Some people take an “I eat to live” rather than an “I live to eat” approach when it comes to gadgets. For them, devices are simply tools—meant to get the job done rather than something worth pouring time or money into. If that sounds like you—and no judgment here from a self-proclaimed gadget enthusiast—then spending $1,000 on a smartphone might not be high on your priority list.
That’s where budget phones come in. Typically priced around $500 or less (though some push the upper limit), today’s budget-friendly devices are more capable than ever. While you won’t get all the premium features of flagship models, you’ll save a significant amount—money you could put toward, well, actual bells and whistles if you’d like. The choice is yours.
Many of our top picks hover around the $400–$500 range, but there are excellent options available for $300 and below. Even at lower price points, you can find phones with bright, high-definition OLED displays or batteries that last for days. The key is identifying the features that matter most to you and being willing to compromise in other areas. By doing so, you can get a device that meets your needs at a fraction of the cost of a high-end model.
What trade-offs should you expect with a budget phone? Typically, some combination of the following: slower processors, less storage, and cameras that don’t quite match the performance of flagship models. Many also have lower-resolution displays and lack premium extras like official water-resistance ratings, wireless charging, and NFC chips for contactless payments.
That said, budget phones have come a long way, and with the right choice, you can still get a reliable, feature-rich device without breaking the bank.
The best cheap iPhone
Specifications
- Screen: 6.1-inch, 1170p OLED
- Processor: A18
- Cameras: 48MP (f/1.6, OIS) rear, 12MP front
- Charging: 20W wired, 7.5W wireless
- Weather Resistance: IP68
If I were making this recommendation in person, it would come with a heavy sigh. Yes, the iPhone 16E is the most affordable new iPhone in Apple’s lineup, and yes, it retains many of the core features that define an iPhone experience. It also comes with notable compromises—some understandable, others more frustrating—and its price is still far from “cheap.”
For those open to last year’s model or a refurbished iPhone 14, those alternatives might offer better value. But if your priority is simply getting a brand-new iPhone at the lowest possible cost, the 16E serves that purpose.
Key Tradeoffs
The iPhone 16E features a single 48-megapixel rear camera, meaning there’s no ultrawide lens like on the standard iPhone 16—a reasonable compromise for a budget model. Similarly, Apple has opted for the older notch design instead of the Dynamic Island, which makes sense for cost-cutting.
One omission is harder to justify: MagSafe. Since 2020, nearly every iPhone has included this magnetic system for easy accessory compatibility, yet the 16E lacks it. While it still supports wireless charging, you’ll need a magnetic case to use MagSafe accessories. It’s an unnecessary limitation, and Apple should have done better.
Apple Intelligence: A Future-Proofing Consideration
One advantage the iPhone 16E holds over the iPhone 15 and 14 is support for Apple Intelligence, Apple’s suite of AI-powered features. But should this influence your buying decision? It’s hard to say. As of now, Apple Intelligence is underwhelming, and its most compelling features won’t roll out for some time. If you want to future-proof your purchase, the 16E is ready for Apple’s AI ecosystem—but don’t expect a game-changing experience just yet.
The iPhone 16E is exactly what it appears to be: a no-frills iPhone at the lowest price Apple offers. It’s neither groundbreaking nor a steal, but for someone seeking a new iPhone on a budget, it gets the job done
The best Android phone under $500
Display & Performance
The Pixel 8A features a 6.1-inch 1080p OLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring vibrant colors and fluid scrolling. Powering the device is Google’s Tensor G3 processor, which delivers solid performance for everyday tasks, AI-driven features, and photography enhancements.
Camera System
For photography enthusiasts, the Pixel 8A boasts a 64-megapixel main camera with f/1.89 aperture and optical image stabilization (OIS), ensuring sharp and well-lit images even in low-light conditions. The 13-megapixel ultrawide lens expands your field of view, while the 13-megapixel front-facing camera captures detailed selfies and enables high-quality video calls.
Battery & Charging
With a 4,492mAh battery, the Pixel 8A provides all-day battery life under typical usage. It supports 18W wired charging and 7.5W wireless charging, allowing for convenient power-ups whenever needed.
Durability & Longevity
The Pixel 8A is built to withstand daily wear and tear, featuring an IP67 water and dust resistance rating, which means it can handle splashes, rain, and dusty environments.Its biggest standout feature is its seven-year commitment to OS and security updates, a significant upgrade over its predecessor, the Pixel 7A. This extended support ensures that users can rely on their device for years without worrying about outdated software or security vulnerabilities.
