Top 5 Smartphones for Every Budget

Mondo Admin / 13-05-2024 / Tech

Got your sights set on a new smartphone, but your wallet's saying; “No, no, no”? We’re here to help you narrow your search to some of the most budget-friendly options.

Here are the top 5 phones for every budget!

  1. Huawei nova Y72: Cut the cord & break free from wall-hugging 

6.75-inch display | 50MP main camera | 8MP selfie camera | 6000mAh battery | 22.5 W fast charging | 8GB RAM | 128GB ROM | 90Hz refresh rate | Kirin 710A chipset | 4G

If you're tired of being tethered to the nearest outlet because your phone's battery can't keep up with your daily hustle, it's time to break free with the Huawei nova Y72. With its massive 6000mAh battery and 22.5W rapid charging, this powerhouse is a rare gem in the world of budget-friendly smartphones. Huawei promises you'll only need to charge it twice a week, so you can finally be free from constant wall-hugging and battery anxiety.

Let's talk about its main camera, which not only captures stunning HD photos but also works wonders in low-light conditions. Don’t forget about its captivating HD+ display with eye-comfort technology, ensuring hours of immersive entertainment without any worries of eye strain or fatigue.

Looking for something even more impressive? You also get an insanely generous amount of RAM and storage space.

With a whopping 8GB RAM, multitasking is a breeze no matter how many apps you have open at once. And with a spacious 128GB of onboard storage, you'll have more than enough room for all your apps, photos, videos, and more.

  1. Huawei nova Y62 Plus: A budget beast that costs the least 

6.52-inch display | 50MP main camera | 5MP selfie camera | 5000mAh battery | 22.5W fast charging | 8GB RAM | 128GB ROM | 60Hz refresh rate | Kirin 710 chipset | 4G

Three back cameras, HD+ video recording with continuous front and back recording, and 6 hours of battery life from just a 30-minute charge.

These are just some of the incredible features you'll find in one of Huawei's most affordable new phones, the nova Y62 Plus. It manages to pack a little bit of everything under the hood without asking you to sacrifice the latest features to save a few bucks. The trio of rear cameras isn't just for show—it's your ticket for freeing your inner artist. Whether you're capturing fast-paced action scenes with automatically adjusted shutter speeds, adding slow-motion effects to your videos for that epic cinematic vibe, or lighting up the mysteries of the night-time with Super Night Mode, the nova Y62 Plus gets the job done.

Huawei phones don't mess around when it comes to rapid charging speeds and beastly batteries that just keep going and going! And the nova Y62 Plus is no exception. With its hefty 5000mAh battery and fast 22.5W charging, this bad boy is ready to power you through even the busiest of days. Just give it a quick 30-minute charge, and you'll be set for over 11 hours of non-stop phone calls, 6 hours of binge-watching your favourite online videos, more than 4 hours of intense gaming sessions, and a solid 6 hours of endless web browsing. Talk about a battery that packs a punch!

Here’s the cherry on top: the nova Y62 Plus comes loaded with ample 128GB storage and a massive 8GB RAM. Yes, you read that right—8GB RAM in a phone this affordable is practically unheard of!

  1. Honor 90 lite 5G: Attention content creators, it’s time to elevate your hustle

6.7-inch display | 100MP main camera | 16MP selfie camera | 4500mAh battery | 22.5W fast charging | 8GB+5GB RAM | 256GB ROM | 90Hz refresh rate | MediaTek Dimensity 6020 chipset

Get ready to elevate your content creation game with the Honor 90 Lite 5G! Whether you're an aspiring vlogger or just love capturing every moment in high-definition detail, this smartphone is about to become your new best friend. Featuring a jaw-dropping 100MP main camera, it delivers crystal-clear images that retain their quality even when zoomed or cropped. Say goodbye to blurry photos forever! But that's not all—the device features a plethora of templates and soundtracks at your fingertips, making creating and editing videos effortless and more fun.

The Honor 90 Lite 5G is a fast-performing phone, but thanks to Honor RAM Turbo, it gets even faster. This is an innovative feature that amplifies the phone's already generous 8GB RAM to a staggering 13GB. But how does it work? By converting unused internal storage into additional RAM, Honor RAM Turbo boosts efficiency and offers faster speeds when loading apps and content. You can open up to 20 apps simultaneously without experiencing any slowdowns. Now that’s multitasking like a pro!

