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Best overall: OnePlus Nord N10 5G. At roughly $300 in the US in 2021, it paired a 90Hz 1080p screen with useful everyday hardware. Spend closer to $500 for the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G if you want the strongest display and a more complete feature set; spend less than $250 for the OnePlus Nord N200 5G if low price matters most. The Google Pixel 5a was a strong camera phone, but its 60Hz screen means it does not qualify.
This is a historical 2021 buying guide, not a list of phones to buy new today. These models are now older devices, generally found used or refurbished; battery condition, update status, carrier compatibility, and return rights matter more than their original specifications.
At a glance: the best 2021 US options
Here, “high refresh rate” means more than the conventional 60Hz—typically 90Hz or 120Hz. Prices below are approximate US launch or typical 2021 prices, not current used-phone values. “Budget” spans three tiers: under $250, $250–$350, and up to about $500 for an upper-budget pick.
| Phone | 2021 US price | Display | Processor | Best for | Main compromise |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OnePlus Nord N10 5G | About $300; often discounted | 6.49-inch, 90Hz, 1080p LCD | Snapdragon 690 | Best overall budget balance | Shorter software-support outlook than some rivals |
| Samsung Galaxy A52 5G | About $500 | 6.5-inch, selectable 120Hz, Full HD+ Super AMOLED | Snapdragon 750G | Best screen and more complete package | At the top edge of budget pricing |
| OnePlus Nord N200 5G | About $240 | 6.49-inch, 90Hz, 1080p LCD | Snapdragon 480 | Lowest-cost high-refresh 5G option | Modest performance, cameras, and memory |
The Nord N10 is the practical pick for most shoppers who wanted a smooth display without approaching $500. The A52 5G is the better choice when screen quality, water resistance, and a broader feature set justify the extra spend. The N200 makes the most sense when the budget is strict and expectations are modest.
#1 Best Overall
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup, but is necessary record the IMEI). It will NOT work with Verizon, Spectrum, AT&T, Total Wireless, other CDMA carriers, it is also NOT compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc). Please contact the seller for more information about carrier compatibility.
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- 4G LTE Bands: B1(2100), B2(1900), B3(1800), B4(AWS), B5(850), B7(2600), B8(900), B12(700), B13(700), B17(700), B26(850), B28(700), B66(AWS-3) Display: Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM) | 6.7 inches, 110.2 cm2 (~86.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~385 ppi density)
- Capture Every Moment in Detail – The 50MP triple-camera system (wide, ultrawide, macro) and 13MP front camera deliver high-quality photos and videos with HDR, panorama, and LED flash.
- All-Day Battery & Fast Charging – A massive 5000mAh battery keeps you powered, and 25W fast charging gets you back to 100% in no time.The included 25W Fast Charger is a generic accessory and is not a Samsung-branded charger.
Best overall: OnePlus Nord N10 5G
The Nord N10 5G delivered the most balanced low-cost high-refresh package in this shortlist. Its 6.49-inch 1080p LCD runs at up to 90Hz, and its Snapdragon 690, 6GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage were capable of ordinary tasks such as messaging, browsing, streaming, and casual gaming. It also included microSD expansion, stereo speakers, and a headphone jack. OnePlus lists the US launch price as $299.99 and notes that supported apps and settings affect actual refresh behavior: some apps run at 60Hz rather than 90Hz. OnePlus Nord N10 5G specifications
That 90Hz setting makes scrolling and supported animations look smoother than on a 60Hz phone, but it does not turn the N10 into a fast gaming phone or improve its camera by itself. Its LCD also cannot match the deep blacks and contrast of the Galaxy A52 5G’s OLED panel. If you regularly watch video in a dark room or care about rich display contrast, the more expensive Samsung is a meaningful step up.
The key reason to choose the N10 was value: at around $300—and particularly when discounted—it offered a well-rounded set of features rather than just a high refresh-rate number. Contemporary coverage also highlighted its value while noting the compromise in longer-term software support. Tom’s Guide’s Nord N10 review and TechSpot’s 2021 smartphone picks provide additional period context.
