It’s 2023, and phones that were once sold at flagship prices that would cost you a month’s salary are now available at an affordable price. Not just older mobile phones but even new mid-range smartphones that can compete with flagships of the past from the same manufacturer can easily be purchased below AED 2000 (US$ 550.) The fact that overall smartphone shipments are slipping works towards the consumer (you and me) as manufacturers need your attention. This means that it’s a good time to look into mid-range smartphones.
In this list, I have put together the best smartphones under 2000 Dirhams in the UAE. If you want a phone that is absolutely the best and don’t really care about how much it costs, then head over to my best phones list. On the other hand, if you feel that even AED 2,000 is too much to spend on a phone, head over to the best smartphone under 1000 AED in 2022. We’re also working on a guide for best phones under 500 AED if you want to spend even less.
Honestly, the list of phones below is quite impressive, and though you won’t necessarily find the latest Pro Max phone here, there is an iPhone on this list that’s not too old. But Android is where you see most of the competition when it comes to mid-range mobiles. If you know you want an Android and can spend a bit more; then you should also check out the Best Android Phones list.
I’ve reworked this list a bit based on the pricing of the phone by dividing it into two: phones that are between AED 1500-2000 and phones below AED 1500 down to AED 1000. The reason I’ve done this is so you can further define your budget and, based on that, compare and pick a phone easily. Also, there is no shortage in the number of phones available in each budget range and over time, this list might get separated into two.
All the phones on this list
Smartphones between AED 1,500 to AED 2,000
While I do my best to keep this list updated, the fluctuating pricing could mean that, at some point, one or more of these phones goes past the AED 2,000 mark. That’s likely a temporary hike, and chances are the phone will come back to its market price.
1. Samsung Galaxy S22
When it comes to choosing the best phones under AED 2,000, the Samsung Galaxy S22 is our pick. You’re getting a mobile that was part of Samsung’s flagship series from last year and it holds up very well with software updates. It has a fast processor, a gorgeous screen and an excellent camera system. Battery life and charging speeds could be a bit better but this is a small phone that fits really well in your hands so some sacrifices had to be made.
Specs & Features
Weight: 167g | Thickness: 7.6mm | OS: Android 12 OneUI 5 | Screen: 6.1” 1080 x 2340 pixels, AMOLED, 120Hz | Processor: Octa-core Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 | RAM: 8GB | Storage: up to 256GB | Cellular: 5G, Dual SIM | Rear camera: 50MP Triple Camera | Front camera: 10MP | Battery: 3700mAh, 25W Wired charging
- Excellent performance
- Beautiful screen
- Small-ish form factor
- Slow wired charging
- Smaller battery
2. Google Pixel 7
Specs & Features
Weight: 197g | Thickness: 8.7mm | OS: Android 13 | Screen: 6.3” 1080 x 2400 pixels, AMOLED, 90Hz | Processor: Octa-core Google Tensor G2 | RAM: 8GB | Storage: up to 256GB | Cellular: 5G | Rear camera: 50MP Dual Camera | Front camera: 10.8MP | Battery: 4355mAh, 20W Wired charging
- Brilliant camera
- Fast performance
- Quick Android updates
- Slow wired charging
- Refresh rate is lower than other phones
- Not officially available in the UAE
3. Honor 70
Specs & Features
Weight: 178g | Thickness: 7.9mm | OS: Android 12 (MagicUI 6.1) | Screen: 6.67” FHD+, OLED, 120Hz | Processor: Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G+ 5G | RAM: up to 12GB | Storage: up to 512GB | Cellular: 5G, Dual SIM | Rear camera: 54MP Triple Camera | Front camera: 32MP | Battery: 4800mAh, 66W Wired charging
- Gorgeous design
- Beautiful screen
- Fast charging
- Software needs improvement
- No wireless charging
4. Apple iPhone 11
Specs & Features
Weight: 194g | Thickness: 8.3mm | OS: iOS 13 | Screen: 6.1” 828 x 1792 pixels, AMOLED, 60Hz | Processor: Hexa-core Apple A13 Bionic | RAM: 4GB | Storage: up to 256GB | Cellular: 5G, Dual SIM, eSIM | Rear camera: 12MP Dual Camera | Front camera: 12MP | Battery: 3110mAh, 50% charge in 30 minutes
- The best iPhone under 2000
- Great performance even after 3 years
- iOS updates keep your device fresh
- Ageing hardware
- Not the sharpest screen
5. Huawei Nova 10
Specs & Features
Weight: 168g | Thickness: 6.9mm | OS: Android 11 (EMUI 12) | Screen: 6.78 1080 x 2400 pixels, OLED, 120Hz | Processor: Octa-core Snapdragon 778 4G | RAM: 8GB | Storage: up to 256GB | Cellular: 4G, Dual SIM | Rear camera: 50MP Triple Camera | Front camera: 60MP | Battery: 4000mAh, 66W Wired charging, No wireless charging
- Gorgeous design and very thin
- Fast performance
- Excellent selfie camera
- No wireless charging
- The battery could be bigger
Mobile Phones between AED 1,000 to AED 1,500
Below you’ll find phones between AED 1000 to AED 1499, and chances are some of them might dip below the AED 1,000 mark during a sale period. I’d highly recommend purchasing a phone in this list selling below AED 1,000 as that is a tremendous value.