There are so many other features to appreciate, like its abundant 256GB internal storage and 22.5W fast charging speeds, which juice up the battery to 53% in just 30 minutes—getting you back up and running in no time.

  1. Samsung Galaxy A25 5G: So many flagship features 

6.5-inch display | 50MP OIS main camera | 13MP selfie camera | 5000mAh battery | 25W fast charging | 6GB RAM | 128GB ROM | 120Hz refresh rate | Exynos 1280

From the moment you power up the Samsung Galaxy A25 5G, you’ll be mesmerised by its awesome display. With a Super AMOLED screen, Full HD+ resolution, and a buttery-smooth 120Hz refresh rate, it’s like having a mini movie theatre in your pocket. And with colours so rich and vivid, plus a brightness of up to 1000 nits, the screen remains clear even in the great outdoors, no matter how sunny it gets.

It boasts the perfect blend of cameras to capture striking photos in any environment! With a 50MP main camera featuring Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS), an 8MP ultra-wide camera, a 2MP macro camera, and a 13MP selfie lens, you can snap everything from breath-taking landscapes to captivating portraits and detailed close-up shots bursting with vibrant colours.

The real hero here is the main camera, thanks to its OIS technology. This premium feature stabilises the camera to minimise or completely eliminate shake in your images or videos, resulting in crisp and clear shots even when the phone is held in your hand.

More aspects of the Samsung Galaxy A25 5G that you're sure to love are its super-fast 25W charging speeds and the never-say-die battery, which can last for up to two days on a single charge. And if that's not enough, it also offers expandable storage of up to an incredible 1TB via a MicroSD card. With all that extra space, you can download apps, videos, and music to your heart's content—and never have to feel the dread of constantly deleting stuff you enjoy.

  1. Samsung Galaxy A15: All you need & so much more

6.5-inch display | 50MP main camera | 13MP selfie camera | 5000mAh battery | 25W fast charging | 4GB RAM | 128GB ROM | 90Hz refresh rate | Mediatek Helio G99 | 4G

Say hello to one of Samsung's most affordable smartphones packed with truly impressive features, the Galaxy A15. From its premium Super AMOLED display and smooth 90Hz refresh rate to a peak brightness of up to 800 nits and all-day screen comfort, this device is designed to upgrade your viewing experience without blowing your budget.

The camera setup is equally impressive, featuring a 50MP main camera for capturing unforgettable moments, a 5MP ultra-wide lens for expansive landscapes, a 2MP macro lens for crisp close-ups, and a 13MP front camera for picture-perfect selfies. In case you missed it, one of Samsung’s most affordable smartphones has three rear cameras! Now, that’s a sweet deal.

Plus, with 25W fast charging speeds, a two-day battery life, and external storage support of up to 1TB via MicroSD, what more can you ask for?

Navigating the choppy waters of choice can get confusing, but with these top 5 budget smartphones on your radar, you’re sure to find the right one for you!

And the best part? All 5 are available right here on Mondo!

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Compare The Huawei P80 Pro and Samsung S24 Ultra

