Ultimate Guide: Best Smartphones Under €400 for 2024
Why €400 Is a Sweet Spot in 2024
When you stop chasing the ultra‑premium tier, the €400 range suddenly looks a lot more attractive. Manufacturers have learned to squeeze flagship‑class cameras, 5G modems and OLED panels into mid‑range chassis, and the result is a crop of phones that feel premium without the premium price tag. In Europe, the €400 ceiling also lines up nicely with carrier subsidies and seasonal sales, so you often end up with a better deal than the sticker price suggests.
What to Expect From a €400 Smartphone
Even at this price point, you shouldn’t settle for a compromise on the basics. Here’s a quick checklist of the features that should be non‑negotiable in 2024:
- 5G connectivity – most new mid‑range models ship with sub‑6 GHz support.
- OLED or high‑refresh LCD – at least 90 Hz for smooth scrolling.
- Solid camera system – a 48 MP or larger main sensor plus a useful ultra‑wide lens.
- Battery life that clears a full day – 4500 mAh or more, preferably with fast charging.
- Software updates for at least two years – security patches matter just as much as new features.
Top Picks Under €400
Samsung Galaxy A54 5G
The A54 feels like a stripped‑down S23 in many ways. Its 6.5‑inch Super AMOLED display delivers 1080 p and 120 Hz, which is a pleasant surprise at this price. The triple‑camera array (48 MP main, 12 MP ultra‑wide, 5 MP macro) captures decent detail in daylight, though low‑light performance still leans on software magic.
- Processor: Exynos 1380 (octa‑core, 2.4 GHz)
- RAM/Storage: 6 GB / 128 GB, expandable via microSD
- Battery: 5000 mAh, 25 W fast charge
- OS: One UI 6.0 on Android 14, three‑year security updates
Google Pixel 7a
Google’s a‑series has become the benchmark for pure Android experience, and the 7a keeps that tradition alive. The 6.1‑inch OLED screen isn’t as large as some rivals, but its 90 Hz refresh and true‑to‑life colors make up for the modest size. The real star is the 64 MP main sensor, which, thanks to Google’s computational photography, produces sharp, balanced shots even in challenging light.
- Processor: Google Tensor G2
- RAM/Storage: 8 GB / 128 GB, no microSD slot
- Battery: 4385 mAh, 18 W wired charging
- OS: Stock Android 14, five‑year security patches
Xiaomi 13 Lite
Xiaomi knows how to deliver value, and the 13 Lite showcases that talent. A 6.55‑inch AMOLED panel with 120 Hz refresh feels buttery smooth, while the Snapdragon 7 Gen 2 chipset provides a snappy day‑to‑day experience. The camera trio (50 MP main, 13 MP ultra‑wide, 5 MP macro) is versatile enough for most casual photographers.
- Processor: Snapdragon 7 Gen 2
- RAM/Storage: 8 GB / 256 GB
- Battery: 4700 mAh, 67 W fast charge (full in ~40 min)
- OS: MIUI 15 on Android 14
OnePlus Nord 3
OnePlus’s Nord line has always aimed for “premium feel, affordable price,” and the Nord 3 lives up to that promise. Its 6.74‑inch Fluid AMOLED display pushes 120 Hz, and the MediaTek Dimensity 9200‑plus processor ensures smooth gaming and multitasking. The dual‑camera setup (50 MP main + 8 MP ultra‑wide) is simple but effective.
- Processor: Dimensity 9200+ (5 nm)
- RAM/Storage: 12 GB / 256 GB
- Battery: 5000 mAh, 80 W fast charge
- OS: OxygenOS 13 based on Android 14
Motorola Moto G Stylus 2024
If a stylus is on your wish list, the Moto G Stylus offers it without breaking the bank. The 6.8‑inch LCD panel isn’t OLED, but it’s bright enough for indoor use and supports a 90 Hz refresh. The built‑in stylus is responsive, making quick notes or doodles feel natural.
- Processor: Snapdragon 695
- RAM/Storage: 6 GB / 128 GB, microSD slot
- Battery: 5250 mAh, 15 W charging
- OS: Motorola UI 4.0 on Android 14
Realme GT Neo 3
Realme’s Neo series pushes the envelope on performance‑to‑price. The GT Neo 3 packs a MediaTek Dimensity 9200, a 120 Hz AMOLED screen, and a 5000 mAh battery that can sprint to 100 % in under 30 minutes thanks to 150 W charging. Its 50 MP main sensor is paired with a 13 MP ultra‑wide lens, delivering decent detail across the board.
- Processor: Dimensity 9200 (6 nm)
- RAM/Storage: 8 GB / 256 GB
- Battery: 5000 mAh, 150 W fast charge
- OS: Realme UI 5 on Android 14
How to Choose the Right One for You
Pick the phone that aligns with your priorities. If you value software longevity above all, the Pixel 7a is hard to beat. For a large, buttery display, Samsung’s A54 or OnePlus Nord 3 deliver. Need a stylus? Motorola has you covered. And if raw performance and rapid charging excite you, look at the Realme GT Neo 3 or Xiaomi 13 Lite.
Final Thoughts
2024 has finally made the €400 bracket feel like a playground for serious tech. Whether you’re snapping photos, binge‑watching on a crisp OLED screen, or hunting for a reliable 5G companion, the models listed above give you a solid mix of performance, design and future‑proofing without demanding a premium paycheck.