A Smart Choice for Budget-Conscious Buyers
While Google’s Pixel 9, 9 Pro, and 9 Pro XL cater to high-end users, the Pixel 8A delivers a remarkable balance of features and affordability at just $500—roughly half the price of its flagship siblings. Despite being a modest upgrade from the Pixel 7A, its extended software support and premium-like experience make it one of the best value smartphones on the market.
If you prioritize long-term software support, a capable camera system, and a smooth display without breaking the bank, the Pixel 8A is an excellent choice.
The Pixel 8A marks a significant milestone as Google’s first budget-friendly smartphone to feature a 120Hz display. This upgrade ensures smoother scrolling and fluid animations, enhancing the overall user experience. The device supports wireless charging and carries an IP67 rating, providing solid protection against dust and temporary water immersion.
The camera system remains reliable, it’s also the area where Google has made the most noticeable compromises to maintain affordability. The 8A delivers a decent all-around photography experience, but those looking for superior low-light performance, an enhanced ultrawide lens, and a suite of AI-powered features will find greater value in Google’s higher-end Pixel models.
For those willing to wait, the highly anticipated Google Pixel 9A is rumored to launch on March 26th. According to Android Headlines, the device is expected to be priced at $499 for the base model with 128GB of storage. One of the most striking design changes is the removal of the signature camera bar, allowing the phone to rest completely flat on surfaces. Leaks also suggest a 5,100mAh battery, a 6.3-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate, the powerful Tensor G4 chip, and 8GB of RAM—all of which indicate a notable performance boost over its predecessor.
If these leaks hold true, the Pixel 9A could be one of the most compelling budget smartphones of the year, making it well worth the wait for those seeking cutting-edge features at an affordable price.
The best budget phone that performs like a flagship
Key Specifications:
- Display: 6.78-inch OLED, 1264 x 2780 resolution, 120Hz adaptive refresh rate
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
- Cameras: 50MP (f/1.8, OIS) main + 8MP ultrawide + 2MP macro | 16MP front camera
- Battery: 5,500mAh, supports 80W wired fast charging
- Durability: IP64-rated (dust-tight and splash-resistant)
The OnePlus 12R, priced at just $500, delivers an experience that rivals flagship devices nearly twice its price. One of its standout features is the 6.78-inch OLED display, which not only offers crisp visuals and vibrant colors but also includes a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate. This means the screen intelligently adjusts between 1Hz and 120Hz, ensuring buttery-smooth scrolling when needed while conserving battery life during static content—an advanced feature typically reserved for devices priced at $800 or higher.
Under the hood, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor ensures powerful performance. While it’s technically a generation behind the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3—which powers the newer OnePlus 13R ($599.99)—the 8 Gen 2 still holds its own, handling demanding apps and games with ease. In real-world usage, you’ll be hard-pressed to find any lag or slowdowns.
The IP64 rating means the 12R is splash-resistant but not fully waterproof. Unlike some competitors, such as the Pixel 8A, which offers a more robust IP67 rating for full submersion protection, the 12R is better suited for occasional exposure to rain rather than full underwater use.
The OnePlus 12R is an excellent choice for those who want a high-end smartphone experience without breaking the bank. Its premium display, flagship-tier performance, and fast charging make it one of the best value-for-money smartphones on the market.
Fast charging has long been a hallmark of OnePlus, and the 12R continues that tradition with impressive speeds—offering up to 80W wired charging in the U.S. and up to 100W in other regions. This feature is particularly convenient for those who prefer to top up their battery quickly, such as during a morning routine, rather than charging overnight.
The 12R excels in wired charging, it does lack a feature that some users might miss: wireless charging. Personally, I’d be willing to trade slightly slower wired charging for the convenience of a wireless option—something that the Pixel 8A includes.
That being said, the 12R embraces its identity without compromise. It delivers exactly what it promises—a budget-friendly smartphone with a large, high-quality display and outstanding performance. If those are your top priorities, the 12R is a compelling choice.
The phone under $400
The Samsung Galaxy A35 5G delivers an excellent balance of performance and durability for its $399 price tag. While its design may not immediately hint at premium features, this budget-friendly device packs some surprising capabilities that set it apart in its class.
Key Specifications
- Display: 6.6-inch OLED, 1080p resolution, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Exynos 1380
Cameras
- 50MP primary sensor (f/1.8) with optical image stabilization (OIS)
- 8MP ultrawide lens
- 5MP macro camera
- 13MP front-facing selfie camera
- Battery: 5,000mAh, supports 25W wired charging
- Durability: IP67-rated for dust and water resistance
Standout Features
One of the biggest advantages of the Galaxy A35 5G is its IP67 water and dust resistance—a rare feature at this price point. Unlike many competitors, this phone can survive accidental drops into water, whether it’s a puddle or even a toilet bowl, giving you extra peace of mind in everyday use.