Compare the Huawei Pura 80 Pro and Samsung S24 Ultra to find out which smartphone delivers better camera quality, specs and performance.What’s Your Pick?When it comes to high-end smartphones, the Huawei Pura 80 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra are the hottest contenders of 2025 right now. Both packed with powerhouse specs and features that’ll make your tech-loving heart race.They each carry standout cameras, blazing-fast processors and sleek designs to the table. But which one takes the crown overall?We’re breaking down everything you need to know so you can confidently pick the perfect smartphone that’ll keep up with you.DesignHuawei Pura 80 ProThe Huawei Pura 80 Pro rocks a glazed texture finish that is reminiscent of a pool of water. It comes in two eye-catching colours: a sleek black and a vibrant red. The colours really pop in natural light but heads up, the camera island at the back is a bit hard to miss. It’s pretty big and adds some extra bulk to the device as a whole, so if you’re all about slim phones, this one might feel a tad chunky in your hand.On the bright side (literally), the 6.8 inch LTPO OLED display dazzles with up to 3 000 nits of peak brightness and a buttery-smooth 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. Everything looks sharp and scrolling feels silky smooth. It’s the perfect device for gamers or streamers.Durability-wise, the Huawei Pura 80 Pro doesn’t disappoint. It sports 2nd-generation Kunlun glass for solid scratch resistance and carries an IP68 rating which means water, dust and accidental splashes won’t slow you down.Samsung Galaxy S24 UltraThe Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra has a wider variety of colours to choose from compared to the Huawei Pura 80 Pro.  Take your pick from Titanium Grey, Titanium Black, Titanium Violet and Titanium Yellow. If you like your phone to stand out with bold, unique colours, this one’s definitely got you covered.Beyond the colours, the Samsung S24 Ultra sports a sleek titanium exterior paired with a sturdy 6.8 inch flat display that feels premium in the hand. It’s protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, built tough to handle everyday knocks and bumps.Plus, it comes with a built-in S Pen for all your note-taking and creative moments and a bright 2 600 nit display that keeps everything crisp and clear.Winner: Beauty might be in the eye of the beholder, but when it comes to choice and build, Samsung clearly pulls ahead here. With a wider range of bold and unique colours, you’ve got plenty of options to match your style. Plus, that titanium frame doesn’t just look premium; it adds serious durability. With the variety of colours and the tough, sleek design, Samsung wins this round.CameraHuawei Pura 80 ProThe Huawei Pura 80 Pro’s camera setup is built to make every shot look amazing. The 50MP 1-inch Ultra Lighting Camera with optical image stabilisation means you get crisp, clear photos even in tricky low light or when your hands aren’t perfectly steady. No more blurry memories.Want to capture those epic landscapes or fit a whole crew into one shot? The 40MP ultra-wide lens has you covered. And for the close-up lovers, the 48MP macro telephoto camera lets you zoom in on the tiniest details without losing any sharpness.Colours pop with stunning accuracy thanks to the Ultra Chroma camera, which uses 1.5 million spectral channels to bring every photo to life.On the selfie side, the 13MP wide-angle front camera with autofocus keeps you looking sharp and perfectly in focus, whether you’re snapping solo or with friends.Samsung Galaxy S24 UltraThe Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra’s quad rear cameras mean you’re ready for almost any shot. With a massive 200MP main sensor combined with advanced autofocus and optical image stabilisation, this camera helps you capture sharp, steady photos.Zoom is where this smartphone truly shines. With optical zoom options at 3x and 5x, you get closer without losing detail. Then the adaptive pixel sensor takes it further with up to 10x optical-quality zoom. Want to go even farther? The digital zoom goes all the way to 100x so no tiny detail slips past you.On the front, the 12MP selfie camera makes snapping clear, detailed selfies effortless, helping you capture your best side, always.Winner: This one’s a tie. Both devices have excellent camera specs. Choose the Huawei Pura 80 Pro if you want excellent colour accuracy, strong low-light performance and sharp close-up shots. Go for the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra if you want the ultimate zoom experience and a huge resolution main camera that captures insane detail.PerformanceHuawei Pura 80 ProPowered by the Kirin 9020 chipset, the Huawei Pura 80 Pro delivers smooth, responsive performance that keeps up with your busiest days. Running on EMUI 15.0, it’s packed with smart AI features and multitasking tools that make your day run