Best smartphones under $200

Every planning to purchase a smartphone started with a budget. Breaking the myth, you don't always need to go for high-end devices to get all the features. Numerous smartphones are offering a smooth experience at a low and budgeted price. Here we have crafted a list of such devices that will cost you less than $200.

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Best smartphones under $200

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  Moto G Fast- $200

  
  

The Moto G Fast tops the list considering all the features the device offers at this price. Launched in June 2020, the smartphone boosts Android 10 out of the box layered with a 6.4 inch IPS LCD panel. It draws power from an octa-core processor based on Snapdragon 665 and Adreno 610 GPU.



A triple rear camera led by a 16 MP sensor is used for photography. The other lenses detail the picture with a help of an 8 MP ultrawide unit and a 2 MP macro sensor. On the front, you will get an 8 MP snapper for selfies and video calls. Further, there's a standard 4000 mAh battery supporting 10W of charging over a USB Type-C 2.0 port.

• 
  

  Moto G Play- $170

  
  

Moto G Play is the perfect launch of the year under this price category. A standard 6.5 inch IPS LCD panel will be handy to function Android 10. Moreover, the body has a Water-repellent coating protecting it from splash and rain. It runs Snapdragon 460 under the hood paired with an octa-core processor and Adreno 610 GPU.



In the optics department, a 13MP primary camera along with a 2MP sensor to measure depth is housed on the rear side. While the front carries a 5MP selfie cam. A 5000 mAh power cell is enough to provide a day of routine functioning. It supports 10W of normal Charging over a USB Type-C 2.0 port.

• 
  

  Nokia 2.4- $140

  
  

Like the rest of the smartphones, Nokia 2.4 also compromises with some specs but is a great deal at this price. It features a 6.5 inch HD+ LCD powered by Mediatek Helio P22 chipset. This 2020 launched device also fuels Android 10 out of the box.



A 13 MP + 2 MP camera setup is crafted on the back side while the front facing 5MP lens is something you can put second thoughts on, but it does the job. It ships with a decent 4500 mAh battery that supports charging over a microUSB 2.0 port

• 
  

  Blackview BV5900- $130

  
  

If you are a clumsy lad or have a physically demanding job, the rugged Blackview BV5900 is the best option for you. The solid phone has durable ratings to survive splash up to five feet. It has a 5.7 inch display that is easy to hold for butterfingers. But, it runs the old Android 9 pie powered by MediaTek MT6761 Quad-core processor.



The company claims that the device could give 60 hours of standby time in a single charge of a 5580 mAh battery. Also, the phone is not meant for photography but it has a 13MP + 0.3MP rear camer and a 5MP lens on the front side.

• 
  

  Redmi Note 9- $180

  
  

The Redmi Note 9 by Xiaomi is inexpensive yet the most reliable smartphone fromt the list. The device made its debut last year featuring a 6.53 inch HD+ LCD with a Water-repellent coating and Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection. It run Android 10 MIUI 12 pre installed that draws power from Helio G85 chipset.



The Redmi Note 9 offers a surprisingly decent 48MP quad camera in this range. The other sensors include an 8MP ultrawide unit, and a couple of 2MP snappers for macro and depth aspects. The front cam is also great with a 13MP shooter. It ships with a 5020 mAh battery which claims to provide a 125H of backup. The cell supports 18W of Fast charging and 9W of Reverse charging.

• 
  

  Samsung Galaxy A12- $176

  
  

Samsung devices are best if you want to keep your device up to date with the latest features. Though not expensive, the Galaxy A12 also offers the best of Samsung starting with a 6.5 inch edge-to-edge display. It fuels Mediatek Helio P35 SoC based on an Octa-core processor and PowerVR GE8320 GPU. Underneath, it offers Android 10 by default but again, it is good with updates!



