Google Pixel 9a
The best camera-focused mid-range phone if you want dependable photos and long support, and can live with slow charging.
£399128GB storage, price recorded 30 Jul 2026
Check price on Amazon UKBest phones under £400
For everyday apps, useful photos and a phone you can keep, the camera, charging and support period matter more than a headline specification. These reviewed Android phones were under £400 when we last checked their prices.
Google Pixel 10a
A sensible phone to keep for years, with capable everyday cameras, as long as you do not need a zoom lens for distant subjects.
£399128GB storage, price recorded 1 Aug 2026
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Samsung Galaxy A56 5G
A sensible Samsung for everyday apps, provided you are comfortable with its 6.7-inch size and do not need a dedicated zoom camera.
£399128GB storage, price recorded 30 Jul 2026
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Motorola Moto G86 5G
A strong-value everyday phone for a bright screen and long battery life, provided you do not plan to keep it for many years.
Around £249.99256GB, price recorded 30 Jul 2026
Check price on Amazon UKNot sure where to start? Answer three questions.
Are photos or a lower cost more important?
Choose the Pixel 9a if photos matter most. Choose the Moto G86 if it is still cheaper and you accept softer night photos and shorter support.
Do you want a smaller or larger screen?
The Pixel 9a and 10a reviews describe 6.3-inch screens. The Galaxy A56’s 6.7-inch screen gives more reading space but is harder to fit in a small hand or pocket.
How long do you plan to keep it?
Both Pixels have long software support, and the A56 gets security updates until 31 March 2032. The Moto G86 is not the one to keep for many years.
Still unsure? We will pick three for you, from £29.
Compare them side by side
Swipe the table to see every pick →
| Feature | Google Pixel 9a | Google Pixel 10a | Samsung Galaxy A56 5G | Motorola Moto G86 5G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Storage, as reviewed | 128GB | 128GB | 128GB | 256GB |
| Useful feature | 48MP main camera for dependable point-and-shoot photos | 48MP main and 13MP ultrawide for everyday and group photos | 6.7-inch Super AMOLED, 120Hz for smooth scrolling | OLED screen and large photo/download storage |
| Charging caveat | Slow wired charging; Qi wireless limited to 7.5W | 30W wired maximum; charger sold separately | 45W support needs compatible charger and cable | Not stated in our review |
| Price | £399128GB storage, price recorded 30 Jul 2026 | £399128GB storage, price recorded 1 Aug 2026 | £399128GB storage, price recorded 30 Jul 2026 | Around £249.99256GB, price recorded 30 Jul 2026 |
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Our picks in detail
Best for dependable everyday photos
Google Pixel 9a
The best camera-focused mid-range phone if you want dependable photos and long support, and can live with slow charging.
Great forYou want consistently good photos without paying flagship prices. You prefer a clean, simple version of Android.
Watch out forWired and wireless charging are slow, with wireless topping out at 7.5W
Think twice if: fast charging is a priority.
Think twice if: fast charging is a priority.
Best for long ownership and Google photo tools
Google Pixel 10a
A sensible phone to keep for years, with capable everyday cameras, as long as you do not need a zoom lens for distant subjects.
Great forYou want help with everyday photos and group shots. You plan to keep your phone for years and value a published update promise.
Watch out forNo telephoto camera: the 8x Super Zoom enlarges the main camera's image, so distant subjects lose detail
Think twice if: you often photograph subjects far away, such as school plays or wildlife.
Think twice if: you often photograph subjects far away, such as school plays or wildlife.
Best for a large Samsung screen
Samsung Galaxy A56 5G
A sensible Samsung for everyday apps, provided you are comfortable with its 6.7-inch size and do not need a dedicated zoom camera.
Great forYou want a dependable Samsung without S-series pricing. You value a bright, smooth screen and long software support.
Watch out forAt 6.7 inches and 198g, it will not suit every hand or pocket
Think twice if: you want a small phone.
Think twice if: you want a small phone.
Best value with 256GB of storage
Motorola Moto G86 5G
A strong-value everyday phone for a bright screen and long battery life, provided you do not plan to keep it for many years.
Great forYou want a strong screen and battery for under £300. You prefer a cleaner version of Android.
Watch out forSoftware support is shorter than Samsung and Google alternatives
Think twice if: you intend to keep the phone beyond its support period.
Think twice if: you intend to keep the phone beyond its support period.
Also considered
HONOR 600 Lite
Read the reviewBetter for storage and reading than for proven camera quality. Its 108MP figure alone does not guarantee good everyday photos.
Samsung Galaxy A17 5G
Read the reviewIt suits basic calls and streaming, but the review flags 4GB memory and slower multitasking.
Questions buyers ask
Does 48MP mean better pictures than 108MP?
Not by itself. The HONOR 600 Lite review says its 108MP mode does not establish camera quality; it is not the resolution of every photo.
Sources: HONOR, Android Open Source Project, Ofcom, Tom's Hardware Italia, Tabletowo
What is 120Hz useful for?
A 120Hz screen can refresh up to 120 times a second, so scrolling and supported animations look smoother. It does not make every app or game run at that speed.
Sources: Google, Android Open Source Project, Ofcom, Tom's Guide, The Guardian
Is digital zoom the same as a zoom lens?
No. The Pixel 10a’s Super Zoom enlarges part of the main camera’s image. A telephoto lens gives a sharper view of distant subjects, and this phone does not have one.
Sources: Google, Android Open Source Project, Ofcom, Tom's Guide, The Guardian
Do seven years of updates start when I buy?
Google’s promise is counted from the model’s first US Google Store availability, not your purchase date. Check how much support remains.
Sources: Google, Android Open Source Project, Ofcom, Tom's Guide, The Guardian
Does water resistance mean waterproof?
The A56 has an IP67 dust and water-resistance rating. That is a tested rating, not a promise that accidental water damage is covered by the warranty.
Sources: Samsung UK, Tom's Guide, iD Mobile
What the technical terms mean
GB measures storage for photos and apps; RAM is working memory for open apps. OLED pixels make their own light; Super AMOLED is Samsung’s OLED screen name. Hz means screen refreshes each second, with higher supported rates making scrolling smoother. MP means megapixels, an image-resolution figure that does not prove photo quality. An ultrawide camera fits more into a shot; a telephoto lens brings distant subjects closer. W means watts, the charging power rating, not a charging-time result. Qi and MagSafe are wireless-charging systems; magnetic accessories still need the correct phone or case. 5G is a mobile-network connection for calls and internet; actual coverage depends on your network and location.
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