A new phone has caught my eye called Nuu B30 Pro 5G, available for $299. It impressed me with its MediaTek Dimensity 7050 chipset and 12 GB of RAM, making it a great choice for gaming. The 120-Hz AMOLED screen adds to its appeal, especially considering its price point. However, Nuu only promises two years of software updates, and it comes with Android 13 pre-installed. The camera quality is mediocre, and it only works on T-Mobile’s network. If gaming is your priority and you can overlook these drawbacks, this phone might suit your needs.
Another option to consider is the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE, which drops in price to $500. It runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset, offering strong performance. The triple-camera system, long battery life, and 6.4-inch AMOLED screen make it a reliable choice. It will receive Android updates until 2027, with four more years of security updates.
I do not recommend buying Motorola’s Moto G series phones from 2023 or earlier due to the lack of software upgrades. It’s better to invest in newer models or consider last year’s flagship phones, which may have discounted prices. Keep in mind that you may sacrifice software support, but it could still be better than what budget phones offer.
5G connectivity is becoming more common, so try to choose a phone that supports this network for better performance. Most phones we recommend here support sub-6 5G, even those priced at $200.
When purchasing an unlocked phone, ensure it is compatible with your wireless carrier by transferring your current SIM card. If you need a new SIM, you can order one online or obtain one from your carrier. Check the phone’s compatibility with your carrier’s LTE or 5G bands for optimal performance.
Verizon users should be cautious as unlocked phones may not work on their network unless specifically labeled as compatible. Contact customer service if you encounter issues, especially with CDMA-less roaming. AT&T and T-Mobile are GSM carriers, making them more compatible with unlocked phones.