The camera quality is also good, thanks to the 48MP quad rear setup. Accompanying this is the 5MP ultrawide lens, a 2MP macro shooter, and a 2MP depth sensor. While there's a stadard 8MP snapper on the other side. It packa a generous 5000 mAh battery that canbe charged via 15W fast charger.

• 
  

  OnePlus Nord N100 (64GB)- $ 180

  
  

Though OnePlus is known for its premium flagships that offer extensive features in less range. The Nord series is meant for the budget-ers. The 64GB variant of OnePlus Nord N100 falls under this category. It flaunts a 6.52 inch HD+ display protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3. Underneath, it runs Snapdragon 460 along with Android 10 OS based OxygenOS 10.5.9. To mention, the Nord series are set to receive only a single major OS update.



It carries a triple rear camera setup consisitng of a 13MP primary sensor and a coupke fo 2MP macro and depth shooters. On the other side, there's an 8MP selfie snapper. Like other devices, it also packa a standard 5000 mAh power cell which can be backed up by a 18W of fast charger.

• 
  

  Moto G Power 2021- $187

  
  

Motorola has the best smartphones to offer in a budget segment. There's again a Motorola device to the rescue— Moto G Power (2021). It features a Water-repellent coating on a 6.6 inch IPS LCD panel. It draws power from an octa-core processor based on Snapdragon 662 and Adreno 610 GPU



It has the best camera quality offered by Motorola with 48MP triple setup. The other include two 2MPs sensors for macro and depth measurement. A 5000 mAh battery backs up the device that suports Fast charging of 15W over a USB Type-C 2.0 port.

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Xiaomi Mi 10T Lite grabs MIUI 12.5 Enhanced edition update

After the Mi 10T and Mi 10T Pro, Xiaomi is sending MIUI 12.5 Enhanced edition to the Mi 10T Lite. The device was officially launched last year in September with Android 10 along with MIUI 12 skin on top.

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The latest update for the global variants of Mi 10T Lite is arriving on firmware version V12.5.3.0.RJSMIXM. Talking about changes, the package carry all that we expect from MIUI 12.5 enhanced. Moreover, it improves security by inculcating the October 2021 security patch. Further, the changelog claims to bring a variety of fixes in the lock screen, status bar, and notification shade.

Changelog

• MIUI12.5 Enhanced
  
  
  
  • Swift performance: More life between the charges.
  
  
  • Focused algorithms: Our new algorithms will dynamically allocate system resources based on specific scenes, ensuring a smooth experience on all models.
  
  
  • Atomized memory: Ultra-fine memory management mechanism will make RAM usage more efficient.
  
  
  • Liquid storage: New sensitive storage mechanisms will keep your system vibrant and responsive as time goes by.
  
  
  
  


• System
  
  
  
  • Updated Android Security Patch to October 2021. Increased system security.
  
  
  
  


• Lock screen
  
  
  
  • New: New fingerprint options
  
  
  • Optimization: App vault memory usage when the device is locked
  
  
  • Fix: Screen flashed after locking when Super wallpapers were used
  
  
  • Fix: Wallpapers flashed when Fingerprint unlock was used in some cases
  
  
  • Fix: Display abnormalities occurred when Fingerprint unlock was used with games
  
  
  • Fix: Issues with the fingerprint animation in several scenes
  
  
  • Fix: Fingerprint and Face unlock were turned off after a SIM card was installed
  
  
  • Fix: The screen flashed when Fingerprint unlock was used with Super wallpapers in some cases
  
  
  • Fix: "Raise to wake" turned off unexpectedly in some cases
  
  
  • Fix: Lock screen notifications didn't disappear on time when Fingerprint or Face unlock was used in some cases
  
  
  • Fix: Screen flashed when Fingerprint unlock was used in some cases
  
  
  • Fix: No items except for the status bar were shown on the screen after using Fingerprint unlock
  
  
  • Fix: Issues with the Lock screen clock when third party themes and super wallpapers were used
  