easier.With a generous 12GB of RAM and a massive 512GB of storage, you’ve got plenty of room to multitask seamlessly and store all your apps, photos and files without ever worrying about space.Samsung Galaxy S24 UltraThe Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra runs on the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset delivering top-notch speed and efficiency to power everything you do with ease.On the software front, it comes with Android 14 out of the box, layered with Samsung’s sleek One UI 6.1.1. Samsung promises up to seven major Android upgrades so your phone stays fresh and secure for years to come.With 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, this phone effortlessly juggles heavy apps and stores plenty of your photos, videos and files without breaking a sweat.Winner: If raw speed, smooth multitasking and security longevity are your priorities, the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset delivers more power and efficiency. Plus, with up to seven years of software updates, it stays secure and fresh longer. Huawei’s P80 Pro performs great now but we’ll have to wait and see if it can match Samsung’s speed or future-proofing.BatteryHuawei Pura 80 ProThe Huawei Pura 80 Pro packs a solid 5 170mAh battery to keep you powered through a busy day. When it’s time to recharge, HUAWEI SuperCharge offers up to 100W wired fast charging and 80W wireless fast charging so you can top up quickly and get back to what matters without the wait.Samsung Galaxy S24 UltraThe Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra comes with a 5 000mAh battery that comfortably powers you through long days of multitasking, streaming, gaming and everything in between. Whether you’re juggling work apps, binge-watching your favourite shows or crushing high-graphics games, this battery keeps up without constantly begging for a charge. Plus, Samsung’s software optimisations help manage power efficiently so you get the most out of every percentage.Winner: Huawei wins on raw charging speed and battery size, giving you the power to keep going longer and recharging faster – a must when dealing with load shedding, unexpected power outages or when you tell your date you’re five minutes away but haven’t actually left the house yet.Samsung balances battery life with system efficiency, which helps stretch power throughout the day, but when the lights go out, Huawei has the clear edge in staying powered up and ready.Verdict Both phones are strong contenders, but it comes down to what you need most. Huawei shines when it comes to capturing vibrant, true-to-life colours in photos and powering up quickly with its fast charging- perfect if you love snapping pictures and hate waiting around for your battery to recharge.On the other hand, Samsung stands out for its top-notch performance and promises long-term software updates, which means your phone will stay smooth, secure and up to date for years.So, whether you prioritise stunning camera quality and quick charging or reliable performance and software support, both phones over-deliver on the high-tier experience you expect from this price range.  Ready to upgrade?Check out our Huawei Pura 80 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra deals.FAQs1. Which smartphone has the better camera? Both phones feature impressive cameras, but the Huawei Pura 80 Pro excels in colour accuracy and low-light shots, while the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra offers superior zoom capabilities and ultra-high resolution for detailed photos.2. How does the performance of the Huawei Pura 80 Pro compare to the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra? The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset provides faster processing and better multitasking efficiency compared to the Huawei Pura 80 Pro’s Kirin 9020, making Samsung the better choice for raw speed and future-proofing.3. Which phone has a better battery life and charging speed? Huawei’s P80 Pro features a slightly larger 5170mAh battery and supports super-fast wired charging up to 100W, while the Samsung S24 Ultra balances its 5000mAh battery with efficient power management and reliable fast charging options.4. What software do the Huawei Pura 80 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra run? The Huawei Pura 80 Pro runs on EMUI 15.0 with smart AI features, whereas the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra ships with Android 14 and One UI 6.1.1, plus guaranteed software updates for up to seven years.5. Which phone offers better design and durability? Samsung wins here with a sleek titanium frame and more colour options, along with Gorilla Glass Armor protection. The Huawei Pura 80 Pro offers a glazed texture design with good durability, including IP68 water resistance and Kunlun glass.References:https://consumer.huawei.com/za/phones/pura80-pb ro/specs/https://www.samsung.com/za/smartphones/galaxy-s24-ultra/

