When you’re in the market for a new smartphone, and the dazzling features of the iPhone 17 catch your eye, it might be worth considering its less expensive counterparts that prove just as capable. Here we dive into five stellar contenders that won’t burn a hole in your pocket while delivering impressive specs and performance.
iPhone 16: The Trusty Companion
If maintaining a spot in the Apple universe is a priority, yet the iPhone 17 remains out of reach, the iPhone 16 emerges as a worthy ally. Priced at $699, it saves you a neat hundred dollars while packing the sturdy A18 chip. Vibrant OLED displays and reliable battery life ensure you’re not feeling left behind. You might miss the iPhone 17’s larger battery and selfie camera advancements, but the iPhone 16 still offers a robust experience for everyday use.
Go Pro with the Refurbished iPhone 15 Pro
Yearning for premium features without the premium price? The refurbished iPhone 15 Pro may hold the answer. Available at $679, it combines the elegance of a ProMotion display and titanium frame with the power of an A17 chip. Despite having a smaller battery than its successors, its sleek performance remains top-tier. Apple’s warranty and update commitments further cement it as a lasting choice.
iPhone 16e: Simplistic Elegance
In the spirit of value without compromise, the iPhone 16e stands as a budget-friendly gateway to the latest Apple technology. For $599, it offers the acclaimed A18 chip and dependable performance. With this purchase, you’re treated to an OLED display, a lasting battery, and assured software updates—a modest marvel in the tech world that preserves essential features while shelving pricier extras.
Embrace Android with Samsung Galaxy S25 FE
Bridging the gap between luxury and affordability, the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE invites Android enthusiasts to relish its 120Hz display and triple-camera setup. For just $650, the 4,900mAh battery and powerful processors ensure you’re well-equipped for daily demands. If Android’s open ecosystem appeals to you, this model brings flagship quality at mid-range pricing.
Google Pixel 9a: A Pixelated Wonder
Priding itself on delivering quality imagery and clean interfaces, the Google Pixel 9a captures everyday moments with vibrant accuracy. At a starting price of $499, its long-lasting battery and engaging Android interface make for an unbeatable offer. With seven years of software support, owning this device is like holding a personal tech assistant—reliable and always by your side.
As technology continues to evolve, the key isn’t always found in the newest flagship. Exploring nuanced alternatives can illuminate pathways to gadgets that suit your lifestyle and economic choices just as effectively, if not more so, than their more talked-about counterparts. According to BGR, these savvy smartphones offer stellar performance while maintaining affordability, ensuring everyone gets a piece of cutting-edge technology.