  
  • Fix: Memory usage issues when charging animation was displayed
  
  
  • Fix: Using Face unlock and Fingerprint unlock simultaneously led to crashes in some cases
  
  
  • Fix: Lock screen notifications disappeared after an ended call
  
  
  • Fix: Lock screen items weren't displayed when super wallpapers and themes were combined
  
  
  • Fix: A flashing black line appeared when Fingerprint unlock was used
  
  
  
  


• Status bar, Notification shade
  
  
  
  • Optimization: Algorithms for displaying incoming call notifications
  
  
  • Optimization: Third-party theme compatibility for the Notification shade
  
  
  • Optimization: Dark mode adjustments for notifications
  
  
  • Fix: Floating notifications overlapped when the transparent background was used
  
  
  • Fix: Permission dialog elements overlapped after a notification was long pressed
  
  
  • Fix: Notifications weren't displayed correctly when App lock was used
  
  
  • Fix: Cleaner animations weren't displayed correctly
  
  
  • Fix: Notification shade couldn't be opened in some cases
  
  
  • Fix: Notifications weren't displayed correctly after missed calls
  
  
  • Fix: Issues with permissions after missed calls
  
  
  • Fix: Floating notifications flashed when the Second space was used
  
  
  • Fix: The clock wasn't always displayed correctly in the Notification shade
  
  
  • Fix: Player controls weren't always displayed in the Notification shade
  
  
  • Fix: Notification badges didn't always appear
  
  
  • Fix: Backgrounds weren't displayed correctly when notifications arrived and third party themes were used
  
  
  • Fix: Notifications weren't always displayed correctly when "Raise to Wake" was used
  
  
  • Fix: Buttons weren't always displayed correctly on the notifications when Dark mode was on
  
  
  
  

Related: Xiaomi Mi Mix 4 get a new stable update with MIUI 12.5.9

Read more »

Xiaomi Mi 10T and Mi 10T Pro get MIUI 12.5 Enhanced in India

After the global rollout, the Indian variants of the Xiaomi Mi 10T and Mi 10T Pro are receiving MIUI 12.5 enhanced version based on Android 11. The smartphones were launched in September 2020 boosting Android 10 based MIUI 12 out of the box.

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The new skin for Xiaomi Mi 10T and Mi 10T Pro is rolling out in India via the firmware version V12.5.3.0.RJDINXM weighing 3.8 GB in size. Regarding changes, the major attraction of the update is the extensive features of the MIUI 12.5 enhanced version. Moreover, the changelog claims to bring fixes in the lock screen, status bar, and notification shade.

Changelog

• MIUI12.5 Enhanced
  
  
  
  • Swift performance: More life between the charges.
  
  
  • Focused algorithms: Our new algorithms will dynamically allocate system resources based on specific scenes, ensuring a smooth experience on all models.
  
  
  • Atomized memory: Ultra-fine memory management mechanism will make RAM usage more efficient.
  
  
  • Liquid storage: New sensitive storage mechanisms will keep your system vibrant and responsive as time goes by.
  
  
  • Smart balance: Core system improvements allow your device to make the best of the flagship hardware specs.
  
  
  
  


• Control Center
  
  
  
  • Optimization: You'll be now prompted about locked orientation in Landscape mode
  
  
  • Fix: The screen flashed while Bluetooth devices were disconnected
  
  
  • Fix: Toggles disappeared after Battery saver had been turned off
  
  
  • Fix: Control center couldn't be closed when the Ultra battery saver was on
  
  
  • Fix: Battery saver toggle didn't work
  
  
  • Fix: Control center wasn't displayed correctly in Dark mode
  
  
  • Fix: Brightness adjustment settings were dismissed after the Control center was opened
  
  
  • Fix: Incoming calls weren't displayed correctly in DND mode
  
  
  
  


• Lock screen
  
  
  
