Best Budget Smartphones Under £400 with 120 Hz Display – 2025 Buyer’s Guide
In today’s fast-paced digital world, a phone’s display is more than just a window to your apps — it’s the core of your daily experience. A budget smartphone under £400 with 120 Hz display offers flagship-level smoothness at a fraction of the price. Once reserved for premium devices, a 120Hz refresh rate screen now brings fluid scrolling, immersive gaming, and effortless animations to affordable phones, transforming the way you interact with your device.
The good news? You no longer need to spend £800+ for this feature. The UK market now offers several strong contenders under £400 that deliver silky-smooth visuals, reliable performance, and solid all-round specs. This guide explores why a 120Hz display matters and highlights the best budget smartphones under £400 with a 120 Hz display you can buy today.
Why a 120Hz Display Makes a Difference
For years, smartphone buyers have focused on camera megapixels, battery size, or storage space, often overlooking the display refresh rate. But in 2025, the display experience has become one of the most important features to consider—especially with more people streaming, gaming, and spending hours scrolling on their phones.
A standard phone screen refreshes 60 times per second (60Hz), which has been the industry norm for over a decade. A 120Hz display doubles that refresh rate to 120 times per second, and the improvement is instantly noticeable the moment you swipe your screen.
Here’s how it makes a real difference in everyday use:
🔹 Smoother Scrolling and App Navigation
Scrolling through Instagram, TikTok, or long web articles feels buttery smooth on a 120Hz panel. Instead of jagged or choppy movement, text and images flow naturally, almost like flipping through a physical magazine. This reduces micro-stutter, making content easier to read and interact with.
🔹 Enhanced Mobile Gaming Experience
For gamers, the upgrade from 60Hz to 120Hz is a significant improvement. Fast-paced titles like Call of Duty Mobile or PUBG benefit from sharper visuals, reduced motion blur, and quicker reaction feedback. The higher refresh rate enables frames to be rendered more frequently, providing players witha competitive advantage.
🔹 A Premium, Flagship-Like Feel
With a 120Hz display, every tap, swipe, and transition feels immediate and polished. Menus open seamlessly, animations glide smoothly, and app switching feels faster. Even on a budget smartphone under £400 with a 120 Hz display, you get a taste of the flagship experience without the premium price tag.
🔹 Reduced Eye Strain During Long Use
A 120Hz display reduces the flicker effect typically seen on lower refresh rate panels, resulting in less eyestrain during extended use. The smooth motion also creates a more natural viewing experience, which feels gentler on the eyes.
🔹 Hard to Go Back to 60Hz
Once you’ve experienced a 120Hz screen, going back to a 60Hz device feels noticeably sluggish. Transitions seem slower, scrolling looks jittery, and animations lose their fluidity. This explains why many buyers now prioritize refresh rate over megapixels or storage capacity.
✅ In short: A 120Hz display isn’t just a spec — it transforms the way you interact with your phone. From smoother scrolling to immersive gaming and reduced eye fatigue, it elevates the overall experience, making even a mid-range phone feel like a premium device.
Top Contenders – The Best Budget 120Hz Smartphones Under £400
The sub-£400 category has become one of the most exciting spaces in the UK smartphone market. Brands like Google, Samsung, and Xiaomi are delivering flagship-level smoothness at prices that once seemed impossible. Based on current market trends and new releases, these are the best budget phones that deliver on the 120Hz promise.
1. Google Pixel 8a
The Google Pixel 8a continues to redefine the budget phone category, delivering a premium camera and software experience that stands in a league of its own. It’s the ultimate choice for users who prioritize a seamless, intelligent user experience over raw specs. (GSMArena)
- Display: A brilliant 6.1-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. While its smaller size sets it apart from larger rivals, it offers a perfect balance for one-handed use and portability. The screen is a visual treat, boasting Google’s renowned color accuracy and excellent outdoor visibility.
- Performance: Powered by the flagship-grade Google Tensor G3 chipset, the Pixel 8a handles multitasking, gaming, and complex on-device AI features with remarkable speed. Its performance is optimized for a smooth, lag-free experience, a testament to Google’s tight integration of hardware and software. For those curious about Google’s flagship foldable offering, we have a complete breakdown in our in-depth Google Pixel Fold Review.
