In this article, we compile our top picks for the finest budget phones from Apple, Samsung, and Google Pixel. With prices beginning at $160, this selection of budget phones can assist you in saving money.
If you're looking for a smartphone but can't justify the exorbitant prices of flagship models like the Galaxy S24 or the iPhone 15, consider one of the most affordable options available. Among our recommended products, the lowest price is $160. Even if the more sophisticated versions will set you back $500, it's still a lot less than the top-tier offerings from Samsung, Apple, and Google. Check out our lists of the top phones under $200 and the top phones under $500 if you're on a tight budget.
Could you recommend a good budget phone?
For $349, the Google Pixel 6A is the best budget phone in our opinion. With Google, you get all the important features, including top-notch cameras, a fast CPU, and software support for years to come. Google makes sensible sacrifices to keep costs down; most notably a display that looks dull under bright sunlight.
The Pixel 6A gives a lot for less. Sure, Google's Pixel 7A, priced at $500 (and frequently less), is certainly a wonderful deal, but the Pixel 6A still shoots sharp and vibrant photographs for its price. You also receive the same eye-catching design and Pixel-specific software capabilities, such Magic Eraser and Live Translate.
Best inexpensive phones of 2024
Best bargain Android phone Pixel 6A
The $349 Pixel 6A keeps its value well, even after Google's announcement of the Pixel 7A. In her Pixel 6A review, the "best Android phone under $500," adding that it maintains the same Tensor processor as the $339 Pixel 6, and all of the 6's finest features. Plus, the 6A is regularly reduced to $299, at which point it becomes a fantastic phone for under $300, given to its superb software support.
The phone is somewhat smaller than the Pixel 6, with a 6.1-inch OLED display and a refresh rate of 60Hz. It also boasts a similar camera setup as the Pixel 5A, which has a 12.2-megapixel primary camera and a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera. The Tensor chip delivers extra perks you won't get with the Pixel 5A, such as Real Tone for more equal skin tones, Face Unblur; Night Sight for low-light photography; and the Magic Eraser for erasing undesired components from a shot.
Low pricing, lengthy update commitment
Samsung Galaxy A03S
Samsung's Galaxy A03S for $160 (£126, around AU$244) contains amazing features and might be a solution for someone in need of an inexpensive phone that can accomplish important duties. The phone's 6.5-inch screen, limited at 720p resolution, is perfect for reading the news, viewing movies and playing games. Despite minor speed slowdown throughout our evaluation, the phone is superb at multitasking. The modest 32GB of storage capacity might fill up soon, so if you're considering this phone, you might want to extend the storage with a microSD card.
Samsung also pledges to maintain this phone with at least four years of security updates, which in this price category is as excellent as it gets. On the software side, it's less clear how many Android upgrades are slated, but the phone first launches with Android 11.
Most inexpensive iPhone Apple iPhone SE (2022)
The $429 iPhone SE is a blend of an older look with the newest smartphone technologies, like Apple's A15 Bionic CPU and 5G compatibility. It's also one of the few phones on the market that offers a smaller, 4.7-inch screen.
It's the vintage design that might be what you love or detest most about this phone. If you prefer a larger iPhone in this price range, you may also consider a refurbished iPhone 12, and get a bigger screen and Face ID.
The phone also contains only one, 12-megapixel primary camera, which doesn't enable night mode. Most other phones in our overview contain several cameras combined with features like night mode, making the exclusion notable. shots make up for this by integrating the Deep Fusion photo-processing approach to enhance medium- to low-light shots, and Smart HDR4 processing for boosting color and contrast. Managing Editor Patrick Holland did found that video recorded in 4K quality at 60 frames per second is extremely impressive on the iPhone SE, but it won't contain the Cinematic Mode seen on the iPhone 13.
Best Android phone for $500
Google Pixel 7A
Editor's note: Google recently announced the Pixel 8A, also $500. You can read our Pixel 8A review here. We're still finishing up some testing, but if you're buying a Pixel 7A make sure it's on discount.
Google's budget phone made a stride ahead in 2023 with the Pixel 7A, which delivers many of the same perks as the Pixel 7 but at a reduced price. Like the Pixel 7, the Pixel 7A relies on Google's Tensor G2 engine, meaning it boasts many of the same picture editing and language translation functions as its costlier sister. The Pixel 7A's 64-megapixel camera also delivers fantastic photographs that rival the Pixel 7's in quality.
While we still enjoy the Pixel 7, the Pixel 7A's cheaper pricing makes it a better option for most folks. Otherwise, the biggest differences between the Pixel 7 and 7A boil down to the former's more robust design, slightly quicker charging and its ability to wirelessly charge compatible peripherals. The Pixel 7 also includes a bigger camera sensor that's more sensitive to light, according to Google.
Best cheap phones FAQs
Can you locate inexpensive phones on sale?
Yes, many of the inexpensive phones listed in this list are available at a discount during shopping events. For instance, the Google Pixel 6A's price can drop as low as $300 - $350 while is on sale. If you have a phone in mind but also have the freedom to hold off for a shopping occasion like Black Friday, it may be worth it to wait for a price decrease.
Are inexpensive phones accessible unlocked?
Yes, many inexpensive phones are offered unlocked by the manufacturer. This allows you to use the phone with practically any wireless provider by inserting your SIM card. If you want the ability to swap carriers, make sure you pick an unlocked model.
Are inexpensive phones helpful for kids?
Buying a cheap phone might be a wonderful option when shopping for a youngster or adolescent, but it doesn't imply the phone is designed to have a kid-friendly experience. Parents should still set up any required parental controls, limits or applications on an iPhone or Android to make sure it's acceptable for youngsters.