Best Budget Phone of 2026

The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold represents a significant leap forward from the original Pixel Fold, addressing nearly every criticism leveled at its predecessor while establishing itself as a serious contender in the foldable smartphone market. This device takes a phone first, tablet second approach with a 6.3 inch outer display that matches the standard Pixel 9 Pro in size, paired with an expansive 8 inch inner screen that delivers exceptional brightness and clarity. Powered by the Tensor G4 chip with 16GB of RAM, the device handles demanding tasks smoothly while delivering battery life that outpaces competitors like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 by more than three hours in testing. The camera system maintains Pixel quality standards with a 48MP main sensor, 10.5MP ultrawide with macro capabilities, and a 10.8MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom, though it makes some compromises compared to the flagship Pixel 9 Pro models. Google engineered this foldable to be remarkably thin, measuring just 5.1mm when unfolded, making it one of the slimmest foldables available globally.

The Google Pixel 9 marks a significant aesthetic departure from its predecessor, introducing flat aluminum edges, matte finishes, and an oval-shaped camera bar that immediately distinguishes the device in hand. Powered by Google's fourth-generation Tensor G4 processor paired with 12GB of RAM, the base model represents Google's most refined Android phone to date in terms of physical construction and software coherence. The 6.3-inch Actua OLED display reaches 2,700 nits peak brightness and delivers exceptional color accuracy with a 120Hz refresh rate, though a recurring pink vertical line defect has emerged affecting some units after months of use. Where the Pixel 9 genuinely excels is computational photography—the dual camera system consistently captures publication-worthy images without manual adjustment—and the industry-leading promise of seven years of major operating system upgrades plus security patches. However, the Tensor G4's thermal efficiency problems create measurable performance degradation under sustained load, throttling to approximately 50 percent of maximum capability during stress testing, which undermines its premium positioning. Real-world battery life has improved substantially, delivering 24+ hours of typical mixed use, while AI-powered features like the "Add Me" photo tool demonstrate practical utility beyond marketing rhetoric. For users prioritizing computational photography and long-term software support over cutting-edge processing power, the Pixel 9 merits consideration; those requiring flagship-level performance or concerned about display quality control should examine competing alternatives.

The TCL QM7K QLED represents a compelling mid-range mini-LED television that delivers professional-grade picture quality without premium pricing. Released in 2025, this quantum dot display features up to 2,800 local dimming zones, impressive HDR brightness reaching over 1,700 nits, and native 144Hz refresh rates that cater equally to cinephiles and competitive gamers. The television's standout feature is TCL's proprietary Halo Control technology, which effectively minimizes the blooming artifacts that typically plague mini-LED displays. With Bang \& Olufsen-tuned audio, comprehensive HDR format support including Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+, and Google TV smart platform integration, the QM7K positions itself as a versatile entertainment hub. Available in six sizes from 55 to 115 inches, this television targets consumers seeking near-flagship performance without the associated cost premium.

The Motorola Razr Plus represents a significant leap forward in foldable flip phone design, primarily distinguished by its oversized cover display that transforms how users interact with a clamshell device. After multiple generations of refinement, Motorola has crafted a flip phone that balances style with genuine utility, making it particularly appealing to content creators and users seeking a compact form factor without sacrificing functionality. The device delivers smooth performance powered by flagship processors, features bright and vivid displays, and introduces a gapless folding design that feels premium in hand. While camera performance lags behind traditional flagship smartphones and some users report durability concerns with the folding mechanism, the Razr Plus successfully makes the case for flip phones as practical daily drivers rather than novelty devices.

The Honor Magic V5 enters a competitive foldable market with audacity, positioning itself as one of the thinnest book-style foldables available while refusing to compromise on core functionality. At just 4.1mm unfolded and 8.8mm folded, this device challenges conventional thinking about what's possible in foldable engineering. Beyond its slender dimensions, the Magic V5 packs a Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, a 5,820mAh silicon-carbon battery, and a triple camera system that genuinely competes with dedicated camera phones. Honor's collaboration with Google on AI features brings practical utility to the software experience, even if the MagicOS interface itself shows its age. With IP58/IP59 dust and water resistance ratings that surpass competitors, seven years of promised software support, and pricing that undercuts Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7, the Magic V5 presents a compelling proposition for users seeking alternatives to the Korean giant's foldable dominance.