- Camera System: This is its undisputed standout feature. The Pixel 8a’s camera uses a 64MP main sensor with Google’s industry-leading computational photography to produce results that rival phones costing twice as much. Key AI features like Magic Editor, Best Take, and Audio Magic Eraser make it incredibly easy for anyone to capture and edit phenomenal photos and videos.
- Software & AI: The device runs a clean, bloatware-free Android experience that is pure and straightforward. This streamlined software, combined with Google’s relentless innovation, means the phone continuously gets better with monthly updates and new AI-powered features. Most importantly, the Pixel 8a is backed by Google’s full 7-year commitment to OS and security updates, guaranteeing it will be up-to-date and secure all the way into 2031.
Best For: Users who want a phenomenal, easy-to-use camera, a clean and bloatware-free Android experience, and cutting-edge on-device AI features without a flagship price tag. It’s the ideal phone for those who value long-term support and a hassle-free, smart experience.
2. Samsung Galaxy A55 5G
Samsung has mastered the art of trickling down flagship features into its mid-range Galaxy A-Series. The Galaxy A55 is the perfect example of a device that balances premium hardware with a top-tier software commitment, offering a holistic user experience that extends far beyond its initial purchase.
- Display: The 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display offers a silky-smooth 120Hz refresh rate. Samsung’s displays are widely regarded for their exceptional color accuracy and clarity, making them ideal for media consumption, photography, and gaming. The high refresh rate ensures every animation, from swiping through your home screen to navigating social media, feels fluid and responsive.
- Performance & Software: Powered by the Exynos 1480 chipset, the Galaxy A55 provides a solid balance of performance and power efficiency for day-to-day tasks. But its true competitive edge lies in the software. It runs on Samsung’s One UI skin, which is a feature-rich and highly customizable version of Android. Crucially, Samsung’s software support policy for this device is among the best in the entire Android ecosystem, rivaled only by Google. The Galaxy A55 is guaranteed four years of major Android OS upgrades and five years of security patches.
- Why This Matters: This long-term commitment means the Galaxy A55, which launched on Android 14 (One UI 6.1), will receive updates all the way up to Android 18 (One UI 10). This future-proofs the phone, ensuring it remains secure, compatible with new apps, and equipped with the latest features for years to come. In a market where many budget phones receive only one or two major updates, Samsung’s policy is a massive advantage for users who don’t upgrade their phone every year.
- Camera System: The versatile triple-camera setup features a capable 50MP main sensor that handles daylight shots very well, with reliable ultra-wide and macro options. The camera software is also packed with features from the flagship Galaxy S series, allowing for a creative and flexible photography experience.
- Design and Build: The Galaxy A55’s premium design is another key selling point. It features a sleek aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass Victus+ on both the front and back, giving it a build quality that feels far more robust and expensive than its price tag suggests.
Best For: Everyday users who want a reputable brand, the security of long-term software support, a premium-feeling design, and a vibrant 120Hz AMOLED display without stretching their budget.and, long-term software support, and a premium 120Hz AMOLED display without stretching their budget.
3. Nothing Phone (3a)
Nothing has quickly carved a unique niche with its minimalist design and clean software. The Nothing Phone (3a) brings this philosophy to the budget segment, offering a premium experience that prioritizes user freedom and a fluid interface over bloatware and unnecessary features. (GSMArena)
- Display: A bright AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures a fluid and modern experience, perfect for everyday scrolling and app usage. The display’s visual purity complements the phone’s minimalist software design.
- Design & Software: The transparent aesthetic with the iconic Glyph Interface is instantly recognizable, offering a unique style in a sea of generic smartphones. This design is seamlessly integrated with Nothing’s software, which is its most compelling feature. The phone runs on Nothing OS, a version of Android that is praised for its near-stock aesthetic, lightweight nature, and lack of bloatware.
