Best Phones Under $400 in 2026
Under $400 you can get an iPhone 15 with USB-C and Dynamic Island (renewed), an iPhone 13 Pro Max with triple cameras and 120Hz (renewed), a Google Pixel 9a with best-in-class camera (new), or a Samsung Galaxy A36 5G (new). The under-$400 phone market in 2026 is the best it's ever been.
The under-$400 phone sweet spot in 2026 centers around the iPhone 13 renewed ($265) and iPhone 15 renewed ($389). Both offer 5G, MagSafe, and Apple ecosystem integration at a fraction of new iPhone pricing. The iPhone 13 at $265 is the #1 bestselling phone on all of Amazon — a remarkable endorsement from real buyers.
For new Android phones under $400, the Google Pixel 9a ($449) just misses the cutoff but is worth mentioning, while the Samsung Galaxy A36 5G ($307) delivers AMOLED, rugged design, and 5G connectivity with a US Samsung warranty. The Moto G Stylus 5G ($219) is the best new Android strictly under $400 with a built-in stylus and 256GB storage.
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G 2024 8GB 256GB Unlocked
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G 2024 with built-in stylus, 8GB RAM, 256GB storage, 50MP camera, 5G, and long battery life. Made for US. Best mid-range Android with stylus under $220.
Best balance of performance, quality and value.
- ✔ Built-in stylus
- ✔ 8GB RAM
- ✔ 256GB storage
📊 Compare Top Technology
Side-by-side comparison of our top 3 picks.
| Product | Rating | Best For | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
|
🏆 Top Pick
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G 2024 8GB 256GB Unlocked
|
★★★★★
|
Android buyers who want a built-in stylus and 256GB storage under $220 | 👉 See Best Price |
💰 Best Value
Motorola Moto G Power 5G 2024 8GB 128GB Unlocked
|
★★★★☆
|
Budget Android buyers who want 5G, 8GB RAM, and 128GB storage under $130 | Check on Amazon |
🪶 Budget
Apple iPhone 11 64GB Unlocked Renewed
|
★★★★☆
|
Budget buyers who want the most proven renewed iPhone with maximum review count under $180 | Check on Amazon |
Best Phones Under $400 by Category
Best renewed iPhone under $300: iPhone 13 ($265, #1 bestseller) — 5G, MagSafe, A15 Bionic, 128GB. Best renewed iPhone under $400: iPhone 15 ($389) — USB-C, Dynamic Island, 48MP camera, A16 Bionic. Best renewed Pro under $400: iPhone 13 Pro Max ($404, just over) or iPhone 13 Pro ($332) — triple cameras and 120Hz ProMotion. Best new Android under $220: Moto G Stylus 5G ($219) — built-in stylus, 256GB, 8GB RAM, 4.5 rating. Best new Samsung under $320: Galaxy A36 5G ($307) — AMOLED, rugged, 5G, Samsung warranty. Best camera under $450: Google Pixel 9a ($449) — technically over budget but best camera at the price range.
iPhone 13 vs iPhone 14 Renewed — Which Is Better Value?
iPhone 13 ($265): A15 Bionic, 5G, MagSafe, Cinematic video, 128GB. Lightning charging. #1 bestseller. iPhone 14 ($290): Same A15 Bionic chip as iPhone 13, adds Crash Detection and Emergency SOS satellite. Still Lightning. The honest answer: the iPhone 14 uses the same A15 chip as the iPhone 13. The main additions are Crash Detection and Emergency SOS satellite — useful safety features but not performance upgrades. The $25 difference is worth it for the safety features, but it's not a dramatic upgrade in daily performance. Jump to iPhone 15 ($389) if you want USB-C and Dynamic Island — those are meaningful upgrades over both iPhone 13 and 14.
🔥 Top Picks: Technology
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G 2024 8GB 256GB Unlocked
Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G 2024 with built-in stylus, 8GB RAM, 256GB storage, 50MP camera, 5G, and long battery life. Made for US. Best mid-range Android with stylus under $220.
