4GB and 8GB of RAM.

Battery life

Of course, if your phone has a small battery life, it won’t last very long before needing to be charged again. And if you’re out and about, it may be difficult to find a place to plug your charger in. 

Buying a phone with a big battery will allow you to continue browsing and using your phone all day, as well as things like taking photos, watching videos, listening to music, and accessing apps.

Usually 4,000mAh to 5,000mAh are the biggest battery capacities on offer, and the most likely to keep your phone running all day when you need to use it a lot. If your phone has a smaller capacity, there’s plenty you can do to make the battery last longer.

Operating system

Your operating system is the most important software on your phone, as it (basically) runs everything! It supports all of the phone’s basic functions, as well as powers the interface so you can perform tasks. 

It’s important to keep your operating system up to date with the latest version, as they come with important bug and security fixes. If you’re running an old version you also might find compatibility issues with certain apps.  

For iPhones, this is currently iOS 14. 

For Androids, this is currently Android 11.

Keeping your phone up to date will ensure that it has the latest protection installed when you’re using the internet. It will also make sure your phone continues functioning at its smoothest and fastest.

Big screen

Finally, you’ll most likely want a phone with a big screen so you don’t have to struggle or squint while trying to read articles or watch videos. 

Best budget phones for internet browsing

Check out the internet-friendly features on these high-tech yet affordable phones. 

Samsung Galaxy A42 5G

Price: £317.99

✔  Large screen is great for preventing eye strain from squinting, and ensuring you can read text easily

✔  Octa-core processor is speedy and efficient at handling intensive tasks

✔  Huge 5,000mAh battery capacity is capable of lasting all day (and more!)

✔  Android 11 is the latest operating system, so the phone will be updated to the best security protocols and smoothest operation

✔  Also 5G compatible

Samsung Galaxy A12

Price: £165

✔  Under £200!

✔  Large 6.5 inch screen is clear and vivid to capture the brightest colours in videos and pictures

✔  4GB RAM is plenty for most users

✔  Large 5,000mAh battery capacity means you can go longer before needing to charge again

✔  Updated to the latest operating system to ensure the device is free from bugs and other issues that could slow down its performance

✔  4G compatible

Xiaomi Mi 10T Lite

Price: £227.99

✔  Large and capable screen size

✔  Qualcomm Snapdragon processor is known for being amazing for gaming in particular, due to its 5G integration, AI technology, and sustainable power

✔  6GB RAM is larger than average for this price range

✔  4,820mAh battery life is enough to last for a whole day (and possibly more, depending on if your usage is light or heavy)

✔  Also 5G compatible

Xiaomi Redmi Note 9T

Price: £247.99

✔  Large 6.5 inch screen size is big enough for videos, games, and general browsing. The size will also help people who are visually impaired

✔  Processor is fast with integrated 5G technology to ensure smooth and speedy response times to actions

✔  Common and usable 4GB RAM

✔  Big 5,000mAh battery capacity 

✔  Also 5G compatible

Nokia G20

Price: £135

✔ Under £200!

✔ Large 6.5 inch screen is ideal for browsing the internet for hours without getting eye strain

✔ 4GB is the typical RAM size for many phones, and is usually enough for average users to store all their applications 

✔ Long-lasting 5,050mAh battery will carry you through commutes and long journeys without the need for an electric charging port

✔ Updated to the latest Android OS so the device should be running smoothly with the most recent security fixes

✔ 4G compatible for speedy data connection 

Motorola G30

Price: £158.99

✔  Under £200!

✔  Large enough screen size for viewing and fast screen refresh rate for less lagging

✔  Qualcomm Snapdragon processor is powerful

✔  Battery life is long-lasting and capable of keeping your phone alive for hours on end

✔  Updated to latest Android operating system

✔  4G compatible is great for accessing data all around the world, as it’s the most common technology available currently

Motorola G50

Price: £197.99

✔  Under £200!

✔  Another large screen, in keeping with the majority of other recommendations, that can capture all the vividity and colour of bright displays

✔  Large battery capacity allows you to go all weekend without reaching for a charger

✔  Updated to latest OS

✔  Also 5G compatible

Alcatel 3L (2020)

Price: £138.99

✔  Under £200!

✔  Big screen and HD+ display for an easy and colourful experience

✔  Octa-core processor is capable of handling multiple demanding tasks simultaneously, so you’ll experience less lagging 

✔  Handy 4,000mAh battery capacity

✔  Compatible with 4G to reach common speeds all over the world, so you’re less likely to be in a blind spot and not be able to get any data connection

iPhone SE (2020)

Price: £398.99

✔  4.7 inch screen is portable, fitting easily inside pockets and bags, and is  easy to hold in one hand

✔  A13 Bionic chip is one of the fastest and most effective processors on the market, and is embedded in all of the iPhone 11 range, so you’re getting some of the best technology at a more affordable price

✔  Updated to the most recent iOS system, iOS 14, so your iPhone will be protected against hardware issues and function at its smoothest

✔  4G data will allow you to browse all day from almost anywhere outside your home

Discover more

If a budget phone is a priority for you, you may be interested in reading our recommendations for the best phones under £100.

You may also find a phone you like for under £300 in some of our brand masterlists:

• Which Oppo phone is right for you?
• Which Alcatel phone is right for you?
• Which Doro phone is right for you?
• Which Nokia phone is right for you?
• Which Hammer phone is right for you? 

And check out the best we have to offer at Asda mobile. 

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