  • New: New fingerprint options
  
  
  • Fix: Memory usage issues when charging animation was displayed
  
  
  • Fix: Using Face unlock and Fingerprint unlock simultaneously led to crashes in some cases
  
  
  • Fix: Lock screen notifications disappeared after an ended call
  
  
  • Fix: Lock screen items weren’t displayed when super wallpapers and themes were combined
  
  
  
  


• Status bar, Notification shade
  
  
  
  • Optimization: Third-party theme compatibility for the Notification shade
  
  
  • Optimization: Dark mode adjustments for notifications
  
  
  • Fix: Notifications flashed in some cases
  
  
  • Fix: Floating notifications weren't displayed correctly in landscape mode
  
  
  • Fix: Notification badges weren't updated for incoming notifications on a locked device
  
  
  • Fix: Notifications weren't displayed correctly when App lock was used
  
  
  • Fix: Cleaner animations weren't displayed correctly
  
  
  • Fix: Notification shade couldn't be opened in some cases
  
  
  • Fix: Issues with permissions after missed calls
  
  
  • Fix: Status bar icons turned black in some cases
  
  
  • Fix: Music player controls weren't displayed in some cases
  
  
  • Fix: App notification switches didn't always work
  
  
  • Fix: Issues with displaying grouped notifications
  
  
  • Fix: Player controls weren't always displayed in the Notification shade
  
  
  • Fix: Notifications weren't always displayed correctly when "Raise to Wake" was used
  
  
  • Fix: Buttons weren't always displayed correctly on the notifications when Dark mode was on
  
  
  
  

As always, the OTA is rolling out in phases, it may take a while to reach all units. Meanwhile, you can head over to Settings app > Software update to manually track the update.

Related: Xiaomi sends MIUI 12.5 Enhanced Edition to the Redmi 9T

Read more »

Google Meet gives more control to hosts for handling participants

The Google Meet hosts on the desktop already have the power to mute all participants at once. With the latest update, the host will get more control as the platform is receiving the new Audio and Video Lock feature.

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The feature allows the host to turn off the microphone and camera of select participants during a meeting. Also, the Audio and Video Lock does not allow the participants to turn them back on unless the host unlocks them. That implies, the members can not unmute themselves once they are mute by the organizer.

The announcement was made via a Google blog post. It says that the Audio and Video Lock feature gives hosts more balanced control over their meetings to ensure smooth functioning and productivity. Additionally, the host also has the power to allow different levels of participation from attendees.

The participant will be removed from the meeting in case he is not using the updated version with the new feature and the host or co-host turns on either of the locks. And if the participant tries to join a meeting that has either of these locks enabled, he will be asked to update the app or join the meeting from another device. These participants can join trouble-free if the host turns off the audio or video locks.

The locks will also be applied to any subsequently launched breakout rooms during a call. Once a breakout room is formed, any lock setting changes in an individual room will not affect the settings of other breakout rooms or the main meeting.

Users need to have the latest updated version of the Google Meet or Gmail app. The Audio and Video Lock feature works on devices with Android OS version M or newer and iOS version 12 or higher.

Related: Google app beta update brings Material You weather widgets

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Xiaomi Mi Mix Fold will get a major update later this month

Despite launching this year in Q3, the Mi Mix Fold runs Android 10 based MIUI 12 out of the box. But recently, Xiaomi announced a major MIUI update for the device that will be pushed by the end of this month. Also, we have an idea of what the vital build might bring.

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Xiaomi will mold and apply the MIUI experience crafted for tablet systems to the Mix Fold. The upcoming software update will arrive with tons of new features and optimizations besides the regular bug fixes.

To be more precise, it will add MIUI+ cross-screen collaboration and various other new functions. Moreover, the issues with application adaptation, dual-screen connection, and more will be addressed. Also, the package will optimize the PC mode for a trouble-free experience. Additionally, the large screen experience usage will be more effective.