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Huawei Pura 80 Pro Review 2025

Our Huawei Pura 80 Pro review covers performance, battery life and camera quality. See how it compares to other flagship smartphones.Smartphone, Smart Camera If you like your donuts glazed, you’re going to love the new Huawei Pura 80 Pro.Huawei is well-known for pulling out all the stops when it comes to their camera specs. But does the Huawei Pura 80 Pro keep this tradition going?And more importantly, does the phone’s other features match up to what’s being called mind-blowing camera quality that rivals Apple iPhones?Let’s take a closer look and see if the Huawei Pura 80 Pro is worth upgrading for.DesignThe Huawei Pura 80 Pro is a total showstopper under the hood and outside too. Thanks to the new monochrome glaze texture, the device gives off effortlessly elegant vibes, catching the light just right.The Huawei Pura 80 Pro comes in two colours, which for a high-end device like this one can seem a bit underwhelming, but somehow both classic black and striking red manage to turn heads.You can’t help but be sucked in by the almost liquid-like casing.However, there is a slight downside. The camera does stand out significantly on the back of the device even in its triangular island. It doesn’t affect the performance and photo quality so the looks can be a trade-off many won’t really mind.Enjoy a disassociating doom-scrolling session every now and then?  The good news is, everything on screen looks sharp and moves fluidly thanks to the stunning 6.8 inch LTPO OLED display and silky-smooth 120Hz adaptive refresh rate.And because beauty shouldn’t mean fragile, the Huawei Pura 80 Pro backs up its style with serious security. The 2nd gen Kunlun Glass and IP68 water and dust resistance means this phone is built to handle whatever life throws at it.CameraChasing the sunset, snapping your morning coffee or capturing a sneaky selfie when the light is right?  The Huawei Pura 80 Pro gets the perfect shot effortlessly, every single time. The rear camera setup is a triple powerhouse. It includes a 50MP 1 inch Ultra Lighting Camera that delivers crisp, bright shots thanks to smart aperture control and image stabilisation. There’s also a 40MP ultra-wide lens for sweeping landscapes and big group photos. Plus, a 48MP macro telephoto camera lets you zoom in close without losing any clarity.On the front, the 13MP wide-angle selfie camera with autofocus keeps you looking sharp and camera-ready, whether you’re flying solo or in the middle of the crowd. And with 1.5 million spectral channels in the Ultra Chroma camera, colours burst to life with rich vibrancy that makes every photo worth framing and sharing.PerformanceWith a generous 12GB of RAM and a whopping 512GB of storage, the Huawei Pura 80 Pro gives you plenty of space. You can multitask like a pro and stash all your apps, photos and files without breaking a sweat. The phone runs on EMUI 15.0, Huawei’s custom user interface. It feels smooth and snappy, packed with smart AI-powered features like app suggestions and multitasking tools that make your day-to-day flow effortlessly. At the heart of it all is the Kirin 9020 chipset, a powerhouse designed to keep things fast and fluid. Yes, the lack of Google apps is still a factor on this device, but the Huawei system has come a long way and all the apps you love are now easily available.Battery LifeForget the panic of hunting for a charger by midday because you’re almost out of power. The Huawei Pura 80 Pro is built to go the distance with its 5 170 mAh battery, giving you reliable all-day power that keeps up with your busiest days. And when it’s time to power up, HUAWEI SuperCharge has you covered with lightning-fast options – 100W wired or 80W wireless charging.Verdict The Huawei Pura 80 Pro is a powerful, thoughtfully designed smartphone that delivers exactly where it counts. With its stunning camera system, smooth performance and all-day battery life, it’s built for anyone who wants a premium experience.Whether you’re hooked by the design, pro-level photography or raw power under the hood, one thing’s clear: the Huawei Pura 80 Pro is ready to keep up with your life and look great while doing it.Ready to make the switch? Check out our latest Huawei Pura 80 Pro deals here.FAQs1. What are the standout features of the Huawei Pura 80 Pro? The Huawei Pura 80 Pro boasts a stunning 50MP Ultra Lighting Camera, a sleek 6.8 inch LTPO OLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, powerful Kirin 9020 chipset, 12GB RAM, 512GB storage and a robust 5 170mAh battery with ultra-fast charging options. All of this is wrapped in a premium, durable design that comes with 2nd gen Kunlun Glass and IP68 water and dust resistance.2. How good is the Huawei Pura 80 Pro camera for photography? The Huawei Pura 80 Pro’s camera system is a triple-threat with a 50MP main sensor for crisp, bright photos even in low light, a 40MP ultra-wide lens for expansive shots and a 48MP macro telephoto lens for close-up detail. The 13MP front camera offers sharp selfies with autofocus and wide-angle coverage, plus enhanced colour accuracy thanks to 1.5 million spectral channels.3. How does the Huawei Pura 80 Pro perform in everyday use? Powered by the Kirin 9020 chipset and supported by 12GB of RAM, the Huawei Pura 80 Pro runs smoothly on EMUI 15.0, featuring smart AI enhancements for multitasking and app suggestions. It offers fast, lag-free performance no matter if you’re gaming, streaming or juggling multiple apps.4. What about the battery life and charging speed on the Huawei Pura 80 Pro? The Pura 80 Pro’s large 5 170mAh battery provides all-day power so you don’t need to worry about midday charging. When it’s time to recharge, HUAWEI SuperCharge delivers lightning-fast power-ups with 100W wired and 80W wireless charging options.5. Is the Huawei Pura 80 Pro durable and well-built? Yes. Besides its eye-catching glazed finish, the Huawei Pura 80 Pro features 2nd-gen Kunlun Glass and an IP68 rating, making it resistant to water and dust. It strikes a balance between premium looks and practical durability for everyday use.References https://consumer.huawei.com/za/phones/pura80-pro/specs/

