One of the best things about it Android ecosystem There are really affordable phones under $150. In comparison, the cheapest iPhone based on a dated design and starting at $429. However, choosing the right one can be a bit difficult as a phone price reduction can sometimes result in a lot of concessions. So, to help you out, we’ve tested a bunch of the most popular options and compiled a list of our favorite cheap Android phones.
How low should you go?
We tend to price a budget phone between $150 and $350. Any lower and the device risks suffering from too many concessions, and above that, you’re moving to a more expensive price mid-range phones (if you’re willing to spend more, we’ve listed a few of our favorites at the very end of this guide).
But for those with a little wiggle room, there are some things to consider. For example, a child may be better off with a cheaper device, especially if it’s primarily for emergencies or texting parents (and not social media). At the higher end of that price spectrum, phones under $350 have come a long way thanks to improved performance, better cameras, and nicer screens. This makes them a viable alternative to premium flagships, even if you have the freedom to spend more.
What to look for in a budget Android phone
When it comes to affordable devices, you get what you pay for. Most phones in this price range are made of plastic, although the fit and finish of a particular model can vary greatly by price. A bright screen is also important. Typically, you’ll get LCD panels with 60Hz or 90Hz refresh rates, but some phones may have OLED screens with increased color saturation. Long battery life is also very important, so we prefer devices with larger power cells around 5000 mAh. Performance can vary greatly in this price range, so look for devices with at least 8GB of RAM and processors that can deliver stutter-free visuals. The length of support is also important to consider, as periodic operating system and security updates can extend the life of your device, saving you money in the long run.
OnePlus
Screen size: 6.72 inches | Memory capacity: 128 GB + microSD | SIM card type: Nano-SIM | Front camera solution: 16MP | Rear camera solution: 108MP primary, 2MP macro | Weight: 6.8 oz
When it first came out, Nord N30 It had everything you could want in a $300 phone. Its Snapdragon 695 5G chip delivers strong performance along with fast wireless connectivity compatible with all major US carriers, not to mention good specs including 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. It also has a large 6.7-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a rarity in budget phones as most rivals have slower 60Hz or 90Hz panels. And thanks to its 50-watt wired charging, you can charge it quickly too. But most importantly, the Nord 30 recently dropped from $300 to $250, which is definitely a good deal.
SAMSUNG
Screen size: 6.5 inches | Memory capacity: 128GB/256GB + microSD | SIM card type: Nano-SIM | Front camera resolution: 13MP | Rear camera solution: 50MP main, 5MP ultra-wide, 2MP macro | Weight: 7.05 oz
For only $200 Galaxy A15 5G it’s quite a remarkable device. The Nord has a 6.5-inch display with a slightly slower 90Hz refresh rate than the N30. However, since it has an OLED panel instead of an LCD display, it has better brightness and richer colors than all its competitors. It can also be configured with up to 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, and its 5,000mAh battery provides a ton of longevity. While the design isn’t all that exciting, the polycarbonate Samsung uses on the back has a nice matte finish that feels more like glass than cheap plastic. Finally, the A15 comes with four years of security updates and three years of OS updates, which is longer than most phones in this price range.
Motorola
Screen size: 6.5 inches | Memory capacity: 64GB + microSD | SIM card type: Nano-SIM | Front camera resolution: 8MP | Rear camera solution: 50MP | Weight: 6.53 oz
2024 for those on a really tight budget Moto G Play covers all the bases well. It has a fast Snapdragon 680 processor along with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. And while that last number may seem small, the phone has a microSD card slot so you can add more space if and when you need it. Its 6.5-inch LCD display is also surprisingly sharp with a 90Hz refresh rate. The Moto G Play even has an IP52 rating for dust and water resistance. It’s not much, but it’s good enough to protect against an errant jump or two. Sure, G Play is basic, but basic in a good way.
Screen size: 6.1 inches | Memory capacity: 128GB | SIM card type: Nano-SIM | Front camera solution: 13MP | Rear camera solution: 64MP main, 13MP ultra-wide | Weight: 6.84 oz
For people looking at phones at the upper end of the budget bracket, there are a number of other contenders worth checking out. The Pixel 7a does our favorite mid-range phone and while it cost $500 at launch, we’ve recently seen deals that brought it down to $375. That’s only $25 more than our usual range, so if you’re looking for an affordable phone with good performance, handy bonuses like wireless charging, and the best cameras of any device in this price range, you’d be a fool to pass it up. Google’s most affordable phone.
Photo by Sam Rutherford / Engadget
Screen size: 6.7 inches | Memory capacity: 256GB | SIM card type: Nano-SIM | Front camera solution: 32MP | Rear camera solution: 50MP main, 50MP ultra wide | Weight: 6.7 oz
It’s another contender we really like Nothing phone 2a, offers great features, a unique design, and a ton of personality for just $349. The main reason it’s not on our list is that it’s only available in the US as part of Nothing’s developer program, which requires you to sign up (for free) to get it. Besides, Phone 2a it only supports 5G on T-Mobile (via the N41 band), which means it’s not a great option for anyone on AT&T or Verizon.