Chang Cheng, Vice President of Xiaomi Group disclosed three main points of this forthcoming update son after the official announcement. Further, he mentioned that after the trial phase, the experience has improved greatly. In fact, he claims that the experience will be as great as using a new smartphone after flashing the update.

• The basic experience is greatly improved, smoother, and more stable: Internal screen/external screen, the desktop is the same. The inner screen adjusts the App position, and the outer screen automatically adjusts accordingly. Comprehensively incorporate the enhancement and optimization items of MIUI 12.5. WeChat can log in to the tablet mode, which greatly improves the experience.


• System App: Desktop layout/browser/game center, etc., many applications have been re-adapted and optimized for the foldable smartphone, including the PC mode that everyone likes.


• Three-party App compatible adaptation covers the Top 4000, adds MIUI+, etc.

Read more: Xiaomi sends MIUI 12.5 Enhanced Edition to the Redmi 9T

Read more »

[Update: September 2021 Security Patch] Redmi 8A Updates Tracker

Xiaomi announced the Redmi 8A smartphone featuring a 6.22-inch IPS LCD screen in September 2019. Under the hood, it is powered by an Octa-core processor-based Snapdragon 439 SoC. The smartphone ships with Android 9.0 (Pie) out of the box paired with up to 4GB RAM and 64GB internal storage. Redmi 8A equips a 12MP rear camera and an 8MP selfie lens.

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Note: We will keep this post updated with the latest updated information regarding the Redmi 8A smartphone updates.

Redmi 8A Updates Tracker

• [October 20, 2021]: Xiaomi is releasing a new stable update to the Redmi 8A in India. The update arrives on the build number V12.5.2.0.QCPINXM increases the system security by inculcating September 2021 security patch. [Recovery ROM]

Like all the other updates, this as well is rolling out in a phase-wise manner. Accordingly, the users may have to wait a while to get the build. You can also check the update status manually via Settings > Software updates > Check for the updates. Also, we suggest you switch over to a WiFi network to avoid carrier data charges.

Related: [Update: October 2021 Security Patch] Poco X3 NFC Updates Tracker

Read more »

Redmi Note 9T receives MIUI 12.5 Enhanced Edition update

Xiaomi unveiled the Redmi Note 9T powering Android 10 along with MIUI 12 on top out of the box. The device is the rebrand version of the Redmi Note 9 5G launched in China. After the Redmi 9T smartphone, the partner device is now grabbing the Android 11 based MIUI 12.5 enhanced edition update.

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The latest build for the Redmi Note 9T is unfurling globally on the firmware version V12.5.5.0.RJEMIXM. Regarding changes, the company has issued a detailed changelog that claims to add numerous fixes related to the lock screen in addition to the MIUI 12.5 Enhanced Edition features. Moreover, it bumps the safety version to September 2021.

Changelog

• MIUI12.5 Enhanced
  
  
  
  • Swift performance. More life between the charges.
  
  
  • Focused algorithms: Our new algorithms will dynamically allocate system resources based on specific scenes, ensuring a smooth experience on all models.
  
  
  • Atomized memory: Ultra-fine memory management mechanism will make RAM usage more efficient.
  
  
  • Liquid storage: New sensitive storage mechanisms will keep your system vibrant and responsive as time goes by.
  
  
  
  


• System
  
  
  
  • Updated Android Security Patch to September 2021. Increased system security.
  
  
  
  


• Lock Screen
  
  
  
  • New: New fingerprint options
  
  
  • Optimization: App vault memory usage when device is locked
  
  
  • Fix: Screen flashed after locking when Super wallpapers were used
  
  
  • Fix: Wallpapers flashed when Fingerprint unlock was used in some cases
  
  
  • Fix: Display abnormalities occurred when Fingerprint unlock was used with games
  
  
  • Fix: Issues with the fingerprint animation in several scenes
  
  
  • Fix: Fingerprint and Face unlock were turned off after a SIM card was installed
  