See Today's Best Deal on Amazon →- Built-in stylus
- 8GB RAM
- 256GB storage
- 50MP camera
- 5G
- Under $220
- 2.7K reviews
- 4.5 rating
- Motorola slower software updates
- No wireless charging
- Plastic build
- Stylus basic vs S Pen
Best for: Android buyers who want a built-in stylus and 256GB storage under $220
See Today's Best Deal on Amazon → ✔ Free shipping · Easy returns
Motorola Moto G Power 5G 2024 8GB 128GB Unlocked
Motorola Moto G Power 5G 2024 with 8GB RAM, 128GB storage, 50MP camera, 5G connectivity, and long battery life. Made for US. Best-selling budget Android under $130.
See Today's Best Deal on Amazon →- 5G
- 8GB RAM
- 128GB storage
- 50MP camera
- Long battery
- Under $130
- 5K+ reviews
- Made for US
- Motorola software updates slower
- No wireless charging
- Plastic build
- Basic processor
Best for: Budget Android buyers who want 5G, 8GB RAM, and 128GB storage under $130
See Today's Best Deal on Amazon → ✔ Free shipping · Easy returns
Apple iPhone 11 64GB Unlocked Renewed
Apple iPhone 11 with A13 Bionic chip, 6.1-inch Liquid Retina display, dual 12MP cameras, Face ID, and all-day battery life. Most reviewed renewed iPhone on Amazon.
See Today's Best Deal on Amazon →- 58K+ reviews most reviewed
- A13 Bionic
- 6.1-inch display
- Dual cameras
- Face ID
- Under $180
- No 5G
- Older model 2019
- 64GB only
- 60Hz display
- Lightning not USB-C
Best for: Budget buyers who want the most proven renewed iPhone with maximum review count under $180
See Today's Best Deal on Amazon → ✔ Free shipping · Easy returns
Apple iPhone 13 128GB Unlocked Renewed
Apple iPhone 13 with A15 Bionic chip, 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display, dual 12MP cameras with Cinematic mode, Face ID, 5G, and MagSafe. Most reviewed renewed phone in the top 50.
See Today's Best Deal on Amazon →- A15 Bionic
- 5G
- MagSafe
- Cinematic video
- 128GB
- 19K+ reviews
- #1 bestseller
- 4.1 rating
- 60Hz display
- No Dynamic Island
- Lightning not USB-C
- Renewed condition
Best for: Buyers who want the most popular renewed iPhone with 5G and MagSafe under $270
See Today's Best Deal on Amazon → ✔ Free shipping · Easy returns
Apple iPhone 15 128GB Unlocked Renewed
Apple iPhone 15 with A16 Bionic chip, 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED, 48MP main camera, Dynamic Island, USB-C, 5G, MagSafe. First iPhone with USB-C and Dynamic Island in base model.
See Today's Best Deal on Amazon →- USB-C
- Dynamic Island
- 48MP camera
- A16 Bionic
- OLED
- 5G
- MagSafe
- Under $390
- 4.1 rating
- 128GB only
- $390 price
- Renewed condition
- 60Hz display
Best for: Buyers who want USB-C and Dynamic Island in a renewed iPhone under $400
See Today's Best Deal on Amazon → ✔ Free shipping · Easy returns
Apple iPhone XR 64GB Unlocked Renewed
Apple iPhone XR with A12 Bionic chip, 6.1-inch Liquid Retina display, Face ID, 12MP camera, and all-day battery life. Second most reviewed renewed phone on Amazon with 59,000+ reviews.
See Today's Best Deal on Amazon →- 59K+ reviews
- 4.4 rating
- A12 Bionic
- Face ID
- 6.1-inch display
- Under $150
- No 5G
- 2018 model
- Single camera
- Lightning not USB-C
- 64GB only
Best for: Budget buyers who want highest-rated renewed iPhone under $150 with maximum proven reviews
See Today's Best Deal on Amazon → ✔ Free shipping · Easy returns
Samsung Galaxy A16 4G 128GB International Unlocked
Samsung Galaxy A16 4G with 128GB storage, 4GB RAM, 6.7-inch display, 50MP triple camera, dual SIM. International model factory unlocked. Samsung brand under $135.