Another noteworthy highlight is Samsung’s long-term software support. The Galaxy A35 5G is guaranteed four years of Android OS updates and five years of security updates.It doesn’t match the Pixel 8A’s industry-leading seven years of updates, it still far exceeds the typical two to three years of software support found in most sub-$500 smartphones.
With a vibrant OLED display, solid camera setup, and extended durability, the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G is a compelling option for those seeking a reliable and future-proof budget smartphone.
Camera and Performance
The camera on this device is underwhelming—it performs well in bright light but struggles in low-light and mixed indoor conditions. Its processing power isn’t the best you can find in the sub-$500 range. The Samsung-made Exynos processor occasionally stutters when switching quickly between tasks. One particularly frustrating experience occurred when an auto-generated reply unexpectedly appeared just as I was about to tap elsewhere, resulting in an accidental message to my husband. Faster performance would prevent such mishaps.
That said, the device offers a compelling package overall, featuring a vibrant OLED display and impressive battery life. If you’re a light user who isn’t overly concerned about camera quality, the A35 5G delivers meaningful long-term improvements.
Other Budget Phones We Tested
The 2024 Motorola Moto G Power has the makings of a solid budget phone, boasting a stylish vegan leather design and wireless charging. It comes preloaded with excessive bloatware, which ultimately disqualifies it from our recommendations. [Read our impressions.]
We also tested the OnePlus Nord N300, but it didn’t earn a spot on our recommended list. While its $228 price tag is attractive, it compromises too much to include fast charging. Instead, the pricier OnePlus 12R, which we do recommend, delivers significantly better overall performance. [Read our review.]
The Samsung Galaxy S24 FE is another capable option, though it falls just outside the scope of this guide at $649. For that price, you do get a telephoto lens and a large display, but you’re likely better off saving money by opting for the Pixel 8A or finding a trade-in deal on the upcoming Galaxy S25. [Read our review.]
For those seeking something a bit different, the Nothing Phone 2 stands out with its sleek design and distinctive flashing interface. However, keep in mind that it’s not fully compatible with Verizon’s network.
Update, March 13th: The 2022 iPhone SE has been removed from this guide and replaced with the iPhone 16E.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best budget smartphone available right now?
The best budget smartphone depends on your needs, but popular options include the Google Pixel 8A, Samsung Galaxy A35 5G, and OnePlus 12R. These phones offer a balance of performance, camera quality, and battery life at an affordable price.
What features should I look for in a budget smartphone?
Key features to consider include:
- A reliable processor for smooth performance
- A good-quality camera for photos and videos
- A long-lasting battery
- A high-refresh-rate display (90Hz or higher is ideal)
- Software support for future updates
Are budget smartphones good for gaming?
Some budget smartphones, like the OnePlus 12R and Samsung Galaxy A35 5G, can handle casual gaming well. However, they may struggle with demanding games compared to flagship devices. Look for models with at least 6GB of RAM and a powerful chipset for a better gaming experience.
Do budget smartphones get software updates?
Yes, but it varies by brand. Google and Samsung typically offer longer software support, with at least three years of updates for mid-range devices. Cheaper models from lesser-known brands may receive fewer updates, so it’s important to check before purchasing.
Can a budget smartphone take good photos?
While budget phones won’t match flagship cameras, some, like the Google Pixel 8A, use advanced software to enhance image quality. Look for phones with a larger sensor, night mode, and AI enhancements to get the best possible photos.
Is 5G available on budget smartphones?
Yes, many budget smartphones now support 5G, including the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G and OnePlus Nord N300. However, 5G coverage varies by region, so check if your carrier provides service in your area.
How much should I spend on a good budget smartphone?
A solid budget smartphone typically costs between $200 and $500. Phones on the higher end of this range offer better performance, longer software support, and improved cameras, making them a worthwhile investment.
Conclusion
Finding the best budget smartphone comes down to balancing price, performance, and features. Whether you prioritize camera quality, battery life, or software support, there are excellent options available that deliver great value without breaking the bank. Devices like the Google Pixel 8A, Samsung Galaxy A35 5G, and OnePlus 12R offer solid performance, reliable software updates, and impressive displays at affordable prices.
The right budget smartphone depends on your individual needs. If you want a great camera and clean software, the Pixel 8A is a top choice. For a long-lasting battery and vibrant display, the Galaxy A35 5G is a strong contender. And if you prefer fast charging and smooth performance, the OnePlus 12R is a great pick.
With budget smartphones becoming more powerful and feature-rich, you no longer need to spend a fortune to get a device that meets your everyday needs. By considering what matters most to you, you can find the perfect budget smartphone that offers both quality and affordability.