Rank #2
- GSM Unlocked: Enjoy seamless connectivity with your preferred GSM carrier. Compatible with T-Mobile, Metro PCS, AT&T, Cricket, Mint Mobile and other GSM networks. SIM card not included. For network compatibility, please check with your carrier. Note: Not compatible with CDMA networks like Verizon (Visible, Spectrum Mobile, US Mobile, Total Wireless, Straight Talk Wireless)
- Boundless Views: Enjoy immersive viewing on the spacious 6.5” HD+ display. Whether you're watching videos, browsing, or gaming, every detail comes through with stunning clarity.
- Smooth Performance, All Day: Powered by an efficient octa-core processor, the G35 ensures smooth performance for your everyday tasks. Enjoy faster app launches, seamless multitasking, and reliable speed.
- Snap, Share, Repeat: The G35 features a dual rear camera setup for sharp, detailed shots, and a front-facing camera that’s perfect for selfies and video calls. Capture every moment with ease and clarity.
- Effortless Access: Keep your phone secure with A.I. Face ID technology. Instantly unlock your G35 with just a glance. It's fast, easy, and secure.
Choose it if: you want a 90Hz screen, 5G, expandable storage, and useful extras for about $300, and you are comfortable with an older phone whose remaining software support may be limited. It is not the best choice if long support, flagship-level cameras, or OLED image quality are your priorities.
Best display and upper-budget pick: Samsung Galaxy A52 5G
The Galaxy A52 5G was the standout if “best screen” matters more than “lowest price.” It combined a selectable 120Hz mode with a 6.5-inch Full HD+ Super AMOLED display, 5G, IP67 water resistance, stereo speakers, and expandable storage. Samsung presented its 120Hz screen as a first for the US Galaxy A series. Samsung’s US A-series announcement
The A52 5G’s advantage is not simply that 120 is larger than 90. OLED’s contrast and black levels can make everyday viewing look better, while the phone’s water resistance and broader feature set make it more rounded than the cheapest LCD options. The trade-off is its roughly $499.99 US price, which puts it in upper-budget or affordable-midrange territory, not the under-$300 class. Its processor is competent for everyday use but should not be mistaken for flagship gaming performance.
Rank #3
- 【6.9" Large Screen | Immersive Visual Experience】：The C69M Pro features a 6.9-inch large high-definition display, ideal for gaming, video streaming, web browsing, and video calls. The spacious screen provides a comfortable and immersive viewing experience, making daily use more enjoyable for students.
- 【8GB+256GB, 1TB Expandable & 120Hz Smooth Display】：With 8GB RAM and 256GB internal storage, this smartphone ensures smooth multitasking and responsive performance. It supports expandable storage up to 1TB to store photos, videos, games, and files. The 120Hz refresh rate delivers fluid scrolling and seamless gaming.
- 【50MP Rear & 16MP Front Camera System】：This device is equipped with a 50MP rear camera and a 16MP front camera, allowing you to take clear, high-quality photos and vivid selfies. It captures daily moments, scenery, and memories with crisp and detailed image performance.
- 【Dual SIM Design | Wide Carrier Compatibility】：The C69M Pro supports dual SIM functionality, making it easy to keep separate numbers for school, personal use, or travel without switching devices. It is fully compatible with major carriers including AT&T, T-Mobile and Mint Mobile, ensuring stable and reliable cellular service anywhere.
- 【5000mAh Large Battery】：The C69M Pro is equipped with a 5000mAh high-capacity battery that delivers reliable all-day battery life for daily communication, online learning, video calls and multitasking. It supports your busy lifestyle with long-lasting power and less frequent recharging.
Samsung’s A-series comparison shows why buyers should check the exact model rather than assume every Galaxy A phone has the same screen behavior: refresh rates and operating modes vary across the range. Samsung’s A-series refresh-rate guidance
Recommended Free Tools
Choose it if: you can spend around $500 and would rather have a strong OLED screen and more complete ownership experience than the absolute cheapest 90Hz phone. If the price is close to that of a newer phone when buying today, however, the newer device may be the wiser purchase.