- The Nothing OS Advantage: Unlike heavily customized skins like Samsung’s One UI or Xiaomi’s HyperOS, Nothing OS offers a clean, fast, and simple user interface. It avoids duplicate apps, excessive animations, and pre-installed third-party software. Instead, it adds thoughtful, signature features like the interactive Glyph lights, unique lock screen widgets, and a consistent, monochromatic design language that runs throughout the OS. This creates a refined and cohesive user experience that feels different from a standard Android phone, but without the clutter.
- Performance & Camera: The Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor balances smooth daily performance with a capable dual-camera setup that shines in good lighting. The lightweight nature of Nothing OS ensures that the hardware performs optimally, delivering a consistently snappy experience.
- Software Update Policy: Nothing has committed to providing three years of major Android OS upgrades and six years of security patches for the Nothing Phone (3a). This means the phone, which launched with Android 15, is guaranteed updates up to Android 18. While this policy doesn’t quite match Google’s or Samsung’s flagship-level commitments, it is still a significant amount of support for a budget device and provides long-term security.
Best For: Users who value unique design, simplicity, and a clean, fast near-stock Android experience. It’s the ideal choice for those who want a device that feels different from the crowd while still enjoying the core benefits of a 120Hz AMOLED display and solid performance.
4. Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G
The Xiaomi Redmi Note series has long been a go-to for buyers seeking high-end specs on a shoestring budget, and the Note 14 Pro is no exception. This device is the ultimate choice for users who prioritize raw hardware power and a flagship-like display without a premium price tag. (TechRadar)
- Display: It boasts a massive 6.67-inch 1.5K CrystalRes AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. This is a significant standout feature at this price point, offering a resolution higher than most competitors and delivering a truly immersive visual experience with a peak brightness of up to 3000 nits. The screen is perfect for gamers and media bingers.
- Performance: Powered by a modern MediaTek Dimensity 7300-Ultra chipset, this phone is a performance beast for its class. It handles multitasking and graphically demanding games with ease, making it a go-to choice for power users.
- Battery & Charging: A large 5110mAh battery provides excellent all-day endurance. While its sibling, the Note 14 Pro+, offers 120W charging, the base Note 14 Pro still provides a rapid 45W turbo charging, allowing you to top up the battery in well under an hour.
- Camera System: The camera system is a highlight, featuring a 200MP main sensor with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). This high-resolution sensor, combined with Xiaomi’s robust Imaging Engine, captures incredibly sharp, detailed photos, making it a strong contender for the best camera in its price range. It also features advanced AI tools like AI Erase Pro and AI Image Expansion, which are powered by Google’s Gemini models.
- Software & AI: The Redmi Note 14 Pro runs on Xiaomi’s HyperOS, which is a highly-customizable and performance-oriented skin of Android. While some users may find it comes with a number of pre-installed apps, its performance is snappy and it offers deep AI integration, including Circle to Search with Google and access to Google’s Gemini AI assistant. Xiaomi has committed to three years of major Android OS updates and four years of security patches, a respectable policy that ensures the device remains secure for years to come.
Best For: Users who prioritize a large, flagship-grade screen, class-leading performance for gaming and multitasking, and an excellent high-resolution camera. It’s the perfect choice for tech enthusiasts who want the absolute most hardware for their money and don’t mind a trade-off on software support longevity compared to a Google Pixel.
5. POCO X6 Pro 5G
The POCO X6 Pro has become a powerhouse in the sub-£400 category, earning its reputation as a gamer’s delight and a performance enthusiast’s top pick. It delivers on the promise of flagship-level specifications at a truly affordable price point.
- Display: The phone boasts a stunning 6.67-inch CrystalRes Flow AMOLED panel with a 1.5K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. This display is a key differentiator, offering sharper visuals than the typical Full HD+ screens found on many rivals. It provides deep blacks, vibrant colors, and buttery-smooth scrolling that makes every interaction feel premium.
- Performance: This is where the POCO X6 Pro truly excels. It is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8300-Ultra chipset, a beast of a processor for this price. Paired with up to 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM, the device handles demanding mobile games and heavy multitasking with ease, without a hint of lag. This raw power is exactly what users look for in a “gamer’s” phone.
