Zed Approves | Smartphones for Every Budget Range

If you are looking for a smartphone and are not simply chasing the latest model, you may want to take a look at our list. The phones featured here span a wide range of prices and specifications, making it easier to find one that fits your needs and budget.

Apple iPhone 12 (Renewed)

Although the Apple iPhone 12 was released in 2020, it remains a capable smartphone even today. It still offers solid performance, along with sufficient memory and storage for everyday use. Among the phones on this list, it is also the most affordable option. If you are already using Apple products, the iPhone 12 is worth considering due to its seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem.

Recommendation: Choose the iPhone 12 if you value strong ecosystem synergy with your existing Apple devices.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 (256GB)

Arguably the strongest smartphone on this list, it boasts 12 GB of memory and a high-performance 4.47 GHz CPU, making it ideal for power users. It is also the most expensive option here. Its standout feature is the foldable design, which allows the phone to fold vertically in the middle and expand into a larger display, effectively giving you more screen space. Being released just last year also contributes to its higher price.

Recommendation: Choose this phone if you want a foldable device that feels like carrying a portable tablet.

Motorola Razr 2025

Another foldable phone on this list comes from Motorola, and it stands out with a unique design feature. When the phone is folded, the outer back panel also functions as a smaller display, allowing you to check the time and view notifications without opening the device. It is also very compact and easy to store, even fitting comfortably in a shirt pocket (if you have one).

Recommendation: Choose this phone if you want a foldable device with an excellent front-facing camera.

OnePlus 12

If you are looking for a phone with massive memory, this is a strong contender. It comes equipped with 16 GB of RAM, a large 6.82-inch display, and 256 GB of storage. While it sits in the middle of the pack in terms of price, it is packed with high-end specifications that offer excellent value for money.

Recommendation: Choose this phone if you want a powerful, well-equipped device released in 2023 that delivers great value for its price.

Google Pixel 9

A great upgrade option if you are moving from an earlier Google Pixel model. Released in 2024 with Android 14, it is upgradeable to Android 16, which is the latest version available at the time of this review. One potential downside is that it only has a single physical Nano-SIM slot, although it does support eSIM for added flexibility.

Recommendation: Choose this phone if you want a clean Android experience, long-term software support, and are comfortable using an eSIM alongside a single physical SIM.

TCL 60 XE NXTPAPER

This TCL phone was released last year and offers decent specifications for its price. It costs only slightly more than the Apple phone on this list, despite that model being released five years ago—highlighting how Apple product prices tend to remain relatively stable over time. While it does not have any standout features compared to the others, it delivers reliable performance for everyday use. Overall, it is the most average smartphone on this list: basic, but it does its job well.

Recommendation: Choose this phone if you want a reliable, no-frills device at an affordable price.

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