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Sustainable Smartphones of 2025–Green Brands Worth Your Money

Ready to go green? Check out our 2025 ranking of Samsung, Apple, and Huawei’s best sustainable smartphones and find the perfect eco-friendly match.Safe Smartphones As new smartphones hit the market faster than ever, an important question arises: Are brands cutting corners, or are they genuinely choosing sustainable, toxin-free materials?With leading brands like Samsung, Apple and Huawei investing heavily in greener technology, today’s devices deliver both powerful performance and a planet-friendly footprint.If your main concern when getting a new phone is recycled materials, energy-efficient features, toxin-free smartphones or trade-in programmes that keep e-waste out of landfills, we’re about to break down the best eco-conscious smartphones available in South Africa.Ready to make a smarter, greener choice? Keep reading to explore how these brands are redefining sustainability and which phone could be your next eco-friendly upgrade.Samsung: Big on Innovation and SustainabilitySamsung has been sprinting toward a greener future for some time now. The brand has been conscious about advancing its sustainability goals with a strong focus on product design and energy efficiency. By the end of 2025, the brand aims to integrate recycled materials across all Galaxy products and eliminate plastic from device packaging entirely. Another major target for the brand is to reduce the standby power consumption on smartphone chargers to below 0.005 watts.In practice, Samsung has already made notable strides. The company repurposes discarded fishing nets and uses them as components in smartphones, tablets, laptops and earbuds- supporting both ocean conservation and responsible production.Samsung’s Galaxy Upcycling programme is another key initiative, giving older devices a new purpose rather than contributing to e-waste.The Samsung Galaxy S25 is a standout example of this eco-conscious approach. It’s the first Galaxy device to feature recycled cobalt and was recently recognised with the 2025 Design for Recycling Award from the Recycled Materials Association, further highlighting Samsung’s leadership in sustainable tech.Even better, if you’re already using Samsung devices in your home, there’s even more reason to stick with the brand. Samsung has introduced smart features designed to make your everyday habits a little greener. For example, the SmartThings Energy app helps you monitor and manage your energy usage across compatible devices, so you can track what’s using the most power and tweak your habits accordingly.Even their washing machines are getting a green glow-up. The Less Microfibre Cycle, available on select Samsung washers, reduces microplastic pollution from synthetic clothes. These tiny plastic fibres often end up in our waterways, where they harm marine life and contribute to pollution.It might seem like a small change but it’s one with real impact. By simply switching to this cycle, you can help cut down on hidden environmental damage.Samsung isn’t just selling devices, they’re building an ecosystem that supports a more sustainable lifestyle.Apple’s Green Mission: Big Tech, Smaller FootprintApple is reengineering its entire ecosystem for a greener future. With the goal of achieving 100% carbon neutrality across its product lifecycle and supply chain by 2030, it won’t be long before every Apple product carries a net-zero carbon footprint. Apple is taking full accountability for its climate impact and leading the way toward a carbon-neutral tech future, a huge step in fighting global warming and promoting sustainability.But it doesn’t stop there. Apple’s Daisy robot is an unsung hero, disassembling old iPhones to recover valuable materials like cobalt and lithium to reuse rather than drain resources. Since 2019, Daisy has rescued thousands of kilograms of these critical components, reducing the need for mining and keeping precious metals in circulation.Recycled materials are also getting their moment in the spotlight. The new iPhone 16e, for instance, is made with over 30% recycled content, including 85% recycled aluminium in the enclosure. It’s proof that sustainability can look just as good as it feels.On the energy front, Apple’s operations already run on 100% renewable energy and it’s nudging suppliers to follow suit. In 2024, suppliers sourced nearly 18 gigawatts of clean power, helping eliminate millions of tons of greenhouse gas emissions. Not bad for a company known for keeping things charged.Now, let’s talk packaging. Over 98% of Apple’s packaging is now fibre-based, using recycled or renewable materials that ditch plastic without compromising on that premium unboxing experience.Sustainability at Apple has been thoroughly baked into the product, process and packaging.Huawei: Quietly Crushing the Green GameHuawei has been in the sustainability game since 2013. One of their biggest moves? Swapping out regular plastic for bioplastics made from castor oil. These greener materials cut carbon emissions by over 60% which is a big win for the planet.Across its product range, Huawei now uses 14 