- Battery & Charging: A large 5000mAh battery provides excellent endurance, easily lasting a full day of mixed usage. The included 67W turbo charging adapter is a major bonus, allowing you to charge the phone from empty to 100% in under an hour.
- Value: With a UK price hovering around £300, the POCO X6 Pro represents one of the best value-for-money propositions in the market. It successfully brings high-end features like a top-tier processor and a high-resolution display into the budget category.
Best For: Gamers, power users, and anyone who wants the fastest possible performance and a top-quality display without paying a flagship price.
📊 Comparison Table – Best Budget Smartphones Under £400 with 120 Hz Display (2025)
Choosing the right smartphone is all about finding the perfect balance between price, performance, and features. This comparison table provides a quick, at-a-glance overview of the key specs for the best budget phones on our list, helping you see their strengths and weaknesses side-by-side.
Find A Budget Smartphone Under £400 with 120 Hz Display Based on Your Needs
| Feature | Google Pixel 8a | Samsung Galaxy A55 5G | Nothing Phone (3a) | Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro 5G | POCO X6 Pro 5G |
| UK Price (Approx.) | £299 – £349 | £275 – £350 | £290 – £379 | £200 – £300 | £250 – £350 |
| Display | 6.1″ OLED, 120Hz | 6.6″ Super AMOLED, 120Hz | 6.77″ AMOLED, 120Hz | 6.67″ 1.5K AMOLED, 120Hz | 6.67″ 1.5K AMOLED, 120Hz |
| Processor | Google Tensor G3 | Samsung Exynos 1480 | Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 | MediaTek Dimensity 7300-Ultra | MediaTek Dimensity 8300-Ultra |
| Main Camera | 64MP (with OIS) | 50MP (with OIS) | 50MP (with OIS) | 200MP (with OIS) | 64MP (with OIS) |
| Software | Clean Android (Pixel UI) | Samsung One UI | Nothing OS (near-stock) | Xiaomi HyperOS | Xiaomi HyperOS |
| Updates Policy | 7 years OS & Security | 4 years OS, 5 years Security | 3 years OS, 6 years Security | 3 years OS, 4 years Security | 3 years OS, 4 years Security |
| Battery & Charging | 4492mAh, 18W wired | 5000mAh, 25W wired | 5000mAh, 50W wired | 5110mAh, 45W wired | 5000mAh, 67W wired |
| Key Differentiator | Best-in-class AI, Camera, Longest updates | Premium build, Reliable brand reputation | Unique Glyph design, Clean software | High-res display, 200MP camera | Fastest performance for gaming |
| Best For | Camera enthusiasts, AI lovers, Users who keep phones for years | Samsung fans, Media consumers, Users who want premium design on a budget | Minimalists, Design-conscious users, Those who want a unique experience | Gamers, Power users, Users who want the highest specs for the lowest price | Serious mobile gamers, Performance enthusiasts on a budget |
Quick Links: Shop the Best 120Hz Budget Phones on Amazon
Ready to buy? To make your shopping experience easier, we have compiled a simplified list of our top-rated budget smartphones. The following links will take you directly to the best current deals on Amazon UK, and we may earn a small commission on any qualifying purchases you make.
How to Choose the Right Budget 120Hz Smartphone
While a 120Hz display is the main attraction, it’s not the only factor that determines how well your phone performs in day-to-day life. To make sure you’re investing in the right device, keep the following considerations in mind:
🔹 Performance and Processor Power
A high refresh rate only shines when paired with a capable chipset. Without enough processing power, apps may stutter, animations could lag, and games won’t run smoothly — defeating the purpose of having a 120Hz screen. Look for smartphones powered by Snapdragon, Dimensity, or Exynos chipsets with at least 6GB of RAM to ensure fast multitasking and responsive performance.
🔹 Battery Life and Charging Speed
Running a display at 120Hz naturally uses more power than a standard 60Hz panel. To avoid constantly reaching for the charger, prioritize phones with at least a 4500mAh battery. Even better, choose models that include fast charging technology (25W, 67W, or higher), so you can top up quickly during the day without waiting hours.