  
  • Fix: The screen flashed when Fingerprint unlock was used with Super wallpapers in some cases
  
  
  • Fix: "Raise to wake" turned off unexpectedly in some cases
  
  
  • Fix: Lock screen notifications didn't disappear on time when Fingerprint or Face unlock was used in some cases
  
  
  • Fix: Screen flashed when Fingerprint unlock was used in some cases
  
  
  • Fix: No items except for the status bar were shown on the screen after using Fingerprint unlock
  
  
  • Fix: Issues with the Lock screen clock when third party themes and super wallpapers were used
  
  
  • Fix: Memory usage issues when charging animation was displayed
  
  
  • Fix: Using Face unlock and Fingerprint unlock simultaneously led to crashes in some cases
  
  
  
  

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Apply for OTA

Read more: Comparing Realme Band vs Redmi Band!

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Google app beta update brings Material You weather widgets

Google is updating its applications to sync with the Material You theme Since I/O 2021. But, none of the beta updates bought the Material You weather widgets. With the stable release of Android 12, the much teased Material You-themed weather widgets are finally rolling out.

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The Google app beta version 12.41.14.29 brings the weather widgets themed by the Material You design. It offers two ‘Weather’ widgets measuring 3×3 by default, which can be adjusted down to 3×2.

The weather widgets synced with the Material You theme are live with the latest beta version of the Google app. Before this update, the user only had two options of weather widgets to choose from. Precisely, there was one square-shaped widget and the other one featured an axis oblong pill design.

The square weather widget displayed the highs and lows for the present day in addition to the location and temperature. This information was also described via an image visual. On the other hand, the oblong pill only housed the city along with state and temperature.

Keep in note that this is not a server-side update. That implies you have to flash the Google app's latest beta to enjoy the new weather widgets. In order to download the beta, search for the Google app on the Play Store and enroll in the beta program.

Like every other update, this as well is currently Pixel exclusive i.e; downloading the update will not work on other devices. But it should not take much time to reach other OEMs.

Read more: Google Calculator receives its first post Material You design update

Read more »

OnePlus 8 & 8 Pro receives OxygenOS 11.0.9.9 update

While OxygenOS 12 is still under the beta stage, OnePlus is releasing the next versions of OxygenOS 11 to its flagship. Recently, the OnePlus 8T got bumped with OxygenOS 11.0.10.10 (IN) and 11.0.11.11 (NA & EU). Now the OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 8 Pro is receiving OxygenOS 11.0.9.9 update.

Make sure to visit: [Update] Download OnePlus Calculator v2.1.25 [Old Versions Archive]

The latest update for the OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 8 Pro is currently rolling out in Europe with firmware version 11.0.9.9.IN21BA for OnePlus 8 and 11.0.9.9.IN11BA for the OnePlus 8 Pro.

As announced by the OnePlus community forum, the Indian and North American regions will also receive the update soon. For Indian variants, the build will arrive on version 11.0.9.9.IN21DA and 11.0.9.9.IN11DA respectively. For the North American models, the version will vary to 11.0.9.9.IN21AA and 11.0.9.9.IN11AA​.

Concerning changes, the package addresses some general bugs, improving the system stability. Moreover, it adds ‘Files by Google’ that will allow the user to search files quickly via search and simple browsing. Also, your security level will be upgraded to October 2021 after flashing the new version.

Changelog

• System
  
  
  
  • Added the Files by Google, find files faster with search and simple browsing
  
  
  • Updated Android security patch to 2021.10
  
  
  • Improved system stability
  
  
  • Fixed known issues
  
  
  
  

The latest OxygenOS update is rolling out in batches in Europe. The build is hitting the units in a staged manner to a limited number of users today. It will steadily make way for all users after making sure there are no critical bugs.

To manually check for the update, the users need to navigate to their device’s Settings > Software Updates > Download and Install.

Read more: OnePlus 9 & 9 Pro picks up new update with October 2021 security patch

Read more »