The Best Budget Smartphones for Betting on the 2026 World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico is on the horizon, and sports bettors are gearing up for the tournament.

Excitement is off the scale in Australia, where punters are renowned for wagering on their teams when they take part in major international tournaments.

Many of the betting apps featured on comparison platform Australian Betting Sites are already offering a vast array of markets on the World Cup.

Aussie bettors have been wagering on the team to progress beyond the group stage, and they could secure a winning return if the players continue their recent form.

Given the popularity of World Cup betting, many fans may decide that the tournament is the ideal opportunity to purchase a new smartphone to use exclusively for their wagering activities.

With that in mind, we have scoured the market to identify three of the best budget-friendly options punters can use to place wagers on the World Cup.

Nothing Phone 3a Pro

The Nothing Phone 3a Pro has a semi-transparent back with its now-famous Glyph system, which is a series of LED lights wrapped around the rear camera module.

On first glance, it seems like a simple aesthetic touch, but the Glyph lights also serve as notification signals that are customisable to the user’s taste.

In terms of performance, the Nothing Phone 3a Pro may not be on par with premium flagship devices from juggernauts such as Apple and Samsung.

However, it has all the tools to serve users who love to multitask. That makes it perfect for punters who may want to switch between checking live odds while streaming a match.

The Nothing Phone 3a Pro also handles these tasks without lag. It has a dedicated telephoto camera that allows for 3x zoom and is stabilised by OIS.

The device has an Essential Key on the side that lets users snap and categorise screenshots instantly. It also works for recording quick voice notes.

The Nothing Phone 3a Pro’s battery life is the icing on the cake. It’s decent enough to last through the day, which means fans can rest assured that they won’t miss a beat during the tournament.

The only drawback with the Nothing Phone 3a Pro is that it only offers three years of software updates, which is less than the more popular brands deliver.

Google Pixel 9a

Google has taken the smartphone market by storm over the past few years. The company clearly fancies their chances of giving Samsung and Apple a run for their money.

Their cost-effective phones could help them disrupt the established order, and the Google Pixel 9a is exactly the kind of value-for-money device that shakes the market.

It has the same Tensor G4 processor as its more expensive Pixel 9 series, but 9a offers something more. The processor allows punters to load their betting apps much faster and also guarantees a smooth performance when multitasking.

Pixel 9a has a 6.3-inch OLED display, which is perfect for live streaming. The camera experience is a different ball game entirely.

The device does not have the full multi-lens system of the premium Pixel models, but Google’s AI-driven image processing ensures that the photos are crisp and well-balanced in any lighting.

Pixel 9a caps off an excellent mobile device with a 5,100mAh battery life, which should be more than enough to capture a full day of World Cup action.

The phone also uses wireless charging, which adds even more value to an already affordable device.

The Pixel 9a comes with seven years of operating system (OS) and security updates. It guarantees longevity, which makes it the definition of a reliable all-rounder.

Samsung Galaxy A56

The Samsung Galaxy A56 was developed with balance and immersion in mind. It has a 6.7-inch AMOLED display, making it one of the best value-for-money devices.

With a smooth 120Hz scrolling also on offer, users get to enjoy a sharp display when streaming a World Cup fixture or catching up on the highlights.

Samsung built the Galaxy A56 to look and feel premium, using glass and metal construction more often associated with its flagship line. With a decent level of water resistance, the A56 can handle unpredictable conditions.

Under the hood, the Exynos 1580 processor is capable enough to keep betting apps, streams and background tasks running smoothly. While it does not match the most powerful chips in Samsung’s higher-end devices, it offers a strong balance between performance and efficiency.

Paired with a 5,000mAh battery life, the A56 can easily last through two matches and a night of celebration without dying midway.

On the camera front, the A56 doesn’t have the telephoto option of the Nothing Phone 3a Pro, but its main shooter delivers sharp photos in line with Samsung’s usual camera processing.

The phone runs One UI 7, Samsung’s clean and functional interface. It may feel a little crowded with features compared to Google’s more minimalist software, but it offers plenty of customisation.