Best Budget 4G Smartphones in 2017: Affordable Devices for Every User
Explore the best affordable 4G smartphones of 2017, featuring budget-friendly devices from brands like Motorola, Google, and Sony. Discover options with great features such as long battery life, large displays, and reliable performance—all available without contract or high costs. Perfect for budget-conscious consumers seeking unlocked, SIM-free smartphones that deliver fast connectivity and modern design. This guide showcases the top choices in 2017 to help you find a reliable device that offers excellent value, performance, and style, ensuring you stay connected without overspending.

Best Budget 4G Smartphones in 2017: Affordable Devices for Every User
In 2017, the smartphone market experienced a notable surge in the availability of affordable 4G smartphones, making fast, reliable connectivity accessible to a broader audience. Consumers seeking budget-friendly devices often face the challenge of finding unlocked, no-contract options that combine performance, longevity, and affordability. Major brands like Motorola, Google, Sony, and Apple introduced or continued offering cost-effective smartphones, catering to a wide range of users from students to travelers. This article explores the top affordable 4G smartphones of 2017, highlighting their features, pricing, and what makes them excellent choices for budget-conscious consumers.
As mobile technology advances rapidly, 4G LTE remains a standard for fast internet access, streaming, gaming, and more. Yet, premium devices such as the iPhone 7 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus often come with hefty price tags that are prohibitive for many users. Fortunately, there are numerous budget-friendly options that deliver solid performance without breaking the bank. These unlocked, SIM-free smartphones enable users to choose their preferred carriers, avoid long-term contracts, and enjoy the latest connectivity features.
While high-end flagships like the iPhone 7 Plus or Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus are absent from this list, the market is flooded with affordable alternatives that offer excellent value. For budget-conscious buyers, selecting the right device involves balancing features, performance, and price. Below, we review some of the best budget 4G smartphones available in 2017, emphasizing their specifications, unique selling points, and suitability for different user needs.
Top Affordable 4G Smartphones of 2017:
Blu R1 Plus: Known for its affordability, the Blu R1 Plus is a standout among low-cost Android smartphones. Priced at around $159, it offers impressive features such as a large 5.5-inch HD display, a robust 4000mAh battery ensuring long usage, a durable metal body, and dual-SIM capability—making it ideal for international travelers or users who need multiple lines. The device includes an 8MP main camera and a 5MP front camera, suitable for casual photography. Although it lacks a fingerprint scanner, its overall performance and build quality make it a popular choice for budget-focused consumers.
Moto G4: Retailing at approximately $129, the Motorola Moto G4 combines affordability with reliable performance. Equipped with a Snapdragon 617 processor, 2GB of RAM, and a 5.5-inch Full HD display, it offers a smooth user experience for everyday tasks. Users can choose between 16GB and 32GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card. The Moto G4 also features a 13MP rear camera, a 5MP front camera, and a water-repellent design, making it a versatile option for those wanting a dependable smartphone on a tight budget.
Moto G5 Plus: Priced at around $239, the Moto G5 Plus elevates the budget smartphone experience with premium features normally found in higher-end devices. Its durable metal unibody design, 5.2-inch Full HD display, and a fast fingerprint sensor enhance usability and security. The device supports quick charging, allowing users to get hours of use in minutes. It boasts 64GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD, and runs on Android 7.0 Nougat, offering a clean, user-friendly interface with Google Assistant integration. Compatibility with all major carriers makes it a highly versatile choice for budget-conscious consumers seeking near-premium experience at a fraction of the cost.
In conclusion, 2017’s lineup of affordable 4G smartphones provided consumers with an array of options that delivered speed, reliability, and style without the premium price tag. Whether you are a traveler, a student, or simply looking to upgrade your device without overspending, these options demonstrate that you don't have to sacrifice performance for affordability. As technology continues to advance, consumers can expect even more feature-rich budget smartphones in future releases, further closing the gap between high-end and affordable devices.