Best under $250: OnePlus Nord N200 5G
At about $239.99 in the US, the Nord N200 5G brought a 90Hz 1080p LCD and 5G down to a lower price. The Snapdragon 480 is a more modest platform than the N10’s Snapdragon 690, and the N200’s 4GB of RAM and less capable cameras make its limits more apparent when switching among demanding apps or playing heavier games.
Rank #4
- Display Type: LCD; Operating System: Android 13.0
The display can still make menus and scrolling feel smoother than on a 60Hz entry-level phone. But high refresh rate cannot prevent pauses, app reloads, or slow processing when the chipset and memory are under strain. The N200 is best understood as a low-cost way to get a high-refresh screen and 5G—not as a better all-around phone than the N10. For a modest price difference, the N10’s stronger hardware and extra memory may be worth it.
Choose it if: your ceiling is around $250, your everyday use is light, and you want 5G plus a smoother display. Avoid it if camera quality, multitasking, demanding games, or longer-term ownership are high priorities. Period budget-phone comparisons offer useful context for its value positioning. TechSpot’s 2021 phone picks
What about Motorola?
The Motorola One 5G Ace was a plausible 2021 alternative for buyers drawn to a large battery, 5G, and a near-stock Android experience. But regional Motorola models can share similar names while differing in specifications. The available reference material does not establish the exact US One 5G Ace refresh-rate behavior and display details well enough to rank it alongside the verified 90Hz and 120Hz choices above. Treat it as a model to investigate, not a confirmed high-refresh winner.
Best Value
- UNIVERSAL USB-C COMPATIBILITY: As an upgraded version of TC002C, the TOPDON TC002C Duo now works seamlessly with all USB-C smartphones and tablets (iOS, Android & Windows), ensuring compatibility with the latest Apple & Android devices. Note: Not compatible with Mac device or Android 16 device temporarily
- SUPER RESOLUTION (TISR): The TOPDON TC002C Duo thermal camera enhanced 256×192 thermal imaging to reveal sharper details at 512×384 with TISR(TOPDON Image Super Resolution). It complemented by a 25Hz refresh rate and a high heat sensitivity of 40mK, ensure smooth, real-time heat tracking, perfect for dynamic environments
- EXTENSIVE TEMPERATURE RANGE: The thermal camera can read temperatures ranging from -4 ℉ to 1022 ℉ with a maximum of ±2℃ or 2% for error, catering to diverse applications. You can view real-time temperature variations by waveform change and customize temperature limits with colorful displays for ultimate convenience. Plus, it supports photo & video recording
- WIDE APPLICATIONS: The TC002C Duo thermal camera allows you to measure temperature differences from a safe distance of up to 16.4ft (5m), making it an ideal tool for home inspectors, HVAC technicians, electricians, automotive technicians, etc. Beside, it is a perfect gift for family event like hide-and-seek, playing with you pet
- COMPACT DESIGN: The thermal camera is lightweight and portable for on-the-go use, measuring 2.8” x 1.7” x 0.55” (71x42x14mm) and weighing 1.1 oz (30g). Use the TopInfrared App for seamless control of your device. Plus, enjoying 24/7 US-based customer service for your convenience
Do not substitute international Moto G50 specifications for the US One 5G Ace. The Moto G50 review describes a 90Hz, 720×1600 display and UK-market pricing; that is not evidence that a US model has the same screen or carrier support. TechRadar’s Moto G50 review
Motorola alternatives may appeal if battery life and a simpler interface matter more than camera consistency or update longevity. Before buying any particular device, verify its exact model number, display specification, carrier bands, and certification for your US network.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why some popular 2021 phones are not on the list
- Google Pixel 5a: a compelling $449 phone for its camera, battery, and water resistance, but it had a conventional 60Hz display. Consider it only if camera quality matters more than refresh rate. Google’s Pixel 5a announcement and Ars Technica’s coverage
- iPhone SE (2020): a strong option for buyers who valued performance and Apple’s software ecosystem, but its small LCD was 60Hz.