eco-friendly materials like recycled aluminium, cobalt, tin and even FSC-certified paper, meaning it’s not just the phones that are smart, it’s the  packaging too.Speaking of packaging, Huawei has ditched disposable plastic wherever possible. They’ve swapped plastic films for water-based coatings, saving around 13 tonnes of plastic for every 10 million phones produced. That’s a lot of bubble wrap not floating around the ocean.They’ve also slimmed down their user manuals by as much as 88%, which means less paper, less waste and more trees left standing.On the durability front, Huawei isn’t into fast fashion tech. Devices are built to last, with ongoing software updates, easy-to-access battery replacements and repair services that keep your device working for longer. Since 2020, they’ve helped extend the life of over 10 million devices.And thanks to their global trade-in programme, nearly half a million old devices have been refurbished and resold since 2015. That’s a second life for smartphones that might’ve otherwise gathered dust – or worse, ended up in landfills.Huawei’s approach to sustainability is woven into everything from design and materials to packaging, repairs and recycling, proving that tech can be powerful and planet-friendly.Affordability and Sustainability in South AfricaIn South Africa, sustainable smartphones are becoming a deal-breaker, especially for prepaid users and budget-conscious buyers. Inflation and load-shedding have reshaped spending habits, making value-for-money more important than ever.Samsung is answering the call with entry-level smartphones that deliver eco-friendly perks like energy-efficient charging, recycled materials and e-waste take-back programmes. The Galaxy A series shows you don’t need to splurge to make a green choice.And while Apple isn’t the cheapest option, models like the iPhone SE offer durable builds, long software support and excellent resale value, helping you upgrade less often and cut down on e-waste, all while ensuring the quality remains top-tier.Huawei is impressing shoppers too with phones that balance affordability, long battery life and repair-friendly designs. It’s proof that everyday performance and sustainability can go hand in hand without flashy price tags.Your Next Phone Can Help Save the PlanetSustainable smartphones aren’t just a nice-to-have anymore, they’re quickly becoming a must-have for South African consumers who care about cost, performance and the planet. From Samsung’s innovative use of recycled fishing nets to Apple’s long-term carbon goals and Huawei’s bioplastics, each brand is carving out its own path toward a greener, smarter future.The exciting part of it all is that no matter your budget, there’s now a growing range of eco-conscious devices that don’t compromise on quality, style or features. Even small changes such as recycled materials or energy-saving mode can have a massive impact over time.As sustainability continues to shape the future of tech, the power to choose wisely is quite literally, in your hands.Ready to go green with your next upgrade? Explore our top smartphone deals and find the one that fits you, here.FAQs1. What makes a smartphone sustainable?A sustainable smartphone is designed with the planet in mind. Think recycled materials (like plastic or aluminium), energy-efficient features, longer software support and packaging that ditches unnecessary plastic. Brands like Samsung, Apple and Huawei are leading the way with greener designs and smarter production.2. What is the most sustainable smartphone brand in South Africa?Samsung leads the way in South Africa with a wide range of sustainable smartphones, including models made from recycled materials and supported by energy-saving features. Huawei also offers eco-friendly devices at budget-friendly prices while Apple stands out for durability and long-term software support.3. Are eco-friendly smartphones more expensive?No, that’s a common misconception. While it can be the case, brands like Samsung and Huawei offer affordable models that include recycled materials and energy-efficient features. While premium devices like the iPhone may cost more upfront, their long lifespan and software support often make them more sustainable over time.4. How do sustainable smartphones help the environment?Sustainable smartphones reduce e-waste by using recycled materials, offering longer software support and promoting trade-in or recycling programmes. Some also include energy-saving apps or features that help lower your carbon footprint during everyday use.5. Does Apple offer trade-in or recycling programmes in South Africa?Yes, Apple runs a global trade-in programme that allows customers to return old devices for credit or recycling. They also use recycled aluminium, cobalt and other materials in newer models like the iPhone 16e, which supports their goal to be carbon neutral by 2030.Reference:https://www.samsung.com/global/sustainability/focus/products/mobile/https://www.apple.com/environment/https://www.apple.com/za/iphone-16e/https://www.huawei.com/en/sustainability/the-latest/stories/smart-device-e-waste-recycling

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