Techaeris readers know that our reviews are as objective as we can make them and are based on specifications, price, value, and performance. That said, I’ve long been of the opinion that most people do not need smartphones that cost upwards of US$1000.

Stripped to just the phone essentials, but it gets them right

Only $349 for 128GB of storage, Excellent camera for photos, Decent battery life

Sometimes stuttery performance, Mediocre camera for video, No wireless charging

As phone prices have increased dramatically in recent years, lowering expectations some to find a phone that still ticks enough boxes, yet does so at a more appetizing price has become more common. It’s not that the $1,000+ phones aren’t any good or are overpriced, it’s that there are more...

Much of the money spent advertising smartphones typically centers around flagships, and that makes sense for the most part. It’s the bleeding-edge tech, heavy with hardware and coupled with the latest software. It’s big sexy designs with curves and gorgeous colors.

Overall, the Pixel 4a is a great affordable device that includes the features of a more expensive flagship including a great camera.

Compact design despite its 5.8-inch screen, Good battery life, Three years of software and security updates, Great camera with excellent night mode, The headphone jack is back, Pixel Imprint sensor works well, Reasonably priced

Only available in one colour and one screen size, No wireless charging, No 90Hz display

The Pixel 4a is an amazing device. But every time a device like this comes along and I sing its praises, someone asks me if I'd really be willing to make it my daily driver, and the answer is no, only because there's no wireless charging.

Pixel camera, Unique design, Solid performance, Value

No wireless charging, 60Hz screen, No 5G

With 2020 being a ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ of a year, on the tech side of things – it hasn’t been as bad. The industry has been bringing the mid-range smartphone back up to speed while the budget smartphones have been getting some amazing options.

While it's a shame that picture and sound quality haven't been upgraded, the iPhone 13 was great in these regards and the iPhone 14 is, too Excellent display Admirable headphone performance Solid build quality No upgrades to picture or sound Familiar design Notch is still present

The Apple iPhone 14 is no match for the just-released iPhone 14 Pro, but if you ignore that, it’s one of the most effective phones around.

Great cameras, front and back, Fast performance, Good battery life, Innovative safety features

Design too familiar, Some average features

Hannah Stryker / Review Geek The iPhone 14 is the latest iteration of Apple’s flagship device. Since its launch, the iPhone has set the standard of what a smartphone is, what it does, and how it looks. Fifteen years later, it’s still doing that.

Top-notch cameras, Amazing display, Snappy performance, Great battery life

It's just "this year's iPhone"