Best smartphone under €400: good phones that last
Under €400, pick a phone with at least five years of security updates, an OLED screen at 90 to 120 Hz and a reliable main camera. The Samsung Galaxy A series and Google's Pixel a phones are the safest bets.
What to look for
Our picks
Samsung Galaxy A36 5G
A balanced 2025 phone with an AMOLED screen, IP67 and six years of promised updates.
Google Pixel 9a
Strong photo processing and seven years of updates; check that the current price fits your budget.
Android phone under €250 with at least 4 years of updates
For calls, chat and maps, a cheaper phone is enough if the maker commits to long updates.
Picks are based on published specs and common review findings. Prices and availability change daily; use "Live price" to check.
Buying tips
- Check the update promise on the maker's website before buying, not just the launch year.
- Last year's model at a discount is often better value than this year's cheaper model.
- A phone with 128 GB fills up fast if you shoot 4K video; use cloud backup or choose 256 GB.
Questions and answers
How many years of updates should a phone under €400 get?
Aim for at least five years of security updates. Since June 2025, EU rules require makers of new phones to provide updates for at least five years after the model is no longer sold.
Is a refurbished flagship a better buy than a new mid-range phone?
It can be, as long as it still has several years of updates left and comes with a warranty. Check the battery health and the remaining update period first.