Affordable Phone Review: Comparing the Latest Budget Releases
In today’s fast-paced tech world, finding a budget-friendly smartphone that doesn’t compromise on performance, features, or design is a top priority for many consumers. With flagship phones often exceeding $1,000, budget releases offer compelling alternatives that deliver impressive specs at a fraction of the cost. In this post, we’ll compare three of the latest affordable smartphones released in 2025: the Google Pixel 7a, Samsung Galaxy A35, and Poco X7 Pro. We’ll evaluate their performance, camera quality, battery life, and overall value to help you decide which one suits your needs.
The Contenders
Google Pixel 7a
- Price: ~$449
- Key Specs: Google Tensor G2 chip, 6.1-inch OLED (90Hz), 6GB RAM, 128GB storage, 4385mAh battery, 13MP main camera + 13MP ultrawide, Android 15.
- Standout Feature: Exceptional AI-powered software and camera processing.
Samsung Galaxy A35
- Price: ~$399
- Key Specs: Exynos 1380, 6.6-inch Super AMOLED (120Hz), 6GB RAM, 128GB storage, 5000mAh battery, 50MP main camera + 8MP ultrawide + 5MP macro, One UI 7.
- Standout Feature: Vibrant AMOLED display and long software support.
Poco X7 Pro
- Price: ~$349
- Key Specs: MediaTek Dimensity 7300, 6.67-inch AMOLED (120Hz), 8GB RAM, 256GB storage, 5500mAh battery, 50MP main camera + 8MP ultrawide, HyperOS 2.0.
- Standout Feature: High performance and large battery at a low price.
Performance and Software
The Pixel 7a benefits from Google’s Tensor G2 chip, the same processor found in the higher-end Pixel 7 series. It handles multitasking, gaming, and AI tasks like voice recognition and photo editing with ease. Android 15 offers a clean, bloat-free experience with guaranteed updates until 2028, making it a future-proof choice.
The Samsung Galaxy A35 uses the Exynos 1380, a capable mid-range chip that performs well for everyday tasks and light gaming. Samsung’s One UI 7 is feature-rich, though it includes some pre-installed apps that may feel unnecessary. Samsung promises four years of OS updates, which is excellent for a budget phone.
The Poco X7 Pro stands out with the MediaTek Dimensity 7300, offering near-flagship performance for gaming and heavy apps. HyperOS 2.0 is snappy but less polished than Google or Samsung’s offerings, and update longevity is less certain, typically lasting two years.
Winner: Pixel 7a for its smooth performance and long-term software support.
Camera Quality
The Pixel 7a continues Google’s legacy of stellar photography. Its 13MP main camera, paired with Google’s computational photography, delivers vibrant, detailed shots in various lighting conditions. The 13MP ultrawide is solid for landscapes, though it lacks a macro lens.
The Galaxy A35 boasts a 50MP main camera that performs well in daylight, producing sharp images with Samsung’s signature vibrant colors. The 8MP ultrawide is decent but struggles in low light, and the 5MP macro lens feels like an afterthought.
The Poco X7 Pro also features a 50MP main camera, which is impressive for the price, but its image processing isn’t as refined as Google’s or Samsung’s. The 8MP ultrawide is adequate, but low-light performance lags behind.
Winner: Pixel 7a for its superior image processing and consistency across lighting conditions.
Battery Life
The Poco X7 Pro takes the lead with its 5500mAh battery, easily lasting a full day of heavy use and often stretching into a second day. It also supports 90W fast charging, fully charging in under 30 minutes.
The Galaxy A35 has a 5000mAh battery, offering excellent endurance for a full day of use. Its 25W charging is slower but sufficient for most users.
The Pixel 7a has the smallest battery at 4385mAh, which is adequate for a day of moderate use but may require a top-up for heavy users. Its 18W charging is the slowest of the trio.
Winner: Poco X7 Pro for its massive battery and ultra-fast charging.
Design and Display
All three phones feature modern designs with slim bezels and premium-feeling materials. The Pixel 7a has a 6.1-inch OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, offering smooth scrolling and vibrant colors. Its compact size is great for one-handed use.
The Galaxy A35 sports a 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for media consumption. Its larger size may feel less pocketable, but the display quality is top-notch.
The Poco X7 Pro has a 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, matching the Galaxy A35 in smoothness and color accuracy. Its design is sleek, though the plastic back feels slightly less premium.
Winner: Galaxy A35 for its larger, vibrant AMOLED display with a higher refresh rate.
Value for Money
At $449, the Pixel 7a is the priciest but justifies its cost with unmatched software, camera quality, and long-term updates. It’s ideal for those who value a polished experience and photography.
The Galaxy A35, at $399, offers a great balance of features, especially for display enthusiasts and those who prefer Samsung’s ecosystem. Its long update promise adds to its value.
The Poco X7 Pro, at $349, is the cheapest and delivers incredible performance and battery life for the price. It’s the best choice for gamers or those prioritizing raw power on a tight budget.
- Choose the Pixel 7a if you want the best camera, clean software, and long-term updates.
- Choose the Galaxy A35 if you prioritize a stunning display and a reliable all-around experience.
- Choose the Poco X7 Pro if you need maximum performance and battery life on a strict budget.
Each of these budget smartphones brings something unique to the table, proving that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a great device in 2025. Let us know in the comments which one you’d pick or if there’s another budget phone you’re excited about!
