The right price. In an uncertain economic context, affording the latest in smartphones, such as the iPhone 14 (sold from 1,019 euros), is far from being within the reach of the greatest number. Faced with galloping inflation, many prefer to invest only in an entry-level model. An almost systematic choice, when it comes to a first smartphone for a teenager. Manufacturers have understood this and compete with competitive offers in the segment of smartphones sold around 200 euros.
At this price, no 5G, nor advanced photo functions. Even less ultra-powerful processor. Or a 120 Hz panel to flatter gamers. But as “20 Minutes” has seen, the low-cost smartphone market is full of versatile devices, with a comfortable screen size and good battery life.
For an XXL screen: Samsung Galaxy A13
the Galaxy A13 from Samsung is a 4G smartphone with a 6.6-inch Full HD + (1,080 x 2,408 pixels) LCD screen, with a neat finish. It is immediately noticed by its cloud of rear sensors: 50 megapixels; 5 megapixel ultra wide-angle; 2 megapixel macro and 2 megapixel depth of field. Not to mention its 8-megapixel wide-angle front sensor.
Like others, the A13 uses technology from the pixel binning for its shots: each pixel of its main sensor is made up of four sub-pixels that absorb more light. On arrival, brighter photos. Wanting to be tough, the A13 incorporates a 5,000 mAh battery and is compatible with 15 watt charging (which is not considered fast). The charging block is not supplied. 199 euros (in 64 GB expandable).
Our opinion : If Samsung wants to impress the gallery with an a priori generous photo section, the results obtained remain fairly conventional, in line with what we can expect from a smartphone around 200 euros. In Full HD (front or rear), the videos are more flattering. Be careful, there is no waterproofing here, and the smartphone slab, which is only 60 Hz, risks leaving video game fades on their end.
For comfortable autonomy: Oppo A76
With his 4G smartphone A76, Oppo plays the card of simplicity. Behind the bluish shell of this 6.56-inch screen terminal is a lightweight (189 grams) master key, with a design that is ultimately quite flattering. HD + (1,612 x 720 pixels), its panel offers a refresh rate of up to 90 Hz.
Its two photo sensors (13 megapixels on the one hand and 2 megapixel depth of field sensor on the other hand) deliver correct results with good light, but perfectible as soon as night falls. At the front, its 8 megapixels are enough for most selfies. Notable point, a 5,000 mAh battery, supported by a fast charge of 33 watts (charging unit provided). 229 euros (128 GB expandable).
Our opinion : Attractive with its wide screen, the Oppo A76 obviously makes some concessions to sell its terminal for just over 200 euros: LCD panel and not OLED, very “plastic” manufacturing, medium photo section and lack of waterproofing. But the great autonomy of this smartphone (2 days according to our tests) becomes here an argument that many others do not necessarily have.
To take care of your selfies: Motorola Moto g32
Full HD + (2,400 x 1,080 pixels), the 6.5-inch LCD screen with a 90 Hz refresh rate of the motorcycle g32 is part of his arguments. And unlike others at this price point, the device is equipped with two speakers. With its three photo sensors (50 megapixels: 8 megapixels ultra-wide-angle and 2 megapixels macro), this all-rounder which weighs only 184 grams is also weighted with an eight-core processor (Snapdragon 680, also present on the Oppo A96 and Realme 9i). Its 5,000 mAh battery remains common to most smartphones in its range. 249 euros (128 GB expandable).
Our opinion : Ranking among the best equipped in its class, the Moto g32 is also good at selfies, with its 16 megapixel front sensor (against 8 most often), with a powerful Portrait mode and many filter proposals. But who can do more, can do less: there remains 4G and not 5G.
To film in 4K: Poco M5S
Poco? Brand of the Xiaomi group, this manufacturer invests in the segment of smartphones at low prices, as with this elegant M5S. In a market where low-cost terminals whose screen is only LCD, this new 4G model is displayed with a 6.43-inch AMOLED panel (2,400 x 1,080 pixels). This is a definite advantage, which guarantees a more contrasting image. The other side of the coin, it is only 60 Hz.
Special feature: the terminal, very light at 179 grams, detects ambient light at 360° and thus adapts its brightness. Featuring a 64-megapixel main sensor (plus an 8-megapixel ultra-wide-angle, and 2-megapixel macro and portrait sensors), the M5S shoots up to 4K at 30 frames / second, a rare feature on a device at this price. At the front, a 13 megapixel camera that films in Full HD. 249 euros (128 GB expandable).
Our opinion : Full HD + with AMOLED screen, and two stereo speakers, this smartphone is a good choice for heavy video consumers. With its 5,000 mAh battery, its good autonomy of almost two days is an asset, but we regret that Pocco sells the 33 W charger separately, which allows it to charge quickly. Good point nevertheless: it is the only smartphone of our selection which benefits from a protection index against dust and splashes (IP53).