🔹 Camera Quality and Everyday Photography
If you regularly capture photos and videos, don’t ignore the camera system. While budget phones won’t rival flagship devices, many now include 50MP or 64MP main sensors that take excellent daylight shots. Features like night mode, optical image stabilization, and AI enhancements can make a big difference if you value social media-ready photos.
🔹 Storage and RAM for Smooth Use
Your phone should be able to store apps, photos, and videos without constantly running out of space. Aim for at least 128GB of internal storage to future-proof your device, and ensure the RAM is adequate (6GB–8GB minimum). This combination allows smoother multitasking and ensures your phone stays responsive as apps become more demanding.
✅ The Bottom Line:
By weighing performance, battery life, camera capabilities, and storage alongside the display refresh rate, you’ll find a budget smartphone under £400 with 120 Hz display that delivers the perfect balance of speed, style, and reliability. The good news is that in 2025, you no longer need to compromise — affordable phones can now rival flagships in everyday performance. sacrificing performance for price are over.
✅ Quick Buyer’s Checklist – What to Look for in a Budget 120Hz Smartphone
When shopping for the best budget smartphone under £400 with 120 Hz display, use this quick checklist to make sure you’re getting the right balance of performance and features:
- 📱 Display → AMOLED or Super AMOLED with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate for premium visuals.
- ⚡ Performance → Snapdragon / Dimensity chipset + 6GB–8GB RAM minimum for smooth multitasking.
- 🔋 Battery Life → At least 4500mAh with fast charging (25W–80W) to keep you powered all day.
- 📸 Camera System → Strong main sensor (48MP/50MP/64MP) for reliable daylight photography; night mode support if possible.
- 💾 Storage → 128GB or more to store apps, media, and updates without running out of space.
- 🔄 Software Support → Check for 2–4 years of updates to ensure long-term reliability.
- 🎮 Gaming Experience → If you game often, prioritize models with adaptive refresh rates + cooling tech.
👉 Tip for Readers: Don’t just look at the refresh rate — a 120Hz display only feels truly smooth if the processor, battery, and software keep up. The best budget models combine all of these features, giving you a flagship-like experience under £400.
FAQs About Budget 120Hz Smartphones
Q1: What does a 120Hz display mean on a smartphone?
A 120Hz display refreshes the screen 120 times per second, which is twice the rate of a standard 60Hz display. This higher refresh rate results in a smoother, more fluid visual experience. Every animation, scroll, and swipe feels incredibly responsive, creating a premium feel that makes a budget smartphone feel like a flagship.
Q2: Does a 120Hz display use more battery?
Yes, a higher refresh rate does consume more power. However, modern budget phones use advanced adaptive refresh rate technology, such as LTPO panels, to optimize battery life. These screens can automatically adjust their refresh rate based on your activity—dropping to as low as 1Hz when viewing a static image, then immediately jumping up to 120Hz when you start scrolling or playing a game. This smart technology ensures you get the smoothness you need without sacrificing battery life.
Q3: Can I buy a good 120Hz smartphone under £300 in the UK?
Absolutely. Many of the phones featured in this guide, such as the Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro, are often available for well under £300. Brands like POCO and Realme also offer excellent options in this price range. While devices at this price may make some trade-offs in camera quality or software support, they still deliver the core benefit of a smooth, 120Hz display at an incredibly affordable price.
Q4: Is a 120Hz display essential for everyone?
Not necessarily, but it is a significant upgrade for most. For casual users who primarily make calls and use basic apps, a 120Hz display is a luxury rather than a necessity. However, for mobile gamers, content creators, and anyone who spends a lot of time scrolling through social media, the difference is night and day. It is often considered one of the most noticeable upgrades in modern smartphones, more impactful for many users than extra megapixels or slightly faster charging.
Q5: Why is a 120Hz display better for gamers?
For gamers, refresh rate is a competitive advantage. A 120Hz screen reduces motion blur and input lag, making movements look sharper and more responsive. Fast-paced games like Call of Duty Mobile or PUBG feel far more fluid, allowing players to react more quickly to on-screen action. It leads to a more precise and immersive gaming experience that can truly be the difference between winning and losing.
