If you’re in the market for a smartphone under $500 that’s brand new and not refurbished, you have two primary options.
Firstly, you can explore phones specifically designed to be budget-friendly, offered by brands like Samsung, Motorola, OnePlus, and Google. These phones often provide excellent battery life, 5G support, and sufficient processing power for everyday tasks. However, compromises such as lower-resolution screens, average cameras, and plastic designs are common to keep costs down.
Alternatively, you can consider more expensive phones from the previous year or even two years ago, available at discounted prices. An excellent example is the Lenovo ThinkPhone by Motorola, currently priced at $400, down from its original $700. Despite being a collaboration between Motorola and Lenovo, it has impressed with its design, hardware, and features.
The ThinkPhone boasts 256GB of storage, a Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Plus processor, and a stunning 6.6-inch 144Hz display – features often exceeding what’s typical in the sub-$500 range. Notably, it supports 68-watt fast charging and includes the required wall plug, making it one of the fastest-charging phones in the US. In comparison tests, it outpaced more expensive models like the iPhone 15.
What sets the ThinkPhone apart is its distinctive design, replicating the buttoned-down corporate look of Lenovo’s popular ThinkPad laptop lineup. The aramid fiber weave inlay on the back adds sophistication and a unique touch. The harmonious design extends to the integration between Android 13 software and the hardware, providing a cohesive user experience.
Beyond aesthetics, the ThinkPhone allows seamless connectivity with PCs, monitors, and TVs, enhancing its practicality. The collaboration between Android and Windows results in smooth interactions, allowing users to copy and paste across devices and use the phone’s camera for video calls on a ThinkPad, delivering clearer video quality than most built-in laptop webcams.
Despite its strengths, the ThinkPhone has some drawbacks, notably in the camera department, especially in low-light conditions. However, at its discounted price of $400, its camera performance is competitive within the budget phone category.
While the interconnectivity features generally work well, occasional lag may be experienced, particularly in scenarios like projecting the ThinkPhone’s screen on a ThinkPad display. In terms of software support, Motorola and Lenovo offer three years of major OS updates and four years of security updates, slightly lagging behind competitors like Samsung.
The ThinkPhone, touted for business-minded users, also proves to be an excellent Android phone for a broader audience. Its fast charging, iconic design, and high-quality hardware make it a compelling choice for users seeking a well-rounded smartphone experience under $500. With the current $300 discount, the ThinkPhone stands out as the best $400 phone on the market, leaving the question of how long this attractive price point will last.
