Best Smartphones Under $400 – February 2026

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Friday, 27 February 2026 at 23:06
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In 2026 it has become simpler to find a good phone which costs less than $400. You can obtain a phone which provides fast speed and high-quality camera results and long battery life and user-friendly software at an cheap price. You need to choose the option which suits your daily activities most well. Some users want the best camera, some want long battery life, and some want smooth performance. The guide will assist you in picking the most suitable phone for your own requirements. It will also help you avoid waste and pick a device that lasts years without slowing down.
Phones today are more than tools to call or text. They are for work, school, social life, travel, games, and video. A good phone under $400 now can handle most of these tasks. Choosing the wrong phone can be a loss of time and money, so it helps to know what each phone does best.

Google Pixel 10a

People looking to get a prime camera while also maxing their phone's value with 7 years of software support will enjoy the Google Pixel 10a. With its 6.3 inch OLED display and 120Hz refresh rate, you can scroll through your feed and watch videos without worrying about lag. And with up to 3000 nits of light, you won't have to worry about whether or not you'll be able to see your screen when the sun's out.
Google Pixel 10a
Source: Phonearena
The rear-facing camera on the 10a is 48 megapixels, which provides you with more detail than most phones. It also has Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) to provide you with clear pictures, especially in lower lighting spots. In addition, the ultra-wide-angle camera makes it simple to take group photos, to capture sea views while on trip, as well as to take pictures of nice landscapes. Video quality is also great, with the ability to shoot in 4K/60fps.
The G4 processor allows for swift app performance, while the M2 security ensures you retain all your info. The addition of 7 years of software support is also something that is hard to find at this price point.
This smartphone has a large battery and can run for a long period of time without needing to be recharged each day. In addition, it can be recharged using either a wired or wireless charger, offering you both options (30 watts wired and 10 watts wirelessly).
This phone has been designed to be both dust-tight and waterproof (IP68 rating). If you are an Android user looking for a device with no bloatware, a great camera, and future-proofed software updates — then check out the Google Pixel 10a from Google.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 Pro

One of the key features of the Redmi Note 15 Pro smartphone is its beautiful 6.83” OLED display, which has an ultra-high-definition (UHD) display and shows amazing colors & fast response times with almost no lag while scrolling when using a web browser. Using this device to watch content created in either Dolby Vision or HDR10+ will also provide an amazing viewing look.
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One of the main features of the phone is its main camera which is frankly very good at 200 megapixels. There’s no need to worry about clear when cropping and zooming in or out on the camera, and the ultra-wide camera makes it very easy to capture either an entire group of people or a large beautiful scene in one photo.
Because it is powered by the very fast Dimensity 7400 Ultra chipset, you can expect this phone to perform well no matter what you’re doing with it; whether it’s using apps, watching videos, or playing games. There are up to 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, so this phone can be counted on for many years into the future.
With a massive 6500 mAh battery, you can expect to get at least a full day of use with heavy usage. The 45 watts of fast charging available means you won’t be too much of a rush if you forget to plug it in overnight. The phone has a very good level of water and dust proof, too, as indicated by its IP66, IP68 and IP69K ratings.
If you’re looking for a phone that has a large display, an ideal camera and an unusually long-lasting battery, the Redmi Note 15 Pro may be worth thought—and it definitely should be added to your shopping list!

Infinix Note Edge 5G

The Infinix Note Edge 5G is a slim, lightweight smartphone designed for style. The 6.78" curved AMOLED display can produce a maximum brightness of 4500 nits with a 120Hz refresh rate. This display allows users to read, browse content and watch television programs outdoors with good performance.
The device uses a Dimensity 7100 processor which supports memory expansion through its 8GB RAM capacity and 256GB internal storage option. The 50MP rear camera takes good quality pictures day to day and both front and rear cameras record in 2K quality; thus helping to improve quality when video calling or making video blogs compared to other smartphones within this price range.
JBL created sound tune for the phone which delivers an amazing stereo audio look. The 6500mAh battery provides long battery life and it supports both 45W quick charging and 10W reverse charging. The IP65 water proof rating and 7.2mm thickness make this phone both stylish and tough.
The Infinix Note Edge 5G smartphone offers key functions for users who need a smart device with long battery life and great camera performance and audio skills in a small design.

Redmi Turbo 5 Max

Redmi's Turbo 5 Max offers super speeds with a strong Samsung Dimensity 9500s chipset, an ideal 16GB of RAM and fast UFS 4.1 storage for instant app opening and smooth gaming/multitask play.
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The phone has a huge 6.83-inch OLED display with an amazing 120 Hz refresh rate and peak brightness of 3500 nits which means you'll see all clearly, whether you are looking at a photo, a video, etc. The rear camera has 50 megapixels and you can fix the images (optical or electronic) when using it so that you can take sharp, high-quality pictures in 4K at 60 frames per second.
With a capacity of 9000mAh, the Redmi Turbo 5 Max can last up to two whole days with heavy usage before needing to be recharged. Also, with its 100 watt fast charging, this is one of the fastest charging tools on the planet.
The phone weighs 219g; therefore, it is somewhat heavy compared to other phones but there is plenty of value in all of the above features.
If you are looking for a very fast phone with an ideal battery life to run games, apps, and media, this phone is perfect for you.

Google Pixel 9a

The Google Pixel 9a suits people who care most about the camera. Its 6.3-inch OLED screen refreshes 120 times per second and reaches 2700 nits at peak brightness - the display stays readable in bright sun.
Google Pixel 9a
The phone runs on the Tensor G4 processor which includes the Titan M2 security module. Google gives seven years of software updates.
The main camera takes 48-megapixel photos that look sharp and true to life. The ultra wide camera covers more of the scene, which helps for group portraits or wide landscapes. Both cameras record video at 4K look.
A 5100mAh battery powers the phone for one full day - the device supports both wired but also wireless charging. IP68 sealing blocks dust and withstands water.
The Pixel 9a delivers steady camera results, long updates as well as solid build without extra weight.

Conclusion

All five smartphone models will have a top price of less than $400 in 2026, so users who want to find their best device can choose between great photography, best battery, large display, nice design, and super audio which lasts longer than their past budget.
The Google Pixel 10a and Pixel 9a give users great photo skills. The Xiaomi Redmi Turbo 5 Max gives users top battery. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 Pro gives users a large screen with good camera skills. The Infinix Note Edge 5G works as a new smartphone which gives good audio and runs on long battery.
Each model handles messaging, web browse, video, games or work. All give good cameras, long battery and smooth play. The right choice depends on own goals but each listed phone gives real value under $400. Those phones feel high end, last daily and get security for years.
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