You can easily handle your daily tasks without spending money. The best cheap Android phones bring impressive features to the affordable price tag, which is a great choice for anyone who wants stable performance without stretching their wallet. Whether you’re scrolling social media, streaming videos, or taking photos, there are plenty of budget-friendly Android devices to keep up with everything you do.
While you may not get all the bells and whistles from the flagship model, many of today’s affordable phones still offer unexpectedly good build quality, smooth display and capable camera systems. Some even have impressive camera quality that can be used to toe with more expensive options – perfect for casual photographers or anyone who just wants to capture the good times on the journey.
Table of contents
Best Budget Android Phones in 2025
Samsung
Screen size: 6.7 inches | Storage capacity: 256GB + microSD | SIM card type: nano-sim | Front camera resolution: 13MP | Rear camera resolution: 50MP master, 5MP Ultrawide, 2MP macro| weight: 7.05 oz
For $200 Galaxy A16 5G Provides great value. I didn’t have a chance to test it, but I’m confident to recommend it because Samsung took an already great phone in the A15 5G and made it better. Compared to its predecessor, the A16 has a thinner design, thinner bezels and a larger 6.7-inch screen. It also includes a new, faster and more efficient Exynos 1330, as well as incredible six-year promised software support.
The only disappointment with the A16 is that Samsung doesn’t update the phone’s camera bag, but considering the $200 you receive for the phone, it’s hard to be responsible for the company. Oh, the A16 doesn’t have a headphone jack, so budget for wireless earbuds. – Igor Bonifacic, senior reporter
- Affordable
- Upgraded processor
- Beautiful 6.7-inch screen
- Thinner design
- The camera array is a bit outdated
- No headphone jack
OnePlus
Screen size: 6.72 inches | Storage capacity: 128GB + microSD | SIM card type: nano-sim | Front camera resolution: 16MP | Rear camera resolution: 108MP master, 2MP macro | weight: 6.8 oz
When it first came out, NORD N30 Basically everything you want, it costs $300. Its Snapdragon 695 5G chipset and fast wireless connectivity that is compatible with all major carriers in the U.S., not to mention including 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, make it worth upgrading. It also has a large 6.7-inch display with a refresh rate of 120Hz, which is rare on budget phones, as most competitors have slower 60Hz or 90Hz panels. And, thanks to its 50-watt wired fast charging, you can quickly install it. It also provides a nice period of software updates to ensure its lifespan. But most importantly, the recent price of the Nord 30 has dropped from $300 to $250, which is undoubtedly a good deal, our top pick in this space.
- Good price
- 120Hz display
- 50W wired charging
Motorola
Screen size: 6.5 inches | Storage capacity: 64GB + microSD | SIM card type: nano-sim | Front camera resolution: 8MP | Rear camera resolution: 50MP | weight: 6.53 oz
For those with very tight budgets, 2024 Moto g Play Very well covered all the basics. It features a fast Snapdragon 680 processor, as well as 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. Although the last number looks small, the phone has a microSD card slot so you can add more space if you need it. Its 6.5-inch LCD screen is also surprisingly sharp at a 90Hz refresh rate. Moto G gaming even has an IP52 rating of IP52, which can be used for dust and waterproofing. This is not much, but it’s enough to prevent a splash of one or two errors. G play is basic, of course, but it’s a great way, especially if you’re not too fussy about running multiple apps and just want your phone to perform daily tasks.
- 90Hz display
- IP52 level
- Storage can be expanded through microSD card slot
- Only 64GB of onboard storage
Igor bonifacic for Engadget
Screen size: 6.77 inches | Storage capacity: 256GB | SIM type: nano-sim + esim | Front camera resolution: 50MP | Rear camera resolution: 50MP main, 8MP Ultrawide, 50MP periscope telephoto | weight: 7.44 oz
Read ours No phone 3a Pro review
If you want something different from your next phone, then if there is any device there, e.g. No phone 3a Pro. It has a translucent glass guard that evokes the design of the old game boys, allowing you to see some of its internal components, including the NFC antenna. It costs $459 thanks to its compelling features, and it is also one of the best deals in the industry. The 3A phone has a 6.77-inch OLED display with a refresh speed of 120Hz. It also comes with a 5,000mAh battery, a fast Snapdragon 7S Gen 3 chipset and a 3x periscope telephoto camera. The last feature is hard to find in the price range of the 3A Pro, especially in North America. – Igor Bonifacic, senior reporter
- Interesting design
- Large 120Hz AMOLED screen
- Clean but customizable Android skins
- Limited U.S. Warranty
- Wireless charging
- A small number of speakers
Should you buy an Android phone cheap?
We tend to define budget smartphones as between $150 and $350. Any lower device has the risk of excessive compromise Medium sized mobile phone (If you’re willing to spend more money, we shouted a few flagship phones we liked at the end of this guide).
But for those with a tiny swing space, there are some things to consider. For example, it may be better for children to use cheaper devices, especially when it is primarily used in emergencies, wifi browsing, or texting to parents (rather than social media). The premium end of this price range, under $350 for better phone cameras with low-light features, fast charging capabilities, Samsung phones and other Android devices, has come a long way. This makes them a viable alternative to flagship phones with advanced designs, even if you have the flexibility to spend.
What to look for in cheap Android phones
When it comes to cheap phones, you get what you pay for. Most smartphones in this price range are made of plastic, although the appropriate and finishes of a particular model may vary greatly depending on the price. A bright screen is also important. Typically you will get an LCD panel with a 60Hz or 90Hz refresh rate, but some phones may have an OLED or AMOLED screen with increased color saturation. Long battery life is also crucial, so we tend to prefer devices with larger batteries of about 5,000 mAh. Performance can vary widely within this price range, so look for devices with at least 8GB of RAM and processors that can provide unordered visuals. It’s also important to consider the support length: With regular security updates and lengthy software support, this will save you money in the long run.
Android phone FAQ
What is the price difference between cheap Android and cheap iPhone?
iPhones tend to be more expensive compared to Android phones – even the cheapest iPhone, the iPhone SE starts at $429, and it’s harder to swallow pills than cheaper Android phones. By comparison, you can use the means on cheap Android devices as low as $100.