1. Poco X5 Pro
For mobile phones under AED 1,500, the Poco X5 Pro tops the list with almost everything you would want from an affordable phone. It has a speedy processor with a large and beautiful OLED screen with fast refresh rates. The 5,000 mAh battery should keep the phone going for a long time while the 67W wired charging capabilities will top up the battery quickly. It’s no surprise that the Poco X5 Pro sits as the best smartphone under AED 1,500.
Specs & Features
Weight: 181g | Thickness: 7.9mm | OS: Android 12, MIUI 14 | Screen: 6.67” 1080 x 2400 pixels, AMOLED, 120Hz | Processor: Octa-core Snapdragon 778G 5G | RAM: up to 8GB | Storage: up to 256GB | Cellular: 5G, Dual SIM | Rear camera: 50MP Triple Camera | Front camera: 16MP | Battery: 5000mAh, 67W Wired charging
- Excellent performance
- Fantastic display
- Great battery life
- Bloated software
- Plastic build
2. Nothing Phone (1)
Specs & Features
Weight: 193.5g | Thickness: 8.3mm | OS: Android 12 (NothingOS 1.1) | Screen: 6.55” FHD+, OLED, 120Hz | Processor: Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G+ 5G | RAM: up to 12GB | Storage: up to 256GB | Cellular: 5G, Dual SIM | Rear camera: 50MP Dual Camera | Front camera: 16MP | Battery: 4500mAh, 33W wired charging
- Glyph lighting on the back adds character
- Good display
- Camera could be better
- Mediocre battery life
3. Google Pixel 6a
Specs & Features
Weight: 178g | Thickness: 8.9mm | OS: Android 12 | Screen: 6.1” FHD+, OLED, 60Hz | Processor: Octa-core Google Tensor | RAM: 6GB | Storage: 128GB | Cellular: 5G, NanoSIM | Rear camera: 12MP Dual Camera | Front camera: 8MP | Battery: 4410mAh, 18W Wired charging
- Fantastic camera
- Pure Google software
- Good performance
- Screen could be better
- Slow charging speeds
- Not officially released in the UAE
4. Xiaomi 12T
Specs & Features
Weight: 202g | Thickness: 8.6mm | OS: Android 12, MIUI 13 | Screen: 6.67” 1220 x 2712 pixels, AMOLED, 120Hz | Processor: Octa-core Mediatek Dimensity 8100-Ultra | RAM: 8GB | Storage: up to 256GB | Cellular: 5G, Dual SIM | Rear camera: 108MP Triple Camera | Front camera: 20MP | Battery: 5000mAh, 120W Wired charging
- Excellent display
- Good battery life
- Slightly pricey for the specs
- Camera system is just ok
5. Oppo Reno 8T 5G Dual SIM
Specs & Features
Weight: 171g | Thickness: 7.7mm | OS: Android 13 (ColorOS 13) | Screen: 6.7” FHD+, AMOLED, 120Hz | Processor: Octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 | RAM: 8GB | Storage: 256GB | Cellular: 5G, Dual SIM | Rear camera: 108MP Triple Camera | Front camera: 32MP | Battery: 4800mAh, 67W Wired charging, No Wireless charging
- Beautiful design
- Nice screen
- Mediocre specs
- No wireless charging
Best affordable phones FAQs
Which smartphone is best under 2000?
The Samsung Galaxy S22 is currently our pick for phones under 2000
Which mobile is best in 2000 range?
There are many phones that cost around AED 2,000, including smartphones from Apple and Samsung. They’re all listed in this article.
What are the top 10 phones to buy?
If budget is no option, head over to our list of best phones which currently has the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra sitting in the first spot.
Which phone is best in low budget?
The Poco X5 Pro is an excellent phone that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg and is our pick for under 1500 AED.