We've all had smartphones for the better part of a decade, yet their prices just seem to keep climbing. High-end phones[1] seem to cost $800+ now. Don't let a monthly payment plan fool you, that's a ton of money for a device that likely won't last you more than two years.
There are some Android phones under $500 that do the trick, but performance gets mucky when you wade into the $200 - $300 price—which is exactly the kind of the price we wish we were all paying for these devices. The Moto X4 has been an exception to that rule, and it's on deep discount this week.
We reviewed the Moto in October (8/10, earning our coveted WIRED Recommends award[2]), and it remains one of the most balanced phones you can get on the cheaper end of things. Normally, it's about $400, but this week it's down to $300 at most retailers and $250 if you buy the Amazon Prime Exclusive or Google versions.
Where It's On Sale:
What's WIRED About the Moto X4: It's fast enough that it won't drive you nuts, unlike many budget phones. It also has a high-end design to it that makes it feel much more expensive, like brushed metal, glass, dual rear cameras, a beautiful screen, and a waterproof exterior. And it comes unlocked, which means it will work on all major wireless carriers. Just slip your SIM card in and you're good to go. Motorola's motion controls are also fun.
The Amazon Prime Exclusive version is particularly compelling because Amazon recently stopped putting ads on the lockscreens of its exclusive phones. It will come with some Amazon apps preloaded and an optional Amazon widget, but...