- TCL 20S: another inexpensive 2021 contender, but its display did not meet the high-refresh requirement discussed here. TechSpot’s budget-phone roundup
- Redmi Note 10 Pro: an attractive 120Hz AMOLED option in some international markets, but US availability and carrier compatibility were problematic. Do not treat an imported handset as a straightforward US recommendation.
- Samsung Galaxy S20 FE: a 120Hz phone with stronger performance, but originally positioned above the core budget segment. It could become a stretch option when a 2021 sale brought it near $500; it was not the default value pick.
What high refresh rate actually changes
A 60Hz display refreshes up to 60 times per second; 90Hz increases that frequency by 50%, and 120Hz doubles it. The practical difference is most visible when scrolling, moving through menus, and using apps or games that support the faster mode. It does not automatically make a phone’s processor faster, improve its photos, sharpen its resolution, or make 30fps video look like 120fps.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Refresh behavior depends on the phone’s settings and the app. OnePlus cautions that some N10 applications run at 60Hz and that processing limitations and settings can affect the actual rate. Samsung models likewise differ in their available refresh modes. Higher refresh rates can also use more battery, though the effect depends on display technology, brightness, chipset efficiency, and whether the phone lowers the rate when appropriate. Try the available adaptive or lower-refresh setting if battery life matters more than smoothness.
Do not choose by refresh number alone. A good 90Hz 1080p LCD can be preferable to a higher-refresh screen that is dim or low-resolution; an OLED panel can offer a more noticeable improvement in contrast and black levels than a small jump in refresh rate. Resolution, brightness, processor, memory, cameras, and support all contribute to the phone’s real-world value.
Buying one of these phones in 2026
These are 2021-era devices, so a used or refurbished listing is a different proposition from their original launch recommendation. Official product pages may preserve specifications or historical prices without indicating that new stock is available. OnePlus’s current US store emphasizes newer models rather than the Nord N10 and N200, and Samsung’s US range likewise focuses on newer Galaxy A phones. OnePlus US store · Samsung US Galaxy A series
Quick Recap
Before paying, check:
- Battery condition: ask about battery health, capacity, swelling, unexpected shutdowns, and replacement history. Aged batteries can erase the appeal of a once-good deal.
- Software and security: check the exact model’s current update status and whether it still receives security updates. Do not assume its 2021 support promise remains active today.
- Carrier compatibility: verify the exact model variant against your carrier’s current compatibility checker, including LTE/5G bands, VoLTE, Wi-Fi calling, and any required certification. “5G” on the box does not guarantee access to every carrier’s network or feature set.
- Lock and IMEI status: confirm whether the device is factory unlocked or carrier locked, and have the seller confirm that the IMEI is not blocked or reported lost or stolen.
- Screen condition: inspect for cracks, dead pixels, touch problems, image retention, or burn-in. Burn-in is especially relevant on OLED phones such as the A52 5G.
- Seller protections: prefer a reputable seller with a clear return period and a stated refurbishment standard. Check what accessories are actually included rather than assuming the original charger is in the box.
- Price against newer phones: if an old model costs nearly as much as a newer entry-level device, compare support, battery, warranty, and return terms—not just display refresh rate.
Which one should you choose?
- Choose the OnePlus Nord N10 5G for the best balance of smoothness and useful hardware at about $300 in 2021.
- Choose the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G for the strongest display and a more complete package when a roughly $500 price is acceptable.
- Choose the OnePlus Nord N200 5G when keeping the 2021 purchase price under $250 is the priority and your use is light.
- Choose the Pixel 5a instead only if its camera strengths matter more to you than having a high-refresh screen.
- For a purchase now, favor a newer phone if battery condition, current security updates, warranty, or long support matter more than preserving the historical 2021 value proposition.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
