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In recent years, spending over $1,000 on the newest flagship smartphone has become less common. For many consumers, that price tag is impractical. Today, there are trustworthy mobile options available for under $500, or even as low as $160, whether one prefers a refurbished iPhone or an economical Android device.
Yet, it’s important to approach the budget smartphone market with caution; appearances can be deceiving. Options that seem appealing theoretically may fall short in practice, especially if they come with limited storage or other limitations. While our primary focus at Engadget has been on reviewing mid-range and premium smartphones, we’ve taken the time to evaluate several of the latest budget-friendly models currently available, aiming to identify the top value choices in the cheap phone category.
Best cheap phones
SAMSUNG
Screen Size: 6.7 inches | Refresh Rate: 90Hz | Storage Capacity: Up to 256GB + microSD | SIM Card Type: Nano-SIM | Front Camera Resolution: 13MP | Rear Camera Resolution: 50MP main, 5MP ultrawide, 2MP macro | Weight: 7.05 ounces | Battery: 5,000mAh
The Galaxy A16 5G is an excellent option at just $200. Although I haven’t had the opportunity to test it personally, I feel confident in recommending it due to Samsung’s success with the prior A15 5G model. Notably, the A16 offers a sleeker design, finer bezels, and a larger 6.7-inch display. It is equipped with a newer and more efficient Exynos 1330 processor, along with an impressive commitment to six years of software updates.
One potential drawback is that the camera system hasn’t been upgraded compared to earlier models; however, given the overall value at this price point, it’s a minor issue. Just bear in mind that the A16 does not feature a headphone jack, so you may want to factor in the cost of wireless earbuds. — Igor Bonifacic, Senior Reporter
$175 at Amazon
OnePlus
Screen Size: 6.72 inches | Refresh Rate: 120Hz | Storage Capacity: 128GB + microSD | SIM Card Type: Dual Nano-SIM | Front Camera Resolution: 16MP | Rear Camera Resolution: 108MP main, 2MP macro | Weight: 6.88 ounces | Battery: 5,000mAh
The OnePlus Nord N30 5G previously held our top spot among budget options. Priced typically around $300, it might be higher than the A16 5G, but if you can snag it on sale, it remains a strong contender. This model stands out for its 120Hz display and Snapdragon 695 processor, which can outperform the A16 in certain areas despite being older.
Another appealing feature of the N30 is its 50W power adapter that allows for rapid charging, providing a full day’s worth of battery in just 30 minutes. Essentially, while the A16 is built for longevity, the N30 presents an attractive alternative for fast charging enthusiasts. — I.B.
$206 at Amazon
Motorola
Screen Size: 6.5 inches | Refresh Rate: 90Hz | Storage Capacity: 64GB + microSD | SIM Card Type: Nano SIM | Front Camera Resolution: 8MP | Rear Camera Resolution: 50MP | Weight: 6.53 ounces | Battery: 5,000mAh
If you’re on a tight budget, the 2024 Moto G Play is a solid choice that covers essential smartphone functions effectively. Equipped with a Snapdragon 680 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage (expandable via microSD), it offers a decent performance at a budget-friendly price.
Its 6.5-inch display is surprisingly sharp, aided by a 90Hz refresh rate. Additionally, the Moto G Play boasts an IP52 rating for dust and moisture resistance, providing some protection against accidental splashes. Overall, this is a straightforward phone that fulfills basic needs nicely. — Sam Rutherford, Senior Reporter
$128 at Amazon
Motorola
Screen Size: 6.7 inches | Refresh Rate: 120Hz | Storage Capacity: 128GB | SIM Card Type: Nano-SIM, eSIM | Front Camera Resolution: 32MP | Rear Camera Resolution: 50MP main, 13MP ultrawide | Weight: 6.7 ounces | Battery: 5,000mAh
The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G, priced at $400, brings a unique feature to this lineup: an in-built stylus. Ideal for those who enjoy drawing or taking notes, this phone packs a generous 6.7-inch display and a powerful 5,000mAh battery.
While it could benefit from enhancements in camera quality and charging speed, it’s still a commendable option within its price range. Be mindful of pricing, however, and aim to purchase it on sale to make it an even better deal. — I.B.
$380 at Amazon
What to look for in a cheap phone
This guide has highlighted selections priced between $100 and $300. Choosing a cheaper model usually comes with compromises; as the price goes down, so do expectations around specifications, functionalities, and overall experience. It’s wise to stretch your budget as much as possible, as even a slight increase of $50 to $100 could result in a significantly superior product.
Understanding your priorities when it comes to smartphone usage is equally crucial. For instance, if you place a higher value on extended battery life, you might need to forgo a high-quality main camera, or if you lean towards a crisp display, you might have to settle for a less powerful chipset. Recognizing these trade-offs will aid in selecting the most suitable phone for your needs.
Some desired features are also hard to find in lower-priced phones. For example, while it’s easier to locate models that provide all-day battery life, a phone with exceptional camera quality often necessitates investing in a midrange option priced under $600.
Wireless charging and robust waterproof capabilities are likewise scarce in this category. However, a majority of our featured recommendations still include headphone jacks, eliminating the need to purchase wireless earbuds.
As for operating systems, iOS is not available in this segment since, with the discontinuation of the iPhone SE, the least expensive Apple device is now the $599 iPhone 16e. This leaves Android as the favored choice for budget smartphones under $300. Fortunately, Google’s operating system has evolved positively; many users might even favor it over iOS.
Lastly, it’s essential to remember that budget models from various Android manufacturers often receive limited software support. Many may get just one significant update, plus a couple of years of security patches. This situation is echoed in our recommendations for OnePlus and Motorola devices above.
If longevity of use is critical to you, Samsung stands out among Android brands for offering the most comprehensive software support in the budget segment, with a minimum of four years of security updates across their devices. The recent A16 5G model even promises six years of support, making it an appealing choice for those prioritizing longevity. For those who want a longer-term investment, consider allocating a bit more towards the $500 Google Pixel 9a or even the slightly older Pixel 8a, which is set for updates through mid-2031.
Source
www.engadget.com