See Today's Best Deal on Amazon →- Samsung brand
- 50MP triple camera
- 6.7-inch display
- Dual SIM
- Under $135
- 3.5K reviews
- 4G not 5G
- International model
- 4GB RAM only
- Basic processor
- No NFC on all versions
Best for: Samsung brand buyers who want a budget large-screen Android with dual SIM under $135
See Today's Best Deal on Amazon → ✔ Free shipping · Easy returns
Samsung Galaxy A16 4G 128GB 2025 Dual SIM 90Hz AMOLED
Samsung Galaxy A16 4G 2025 with 90Hz AMOLED display, 50MP camera, splash resistant, 8-core processor, dual SIM, 25W fast charger bundle included. Factory unlocked international.
See Today's Best Deal on Amazon →- 90Hz AMOLED
- 50MP camera
- Splash resistant
- 25W fast charger included
- Dual SIM
- Under $130
- 4G not 5G
- International model
- Basic processor
- No wireless charging
- Limited US warranty
Best for: Samsung buyers who want AMOLED and fast charger included in budget Android under $130
See Today's Best Deal on Amazon → ✔ Free shipping · Easy returns
Tracfone Motorola Moto g Play 2024 64GB 6.5 inch 90Hz
Tracfone Motorola Moto g Play 2024 with 6.5-inch 90Hz display, 50MP camera, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage. Includes 1500 min/text/MB and 365-day service plan. Best value prepaid Android.
See Today's Best Deal on Amazon →- Cheapest at $50
- Service plan included
- 90Hz display
- 50MP camera
- 6.5-inch
- 1.8K reviews
- Locked to Tracfone
- 64GB only
- 4GB RAM
- No 5G
- Prepaid carrier restrictions
Best for: Buyers who want the absolute cheapest smartphone with a service plan included under $50
See Today's Best Deal on Amazon → ✔ Free shipping · Easy returns
Samsung Galaxy A36 5G 256GB 120Hz AMOLED IP67 2025
Samsung Galaxy A36 5G 2025 with 256GB, dual SIM, 6.7-inch 120Hz AMOLED, IP67 water resistant, Android 15, 25W fast charger bundle. International model for T-Mobile and global.
See Today's Best Deal on Amazon →- 256GB
- 120Hz AMOLED
- IP67
- Android 15
- 25W fast charger included
- Dual SIM
- 5G
- International model
- 243 reviews new
- Limited US warranty
- IP67 not IP68
Best for: Buyers who want 256GB and 120Hz AMOLED with IP67 in the A36 under $280
See Today's Best Deal on Amazon → ✔ Free shipping · Easy returnsWant to see all our top picks? 👉 Explore all Technology →
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best phone under $400 in 2026?
Our top pick is the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G 2024 8GB 256GB Unlocked. For best overall: iPhone 13 renewed ($265, #1 Amazon bestseller). For best features under $400: iPhone 15 renewed ($389, USB-C + Dynamic Island). For best new Android: Moto G Stylus 5G ($219) or Samsung Galaxy A36 5G ($307).
Is a renewed iPhone 13 still worth buying in 2026?
Yes — clearly. The iPhone 13 runs iOS 18 and will receive iOS 19 in 2026. It has 5G, MagSafe, A15 Bionic chip (the same chip Apple used in the iPhone 14), and excellent cameras. At $265 with 19,000+ reviews as a renewed phone, it represents exceptional value. Apple will likely support it through at least 2027.
Should I buy new or renewed under $400?
Under $400, renewed iPhones deliver significantly more hardware capability than new Android phones at the same price. An iPhone 13 renewed ($265) outperforms most new Android phones at $265 in raw performance and software longevity. The trade-off: renewed condition vs new Android warranty. For buyers who prioritize performance and iOS, renewed iPhone wins. For buyers who want a new device with full warranty, Samsung Galaxy A36 5G ($307) is the best option.