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Independent phone advice  ·  No sponsored rankings  ·  UK & US coverage  ·  Updated for 2026
Reviewed 6 August 2026 Core specifications checked against manufacturer sources. Prices are market-specific snapshots and retailer offers can change.
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Mid-range buying guide · UK

Is there a good phone under £400?

Yes — and you no longer need to accept a bad camera, slow screen or two-year lifespan. These are the three sub-£400 phones we would shortlist, with the trade-offs made clear.

The short answer

Buy the Samsung Galaxy A56 if you want the safest all-rounder. Choose the Google Pixel 9a if camera quality and seven years of updates matter most. Pick the Nothing Phone (3a) if you want the lowest price, distinctive design and a real telephoto camera.

Best phones under £400 at a glance

PhonePrice when checkedBest forMain compromise
Samsung Galaxy A56about £300–£370Best all-rounderNo wireless charging
Google Pixel 9afrom £399Camera and support128GB at entry level
Nothing Phone (3a)from £299Design and zoomShorter support than Pixel
01 · Best all-rounder
Samsung Galaxy A56 product photo
Best overall under £400

Samsung Galaxy A56

The A56 is the most balanced choice: a large 6.7-inch 120Hz AMOLED display, 5,000mAh battery, 45W charging, 50MP main camera and six generations of Android upgrades. It feels polished without asking flagship money.

Display6.7-inch AMOLED, 120Hz
Battery5,000mAh
Camera50MP main
Support6 OS generations

Why we picked it

It has the fewest weak spots and the strongest mix of screen, battery, storage and support.

What we don’t like

It is a large phone, has no wireless charging and the secondary cameras are ordinary.

Who should buy it

Anyone who wants a dependable phone for messaging, streaming, photos and work.

Who should skip it

Buyers who prioritise low-light photography or prefer a compact phone.

Closest alternative

Google Pixel 9a if camera processing and longer updates matter more.

Check current deals

02 · Best camera and software
Google Pixel 9a product photo
Best camera under £400

Google Pixel 9a

The Pixel 9a combines a 6.3-inch 120Hz OLED, Tensor G4, 48MP main camera, wireless charging, IP68 protection and a 5,100mAh battery. Google promises seven years of OS, security and Pixel Drop updates.

Display6.3-inch OLED, 120Hz
Battery5,100mAh
Camera48MP main
Support7 years

Why we picked it

Its photo processing, clean software and long support window make it easy to keep.

What we don’t like

Charging is slower than rivals and the base 128GB can feel tight for heavy video use.

Who should buy it

Photo-first buyers who want a smaller phone and reliable long-term updates.

Who should skip it

Gamers, fast-charging fans and anyone who needs 256GB at the lowest price.

Closest alternative

Samsung Galaxy A56 for a larger screen, faster wired charging and better-value storage.

Check current deals

03 · Best value with optical zoom
Nothing Phone (3a) product photo
Best design and telephoto

Nothing Phone (3a)

At £299 when checked, the Phone (3a) is the cheapest pick here. It still gives you a 6.77-inch 120Hz AMOLED display, Snapdragon 7s Gen 3, 5,000mAh battery, 50W charging and a proper 50MP telephoto camera.

Display6.77-inch AMOLED, 120Hz
Battery5,000mAh
Zoom50MP telephoto
Charging50W wired

Why we picked it

It offers unusual hardware and character at the lowest price in this shortlist.

What we don’t like

The Glyph design divides opinion and its update promise trails Google’s.

Who should buy it

Value hunters who want fast charging, real zoom and a phone that looks different.

Who should skip it

Buyers who prefer small phones, maximum water resistance or the longest support.

Closest alternative

Google Pixel 9a for more dependable camera processing and longer support.

Check current deals

What about an iPhone under £400?

Apple does not currently sell a new iPhone below £400. Your realistic route is a refurbished iPhone 14 or iPhone 15 from a reputable seller that provides a warranty and battery-health information. See our refurbished phone guide before buying.

Frequently asked questions

Is £400 enough for a good phone?

Yes. You give up the fastest chips and the most advanced cameras, but the best sub-£400 phones are fast, durable, well supported and comfortable for everyday use.

Which phone under £400 has the best camera?

The Google Pixel 9a is our camera pick because its processing is dependable across portraits, indoor shots and low light.

Which is the safest all-round choice?

The Samsung Galaxy A56. It has the strongest balance of display, battery, storage, software support and familiar after-sales support.

Keep comparing

Best phones under £300

Spend less without buying something frustrating.

View guide

Best camera phones under £500

More camera quality without flagship pricing.

View guide

Galaxy A56 vs Pixel 9a

Compare the two strongest all-round options directly.

Compare now