Top-Rated Android Devices Under $400 for 2025
Top Android Phones Under $400 with Long-Term Software Updates and Good Battery Life
In the world of budget-friendly smartphones, finding a device that offers both long-term software updates and excellent battery life can be a challenge. However, several options are currently available that cater to this demand. Here are some top recommendations for Android phones under $400 that stand out for their software updates and battery performance.
First on our list is the Samsung Galaxy A36 5G. Priced at around $350, this mid-range phone offers solid performance along with Samsung's commitment to long-term updates. Samsung is known for providing up to 4 years of major Android updates and 5 years of security updates on its mid-range A-series phones [1]. The Galaxy A36 5G is equipped with a Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset, 6GB of RAM, and a 6.7-inch Super AMOLED panel with a 1080 x 2,340 resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and up to 1,900 nits of peak brightness [3].
Another top contender is the Nothing Phone 3a. Recommended under $400, this phone boasts a distinctive design, good battery life, solid display, and cameras. Although Nothing's software update policy is not as extensive as Samsung's flagship line, it is competitive within budget phones [4].
If you can stretch your budget slightly, the Google Pixel 9a is a strong contender with excellent battery life and cameras. Priced at around $499, Pixel phones receive at least 5 years of update support, which is excellent for long-term software security and features [2][4].
For those who prioritise battery longevity on a tight budget, Motorola’s Moto G Power (2025) is an excellent choice. Offering exceptional battery life and priced under $300, the Moto G Power (2025) also provides extended software support for a budget phone [4].
Other notable mentions include the Moto G Stylus 2025 and the CMF Phone 1 by Nothing. The Moto G Stylus 2025 offers a 6.7-inch pOLED panel with a Full HD resolution, fast 68W charging and 15W wireless charging, and a 50MP main camera, 13MP ultrawide, and a 32MP selfie camera [5]. The CMF Phone 1 by Nothing features a modular design, great display, performance, and photography capabilities, with its MediaTek CPU being only available on this phone [6].
Here is a summary table of the recommended phones:
| Phone Model | Price Approx. | Software Updates | Battery Life | Key Notes | |------------------------|---------------|--------------------------------|----------------------------|---------------------------------| | Samsung Galaxy A36 5G | $350 | ~4 years major + 5 years security updates | Good, lasts a full day | Solid mid-range performance | | Nothing Phone 3a | <$400 | Moderate update support | Good battery life | Unique design and interface | | Google Pixel 9a | ~$499 | 5 years of Android updates | Very good battery life | High-end cameras & durability | | Moto G Power (2025) | <$300 | Extended for budget category | Excellent battery longevity | Best for battery life on tight budget | | Moto G Stylus 2025 | ~$300 | Stock Android with minimal updates | Good battery life | Great display and performance | | CMF Phone 1 by Nothing | ~$300 | Moderate update support | Good battery life | Modular design & unique features |
[1] Samsung's commitment to long-term updates: https://www.samsung.com/global/galaxy/galaxy-a/a-series-software-update-policy/ [2] Google's commitment to long-term updates: https://www.google.com/pixel/support/device-care/software-updates/ [3] Samsung Galaxy A36 5G specifications: https://www.samsung.com/global/galaxy/galaxy-a/galaxy-a36-5g/specifications/ [4] Comparison of recommended phones: https://www.androidcentral.com/best-android-phones-under-400-2023 [5] Moto G Stylus 2025 specifications: https://www.motorola.com/us/smartphones/moto-g-stylus-5g-2023 [6] CMF Phone 1 by Nothing specifications: https://nothing.tech/phone/specifications/
Among these budget-friendly smartphones, the Samsung Galaxy A36 5G, priced at around $350, boasts long-term support for software updates, with Samsung providing up to 4 years of major Android updates and 5 years of security updates. Similarly, the Google Pixel 9a, priced at approximately $499, stands out for its excellent battery life and provides at least 5 years of Android updates. In terms of gadgets, the Nothing Phone 3a, recommended under $400, offers a distinctive design, good battery life, and solid display, although its software update policy is less extensive compared to Samsung and Google.
